cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unitarity and Regularized Divergences in String Amplitudes

Abstract The cosmological constant of the bosonic string and the correction to the mass of the least massive particles in the superstring both diverge at one loop. These infinities can be regularized, resulting in finite complex values. The imaginary part of the cosmological constant gives the decay rate of the false tachyonic vacuum. The imaginary part of the mass gives the decay rate of the particles, and is in agreement with the unitarity calculation.
Effect of calcium on the vasoactive response of arterioles to light during fluorescent intravital microscopy of the tibialis anterior muscle of the hamster

Arterioles may undergo a transient vasoactive response when exposed to light during fluorescent intravital microscopy. We hypothesized that the type and frequency of the vasoactive responses by arterioles to light is calcium dependent. In order to test this hypothesis we quantitated the type and frequency of vasoactive responses by arterioles to light in the presence and absence of calcium within the suffusate bathing the muscle. In addition, we determined whether the presence or absence of calcium also influenced the reactivity of these arterioles to adenosine and norepinephrine. In separate experiments, we determined the effect of increases in suffusate calcium concentration on the resting diameter of arterioles. The concentration of calcium in the suffusate significantly influenced the frequency of light-induced vasoactivity of the arterioles of the tibialis anterior muscle: a normal suffusate calcium concentration of 2 x 10(-3) M was associated with an incidence of light-induced vasoreactivity of 77% but decreased significantly to 58% when calcium was removed from the suffusate. Although the frequency of the vasoactive response to light was different for the two experimental conditions, the type of vasoactive response, predominately vasomotion, was similar. The vasoactive responses of arterioles to adenosine and norepinephrine were similar in the presence and absence of calcium in the suffusate. However, the concentration of calcium in the suffusate did significantly influence resting arteriolar diameters: 2 x 10(-3) M calcium CaCl2 caused a mean decrease in the arteriolar diameter of 11.6 (+/- 3.0)%, 4 x 10(-3) M CaCl2 caused a mean decrease of 41.2 (+/- 12)%, and 8 x 10(-3) M CaCl2 caused a mean decrease of 55.4 (+/- 14.4)%. These results show that the concentration of calcium in the suffusate bathing the tibialis anterior muscle during fluorescent intravital microscopy significantly influences the vasoactive response of arterioles to light. Further investigation of the mechanisms of light-induced effects on microcirculation during fluorescent intravital microscopy will become important as this technique is used more widely in the study of the microcirculation of solid tissues and organs.
Impact of robotic training on surgical and pathologic outcomes during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES To prospectively compare outcomes during robotic prostatectomy between surgeons with formal training in either robotic prostatectomy (RALP) or laparoscopic prostatectomy (LRP). METHODS A total of 286 robotic prostatectomies were performed by 12 urologists between August 2008 and March 2009 as part of a new robotic surgery program at one of the largest health maintenance organizations in the United States. Four surgeons had formal training in RALP and 8 had formal training in LRP. We prospectively compared surgical and pathologic outcomes between these 2 groups of surgeons. RESULTS The 4 RALP surgeons performed 121 RALPs and the 8 LRP surgeons performed 165 RALPs. Patient demographics were similar between groups. The robot-naive group had significantly more clinical stage T1c than the robot-trained group (87.9% vs 74.4%, P = .003). Prostatectomy parameters were similar between the 2 groups of surgeons in terms of prostate size, Gleason score, pathologic stage, and estimated blood loss. The robot-trained surgeons had significantly lower overall positive margin rates (24% vs 34.6%, P = .05) and lower margin rates in T3 tumors (38.5% vs 61.8%, P = .07), which were approximately statistically significant. There was no difference in margin rates in T2 tumors. The robot-trained surgeons had significantly lower apical margin rates (8.3% vs 21.2%, P = .003) and lateral margin rates (1.7% vs 7.3%, P = .05). The robot-trained surgeons had 10%-15% shorter procedure times. There was no difference in complication rates. CONCLUSIONS Formal RALP training may be beneficial for surgical and pathologic outcomes of RALP compared with formal LRP training during the initial implementation of a new robotics program.
Relationship of the membrane ATPase from Halobacterium saccharovorum to vacuolar ATPases

Polyclonal antiserum against subunit A (67 kDa) of the vacuolar ATPase from Neurospora crassa reacted with subunit I (87 kDa) from a membrane ATPase of the extremely halophilic archaebacterium Halobacterium saccharovorum. The halobacterial ATPase was inhibited by nitrate and N-ethylmaleimide; the extent of the latter inhibition was diminished in the presence of adenosine di- or triphosphates. 4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan in- hibited the hatobacterial ATPase also in a nucleotide- protectable manner; the bulk of inhibitor was associated with subunit II (60 kDa). The data suggested that this halobacterial ATPase may have conserved structural features from both the vacuotar and the F-type ATPases.
A Role for Superoxide in Protein Kinase C Activation and Induction of Long-term Potentiation

