cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolism of Exogenous Steroids by Anuran Larvae

Uptake and metabolism of exogenous steroids [testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and corticosterone (B)] were examined in anuran larvae. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) of steroids dissolved in water revealed that as much as 0.03 mg of T or E2 were cleared from water by a single Xenopus laevis tadpole in 24 hr. Studies using RIA in combination with counting of total [3H]steroids suggested that clearance was mainly due to metabolism and not to uptake and storage by the tadpole. Thin-layer chromatography and HPLC analysis confirmed metabolism and revealed that T was metabolized to at least three ether-extractable compounds as well as to water soluble compounds (nonextractable in ether) by nine anuran species, representing eight families. Most species metabolized E2 to nonextractable compounds, but some produced organic metabolites. In contrast, B was not taken up, cleared, or metabolized by any of the nine species. Studies in X. laevis using [3H]T and radioinert T in the same container confirmed that the decrease in radioimmunoassayable T was due to metabolism as determined by TLC. In a separate study, [3H]T was metabolized more extensively when injected directly into the tadpole than when dissolved in water. Additional studies with X. laevis revealed that steroids were also metabolized in tadpole-conditioned water (water exposed to tadpoles), but the metabolites produced represented < 10% of those produced when tadpoles were present. This metabolism was confined to particulate matter from the gut of tadpoles. Metabolites extracted from tadpoles were similar to metabolites found in the water.
Testing of the multi-application small light water reactor (MASLWR) passive safety systems

Experimental thermal hydraulic research has been conducted at Oregon State University for the purpose of assessing the performance of a new reactor design concept, the multi-application small light water reactor (MASLWR). The MASLWR is a pressurized light water reactor design with a net output of 35 MWe that uses natural circulation in both normal and transient operation. Due to its small size, portability and modularity, the MASLWR design is well suited to help fill the potential need for grid appropriate reactor designs for smaller electricity grids as may be found in developing or remote regions. The purpose of the OSU MASLWR test facility is to assess the operation of the MASLWR under normal full operating pressure and full temperature conditions and to assess the passive safety systems under transient conditions. The data generated by the testing program will be used to assess computer code calculations and to provide a better understanding of the thermal-hydraulic phenomena in the design of the MASLWR NSSS. During this testing program, four tests were conducted at the OSU MASLWR test facility. These tests included one design basis accident and one beyond design basis accident. During the performance of these tests, plant operations to include start up, normal operation and shut down evolutions were demonstrated successfully.
Speech Communication and the Language Arts.

Abstract As speech communication instruction is offered in an increasing number of secondary schools, academic courses are changing to include study of a broader spectrum of communication behavior. Paralleling this transition is increased concern among language arts educators for students’ personal and intellectual development through talk and drama. This article describes each of these developments and suggests an expanded role of speech communication in the secondary school curriculum through a blending of both movements.
Comparison of supercritical and conventional wing flutter characteristics

A wind-tunnel study is described in which it was attempted to compare the measured flutter boundaries of two dynamically similar aeroelastic models with identical planform, maximum thickness-to-chord ratio, and as nearly identical stiffness and mass distributions as possible, but with one wing having a supercritical airfoil and the other a conventional one. At subsonic Mach numbers, the flutter boundary for the supercritical wing was above that of the conventional wing, as predicted by flutter calculations using subsonic lifting theory. In the transonic region, however, the supercritical wing boundary decreases more rapidly and the minimum flutter point occurs at a dynamic pressure below the conventional wing boundary. Airfoil shape effects may account for some of the difference in the flutter boundaries of the two airfoils.
Temporal left atrial lesion formation after ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to induce thermal damage to the left atrium (LA) in an attempt to isolate AF circuits. This injury can be seen using delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI). Objective The purpose of this study was to describe DE-MRI findings of the LA in the acute and chronic stages postablation. Methods Twenty-five patients were scanned at two time points postablation. The first group (n = 10) underwent DE-MRI at 24 hours and at 3 months. The second group (n = 16) was scanned at 3 months and at 6 or 9 months. One patient had three scans (24 hours, 3 months, 9 months) and was included in both groups. The location and extent of enhancement were then analyzed between both groups. Results The median change in LA wall injury between 24 hours and 3 months was −6.38% (range −11.7% to 12.58%). The median change in LA wall injury between 3 months and later follow-up was +2.0% (range −4.0% to 6.58%). There appears to be little relationship between the enhancement at 24 hours and 3 months (R 2 = 0.004). In contrast, a strong correlation is seen at 3 months and later follow-up (R 2 = 0.966). Qualitative comparison revealed a stronger qualitative relationship between MRI findings at 3 months and later follow-up than at 24 hours and 3 months. Conclusion RF-induced scar appears to have formed by 3 months postablation. At 24 hours postablation, DE-MRI enhancement appears consistent with a transient inflammatory response rather than stable LA scar formation.
Abstract 2209: Downregulation of LKB1 in high-grade endometrial carcinoma

