cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New alignment sensors for wafer stepper

Two new alignment sensors for wafer steppers are developed to attain high alignment accuracy on all layers by targeting layers that are difficult to align using the existing alignment sensor, which is based on a laser beam scanning system. The Field Image Alignment (FIA) is a bright- field TV image processing alignment system using broadband illumination. The major advantage of FIA is that due to the broadband light source used for illumination, the edges of the alignment mark can be detected without being influenced by the interference fringes formed by the photoresist. Additionally, even if the cross section of the alignment mark is asymmetrical, the asymmetry can be accurately captured and alignment at the proper position can be achieved. The Laser Interferometric Alignment (LIA) is a grating alignment system based on an optical heterodyne interferometry technique. The advantage of this sensor is that is not affected by surface irregularities such as grains because it will process only specific spatial frequency components diffracted from the alignment mark. Therefore, the spatial frequency components which are diffracted from the metallic grains will be disregarded and will not influence alignment. This allows the alignment to be successful even for low step height or deformed marks. With the development of FIA and LIA, the authors have successfully complemented the existing sensor, so that a high alignment accuracy for the mass production of VLSI with 0.5-0.35 micron rules can be achieved on most layers.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abdominal wall gossypiboma

A 71-year-old woman, one year following a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty and incisional hernia repair, presented with two chronic, draining peri-umbilical sinuses. Her immediate postoperative course was complicated by a superficial surgical site infection with central skin breakdown that was treated with vacuum assisted closure (VAC). After the wound had closed completely, two midline sinus tracts developed. A CT scan demonstrated an 8x3x1.6cm thick-walled collection along the anterior abdominal wall containing numerous air bubbles. Surgical debridement revealed a cavity containing an 8x3x1.6cm block of well incorporated VAC foam. With the increasing clinical use of VAC wound therapy, this image serves as an important reminder to include gossypiboma in the differential diagnosis for patients with chronic wound problems who have previously received VAC treatment.
CD20-targeted T cells after stem cell transplantation for high risk and refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Abstract A phase I trial of infusing anti-CD3 × anti-CD20 bispecific antibody (CD20Bi) armed activated T cells (aATC) was conducted in high-risk/refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients to determine whether aATC infusions are safe, affect immune recovery, and induce an antilymphoma effect. Ex vivo expanded ATC from 12 patients were armed with anti-CD20 bispecific antibody, cryopreserved, and infused after autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT). Patients underwent SCT after high-dose chemotherapy, and aATC infusions were started on day +4. The patients received 1 infusion of aATC per week for 4 weeks after SCT with doses of 5, 10, 15, and 20 × 109. aATC infusions were safe and did not impair engraftment. The major side effects were chills, fever, hypotension, and fatigue. The mean number of IFN-γ Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Spots (ElSpots) directed at CD20 positive lymphoma cells (DAUDI, P = .0098) and natural killer cell targets (K562, P
Synthesis of Aligned Arrays of Millimeter Long, Straight Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

In this work, we demonstrate the synthesis of arrays of 1.5 mm long, aligned, straight single-walled nanotubes fabricated using a single furnace with methane and H2 as the feedstock. The growth of the nanotubes was terminated only by the presence of a neighboring catalyst site.
When does a digraph admit a doubly stochastic adjacency matrix

Digraphs with doubly stochastic adjacency matrices play an essential role in a variety of cooperative control problems including distributed averaging, optimization, and gossiping. In this paper, we fully characterize the class of digraphs that admit an edge weight assignment that makes the digraph adjacency matrix doubly stochastic. As a by-product of our approach, we also unveil the connection between weight-balanced and doubly stochastic adjacency matrices. Several examples illustrate our results.
Comments on Graves’ Hyperthyroidism-Induced Psychosis Treated With Aripiprazole: A Case Report

Macedo et al described the first ever case in which the atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole was used successfully to treat Graves’ hyperthyroidism-induced psychosis in a patient with atrial fibrillation. We have experienced similar success using aripiprazole in a patient with atrial fibrillation and an elevated QTc of 509 ms. Aripiprazole was chosen in our case due to its reported lack of association with QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes. Here we briefly describe the case of a 45-year-old SamoanJapanese male with a medical history of polycystic kidney and liver disease and a psychiatric history of depression but not psychosis or substance abuse who was initially admitted to the medical ward with acute onset of newly disorganized behavior and speech and paranoid delusions in the context of untreated hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves’ Disease (antithryoglobulin and antithyroperoxidase positive, thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] 6.99 ng/dL, free T3 18.40 pg/mL). On hospital day number 4, he became increasingly agitated and paranoid and aripiprazole was restarted while treatment continued with methimazole 20 mg twice daily, atenolol 50 mg daily, and digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Again his disorganized behavior and speech resolved over the next 4 days, with improvement in his delusional beliefs and no report of adverse effects. At the time of this report, he was scheduled for future thyroid ablation with plan for ongoing outpatient psychiatric treatment. Final discharge diagnosis was psychotic disorder secondary to Graves’ hyperthyroidism. This case demonstrates that Macedo et al’s findings are replicable and supports the purported use of aripiprazole to treat Graves’ hyperthyroidism-induced psychosis, especially in patients with associated cardiac abnormalities including prolonged QTc. Caution, however, should still be taken when using aripiprazole in this population as the package insert does report QTc prolongation in 1 or more patients who overdosed on aripiprazole either alone or in combination with other substances, and a recent case report describes QTc prolongation and torsades de pointes occurring in an intensive care unit patient after administration of low doses. Our case suggests that lower doses may be as effective as higher doses, thus potentially lowering the risk of side effects, and that longer duration of treatment may be indicated as relapse of psychotic symptoms can possibly occur. Unfortunately, medication nonadherence, also reported in Macedo et al’s case, appears to be a major barrier to prolonged treatment. Patient education and close monitoring provided by health care professionals such as physicians and pharmacists could go a long way to increase the chances of successful treatment.
Compaction of Corn Distillers Dried Grains

