cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adolescent adjustment over six years in HIV-affected families.

Abstract Purpose To assess predictors of adjustment of adolescents of parents with HIV (PWH) at three and six years after the delivery of either a coping skills intervention or a standard care condition. Methods A randomized controlled intervention trial was conducted with 288 parents with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and their adolescent children. Indicators of adolescent adjustment at both three and six years were examined as a function of intervention condition, demographics, prior behaviors, and parental bonds using structural equation modeling (SEM). Adolescent adjustment at six years was also examined as a function of death of the PWH. Results Protective factors: Youth in the intervention condition reported significantly less substance use three and six years later. In addition, positive parental bonds reported at baseline reduced emotional distress at three years and increased positive future expectations at six years. Risk factors: Substance use at three years predicted heightened sexual risk behaviors, continued substance use, and lower future expectations at six years. Early emotional distress and being Latino predicted increased emotional distress at three years. Parental death by three years predicted more sexual risk behavior and lowered future expectations at six years. Conclusions A time-limited, family based intervention with adolescents of PWH demonstrated both direct and indirect benefits lasting into early adulthood, especially in decreasing substance use, and identifies key risk factors for problematic adjustment, including the death of a PWH.
Internal Cellular Details of Euglena gracilis Visualized by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Simple washing of live Euglena gracilis cleans the pellicle of external coating material. When these cleaned cells are viewed with a scanning electron microscope, organelle outlines can be seen through the thinned pellicle. To view organelles directly, fixed Euglena cells are gently broken first or first frozen and then broken as part of their preparation for scanning electron microscopy. Subsequent viewing at magnifications of x 5,000 to x 21,000 reveals organelles, storage granules, endoplasmic reticulum, and nuclear pores, while retaining great depth of focus.
Selection of Operating Modes of a Multi-Functional Hydraulic Device

The field of earth moving equipment is experiencing a transformation due to the introduction of more electronic control capability and advanced control concepts. Conventional hydraulic control systems are controlled by proportional directional spool valve. The construction of the spool valve is such that a given position of the spool determines the flow in and the flow out restriction sizes. Thus, metering in and metering out are dependent or coupled. A certain restriction size on the inlet corresponds to a certain restriction size on the outlet. Therefore, we have one degree of freedom. It can provide for good motion control but it cannot achieve energy saving potential at the same time. In this paper, the concept of ‘independent meter in / meter out’ will be emphasized. Decoupling of meter in from meter out provides for more controllability and potential for energy saving in overrunning load cases when compared with a conventional spool valve controlled hydraulic system. A four-valve configuration controlling a hydraulic cylinder will be stressed. The four-valve configuration can operate in several modes because each of the four valves is controlled separately from the others. Five of these metering modes will be pointed out; two conventional modes and three regenerative modes. An industry system supplier has introduced a novel distributed independent metering in/meter out hydraulic system with actuator force feedback. This control system is going to presented in brief. The distributed, actuator mounted implementation of this system maximizes the efficiency of the regeneration flow by minimizing the line losses associated with the recirculating fluid This control system can be used to control a multi-functional hydraulic device, e.g. excavators, tractor loader backhoes, etc... An experiment was done where a typical dig cycle was performed by a tractor loader backhoe equipped with this new technology. The data recorded from this experiment is used to perform an off-line optimization of metering modes selection for each function during the cycle. this off-line optimization can be used to maximize machine productivity or machine efficiency or a weighted combination of both. A general objective function will be presented and results will be given for maximizing machine productivity. Finally conclusions and future work suggestions are presented.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Structural and optical properties of electrospun ZnO nanofibres applied to P3HT:PCBM organic photovoltaic devices

Electrospun ZnO nanofibres with a diameter in the range of 74–125 nm were synthesised by optimising various parameters. Zinc acetate was used as a precursor and optimised to obtain a homogeneous and interconnected porous ZnO nanofibres network. The ZnO/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) composite nanofibres were calcined at 450 °C for 2.5 h to obtain continuous nanofibres network. The morphology of the nanofibres was studied by scanning electron microscopy and imageJ software. The structural and optical properties of the synthesised nanofibres were studied by surface profiler, X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The grain size increased while the bandgap was observed to decrease with increased precursor concentration. The effect of precursor concentration was also studied to improve the power conversion efficiency of ZnO nanofibres/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT): [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) photovoltaic device. The efficiency was improved from 0.896 ± 0.007% to 2.29 ± 0.03% by...
Social Differences in Infant Mortality in the Norwegian Parish Asker and Bærum 1814–1878

