cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expected Performance Centering for Analog/RF Designs

We unite the conventional analog/RF design objectives such as design centering and performance targeting and propose a generalized analog/RF design objective. We propose expected performance centering, i.e., to maximize the expected performance margin of a circuit under process and environmental variations for topology selection with performance specification in a hierarchical design. We develop three methods to compute expected performance margin. Our experimental results show improved expected performance margin achieved by the proposed expected performance centering technique.
COOL: An object-based language for parallel programming

Effectively using shared-memory multiprocessors requires substantial programming effort. We present the programming language COOL (Concurrent Object-Oriented Language), which was designed to exploit coarse-grained parallelism at the task level in shared-memory multiprocessors. COOL's primary design goals are efficiency and expressiveness. By efficiency we mean that the language constructs should be efficient to implement and a program should not have to pay for features it does not use. By expressiveness, we imply that the program should flexibly support different concurrency patterns, thereby allowing various decompositions of a problem. COOL emphasizes the integration of concurrency and synchronization with data abstraction to ease the task of creating modular and efficient parallel programs. It is an extension of C++, which was chosen because it supports abstract data type definitions and is widely used. >
Abstract 2920: Estrogen, tamoxifen, and Akt modulate expression of putative housekeeping genes in breast cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL For quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), accurate data normalization requires the use of a stable reference gene. In estrogen-dependent cells, the identification of an appropriate housekeeping gene that is unaltered regardless of experimental conditions has been difficult. Additionally since cross-talk between the estrogen receptor and Akt pathways has been reported, the goal of this study was to identify the most stable reference gene for RT-qPCR (from a panel of nine putative housekeeping genes) that remains unaltered despite estrogen or tamoxifen treatment or stable overexpression of active Akt. Gene expression of nine candidate genes (GAPDH, ACTB, RPL13A, PGK1, TFRC, PPIA, HPRT1, B2M, and GUSB) was determined in parental and Akt overexpressing MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with estrogen, tamoxifen, or vehicle, and gene stability was analyzed using two different statistical models. We observed that GAPDH, HPRT1, PGK1, and B2M were highly estrogen-regulated in parental MCF-7 cells. We also observed that seven out of the nine candidate genes were significantly altered in at least one of the Akt overexpressing MCF-7 cells. Based on our results, we suggest RPL13A as the most suitable internal reference gene that is both stable and remains unaltered in MCF-7 cells regardless of estrogen or tamoxifen treatment or Akt overexpression. In addition, our work emphasizes the importance of a preliminary study to validate each reference gene that will used for RT-qPCR. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2920. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2920
Primary lymphoma of peripheral nerve: report of four cases.

Lymphoma presenting as a solitary tumor of peripheral nerve is exceedingly rare, with only six previously reported cases. The authors describe an additional four cases of primary lymphoma of peripheral nerve involving the sciatic nerve (two cases), the radial nerve, and the sympathetic chain and spi
Total energy metabolism of marine bivalve mollusks in anaerobic and aerobic states

Abstract 1. 1. Rates of heat production ( Q H ) and oxygen consumption ( Q O ) were obtained simultaneously from marine bivalve mollusks, a gastropod, and a sea star, as they depleted a measured volume of sea water of its dissolved oxygen, and entered anoxia. 2. 2. The apparatus was a differential, heat-retention microcalorimeter-respirometer. 3. 3. Maximum Q O of mussels occurred in the first 10 min, and was equivalent to 3J/hr-g tissue; simultaneous Q H was 4.5 J/hr-g; thus total metabolism was 1.5 times maximum oxidative metabolism. 4. 4. The results suggest that, in these bivalves, heat production exceeds the equivalent oxygen uptake at all times, not only during periods of hypoxia, but during maximum oxygen consumption as well.
Developmental Changes in Enzymes Involved in Dolichyl Phosphate Metabolism in Cultured Embryonic Rat Brain Cells

: The rates of synthesis of dolichol-linked oligosaccharide intermediates and protein N-glycosylation increased substantially during a developmental period corresponding to glial differentiation in primary cultures of embryonic rat brain. In this study developmental changes in three enzymes involved in dolichyl phosphate (Dol-P) metabolism have been examined by in vitro assays and correlated with the induction pattern for lipid intermediate synthesis and protein N-glycosylation. Dolichyl pyrophosphate (Dol-P-P) phosphatase activity was relatively low during the first 9 days in culture, but it increased significantly between days 9 and 25. Dol-P-P phosphatase did not change appreciably between days 22 and 30 in culture. A kinetic analysis of the developmental change in Dol-P-P phosphatase activity revealed that the Vmax increased 10-fold between days 4 and 22, and there was also a significant change in the apparent Km for Dol-P-P. Dolichol kinase activity increased during the period (9–15 days) when there was a significant induction in oligosaccharide-lipid synthesis and protein N-glycosylation, and then declined in parallel with lipid intermediate synthesis and protein N-glycosylation. Dol-P phosphatase activity was present at relatively low levels for the first 9 days in culture, but it increased steadily between days 9 and 30. A kinetic comparison of the activity in membrane fractions from brain cells cultured for 9 and 25 days indicated that there was a 10-fold increase in enzyme protein with unaltered affinity for Dol-P. The results suggest that elevated dolichol kinase activity enhances the rate of lipid intermediate synthesis, and subsequent reciprocal changes in dolichol phosphorylation-dephosphorylation are a regulatory factor in the deactivation of oligosaccharide-lipid synthesis, and consequently of protein N-glycosylation, during the period following glial differentiation in primary cultures of embryonic rat brain cells.
The relationship between social status and biological success: A case study of the Mormon religious hierarchy

