cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Navigating the murky waters of maternal fetal tolerance: Put big data at the helm.

Abstract The last 20 years have seen significant progress in our understanding of the maternal T cell response to the fetus. However, major questions still remain. In this review, we discuss the contribution of Big Data approaches to our evolving understanding of maternal fetal tolerance. This includes investigations which have employed systems immunology, high dimensional mass spectrometry, whole genome transcriptomics, as well as single-cell RNA-sequencing. These studies reveal “new” mechanisms of T cell dysfunction that are conserved across immune responses and highlight the breadth and magnitude of the systemic maternal response to the fetus during pregnancy.
Novel cricothyrotomy assessment tool for attending physicians: A multicenter study of an error avoidance checklist.

Background This study used existing literature and expert feedback to develop and pilot a novel error-avoidance checklist tool for cricothyrotomy in attending physicians. Prior literature has not focused on expert cricothyrotomy performance. While published checklists teach a specific procedural method, ideal for novice learners, this may hinder expert learners. Objectives We endeavored to create a succinct error-avoidance checklist for cricothyrotomy. We hypothesized that such a checklist would prove feasible and acceptable to attending physicians. Methods This is a multicenter prospective checklist creation, evaluation, and feasibility study. Multiple experts pursued an iterative process to reach consensus on a 7-item error-avoidance checklist. The checklist was trialed for feasibility in pilot sessions at two sites by 45 attending emergency physicians who used the checklist for peer performance assessment and provided feedback. Results During the pilot implementation, 94% of respondents completed the procedure within the allotted 120 s. Greater than 85% of respondents agreed that four of the five procedural errors on the checklist were very or somewhat critical to avoid, including cutting >2 cm from midline, creating a false passage, failing to continuously maintain an object in the trachea, and injuring oneself during the procedure. Only 66% of participants felt severing the cricoid cartilage was critical. Successful breath administration and time under 120 s were critical for 100% and 95% of participants, respectively. The checklist was rated "easy" or "very easy" to use by 93% of participants, and 95% found this checklist reasonable for evaluating attending physicians. Conclusions We present the multicenter development and implementation of a novel error-avoidance checklist tool for use in expert cricothyrotomy performance. Attending emergency medicine (EM) physicians rated our tool easy to use and agreed that most of the proposed errors were critical. Participants overwhelmingly agreed this tool would be reasonable for evaluation of cricothyrotomy performance among attending EM physicians.
A Pilot Gene Expression and Histopathologic Analysis of Tracheal Resections in Tracheobronchomalacia.

Abstract Background The airway structures and mRNA expression of genes that regulate airway inflammation and remodeling may be altered in the trachea of patients with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM). Methods Fourteen tracheal specimens from 2005-to-2018 were used in this study. Surgical resection specimens from patients with TBM and tracheal stenosis (TS) were compared to control tracheal specimens obtained from autopsy cases. We investigated the mRNA expression of genes encoding fibroblast growth factor (FGF), binding protein 2 (FGFBP2), FGF receptor R3 (FGFR3), interleukin-1 beta (IL1β), tumor growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), as well as established markers of airway inflammation including interferon-gamma (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The relative expression of target transcripts was assessed by qRT-PCR. A histological examination of the same resected airway specimens was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections. Results FGFBP2 and FGFR3 showed higher expression in TBM compared to TS and control groups (p Conclusions Significant changes in gene expression are observed in the tracheal walls of patients with TBM and TS compared to controls.
Laboratory Strategies for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Hepatis C Virus Infection

Abstract In the fight to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV), recent advances have provided both challenges and opportunities in our current laboratory approach for screening, diagnosis, and therapeutic response monitoring. Highly sensitive molecular assays have replaced serological confirmatory assays, while direct-acting antivirals have replaced interferon-based approaches, providing new weapons in the battle against chronic HCV infection. Aligned with these developments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases have recently updated guidance on the populations that should be offered testing and the methods and strategies to effectively do so. This review describes the details of these opportunities and the impacts of new guidance on laboratory evaluation in both routine and unique populations at risk for or infected with HCV.
Write a Good Technical Report

A good technical report can have an important effect on a wide range of people. This chapter provides some techniques for preparing, choosing a suitable structure, providing the right amount of information in the right places, and making the points with clarity. It is much less embarrassing and painful for an engineering mistake to be found in print before it appears in fact. Thus, a technical report should be designed with clarity as the major goal. An outline does wonders to initiate the writing process. Professional or experienced writers often outline their work mentally, not formally. Crisp language communicates ideas efficiently, whereas foggy writing can only retard technological progress.
Managing Water Resources Conflicts: Modelling Behavior in a Decision Tool