Abstract The induction of several forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission in the CA1 region of the mammalian hippocampus is dependent onN-methyl-d-aspartate receptor activation and the subsequent activation of protein kinase C (PKC), but the mechanisms that underlie the regulation of PKC in this context are largely unknown. It is known that reactive oxygen species, including superoxide, are produced byN-methyl-d-aspartate receptor activation in neurons, and recent studies have suggested that some reactive oxygen species can modulate PKC in vitro. Thus, we have investigated the role of superoxide in both the induction of LTP and the activation of PKC during LTP. We found that incubation of hippocampal slices with superoxide scavengers inhibited the induction of LTP. The effects of superoxide on LTP induction may involve PKC, as we observed that superoxide was required for appropriate modulation of PKC activation during the induction of LTP. In this respect, superoxide appears to work in conjunction with nitric oxide, which was required for a portion of the LTP-associated changes in PKC activity as well. Our observations indicate that superoxide and nitric oxide together regulate PKC in a physiologic context and that this type of regulation occurs during the induction of LTP in the hippocampus.
Competence to know

I argue against traditional virtue epistemology on which knowledge is a success due to a competence to believe truly, by revealing an in-principle problem with the traditional virtue epistemologist’s explanation of Gettier cases. The argument eliminates one of the last plausible explanation of Gettier cases, and so of knowledge, in terms of non-factive mental states and non-mental conditions. I then I develop and defend a different kind of virtue epistemology, on which knowledge is an exercise of a competence to know. I show how the account, while circular, is not viciously so. It explains both how knowledge is a mental state, as well as the relationship between knowledge and justification, including justified false beliefs and Gettier cases. Moreover, although direct virtue epistemology is compatible with many views on the nature of belief, it can explain how knowledge might be metaphysically more fundamental than belief as well.
Temperature and pressure effects for oxygen adsorption and oxidation of Ni3Al alloyed with chromium and zirconium

Abstract Oxygen adsorption (“low pressure oxidation”) has been compared to oxidation at atmospheric pressures between room temperature (RT) and 700°C for Ni 3 Al that has been macroalloyed with chromium and microalloyed with zirconium and boron. The oxidation products have been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Low pressure oxidation was carried out in-situ in the analytical instruments at an oxygen pressure of 2.5 × 10 −7 Torr (3.3 × 10 −5 Pa). For temperatures below 300°C there is formation of both NiAl 2 O 4 and Cr 2 O 3 , together with aluminum and zirconium oxides which appear to be in precursor oxide phases. Above 300°C, only Al 2 O 3 and ZrO 2 form, together with a sub-oxide designated (ZrO) 1 . There is a preference for the ZrO 2 to be in particles distributed along grain boundaries. By contrast, atmospheric pressure oxidation yielded only NiO, Cr 2 O 3 and some NiAl 2 O 4 . Angle-resolved photoemission has shown that this oxide is in a layered structure with a thin outer layer rich in Cr 2 O 3 over a mixed NiO and NiAl 2 O 4 layer. This nickel containing oxide layer also appears to be layered, with the layer structure changing with temperature. The roles of chromium and zirconium are discussed for the different oxidation conditions.
The Strange Death of Ibrahim Khalil Khan of Qarabagh

Ibrahim Khalil Khan, the octogenarian ruler of Qarabagh in the southern Caucasus, was shot by Russian soldiers on the night of June 14, 1806. In one sense, there is nothing mysterious about the khan's death. Qarabaghi, Russian, and Iranian sources agree that he was killed for having sided with Iran against Russia's attempt to take control of his khanate and all the lands between the High Caucasus and the Aras River.1 However, this explanation raises more important questions which have gone unanswered. For years Ibrahim Khalil had sided with Georgia and then Russia against Iran. What made him switch sides in time of war? Russia did not plan to supplant rule by khan in Qarabagh and did not kill every ruler it deposed. Why then did the Russians kill this khan? How was it possible for the execution of Russian policy to slip out of St. Petersburg's control?
Index Variation And Scattering In A Holographic Medium

In the fabrication of holographic optical elements, it is important to have careful characterization of the recording medium. Hence, we have made measurements of the increment in the index of refraction vs. exposure for DMP-128 manufactured by Polaroid corporation. The results of measurements are presented for a series of holographic diffraction gratings. A novel spectrophotometer technique that provides a simultaneous measure of both thickness and refractive index is described. Data illustrating its use are presented for the holographic photopolymer. The feasibility of filling voids in the processed photopolymer for device applications was demonstrated by construction of a distributed feedback dye laser in a DMP-128 grating. At high spatial frequencies, diffraction efficiency is used to estimate refractive index variations. As an initial finding, we report a rather large modulation in the index of refraction of 0.2 at 1000 cycles/mm.
Photonic band gap response of structurally modified non-close-packed inverse opals by template directed multilayer atomic layer deposition