Objective: LKB1/STK11 encodes a serine/threonine kinase that regulates cell polarity, proliferation and energy metabolism via the AMPK signaling pathway. Germline mutations of LKB1 are responsible for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, which is characterized by hamartomatous polyps and increased incidence of several cancers. It has been demonstrated that LKB1 null mice develop invasive endometrial cancer. Our lab has previously shown that 5 of 26 (19%) of human endometrial cancers exhibited loss of LKB1 protein by Western blot analysis. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of LKB1 in a larger set of endometrial cancers and to determine if mutations in LKB1 occur in these tumors. Methods: LKB1 protein levels were evaluated in 20 normal endometrial tissues, 17 Grade 1, 24 Grade 2, and 28 Grade 3 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemical staining. Laser-capture microdissection (LCM) was used to isolate RNA from 22 Grade 1, 21 Grade 2 and 23 Grade 3 fresh frozen endometrioid endometrial tissues; and LKB1 mRNA expression levels in microdissected tumor samples were quantified by TaqMan quantitative PCR. Direct genomic DNA sequencing of LKB1 coding exons were performed on 20 microdissected high-grade tumors. Results: While no significant difference in LKB1 expression was observed between normal endometrium, Grade 1 and 2 endometrial tumors, LKB1 staining was significantly lower in Grade 3 tumors when compared with normal endometrium (P Conclusion: Our findings of decreased expression of LKB1 in high-grade endometrial cancers supports the hypothesis that loss of LKB1 may contribute to the development of high-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer. We are currently evaluating the mechanisms by which LKB1 levels are regulated in endometrial cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2209. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2209
Characterization of solubilized prolactin receptors from Rana catesbeiana tadpole tissues

Abstract Prolactin (PRL) receptors were solubilized from Rana catesbeiana tadpole liver and tail fin and female Sprague-Dawley rat-liver membranes by treatment with 1% Triton X-100. Binding of [ 125 I]oPRL to tadpole-liver and tail-fin and rat-liver solubilized extracts reached equilibrium by 12 h at 19°C. The binding was linear up to 50 Mg of tadpole liver and tail-fin protein and 30–40 Mg of rat-liver protein. Solubilization did not affect the dissociation constant for [ 125 I]-oPRL binding but did result in a greater number of sites. The binding was specific for oPRL and hGH, which has PRL-like activity. Neuraminidase pretreatment of membranes altered the binding affinity of oPRL to tadpole-liver membranes and solubilized extracts but not to tadpole-tail fin membranes or extracts. Pretreatment of membranes with neuraminidase did not affect the binding capacity of tadpole-liver or tail-fin membranes or solubilized extracts.
The ‘Religious District’ of Elite Congregations: Reproducing Spatial Centrality and Redefining Mission

Elite congregations in urban areas form a religious district, a socially constructed religious space, that reproduces yet continually redefines the meaning of that space. I apply insights from urban ecology, the new urban geography, and 'agency' theory to examine how congregations in a religious district are shaped by their geographic, cultural, and social contexts. Yet, partly through the changing social geography and partly through the conflicts and struggles of daily congregational life, a new ecological mix emerges that is both anchored in the structures of denominational and urban history of this particular social and geographic environment, but also impressed by creative human actors. Finally, I examine how congregations use the continually evolving religious district to support their mission
Bibliotherapy: The therapeutic use of books for women

Bibliotherapy is the use of literature to help heal. It can be an effective intervention for nurse-midwives to use with clients. Presented is a discussion of how to do bibliotherapy and an annotated bibliography of resources.
Triazolam pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in Caucasians and Southern Asians: ethnicity and CYP3A activity

A threefold higher area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC) of nifedipine, a substrate of cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A), has been shown in Southern Asians when compared with Caucasians. To determine if these differences are specific to nifedipine or apply to other substrates of CYP3A, we examined the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of 0.375 mg triazolam, another substrate of CYP3A, in eight healthy Caucasians and eight healthy Southern Asians in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. When compared with Caucasians, Southern Asians achieved higher maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) (8.0 +/- 2.6 vs 4.8 +/- 1.9 ng ml-1; the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the mean difference was 0.76 to 5.7; P < 0.01) and had a shorter time to reach maximal concentration (tmax) (45 min (range 30-75) vs 90 min (range 60-145); the 95% CI of the mean difference was -69 to -20; P < 0.002). Triazolam AUC, clearance and partial metabolic clearance did not differ significantly between Southern Asians and Caucasians. Significant differences were found in postural sway after triazolam when compared with placebo in both Caucasians (double stance: eyes open (DSEO): 172.9 +/- 82.9 vs 1138.9 +/- 1182.4; the 95% CI of the mean difference was -1897.2 to -34.4; P < 0.04; and Southern Asians (DSEO: 216.2 +/- 80.9 vs 1086.0 +/- 827.1; the 95% CI of the mean difference was -1564.2 to -175.6; P = 0.02; double stance: eyes closed (DSEC): 207.5 +/- 89.8 vs 1156.9 +/- 932.1; the 95% CI of the mean difference was -1718.5 to -178.5; P = 0.02; with no significant difference between the two ethnic groups. These results suggest that the large inter-ethnic difference in nifedipine clearance are not generalizable to all CYP3A4 substrates.
A theory of amorphous viscoelastic solids undergoing finite deformations with application to hydrogels