While technical tools for analysis of water resources systems have advanced, the major issue in resolving problems focuses on the interaction of human and natural systems. Agent-based modeling (ABM) has recently been used as an effective tool to develop integrated human-environmental models. One of the main challenges of ABM application in water resources management is to identify and characterize key agents. We provided recommendations to characterize agents normally involved in water decisions, and developed a framework for a conflict management tool, comprised of three models: a watershed simulation, an optimization, and a behavioral simulation model. The optimization-simulation model determined tradeoffs between the objective functions. The behavioral simulation model, developed based on ABM, simulated stakeholders interactions and their reactions to water allocation decisions. This model evaluated the applicability of different management scenarios to achieve specific rates of reduction in agricultural water allocations, selected from the tradeoffs. To develop and adjust this model, key stakeholders were identified in the San Joaquin River (SJR) watershed, California, and a survey was administered. The proposed recommendations and framework provides a new and innovative way to identify institutional interconnections, formulate and simulate their interactions, and create a hydrologic-environmental-human interface to support powerful decision-support tools to manage conflicts and make informed, practical decisions in water resources.
ANTI-TGF-BETA TREATMENT PROMOTES RAPID HEALING OF LEISHMANIA MAJOR INFECTION IN MICE BY ENHANCING IN VIVO NITRIC OXIDE PRODUCTION

CB6F1 mice display intermediate susceptibility to Leishmania major infection compared with the highly susceptible BALB/c and resistant C57BL/6 parental strains. During early weeks of infection, these mice develop dominant Th2 type responses to L. major, although they eventually exhibit a Th2 to Th1 switch and spontaneously resolve their infections. In this study, we have examined the effects of either IL-12 or anti-TGF-beta therapy on the immune response and course of disease in chronically infected CB6F1 mice. Local treatment with IL-12 inoculated into the parasitized lesion at 4 wk of infection induced a marked increase in IFN-gamma production but did not result in a significant reduction in numbers of parasite or promote more rapid healing. However, local treatment with an Ab to TGF-beta led to both a decrease in parasite numbers and more rapid healing, despite the fact that such treatment did not significantly alter the pattern of IL-4 and IFN-gamma production. Immunohistochemical studies showed that anti-TGF-beta treatment resulted in increased nitric oxide production within parasitized lesions. Our results suggest that TGF-beta may play an important regulatory role during chronic stages of a L. major infection by suppressing macrophage production of nitric oxide and that, in the absence of TGF-beta, even the relatively low levels of IFN-gamma observed in mice with dominant Th2-type responses are sufficient to activate macrophages to destroy amastigotes within parasitized lesions.
Financial Market Liquidity and the Distribution of Prices

We establish a link between liquidity in a limit order book market and the existence of a unique stationary distribution of transactions prices. The main implication of the model, that illiquidity can lead to the lack of existence of a unique distribution, is investigated using a newly developed test for the ergodicity of a time series process. Using matched high-frequency trading data on identical financial instruments traded in a 24-hour market, we find that the hypothesis of the ergodicity of prices is rejected for the illiquid overnight market, implying that a unique stationary price distribution does not exist. The hypothesis cannot be rejected in a demonstrably liquid setting, suggesting that average price distributions and their evolution do not depend on initial conditions. Market design and variations in information environments over the course of the 24-hour day also are considered, but cannot explain the results.
Radioactive Source Term Models in a Compartment Fire Code

Models for the release of airborne radioactivity in fires have been developed. These radioactive source term models are used as subroutines in a compartment fire code called FIRIN. Each model is based on release factors developed using information from experiments. Models are developed for the following release mechanisms: burning of contaminated combustible solids; burning of contaminated combustible liquids; heating of noncombustible contaminated surfaces; heating of unpressurized radioactive liquids; pressurized releases of radioactive powders; and pressurized releases of radioactive liquids. The potential for release from these mechanisms was examined in an analysis of three types of fuel cycle facility fires. The types of fires considered were mixed oxide ( MOX) general facility fires, MOX stored combustible waste fires, and solvent extraction fires in fuel reprocessing plants. Input parameters were varied to determine relative importance of release mechanisms and sensitivity of predicted releases to changes in initial conditions. Total radioactive material released ranged from 8 X 10/sup -4/ g of plutonium (0.002% of material at risk) given off in a combustible waste fire to 75 g of mixed isotopes (0.3% of material at risk) given off in a solvent extraction fire. Fuel loading and burn area were the parameters that caused themore » greatest change in total release of radioactive material. Changes in ventilation rate also made a significant difference in release for overventilated fires, but not for underventilated fires. Work is under way at Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory to improve the models for burning of contaminated combustible solids and liquids.« less
On the thermal diffusion in polymer solutions: Case study on bicomponent film drying