ABSTRACT Corn distillers dried grains (DDGS) were compacted into cylindrical pellets (3.5 cm in length, 1.5 cm in diameter) utilizing a closed-end die under axial stress from a vertical piston applied by an Instron universal testing machine. The effects of independent variables, including the raw material moisture content (25–35% db), processing temperature (100–120°C), pressure (12.5–37.5 MPa), and dwell time (5–15 sec) on pellet density, durability, and stability were determined using response surface methodology. Moisture content, temperature, and pressure significantly affected (P 0.05). Increasing temperature initially increased and then decreased unit density. High moisture and pressure had favorable effects on unit density and durability rating. The density ratio increased with increasing pressure and moisture content. The results suggested technical feasibility of compacting DDGS. For the range of variabl...
The Role of Cities in the Economic Development of the Lower South

THIS ARTICLE DEFINES major political and demographic characteristics of an economically underdeveloped region—he Lower Mississippi Delta. It focuses on the relationship of the major Delta port cities, their periphery, and the effects of five major past federal and state intervention efforts in explaining rural underdevelopment in the Delta region. Discussion of recent attempts at regional cooperation in the Lower Mississippi Delta is contrasted to past intervention efforts and cultural-political realities, [regionalism, port cities, underdevelopment, economic growth and development, U.S. federal and state interventions]
Synthesis, characterization and spectroscopy of alkyl substituted edge-bridged open ruthenocenes

Abstract The edge-bridged open ruthenocenes bis(η5-6,6-dimethylcyclohexadienyl)ruthenium (1), bis(η5-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexadienyl) ruthenium (2), bis(η5-3,6,6-trimethylcyclohexadienyl)ruthenium (3), bis(η5-2,4,6,6-tetramethylcyclohexadienyl)ruthenium (4) are prepared by reactions between di-μ-chlorodichlorobis[(1-3η:6-8η)-2,7-dimethyloctadienyl] diruthenium and the corresponding dienes. Compound 4 can also be prepared in lower yield by reduction of RuCl3 · nH2O with zinc in the presence of 2,4,6,6-tetramethylcyclohexadiene. Variable temperature 1H NMR studies of 1–4 reveal rapid rotation about the Ru–C bonds. The barrier to rotation in 4 is 7.7 kcal/mol with a gauche–eclipsed ground state conformation. Even lower barriers to rotation in 1–3 contribute to the inability to accurately measure their activation energies in toluene.
Interleukin-4 receptor α (IL-4Rα) gene polymorphisms and increased IL-4 stimulated CD23 expression on B-cells in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)

Abstract Rationale Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region of the IL-4Rα gene resulting in amino acid substitutions have been associated with atopic phenotypes. We report on the presence of 4 SNPs, E375A, C406R, S478P, and Q551R, (numbering including the 25-amino-acid signal peptide), of the IL-4Rα intracellular domain associated with increased IL-4 stimulated CD23 expression in a CF patient with ABPA. Methods DNA was extracted from cultures of B-cell lines of our patient with a diagnosis of CF and ABPA and from controls (non-ABPA with CF and non-ABPA without CF). Subjects were genotyped for the region of the IL-4Rα containing the desired 4 polymorphisms. IL-4 stimulated PBLs from our patient and controls were also examined for the expression of CD23, the low affinity IgE receptor, on B-cells. Results In our patient we found that the portion of the gene coding for the intracellular domain of the IL-4Rα contained all 4 of the SNPs for which we searched. This is in comparison to control subjects in whom no SNPs were found. Our patient also had significantly increased expression of CD23 molecules/B-cell of IL-4 stimulated PBL cultures compared to controls but similar to other patients with ABPA. Conclusions Thus multiple polymorphisms in the IL-4Rα gene may not only confer susceptibility to atopic diseases such as asthma, but also play a role in the risk of developing ABPA in certain patients with cystic fibrosis.
Photoinduced charge separation of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl- p-phenylenediamine and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylbenzidine in synthetic M-mordenite (M = H+, Na+, Na++K+) molecular sieves

