cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Acquisition Based on Explicit Representation

Abstract In recent years, knowledge-based systems have become one of the most popular approaches for solving engineering problems. Conventionally, knowledge acquisition and representation are treated as separate processes. Knowledge engineers are responsible for preparing question patterns and setting up personnel interviews with domain experts for knowledge acquisition. All acquired knowledge is manually interpreted, verified, and transformed into a predefined representation scheme. In this paper, a new acquisition method, called knowledge acquisition based on explicit representation (KAR), is proposed to facilitate the elicitation of design knowledge. KAR approach employs a structured knowledge representation scheme to drive the acquisition process. By exploiting the structured nature and well-defined axioms of the representation scheme, acquisition queries and verification rules are generated automatically. The acquired knowledge is verified and transformed into a format ready for reference. The proposed framework is expected to reduce the cost and effort of the knowledge base development process. To illustrate KAR, a VLSI interconnect design example is presented.
Sex-specific association of epidermal growth factor gene polymorphisms with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is involved in alveolar epithelial repair, lung fluid clearance and inflammation, and is regulated by sex hormones. An unmatched, nested case-control study was conducted to evaluate the associations of EGF variants with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the role of sex on the associations between EGF variants and ARDS. Patients with ARDS risk factors upon intensive care unit admission were enrolled. Cases were 416 Caucasians who developed ARDS and controls were 1,052 Caucasians who did not develop ARDS. Cases were followed for clinical outcomes and 60-day mortality. One functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs4444903, and six haplotype-tagging SNPs spanning the entire EGF gene were genotyped. No individual SNP or haplotype was associated with ARDS risk or outcomes in all subjects. Sex-stratified analyses showed opposite effects of EGF variants on ARDS in males versus in females. SNPs rs4444903, rs2298991, rs7692976 and rs4698803, and haplotypes GGCGTC and ATCAAG were associated with ARDS risk in males. No associations were observed in females. Interaction analysis showed that rs4444903, rs2298991, rs7692976 and rs6533485 significantly interacted with sex for ARDS risk. The present study suggests that associations of epidermal growth factor gene variants with acute respiratory distress syndrome risk are modified by sex. The current findings should be replicated in other populations.
An Alternative Approach to Management of Fogarty Catheter Disruption Associated with Endobronchial Foreign Body Extraction

The Fogarty balloon catheter is a useful adjunct in removing aspirated foreign bodies, but its use is not without risks. A case is presented of Fogarty catheter disruption while attempting to remove a foreign body. The resulting debris in the distal airway was inaccessible to bronchoscopic retrieval. An effective treatment plan is outlined to deal with this problem. (Chest 1988; 94:882-84)
The surgical clerkship: characteristics of the effective teacher

A good relationship between medical students and clinicians is crucial to a positive learning experience. To increase contact between surgical teaching staff and students, a teacher programme was instituted in the problem-based surgical clerkship at the University of Kentucky. This study examined the teacher traits and skills that medical students perceive as distinguishing effective from ineffective teachers. The 312 evaluations collected from students in successive surgical clerkship rotations (87% response rate) were used to determine the characteristics of the effective teacher. Results suggest that students rate increased contact with surgical teaching staff highly and that they value increased mentoring by the staff. The traits of teachers rated highly by students in the surgical clerkship include: being a positive role model, encouraging communication, and being well organized. Comparing data from the 2 years of the clerkship also revealed that providing feedback to staff on their performance as teachers enabled them to improve their instructional skills.
Resource exploitation theory and the behavior of the oil cartel

Abstract This paper examines the implications of the partial equilibrium theory of optimal exploitation of a non-renewable resource for the behavior of the OPEC cartel. A relatively general extraction cost structure is assumed, and several new theoretical results are derived. The influence of oil-exporting countries' ultimate objectives on cartel behavior is examined under alternative assumptions about trading and investment opportunities. Some implications for the policies of oil importing nations are discussed.
Destruction of Solid Samples by Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

Abstract The heating of samples during infrared (IR) transmission/absorption spectroscopic measurements has been known and of some concern for many years. Emission of radiation by the sample can cause spectral artifacts, and sample heating is of particular importance for surface studies at or near ambient temperatures because surfaces may become altered by the desorption of gases. Such effects, discussed elsewhere,1,2 must be considered for photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS).
Computer diagnosis of electrocardiograms. I. Equipment.