Abstract This paper aims to theoretically explain experimental observations regarding the thermal diffusion of polymers in polymer solutions. 3D governing equations for mass and heat diffusion in polymer solutions were derived in the framework of classical irreversible thermodynamics using local equilibrium hypothesis, Onsager reciprocal relations and Prigogine's theory in systems in mechanical equilibrium. The mutual diffusion coefficient, thermal diffusion coefficient and thermal conductivity enter the governing equations as functions of thermodynamic variables and phenomenological coefficients that are bounded to some theoretical constraints. It was shown that the derivative of the linear combination of chemical potentials of polymer and solvent with respect to temperature plays an important role in thermal diffusion in polymer solutions. Thermal diffusion coefficient derived in the model can qualitatively explain the experimental observations in the literature regarding the dependence of thermal diffusion of polymers to molecular weight, polymer chain rigidity and viscosity of the solvent. Numerical simulation of the governing equations for a 1D drying process of polymer solutions indicates that the model is able to capture the effect of thermal diffusion. This effect manifests itself as an increase in local concentration of the solvent on the warm side of a temperature gradient during a solution casting process.
Global Characteristics of Ocean Variability Estimated from Regional TOPEX/POSEIDON Altimeter Measurements

Abstract Three years of altimetric data from the TOPEX/POSEIDON spacecraft have been used to study characteristics of eddy variability over the World Ocean. The nature of the variability and its spatial structure are characterized in terms of the geographical distribution of eddy energy, as simple approximations of observed regional frequency and wavenumber spectra, and in terms of associated eddy time and space scales of sea surface height (SSH) variability and geostrophic velocity. Emphasis is put on summarizing characteristics typical for dynamically distinct regions of the World Ocean. This effort results in an attempt to describe the observed ocean variability in terms of universal spectral relations that depend only on few mean flow parameters such as the first-mode Rossby radius of deformation. Regional peculiarities follow naturally as deviations from the fundamental frequency and wavenumber spectra presented here. Frequency spectra of both variables can be summarized by three basic types represen...
Ventilatory dynamics of transient arousal in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

The hyperpnea that accompanies arousal at the end of obstructive apnea is believed to be due to the progressive build-up in chemical drive during the apnea and a state-related decrease in upper airway resistance. We postulated the existence of a third component: a state-related transient increase in neural drive to the ventilatory pump muscles. To quantify this contribution, we measured the ventilatory response to arousal (VRA) in eight patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, applied at individually titrated levels. CPAP application reduced total pulmonary resistance (Rl) to approximately normal levels, stabilizing ventilation and sleep state. Transient arousal from stage 2 sleep was induced using 5-sec tones (60–90 dB). Mean inspiratory flow increased above control on the second and third post-arousal breaths (P<0.05), with a peak increase of 7.8±2.9 L/min while the accompanying changes in Rl were significant. The time-course of VRA measured in three normal subjects under CPAP was similar to that observed in the OSA patients. However, elimination of CPAP prolonged the VRA time-course. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that: (1) during arousal, the increase in state-related neural respiratory drive is short-lived but not substantial; and (2) the resulting VRA time-course is shaped by the dynamics of the upper airway response to arousal.
A mechanism of extreme growth and reliable signaling in sexually selected ornaments and weapons

Many male animals wield ornaments or weapons of exaggerated proportions. We propose that increased cellular sensitivity to signaling through the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway may be responsible for the extreme growth of these structures. We document how rhinoceros beetle horns, a sexually selected weapon, are more sensitive to nutrition and more responsive to perturbation of the insulin/IGF pathway than other body structures. We then illustrate how enhanced sensitivity to insulin/IGF signaling in a growing ornament or weapon would cause heightened condition sensitivity and increased variability in expression among individuals—critical properties of reliable signals of male quality. The possibility that reliable signaling arises as a by-product of the growth mechanism may explain why trait exaggeration has evolved so many different times in the context of sexual selection.
The temporal pattern and rate of release of zooxanthellae from the reef coral Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus) under nitrogen-enrichment and control conditions

Abstract The rate of loss of zooxanthellae from intact Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus) was determined for colonies growing in laboratory tanks supplied with either ambient seawater or seawater enriched with dissolved inorganic N. Algal release peaked during midday in both treatments. Corals in N-enriched water released 40% more algae · U −1 surface area · day −1 than did control corals. However, algal densities in the N-enriched corals were three times higher than in controls, so specific release rate was lower for N-enriched corals. Lipid content of the N-enriched corals was also lower than in the controls. These results suggest that N enrichment results in: greater algal standing stock and a reduced rate of transfer of photosynthate to the host. N enrichment more than doubled algal densities in this coral indicating that zooxanthellae in situ may be nutrient limited and that algal densities are, to some extent, a function of nutrient levels in the external environment and not entirely regulated by the host.
Purification and characterization of trypsin-like enzymes from the purple sea star pisaster ochraceus