The photoionization of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in synthetic H-, Na- and Na,K-mordenite molecular sieves was examined at room temperature. It results in the formation of TMPD+ and TMB+ cation radicals, identified by EPR and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Alkali metal ion-exchanged mordenites assist in the formation and stabilization of TMPD+ and TMB+ cation radicals compared to H-mordenite. An electron hopping mechanism from TMPD/TMB to the mordenite surface mediated by alkali metal ions is suggested. The photoyield depends on the nature of the photoactive electron donor and the nature of the alkali metal.
Cardiac Pheochromocytoma Originating in the Interatrial Septum

A 36-year-old woman with classic clinical and biochemical features of pheochromocytoma was found to have a cardiac pheochromocytoma originating in the interatrial septum and a significant obstructive lesion in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Complete resection of the pheochromocytoma and an aortosaphenous vein graft were performed. This is the first reported case of successful resection of an interatrial pheochromocytoma.
Image thresholding using two-dimensional Tsallis-Havrda-Charvát entropy

In this paper, we present a thresholding technique based on two-dimensional Tsallis-Havrda-Charvat entropy. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by using examples from the real-world and synthetic images.
Consciousness of seizures and consciousness during seizures: are they related?

Recent advances have been made in the network mechanisms underlying impairment of consciousness during seizures. However, less is known about patient awareness of their own seizures. Studying patient reports or documentation of their seizures is currently the most commonly utilized mechanism to scientifically measure patient awareness of seizures. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available evidence regarding the accuracy of patient seizure counts and identify the variables that may influence unreliable seizure reporting. Several groups looking at patient documentation of seizures during continuous EEG monitoring show that patients do not report as many as 50% of their seizures. These studies also suggest that seizures accompanied by loss of consciousness, arising from the left hemisphere or the temporal lobe, or occurring during sleep are associated with significantly reduced reporting. Baseline memory performance does not appear to have a major influence on the accuracy of seizure report. Further prospective studies using validated ictal behavioral testing as well as using correlation with newer electrophysiological and neuroimaging techniques for seizure localization are needed to more fully understand the mechanisms of underreporting of seizures. Better methods to alert caregivers about unrecognized seizures and to improve seizure documentation are under investigation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Epilepsy and Consciousness.
In our own words: Academically successful and unsuccessful low‐income African American young men talk about academic life

abstract A research team of Black and White, male and female, student and faculty members applied rhetorical analysis to interviews conducted with low‐income African American young men. The team identified and examined major themes that emerged as young African American men attending an inner city parochial high school discuss school life. Several patterns emerged that distinguished more academically successful students from the less. Surprisingly, some tendencies that might have been expected as distinguishing characteristics do not emerge as defining qualities.
CIRCULATING STEM CELLS: VARIATION WITH DURATION OF PARTIAL BODY X-IRRADIATION.

LEUCOCYTE depression is often produced by localized radiation therapy. This frequently appears inordinate for the amount of bone marrow within the radiated field. A possible explanation for this leucopsenia is that during a course of radiation therapy (usually given in daily doses for a number of weeks) a large number of circulating stem cells1−6 enter the radiated field, are destroyed, and thus a leucocyte depression is produced. I have attempted to test this hypothesis in previous experiments7,8 by subjecting two groups of mice to partial body irradiation. Both groups received the same total dose; however, one group was radiated for 2–3 min while the other was exposed for 100–120 min. If the hypothesis is correct, then the mice exposed for the longer duration should develop a more profound and prolonged leucopaenia. This is what was observed. The present experiment attempts, more directly, to observe the effects of the duration of partial body irradiation on the number of circulating stem cells to see whether these changes in the leucocyte levels reflect changes in stem cells.
Dispersal of Trichogramma ostriniae in field corn

Abstract Trichogramma ostriniae has shown success as a biological control agent for European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) in sweet corn and the species offers potential for suppression of lepidopteran pests of field corn. Field corn is typically planted at higher densities, is taller, and has greater leaf area than sweet corn, presenting a possible restriction on T. ostriniae dispersal and efficacy. Therefore, parasitoid dispersal in field corn from the centre of a 6.25 ha square grid was determined using sticky cards to capture adult T. ostriniae and sentinel eggs of O. nubilalis to monitor parasitism after releases of ~1 million of T. ostriniae each into four fields of corn. Dispersal was rapid and extensive, achieving distances of ~175 m within 4–7 days after release. The pattern of movement fit well with a diffusion model of dispersal, with the greatest level of dispersal occurring from 7 to 10 days post-release. Parasitism of O. nubilalis sentinel egg masses declined linearly with distance from th...
Psycho-social aspects of recovery from coronary heart disease: A review