Abstract We consider a hydrogel in the framework of a continuum theory for the viscoelastic deformation of amorphous solids developed by Anand and Gurtin [Anand, L., Gurtin, M., 2003. A theory of amorphous solids undergoing large deformations, with application to polymeric glasses. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 40, 1465–1487.] and based on (i) a system of microforces consistent with a microforce balance, (ii) a mechanical version of the second law of thermodynamics and (iii) a constitutive theory that allows the free energy to depend on inelastic strain and the microstress to depend on inelastic strain rate. We adopt a particular (neo-Hookean) form for the free energy and restrict kinematics to one dimension, yielding a classical problem of expansion of a thick-walled cylinder. Considering both Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions, we arrive at stress relaxation and creep problems, respectively, which we consider, in turn, locally, at a point, and globally, over the interval. We implement the resulting equations in a finite element code, show analytical and/or numerical solutions to some representative problems, and obtain viscoelastic response, in qualitative agreement with experiment.
Antibody responses to sheep erythrocytes for White Leghorn chickens differing in haplotypes of the major histocompatibility complex (B).

Summary. Lines of White Leghorn chickens were developed by selection for high (HA) or low (LA) antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and then backcrossed to provide individuals segregating for haplotypes B13 and B21 of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) within each selected line. Although antibody response to SRBC was consistently higher in background genome HA than LA, there was a significant interaction between background genome and MHC haplotypes. The interaction resulted from higher antibody response in B13/B21 individuals of line HA and in B21/B21 individuals of line LA. Thus, response to SRBC was dependent on particular haplotype combinations present at the MHC as well as the background genome in which they were expressed.
An increase in the field emission from vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes caused by NH3 plasma treatment

Abstract We modified vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) grown on a Cu substrate by NH 3 direct current plasma treatment for varying durations and investigated their microstructure and field emission properties. A great improvement on the field emission properties of the MWCNTs was obtained after the plasma treatment. Specifically, the MWCNTs after 1.0 min plasma treatment demonstrated the best field emission performance with the field enhancement factor increasing from 319 to 546, the turn-on electric field decreasing from 11.93 to 8.84 V/μm, and the highest emission current reaching 0.85 mA, as compared to the untreated sample. The improvement was attributed to the morphology change: the tapered structure of the MWCNTs generated by the plasma etching and the increased inter-tip distance due to the cluster structure of the thin tips. The open-ended tips and the increased structural defects introduced by NH 3 plasma also played a role in the enhancement of field emission properties of the MWCNTs.
Measurement of the Energy and x Dependence of the y Distributions in Antineutrino Interactions

Analysis of 5180 $\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ interactions shows a variation with energy of the inelasticity ($y$) distributions over the range 10 to 220 GeV and a dependence on the scaling variable $x$. From these data are obtained the approximate $x$ dependence of the sea quarks and a limit on the strength of right-handed coupling between the $u$ quark and a massive $b$ quark.
Borg: a hybrid protocol for scalable application-level multicast in peer-to-peer networks

Multicast avoids sending repeated packets over the same network links and thus offers the promise of supporting multimedia streaming over wide-area networks. Previously, two opposite multicast schemes -- forward-path forwarding and reverse-path forwarding -- have been proposed on top of structured peer-to-peer (p2p) overlay networks. This paper presents Borg, a new scalable application-level multicast system built on top of p2p overlay networks. Borg is a hybrid protocol that exploits the asymmetry in p2p routing and leverages the reverse-path multicast scheme for its low link stress on the physical networks. Borg has been implemented on top of Pastry, a generic, structured p2p routing substrate. Simulation results based on a realistic network topology model shows that Borg induces significantly lower routing delay penalty than both forward-path and reverse-path multicast schemes while retaining the low link stress of the reverse-path multicast scheme.
Concurrent interstate conflict simulations: Testing the effects of the serial assumption

The interstate conflict simulation model of Bremer and Mihalka, as extended by Cusack and Stoll, is reimplemented in a massively parallel computational environment. By observing the impact of controlling parameters upon pluralism in simulated state systems, Cusack and Stoll investigate the consequences of competing propositions of the realist school of international relations theory. The simulation method avoids reliance on the highly unrealistic simplifying assumptions characteristic of deductive assessments of realism. However, their simulation model relies on the serial assumption: that only one conflict can occur at one time. The massively parallel implementation removes this assumption, simulating multiple conflicts concurrently. While some minor differences across the serial and parallel implementations are observed at the system level, sharper differences appear in the survival probabilities of states adopting particular styles of decisionmaking. Additionally, relaxation of the Cusack-Stoll assumption that states misperceive others' capabilities at a constant rate of error produces substantial effects at the level of system endurance.
Orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy using a combined endoscopic and Caldwell-Luc approach