Abstract 1. 1. Trypsin-like enzymes from the pyloric caeca of the starfish Pisaster ochraceus were isolated by affinity chromatography on a Sepharose-soybean trypsin inhibitor column. 2. 2. The isolated material retained full enzymatic activity when stored at pH 2.55 and 4°C for 5 weeks. 3. 3. The enzyme was inhibited by both soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI) and chicken ovomucoid (CHOM). 4. 4. Inhibition by chicken ovomucoid was clearly competitive with a Ki of 1.2 × 10−8 M.
Effect of initial upper-limb alignment on muscle contributions to isometric strength curves

Abstract Male and female isometric strength curves for elbow flexion, shoulder flexion, and wrist supination-pronation are obtained during systematic variation in arm configuration. The shape of a given moment-angle curve is found to be a function of the orientations of joints kinematically coupled to the primary joint. It is also found that female elbow strength curves are shifted toward flexion with respect to male elbow-strength curves, suggesting that the in situ rest length of upper-limb muscles relative to joint angle may be longer for males than for females. Experimental results were contrasted with simulation results obtained using a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model which estimates the relationships between initial joint orientations, muscle tension-length behavior, and joint moments. In most of the cases, simulation results complimented experimental data and provided insights into likely in situ muscle rest lengths and moment arms, especially for the multiarticular biceps brachii muscle. Where inconsistencies exist between simulated and experimental data, subtle biomechanical complexities within the forearm and the shoulder girdle complex are identified that require future investigation.
Proposal for an all-spin logic device with built-in memory

A spintronic device in which the input, output and internal states are all represented by spin, and that shows the five essential characteristics necessary for logic applications, is proposed.
Microstrip Transmission Line with Finite-Width Dielectric

The results of a numerical solution for open microstrip transmission line with finite-width dielectric are presented for a quasi-TEM computational model. The related solution is based on moment methods using equivalent source models for the free and bound charges existing on boundary surfaces. Characteristic impedance and velocity of propagation are presented in graphical form for estimating the effects of dieletric truncation on microstrip circuits and for related circuit design.
Inside the Locker Room: Male Homosociability in the Advertising Industry

The use of the term homosociability by male employers and employees has been a key issue in the construction and maintenance of the gendered labour market, especially in senior-level jobs. Male homosociability encompasses the formal old boys' networks and informal clubs or meetings, as well as humour and banter, referred to metaphorically in this article as the locker room. This article examines the locker room and its resulting forms of socializing, socialization, communication and rituals found in the advertising industry. To gain a clearer understanding of how the locker room constructs workplace opportunities, this article draws upon qualitative research and analysis and examines major service occupations in the advertising industry and the executives who inhabit them. Studying the relationship between the locker room and the production process provides additional perspectives on service work in the corporate sector, occupations and gender inequality.
Coronary rehabilitation—a comprehensive design

IN THE past decade, a reduction in mortality for the cardiac patient can be attributed to prompt detection and treatment of life threatening cardiac conditions. There is a magnitude of literature on the technological aspects of coronary nursing, on rapid entry, on hardware and software, and on the design and policy of coronary care units. However only sporadic reports have appeared on nursing care and coronary rehabilitation. (l) The majority of acute and convalescing cardiac patients are being cared for in urban and rural community hospitals and settings.c2) The nurses not only must be astute in the crisis situation but also in initiating and/or maintaining an individualized cardiac comprehensive rehabilitation plan. The scope of this rehabilitation plan includes disease prevention, diagnosis, functional assessment (physical, emotional, psychological, educational, and vocational), and the initiation or coordination of nursing and ancillary services. The emphasis is on functional or conditional abiZit_y rather than disability. The goal of comprehensive coronary rehabilitation is to return the patient to normal living, or as near normal as possible. Although coronary rehabilitation is individualized, the basic design is similar for all patients. The design may be divided into four phasesc3) (Table 1). (1) Phase I, Acute care (2) Phase II, Remainder of the hospitalisation (3) Phase III, Home convalescence (4) Phase IV, Recovery-maintenance. Ps however, subtle rehabilitation techniques may be initiated. It may not be feasible to collect complete interview data on admission, yet every effort should be made to obtain comprehensive data for effective care planning. The nursing physiological assessment is continuous and is geared toward disproportionate responses. w (Table 1.) Adequate assessment is imperative for acute care decisions as well as future functional assessments. It is important to note times
Single Laparoscopic Incision Transabdominal (SLIT) Surgery—Adjustable Gastric Banding: A Novel Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has become an exciting area of surgical development. However, there are significant limitations to this surgical concept due to the lack of surgical expertise and appropriate flexible instrumentation. An alternative and competing technology to NOTES is single-access surgery. We present a novel surgical technique for placement of an adjustable gastric band utilizing a single laparoscopic incision which was ultimately used for implanting the subcutaneous access port. This new technique is called single laparoscopic incision transabdominal (SLIT) surgery which describes an advanced laparoscopic bariatric operation that can be performed through a tiny slit. The operative time was 55 min. There were no intraoperative complications. The patient did well postoperatively and was discharged on postoperative day 1. There were no postoperative complications at 1-month follow-up. Adjustable gastric banding performed through a single laparoscopic incision is technically feasible. The procedure was performed with mostly existing ports, laparoscopic instrumentations, and visualization platform. Advantages of SLIT surgery compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery will ultimately require further randomized clinical trials.
The Discipline of the “Norm:” A Critical Appreciation of Erwin Strauss