Abstract The literature dealing with the psychological and social aspects of recovery from and rehabilitation to the acute onset of coronary heart disease (CHD) was reviewed. The papers published since an earlier review were placed into one of three categories: advocacy articles, generally describing psychological reactions of patients and advocating a particular treatment; clinical papers, dealing with impressionistic observations of the emotional state of patients and their spouses; empirical reports, exploring various scientific issues regarding social-psychological functioning. Research quality and quantity have increased greatly in the past eight years. There is little question that CHD results in the temporary disruption of normal psychological and social functioning. Long-lasting emotional distress, familial problems, and occupational maladjustment are observed in a significant minority of patients. Psychosocial counseling appears to facilitate and hasten rehabilitation. However, additional programmatic evaluation studies are required in order to assess which psycho-therapeutic procedures are essential and should be a routine part of treatment of acute CHD patients and their families.
Dynamic light‐scattering studies of DNA. I. The coupling of internal modes with anisotropic translational diffusion in congested solutions

A model for the coupling between internal modes, or molecular rotation, and anisotropic translational diffusion in congested solutions is proposed to account for the anomalously slow component that has appeared ubiquitously in reported autocorrelation functions of Rayleigh scattered light from solutions of DNA's with molecular weights greater than about 107. The predicted existence of an anomalously slow mode in addition to a faster “normal” mode, as well as the predicted relative amplitudes of both fast and slow components, are qualitatively in agreement with the observations. For sufficiently long-wavelength fluctuations all of the amplitude appears in the slower mode, which then exhibits an appropriately averaged translational diffusion coefficient. In support of the model it is shown in the Appendix that nonideal central interactions between macromolecules are by themselves insufficient to generate isolated internal mode relaxation terms in the autocorrelation function, unless translational ordering of the macromolecules extends over the illuminated observation region.
Molecular recognition by Escherichia coli UDP-3-O-(R-3-hydroxymyristoyl)-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase is modulated by bound metal ions.

The metal-dependent enzyme UDP-3-O-(R-3-hydroxymyristoyl)-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase (LpxC) catalyzes the conversion of UDP-3-O-(R-3-hydroxymyristoyl)-N-acetylglucosamine to UDP-3-O-(R-3-hydroxymyristoyl)glucosamine and acetate. This is the committed step in the biosynthesis of lipid A, and for this reason, LpxC is a target for the development of antibiotics in the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. Here we examine the importance of bound metal ion(s) and fatty acids for molecular recognition of ligands by LpxC. The KDproduct value increases >1000-fold with the loss of the hydroxymyristoyl moiety, indicating that the enhanced catalytic efficiency of substrates containing this acyl group is mainly due to increased binding affinity. New fluorescent binding assays for measuring the affinity of LpxC for fatty acids indicate that myristate binds to LpxC 10-fold less tightly than palmitate and that fatty acid affinity is only modestly dependent on pH. Furthermore, LpxC homologues from differe...
Reduced ejection fraction, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure death in the mode selection trial (MOST): implications for device selection in elderly patients with sinus node disease.

Background: The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence and predictors of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and heart failure (HF) death, and coexisting indications for ICDs and CRT, in patients with sinus node disease (SND) treated with pacemakers. Methods and Results: Baseline variables were used to predict SCD and HF death among 1,135 patients in the Mode Selection Trial, a 6-year trial of pacing mode in SND. There were 73 deaths among 177 patients with EF ≤ 35% (41.2%), 46/156 (29.5%) with EF 36–49%, and 147/802(18.3%) with EF ≥ 50%. SCD accounted for 21.9%, 23.9%, and 14.3% of deaths with EF ≤ 35%, 36–49%, and ≥ 50%. HF deaths accounted for 23.3%, 19.6%, and 3.4% of deaths with EF ≤ 35%, 36-49%, and ≥ 50%. EF ≤ 35% predicted SCD (hazard ratio [HR] 3.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72-7.89, P = 0.002) and HF death (HR 10.17, 95% CI 3.35, 30.82, P = 0.001). Four-year SCD rate with EF ≤ 35% was 15.5% (3.9% annually). Nearly one-fifth of patients qualified for ICDs (EF ≤ 35%) and half of these had QRS ≥ 120 ms. However, >40% died within 33 months (4-year noncardiac death rate ∼22%). Conclusions: Reduced EF predicts SCD and HF death in SND treated with pacemakers. SCD rates among patients with EF ≤ 35% are similar to control arms of primary prevention ICD trials, but mortality rates are significantly higher. Whether ICDs or CRT to provide bradycardia support would prolong life in elderly patients with EF ≤ 35% and SND merits prospective investigation.
The development of structural analogy in number-line estimation

Recent studies have revealed that making number-line estimates requires not only number knowledge but also a host of other cognitive skills. Here, we argue that a fundamental component of number-line estimation is the act of relating the target number being estimated to another numerical reference point (e.g., a previous estimate, the endpoint of the line) and then extending this relation to the spatial domain-in other words, that children recruit analogical reasoning skills when estimating. Because such analogical comparisons require both the selection of a numerical reference point and the comparison of that reference point with the target number, we aimed to understand which reference points children use and how they use them. To this end, we tested whether and how 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds used their previous estimates to constrain subsequent estimates. We found that children used their previous estimates as reference points, that older children used reference points differently than younger children, and that the ability to access previous estimates limited our youngest participants' ability to perform well on our number-line estimation task. We conclude that the analogical reasoning component of number-line estimation is substantial and shapes children's earliest estimation performance.
A Galerkin Approximation for the Initial-Value Problem for Linear Second-Order Differential Equations