Graves' ophthalmopathy can lead to severe proptosis, corneal ulceration, optic nerve compression, and blindness. Immediate surgical intervention provides relief of symptoms and sequelae with minimal morbidity. The optimal surgical approach is through a combined endoscopic and Caldwell-Luc technique. This approach offers the advantage of excellent visualization posteriorly, at the apex, without increased bleeding or worsening of vision, or diplopia. We describe the management of severe Graves' orbitopathy using this approach.
The role of Holter monitoring in detecting digitalis-provoked arrhythmias.

Certain arrhythmias detected on the electrocardiogram are considered to be reliable indicators of digitalis intoxication. We have evaluated the incidence of these arrhythmias on 24-hour electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter monitoring) in 69 consecutive patients who had serum levels of digoxin determined within 24 hours of the onset of continuous electrocardiographic monitoring. According to the serum level of digoxin, the patients were divided into the following three groups: (1) group 1 had 0 to 1.0 ng/ml (31 patients); (2) group 2 had 1.1 to 2.0 ng/ml (27 patients); and group 3 had ≥ 2.1 ng/ml (11 patients). The following arrhythmias were considered to reflect digitalis-provoked arrhythmias: (1) persistent sinus bradycardia or sinus pauses (or both); (2) atrioventricular block; (3) paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with block; (4) accelerated junctional rhythm; (5) complex ventricular arrhythmias (multifocal ventricular premature beats, bigeminy and trigeminy, and pairs); and (6) ventricular tachycardia. There was no significant difference in the incidence of these six categories of arrhythmias among the three groups. In addition, there was no significant difference in the mean serum level of digoxin for patients with and without the arrhythmia within each category. Ten of the 69 patients had combinations of three of the so-called digitalis-provoked arrhythmias, with incidences among the three groups showing no significant differences. In conclusion, rhythms considered to be potentially due to digitalis intoxication are frequently observed in hospitalized patients undergoing 24-hour electrocardiographic monitoring, are frequently unrelated to the serum level of digoxin, and appear unlikely to reflect true digitalis intoxication in many of these patients.
Injury or activity-related pain sustained by a population of at-risk women during a 6-month exercise program.

AbstractBackground: Exercise provides numerous cardiovascular (CV) benefits to women; however, identifying women who are likely to sustain musculoskeletal injury or discomfort is important when tailoring exercise activities. Purpose: To evaluate factors associated with the incidence of injury in women at risk for CV disease (CVD) during their participation in a structured exercise intervention for primary CVD prevention. Study Design: Retrospective comparative study. Methods: Baseline anthropometric measures, CV efficiency (via standardized submaximal treadmill testing), and questionnaire-based assessments of functional capacity (Duke Activity Status Index [DASI]), daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire) were compared between participants sustaining an injury or experiencing persistent pain, regardless of cause, with those reporting no such events. Results: Of 117 women enrolled in the study, 27 (23%) experienced an injury or activity-related mus...
Thy-1 Attenuates TNF-α-Activated Gene Expression in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts via Src Family Kinase

Heterogeneous surface expression of Thy-1 in fibroblasts modulates inflammation and may thereby modulate injury and repair. As a paradigm, patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a disease with pathologic features of chronic inflammation, demonstrate an absence of Thy-1 immunoreactivity within areas of fibrotic activity (fibroblast foci) in contrast to the predominant Thy-1 expressing fibroblasts in the normal lung. Likewise, Thy-1 deficient mice display more severe lung fibrosis in response to an inflammatory injury than wildtype littermates. We investigated the role of Thy-1 in the response of fibroblasts to the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Our study demonstrates distinct profiles of TNF-α-activated gene expression in Thy-1 positive (Thy-1+) and negative (Thy-1−) subsets of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). TNF-α induced a robust activation of MMP-9, ICAM-1, and the IL-8 promoter driven reporter in Thy-1− MEFs, in contrast to only a modest increase in Thy-1+ counterparts. Consistently, ectopic expression of Thy-1 in Thy-1− MEFs significantly attenuated TNF-α-activated gene expression. Mechanistically, TNF-α activated Src family kinase (SFK) only in Thy-1− MEFs. Blockade of SFK activation abrogated TNF-α-activated gene expression in Thy-1− MEFs, whereas restoration of SFK activation rescued the TNF-α response in Thy-1+ MEFs. Our findings suggest that Thy-1 down-regulates TNF-α-activated gene expression via interfering with SFK- and NF-κB-mediated transactivation. The current study provides a novel mechanistic insight to the distinct roles of fibroblast Thy-1 subsets in inflammation.
What impact will the immune tolerance network have on the future treatment of allergic diseases