As a practicing physician (psychiatrist), scientist (neurologist) and philosopher, Erwin Straus developed a body of writing which, falling within the phenomenological tradition, is highly original and insightful. His unusual combination of work from these three areas constitutes one of the most important attempts to provide what has been called “a new Paideia.” Regarding this unique blend of perspectives and concerns as quite natural, he conceived his work variously as a “medical anthropologyrdquo; or “phenomenological psychology.” In the end, he was both a pioneer and a rebel: starting from psychiatry, he proceeded boldly straight into phenomenological philosophy, illuminating significant aspects of human life: if we would understand the “norm,” we must begin with the disruptions, as failures of existential projects; that is, as forms of human life - which was ultimately at the heart of his life-long epistemic and therapeutic concerns.
Physical constraint and its consequence for hyperferroelectrics

Hyperferroelectricity is a new phenomenon discovered recently [Garrity et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 127601 (2014)]. Based on a fourth-order Ginzburg-Landau energy expansion, we formulate a physical constraint that hyferroelectrics must satisfy. The constraint leads to a nonzero polarization under the open-circuit boundary condition as well as a stable electric state as the minimum of the free energy. The theory further reveals a guide principle on the search for new hyferroelectrics, i.e., they need to have a deep potential well and a small zero-field polarization. In addition, we show that an unstable longitudinal optical phonon is a natural consequence of the constraint. Prototypical ferroelectric BaTiO3, PbTiO3, and KNbO3 do not meet the physical constraint, and are not hyperferroelectrics.
Evaluation of some physiological parameters as predictive indices of smoltification

Abstract During smoltification of coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) in freshwater (April–May), dramatic increases in both plasma T 4 and gill Na + K + ATPase activities were observed and found to be significantly related. Plasma T 3 levels increased in some groups during this period and, overall, were significantly correlated with both plasma T 4 and gill Na + K + ATPase. A significant decrease in plasma Na + and Cl − concentrations was observed in some groups. Transfer to seawater resulted in significant increases in gill Na + K + ATPase activity during the first 8 d of seawater residence. In contrast, plasma T 4 and T 3 concentrations showed variable response. Plasma concentrations of the thyroid hormones were significantly correlated with one another, but unrelated to ATPase activities. The lack of a significant relationship between plasma T 4 concentrations and gill Na + K + ATPase in seawater suggests that they may be freshwater developmental phenomena which prepare the fish for seawater entry rather than serving as regultory mechanisms after seawater entry. All hatchery groups showed rapid increases in both plasma Na + and Cl − during the first or second day of residence in seawater. All physiological measurements obtained in both fresh water and seawater were compared with the number of surviving and smolted fish after 6 months in seawater. Only one relationship, a component of the plasma T 4 curve from fish in fresh water and percentage survival, was found to be significant. The usefulness of this comparison in predicting hatchery release dates is discussed.
Use of pixel-and plot-scale screening variables to validate MODIS GPP predictions with Forest Inventory and Analysis NPP measures across the eastern USA

Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer MODIS estimates of gross primary production GPP were validated using field-based estimates of net primary production from the Forest Inventory and Analysis FIA Program across the eastern USA. A total of 54 969 MODIS pixels and co-located FIA plots were analysed to validate MODIS GPP estimates. We used a data resolution of individual MODIS pixels and co-located FIA plots, and used detailed pixel-and plot-specific attributes by applying screening variables SVs to assess conditions under which MODIS GPP was most strongly validated. Eight SVs were used to test six hypotheses about the conditions under which MODIS GPP would be most strongly validated. The six hypotheses addressed were 1 MODIS pixel quality checks, 2 FIA plot quality checks, 3 land-cover classification comparability of co-located MODIS pixels and FIA plots, 4 FIA plot homogeneity, 5 FIA plot tree density and 6 MODIS seasonal variation. SVs were assessed in terms of trade-off between improved relations and reduced number of samples. MODIS seasonal variation and FIA plot tree density were the two most efficient SVs, followed by basic quality checks for each data set. Sequential application of SVs indicated that combined usage of five of the eight SVs provided an efficient data set of 17 090 co-located MODIS pixels and FIA plots, which raised the Pearson correlation coefficient from 0.01 for the Complete data set of 54 969 plots to 0.48 for this screened subset of 17 090 plots. The screened subset of plots exhibited good representation of the Complete data set in terms of species abundance, plot distribution and mean productivity. We conclude that the application of SVs provides a useful approach to ensure compatibility of two data sets for broad-scale forest carbon budget analysis and monitoring.
Experimental investigation of Ge-doped Bi-11Ag as a new Pb-free solder alloy for power die attachment