In this paper, a Galerkin type algorithm is given for the numerical solution of L(x)=(r(t)x'(t))'-p(t)x(t)=g(t); x(a)=x"a, x'(a)=x'"a, where r (t)>f0, and Spline hat functions form the approximating basis. Using the related quadratic form, a two-step difference equation is derived for the numerical solutions. A discrete Gronwall type lemma is then used to show that the error at the node points satisfies e"k=0(h^2). If e(t) is the error function on a=
Logical necessity, physical necessity, ethics, and quantifiers

Some philosophers, for example Quine, doubt the possibility of jointly using modalities and quantification. Simple model‐theoretic considerations, however, lead to a reconciliation of quantifiers with such modal concepts as logical, physical, and ethical necessity, and suggest a general class of modalities of which these are instances. A simple axiom system, analogous to the Lewis systems S1 —S5, is considered in connection with this class of modalities. The system proves to be complete, and its class of theorems decidable.
Velocity–space drag and diffusion in a model, two-dimensional plasma

We have investigated an effect that is inherent to weakly stable plasmas: an enhanced large-velocity interaction. This behavior is not unique to two dimensions, but is quite similar to the higher-order terms in a three-dimensional dominant approximation expansion, as shown in the studies of Ware2 and of Tidman and Eviatar.3 The increased level of fluctuations generated by fast electrons is quite similar in both two and three dimensions. However, because both the emission and absorption of fluctuations by fast electrons is retained by the two-dimensional Fokker-Planck theory to lowest order (no dominant approximation is needed), these electrons interact at a significantly higher level than predicted by an extrapolation based on the usual three-dimensional dominant calculation. Small-angle collisions do not dominate in two dimensions, and the soft core of the logarithmic potential implies that any enhanced fluctuations affect the transport significantly. In three dimensions, a substantial tail would be necessary before a corresponding effect is observed.4,5 These results are essential to a complete understanding of two-dimensional particle simulations, especially those of weakly stable plasmas.
Effects of K+ and Arginine on Insulin, Glucagon, and Somatostatin Release from the in Vitro Perfused Rat Pancreas*

Rat pancreases were perfused in vitro for 5-min periods with K+ alone (8, 10, and 12 min) or in the presence of arginine (10 mM). Alone, K+ caused bursts of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin (SRIF) release; with arginine, it caused a burst of insulin and sustained SRIF release, but caused sustained suppression of glucagon. This suppression correlated better with SRIF than insulin release. Therefore, if a paracrine effect is responsible for the inhibition of glucagon secretion under these circumstances, SRIF is a more likely candidate than insulin.
GLYCOSYL-PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL-ANCHORED OR INTEGRAL MEMBRANE FORMS OF CD14 MEDIATE IDENTICAL CELLULAR-RESPONSES TO ENDOTOXIN

Endotoxin stimulates leukocytes to release cytokines that initiate septic shock in humans and animals. CD14, a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane glycoprotein, is an endotoxin receptor on leukocytes, and endotoxin binding to CD14 induces cytokine production. Here we show that glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored or integral membrane CD14 mediates identical cellular responses to endotoxin, including NF-kappa B activation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. We also show that an anti-CD14 monoclonal antibody that does not block endotoxin binding to CD14 nonetheless inhibits cell activation by endotoxin. These findings suggest that binding of endotoxin to cell-surface CD14 is followed by subsequent interactions of the endotoxin-CD14 complex with additional membrane component(s) that enable transmembrane signaling. This function of CD14 may be prototypic for other members of the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored family of proteins that do not play a primary role in signal transduction but rather are the principal ligand-binding units of membrane-bound receptor complexes.
Repeated monitoring of corneal nerves by confocal microscopy as an index of peripheral neuropathy in type-1 diabetic rodents and the effects of topical insulin

We developed a reliable imaging and quantitative analysis method for in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in rodents and used it to determine whether models of type 1 diabetes replicate the depletion of corneal nerves reported in diabetic patients. Quantification was reproducible between observers and stable across repeated time points in two rat strains. Longitudinal studies were performed in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats, with innervation of plantar paw skin quantified using standard histological methods after 40 weeks of diabetes. Diabetic rats showed an initial increase, then a gradual reduction in occupancy of nerves in the sub-basal plexus so that values were significantly lower at week 40 (68 ± 6%) than age-matched controls (80 ± 2%). No significant loss of stromal or intra-epidermal nerves was detected. In a separate study, insulin was applied daily to the eye of control and STZ-diabetic mice and this treatment prevented depletion of nerves of the sub-basal plexus. Longitudinal studies are viable in rodents using CCM and depletion of distal corneal nerves precedes detectable loss of epidermal nerves in the foot, suggesting that diabetic neuropathy is not length dependent. Loss of insulin-derived neurotrophic support may contribute to the pathogenesis of corneal nerve depletion in type 1 diabetes.
Nutrition and Physical Activity Program to Attenuate Obesity and Promote Physical and Metabolic Fitness in Elementary School Children