The immune tolerance network (ITN) plans to capitalize on the current state of understanding of immunologic science to solicit, design and implement human trails designed to 'cure' allergic diseases. While the ITN can bring tremendous resources to bear, it is actively looking for the participation of innovative physician-scientists worldwide in order to optimize the changes of success and thereby have a major impact on the future treatment of allergic diseases.
A three dimensional surface‐to‐surface projection algorithm for non‐coincident domains

A numerical procedure is outlined to achieve the least squares projection of a finite dimensional representation from one surface to another in three dimensions. Although the applications of such an algorithm are many, the specific problem considered is the mortar tying of dissimilarly meshed grids in large deformation solid mechanics. The algorithm includes a nearest neighbour search, a systematic subdivision of the surface of intersection into smooth subdomains (termed segments), and a robust numerical quadrature scheme for evaluation of the spatial integrals defining the mortar projection. The procedure outlined, while discussed for the mesh tying problem, is directly applicable to the study of contact-impact. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model system for measuring comparative toxicities of cardiotoxic drugs with cultured rat heart myocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. I. Emetine, chloroquine and metronidazole

Abstract Neonatal rat hearts were separated into separate cultures of beating myocytes (M cells), endothelial cells (E cells) and fibroblasts (F cells). Their susceptibilities to the toxic effects of emetine, choroquine and metronidazole were then compared using a quantitative metabolic inhibition test (QMIT) and morphologic and beating changes as indices of injury. Measurements on the same cultures were made at 6 h and 12 h daily for 7 days with E and F cells; with M cells for 3 days. Metronidazole was non-toxic for all cell types at 810 μg/ml, whether as the parent compound or after attempted rat liver microsomal activation. QMIT data, integrated as time-concentration effects, showed all cell responses to either emetine or chloroquine to be parallel (P M > F cells. Although morphologic signs of injury and changes in beating are not readily evaluated statistically, there was a general parallelism between these indices of injury and those of QMIT. As judged by QMIT emetime was more toxic than chloroquine. However, at equivalent QMIT grades chloroquine produced greater effects on morphology and beating. Toxic concentration-50 values for chloroquine with the QMIT were similar to reported human toxic and lethal blood concentrations.
Educating managers : executive effectiveness through liberal learning

(1987). Educating Managers: Executive Effectiveness through Liberal Learning. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 58, No. 3, pp. 360-362.
A moment methodology for coagulation and breakage problems: Part 1—analytical solution of the steady-state population balance

Abstract Population balances for simultaneous coagulation and breakage (and their analogs, e.g., polymerization and depolymerization) are employed in describing many systems including aerosols, powders and polymers, and many unit operations including reactors, crystallizers, and size reduction/enlargement equipment. The population balance equations for homogeneous coagulation rate, power-law breakage rate and self-similar daughter particles are developed in terms of a similarity transform which at the steady state yields limiting analytical approximations for very large and very small particles. These solutions become basis functions for reconstructing the particle size distribution using a moment methodology.
Effects of pre-annealing of Fe catalysts on growth of spin-capable carbon nanotubes

Abstract Understanding the critical factors that lead to the growth of spin-capable multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) will allow the development of a reproducible growth process. This paper reports that the spin capability of MWCNT forests depends strongly on the pre-annealing time of the as-deposited Fe film. In our results, a longer pre-annealing time of the Fe film not only increased the number of larger Fe nanoparticles, it also changed the shape of the Fe nanoparticles from non-faceted balls to faceted polyhedrons. The former was associated with a decrease in the density of the active, suitably-sized catalyst nanoparticles for the growth of MWCNTs. The latter reduced the rate of CNT nucleation. Both effects reduced the areal density of the resulting MWCNT forest, which in turn deteriorated the alignment of the MWCNTs in the forest and inhibited their spin capability. As a result, a longer pre-annealing of Fe catalyst films resulted in poorer MWCNT forest properties.
Analysis and modeling of submicron drain-offset polysilicon thin film transistors (TFTs)

Drain-offset polysilicon thin-film transistors (DO-TFTs) with different offset lengths and doping were fabricated and characterized. The grain boundary trap states in the offset region strongly influence the electrical behavior of the TFTs. The on state current is influenced by the grain microstructure in the drain-offset region and channel region, as evidenced by the drain current activation energy measurements. The off state leakage current is dominated by the generation of carriers in the drain offset depletion region, where the trap states serve as generation/recombination centers and reduce the barrier for tunneling. A model based on the Poole-Frenkel effect and thermionic field emission was developed to account for the leakage mechanism.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Modeling and Control Design for a Wheeled Mobile Platform