We report the controllable and tunable fabrication of structurally modified non-close-packed inverse shell opals using multi-layer atomic layer deposition and present a model and simulation algorithm to calculate the structural parameters critical to fabrication. This powerful, flexible and unique technique enables opal inversion, structural modification and backfilling and was applied to the fabrication of TiO 2 non-close-packed inverse opals. Using successive conformal backfilling it was possible to tune the Bragg peak over 600 nm and enhance the Bragg peak width by >50%. Additionally, band structure calculations, using dielectric functions approximating the true network topology, were used to predict the optical properties during the fabrication process. 3D finite-difference-time-domain results predict experimentally achievable structures with a complete band gap as large as 7.2%. Additionally, the refractive index requirement was predicted to decrease from 3.3 in an 86% infiltrated inverse shell opal to 3.0 in an optimized non-close-packed inverse shell opal. It was also shown for these structures that the complete photonic band gap peak can be statically tuned by over 70% by increasing the backfilled thickness.
The neural correlates of implicit and explicit self-relevant processing

Neuroimaging investigations of self-processing have generally focused on the neural correlates of explicit self-reflection. However, very little is known about the neural basis of implicit self-related processes. We utilized the concept of self-schemas to construct a two-task fMRI study that elicited both implicit and explicit self-relevant processes. The sample consisted of 18 participants who were schematic for either athletics or science. In the implicit self-relevance task, individuals made non-self-relevant judgments about affectively neutral scientific and athletic images. In the explicit self-reference task, participants judged the self-descriptiveness of adjectives related to athletics or science. Implicit and explicit processing of self-relevant (schematic) material elicited activity in many of the same regions, including medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate/precuneus, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, subgenual anterior cingulate, amygdala, and ventral striatum. We suggest that processing self-related material recruits similar neural networks regardless of whether the self-relevance is made explicit or not.
Mass spectrometric study of the kinetics and mechanism of the ethylene-atomic oxygen reaction by the discharge-flow technique at 300°K

A mass-spectrometric study of the kinetics and mechanism of the ethylene-atomic oxygen reaction by the discharge-flow technique at 300°K is reported. The experiments were done predominantly under O-atom rich conditions. The rate constant for the primary step C 2 H 4 +O→(C 2 H 4 O * )→CH 3 +CHO (1) is 5.2(±0.4)×10 −13 cm 3 molecule −1 sec −1 . Evidence for this mechanism has been obtained from experiments with isotopic ethylenes and from consideration of the over-all stoichiometry. Formaldehyde is a major intermediate, which is produced by the reaction CH 3 +O→HCHO+H (2) and subsequently consumed by HCHO+O→CHO+OH (3) Detailed kinetic analysis shows that the reaction of the methyl radical with atomic O goes at least 85% via Reaction (2) and k 2 3×10 −11 . Other reactions of the methyl radical with atomic O are considered and shown to be of minor importance. The formation of the other important products, H-atoms, CO, O 2 and CO 2 are explained by the additional reactions. CHO+O→CO+OH, (4a) CHO+O→CO 2 +H, (4b) and OH+O→O 2 +H (5) The ratio, k 4 a /( k 4 a + k 4 b ), is estimated to be 0.8±0.1. The production of H 2 is attributed to CHO+H→H 2 +CO (6) and k 6 /( k 4 a + k 4 b ) is estimated to be 3±2. Water is not observed as a product.
Counterfactual Thinking Facilitates Behavioral Intentions

People often ponder what might have been, and these counterfactual inferences have been linked to behavior regulation. Counterfactuals may enhance performance by either a content-specific pathway (via shift in behavioral intentions) and/or a content-neutral pathway (via mindsets or motivation). Three experiments provided new specification of the content-specific pathway. A sequential priming paradigm revealed that counterfactual judgments facilitated RTs to complete behavioral intention judgments relative to control judgments and to a no-judgment baseline (Experiment 1). This facilitation effect was found only for intention judgments that matched the information content of the counterfactual (Experiment 2) and only for intention judgments as opposed to a different judgment that nevertheless focused on the same information content (Experiment 3). These findings clarify the content-specific pathway by which counterfactuals influence behavior.
EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF AMS DATES ON FOOD RESIDUE ON POTTERY FROM THE LATE PREHISTORIC CENTRAL PLAINS OF NORTH AMERICA

Age offsets of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) assays on food residue taken from pottery vessels are well-documented in Europe and Asia in cultural contexts were freshwater aquatic products are attested, but are less well stud- ied in North America. The present study examines a series of residue dates from the late prehistoric Central Plains of North America, comparing them with context dates run on annual plant remains. At least 13 of 23 assays are either incongruent with ages on annual plant remains, inconsistent among themselves within a site, or not credible for their cultural context. The con- clusion is that food residue from ceramics does not produce consistently accurate dates. Some possible factors that may serve to introduce old carbon to residue samples are discussed. It also is noted that one's conclusions about the reliability of residue may be conditioned by the precision of the age determinations and by the goals of a specific chronology-building effort.
Measured Statistical Characteristics of VLF Atmospheric Radio Noise