Obesity and low levels of physical and metabolic fitness are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The purpose of this investigation was to attenuate obesity and improve physical and metabolic fitness in elementary school children. Schools have the opportunity, mechanisms, and personnel in place to deliver nutrition education, fitness activities, and a school food service that is nutritious and healthy. Cohorts from grades 3 to 5 in two school districts in rural Nebraska (Intervention/Control) participated in a 2-year study of physical activity and modified school lunch program. Data collection for aerobic capacity, body composition, blood chemistry, nutrition knowledge, energy intake, and physical activity was at the beginning and end of each year. Int received enhanced physical activity, grade specific nutrition education, and a lower fat and sodium school lunch program. Con continued with a regular school lunch and team sports activity program. At year 2, Int lunches had significantly less energy (9%), fat (25%), sodium (21%), and more fiber (17%). However, measures of 24-hour energy intake for Int and Con showed significant differences for sodium only. Physical activity in the classroom was 6% greater for Int compared to Con (p < 0.05) but physical activity outside of school was approximately 16% less for Int compared to Con (p < 0.05). Body weight and body fat were not different between schools for normal weight or obese children. No differences were found for cholesterol, insulin, and glucose; however, HDL cholesterol was significantly greater and cholesterol/HDL was significantly less for Int compared to Con (p < 0.05). It appears that compensation in both energy intake and physical activity outside of school may be responsible for the lack of differences between Int and Con.
The Effect of the Alignment of Electrospun Fibrous Scaffolds on Schwann Cell Maturation

Peripheral nerve regeneration can be enhanced by the stimulation of formation of bands of Bungner prior to implantation. Aligned electrospun poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers were fabricated to test their potential to provide contact guidance to human Schwann cells. After 7 days of culture, cell cytoskeleton and nuclei were observed to align and elongate along the fiber axes, emulating the structure of bands of Bungner. Microarray analysis revealed a general down-regulation in expression of neurotrophin and neurotrophic receptors in aligned cells as compared to cells seeded on two-dimensional PCL film. Real-time-PCR analyses confirmed the up-regulation of early myelination marker, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and the down-regulation of NCAM-1, a marker of immature Schwann cells. Similar gene expression changes were also observed on cells cultured on randomly oriented PCL electrospun fibers. However, up-regulation of the myelin-specific gene, P0, was observed only on aligned electrospun fibers, suggesting the propensity of aligned fibers in promoting Schwann cell maturation.
Direct observation of the coherent precession of magnetic domain walls propagating along permalloy nanowires

Direct observation of the coherent precession of magnetic domain walls propagating along permalloy nanowires
BIFURCATIONS IN HEART RHYTHMS

Heart rhythms exhibit the following interesting phenomena: First, rhythmic cells such as sinus node cells cease their rhythmic activity when a single brief current pulse of the right magnitude is given to the cell at the right time. Second, a premature pulse can initiate a tachycardia (i.e., reentrant arrhythmia) from a quiescent atrial tissue. This tachycardia can be sustained for hours until another brief current pulse is given. Third, ECG recording sometimes shows alternans in electrical activity prior to ventricular tachycardia. Some suggested that this alternans is the first bifurcation in a period doubling sequence. Fourth, a certain class of antiarrhythmic drugs may increase the chance of sudden cardiac death for patients with a history of myocardial infarction. Fifth, when an "adjustable" tricuspid ring is shortened, the conduction velocity of a reentrant wave becomes oscillatory. When the ring size is shortened further, reentry terminates after several oscillatory cycles. Sixth, sustained reentry arises in a tricuspid ring when Class IC drugs (i.e., which exclusively block the sodium channel) are added. On the other hand, Class III (which exclusively blocks the potassium channel) can terminate sustained reentry in the tricuspid ring. In this tutorial review, we explain how one can utilize a bifurcation analysis to explain all these interesting phenomena involved in heart rhythms.
Neurestin: putative transmembrane molecule implicated in neuronal development.

We have cloned a novel cDNA encoding a putative transmembrane protein, neurestin, from the rat olfactory bulb. Neurestin was identified based on a sequence similar to that of the second extracellular loops of odorant receptors in the cysteine-rich CC box located immediately after EGF-like motifs. Neurestin shows homology to a neuregulin gene product, human gamma-heregulin, a Drosophila receptor-type pair-rule gene product, Odd Oz (Odz) / Ten(m), and Ten(a), suggesting a possible function in synapse formation and morphogenesis. Recently, a mouse neurestin homolog has independently been cloned as DOC4 from the NIH-3T3 cell line. Northern blot analysis showed that neurestin is highly expressed in the brain and also in other tissues at much lower levels. In situ hybridization studies showed that neurestin is expressed in many types of neurons, including pyramidal cells in the cerebral cortex and tufted cells in the olfactory bulb during development. In adults, neurestin is mainly expressed in olfactory and hippocampal granule cells, which are known to be generated throughout adulthood. Nonetheless, in adults the expression of neurestin was experimentally induced in external tufted cells during regeneration of olfactory sensory neurons. These results suggest a role for neurestin in neuronal development and regeneration in the central nervous system.
Examining the conformational dynamics of membrane proteins in situ with site-directed fluorescence labeling.