Abstract The author accessed genealogical and church archival records of men who were early Mormon immigrants to Utah and who were born between 1821 and 1830. Data were analyzed in an attempt to determine whether socioeconomic status variables (wealth, church rank, and kinship ties) were predictive of marital status and fertility in this polygynous society. Taken together, the predictor variables explained 24% of the variance in male fertility, with church rank explaining the largest portion. Temporal analyses indicated that wealth exerted its greatest effect on fertility through a man's age at first marriage, whereas church rank was more important in his ability to attract plural wives. Kinship ties were in turn important in establishing high rank. The author interprets these results from a sociobiological perspective, concluding that the social evaluation of a nongenetic trait (status) was positively correlated with the reproductive success conferred by that trait. This interpretation supports a model of cultural evolution positing that culture, like biology, evolves by natural selection acting on the reproductive success of individuals.
A network calculus for cache networks

Over the past few years Content-Centric Networking, a networking architecture in which host-to-content communication protocols are introduced, has been gaining much attention. A central component of such an architecture is a large-scale interconnected caching system. To date, the way these Cache Networks operate and perform is still poorly understood. Following the work of Cruz on queueing networks, in this paper we develop a network calculus for bounding flows in LRU cache networks of arbitrary topology. We analyze the tightness of these bounds as a function of several system parameters. Also, we derive from it several analytical results regarding these systems: the uniformizing impact of LRU on the request stream, and the significance of cache and routing diversity on performance.
Anomalous Resistivity and the Evolution of Magnetic Field Topology

This paper explores the topological restructuring of a force-free magnetic field caused by the hypothetical sudden onset of a localized region of strong anomalous resistivity. It is shown that the topological complexity increases, with the primitive planar force-free field with straight field lines developing field lines that wrap half a turn around each other, evidently providing a surface of tangential discontinuity in the wraparound region. It is suggested that the topological restructuring contributes to the complexity of the geomagnetic substorm, the aurora, and perhaps some of the flare activity on the sun, or other star, and the Galactic halo.
Giant magnetostriction in cubic rare earth-iron compounds of the type RFe2

Abstract Magnetostriction measurements on the cubic Laves phase compounds DyFe 2 , HoFe 2 and ErFe 2 over the temperature range 77–300°K are reported. The magnetostriction of DyFe 2 at 300°K in a field of 17.5 kOe is 220 × 10 -6 , which is the largest room temperature value yet observed for a polycrystalline metal.
Serpentine and Steatite Artifacts from the Washington County, Pennsylvania Hatfield Site: Descriptions and Theories of Origins

Two surface-collected artifacts from the Late Prehistoric Hatfield site, Washington County, Pennsylvania, are discussed. One of these, a small incised serpentine bowl fragment, is described, and theories of its possible origin in Tennessee are considered, along with a second serpentine effigy pipe that is reported to have been found in Washington County. The second Hatfield site artifact is the bowl of a steatite pipe that is attributed to the Protohistoric period. It is similar to examples from two West Virginia sites. Another steatite pipe, from an unidentified South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania site, is also described. The presence of the two steatite pipes in southwestern Pennsylvania extends the distribution of this little understood Protohistoric artifact type.
FP/MIS: a management information system for a community family planning clinic.

The management information system (FP/MIS) used by the Howard University Center for Family Planning Services, which operates community family planning clinics in Washington, D.C. is described. The system was developed to satisfy program objectives in patient management, program planning and evaluation, resource management, federal reporting systems and clinical, epidemiological and health services research. The data collection forms used in the system and the output from the four data display groups--patient profile, resource management, quality of care and epidemiology-are described along with examples of their use.
Endoscopic closure of fetal membrane defects: comparing iatrogenic versus spontaneous rupture cases.