y the turn of the century 1700/1800 less than one in five Norwegian children died before their first birthday. The average hides variations among regions and over time. Infant mortality had, at least in some areas, started its secular decline from the end of the 18th century. Neither in Norway nor in other countries have the causes of decline been definitively identified. One hypothesis has been that the decline in mortality was associated with an increase in prosperity. One would, therefore, expect that infant mortality was higher in the poorer classes, at least during the initial stage of the decline in infant mortality. Researchers have published data on infant mortality according to social groups in some Norwegian family reconstitution studies from different parishes. Usually there are two groups: one consists of farmers, whereas the other is a mixed group of cotters, crofters, laborers, workers, fishermen and sailors. Family reconstitution is very time-consuming work. The results for individual parishes often do not consist of a large number of cases, and the differences found have not been subjected to statistical testing. This makes it difficult to interpret the results, and the researchers are usually reluctant to make substantial conclusions. One exception is a study not based on study of a single parish, but rather on linkage between records from church registers from 45 randomly chosen parishes for two to five years around
Velocity modulation of a dusty plasma

Abstract A beam of negatively charged dust particles whose velocity is modulated in phase space and passes through a neutralizing positive ion background is examined. It is noted that a density compression followed by a density rarefaction ensues.
Genetics of occupational asthma.

Purpose of review To discuss gene association studies conducted in workers diagnosed with occupational asthma. Recent findings Human leukocyte antigen studies conducted in European workers have defined major histocompatibility complex class II alleles and haplotypes associated with diisocyanate asthma. Recently, certain glutathione S-transferase genotypes (e.g. the GSTM1 null genotype) and N-acetyltransferase genotypes associated with slow acetylation phenotypes have been reported to be associated with diisocyanate asthma. Genotype combinations of IL-4 receptor-α and CD14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly associated with diisocyanate asthma, but only in workers exposed to hexamethylene diisocyanate. A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted in Korea identified several SNPs of the α-T-catenin gene that were significantly associated with diisocyanate asthma. Summary Although candidate gene association studies have yet to identify reliable predictors of occupational asthma, future investigations including GWAS studies may identify high-risk genotypes allowing identification of workers at risk.
Explicit weighting coefficients for predicting ARMA time series from the finite past

Abstract Explicit formulas are given for the weighting coefficients in the linear minimum variance predictor of a wide sense stationary autoregressive-moving average time series k steps ahead, given n + 1 successive observations of a realization of the process. The formulas involve determinants whose entries are the values of certain polynomials related to the autoregressive part of the process at the zeros of the polynomial that defines the moving average part. The number of observations n + 1 enters into the formulas as parameter, and not so as to increase their complexity as n grows large. Formulas are also given for the variance of the prediction.
Influence of soil pH in vegetative filter strips for reducing soluble nutrient transport.

Low efficacy of vegetative filter strips (VFS) in reducing soluble nutrients has been reported in research articles. Solubility of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds is largely affected by pH of soil. Changing soil pH may result in a decrease in soluble nutrient transportation through VFS. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pH levels of VFS soil on soluble nutrient transport reduction from manure-borne runoff. Soil (loamy sand texture; bulk density 1.3 g cm−3) was treated with calcium carbonate to change pH at different pH treatment levels (5.5–6.5, 6.5–7.5, and 7.5–8.5), soil was packed into galvanized metal boxes, and tall fescue grasses were established in the boxes to simulate VFS. Boxes were placed in an open environment, tilted to a 3.0% slope, and 44.0 L manure-amended water was applied through the VFS by a pump at a rate of 1.45 L min−1. Water samples were collected at the inlet and outlet as well as from the leachate. Samples were analysed for ortho-phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen, n...
Hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical and sympathetic nervous system responses to the cold pressor test in Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Background: Increased basal activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis has been repeatedly demonstrated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and some studies suggest increased basal activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in this disorder; however, the effects of AD on HPA axis or SNS responses to a standardized aversive stressor have not been examined. The neuroendocrine response to aversive stress may be relevant to the pathophysiology of AD. Methods: Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine responses to a 1-min cold pressor test (CPT) were measured in nine medically healthy AD outpatients (age 76 ± 2 years) and nine age- and gender-matched medically healthy cognitively normal older subjects (age 76 ± 1 year). Results: The cortisol response to CPT was increased in the AD group but the ACTH response did not differ between groups. Basal NE concentrations were higher in the AD group. Although NE responses to CPT did not differ between groups, the blood pressure response to CPT was higher in the AD subjects. Conclusions: These results suggest increased HPA axis responsiveness to CPT at the level of the adrenal cortex in AD. The results also suggest increased basal sympathoneural activity and increased cardiovascular responsiveness to sympathoneural stimulation in AD under the conditions of this experimental protocol. Increased SNS stimulatory modulation of the adrenal cortex is a possible mechanism contributing to the observed enhanced cortisol response to CPT in these AD subjects.
Further consideration of placoderm evolution