Two electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology (TEVC) is a powerful tool to investigate the mechanism of ion transport1 for a wide variety of membrane proteins including ion channels2, ion pumps3, and transporters4. Recent developments have combined site-specific fluorophore labeling alongside TEVC to concurrently examine the conformational dynamics at specific residues and function of these proteins on the surface of single cells. We will describe a method to study the conformational dynamics of membrane proteins by simultaneously monitoring fluorescence and current changes using voltage-clamp fluorometry. This approach can be used to examine the molecular motion of membrane proteins site-specifically following cysteine replacement and site-directed fluorophore labeling5,6. Furthermore, this method provides an approach to determine distance constraints between specific residues7,8. This is achieved by selectively attaching donor and acceptor fluorophores to two mutated cysteine residues of interest. In brief, these experiments are performed following functional expression of the desired protein on the surface of Xenopus leavis oocytes. The large surface area of these oocytes enables facile functional measurements and a robust fluorescence signal5. It is also possible to readily change the extracellular conditions such as pH, ligand or cations/anions, which can provide further information on the mechanism of membrane proteins4. Finally, recent developments have also enabled the manipulation of select internal ions following co-expression with a second protein9. Our protocol is described in multiple parts. First, cysteine scanning mutagenesis proceeded by fluorophore labeling is completed at residues located at the interface of the transmembrane and extracellular domains. Subsequent experiments are designed to identify residues which demonstrate large changes in fluorescence intensity (<5%)3 upon a conformational change of the protein. Second, these changes in fluorescence intensity are compared to the kinetic parameters of the membrane protein in order to correlate the conformational dynamics to the function of the protein10. This enables a rigorous biophysical analysis of the molecular motion of the target protein. Lastly, two residues of the holoenzyme can be labeled with a donor and acceptor fluorophore in order to determine distance constraints using donor photodestruction methods. It is also possible to monitor the relative movement of protein subunits following labeling with a donor and acceptor fluorophore.
Antagonistic interactions of hedgehog, Bmp and retinoic acid signals control zebrafish endocrine pancreas development

Pancreatic organogenesis is promoted or restricted by different signaling pathways. In amniotes, inhibition of hedgehog (Hh) activity in the early embryonic endoderm is a prerequisite for pancreatic specification. However, in zebrafish, loss of Hh signaling leads to a severe reduction of β-cells, leading to some ambiguity as to the role of Hh during pancreas development and whether its function has completely diverged between species. Here, we have employed genetic and pharmacological manipulations to temporally delineate the role of Hh in zebrafish endocrine pancreas development and investigate its relationship with the Bmp and retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathways. We found that Hh is required at the start of gastrulation for the medial migration and differentiation of pdx1-expressing pancreatic progenitors at later stages. This early positive role of Hh promotes β-cell lineage differentiation by restricting the repressive effects of Bmp. Inhibition of Bmp signaling in the early gastrula leads to increased β-cell numbers and partially rescued β-cell formation in Hh-deficient embryos. By the end of gastrulation, Hh switches to a negative role by antagonizing RA-mediated specification of the endocrine pancreas, but continues to promote differentiation of exocrine progenitors. We show that RA downregulates the Hh signaling components ptc1 and smo in endodermal explants, indicating a possible molecular mechanism for blocking axial mesoderm-derived Hh ligands from the prepancreatic endoderm during the specification stage. These results identify multiple sequential roles for Hh in pancreas development and highlight an unexpected antagonistic relationship between Hh and other signaling pathways to control pancreatic specification and differentiation.
Photophysical properties of an asymmetrical 2,5-diarylidene-cyclopentanone dye possessing electron donor and acceptor substituents

Abstract Spectroscopic and photophysical properties have been measured in a variety of solvents for (2E,5E)-2-(p-cyanobenzylidene)-5-(p-dimethylaminobenzylidene)-cyclopentanone ( I ), an asymmetrically substituted 2,5-diarylidene-cyclopentanone known to have potential for applications utilizing two-photon absorption (TPA). Compound I was synthesized by a simple procedure utilizing DIMCARB catalyst. Absorption and fluorescence maxima have been correlated with the E T (30) solvent polarity scale. Theoretical TD-DFT calculations and Lippert–Mataga analysis demonstrate the internal charge transfer (ICT) nature of the S 0 → S 1 excitation. Radiative and nonradiative decay constants have been determined from fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes. Substantial variation with solvent in the rate of nonradiative decay is interpreted in terms of a competition between internal conversion and intersystem crossing.
Analytically/experimentally evaluating the response of cylindrical piezoelectric material systems subjected to thermal loads

An electromechanical elasticity solution is presented to evaluate the response of a piezoelectric linear motor at cryogenic temperatures. This model incorporates the pronounced coupling which occurs in these materials between temperature and piezoelectric strain coefficients. Results from experimental tests are presented for ceramic piezoelectric flat specimens to determine the linear and nonlinear properties required in the model; including thermal expansion coefficients, coupling terms, and piezoelectric strain coefficient functionally dependent upon electric and thermal fields. Test results indicate that depoling and saturation effects in this ceramic piezoelectric material are strain dependent and electric field independent. These results suggest that piezoelectric materials can operate as effectively at cryogenic temperatures as they do at room temperatures. Comparison between the analytical model and experimental results for a cylindrical material system yields reasonable correlation. Conclusions include that a linear motor can be designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures.
Thriving after hematopoietic stem cell transplant: a focus on positive changes in quality of life.