Objective: Currently, physicians manage preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) by expectant management or termination of the gestation. A therapy aimed at sealing membranes would be optimal...
The effect of modulatory neuronal input on gastric mill frequency

We study the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system to gain insight in the interaction of oscillators of different intrinsic frequencies. We show how fast inhibition from the pyloric network interacts with a slow modulatory input to control the frequency of the gastric mill rhythm. We deduce that the timing of the pyloric input is crucial in determining what effect it will have on the frequency of the gastric network. Over one set of timings, the modulatory input and the pyloric input work together to determine the frequency and over another set of timings, the effect of the pyloric input is mitigated by the modulatory input.
Stress analysis of a layered elastic solid in contact with a rough surface exhibiting fractal behavior

A contact stress analysis is presented for a layered elastic half-space in contact with a rough surface exhibiting self-affine (fractal) behavior. Relationships for the mean contact pressure versus representative strain and the real half-contact width versus elastic properties of the layer and the substrate, asperity radius, layer thickness, and truncated half-contact width were derived from finite element simulations of a layered medium compressed elastically by a rigid cylindrical asperity. These relationships were incorporated in a numerical algorithm that was used to obtain the contact pressure distributions and stresses generated by the asperity contacts formed at the interface of the layered medium and the fractal surface. Analytical solutions illustrate the significance of the elastic material properties, layer thickness, and surface topography (roughness) on global parameters such as normal load and real contact area. Results for the contact pressure distribution and the surface and subsurface stresses provide insight into the initiation of yielding and the tendency for cracking in the layered medium. It is shown that cracking at the surface and the layer/substrate interface is more likely to occur in the case of a stiff layer, whereas surface cracking is more prominent for a relatively compliant layer.
Technology, Math, and the Early Learner: Models for Learning.

As today’s preschoolers become the school-age children of tomorrow, early learning educators are faced with a unique and exciting challenge of integrating technology into mathematics instruction. This article examines theory, standards, guidelines, and rationale that supports technology in the preschool environment. Examining practices at 12 diverse preschool sites, four designs emerge as the “typical” models that enable early learners to engage and experience technology within a developmentally appropriate learning environment. The designs outlined are viewed through the lens of preschool mathematics instruction and provide early learning educators as well as parents with models for replication.
An electronic Venturi-based pressure microregulator

Microfluidic systems often use pressure-driven flow to induce fluidic motion, but control of pumps and valves can necessitate numerous external connections or an extensive external control infrastructure. Here, we describe an electronically controlled pressure microregulator that can output pressures both greater and less than atmospheric pressure over a range of 2 kPa from a single pressurized air input of 110 kPa. Multiple independently controlled microregulators integrated in one device can potentially share the same air input. The microregulator operates by using embedded resistive heaters to vary the temperature of a gas flowing through a converging-diverging Venturi nozzle between 25 degrees C and 85 degrees C with a resolution of 33 Pa degrees C(-1). We established the switching speed of the microregulator by accurately moving 1 microL droplets of water in a microchannel via pneumatic propulsion. Droplet deceleration from approximately 1 cm s(-1) to zero velocity required less than 0.8 s. The component is readily integrable into most device designs containing fluidic channels and electronics without introducing additional fabrication complexity.
Microperiodic structures: direct writing of three-dimensional webs.

Applications are emerging that require the creation of fine-scale structures in three dimensions — examples include scaffolds for tissue engineering1, micro-fluidic devices2 and photonic materials that control light propagation over a range of frequencies3. But writing methods such as dip-pen nanolithography4 and ink-jet printing5 are either confined to two dimensions or beset by wetting and spreading problems. Here we use concentrated polyelectrolyte inks to write three-dimensional microperiodic structures directly without using masks. Our technique enables us to write arbitrary three-dimensional patterns whose features are nearly two orders of magnitude smaller than those attained with other multilayer printing techniques6.
Thermal decomposition reactions of gaseous dioxygen difluoride and dioxygen fluoride at ambient temperature

Abstract The decomposition of gaseous dioxygen difluoride (FOOF) and dioxygen fluoride (FOO) to F2 and O2 at ambient temperature has been studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and transient gas pressure measurements. The formation of oxygen in FOOF/FOO gas mixtures, as demonstrated by stopped-flow EPR, was first-order under low- pressure conditions (1–10 Torr) with rate constants in the range of 0.1–0.2 s−1, depending upon wall materials. EPR spectroscopy detected neither F atoms nor FOO radicals as intermediates despite the presence of FOO radicals shown by complementary FT-IR experiments. The FT-IR spectra of gaseous FOOF undergoing decomposition at ambient temperature showed prominent, isolated bands near 1210 cm−1 (FOOF) and near 1490 cm−1 (FOO). Overlapping bands attributable to both species were seen near 650 cm−1, and weak features appeared elsewhere. At nominal initial FOOF/FOO pressures of 4–20 Torr, results from stopped-flow FT-IR kinetics analysis using these bands generally agreed with the EPR results and yielded first-order rate constants of 0.12 ± 0.01 s−1 and 0.22 ± 0.03 s−1, respectively, for FOO and FOOF disappearance. Oxygen-carrier FT-IR experiments strongly suggested that a reversible reaction between FOOF and O2 forms FOO (Keq≈ 0.018), and that this reaction was rapid relative to FOOF/FOO decomposition. Analysis of the stopped-flow FT-IR results yielded infrared peak absorptivities for FOOF absorption at 1205 cm−1 of 1.8 ± 0.4 × 10−3 (Torr cm)−1 and for FOO absorption at 1486 cm−1 of 3.5 ± 1 × 10−3 (Torr cm)−1. The observed kinetics are discussed in terms of the possible decomposition reaction mechanisms.
Don’t imagine the future—it’s already here