A model of a wheeled platform that includes slipping is formulated. Slipping is modeled by adopting the LuGre friction model. This is a dynamic friction model that can reproduce realistic friction phenomena not present in static friction models. Using the backstepping approach, tracking controllers for non-slipping and slipping cases are developed and compared via simulation. The proposed control law is designed to be robust with respect to the change in system parameters such as the platform’s mass and moment inertia. Simulation results show good performance for point stabilization in specific destination postures, as well as for tracking.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Instruments and methods for microfabrication by laser-controlled chemistry

Abstract The two principal methods of patterning of solid-state electronics via laser-controlled surface reactions, (1) laser direct writing and (2) laser projection, are briefly reviewed with an emphasis on the current instruments and sources.
Contamination rates of optical surfaces at 157 nm: impurities outgassed from construction materials and from photoresists

Photo-induced contamination rates on 157-nm optical surfaces have been studied in controlled experiments with contaminants containing fluorocarbon, sulfur and iodine. The compounds investigated represent species generated in controlled outgassing studies of common construction materials and photoresists used in 157 nm steppers. No photocontamination was measured for highly fluorinated alkanes and ethers on an anti-reflective coating, at levels exceeding 10 ppm. Photocontamination with sulfur based compounds was similar to the behavior observed with hydrocarbon based derivatives. Sulfur containing residues, even from oxidized precursors, are fully cleanable in oxygen, with cleaning rates scaling proportionally with the level of oxygen. In contrast, at elevated levels of oxygen, non-volatile iodate complexes can form from iodine based contaminants. Sulfonium salts should therefore be considered over iodonium species in photoacid generators in 157 nm photoresists. In addition to studying these new classes of compounds, cleaning rates of hydrocarbon residues in trace levels of water were also studied.
Ultrastructure of a rat cytomegalovirus

Abstract A cytomegalovirus isolated from Panamanian rats was examined by electron microscopy. Capsid structure of the virions in negatively stained preparations appeared identical to human cytomegalovirus and other viruses of the herpes family. In thin sections, the naked nucleocapsid measured slightly larger (138 nm) than herpes-type and cytomegaloviruses previously reported. Development of the virus was observed in rat kidney and hamster kidney cell cultures. Periodic fibrils were observed in the nuclei of infected rat kidney cells, and virus particles accumulated in unusually large cytoplasmic aggregates.
The role of social heuristics in project-centred production networks: insights from the commercial construction industry

Project production networks or PPNs are now the primary means for organizing in many industries including fashion design and manufacturing, moviemaking and construction projects. PPNs enable professionally and geographically distributed participants of a common project to bring their expertise and resources together to achieve an economically and technically superior product than a single firm could produce. PPNs also have benefits over purely market-based contracting relationships as participants often recombine to work on projects serially allowing knowledge and relationships to develop in ways that support production outcomes. The growth in the use of PPNs has led to a number of studies describing the structural characteristics and benefits of this organizing strategy as compared to firms and markets. Relatively little analysis has been done of the ways in which PPNs govern themselves, however. We report here on PPN governance in commercial construction focusing on the role that social heuristics as sh...
Regional Development in India: Paradigms Lost in a Period of Great Change

A U.S.-based geographer and specialist in India's urbanization, industrialization, and development outcomes surveys the state of comparative regional development in India, utilizing multiple definitions of "region" and "development." Much of the analysis is undertaken at the scale of India's state-level administrative units, with some additional analysis based on groups of states (meta-regions) and districts (sub-regions). Development is conceptualized along several dimensions: income, poverty, social conditions, industrialization, and agriculture. Ultimately, there is evidence of both increasing and decreasing regional inequality, depending on the scale of analysis and dimension of development selected. The author concludes with a critical evaluation of the theories of regional development as they apply (or do not) to the political economy of India's uneven regional development.
Serum-mediated suppression of cell-associated plasminogen activator activity in cultured endothelial cells

Abstract Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells accumulate high levels of plasminogen activator (PA) activity at confluency. This cell-associated PA (PA c ) activity remains high when the cells are maintained without refeeding. Addition of fresh growth medium to these cultures results in a 70–80% decrease in this activity. The decrease is apparent within 30 min, is complete by 2 hr and is initiated by the fetal calf serum (FCS) in the medium. The decrease is transient, with PA c returning to control levels within 4 days, and occurs each time these confluent cultures are fed; it is not associated with the initiation of DNA synthesis. The magnitude of the decrease in PA c activity depends on the concentration of the added serum, with 0.1% FCS causing a 50% decrease. Maximum suppression is observed with 1% FCS. The decrease in PA c activity is not due to serum-mediated stimulation of secretion since PA secretion is also suppressed by fresh serum. Neither changes in the activity of cellular inhibitors nor the presence of contaminating serum inhibitors appears to account for the observed loss of activity. The suppressor activity of serum is nondialyzable but heat-labile. Treatment of serum with diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) or hirudin does not reduce its suppressor activity, suggesting that neither thrombin nor other serine proteases are involved. This PA-suppressor activity is not a unique property of FCS since sera from other species, as well as bovine platelet-poor plasma (PPP), are effective in reducing PA c activity. These observations indicate that the fibrinolytic activity of cultured endothelial cells is modified by routine culture manipulations and suggest that production of PA by the endothelium itself may be subject to negative regulation by suppressor molecules in the blood.
Public service privatisation and crisis in Argentina