Abstract Electrocardiograms were placed on magnetic tape or transmitted over telephone wires to a 1401 computer using a data gathering console developed especially for the task. An analog preprocessor was used to select certain points on the waveform as particularly valuable for analysis by the computer. Novel electronic techniques were developed to compensate for tape recorder “wow” and “flutter.” This paper describes the system and special equipment.
FIM/atom probe analysis of a heat treated 7150 aluminum alloy

Abstract The stress corrosion cracking resistance of high strength aluminum alloys can be substantially altered by heat treatment. In addition to microstructural changes, the alloys may also undergo chemical changes as a result of the heat treatment which may affect the stress corrosion properties. The FIM/atom probe has been used to detect such changes. The compositions of the matrix, matrix precipitates, precipitate-free zone (PFZ) and grain boundary precipitates in a heat-treated 7150 Al alloy tempered to peak strength have been quantitatively measured. A substantial increase in the concentrations of Mg, Zn and Cu were found in the PFZ. The average compositions of the precipitates in the matrix and at the sub-boundaries were shown not to differ significantly. The coarser precipitates at high-angle boundaries, which may have a more important effect on stress corrosion, were difficult to analyze because of their low number density and the large grain size of the material.
A Genome-Wide Association Study of Red Blood Cell Traits Using the Electronic Medical Record

Background The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is a potential source for high throughput phenotyping to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including those of medically relevant quantitative traits. We describe use of the Mayo Clinic EMR to conduct a GWAS of red blood cell (RBC) traits in a cohort of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and controls without PAD. Methodology and Principal Findings Results for hemoglobin level, hematocrit, RBC count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were extracted from the EMR from January 1994 to September 2009. Out of 35,159 RBC trait values in 3,411 patients, we excluded 12,864 values in 1,165 patients that had been measured during hospitalization or in the setting of hematological disease, malignancy, or use of drugs that affect RBC traits, leaving a final genotyped sample of 3,012, 80% of whom had ≥2 measurements. The median of each RBC trait was used in the genetic analyses, which were conducted using an additive model that adjusted for age, sex, and PAD status. We identified four genomic loci that were associated (P<5×10−8) with one or more of the RBC traits (HBLS1/MYB on 6q23.3, TMPRSS6 on 22q12.3, HFE on 6p22.1, and SLC17A1 on 6p22.2). Three of these loci (HBLS1/MYB, TMPRSS6, and HFE) had been identified in recent GWAS and the allele frequencies, effect sizes, and the directions of effects of the replicated SNPs were similar to the prior studies. Conclusions Our results demonstrate feasibility of using the EMR to conduct high throughput genomic studies of medically relevant quantitative traits.
Metals in Marine Biochemistry

This editorial introduces the Metallomics themed issue Metals in Marine Biochemistry, guest edited by Rachel Austin and Mak Saito.
Can screening for optic nerve gliomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type I be performed with visual-evoked potential testing?

Background: Screening for optic nerve gliomas (ONGs) in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is problematic. Visual acuity (VA) can be unreliable in children. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive test for ONG, but it is expensive. This study was designed to determine whether visual-evoked potential testing (VEP) is a sensitive and cost-effective screening test for ONG in NF1 in children. Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of patients with NF1 at a tertiary care eye center that were born between 1983 and 2003. VA was considered abnormal if 20/40 or worse or more than 2 lines difference between eyes. VEP was abnormal if the P100 was >108 ms (ms) or the interocular difference was greater than 5.0 ms. Results: Of 297 patients found with NF1, 144 were children and 30 had VEP and MRI. Of those, 14 had ONG and 16 did not. The average P100 of the VEP was 110.5 ms in patients with ONG compared with 103.1 ms ( p = 0.004) in those without ONG. VEP was 86% sensitive and 75% specific in detecting ONG. VA was 50% sensitive and 50% specific. Six patients with ONG had normal vision and abnormal VEP. Two subjects had initial abnormal VEP but normal MRI and showed ONG on follow-up imaging. One subject with ONG had a normal VEP initially but subsequent VEP was abnormal. Conclusion: Using serial VEPs, the sensitivity is 93%. Cost of VEP and MRI is $150 and $1750, respectively. VEP is a sensitive and cost-effective screening test for ONG in NF1. VEP may assist in earlier diagnoses of ONG, especially in children with equivocal or difficult ophthalmic examinations.
Decay of 40Cl

Abstract The decay of 40Cl (1·4 min) to excited states in 40Ar has been studied with a lithium-drifted germanium detector and a NaI(Tl) detector. 40Cl was produced through the 40Ar(n, p)40Cl reaction by irradiating liquid argon with 14·8 MeV neutrons. Singles and coincidence gamma-spectra of separated and unseparated 40Cl sources were obtained. The energies and relative photon intensities of the previously reported transitions of 6·0, 3·1, 2·85, 1·45, 0·65 MeV were measured. The energies and relative photon intensities of hitherto unreported transitions of 2·61, 2·18, 1·78, 1·43 and 0·33 MeV were also measured. A tentative decay scheme for 40Cl is proposed. The beta branching to the 1·45 MeV level was also measured.
Kinetics and stoichiometry of a proton/myo-inositol cotransporter.