Popular debate about climate change often imagines future worlds. In this short commentary, I argue the reality is far more evident and urgent; we don't need to imagine the future of climate change because it is already here. We know the carbon budget we must abide by to avoid dangerous climate change and we are already seeing the reality of extreme weather events unimaginable even a decade ago. We know how climate change ends; we now need to try and rewrite this future. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
Biosynthetic and glycosylation events of the IL‐6 receptor β‐Subunit, gp130

It is now recognized that the β-subunit of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, also known as gp130, is a common signal transducer shared by other cytokines, including ciliary neurotrophic factor, leukemia inhibitor factor, oncostatin M, and IL-11. In this study, the biosynthesis and glycosylation of hepatic gp130 were investigated using a specific polyclonal antibody to the 287 amino acid cytoplasmic domain of gp130. Immunoprecipitation and metabolic labeling experiments demonstrate, in addition to a mature surface expressed gp130, the presence of a major immature form of the molecule within the cell. The immature form can shift to become a functional gp130 only after being terminally glycosylated. The kinetics of gp130 maturation and surface expression were determined. When both forms of gp130 are deglycosylated the resulting core peptides migrate to identical positions in a denatured protein gel, indicating that the principal difference between the two forms resides in the extent of their glycosylation. IL-6 and other members of this cytokine family activate only the mature form, demonstrating its location at the membrane surface. Protein and mRNA turnover studies reveal gp130 to be a stable, slowly renewing population under nonstimulated conditions. These findings provide novel information on the intracellular events leading to the expression of this critically important signal transducing protein.
Growth of vertical cavity surface emitting laser material on (3 1 1)B GaAs by MBE

We report on the growth of VCSEL structures on (3 1 1)B GaAs substrates. For the growth of AlGaAs and AlAs, the best morphology and material quality were obtained for growth temperatures > 650°C. Surface morphology and mirror reflectivity degraded significantly at low growth temperatures ( < 600°C). From low-temperature photoluminescence (LTPL), we found a forbidden temperature range for the growth of InGaAs quantum well-active regions on (3 1 1)B substrates between 540 and 560°C. Active region growth temperatures in this range showed low intensity, broad LTPL, and poor laser characteristics. Cross-section TEM measurements show poor homogeneity for material grown in this temperature range. At higher temperatures (580°C), In desorption is greatly increased, so < 520°C was selected as the optimal growth temperature. Even with a non-optimized structure, the first reported VCSELs on (3 1 1)B were fabricated with a pulsed J th = 9 kA/cm 2 at - 40°C and 28 kA/cm 2 at room temperature. At - 40°C, 10 nW of SHG blue light at 485 nm was detected under pulsed conditions, and 2 nW was detected under CW conditions and was visible to the naked eye. By improving the structure we obtained CW lasing at room temperature with 300 A/cm 2 as a broad area laser and 1.4 kA/cm 2 as a VCSEL. A maximum power of 0.55 nW at 490 nm was detected CW at room temperature.
Variable center to center distance of nucleosomes in chromatin.

The length of linker DNA between nucleosomes may be determined by exonuclease digestion of nucleosome dimers and gel electrophoresis of the resulting DNA. This procedure must be applied to histone 1-containing nucleosomes to avoid rearrangement. The results show a highly variable length of linker DNA within a rat liver cell. One possible interpretation, in terms of a statistical distribution of nucleosomes, leads to a simple explanation of why the average length of linker DNA varies among tissues and organisms.
Measuring Capacity for Resilience among Coastal Counties of the US Northern Gulf of Mexico Region.

Many have voiced concern about the long-term survival of coastal communities in the face of increasingly intense storms and sea level rise. In this study we select indicators of key theoretical concepts from the social-ecological resilience literature, aggregate those indicators into a resilience-capacity index, and calculate an index score for each of the 52 coastal counties of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Building upon Cutter’s Social Vulnerability Index work [1], we use Factor Analysis to combine 43 variables measuring demographics, social capital, economic re- sources, local government actions, and environmental conditions within the counties. Then, we map the counties’ scores to show the spatial distribution of resilience capacities. The counties identified as having the highest resilience capaci- ties include the suburban areas near New Orleans, Louisiana and Tampa, Florida, and the growing beach-tourist com- munities of Alabama and central Florida. Also, we examine whether those counties more active in oil and gas develop- ment and production, part of the region’s “energy coast”, have greater capacity for resilience than other counties in the region. Correlation analyses between the resilience-capacity index scores and two measures of oil and gas industry ac- tivity (total employment and number of business establishments within five industry categories) yielded no statistically significant associations. By aggregating a range of important contextual variables into a single index, the study demonstrates a useful approach for the more systematic examination and comparison of exposure, vulnerability and capacity for resilience among coastal communities.
Sa1620 Video Capsule Endoscopy Findings in Diabetic Patients Compared to a Large Non-Diabetic Cohort: Gastric and Small Bowel Transit, Luminal Debris, and Completeness of Examination