This article discusses the privatisation of public services in Argentina in light of the severe crisis that afflicted the country between 1999 and 2002. An inadequate regulatory framework and the absence of effective regulatory agencies resulted in the exercise of monopolistic power over public service fees. The emergence of a series of external shocks, starting in 1997 with the SE Asia crisis, weakened the country's external accounts. In the context of a strict fixed exchange-rate regime, rising public service fees and overseas obligations contracted by the privatised firms placed growing pressure on the balance of payments. Although privatised firms were not directly responsible for the four-year recession or the balance-of-payments crisis, their actions contributed to the onset and prolongation of the difficulties faced by Argentina.
Induction of Tolerance to Hemorrhagic or Endotoxic Shock Involves Activation of NF-κB

Abstract Background. Tolerance to hemorrhagic or endotoxic shock can be induced by prior sublethal hemorrhage (SLH). The purpose of this study was to explore whether alterations in signal transduction pathways involving NF-κB occur in macrophages (Mφ) following induction of tolerance by SLH. Methods. Using a model of SLH previously shown in our lab to impart a survival benefit to subsequent hemorrhagic or endotoxic shock, rats ( n = 30) were conditioned by SLH. Peritoneal Mφ were harvested 24 h after conditioning and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 μg/mL). Nuclear and cytosolic proteins were isolated 1 h later for determination of NF-κB activation by gel-shift assay and IκB-α by Western blot. TNF mRNA gene expression was measured 4 h after LPS stimulation by reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR). TNF protein levels were measured in cellular supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 18 h after LPS. Results. LPS stimulation of sham Mφ increased NF-κB activation with corresponding loss of its inhibitor IκB-α. In contrast, IκB-α was not detectable following conditioning, and conditioned Mφ had NF-κB activation at baseline which increased minimally with LPS stimulation. LPS increased TNF gene expression and significantly increased protein production by both sham and conditioned Mφ, but this increase was greater in the sham-conditioned group. Conclusions. The ability of Mφ from animals made tolerant by SLH to produce TNF in vitro is conserved. Nevertheless, these same Mφ exhibit alterations in TNF gene induction and expression as well as signal transduction, specifically, changes in IκB-α and NF-κB activation. This suggests a role for activation of NF-κB in the induction of tolerance.
A computer program for the storage and retrieval of urodynamic data

The computer is idcally suited for storing and retrieving a large volume of medical data. Described herein is a computer program written for the managemenr of data from patients who have had urodynamic evaluation. The program is highly user-oriented and requires only minimal training of personnel. The required hardware is reliable and relatively inexpensive. Further. the program is flexible and easily modified for use in other subspecialty areas of urology.
Price Decision in the Supply Chain of One Product Family with Price-dependent Demand

In response to different custom preferences and fast product life cycle, manufacturers add numerous product variants which are composed to be a product family. Some components in one product family can be shared and reused for time and cost reduction in design and manufacturing. The paper provides mathematical models for sale price decision in the multistage supply chain of one product family under the stochastic and price-dependent demand environment. With these proposed mathematical models and the specific case involving a product family of cordless drills, the paper studies how different decision-makers, i.e., the manufacturer, the retailer, or both, how different price-dependent demand models, and how component commonality in the product family affect the sale price decision and the supply chain performance in profit.
SU-E-T-261: Daily Quality Assurance for a 6D Robotic Couch System

Purpose: To create a daily quality assurance program that would evaluate the positioning accuracy and reproducibility of a new robotic couch system (CIVCO Medical Solutions) for routine clinical use. Methods: Translation accuracy and reproducibility were measured using a rectangular box phantom covered with 1.0 mm spaced graph paper. The couch was programmed to move a set of translations in all three directions. The magnitude and sign of the set translations alternated daily and encompassed the expected range of travel relevant to clinical use. The applied displacements ranged from 2.0 mm – 10.0 mm. An IGRT QA phantom (CIVCO Medical Solutions) was used for evaluating rotation accuracy and reproducibility. Digital levels on top of the phantom measured the rotations. The couch was programmed to move a set of pitch and roll rotations. The magnitude and sign of the set rotations alternated daily. The applied rotations ranged from 0.3 degrees – 1.5 degrees. A combination of translations and rotations were applied with the robotic couch and verified with CBCT. The CBCT was manually registered with a planning CT of the phantom and the shifts were recorded. Results: The maximum translational disagreement between the programmed and measured motions with the graph paper phantom was 0.5 mm. The maximum rotational disagreement between the programmed and measured motions that was identified by the digital levels mounted on the IGRT QA phantom was 0.2 degrees. The maximum deviations between the programmed and measured couch motions identified by CBCT were 2 mm for translations and 0.5 degrees for rotations. Conclusions: A daily quality assurance procedure, which evaluates daily positioning accuracy and reproducibility of a new, commercially available robotic couch, has been implemented. Based on the initial results, the system is accurate, reproducible, and safe for routine clinical use.
Worst case earth charging environment