Voltage clamp recording was used to measure steady-state and presteady-state currents mediated by a myo-inositol transporter cloned from Leishmania donovani and expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Application of myo-inositol resulted in inward currents, which did not require external sodium and which were increased by increasing the extracellular proton concentration and by membrane hyperpolarization. Alkalinization of the extracellular space occurred concomitantly with myo-inositol influx. Correlation of membrane currents with radiolabeled myo-inositol flux revealed that one positive charge is translocated with each molecule of myo-inositol, consistent with cotransport of one proton. The transport concentration dependence on both species suggested ordered binding of a proton followed by a molecule of myo-inositol. In the absence of myo-inositol, a voltage-dependent capacitance was observed that correlated with the transporter expression level. This charge movement obeyed a Boltzmann function, which was used to estimate a turnover of 0.70 ± 0.06 s−1 at −60 mV. The pH and voltage dependence of the charge movements were simulated with a model involving alternating access of internal and external protons to sites within an occluded pore.
Structure and Composition of Rhinoceros Horn

Rhinoceros horn has been used medicinally and as a talisman in many cultures and animals are slaughtered to obtain the horn. With the dwindling populations of rhinos, and the limited number and breeding success of captive rhinos, there is a critical need to learn as much as is possible about their horns to find an adequate substitute. Examination of rhino horn was made using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The structure of the horn is unusual and consists of two separate phases, one of hair-like filaments, built around a central core in circumferential layers and the other surrounding and filling in the spaces between the filaments as a matrix. Together, these two structures make up a biological composite, structurally similar to metal, ceramic or polymer based composites. The structural morphology, the dimensions of the structures, and the chemistry of the horn are discussed. Comparisons are made between horn, hoof, and hair of rhinos and hoof and hair from horses, their nearest living relatives.
NKT cells in p53 deficiency

In this issue of Blood , Swann and colleagues show that type I NKT cells mediate protection against tumor development in p53-deficient mice.
Introduction: The Need for Gender-Targeted Workforce Development Initiatives

The United States entered one of its deepest recessions in the late 2000s—workers faced jobs that were not coming back, long-term unemployment, and increased economic insecurity. These severe problems emphasize the need for government workforce initiatives. Yet investments in comprehensive employment and training policies have declined in real terms by nearly 70 percent since 1979. This article discusses this evolution, with a focus on the persistence of gender segmentation that workforce training initiatives seem to reinforce. Finally, it concludes with a discussion of the four articles that complete this special issue.
Rapid growth rate in breast cancer: a confounding variable in adjuvant-chemotherapy trials.

Abstract In randomised trials of adjuvant chemotherapy for node-positive breast cancer, significant benefit has been seen in premenopausal but not postmenopausal patients. A possible explanation for this distinction is that premenopausal groups contain a greater proportion of patients with rapidly growing tumours that respond well to chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to assess the plausibility of this explanation, using a clinical index to estimate rate of growth. From a cohort of women with primary breast cancer, none of whom had received adjuvant chemotherapy, an adjuvant-treated population was simulated by means of a study of the 164 patients who would have been eligible for entry into an adjuvant trial. The prognosis for each patient was categorised according to premenopausal or postmenopausal status, nodal status (1-3 or ≥4), and growth rate of the cancer (non-rapid or rapid). Patients with rapid growth rates comprised a greater proportion ofthe premenopausal group (32%) than of the postmenopausal group (20%). On the assumption that adjuvant chemotherapy would preferentially benefit the rapid-growth stratum, the potential impact of the disproportionate distribution of the rapid-growth-rate stratum on the results of adjuvant trials was calculated. The results showed that a disparity in distribution of the rapid-growth-rate stratum could account for the apparently greater benefit in premenopausal patients.
Long‐term survival of Acidovorax citrulli in citron melon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) seeds

Long-term survival of Acidovorax citrulli in citron melon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) seeds was investigated. Cit- ron melon seed lots infected with A. citrulli were generated in the field by inoculating either the pistils (stigma) or peri- carps (ovary wall) of the female blossoms. Seventeen A. citrulli isolates from 14 different haplotypes belonging to two different groups (group I and II) were used for inoculation. After confirming that 100% of seed lots were infected, they were stored at 4°C and 50% RH for 7 years. After storage, the viability of A. citrulli cells from individual lots was determined by plating macerated seeds on semiselective medium as well as growing seeds for 14 days and scoring for bacterial fruit blotch symptoms. The type of A. citrulli isolate (group I or group II) used did not significantly influence bacterial survival. However, A. citrulli survival was significantly greater in seed lots generated via pistil inoculation (529 and 294%) than via pericarp inoculation (235 and 176%). Repetitive extragenic palindrome (rep)-PCR on A. citrulli isolated from citron melon seed lots after storage displayed similar fingerprinting patterns to those of the ref- erence strains originally used for blossom inoculation, indicating that cross-contamination did not occur. The results indicate that A. citrulli may survive/overwinter in citron melon seeds for at least 7 years and bacterial survival in seed was influenced more by method of blossom inoculation than by the type of bacterial isolate.
NFκB Activation Is Required for the Neuroprotective Effects of Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor (PEDF) on Cerebellar Granule Neurons