mode by the 2 reviewers (3rd review). Finally, the findings were confirmed by an agreement of the 2 reviewers at 3rd review. Results: Of the study patients, F1 detected on 5 significant lesions in 3 cases as follows; 3 erosions, 1 aphtha, and 1 angioectasia. All 3 cases with significant lesions were patients with overt OGIB. As for non-significant lesions, F1 detected 12 red mucosas and 16 red spots. On the other hand, 29 cases with 71 findings were estimated as false positive. There were following misdiagnosed findings; 6 erosions, 42 red mucosas, 22 red spots, and 1 bleeding. In many false-positive cases, residue or roughness of mucosa were enhanced redly at F1. Of the study patients, there was no rebleeding case. Conclusion: Of the 52 patients without any findings by standard mode, F1 detected on additional significant lesions in 3 patients. F1 may be useful in patients with overt OGIB without significant findings by conventional capsule endoscopy review. However, F1 picks up many false positive findings simultaneously. Further experience was required in order to assess efficacy of FICE for detecting on incremental findings in patients without any findings by standard review mode.
AN EXTRACTABLE AGENT, INDUCED IN UNINFECTED TISSUES BY LOCALIZED VIRUS INFECTIONS, THAT INTERFERES WITH INFECTION BY TOBACCO MOSAIC VIRUS.

Abstract Juice extracted from uninfected apical halves of leaves of Datura stramonium previously inoculated on their basal halves with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) or tobacco necrosis virus, a procedure known to induce resistance to TMV in the uninfected apical halves, was found consistently to interfere with infection by TMV (when mixed with it just prior to inoculation of Nicotiana glutinosa, N. tabacum var. Samsun NN, or D. stramonium ) to a much greater extent than did juice from apical halves of control leaves. In some tests, a standard TMV inoculum induced only 8% as many lesions when mixed with extracts from resistant half-leaves of Datura as it did when mixed with extracts from comparable control leaves. The difference in ability of the two juices to interfere with infection by TMV was found not to be due to differences in pH nor to inactivation of the virus in vitro . The differential effect of the two types of juice was eliminated by heating at 78°C for 15 minutes but not by heating at 68° for 15 minutes, by aging at 3° for 5 days, by dialysis, or by centrifugation at 93,000 g for 1 hour. Partial purification was effected by dialysis and use of an anion-exchange cellulose; after each step in the procedure, extracts from resistant half-leaves remained more inhibitory than did those from control leaves. Evidently, infection in basal leaf halves either induced the formation in apical halves of an interfering agent (or agents) not found in healthy leaves or stimulated the production of an inhibitor (or inhibitors) normally found in Datura leaves. Extracts from resistant half-leaves of Samsun NN tobacco were sometimes, but not always, more inhibitory than extracts from control leaves.
Incidence of Anemia in Older People: An Epidemiologic Study in a Well Defined Population

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and clinical spectrum of anemia among older people. DESIGN: Inception cohort assembled and followed by medical records linkage until death or last clinical contact through January 1994. SETTING: Population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS: All 618 Olmsted County men and women aged 65 years or more with anemia by World Health Organization criteria that was first recognized in 1986. MEASUREMENTS: Age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates, corrected for prevalent anemia, and survival estimates using the Kaplan-Meier method, with calculation of standardized mortality ratios for specific causes of death. RESULTS: The corrected annual incidence of anemia rose with age, and rates were higher in men (90.3 per 1000; 95% CI, 79.2–101.4) than women (69.1 per 1000; 95% CI, 62.3–75.8). In 465 cases (75%), anemia was detected in conjunction with a hospitalization, but admission was due to anemia in only 57 instances. Half of the cases were caused by blood loss, two-thirds of these as a result of surgery. The cause of anemia was uncertain in 102 cases (16%). One-third of the patients were transfused with a median of 3 units each. Overall survival was worse than expected but was better among those with anemia caused by blood loss. Mortality attributable to malignancy, mental disorders, circulatory and respiratory diseases, ill-defined conditions, and injuries was significantly increased among these older patients with anemia. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of anemia among older people is 4 to 6 times greater than that suspected clinically, rises with age, and is higher in men than in women. The apparent cause in half the cases is blood loss. Even mild anemia is associated with reduced survival, especially during the first year, but this could relate to underlying comorbid conditions.
Developing microcomputer software for CAD and CAM education

