cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experiments in vision-based control of a neutrally buoyant free-flyer

The Laboratory for Space Teleoperation and Robotics is developing a neutrally-buoyant robot for research into the automatic and teleoperated (remote human) control of unmanned robotic vehicles for use in space. The goal of this project is to develop a remote robot with maneuverability and dexterity comparable to that of a space-suited astronaut with a manned maneuvering unit, able to assume many of the tasks currently planned for astronauts during extravehicular activity (EVA). Such a robot would be able to spare the great expense and hazards associated with human EVA, and make possible much less expensive scientific and industrialization exploitation of orbit. Both autonomous and teleoperated control experiments will require the vehicle to be able to automatically control its position and orientation. The laboratory is developing vision-based vehicle navigation system that works by tracking features in video images from cameras mounted on the vehicle and trained at a special target fixed in the environment. The methods are adaptable to a variety of video-based tracking systems, and are based on a linearized vision model, receiving as inputs image feature coordinates at each time step This paper includes a description of the underwater vehicle and the vision system.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Automated image analysis in autoradiography

Abstract Light microscope autoradiographs can be analysed with the aid of the Quantimet, a commercially available image scanning instrument. Standardization of the performance of the instrument was obtained by performing on-line data reduction and display with a small digital computer. The number of silver grains over individual cells can be rapidly and routinely determined, and excellent agreement can be achieved between visually determined and machine generated grain counts.
Inner ear pathology in the mucopolysaccharidosis VII mouse.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII, Sly syndrome) is caused by dysfunction of the acid hydrolase β-D-glucuronidase. The defect results in the accumulation of incompletely degraded glycosaminoglycans within lysosomes of a wide array of cell types. MPS VII is associated with mixed (conductive and sensorineural) hearing loss, vision defects, shortened stature, mental retardation and decreased lifespan. Whether the sensorineural component of hearing loss in MPS VII involves degeneration of cochlear sensory cells is not yet clear. The MPS VII mouse resembles its human counterpart in all major aspects, and has been the focus of extensive research seeking to correct MPS VII and other lysosomal storage diseases. The value of potential treatments for this hearing loss can be determined only if cochlear pathology in this model is well characterized. We examined threshold sensitivity, frequency tuning, hair cell density and the appearance of the cochlea and vestibular organs in MPS VII mice ranging from 1.0 to 7.5 months of age. At all ages, lysosomal storage is pronounced within cells of spiral limbus, spiral prominence, spiral ligament and glial cells, but not within organ of Corti, stria vascularis, or neurons. Within the vestibular maculae and cristae, both hair cells and supporting cells also show lysosomal storage. Although hearing thresholds are never normal, reduction in the sharpness of frequency tuning is not apparent until 2.5 months of age, suggesting that the sensorineural component of hearing loss begins in adulthood. No evidence was found for cell loss within the organ of Corti, or any other structure, however. Our results suggest that sensorineural hearing loss in the MPS VII mouse is not caused by degeneration, but may arise from alterations in mass and stiffness of cochlear structures or impaired sensory cell function. They also indicate a possible vestibular component in MPS VII.
Is career management related to employee development and performance

The career management process involves career exploration, development of career goals, and use of career strategies to obtain career goals. The relationship between different aspects of the career management process and employee development behavior and performance was examined in this study. Employees provided information concerning their personal characteristics, career management strategies, their manager's support for career development, and willingness to participate in development activities. Managers provided ratings of each employee's job performance and developmental behavior. Position, manager's support for development, environmental exploration, and distance from career goal explained significant variance in employees' willingness to participate in development activities and developmental behavior. Career management was not significantly related to performance ratings. Research and practical implications of the study findings are discussed.
The effects of glycerol, freezing and storage at low temperatures, and drying by vacuum sublimation on oxidative phosphorylation by mitochondrial suspensions

Abstract The effects of glycerol on the cryotolerance of suspensions of mitochondria, using oxidative phosphorylation as the measure of biochemical integrity, were determined. Oxidative phosphorylation was not altered in suspensions prepared in isotonic sucrose containing 10 % glycerol and frozen slowly at —76°. Storage at —65° for 15 days did not alter the capacities of these suspensions to esterify inorganic phosphate or take up oxygen. Other concentrations, 5% and 20%, were either suboptimal or partially toxic respectively. Phosphorylation by suspensions frozen at —76° and partially dried by sublimation in vacuo at —40° declined more rapidly than did oxidation. Suspensions of mitochondria frozen slowly at —76° and dried completely by sublimation in vacuo at several temperatures were inactive upon rehydration. Protective substances did not preserve oxidative phosphorylation by mitochondria during drying by sublimation in vacuo.
Meeting Highlights American College of Cardiology 45th Annual Scientific Session, Orlando, Florida, March 24 to 27, 1996