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) protects immature cerebellar granule cells (1-3 days in vitro) against induced apoptosis and mature cells (5+ days in vitro) against glutamate toxicity, but its precise mechanism is still unknown. Because the transcription factor NFkappaB blocks cell death, including neuronal apoptosis, we have investigated the ability of PEDF to exert its effects via NFkappaB activation. PEDF induced an increased phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha, decreased levels of IkappaB proteins, and translocation of p65 (RelA) to the nucleus followed by a time-dependent increase of NFkappaB-DNA binding activity in both immature and mature neurons. The protective effects of PEDF against both induced apoptosis and glutamate toxicity were blocked by the addition of either the IkappaB kinase inhibitor BAY 11-7082, which inhibits the phosphorylation of IkappaB, or N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-norleucinal, which blocks proteosome degradation of IkappaB, demonstrating that NFkappaB is required for the neuroprotective effects of PEDF. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that up-regulation of the anti-apoptotic genes for Bcl-2, Bcl-x, and manganese superoxide dismutase was observed in PEDF-treated immature but not mature neurons. Up-regulation of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA was long-lasting in mature neurons. These results suggest that PEDF promotes neuronal survival through activation of NFkappaB, which in turn induces expression of anti-apoptotic and/or neurotrophic factor genes.
The effect of early posthatch nutrition on satellite cell mitotic activity

Myofiber growth is dependent upon the contribution of new nuclei from the mitotically active satellite cell population. The objective of this study was to examine satellite cell mitotic activity in conjunction with different nutritional paradigms during the early posthatch period. Turkey poults were provided a standard turkey starter diet; the starter diet top-dressed with a hydrated low-fat, highly digestible protein and carbohydrate nutritional hatchling supplement, Oasis; the starter diet top-dressed with Solka-floc dyed green; or no food for the first 3 d posthatch. All birds were fed a standard starter diet during the experimental period. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was continuously infused into all treatments (n = 5 all groups) between hatch and 3 d of age. A second group of identically treated poults housed in separate pens (n = 3 to 5) was continuously infused with BrdU between 2 and 9 d of age. Mitotically active satellite cells were identified in the pectoralis thoracicus and quantitated using BrdU immunohistochemistry in combination with computer-based image analysis. Satellite cell mitotic activity was significantly higher (P or = 0.05) differences in satellite cell mitotic activity among treatments at 9 d posthatch. The results of the current study suggest that any improvements in meat yield through early nutritional supplementation do not appear to occur through a satellite cell pathway and that there is no compensatory response in the satellite cell population following refeeding after early posthatch starvation.
Bulk growth of quasi-binary quaternary alloys

Abstract Crystal growth experiments were conducted by: (a) melting together two III–V compounds (InAs, GaSb) and (b) melting together one III–V compound (InSb or GaSb) and one II–VI compound (CdTe or HgTe). These melts contain four different atoms, but in comparison to the conventional quaternary alloys A x C 1− x B y D 1− y , have a constrain in the composition given by x = y , and therefore can be designated as “quasi-binary”. The composition of these melts is (AB) 1− x (CD) x . Bulk crystals were produced from these melts by directional solidification and Czochralski pulling. Our goal was to determine whether the grown crystals will remain “quasi-binary” or, due to segregation will turn conventional quaternary x ≠ y . The grown crystals were free of cracks, which can be explained by low lattice mismatch. Using the electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), it was determined that quasi-binary (InSb) 1− x (CdTe) x crystals were obtained. The other systems yielded conventional quaternary specimens with x ≠ y .
Interaction of the allogeneic state and hypercholesterolemia in arterial lesion formation in experimental cardiac allografts.