The Applications Technology Satellite-6 (ATS-6) geosynchronous satellite charged up to -2200 V in sunlight on day 178, 1974. This event, being the highest known spacecraft charging event in sunlight, is used to estimate a worst case geosynchronous plasma environment for predicting the spacecraft potential in eclipse. The advantage of using this sunlight spectrum as opposed to an eclipse case is that the ion and electron fluxes to the detectors are shifted only slightly due to the spacecraft potential. After correcting the available data for satellite potential and missing data above 81 KeV, it is found that the plasma can be characterized by a single Maxwellian approximation having an electron density of 1.22/cu cm, electron temperature of 16 KeV, hydrogen ion density of 0.24/cu cm, and hydrogen ion temperature of 29 KeV. In eclipse the spacecraft would have charged up to -28 kV, the highest estimated potential to date in the earth's plasma environment.
An Evaluation of the Hydrogen Bubble Technique for the Quantitative Determination of Fluid Velocities Within Clear Tubes

The hydrogen bubble technique for flow visualization is modified for quantitative determination of velocity of water flowing in clear plastic tubes. Calibration tests are reported showing the accuracy which may be expected of the technique. The technique is verified by application to the determination of the hydrodynamic entrance length in steady flow.
SUPERFICIAL BLADDER CARCINOMA TREATED WITH BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN: PROGRESSION-FREE AND DISEASE SPECIFIC SURVIVAL WITH MINIMUM 10-YEAR FOLLOWUP

Purpose: Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment of high risk superficial bladder cancer has reduced recurrence and progression, and lengthened disease specific survival. However, documentation of treatment durability is limited.Materials and Methods: Between 1981 and 1989, 98 patients with high risk or recurrent transitional cell carcinoma were treated with complete transurethral resection followed by 1 or more 6-week induction courses of BCG, and were followed through 2000. No maintenance regimen was used. A total of 44 cases were carcinoma in situ plus or minus papillary and 35 were stage T1, which was assigned only if muscularis propria free of tumor was present on the biopsy specimen.Results: Of 98 patients with minimum followup greater than 10 years disease progressed to stage T2 or greater in 27 at a median of 30.7 months (range 1.2 to 143.7), of whom cystectomy was performed in 16, cystectomy for recurrent high risk Ta/T1 disease was required in 10, death from transitional cell carci...
Changes in infants’ affect related to the onset of independent locomotion

Abstract Previous research suggests that after gaining several weeks of independent locomotor experience, infants may show both more negative and more positive affect toward parents. However, this prior work has been based largely on parent report, and no studies have used longitudinal or naturalistic methods to chart changes in infants’ affective expressions as they gain locomotor ability. Fifteen infants were observed at home before, during, and after learning to crawl in two naturalistic contexts, free play and dyadic play. Expressions of negative affect during free play decreased after the onset of crawling, but there was no change in expressions of positive affect. At the same time, however, mothers reported an increase in both negative and positive reactivity. These results are discussed in terms of the contexts typically assessed during observations and the different sensitivities of mothers to infants’ expressions of affect. Several lines of evidence point to a potential role for independent locomotion in the reorganization of affective expressions.
A cognitive assistive system for monitoring the use of home medical devices

Despite the popularity of home medical devices, serious safety concerns have been raised, because the use-errors of home medical devices have linked to a large number of fatal hazards. To resolve the problem, we introduce a cognitive assistive system to automatically monitor the use of home medical devices. Being able to accurately recognize user operations is one of the most important functionalities of the proposed system. However, even though various action recognition algorithms have been proposed in recent years, it is still unknown whether they are adequate for recognizing operations in using home medical devices. Since the lack of the corresponding database is the main reason causing the situation, at the first part of this paper, we present a database specially designed for studying the use of home medical devices. Then, we evaluate the performance of the existing approaches on the proposed database. Although using state-of-art approaches which have demonstrated near perfect performance in recognizing certain general human actions, we observe significant performance drop when applying it to recognize device operations. We conclude that the tiny action involved in using devices is one of the most important reasons leading to the performance decrease. To accurately recognize tiny actions, it's critical to focus on where the target action happens, namely the region of interest(ROI) and have more elaborate action modeling based on the ROI. Therefore, in the second part of this paper, we introduce a simple but effective approach to estimating ROI for recognizing tiny actions. The key idea of this method is to analyze the correlation between an action and the sub-regions of a frame. The estimated ROI is then used as a filter for building more accurate action representations. Experimental results show significant performance improvements over the baseline methods by using the estimated ROI for action recognition.