Instrumentation for measuring the cumulative distribution of the amplitudes and spacings of pulses in the instantaneous envelope of the atmospheric noise field strength is described. In general, the vlf atmospheric noise observed at 22 kc in a 1-kc band during the fall of 1955 from 9°N to 71°N latitude was found to have a maximum variation in average power level, including the effects of both time and geographic location, of about 46 db. The dynamic range of the instantaneous noise envelope, measured during a 20- to 30-minute period of time, is defined to be the ratio of the field strength exceeded 0.0001 per cent of the time to that exceeded 90 per cent of such periods of time. This dynamic range in a l-kc band, for the 66 periods measured, varied from 59 to 102 db. The average dynamic range in the Arctic was 68 db and in the tropics 81 db. The noise envelope at the low amplitude levels is found to be Rayleigh distributed, while that at the higher levels approaches a distribution having a much greater change in level for a given change in probability. In general, at higher levels, the spacing between pulses does not appear to be random at temperate and arctic locations, but the noise pulses observed in the tropics appear to be more randomly spaced. When the bandwidth of the receiver is reduced, the dynamic range approaches 21.18 db, the value expected for the Rayleigh distributed envelope resulting from a thermal noise input.
A statistical theory of fragmentation processes

Abstract The goal of the work reviewed here is a theory of material behavior accounting for the average deformation that results from the opening, shear, growth and coalescence of an ensemble of microcracks. A concomitant is the calculation of permeability from crack structure. The first part of this paper summarizes previous developments. In particular, the initial work on this problem made use of a linear Liouville equation to characterize the change in crack distribution resulting from crack growth and coalescence. Straightforward analytic solutions to this equation were possible because the mean free path of cracks was assumed constant. Though this assumption is useful for the early stages of crack growth, increasing crack size reduces the mean free path in the later stages of fragmentation. This problem is addressed in the second part of this paper. The governing (nonlinear) Liouville equation is derived therein, and it is shown that it can be reduced to an ordinary differential equation of third order involving only a single free parameter, denoted by β. This equation has now been solved numerically to determine the limiting value of the mean free parth as a function of β, and the results are presented in graphical form. In the third part of this paper prospects for further developments are briefly discussed.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF AN ANEURYSM OF THE RIGHT ATRIUM

Congenital aneurysm of the right atrium was diagnosed in a 17-week fetus. It appeared as an outward bulge of the right atrium which doubled its size. The aneurysm was akinetic. Flow across the atrioventricular valves appeared unobstructed. The fetus had no evidence of cardiac failure. The patient elected to terminate the pregnancy. Autopsy results were confirmatory.
Modelling the environmental distribution of nonpolar organic compounds: The influence of dissolved organic carbon in overlying and interstitial water

Abstract The partitioning of nonpolar compounds among sediment solids, interstitial water, and dissolved organic carbon in overlying and interstitial waters of an aquatic system was studied using column equilibration techniques. The equilibrium distribution relationships for these environmental compartments were incorporated into the equilibrium partitioning model, CEPAC, developed by McCall et al. (1983).
Dehydration and Hydration Ktnetics, Phase Change, Solubility and Dissolution Behavior of Fenoprofen Calcium

AbstractThe role of water of hydration on the crystal structure, the solubility and the rate of dissolution of fenoprofen calcium dihydrate was examined. The rate of dehydration of fenoprofen calcium dihydrate at 0% relative humidity (R.H.) increased from 0.0400 to 0.7488 fraction dehydratedhour over a temperature range of 50°C to 80 °C and appeared to occur by a combination of diffusion and nucleation processes. The enthalpy of dehydration was 21.897 kcal/mole. Hydration of dehydrated fenoprofen calcium occurred rapidly at 100% R.H. X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed that the upon dehydration fenoprofen calcium dihydrate underwent a change in its crystal structure to form anhydrous fenoprofen calcium. The rate of dissolution of fenoprofen calcium dihydrate tablets at 37°C was not significantly different than that of tablets containing anhydrous fenoprofen. The enthalpies of solution (δHsol) of fenoprofen calcium dihydrate and anhydrous fenoprofen calcium were 2.0504 and 3.5583 kcaYmole respectively...
Federalism in the 2000 Presidential Election

Federalism was not an explicitly prominent feature of the 2000 presidential election, but it exerted significant influence in shaping the political landscape as well as the candidates' positions on the role and purposes of the federal government. America's federal system created powerful undercurrents that influenced the selection of the two majorpresidential candidates, the campaign issues, and the candidates' messages. At the same time, George W Bush and Albert Gore differed considerably in their answers to how the United States'federal system should function and the objectives it should seek. Bush favored a federal government that promotes economic opportunity through a marketplace and allows state and local governments to determine their own moral and policy objectives. Gore preferred a national commonwealth, where the federal government determines the moral objectives and the states cooperate to achieve those objectives.
Integrating diabetes self-management with the health goals of older adults: a qualitative exploration.