To learn more about the interaction of allogeneic transplantation and hypercholesterolemia in the formation of arterial lesions, we performed heterotopic cardiac transplantation in rabbits. We analyzed lesions in both the coronary arteries and the proximal ascending aorta 6 weeks after surgery in both transplanted and native hearts of normocholesterolemic rabbits and those with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol, 1638 +/- 366 mg/dL, n = 6, 6 weeks after transplantation). All animals received cyclosporin A (5 mg.kg-1.d-1) for immunosuppression. The transplanted aortas of hypercholesterolemic animals had thicker intimal lesions than did the native aortas (intima/media ratio, 0.67 +/- 0.4 versus 0.08 +/- 0.1, P < .05) and contained more T cells (37.4 +/- 12.8 versus 5.7 +/- 6.2 per high-power field, P < .001). In normocholesterolemic animals (n = 5) the coronary arteries had negligible lesions in the native heart and only slight and inconsistent intimal lesions in the transplanted heart. In the hypercholesterolemic animals, more coronary arteries had intimal lesions in the transplanted hearts than in the native hearts (74% versus 43%). Coronary artery lesions in the native hearts consisted mostly of foam cells, while those in transplanted hearts had more abundant smooth muscle cells as determined by alpha-actin staining. Intimal endothelial cells in transplanted aortas expressed increased levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 compared with the native vessels subjected to identical levels of cholesterolemia. Medial smooth muscle cells in transplanted aortas contained much higher levels of immunoreactive tumor necrosis factor-alpha than did medial cells of the native aorta in the same hypercholesterolemic animals. The intima of transplanted aortas contained prominent microvessels compared with the native aorta of the hypercholesterolemic rabbits. We conclude that even during treatment with doses of cyclosporine that control acute myocardial rejection, hypercholesterolemia and the allogeneic state act together to augment allograft atherosclerosis, T-cell accumulation, intimal neovascularization, local cytokine expression, and indices of cell activation in arteries.
Proceedings of the Fifth Symposium on Antarctic Meteorites

In the last few years, Antarctica has become an important source of meteorites, and the Japanese Symposia on Antarctic Meteorites have emerged as major outlets for data on these objects. The Proceedings volume from the fifth such symposium, held in February 1980, is therefore most welcome. This volume, like its predecessors, deals almost solely with Antarctic meteorites (exceptions are a paper on synthetic chondrules and two papers on sheet silicates in the Murchison, CM, chondrite), stresses observation rather than interpretation and synthesis, and contains few contributions by non-Japanese authors. Its 26 papers cover a very wide range of subjects, from chondrites to ureilites, from sample recovery and weathering to magnetic properties (four papers), cosmogenic nuclides (three papers), and compressional wave velocities. Though few meteoriticists will find all papers equally interesting, there is something in the volume for everyone. Even nonspecialists should enjoy reading Nishio and Annexstad's discussion of ice flow and the role it played on concentrating meteorites in such happy hunting grounds as the Allan Hills and the Yamato Mountains.
A laboratory method for studying the aqueous phase transport of dissolved constituents from residually held NAPL in unsaturated soil columns

Abstract The potential for soils containing residual nonaqueous-phase liquid (NAPL) to contaminate infiltrating water was investigated using laboratory experiments. An experimental procedure was developed to leach soil-filled laboratory columns containing residual levels of gasoline. The water flow in the columns was maintained under steady state, unsaturated flow conditions. The 30 cm columns were constructed of glass, stainless steel and teflon components. A syringe collection technique was developed to collect effluent samples in a vacuum chamber in order to minimize losses of volatile compounds. Tensiometers were used to monitor unsaturated flow hydraulics. Four replicate column experiments were conducted using a sandy loam soil with gasoline as the residually held hydrocarbon source. Residual levels of gasoline were achieved using ceramic pressure plates. Maintaining unsaturated flow conditions, levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m- and p-xylene and o-xylene (BTEX) were monitored over a period of one month. Initial effluent levels of BTEX agreed well with equilibrium values determined from batch solubility tests indicating that the system was operating under local equilibrium conditions. Minimum time for complete depletion of the five compounds from the soil was calculated based on the effluent concentration levels. Results from the four replicate columns were similar.
Engagement with Online Media

AbstractEngagement has emerged as an important concept for newsorganizations. Yet lack of agreement within the industry and the academy on the definition of engagement has left news companies vulnerable to the definitions dictated by advertisers, who focus on brand placement not news content. This paper relies on quantitative and qualitative methodologies to define online engagement as a collection ofexperiences, illustrates that there are actually two important types of engagement (personal and social-interactive engagement) for media companies, and demonstrates their predictive validity by showing bothare associated with readership.
Reactive astrocytosis in feline neonatal hydrocephalus: acute, chronic, and shunt-induced changes

Reactive astrocytosis has been implicated in injury and recovery patterns associated with hydrocephalus. To investigate temporal changes in astrogliosis during the early progression of hydrocephalus, after shunting, and after long-term ventriculomegaly, glial fibrillary protein (GFAP) levels were analyzed in a feline model. Obstructive hydrocephalus was induced in 10-day-old kittens by intracisternal injections of 25% kaolin. Acute non-shunted animals were killed 15 days post-kaolin injection to represent the pre-shunt condition. Shunt-treated animals received ventriculoperitoneal shunts 15 days post-injection and were killed 10 or 60 days later to represent short- and long-term recovery periods. Chronic untreated animals had Ommaya reservoirs implanted 15 days post-kaolin, which were tapped intermittently until they were killed 60 days later. Ventriculomegaly was monitored by neuroimaging before and after shunting and at death. RNA and total protein from primary visual cortex were analyzed by Northern and Western blotting. GFAP RNA and protein levels for acute and chronic non-shunted hydrocephalic animals were 77% and 247% (p < 0.01) and 659% (p < 0.05) and 871% (p < 0.05) higher than controls, respectively. Shunted animals with short-term recovery demonstrated a mismatch in GFAP levels, with RNA expression decreasing 26% and protein increasing 335% (p < 0.01). Shunted animals with a long-term recovery exhibited GFAP RNA and protein levels 201% and 357% above normal, respectively. These results indicate that a reactive astrocytic response continues to rise dramatically in chronic hydrocephalus, suggesting ongoing gliosis and potential damage. Shunting partially ameliorates the continuation of astrogliosis, but does not completely reverse this inflammatory reaction even after a long recovery.
Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/Nanoparticle Ternary Composites