ABSTRACT The flight performances of Pteranodon ingens and Nyctosaurus gracilis from the Upper Cretaceous of Kansas were modeled using data from a Sailvane hang-glider which has an airfoil similar to that of a pterosaur. The aerodynamics of large pterosaurs were mainly dictated by three parameters: low wing loadings, wings with high aspect ratios, and the performance of the thin cambered airfoil. Given maximum muscular efforts, Nyctosaurus and Pteranodon could have taken off at airspeeds of 1.5 and 4 m/sec, respectively. These airspeeds included windspeed, running speed, and a flapping component, so takeoff presented no problems. Landing speeds were also slow. The sustained power output of Pteranodon was not enough for continuous level flapping flight. A maximum burst of power allowed level flapping or climbing flight. However, this required anaerobic muscle operation and was only maintained briefly. The power profile shows that Pteranodon was a soarer. On the other hand, the sustained power output of Nyct...
Protein-mediated elevations in renal hemodynamics: existence of a hepato-renal axis?

Abstract Unlike the intestinal hyperemia which occurs following ingestion of a mixed meal, postprandial renal hemodynamic responses to food appear to be specific to protein-rich meals. Several observations have led to the proposal that following ingestion of protein (meat), a blood-borne factor(s) is released into the systemic circulation which elicits the increases in renal hemodynamics. Glucagon was initially considered as a prime hormonal candidate since the polypeptide is preferentially secreted by the endocrine pancreas in response to protein-rich meals and because glucagon elevates renal hemodynamics by selectively dilating renal afferent arterioles. However, recent data indicate that at postprandial blood levels, glucagon fails to directly mediate protein-induced renal hyperemia and hyperfiltration thus questioning the physiologic importance of glucagon on the renal vasculature. Data have accumulated indicating the importance of the liver and hepatic metabolism during protein-mediated elevations in renal hemodynamics. A hypothesis is advanced suggesting the existence and physiologic importance of a “hepato-renal axis” in mediating the postprandial increases in renal hemodynamics following ingestion of protein-rich meals. The blood-borne factor(s) mediating this response remains to be further clarified and defined.
Position-sensitive transition-edge sensors

Abstract We report the latest results from our development of Position-Sensitive Transition-edge sensors (PoSTs), which are one-dimensional imaging spectrometers. In PoSTs with segmented Au absorbers, we obtained 8 eV energy resolution on K K α lines, which is consistent to the baseline energy resolution and the design values, on all of the nine pixels, by choosing the best combination of the thermal conductance in absorbers and in links that connects the absorbers. The pulse decay time of 193 μ s is fast enough for our purpose. In a PoST with a continuous Bi/Cu absorber, by dividing the events into 63 effective pixels, we obtained energy resolutions of 16 eV at the center “pixel”, which is comparable to the baseline energy resolution, and 33 eV at the outer “pixel”. The degradation of the energy resolution in the outer “pixel” is due to position dependence, which we can cancel out by dividing the events into smaller “pixels” when we have sufficient X-ray events.
The educational value of the history of geomorphology

Abstract The history of geomorphology can be a valuable tool for educating students of geomorphology. The largest and most available record of what geomorphologists thought and did in the past is their original published work. Also available are some fine papers on the history of geomorphology that review and analyze primary sources and past events in the discipline in order to generalize, explain trends, and reveal historical associations. Interest in the history of the discipline varies widely, of course, among geomorphologists. Nevertheless, several educational benefits, in addition to explaining the academic affiliation of geomorphology with two separate disciplines, can be derived from incorporating the history of geomorphology into university-level geomorphology courses. History is a popular subject,and presenting some geomorphic concepts using a historical approach can help to maintain or stimulate student interest. Because of the tendency for older literature to contain more qualitative description and methodological detail than more recent literature, undergraduate students may comprehend some concepts better from older papers. By reading the original literature, students determine for themselves what previous practitioners accomplished, rather than relying solely on the interpretations of others. Reading original literature also helps students realize that older does not mean less intelligent, and that like the critical reading of recent geomorphic literature, the critical reading of historic geomorphic papers can provide a wealth of new research ideas. A thematic set of the historic literature can be used to demonstrate to students the scientific method, the origin, testing, and evolution of hypotheses, how explanations develop in this field, and that science proceeds through individuals working in a sociological context. Including history of geomorphology in the curriculum helps to place contemporary research in the perspective of the past as well as the perspective of the future.
Serial evaluation of neutrophil function in tumour-bearing dogs undergoing chemotherapy