A bismuth-silver alloy (Bi-11wt.%Ag) has been identified as a viable Pb-free power die-attach solder. The alloy has a solidus at 262.5°C and a liquidus at 360°C. It has a shear modulus of 13.28 GPa and an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 59 MPa. Bismuth-silver alloys oxidize in air but will solder to nickel, silver, and gold under reducing atmospheres. Germanium may be added in small amounts (≤500 ppm) to improve the wetting. Wire, ribbon, and preform shapes of the alloy have been fabricated by conventional metalworking techniques.
Placement of Percutaneous Thoracic Pedicle Screws Using NeuroNavigation

Background Percutaneous thoracic pedicle screw fixation is challenging because of the complexity of the spinal anatomy and obscuration of normal surgical landmarks by soft tissue. We report a novel percutaneous technique in which intraoperative Iso-C C-arm navigation was used to treat complex thoracic spinal fractures. Methods Between March and September 2007, percutaneous thoracic pedicle screw fixation was performed with the assistance of intraoperative Iso-C C-arm fluoroscopy in six patients (two males, four females; mean age = 33 years, range = 16-61 years) with unstable thoracic fractures. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement was assessed by postoperative computed tomography and graded according to the method of Youkilis et al. Results Five patients had unstable acute traumatic fractures and one had an osteoporotic burst fracture. Altogether, 19 spinal segments (range = 2-4/patient) were fixated using 37 pedicle screws. Pedicle screw misplacement was grade II in 16% and grade III in 3%. None of the patients had neurologic consequences due to screw misplacement, and none required conversion to an open procedure or revision of hardware. There was one wound infection. Conclusion Percutaneous thoracic pedicle screw fixation with intraoperative neuronavigation for the stabilization of complex spinal fractures is feasible and associated with acceptable rates of accuracy and morbidity.
Turbulent flame propagation and combustion in spark ignition engines

Pressure measurements synchronized with high-speed motion-picture records of flame propagation have been made in a transparent-piston engine. The data show that the initial expansion speed of the flame front is close to that of a laminar flame. As the flame expands, its speed rapidly accelerates to a quasi-steady value comparable with that of the turbulent velocity fluctuations in the unburned gas. During the quasi-steady propagation phase, a significant fraction of the gas behind the visible front is unburned. Final burnout of the charge may be approximated by an exponential decay in time. The data have been analyzed in a model-independent way to obtain a set of empirical equations for calculating mass burning rates in spark-ignition engines. The burning equations contain three parameters: the laminar burning speed, a characteristic speed (uT), and a characteristic length (lT). The laminar burning speed is known from laboratory measurements. Tentative correlations relating uT and lT to engine geometry and operating variables have been derived from the engine data.
Dielectric tuning strategies for flexible display backplane transistors

Organic, polymer, and oxide-based transistors are among the alternatives to silicon being considered for flexible display pixel circuitry. Carrier mobilities in the semiconductors now exceed those of amorphous silicon, and switching voltages can be below 2 V. In this presentation, we focus on gate dielectrics compatible with these semiconductors. First, we consider polymer dielectrics in which static charge is implanted during device fabrication. Carrier energy levels are markedly and predictably altered by static charge embedded in polystyrene films adjacent to organic semiconductors, and multiple device activities can be obtained from a single device layout using one semiconductor. Second, we describe progress using ionically intercalated solution-processed alumina dielectrics, in which high capacitance is obtained from charge migration through channels in the oxides. The latter dielectrics greatly decrease switching voltages compared to other oxide and polymer dielectrics, and can be used with both organic and oxide semiconductors.
Demonstration of an all-optical flip-flop using a Lyot filter and a semiconductor optical amplifier arrangement