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) can be toughened by flexible poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) at the cost of a certain degree of strength and modulus loss. In an attempt to achieve balanced overall properties, PLA ternary composites containing both PBAT and rigid nanoparticles, i.e., montmorillonite clay (MMT) or nanosized precipitated calcium carbonate (NPCC), were prepared by twin screw extrusion and subsequent injection molding. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the composites containing MMT exhibited higher tensile strength and modulus but lower elongation compared to the composites containing NPCC. Using maleic anhydride (MA) grafted PLA as a compatibilizer, the elongation of the ternary composites was substantially increased, possibly due to improved dispersion of the nanoparticles. The injection molded ternary composites were shown to have a skin−core layered structure. The skin and core layers were found to possess different microstructure, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties. The...
The slow cell death response when screening chemotherapeutic agents.

To examine the correlation between cell death and a common surrogate of death used in screening assays, we compared cell death responses to those obtained with the sulforhodamine B (SRB) cell protein–based “cytotoxicity” assay. With the SRB assay, the Hill equation was used to obtain an IC50 and final cell mass, or cell mass present at infinite agent concentrations, with eight adherent cell lines and four agents (32 agent/cell combinations). Cells were treated with high agent concentrations (well above the SRB IC50) and the death response determined as the time-dependent decrease in cells failing to bind both annexin V and vital fluorochromes by flow cytometry. Death kinetics were categorized as fast (5/32) (similar to the reference nonadherent Jurkat line), slow (17/32), or none (10/32), despite positive responses in the SRB assay in all cases. With slow cell death, a single exposure to a chemotherapeutic agent caused a slow, progressive increase in dead (necrotic) and dying (apoptotic) cells for at least 72 h. Cell death (defined by annexin and/or fluorochrome binding) did not correlate with the standard SRB “cytotoxicity” assay. With the slow cell death response, a single exposure to an agent caused a slow conversion from vital to apoptotic and necrotic cells over at least 72 h (the longest time point examined). Here, increasing the time of exposure to agent concentrations modestly above the SRB IC50 provides a method of maximizing cell kill. If tumors respond similarly, sustained low doses of chemotherapeutic agents, rather than a log-kill, maximum tolerated dose strategy may be an optimal strategy of maximizing tumor cell death.
Design Considerations for Digital Interconnects in Lossy Dielectric Medium

The design considerations for high speed digital interconnects in a printed circuit board are presented. The frequency depepndent transmission line parameters and lossy dielectric medium are considered to characterize a transmission line. A study case is considered by presenting the design considerations for microstrip printed circuit line embedded in a homogeneous dielectric medium.
Reconsidering the Simple View of Reading in an Intriguing Case of Equivalent Models Commentary on Tunmer and Chapman (2012)

Recently, Tunmer and Chapman provided an alternative model of how decoding and listening comprehension affect reading comprehension that challenges the simple view of reading. They questioned the simple view's fundamental assumption that oral language comprehension and decoding make independent contributions to reading comprehension by arguing that one component of oral language comprehension (vocabulary) affects decoding. They reported results from hierarchical regression analyses, exploratory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling to justify their conclusion. Their structural equation modeling results provided the strongest and most direct test of their alternative view. However, they incorrectly specified their simple view model. When correctly specified, the simple view of reading model and an alternative model in which listening comprehension affects decoding provide identically good fits to the data. This results from the fact that they are equivalent models. Although Tunmer and Chapman's results do not support their assertion that a model in which oral language comprehension affects decoding provides a better fit to their data, the presence of equivalent models provides an ironic twist: The mountain of evidence that supports the simple view of reading provides equivalent support to their alternative interpretation. Additional studies are needed to differentiate these two theoretical accounts.
77 GHz dual-polarized microstrip antennas on thin dielectric membranes

We have designed, fabricated and tested 77 GHz dual-polarized microstrip antennas suspended on thin dielectric membranes for automotive applications. The measurements indicate a comfortable 2 GHz bandwidth, with a -18 dB isolation between the orthogonal ports. The performance of the antenna was limited by the feed-line radiation interference and future designs will correct this problem.
A New Principal For Tchikobou High School: Resistance to Change