We hypothesized that neutrophil function in tumour-bearing dogs is negatively impacted by chemotherapy. Flow cytometric techniques were used to assess neutrophil oxidative burst and phagocytic activities at baseline, 7 and 21 days after induction chemotherapy in 20 dogs with lymphoma. Dogs had a lower percentage of neutrophils exhibiting oxidative burst activity after stimulation with Escherichia coli (day 7; P = 0.009) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (days 7 and 21; P = 0.0003 and P = 0.01, respectively), compared with healthy controls. From day 0 to 7, the percentage of neutrophils exhibiting oxidative burst activity decreased after stimulation with E. coli (P = 0.016) and PMA (P = 0.0006). Induction chemotherapy suppresses the percentage of neutrophils capable of oxidative burst in dogs with lymphoma, with improvement in phagocytic activity over time (P = 0.03). The impact of neutrophil dysfunction on incidence and severity of sepsis in dogs receiving chemotherapy should be investigated.
Intracellular development of bacteriophage ∅X174 inactivated by γ-ray, ultraviolet light, or nitrous acid

Abstract An investigation was conducted to determine how far along the infectious cycle a “dead” ∅X174 phage can proceed within its host cell, using γ-rays, ultraviolet (UV) light, or nitrous acid (HNO 2 ) as inactivating agents. The DNA is the primary target for inactivation by these agents. The inactivation sensitivities were determined for the abilities of the treated phage to attach to the host bacterium, to inject DNA into its host, to form RF molecules, to prevent transcription and/or replication of untreated phage, to prevent colony formation of the host bacterium, and to complement genetic functions. It was found that, for each means of inactivation, all these abilities were affected except adsorption. In each case some inactivated phage could inject DNA which was then made into RF or RF-like structures. Some UV- and HNO 2 -inactivated phage can kill the host bacterium. Only UV-damaged phage can compete with untreated phage for transcription and/or replication or can complement genetic functions. In the latter case less than one-fifth of the inactivated phage gave protein as measured by complementation. Sublethal effects of HNO 2 treatment were manifested in the complementation experiment. The probability of a “dead” phage reaching each of the known sequential steps in development decreases in order. The UV-inactivated phage demonstrated the greatest proficiency at reaching any of the steps preceding transcription. The results indicate that the abilities to compete with untreated phage and to kill the host are expressed after RF formation but before transcription/translation. The possible role of a functional bacterial site is discussed. It is theoretically possible that the primary cause of inactivation is the loss of unique genetic information. However, these experiments indicate the actual biological mechanism for most of the inactivation by these agents is prevention of intracellular development preceding expression of phage-coded functions.
Semantic differential profiles of Orgasm and other experiences among men and women

Semantic differential profiles for Orgasm, Tickle, Pain, Ache, and The Way I Feel Right Now were obtained from 44 female and 38 male college students. Subjective descriptions of Orgasm, sometimes assumed to be qualitatively different for the two sexes, were indistinguishable. Other experiences also revealed minimal sex differences and were clearly differentiated from one another by the factor analytically derived scales-evaluation (E), potency (P), and activity (A). Orgasm was described as similar to Pain in activity and potency, but no other experience was rated as high on evaluation as Orgasm. The potential value of psychological scaling data obtained in concert with physiological studies of the sexual response cycle is discussed.
Successful use of ECT in post-stroke depression

Post-stroke depression is a potentially persistent complication of stroke. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depression, but with limited data regarding safety in stroke patients. We report the case of a 30-year-old woman with a history of stroke and antiphospholipid syndrome, who became depressed and suicidal. Neurologic and Internal Medicine consults did not reveal any contraindications to ECT, but stroke risk factor management was identified as an important measure for patient safety. The patient tolerated ECT well, reporting improvement of mood and abatement of hopelessness. This case suggests that ECT may be a safe and well-tolerated treatment for post-stroke depression.
Molecular Imaging of Urogenital Diseases

There is an expanding and exciting repertoire of PET imaging radiotracers for urogenital diseases, particularly in prostate cancer, renal cell cancer, and renal function. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. With growing therapeutic options for the treatment of metastatic and advanced prostate cancer, improved functional imaging of prostate cancer beyond the limitations of conventional CT and bone scan is becoming increasingly important for both clinical management and drug development. PET radiotracers, apart from 18 F-FDG, for prostate cancer are 18 F-sodium fluoride, 11 C-choline, and 18 F-fluorocholine, and 11 C-acetate. Other emerging and promising PET radiotracers include a synthetic l-leucine amino acid analogue (anti– 18 F-fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid), dihydrotestosterone analogue ( 18 F-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone), and prostate-specific membrane antigen–based PET radiotracers (eg, N-[N-[(S)-1,3-dicarboxypropyl]carbamoyl]-4- 18 F-fluorobenzyl-l-cysteine, 89 Zr-DFO-J591, and 68 Ga [HBED-CC]). Larger prospective and comparison trials of these PET radiotracers are needed to establish the role of PET/CT in prostate cancer. Although renal cell cancer imaging with FDG-PET/CT is available, it can be limited, especially for detection of the primary tumor. Improved renal cell cancer detection with carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX)-based antibody ( 124 I-girentuximab) and radioimmunotherapy targeting with 177 Lu-cG250 appear promising. Evaluation of renal injury by imaging renal perfusion and function with novel PET radiotracers include p- 18 F-fluorohippurate, hippurate m-cyano-p- 18 F-fluorohippurate, and rubidium-82 chloride (typically used for myocardial perfusion imaging). Renal receptor imaging of the renal renin-angiotensin system with a variety of selective PET radioligands is also becoming available for clinical translation.
Providing feedback to enhance pharmacy students' performance.