Objective This study investigates the life and health goals of older adults with diabetes, and explores the factors that influence their diabetes self-management.
FGF-2, NGF and IGF-1, but not BDNF, utilize a nitric oxide pathway to signal neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects against alcohol toxicity in cerebellar granule cell cultures

Neuronal death is a prominent neuropathological component of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Identification of molecular agents and pathways that can ameliorate alcohol-induced cell loss offers possible therapeutic strategies for FAS and potential insight into its pathogenesis. This study investigated the effects of growth factors on cellular survival in alcohol-exposed cerebellar granule cell (CGC) cultures and examined the role of the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP-PKG (cGMP-dependent protein kinase) pathway in the cell survival-promoting effects of these growth factors. Primary CGC cultures were exposed to 0 or 400 mg/dl ethanol, accompanied by either no growth factor or 30 ng/ml fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), nerve growth factor (NGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF). Viable neurons were quantified after 1 day of exposure. Two distinct types of cell survival-promoting effects of growth factors were detectable: (1) a neurotrophic effect, in which the growth factors diminished the background death of neurons that occurred in alcohol-free cultures; and (2) a neuroprotective effect, in which the growth factors diminished alcohol-induced cell death. The various growth factors differed markedly in their patterns of cell survival promotion. While BDNF and FGF-2 exerted both a neurotrophic and a neuroprotective effect, IGF-1 had only a neurotrophic effect and did not protect against alcohol toxicity, and NGF had only a neuroprotective effect and did not diminish background cell death. EGF had neither a neurotrophic nor a neuroprotective effect. In order to determine the role of the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway in the cell survival-promoting effects mediated by growth factors, cultures were exposed to one of several pharmacological inhibitors of the pathway, including NAME, LY83583 and PKG inhibitor. The cell survival-promoting effects of FGF-2, NGF and IGF-1 were all substantially reduced by each of the pathway inhibitors. In contrast, neither the neurotrophic nor the neuroprotective effects of BDNF were altered by any of the pathway inhibitors. Thus, growth factors differ in their patterns of neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, and they differ in their reliance on the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway. While FGF-2, NGF and IGF-1 all signal their survival-promoting effects through the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway, BDNF does not rely upon this pathway for signal transduction in CGC cultures.
Convalescence and Implications for Nursing Research

Much has been written about the rehabilitation of individuals who experience major illnesses such as heart attack, stroke, burns, cancer and traumatic injury; yet little is known about their experience of convalescence. Seldom does a convalescent experience affect only ill or injured individuals. Rather the experience also affects the lives of those other persons with whom thy are involved. Through an analysis of the illness attributes of identity, causalty, duration and consequence, this paper explores the experience of convalescence after a life-threatening illness. The crisis and chronic aspects of convalescence are compared and contrasted, and the problem subsets for future nursing research on the experience of convalescence are proposed.
Nanostructured Layered Copper Hydroxy Dodecyl Sulfate: A Potential Fire Retardant for Poly(vinyl Ester) (PVE)

Abstract Composites of poly(vinyl ester) (PVE) with copper hydroxy dodecyl sulfate (CHDS) were prepared by thermal curing. The efficiency of the additive, CHDS, in reducing flammability is demonstrated via cone calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The addition of 1–10% by mass of the CHDS additive resulted in significant increments in char formation (∼4–11%) from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Incorporation of the CHDS into the polymer matrix at these low concentrations leads to substantial reductions in the total heat release (∼20–30%) but no significant change in the peak heat release rate. The composite materials generally ignite more quickly, however, the flame extinguishes faster for the composites relative to the virgin polymer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopic analyses of the residues collected at various stages during thermal decomposition of the composites, suggest the participation of copper-containing species in promoting enhanced thermal stability of PVE.
Premalignant Lesions as Targets for Cancer Vaccines

The job of the immune system is to respond to signals released by tissues that are being destroyed by foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, and to destroy the invaders. These signals have been termed “danger” signals ([1][1]). Destruction of tissues by uncontrolled cell growth
Wiretap channel type II with an active eavesdropper

The wiretap channel type II with an active eavesdropper is considered in this paper. Compared with the eavesdropper model considered in much of the literature, the eavesdropper considered here can not only overhear but also modify the signal transmitted over the channel. Two modification models are considered. In the first model, the eavesdropper erases the bits it observes. In the second model, the eavesdropper modifies the bits it observes. For this channel with memory (introduced by the activity of the eavesdropper), one should conduct the worst case scenario analysis. Novel concatenated coding schemes that provide perfect security for the communications are developed for both models to give bounds on the achievable secrecy rate. The technique to modify the inner code to maintain the secrecy properties of the outer code may be of independent interest.
High-speed, low-threshold InGaAsP semi-insulating buried crescent lasers with 22 GHz bandwidth

The authors have fabricated high-speed, low-threshold 1.3 mu m InGaAsP semi-insulating buried crescent lasers with a CW 3 dB modulation bandwidth of 22 GHz and a threshold current as low as 6.5 mA at room temperature. This is the highest 3 dB modulation bandwidth ever reported for the planar-type semiconductor laser. These results were achieved by implementing a submicron photolithographic process in the channel etching to reduce the cavity width and a polyimide dielectric layer under the bonding pad area to minimize the electrical parasitics. >
State Capitalism versus Communism: What Happened in the USSR and the PRC?