All-optical flip-flops provide many advantages over electrical circuitry, mainly the ability to operate at a faster speed and a cheaper cost. However, current models use a more than desirable amount of power and only operate with a single method for turning the flip-flop on and off, such as a single wavelength of light or a single current. The purpose of this work is to create an all-optical flip-flop that has multiple on and off wavelengths as well as a range of on and off currents at which it can successfully operate, in addition to using relatively less power. By creating a circuit consisting of a semiconductor optical amplifier, a lyot filter, and an isolator and testing the effects of various wavelengths and currents, we are able to create an optical flip-flop that operates at a power of only 1.002mW. Our signal turns off at 1554.955nm, 1558.955nm, and 1559.955nm or between 290-340mA, turns on at 1563.955nm, 1564.955nm, and 1568.955nm or between 80-120mA, and changes state between 170-210mA, while maintaining its state at all other wavelengths and currents. This all-optical flip-flop is a great improvement over other current models and, if put to practical use, could vastly increase the viability of these components.
Mitral Valve Replacement With the Pulmonary Autograft: Ross II Procedure With Kabanni Modification

Abstract We report our experience with pulmonary autograft replacement of the mitral valve in eight patients. Hospital mortality of 0% was reported, and there has been one autograft failure requiring replacement (mean follow-up 12 ± 6 months). We also review the world's experience with this technique. Mitral valve replacement with a pulmonary autograft (Ross II) is safe, reproducible, and possible warranted for selected patients.
3.1.2 The Seven Samurai of Systems Engineering: Dealing with the Complexity of 7 Interrelated Systems

There are seven different systems that must be acknowledged and understood by those who purport to do systems engineering. The main system to be engineered is the Intervention System that will be designed to solve a real or perceived problem. The Intervention System will be placed in a Context System and must be developed and deployed using a Realization System. The Intervention, when installed in the Context, becomes the Deployed System which is often different in substantial ways from the original intent of the Intervention. This Deployed System will interact with Collaborating Systems to accomplish its own functions. A Sustainment System provides services and materials to keep the Deployed System operational. Finally, there are one or more Competing Systems that may also solve the original problem and will compete for resources with your Deployed System. All seven systems must be properly reckoned with when engineering a system.
ACTION OF ESTROGEN SULFATES ON ACCUMULATION OF AMINO ACIDS BY EHRLICH ASCITES TUMOR CELLS IN VITRO.

Two water-soluble estrogen sulfates, estradiol disulfate and estrone sulfate, have been found to elevate the equilibrium distribution ratio for a number of free amino acids between the interior and the exterior of the Ehrlich mouse ascites carcinoma cells in vitro. The optimal effect is given when either agent is present at a level of around 1 mM. When estrone sulfate is added to levels above about 2 mM, it causes exchange of cellular K+ for external Na+, and amino acid uptake comes to be inhibited. In contrast, levels of estradiol disulfate as high as 10 mM do not affect cellular cation composition and they still stimulate amino acid uptake. Estrone sulfate therefore shows effects on the tumor cell more like those produced by equimolar amounts of pyridoxal. These and other experiments show that estradiol disulfate and estrone sulfate act somewhat differently on amino acid uptake. Both agents, however, lead to increased equilibrium distribution ratios by inhibiting efflux without an appreciable action on ...
Variation in axillary node dissection influences the degree of nodal involvement in breast cancer patients

Background and Objectives The number of positive axillary lymph nodes predicts prognosis and is often important in determining adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. This study was undertaken to determine if differences in the extent of axillary node dissection would alter the number of reported positive nodes. Methods The study population consisted of 302 patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent complete (level I/II/III) axillary lymph node dissection. Assuming that all patients had undergone a level I/II dissection, it was determined how frequently a patient's nodal category (0, 1–3, 4–9, >10 positive nodes) would have been altered if a level I or level I/II/III dissection were performed. Results Assuming that all 302 patients had undergone a level I/II dissection, performing only level I dissection would have resulted in a change in nodal category in 15.9% of all patients and 36.1% of patients with positive nodes. The corresponding changes for a level I/II/III dissection would have been 4.3% and 9.5%, respectively. Conclusions Variations in the level of axillary node dissection for breast cancer can result in significant changes in the number of positive axillary nodes. This can potentially bias adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations if treatment decisions are based on this prognostic factor. J. Surg. Oncol. 2000;73:134–137. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Intercellular lacunae: sequestered microenvironments in stimulated leukocyte cultures.