Consider this scenario: You require students to obtain a medication history from patients as part of their fourth-year advanced pharmacy practice experience. One student who submitted the assignment for your review documented only the medication names and did not evaluate the reason for use, which
Unmasking of primary hyperaldosteronism by renal transplantation.

Background Primary hyperaldosteronism is an uncommon cause of hypertension in the general population. Given the mechanism of action of aldosterone clinical manifestations may not occur in the setting of end stage renal disease. However, if a successful renal transplant is performed clinical manifestations may occur. Methods We present a case of a patient with a preexisting adrenal adenoma who only presented with clinical signs of hyperaldosteronism after renal transplantation. Patients' work-up included plasma aldosterone, plasma renin activity, serum cortisol, and estimation of trans tubular potassium gradient. Results The patient's serum aldosterone was markedly elevated with a relatively suppressed plasma renin activity. Trans tubular potassium gradient was high in the presence of hypokalemia. Conclusion Previously silent hyperaldosteronism may be unmasked by a successful renal transplant.
Mixing characterization of transient puffs in a rotary kiln incinerator

The mixing between transient puffs of evaporating waste and main burner flue gas in a rotary kiln incinerator was studied through cold flow model experiments and computer simulations. The experiments consisted of the temporary release of a particle laden stream into a cross flow, and the subsequent visualization of the concentration field, using laser sheets or laser lines. Quantitative data, including average concentration and concentration fluctuation profiles, were obtained from video frames by digital image analysis. The experiments were compared to a computer simulation model, based on the linear eddy modeling technique, Model results agreed very well with experimental data, if a recirculation zone was explicitly accounted for. This study suggests that gas phase unmixedness is a likely explanation for failure modes in rotary kiln incineration. Insufficient macro-mixing (controlled by transient evaporation and large scale motion) is more important than local unmixedness (governed by fine scale turbule...
Genetic and Environmental Effects on Stem Cells and Breast Cancer

The remarkable molecular diversity of breast cancers affects therapeutic options and clinical outcome for patients. Understanding the cell of origin and the factors that impact stem cell differentiation and proliferation are crucial aspects for the development of effective breast cancer prevention, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. Evidence suggests that molecular subtypes, such as luminal and basal breast cancers, may originate from cells in different stages of epithelial differentiation. Here we review studies that suggest basal breast cancer may have a stem or progenitor cell origin. This work has been augmented by the availability of BRCA1 mutant tissues and mouse models of basal breast cancer. We also discuss environmental factors that have been shown to affect luminal breast cancer initiation and progression. Further studies are needed to obtain comprehensive answers to many of these questions, yet the results underscore the importance of breast stem cells in tumorigenesis.
Super-resolution microscopy at a glance.

Advances in microscopy and cell biology are intimately intertwined, with new visualization possibilities often leading to dramatic leaps in our understanding of how cells function. The recent unprecedented technical innovation of super-resolution microscopy has changed the limits of optical
Distribution of immunoreactive somatostatin in the primate hypothalamus.

Immunocytochemical methods were used to compare the localization of somatostatin (SRIF) in the human and rhesus monkey hypothalamus. The distribution of SRIF-containing cell bodies and fibers is similar in the two species. Perikarya are located predominantly in the periventricular region and to a lesser extent in the ventromedial nucleus. Fibers occur in dense clusters within the periventricular region, ventromedial nucleus, arcuate nucleus, median eminence, and pericommissural area of both species. Analysis of serial sections suggests that fibers originate from cells in the periventricular region, extend ventrally through the ventromedial and arcuate nuclei to terminate around the portal vessels of the infundibular stalk, and thereby participate in the regulation of anterior pituitary function. Somatostatinergic fibers are also found surrounding non-immunoreactive perikarya in the ventromedial nucleus and periventricular region of both primates. This arrangement may support somatostatin's postulated role as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. The strong similarity between the localization of hypothalamic SRIF in the human and rhesus monkey supports the use of the rhesus monkey as a model for the study of somatostatin as a neuroendocrine regulator in the human.
Processing of nanocrystalline diamond thin films for thermal management of wide-bandgap semiconductor power electronics