Since 1917 analysts have debated what kind of economic system existed in the USSR and the PRC. They mostly juxtaposed `socialism' there to `capitalism' in Western Europe and the USA. The two sides ...
Cdc42-Dependent Activation of NADPH Oxidase Is Involved in Ethanol-Induced Neuronal Oxidative Stress

It has been suggested that excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress play an important role in ethanol-induced damage to both the developing and mature central nervous system (CNS). The mechanisms underlying ethanol-induced neuronal ROS, however, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of NADPH oxidase (NOX) in ethanol-induced ROS generation. We demonstrated that ethanol activated NOX and inhibition of NOX reduced ethanol-promoted ROS generation. Ethanol significantly increased the expression of p47(phox) and p67(phox), the essential subunits for NOX activation in cultured neuronal cells and the cerebral cortex of infant mice. Ethanol caused serine phosphorylation and membrane translocation of p47(phox) and p67(phox), which were prerequisites for NOX assembly and activation. Knocking down p47(phox) with the small interfering RNA was sufficient to attenuate ethanol-induced ROS production and ameliorate ethanol-mediated oxidative damage, which is indicated by a decrease in protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. Ethanol activated cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) and overexpression of a dominant negative (DN) Cdc42 abrogate ethanol-induced NOX activation and ROS generation. These results suggest that Cdc42-dependent NOX activation mediates ethanol-induced oxidative damages to neurons.
SEDA: an architecture for well-conditioned, scalable internet services

We propose a new design for highly concurrent Internet services, which we call the staged event-driven architecture (SEDA). SEDA is intended to support massive concurrency demands and simplify the construction of well-conditioned services. In SEDA, applications consist of a network of event-driven stages connected by explicit queues. This architecture allows services to be well-conditioned to load, preventing resources from being overcommitted when demand exceeds service capacity. SEDA makes use of a set of dynamic resource controllers to keep stages within their operating regime despite large fluctuations in load. We describe several control mechanisms for automatic tuning and load conditioning, including thread pool sizing, event batching, and adaptive load shedding. We present the SEDA design and an implementation of an Internet services platform based on this architecture. We evaluate the use of SEDA through two applications: a high-performance HTTP server and a packet router for the Gnutella peer-to-peer file sharing network. These results show that SEDA applications exhibit higher performance than traditional service designs, and are robust to huge variations in load.
Functional and Evolutionary Insights into Human Brain Development through Global Transcriptome Analysis

Our understanding of the evolution, formation, and pathological disruption of human brain circuits is impeded by a lack of comprehensive data on the developing brain transcriptome. A whole-genome, exon-level expression analysis of 13 regions from left and right sides of the mid-fetal human brain revealed that 76% of genes are expressed, and 44% of these are differentially regulated. These data reveal a large number of specific gene expression and alternative splicing patterns, as well as coexpression networks, associated with distinct regions and neurodevelopmental processes. Of particular relevance to cognitive specializations, we have characterized the transcriptional landscapes of prefrontal cortex and perisylvian speech and language areas, which exhibit a population-level global expression symmetry. We show that differentially expressed genes are more frequently associated with human-specific evolution of putative cis-regulatory elements. These data provide a wealth of biological insights into the complex transcriptional and molecular underpinnings of human brain development and evolution.
An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Chemical Shielding Tensors of 13Cα of Alanine, Valine, and Leucine Residues in Solid Peptides and in Proteins in Solution

We have carried out a solid-state magic-angle sample-spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic investigation of the (13)C(alpha) chemical shielding tensors of alanine, valine, and leucine residues in a series of crystalline peptides of known structure. For alanine and leucine, which are not branched at the beta-carbon, the experimental chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) spans (Omega) are large, about 30 ppm, independent of whether the residues adopt helical or sheet geometries, and are in generally good accord with Omega values calculated by using ab initio Hartree-Fock quantum chemical methods. The experimental Omegas for valine C(alpha) in two peptides (in sheet geometries) are also large and in good agreement with theoretical predictions. In contrast, the "CSAs" (Deltasigma) obtained from solution NMR data for alanine, valine, and leucine residues in proteins show major differences, with helical residues having Deltasigma values of approximately 6 ppm while sheet residues have Deltasigma approximately 27 ppm. The origins of these differences are shown to be due to the different definitions of the CSA. When defined in terms of the solution NMR CSA, the solid-state results also show small helical but large sheet CSA values. These results are of interest since they lead to the idea that only the beta-branched amino acids threonine, valine, and isoleucine can have small (static) tensor spans, Omega (in helical geometries), and that the small helical "CSAs" seen in solution NMR are overwhelmingly dominated by changes in tensor orientation, from sheet to helix. These results have important implications for solid-state NMR structural studies which utilize the CSA span, Omega, to differentiate between helical and sheet residues. Specifically, there will be only a small degree of spectral editing possible in solid proteins since the spans, Omega, for the dominant nonbranched amino acids are quite similar. Editing on the basis of Omega will, however, be very effective for many Thr, Val, and Ileu residues, which frequently have small ( approximately 15-20 ppm) helical CSA (Omega) spans.
Effects Of New Drugs On Overall Health Spending: Frank Lichtenberg Responds