Abstract Many educators find that CAD and CAM laboratories and software which are necessary for their programs are prohibitively expensive to install and maintain. With the advent of powerful yet inexpensive microcomputing equipment, educational institutions now have an excellent opportunity to instruct NC, CAD and CAM technologies using personal computers (PCs). In this paper, several PC-based software programs developed for educational use are presented.
Evaluation of Drosophila for screening developmental toxicants: Test results with eighteen chemicals and presentation of a new Drosophila bioassay

The objective of this study was to generate a comprehensive data set of chemically induced malformations in Drosophila using a detailed morphological examination of the entire fly (phase one). These data were analyzed, in blind, with the goal of developing a standardized set of criteria which could be used in a new, rapid, and economical Drosophila bioassay useful in the preliminary screening for potential developmental toxicants. After 32 chemicals were tested, formalized criteria were developed to form the basis of a new Drosophila bioassay. These criteria were then applied to the data from the same 32 chemicals (phase two). The data from only 18 of these chemicals met all requirements for evaluation, e.g., statistical significance, minimum fly numbers, sufficient challenge concentration administered, etc. In the new bioassay, rather than the detailed and time-consuming examination of the entire fly for a multitude of morphological defects, only two specific anatomical sites are examined. These sites are the humeral bristle and the wing blade, with focus placed on two structural defects--a bent bristle and a notch in the wing. These defects were the only two external malformations among the multitude of defects observed in flies treated in the first phase with the 32 chemicals which demonstrated the following characteristics: 1) A consistent concentration-response in flies treated with a variety of developmental toxicants; 2) a lack of response with most presumptive non-developmental toxicants; and 3) consistently low-background incidences in control flies. In both phases, developing Drosophila were exposed to the test agents from the egg through three larval stages by incorporating a range of concentrations of each chemical into the culture medium. Emerging adults were examined for an array of defects as part of a detailed morphological examination in the first phase, including bent bristles and wing notches. In the second phase, only bent bristle and wing notch data were evaluated. The incidences of bent humeral bristles and wing notches from flies exposed to each of the 18 chemicals were compared with those of concurrent controls. Of the 18 chemicals that could be evaluated using the new bioassay, 13 were known developmental toxicants while the remaining 5 were presumptive negative agents. Ten of the 13 mammalian developmental toxicants were correctly identified with this test (false negative rate of 23%). Four of five apparent non-developmental toxicants were correctly identified for a false positive rate of 20%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A Mössbauer Effect Study of the Magnetic Ordering in the Y₆(FeₓMn₁₋ₓ)₂₃ Solid Solutions

The ternary alloys, Y6 (FexMn1−2)23, exhibit interesting magnetic behavior over a range of solid solutions of iron and manganese. The transition metal atoms occupy four crystallographically different sites. For x less than ca. 0.27, the transition metal atoms couple ferromagnetically, whereas for greater values of x they couple antiferromagnetically. By using the iron populations for each site, obtained from neutron diffraction studies, it is possible to determine the Mossbauer effect hyperfine parameter fields for each site. As x increases, the ordering temperature decreases dramatically. At 1.3K in Y6Fe23, the four hyperfine fields range from 372kOe to 250kOe, whereas in Y6(Fe0.52Mn0.48)23 they decrease to values between 100kOe and 10kOe. This decrease apparently results from the increasing frustration of the ferromagnetic iron-iron coupling as additional manganese, which would prefer antiferromagnetic coupling, is introduced into the alloys.
The Absolute Significance of Maxwell's Equations.

Elementary Proof of a Generalized Stokes' Theorem for Hyper-space.---After giving precise definitions of the ideas of integrals extended over lines, surfaces and hyper-surfaces in a space of arbitrary metrical character, the author presents an elementary proof of a generalized Stokes' theorem which reduces the integral over an open hyper-surface to an integral over the closed surfaces which bound it.Statement of Maxwell's Equations as Integrals over Hyper-surfaces, brings out their physical significance more clearly as relations between surface integrals and hyper-surface integrals. It is explained how this form of statement lends itself at once to the methods of the absolute differential calculus.Electromagnetic Potential.---The existence of this potential, which is a hyper-space combination of vector and scalar potentials, is proved and the normal form of its line integral over any open curve is given (1) for an electromagnetic field where $(\overline{E}.\overline{B})=0$, and (2) for any other field.
Production of carbon-coated aluminium nanopowders in pulsed microarc discharge

A new technique of metal nanopowder production and in situ coating using a microarc discharge is proposed. The feasibility of this method is demonstrated and preliminary results are presented. The microarc discharge was operated at 1 atm in both pure Ar and natural gas environments. Respectively, aluminium nanoparticles without and with ~1 nm thick carbon surface coating were obtained. The morphology and structures of the nanoparticles were studied using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), and size distribution of the coated particles was determined from the TEM image analyses. It was found that the sizes of the produced carbon-coated aluminium particles were well described by a lognormal distribution with the geometrical mean size of 22.7 nm and standard deviation of 1.35.
Amino-terminal extension analogs of methionine-enkephalin.