Abstract High current densities in wide-bandgap semiconductor electronics operating at high power levels results in significant self-heating of devices, which necessitates the development thermal management technologies to effectively dissipate the generated heat. This paper lays the foundation for the development of such technology by ascertaining process conditions for depositing nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) on AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) with no visible damage to device metallization. NCD deposition is carried out on Si and GaN HEMTs with Au/Ni metallization. Raman spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy are used to evaluate the quality of the deposited NCD films. Si device metallization is used as a test bed for developing process conditions for NCD deposition on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. Results indicate that no visible damage occurs to the device metallization for deposition conditions below 290 °C for Si devices and below 320 °C for the AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. Possible mechanisms for metallization damage above the deposition temperature are enumerated. Electrical testing of the AlGaN/GaN HEMTs indicates that it is indeed possible to deposit NCD on GaN-based devices with no significant degradation in device performance.
Comparing human pancreatic cell secretomes by in vitro aptamer selection identifies cyclophilin B as a candidate pancreatic cancer biomarker

Most cases of pancreatic cancer are not diagnosed until they are no longer curable with surgery. Therefore, it is critical to develop a sensitive, preferably noninvasive, method for detecting the disease at an earlier stage. In order to identify biomarkers for pancreatic cancer, we devised an in vitro positive/negative selection strategy to identify RNA ligands (aptamers) that could detect structural differences between the secretomes of pancreatic cancer and non-cancerous cells. Using this molecular recognition approach, we identified an aptamer (M9-5) that differentially bound conditioned media from cancerous and non-cancerous human pancreatic cell lines. This aptamer further discriminated between the sera of pancreatic cancer patients and healthy volunteers with high sensitivity and specificity. We utilized biochemical purification methods and mass-spectrometric analysis to identify the M9-5 target as cyclophilin B (CypB). This molecular recognition–based strategy simultaneously identified CypB as a serum biomarker and generated a new reagent to recognize it in body fluids. Moreover, this approach should be generalizable to other diseases and complementary to traditional approaches that focus on differences in expression level between samples. Finally, we suggest that the aptamer we identified has the potential to serve as a tool for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.
Nanodevices: charge of the heavy brigade.

Hybrid devices that rely on the movement of both electrons and ions might one day challenge conventional silicon electronics by exploiting both classical and quantum electron transport.
Molecular mechanics calculations (MM2) on organometallanes of germanium, tin, and lead

Abstract A force field has been developed to permit treatment of alkylgermanes, and the corresponding compounds of tin and lead, with the MM2 program. Available experimental data are well reproduced and some predictions are made.
On the application of polyelectrolyte limiting laws to the helix–coil transition of DNA. IV. Dependence of helix stability on the concentration of divalent metal ions

The molecular theory of the previous paper in this series is extended to determine the effect of divalent metal ions on helix stability relative to coil at fixed ionic strength and nucleotide phosphate concentration. Specification of the state of condensed counterions, as well as their concentration, is essential for the solution of this problem, and it is assumed that they translate freely within a thin cylindrical shell close to the polynucleotide. As a function of divalent counterion concentration m the relative stability of the helix is highly nonlinear. Although the overall trend is that the helix stability increases with addition of divalent metal ion, there is a narrow concentration range for which it decreases slightly. The behavior of the relative stability as a function of m is determined by the translational degrees of freedom of the counterions, both univalent and divalent, both condensed and uncondensed. Detailed comparison of the theory with data is not given here, but it is pointed out that the calculated values of the relative stability are consistent with the order of magnitude of the observed effect Mg2+ on the melting temperature.
Binding of estrogens by α-fetoprotein in rat amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid from 15–17-day rat fetuses bound estrone and 17β-estradiol specifically. Related steroids such as estriol, 6-ketoestradiol, 17α-estradiol and testosterone were not bound to any significant extent. The apparent Ka for 17β-estradiol was 2.6·108 M− at 4°C; 6 nmoles of 17β-estradiol were bound per ml of amniotic fluid. The binding component appears to be α-fetoprotein in that it migrates as an α1-globulin upon polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and has an isoelectric pH of 4.7 as determined by isoelectric focusing. Furthermore, binding activity was precipitated by antiserum which was shown by immuno-electrophoresis to be specific for α-fetoprotein. Binding activity, partially purified by isoelectric focusing of amniotic fluid, was associated with one of two bands seen by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This band migrated as an α1-globulin.
Indications for routine repeat head computed tomography (CT) stratified by severity of traumatic brain injury