When the model I estimated in 2002 is modified in all of the ways advocated by Yuting Zhang and Stephen Soumerai, it still implies that in general, using newer drugs reduces nondrug costs more than it increases drug costs. Moreover, some of Zhang and Soumerai's modifications might be inappropriate, and they did not make a necessary adjustment that implies that the true cost offset is considerably larger than their estimate. Their description of my methodology is quite inaccurate, and they ignored some previous evidence of large cost offsets based on an entirely different methodology (analysis of longitudinal group-level data) not subject to their critique.
A role for a novel centrosome cycle in asymmetric cell division

Tissue stem cells play a key role in tissue maintenance. Drosophila melanogaster central brain neuroblasts are excellent models for stem cell asymmetric division. Earlier work showed that their mitotic spindle orientation is established before spindle formation. We investigated the mechanism by which this occurs, revealing a novel centrosome cycle. In interphase, the two centrioles separate, but only one is active, retaining pericentriolar material and forming a “dominant centrosome.” This centrosome acts as a microtubule organizing center (MTOC) and remains stationary, forming one pole of the future spindle. The second centriole is inactive and moves to the opposite side of the cell before being activated as a centrosome/MTOC. This is accompanied by asymmetric localization of Polo kinase, a key centrosome regulator. Disruption of centrosomes disrupts the high fidelity of asymmetric division. We propose a two-step mechanism to ensure faithful spindle positioning: the novel centrosome cycle produces a single interphase MTOC, coarsely aligning the spindle, and spindle–cortex interactions refine this alignment.
A physical layeer implementation for a twisted pair home automation system

The authors present the design and implementation of the consumer electronic bus (CEBus) physical layer for the twisted pair medium. They cover the development of the two sublayers that make up the physical layer: the symbol encoding (SE) sublayer and the medium-dependent physical (MDP) sublayer. A circuit prototype was built for a twisted pair network. It can also be utilized to implement and verify the CEBus control channel signaling schemes on the various specified communication media. The circuit was realized by using discrete components and was easily implemented on a VLSI circuit. The SE sublayer base clock may be scaled to adapt the SE sublayer to various data signaling rates. A digital signaling scheme that results in a simple transceiver implementation was adopted. >
Dysfunction of prejunctional muscarinic M2 receptors: role of environmental factors

Asthma is characterized by periods of quiescence interrupted by exacerbations. As many as 20% of patients with asthma require hospitalization at some point for these exacerbations.
REGULATED NUCLEAR POLYADENYLATION OF XENOPUS ALBUMIN PRE-MRNA

Cytoplasmic regulation of the length of poly(A) on mRNA is a well-characterized process involved in translational control during development. In contrast, there is no direct in vivo evidence for regulation of the length of poly(A) added during nuclear pre-mRNA processing in somatic cells. We previously reported that Xenopus serum albumin [Schoenberg et al. (1989) Mol. Endocrinol. 3, 805-815] and transferrin [Pastori et al. (1992) J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 42, 649-657], mRNA have exceptionally short poly(A) tails ranging from 12 to 17 residues, whereas vitellogenin mRNA has long poly(A). An RT-PCR protocol was adapted to determine the length of poly(A) added onto pre-mRNA, defined here as that species bearing the terminal intron. Using this assay we show that vitellogenin pre-mRNA has the same long poly(A) tail as mature vitellogenin mRNA. In contrast, albumin pre-mRNA has the same short poly(A) as found on fully-processed albumin mRNA. These results indicate that the short poly(A) tail on albumin mRNA results from regulation of poly(A) addition during nuclear 3' processing.
Particle Acceleration at Near-perpendicular Shocks: The Role of Field-line Topology

Particle acceleration at two-dimensional (2D) shocks can significantly differ from our expectations based on one-dimensional shocks. We discuss several features of 2D shocks. First, we present a simple example of diffusive acceleration to demonstrate that (1) "hot spots" and cold regions can be expected along the shock face, as the field-line configuration changes along the shock face, (2) the flux of accelerated particles (even the average flux) can be expected to increase beyond the shock, and (3) 2D structures may lead to a softening of the spectrum. We also address quasi-perpendicular shocks and discuss what happens when a field line is hit by a curved shock or is detaching from a shock. This mechanism is of interest on both large and small scales. We consider pure field-aligned transport and address both the diffusive (large scale) and scatter-free (small scale) cases, looking from the perspective of one field line. We find that quasi-trapping of particles in front of the shock can lead to rapid and effective acceleration via multiple mirroring on the ever faster moving shock. This mechanism may be of importance at various astrophysical, heliospheric, and coronal mass ejection driven shocks.
Pregnancy in female house mice exposed to urinary chemosignals from other females