This case study explains the functional or practical difficulties that many organizations face when they change their leaders. By describing the experiences of the two principals, two distinct styles of leadership are displayed, each of which provides the reader with the opportunity to understand some aspects of frames in organizations: structural, human resource, political, and symbolic. The case also illustrates conceptual frameworks about the tacit difficulties change agents may encounter as they attempt to implement their visions in environments where the organizational culture is not prepared for the change or is simply resistant to it.
Stability of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale: A Multidimensional Item Response Model and Rasch Analysis

The purpose of this study was to explore the longitudinal structural and measurement invariance of the 17-item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) using a multidimensional item response model and the unidimensional Rasch model in contrast to prior work employing classical test theory. Participants (n = 177) were assigned to three interventions and assessed at three time points. The structural analyses found that a 3-factor model fit better than a 1-factor or a 2-factor model using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Schwartz’s Bayesian information criterion (BIC) though not with the AICPC or the BIC PC. With respect to item fit, differential item functioning (DIF) and correlation of item logit positions, the PGCMS was quite stable. However, Items 4 and 5 were problematic in terms of fit. The internal consistency reliabilities of three factors were also relatively lower than desirable at one point and adequate at others.
An antenna array for radar astronomy studies in the 20 to 55 MC range

This paper discusses the design and construction of a branch-fed, variable-phase, 20 to 55 Mc array of 48 log-periodic elements. Phasing to control-beam direction is described and the correction necessary for ionospheric refraction is presented in terms of vertical incidence critical frequency. The array gain as measured by moon-bounce techniques is found to be in good agreement with the theoretical value.
Self-Concept Development of Students With Disabilities: Disability Category, Gender, and Racial Differences From Early Elementary to High School

Developmental trajectories of two self-concept constructs (self-confidence and importance beliefs) in three domains (academic, social, and self-image) were estimated in a nationally representative sample of approximately 3,500 students with disabilities ages 8 to 17 representing 11 federal disability categories. Students’ self-confidence in the three domains declined in elementary school but rebounded in secondary school, whereas their importance beliefs showed linear declines over time. The authors found significant mean differences in self-concept but similarities in the shape of trajectories across disability categories, gender, and race. Students with emotional disturbances or autism had significantly lower self-confidence in the social and self-image domains and lower academic importance beliefs than students with learning disabilities. Girls had significantly higher self-confidence and importance beliefs than boys. Compared to their white peers, Black students had significantly higher self-confidenc...
Structural and Electronic Role of Lead in (PbBi)2Sr2CaCu2O8 Superconductors by STM.

The structural and electronic effects of lead substitution in the high-temperature superconducting materials PbxBi2-xSr2CaCu2O8 have been characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Large-area STM images of the Bi(Pb)—O layers show that lead substitution distorts and disorders the one-dimensional superlattice found in these materials. Atomic-resolution images indicate that extra oxygen atoms are present in the Bi(Pb)—O layers. STS data show that the electronic structure of the Bi(Pb)—O layers is insensitive to lead substitution within ±0.5 electron volt of the Fermi level; however, a systematic decrease in the density of states is observed at ≈1 electron volt above the Fermi level. Because the superconducting transition temperatures are independent of x(Pb) (x ≤ 0.7), these microscopic STM and STS data suggest that the lead-induced electronic and structural changes in the Bi(Pb)—O layer do not perturb the electronic states critical to forming the superconducting state in this system.
The European Society for Vascular Surgery Guidelines for Carotid Intervention: An Updated Independent Assessment and Literature Review

Abstract Background and purpose Many medical societies now recommend carotid stenting as an alternative to endarterectomy which raises the question of whether the ESVS guidelines are still valid. This review addresses the validity of the ESVS guidelines that refer to carotid stenting based on the evidence available today. Methods We conducted a review and meta-analysis based on the original ESVS guidelines paper and articles published over the past 2 years. Results For symptomatic patients, surgery remains the best option, since stenting is associated with a 61% relative risk increase of periprocedural stroke or death compared to endarterectomy. However, centres of excellence in carotid stenting may achieve comparable results. In asymptomatic patients, there is still no good evidence for any intervention because the stroke risk from an asymptomatic stenosis is very low, especially with the best modern medical treatment. CREST and CAVATAS have verified that mid-term stroke prevention after successful stenting is similar to endarterectomy. EVA-3S, SPACE, ICSS and CREST have provided additional evidence regarding the role of age in choosing therapeutic modality. The role of the cerebral protection devices is challenged by the imaging findings of small randomised trials but supported by large systematic reviews. Conclusions The ESVS guidelines that refer to carotid stenting not only remain valid but also have been further strengthened by the latest available clinical data. An update of these guidelines including all of the recent evidence is needed to provide an objective and up-to-date interpretation of the data.
Blind identification of ARMA channels with periodically modulated inputs