Background: Controversy exists as to the role of a routine repeat head computed tomography (CT) for patients with traumatic brain injury and an initially abnormal head CT. The specific aim of this study is to identify patients with head injuries who would benefit from a routine repeat head CT. Methods: This was a 2-year (2003 and 2004) prospective study of all patients with blunt trauma admitted to an urban, Level I trauma center that presented with an abnormal head CT. Results of initial head CT and indications for repeat head CT (routine vs. neurologic change) were recorded. Interventions were both medical (diuresis, hyperventilation, barbiturates) and surgical (intracranial pressure monitor placement or craniotomy). Patients were categorized by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score as having mild (GCS 13-15), moderate (GCS 9-12), or severe (GCS ≤ 8) head injury. Results: There were 354 patients admitted with an initially abnormal head CT. The 37 (10%) patients who went directly to craniotomy and the 43 (12%) patients who died within 24 hours of admission were excluded from analysis. The remaining 274 patients (44 years old, 70% male, mean injury severity score = 19, mean GCS = 10) are the focus of this analysis. After admission, 163 patients underwent a total of 241 repeat CT scans. Of the repeat scans obtained, 102 scans (43%) were unchanged, 54 scans (22%) were better, and 85 scans (35%) were worse. Neurologic deterioration prompted 45 repeat scans (19%), and 196 repeat scans (81%) were obtained routinely after admission without change in neurologic status. The 45 CT scans obtained for neurologic change led to medical or surgical intervention in 38% (n = 17) of cases, whereas scans obtained led to an intervention in only two patients (1%). Both patients who underwent an intervention after a routine scan had a GCS score ≤8 at admission and at the time of routine repeat head CT. One patient had an intracranial pressure monitor placed and the other was taken for craniotomy. No patient with a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury underwent an intervention after a routine repeat head CT. Conclusions: Patients with any head injury (mild, moderate, or severe) should undergo a repeat head CT after neurologic deterioration, because it leads to intervention in over one-third of patients. Routine repeat head CT is indicated for patients with a GCS score ≤8, as results might lead to intervention without neurologic change.
Sheep colon acellular matrix: Immunohistologic, biomechanical, scanning electron microscopic evaluation and collagen quantification

Colon decellularization provides three-dimensional biologic scaffold without any cell elements with preservation of extracellular matrix in order to enable autologous cell seeding for tissue augmentation without any immunological response. This study was performed to investigate the safety and feasibility of sheep colon decellularization as a first step of colon tissue engineering. The process of sheep colon decellularization was done in four stages which included scaffold preparation, histologic examination and microscopic investigations to reveal the remaining cellular deposits, biomechanical evaluation and collagen quantification studies by measurement of hydroxyproline content of normal and decellularized sheep colon. Decellularized colon scaffold revealed complete cell removal under a light microscope while 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, di-hydrochloride (DAPI) staining confirmed no deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) residues. Decellularized colon displayed preserved ultrastructure, comparable biophysical properties (resistance to unidirectional stretch forces) and higher hydroxyproline content. The results of biomechanical tests proved that the decellularized matrix did not bear any unexpected damages or structural changes which would make it unable to tolerate in vivo forces and stretches. The microscopic images captured after staining the tissue with Picro-sirius red also showed that the collagen in extracellular matrix is well preserved; this was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. This implies that the scaffold prepared by this method is suitable for tissue augmentation or transplantation.
Pro- and Antiinflammatory Cytokine Signaling: Reciprocal Antagonism Regulates Interferon-gamma Production by Human Natural Killer Cells

Activated monocytes produce proinflammatory cytokines (monokines) such as interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15, and IL-18 for induction of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells provide the antiinflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, an autocrine/negative regulator of IFN-gamma. The ability of one signaling pathway to prevail over the other is likely important in controlling IFN-gamma for the purposes of infection and autoimmunity, but the molecular mechanism(s) of how this counterregulation occurs is unknown. Here we show that in isolated human NK cells, proinflammatory monokines antagonize antiinflammatory TGF-beta signaling by downregulating the expression of the TGF-beta type II receptor, and its signaling intermediates SMAD2 and SMAD3. In contrast, TGF-beta utilizes SMAD2, SMAD3, and SMAD4 to suppress IFN-gamma and T-BET, a positive regulator of IFN-gamma. Indeed, activated NK cells from Smad3(-/-) mice produce more IFN-gamma in vivo than NK cells from wild-type mice. Collectively, our data suggest that pro- and antiinflammatory cytokine signaling reciprocally antagonize each other in an effort to prevail in the regulation of NK cell IFN-gamma production.
Habitat associations of fish assemblages in the Cache River, Illinois

Fish and habitat were sampled by state agencies at 48 stations throughout the Cache River watershed, Illinois between 1992 and 2009. Two distinct fish assemblages were identified, one primarily found in the lower mainstem Cache River and a second found throughout tributaries and the upper mainstem Cache River. Using a canonical correspondence analysis, the distribution of fish species was largely explained by substrate, land use, drainage area and local habitat features. Creek chub, central stoneroller, fringed darter and fantail darter are species found to be positively associated with gravel substrate and forest. In contrast, black buffalo, gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, freshwater drum and bigmouth buffalo were positively associated with drainage area, silt, channel width and row crops. Cobble appears to be rare habitat associated with fringed darter, freckled madtom and fantail darter. Results suggest that substrate, land use and local habitat features influence fish assemblages within the Cache River watershed. This information contributes to both understanding aquatic community structure in a highly altered yet diverse watershed as well as management activities within the Cache River watershed.
The Texas Instruments 34010 Graphics System Processor