Seven experiments were performed to investigate pregnancy termination, urinary chemosignals, and litter sex ratio variation in female house mice. Experiments tested the effects of urine from adult and prepubertal females, housed individually or in groups, on successful insemination and litter production by females treated at different times and for different periods during the 3 weeks before mating and during gestation. Treatment of females with urine from adult females housed eight per cage or with urine pooled from eight adult females housed individually for 2 or 3 weeks before mating resulted in fewer successful pregnancies and significantly more female-biased litters. Treatment with urine from adult or prepubertal females housed eight per cage or with urine pooled from eight mice housed individually for the first 6 days of gestation or throughout pregnancy resulted in a significant increase in the rate of pregnancy termination. These treatments resulted in lower body weights at birth and slower growth rates in all males and in some females. Puberty was delayed in female progeny from urine-treated dams in five of seven experiments, and these young females attained first oestrus at greater mean body weights than mice in other treatments. These findings indicate that, in mice, at high population density, communication via a urinary chemosignal can alter reproduction in recipient females. Availability of, and competition for, resources such as food would be greater at higher densities, possibly lowering the probability of reproductive success. Pregnancy termination and delays in reproduction and attainment of sexual maturity might lead to greater successful reproduction at a later time.
Direct visual instillation as a method for efficient delivery of fluid into the distal airspaces of anesthetized mice

Although several methods have been used to deliver fluid into the distal airspaces of the lung, the efficiency of these methods has been variable. Therefore, the authors have modified prior techniq...
Comparison of satellite measured temperatures using Terra ASTER and Landsat ETM+ data

The at-sensor brightness temperatures measured by Terra ASTER and Landsat ETM+ and the surface temperature of ASTER were compared to one another in the study. The study area is located along the east coast from southern Virginia to the north of North Carolina, USA. Data sources consist of two adjacent pairs ASTER and ETM+ scenes, both acquired on the same day. All data were first converted to the physical temperature in degrees C, together with other necessary preprocesses before comparison. Results indicate that minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation of the at-sensor temperatures of these two sensors are very similar. Strong linear correlations (R2>0.99) were found between surface temperature and mean at-sensor brightness temperature for ASTER. However, inter-sensor comparison of measured temperatures, though overall still showing high correlation with R2 values between 0.85 and 0.95, presents regular vertical columns in each scatter plot, and the variation range reached by these columns could be up to 10degC or more, which indicates that for different locations the temperatures measured by ETM+ may be the same but the corresponding temperatures measured by ASTER may vary by up to 10degC or more. This may suggest that there is some poor performance in Landsat-7 band 6 and warrants caution in applications when Landsat ETM+ thermal imagery is involved
Acute Thymic Involution in Unexplained Third Trimester Stillbirth: Frequency, Grade, and Correlation with Neuropathologic Injury:

ABSTRACT Many 3rd-trimester stillbirths are unexplained, including the time course of the illness. Histologic acute thymic involution (ATI), when graded, correlates with duration of acute illness (grade 0, 72 hours). Histologic brain injury is also common in stillbirth. We investigated ATI in unexplained stillbirth and correlated it with neuropathologic injury by identifying 58 autopsies of unexplained, 3rd-trimester stillborns (preterm, n = 24; term, n = 34) that included brain examination and graded ATI from 0 (resting state) to 4 (pronounced lymphodepletion). Gray matter injury (GMI) and white matter injury (WMI) were classified as older, recent, or absent, and ATI was correlated with GMI, WMI, thymic weight, and clinical data. Nine cases (16%) had ATI grade 0–1; 19 (33%), grade 2; 24 (41%), grade 3; and 6 (10%), grade 4. Older GMI and WMI were present in 39 (67%) and 10 (17%) stillborns, respectively. Higher ATI grade correlated significantly with older GMI (P < 0.001) and WMI...
From the Freak Show to the Living Room: Cultural Representations of Dwarfism and Obesity1

This article examines how cultural representations of deviant bodies vary based on historically informed narratives of bodily stigma. Using content analysis of 40 episodes of reality television programming, I contrast cultural representations of dwarfism and obesity. Over time, dwarfism became constructed as an identity project with the aim of bodily acceptance, whereas obesity became regarded as a body project with the goal of body transformation through weight loss. The mostly positive historical characterizations of dwarfs allowed them to easily adopt the tenets of the disability rights movement as they evolved from freak show performances to television as an educational platform. They have adopted a social model of disability, positive social identity, self-acceptance, and full social participation. By contrast, the past and contemporary representations of obesity have been overwhelmingly negative. Obese freak show performers were openly mocked, and classifying obesity as a disability has not yet gained traction as a civil rights movement. Instead, obesity is viewed through the lens of individual responsibility and limits of social participation are emphasized. Body modification through weight loss constructs an identity based on self-change. Generally, this article suggests that cultural representations as de-stigmatization projects are enabled or constrained by historical factors and the nature of the bodily stigma.