Studies describing the impact of hematopoietic stem cell transplants on patient quality of life have burgeoned in the last several years. The picture of the negative impact of a hematopoietic stem cell transplant on both the short- and long-term quality of life and the extent to which patients return to baseline quality of life functioning is almost complete. However, studies of positive changes in the form of gains or growth are lacking. Reports of psychological growth or benefit-finding have been reported in the context of other significant stressors including cancer. Yet, few studies have examined similar gains experienced by patients and families after hematopoietic stem cell transplant. These studies are reviewed and the authors findings are described, making note of conceptual and methodological challenges in this area. Understanding positive changes and gains in posthematopoietic stem cell transplant provides critical knowledge to inform practice guidelines and interventions designed to both minimi...
Stochastic ordering of flows on manifolds

Abstract Consider the flow of probability density functions generated by the sequence of iterations of a dynamical map on a differentiable manifold. It is shown that, under a simple condition on the dynamical map, the corresponding sequence of random variables is stochastically monotone for any initial distribution of points on the manifold.
4. Lewis and Sprague Dawley, but not Fischer 344 rats, exhibit sustained paclitaxel-induced mechanical hypersensitivity

Paclitaxel (PAC), a commonly prescribed chemotherapy, is associated with a painful, dose-limiting neuropathy that can persist beyond treatment. The role of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis stress responsivity in PAC-induced mechanical hypersensitivity is unknown. Adult male and female Lewis (n = 26), Sprague–Dawley (n = 29) and Fischer 344 (n = 27) rats met baseline paw withdrawal threshold (PWT, >10 g) via von Frey Hair (VFH) testing. Rats received intraperitoneal paclitaxel (1 mg/kg) or vehicle on days 1, 3, 5, 7 (8–14 drug break); this cycle was repeated twice (days 15–28, and 29–42) to model a clinical chemotherapy protocol. VFH testing occurred through day 42. We ran repeated measures ANOVA to ascertain the accumulative (post 4, 8, and 12 mg/kg), and sustained (7 days post 4, 8, and 12 mg/kg) effects of PAC on mechanical hypersensitivity. After each cycle, PAC (F (1) = 50.78, p
Accelerated bone loss in hypothyroid patients overtreated with L-thyroxine.

Abstract Objective:To compare the rate of bone mineral loss in thyroxine-treated women with low thyrotropin (thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH) levels with that in women without known thyroid diseas...
Genetic differentiation studies and phylogenetic inference in the plant genus Limnanthes (section Inflexae).

An electrophoretic survey of genetic variation in 50 populations representing all ten taxa of section Inflexae of the plant genus Limnanthes is reported here with three objectives: 1) to describe genetic differentiation for testing certain phylogenetic hypotheses on the origin of species and infraspecific relationships, 2) to evaluate the concordance of electrophoretic, morphological and hybridization data within the section, and 3) to discuss models of speciation using Limnanthes as an example. Species, subspecies, and populations, designated on the basis of morphology and distribution, gave decreasing values of genetic distances that were apparently maintained across a wide ecological and geographical range. Using electrophoretic, morphological and hybrid fertility data, we concluded that L. montana, intermediate in range between the two disjunct varieties of L. gracilis, is not likely to be a relictual set of populations from what once was a continuously distributed taxon as hypothesized by earlier workers. Neither L.g. gracilis nor L.g. parishii appear to have been founded by long distance dispersal from one to the other. However, a very close genetic relationship was detected between L. gracilis and L. alba. This genetic pattern suggested that the two disjunct L. gracilis varieties were probably connected by a L. alba-like taxon and perhaps originated from that taxon. Evidence based on allozyme variation did not support the thesis that the inbreeder L. floccosa is a recent derivative from the outbreeder L. alba. Among the remaining five taxa (i.e. two varieties of L. gracilis, two varieties of L. alba, and L. montana), genetic distance and interspecific hybridization data are highly concordant, (r = -0.92, P < 0.001). The agreement of these two approaches with species relationships based on morphological similarity was less certain. Limnanthes species appear to exhibit greater interpopulation differentiation than many plant groups, perhaps a reflection of their distinctive island-like distribution pattern. On the other hand, an unusually high crossability is found in Limnanthes. Speciation in Limnanthes appears largely to follow a model of adaptive geographical divergence but certain other modes cannot yet be ruled out.