Previous results have pointed out the importance of inducing cyclostationarity at the transmitter for blind identification of FIR communication channels. The present paper considers the blind identification problem of an ARMA (p,q) channel by exploiting the cyclostationarity induced at the transmitter through periodic encoding of the input. It is shown that causal and stable ARMA (p,q) channels can be uniquely identified from the output second-order cyclic statistics, irrespective of the location of channel poles and zeros and color of additive stationary noise, provided that the cyclostationary input has at least q+1 nonzero cycles.
Optoelectronic tweezers — a new parallel optical manipulation tool

Optoelectronic tweezers (OET) [1] has recently emerged as a novel and powerful technique for optical manipulation of microscopic and nanoscopic particles. Previously, OET manipulation and separation of various cell types, polystyrene beads [1,2], and semiconducting and metallic nanowires [3] have been demonstrated. In this paper, we present some of the recent advances in the optoelectronic tweezers technology. In particular, trapping and manipulation of metallic spherical nanoparticles with diameters below 100 nm [4], parallel assembly of nanowires using lateral-field optoelectronic tweezers (LOET) [5], and assembly of InGaAs/InGaAsP multi-quantum well (MQW) microdisk lasers (201nm thick, 6µm in diameter) using LOET [6,7] are discussed.
Detection of carotid artery calcification on the panoramic images of post-menopausal females is significantly associated with severe abdominal aortic calcification: a risk indicator of future adverse vascular events

Objectives:Outcome studies among post-menopausal females with calcified carotid artery plaque (CCAP) on their panoramic images have not been previously undertaken. We sought to compare the extent of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) on lateral lumbar spine radiographs (LLSRs), among groups of females with (CCAP+) and without (CCAP−) carotid lesions on their panoramic images. “Severe” levels of AAC have previously been validated as a risk indicator of future adverse cardiovascular events.Methods:This cross-sectional case–control study included a “CCAP+ group” consisting of females more than 50 years of age having the carotid lesion diagnosed by their dentists and an atherogenic risk factor (age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia)-matched “CCAP− group”. A physician radiologist, using the Framingham index, evaluated the LLSRs for the magnitude of AAC. Summary statistics for key variables were computed and conditional logistic regression techniques were considered.Results:Members of...
A simulation-based design framework for automated material handling systems in 300 mm fabrication facilities

We describe a methodology to tackle the problem of designing automated material handling systems (AMHS) for 300 mm wafer fabrication facilities. The proposed framework divides the design process into two levels: architectural and elaborative. Prior to the design, fab data are preprocessed using simulation of manufacturing operations. The output data and fab requirements data are then profiled to aid in design decision making at the architectural level. Once architectural design decisions are made, lower-level design decisions are made and analyzed using a simulation model that incorporates the AMHS. Due to the potential number of alternatives and time constraints on the design process, we are exploring rapid model generation methods. We describe our progress to date in creating this methodology.
Gas Sensing with Gold Nanoparticle-Decorated GaN Nanowire Mats

The electrical properties of chemical sensors constructed from mats of bare GaN nanowires and GaN nanowires decorated with gold nanoparticles are presented. The sensors were tested in vacuum and at atmospheric pressures of Ar, N2 and methane. The current-voltage (I-V) curves of the sensor constructed with bare GaN nanowires were Ohmic and the device was insensitive to all gases tested. The I-V curves of the sensor constructed from GaN decorated with Au nanoparticles were non-linear and exhibited a drop in conductivity of five orders of magnitude relative to bare GaN nanowire sensors. The Au nanoparticle decorated nanowires also exhibited electrical responses that were chemically selective. The sensor exhibited a nominal response to Ar and a slightly greater response to N2 relative to vacuum. A suppression of the conductivity of the Au-GaN device of 50% was observed upon exposure to methane. Both the drop in conductivity of the Au-GaN nanowire-based sensor, relative to bare GaN nanowires, and the response to methane are explained in terms of the formation of a depletion layer and an increase in the depletion layer width due to physisorption induced surface potentials.
Mammographic Interpretive Volume and Diagnostic Mammogram Interpretation Performance in Community Practice

Diagnostic mammography experience, more immediate feedback generated by the diagnostic process, or both may be beneficial and should be encouraged and shared among radiologists.
BLT control and its impact on FCBGA thermal performance

The performance of high power packages is limited in part by the interfacial resistance between the die and lid or heat sinks. The thermal resistance depends on the shape of mating surfaces, bondline thickness (BLT) of the thermal interface material (TIM), bulk thermal conductivity and contact resistance. This paper focuses on warpage modeling methods to predict the local variation of TIMs and its impact on thermal resistance as a function of assembly processes. Experimental data and simulations show that when packages are soldered to the motherboard, they tend to have less warpage than unmounted packages. A 17% reduction in thermal resistance was predicted for a bare die package once soldered to the mother board. Close agreement between warpage simulations and experimental measurements is observed.