In Zellkulturen menschlicher Leukocyten wurden nach Stimulation zur Blasten-Transformation elektronenmikroskopische Verbindungen zwischen sich beruhrenden Zellen nachgewiesen, die wahrscheinlich dem Ubertritt spezifischer Plasmabestand dienen.
Large-scale simulation of brain cortices

BOSS is a highly parameterized large-scale discrete- event simulation system for brain structures. BOSS has been written in FORTRAN for the Univac 1106 and in PASCAL for the Control Data Cyber 173. It permits the simulation of detailed three-dimensional models involving up to 8,000 neurons and 80,000 synapses. Instead of describing the individual elements of a model, parameters specify spatial lattices and intersecting probability distributions which position neurons and synapses with any desired variance. To avoid sorting overhead, time is finely quantized and events are posted and scanned via a circular array of pointers to lists of simultaneous events. Synap tic weights may be modified systematically to reflect changes resulting from learning. BOSS can be used to simulate large logic arrays as well as neural networks.
Glucotoxic and diabetic conditions induce caspase 6-mediated degradation of nuclear lamin A in human islets, rodent islets and INS-1 832/13 cells

Nuclear lamins form the lamina on the interior surface of the nuclear envelope, and regulate nuclear metabolic events, including DNA replication and organization of chromatin. The current study is aimed at understanding the role of executioner caspase 6 on lamin A integrity in islet β-cells under duress of glucotoxic (20 mM glucose; 24 h) and diabetic conditions. Under glucotoxic conditions, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and metabolic cell viability were significantly attenuated in INS-1 832/13 cells. Further, exposure of normal human islets, rat islets and INS-1 832/13 cells to glucotoxic conditions leads to caspase 6 activation and lamin A degradation, which is also observed in islets from the Zucker diabetic fatty rat, a model for type 2 diabetes (T2D), and in islets from a human donor with T2D. Z-Val-Glu-Ile-Asp-fluoromethylketone, a specific inhibitor of caspase 6, markedly attenuated high glucose-induced caspase 6 activation and lamin A degradation, confirming that caspase 6 mediates lamin A degradation under high glucose exposure conditions. Moreover, Z-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone, a known caspase 3 inhibitor, significantly inhibited high glucose-induced caspase 6 activation and lamin A degradation, suggesting that activation of caspase 3 might be upstream to caspase 6 activation in the islet β-cell under glucotoxic conditions. Lastly, we report expression of ZMPSTE24, a zinc metallopeptidase involved in the processing of prelamin A to mature lamin A, in INS-1 832/13 cells and human islets; was unaffected by high glucose. We conclude that caspases 3 and 6 could contribute to alterations in the integrity of nuclear lamins leading to metabolic dysregulation and failure of the islet β-cell.
Reactionless space and ground robots: novel designs and concept studies

Abstract For conventional designs of space and earth robots, manipulator motions result in forces and moments on the base. These forces and moments cause translation and rotation of the free-floating base of a space robot. For earth robots, the same forces and moments get transmitted to the base and may cause undesirable base excitations. The objective of this paper is to systematically analyze the fundamentals of reactionless space and earth robots. Based on this analysis, design of two distinct classes of planar robots is proposed, with appropriate choices of geometric and inertial parameters. Due to underlying principle of conservation of angular momentum for these special robots, the trajectory must satisfy additional constraints. We illustrate the reactionless feature of these robots and trajectory planning of these robots through computer simulations. Currently, we are fabricating such reactionless robots to illustrate the underlying concepts.
Plasma glycolipids levels: new factors regulating the protein C anticoagulant pathway and determining thrombotic risk

Deguchi and colleagues (page [1907][1]) have identified the plasma glucosylceramide (GlcCer), but not other similar glycolipids, as a novel source for supporting the activity of the natural anticoagulant activated protein C (APC). They show that patients below the 10th percentile in GlcCer had an
NATIONAL CONTEXT AND GENDER IDEOLOGY Attitudes toward Women's Employment in Hungary and the United States

This study uses a comparative framework to examine the relationship between individual-level attributes and gender-role attitudes in a state-market society (Hungary) and in a capitalist society (the United States). Data from the 1988 International Social Science Program (ISSP) indicate significant differences in attitudes between the two populations. Both women and men in the United States were more supportive of women's employment than their counterparts in Hungary, despite the Hungarian government's policy of full employment during communist rule. Nevertheless, the level of agreement between women and men (the gender gap) was uniform across national contexts: Women were more supportive of women's employment than men. We also found that individual-level attributes, such as employment status and marital status, differentially affected gender-role attitudes in the two countries. This study contributes to a broader dialogue about the dynamic relationship between social structure and gender ideology.
Transform representation of the spectra of acoustic speech segments with applications. I. General approach and application to speech recognition

An approach to modeling and capturing the time-varying structure of the spectral envelope of speech is reported. Acoustic subword decomposition and the Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT) are used to extract and efficiently represent the highly correlated structure of the spectral envelope. Integration of the KLT with acoustic subword modeling provides concise representation of both steady-state and dynamic features of the spectra in a unified framework that very effectively captures acoustic-phonetic patterns. The physiological and perceptual basis for the approach, the frame-based and acoustic-subword-based spectral representation, and applications to speaker-dependent recognition are presented. The performance of the recognition algorithm based on this approach compares favorably with that of other techniques. >