The 34010 Graphics System Processor is a 32-bit graphics microprocessor capable of executing high-level languages. It combines a full general-purpose instruction set with a powerful set of graphics instructions that includes arithmetic as well as Boolean pixbits (pixel block transfers). Because it is completely programmable, the 34010 can be used in many different graphics and nongraphics applications. it was designed to support a wide range of display resolutions and pixel sizes, as well as applications such as page (laser) printers, ink jet printers, data compression, and facsimile transmission. The 34010 includes such system features as an on-board instruction cache, full interrupt capability, wait and hold functions, and display timing control, as well as test and emulation support. Unique among today's microprocessors, the 34010 addresses all memory down to the bit level with variably sized fields rather than the common byte or word addressing. For example, the 34010 can push a 5-bit quantity onto a stack. This field-processing capability is an integral part of the basic architecture.
An example of a partially closed griffith crack

The problem of a Griffith crack in a thin plate, which is opened by a uniform all-round tension at infinity, is considered. The crack is then partially closed in a symmetric manner by ties, idealized by point loads in the material, and the effect upon the stress intensity factors is discussed.
Interleukin-1beta immunoreactivity in identified neurons of the rat magnocellular neurosecretory system: evidence for activity-dependent release.

Interleukin-1β has been demonstrated in neurons of the rat hypothalamus, including cells of the magnocellular neurosecretory system and tuberoinfundibular system (Lechan et al., [1990] Brain Res. 514:135–140). Despite its potential importance to regulation of neuroendocrine function, however, neither the specific cell types that express interleukin-1β or the conditions that may result in its release have yet been described. Therefore, we utilized a combination of immunocytochemical and immunoelectron microscopic localization, in conjunction with Western blot analysis, on normonatremic, hypernatremic, and lactating rats to assess the site of synthesis and potential secretion characteristics of interleukin-1β in the rat magnocellular neurosecretory system. Interleukin-1β immunoreactivity was localized within both oxytocin and vasopressin neurons in the paraventricular, supraoptic, accessory and periventricular hypothalamic nuclei. Additionally, interleukin-1β immunoreactive fibers were localized in the zona interna and zona externa of the median eminence and in the neurohypophysis. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis revealed that interleukin-1β immunoreactivity is associated with small spherical structures, distinct from neurosecretory granules, in neurosecretory axons within the neurohypophysis. Furthermore, stimulation of heightened neurosecretory activity via chronic osmotic challenge and lactation resulted in a marked diminution in levels of interleukin-1β immunoreactivity in the neurohypophysis with a subsequent return to normal levels after cessation of the stimuli. Western blot analysis confirmed the existence of interleukin-1β protein in the neurohypophysis and provided further evidence for reduction in levels of IL-1β immunoreactivity after stimulation of secretory activity. These results suggest an endogenous neuronal source of interleukin-1β exists within the rat magnocellular neurosecretory system under normal physiological conditions. The potential for activity-dependent release of IL-1β and implications for the involvement of interleukin-1β in regulation of neurosecretory activity are discussed. J. Neurosci. Res. 60:478–489, 2000 © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thinking in prose and poetry: A semantic neural model

The neural basis of creative thinking - indeed of all thinking - remains mysterious. One influential theory by Mednick holds that creative thinking reflects a difference in the associational structure of conceptual representations in the mind. We have previously proposed a neural network model based on itinerant dynamics to model thinking, and used it to show that a small-world, scale-free associational structure - similar to that found empirically in linguistic data - is especially efficient for exploring conceptual space and generating conceptual combinations. In this paper, we apply this model to associative networks obtained from the poetry of Dylan Thomas and John Gay, and the prose of F. Scott Fitzgerald and George Orwell. Network analysis shows that poetic texts indeed incorporate a wider distribution of associations than prose. However, neural simulations using semantic networks from the four sources present a more complex picture. We also consider the case where a poet's associative network is transformed to that of a prose-writer to test the impact of this manipulation.
Response of x-irradiated mice to intravenous inoculation of intestinal bacteria.

SummaryIntravenous inoculation of mice with Proteus following moderate total body X-irradiation caused a marked increase in mortality and a much shorter median death time compared to control animals injected with saline. A severe bacteremia existed before death in these animals. Non-irradiated mice given the same inoculum of Proteus quickly reduced the number of bacteria in the blood with eventual complete clearing. No deaths occurred among these animals. Bacteremia caused by organisms common to the intestinal tract frequently occurred in the mice which died following irradiation and saline injection.