Abstract Five NH 2 -terminal extension analogs of methionine-enkephalin have been synthesized by solid phase methodology and their morphinomimetic activity determined in the guinea pig ileum-myenteric plexus preparation. Relative to methionine-enkephalin which corresponds to β-LPH-(61–65) and arbitrarily assigned a potency value of 100, β-LPH-(60–65), β-LPH-(59–65), β-LPH-(58–65), β-LPH-(57–65) and β-LPH-(56–65) have potencies of 90, 7, 4.4, 0.3 and 0.11 respectively.
Electrochemical Based Biosensors

This editorial summarizes the general approaches of the electrochemical based biosensors described in the manuscripts published in this Special Issue. Electrochemical based biosensors are scientifically and economically important for the detection and early diagnosis of many diseases, and they will be increasing used and developed in the coming years. The importance of the selection of recognition processes, fabrication techniques and biosensor materials will be introduced.
Codes Over the p-adic Integers

We study codes over the p-adic integers and correct errors in the existing literature. We show that MDS codes exist over the p-adics for all lengths, ranks and p. We show that self-dual codes exist over the 2-adics if and only if the length is a multiple of 8 and that self-dual codes exist over the p-adics with p odd if and only if the length is 0 (mod 4) for p ? 3 (mod 4) and 0 (mod 2) for p ? 1 (mod 4).
Sequelae of osteosarcoma medical therapy: a review of rare acute toxicities and late effects

Since the introduction of multi-agent chemotherapy for osteosarcoma over 30 years ago, overall survival has exceeded 50%. A clear understanding of the acute complications and late effects of osteosarcoma therapy is required to care effectively for patients with osteosarcoma undergoing active treatment, and for the increasing number of osteosarcoma survivors. There has now been sufficient cumulative experience treating patients with osteosarcoma with active anti-osteosarcoma chemotherapy agents, high-dose methotrexate, doxorubicin, cisplatin, ifosfamide, and etoposide to recognise and understand rare toxicities associated with these agents, and to identify the late effects of osteosarcoma therapy. Late effects and rare toxicities of osteosarcoma include cardiac toxicity, acute and chronic nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hearing loss, infertility, and second malignant neoplasms. Reducing the complications of osteosarcoma therapy is an important goal that will require the identification of clear prognostic indicators, the development of biologically-based therapies, and improved antidotes for the active anti-osteosarcoma cytotoxic drugs.
Orthopedic interventions for problems associated with the treatment of cancer in childhood

Early recognition of the musculoskeletal sequelae of the treatment of childhood tumors can lead to well-planned and minimization of deformity. Technological advances have improved both our recognition and our ability to manage these problems.
The history of the chromosomal vesicles in the segmenting egg of cryptobranchus allegheniensis

During the telophases each chromosome becomes inclosed in an individual sac or vesicle which, together with its contents, is called a chromosomal vesicle. The vesicular membrane is of cytoplasmic origin, but is formed under the influence of the chromosome and a droplet of karyolymph. A precise numerical correspondence between chromosomes and chromosomal vesicles has not been established, but it is evidence that most, if not all, of the chromosomal vesicles retain their individuality during the resting stage and until after the new chromosomes have been fully formed. The transformation of the telophase chromosome into the reticulum of the resting stage and the manner in which a new chromosome is formed from a portion of this reticulum are described in detail. In the early prophases each developing chromosome is embedded in a sheath or matrix of less deeply basophilic material, which disappears before the middle prophase is reached. The formation of chromosomal vesicles is interpreted as a device for doing more rapidly and effectively, under stress of special circumstances, the work that the nucleus must accomplish during the so-called resting stage.
Effects of aortic coarctation on aortic antioxidant enzymes and NADPH oxidase protein expression

Abdominal aortic coarctation above the renal arteries leads to severe hypertension above the stenotic site and provides a model for simultaneous testing of the effects of increased and decreased pressure and consequently shear stress in the same animal. The effects of increased pressure, per se, on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme expression is unknown. We studied the protein expressions of antioxidant enzymes and NADPH oxidase (gp91phox subunit) in the aortic segments above and below the stenosis site in sham-operated control and aortic-banded rats at four weeks postoperatively. Compared with the control group, the banded group showed significant up-regulation of NADPH oxidase, catalase (CAT), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Mn SOD protein content in the thoracic aorta. In contrast, Mn SOD, Cu/Zn SOD and NADPH oxidase protein abundance were unchanged in the abdominal aortic segment below the stricture where blood pressure is not elevated, whereas CAT protein abundance was also elevated in the abdominal aorta. No changes were noted for glutathione peroxidase (GPX) protein content either in the thoracic or abdominal aortic segments. Coarctation-induced hypertension is associated with increased aortic CAT, Cu/Zn SOD, Mn SOD and NADPH oxidase protein expression. The up-regulation of NADPH oxidase increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation noted in the present study and contributes to inactivation of nitric oxide (NO) as shown previously in this model. Upregulation of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory response in the face of elevated pressure and oxidative stress. The normality of protein abundance in the abdominal aorta wherein blood pressure is not elevated points to the role of baromechanical factors, as opposed to circulating humoral factors that were similar in both segments, as a mechanism responsible for increased antioxidant enzyme expression.
Earthquake Prediction: Seismo‐Electromagnetic Phenomena

Earthquake Prediction: Seismo-Electromagnetic Phenomena is a review of research on electromagnetic emissions (EME) as precursors to earthquakes. The authors state in the introduction that the book is primarily based on their own work, so there is heavy emphasis on the Russian literature. Fewer than 15% of the references are taken from European, Asian, and North American sources. Though the title implies a diverse range of signals, the authors focus mostly on EME in the kHz-MHz range. There is little discussion of signals in the ULFand lower-frequency bands.
Intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels in thyroid surgery are predictive of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and need for vitamin D supplementation.

Background: Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) levels are not monitored routinely in thyroid surgery, although they are used widely during parathyroidectomy as an indicator of parathyroid gland function. This prospective study evaluated the occurrence of hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery and the use of ioPTH levels to predict the need for postoperative vitamin D supplementation. Methods: Seventy-two patients underwent thyroidectomy or neck dissection by 1 surgeon. Forty-five patients had a total thyroidectomy, 16 patients had a hemithyroidectomy, 9 patients had a completion thyroidectomy, and 2 patients had a neck dissection alone for recurrent thyroid cancer. ioPTH and serum calcium (SCa) levels were obtained during the course of surgery and 1 month after surgery. Levels from these time points were compared, and correlated with the need for vitamin D supplementation at the 1-month follow-up evaluation using the Fisher exact test. Results: Of the 72 patients, 14 had an ioPTH level less than 10 pg/mL at closure. At the 1-month evaluation, 11 of these 14 patients required vitamin D supplementation because of persistent hypoparathyroidism or hypocalcemia (P <.001). The remaining 3 of the 14 patients with ioPTH levels less than 10 pg/mL at closure did not require vitamin D supplementation at the 1-month evaluation because they were asymptomatic and their PTH and SCa levels had normalized. None of the 58 patients with an ioPTH level greater than 10 pg/mL at closure needed vitamin D supplementation at the 1-month follow-up evaluation. Conclusions: An ioPTH level less than 10 pg/mL at closure is a strong predictor of hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery. Patients with ioPTH levels less than 10 pg/mL at closure should be placed on vitamin D supplementation after surgery to anticipate decreased parathyroid gland function and to avoid symptomatic hypocalcemia.
Asthma education: a review of randomized controlled youth asthma-education programs

This review seeks to identify effective asthma education programs geared toward educating pre- and adolescent youth in ways to manage their asthma. This report examines randomized controlled studies that focus on asthma education and disease management. Studies that met selection guidelines, as outlined in the methods section, were included and coded based on study characteristics, asthma education program design, study outcomes, participant characteristics, and parent involvement. Findings from this literature review indicated that asthma education programs demonstrate favorable outcomes, and the majority of the programs were school or clinic-based. Computer/web-based as well as clinic-based programs reported statistically significant outcomes in more outcome areas. In addition, there was limited information provided about the cost-benefits associated with the implementation of asthma education programs. Even though the majority of the programs involved parents, only a few provided a group session specifically for parents. Also, only a few programs were designed specifically for adolescents. There appears to be a need for additional research studies that include larger sample sizes and youth from various socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition, more asthma education programs that primarily use a strengths-model, can be obtained through the computer, and focus on the specific needs of adolescent youth need to be developed. Futhermore, more programs need to focus on including a parent component and cost-analysis information.
Ellen Swallow, Lois Gibbs and Rachel Carson: Catalysts of the American environmental movement

Abstract There are none as responsible for the initiation and spirit of the American environmental movement as two scientists, Ellen Swallow and Rachel Carson, and a third woman, Lois Gibbs, a housewife and mother turned environmental activist. Ellen Swallow devised the world's first formal curriculum and scientific methods for the study of ecology. Although her science of ecology was ultimately rejected by male science and then relegated to the field of home economics, her legacy to environmental science has borne fruit nearly a century later in the phenomenon of the American housewife and mother, as exemplified in Lois Gibbs of Love Canal, New York. Gibbs, who is self-taught in the science of hazardous waste, has been the major force in the national protest against indiscriminate disposal of hazardous waste in the environment. Rachel Carson's final book. Silent Spring , was the clarion call to the American society to examine the excessive toll taken on insect, aquatic, animal, plant, and human life by the post World War II policy of increasing use of synthetic chemicals with insecticidal properties in American agriculture, forestry, and management of natural resources. As a consequence of its passionate and irrefutable arguments, the American government created the Environmental Protection Agency and promulgated some of the most rigorous environmental legislation in the world.