Dr Frans Van de Werf, from the University Hospital Gasthuisberg in Leuven, Belgium, Drs Robert Califf and Christopher Granger from Duke University, Durham, NC, and Dr Eric Topol, from the Cleveland (Ohio) Clinic, presented the results of the GUSTO IIb study, a large, international, multicenter trial of heparin versus hirudin in patients with acute MI and unstable angina. A total of 12 142 qualifying patients (onset of symptoms within 12 hours and ischemic ECG changes) were stratified into two groups on the basis of whether or not ST-segment elevation was present and randomized to receive heparin or hirudin. The primary end point of the study was the 30-day incidence of death and MI. Because of prior experience with a high level of bleeding complications in GUSTO IIa, the doses of study drug (both heparin and hirudin) used in GUSTO IIb were significantly reduced from GUSTO IIa. Patients treated with hirudin were noted to require fewer adjustments to maintain therapeutic levels (a mean of two adjustments versus four with heparin), and there were more hirudin patients who did not require any dose adjustments (28.5% versus 5.4% with heparin). In the ST-segment elevation group (n=4131), there was marked benefit of hirudin at 24 hours in the incidence of death and MI but no significant differences between the hirudin and heparin groups in terms of severe bleeding events (1.1% with hirudin, 1.5% with heparin), stroke (1.3% with hirudin, 0.8% with heparin), death at 30 days (5.9% versus 6.3%), and reinfarction at 30 days (5.0% versus 6.0%). In the overall population, there was significant benefit with hirudin in death or MI at 24 hours (1.3% with hirudin and 2.1% with heparin, a 37% relative decrease; P <.001). However, with time, the relative benefits of hirudin declined. By 48 hours, the incidence of death or MI …
Thermodynamic Characterization of the Contractile State of the Myocardium

Definition of the contractile state of the myocardium from force, length, and velocity relationships and measurements of ventricular pressure is a continuum mechanics approach that requires a detailed knowledge of the system under consideration or, in the absence of detailed knowledge, the use of suitable conceptual models. In this paper we proposed a simpler, though still rigorous, approach that required only a general, rather than a detailed, a priori knowledge of the system. Using the theory of thermodynamics, we gained some insight into the physical meaning of the time derivatives of the left ventricular pressure pulse. From integrations and normalizations we obtained power-density functions (energy-averaged power density and power-averaged rate of generation of power density). These functions relating the free energy in the myocardium to the pressure in the blood did not require geometric considerations, and they furnished, to a first approximation, a quantification of the contractile state in a population of 26 normal dogs under anesthesia. Moreover, the functions clearly separated the normal state from abnormal ones created by drug intervention, not only in the same dog, but also in different dogs. The functions appeared to be insensitive to volume loading. In two patients studied before and after surgery, these functions also showed significant changes.
Optimal microphone placement for active noise control in a forced‐air cooling system.

In active noise cancellation systems with relatively small acoustic coupling, feedforward compensation is an effective methodology to create a controlled emission for sound attenuation. Especially for small electronic systems where forced air‐cooling is required to control the temperature of large power sensitive components in the system, an active noise cancellation (ANC) system is a viable solution to reduce acoustic emissions. In this paper we discuss the placement of the noise source microphone for feedforward based active noise control in a forced‐air cooling system. Noise source microphone placement is directed by the ANC performance of an on‐line output‐error based affine optimization of a linearly parametrized generalized finite impulse response filter for sound compensation. For the computation of the optimal filter, generalized or orthogonal FIR models are used as they exhibit the same linear parametrization as a standard FIR filter. The procedure is demonstrated on a small portable NEC LT170 da...
Observation of a New Phase of Sonoluminescence at Low Partial Pressures

The acoustically driven pulsations of a gas bubble lead to 1${0}^{6}$-fold changes in its volume and the emission of a light flash upon collapse. Mass diffusion between the bubble and the gas dissolved in the surrounding fluid maintains this steady-state bubble motion only at low partial pressures, around 3 Torr. This diffusion-controlled regime is uniquely favorable to sonoluminescence (SL) from hydrogenic gases and polyatomic gases with low adiabatic heating. Our analysis indicates that the previously investigated SL from bubbles at 200 Torr requires a nondiffusive mass flow mechanism.
A Computer-Based Radiology Simulator as a Learning Tool to Help Prepare First-Year Residents for Being On Call

Rationale and Objectives The start of call is a stressful time for radiology residents. Traditional teaching methods are not ideal for call preparation because they are radically different than the task performed on call. The purpose of this study is to determine if a computer-based radiology simulator would have an effect on resident confidence level or diagnostic abilities. Materials and Methods A simulator was created to mimic the picture archive and communication system (PACS) at our hospital. Typical call-level cases were selected, anonymized, and entered into the database. The first-year residents were randomly split into a control group and a study group that used the simulator. Each resident took a survey 1 month before and after beginning call to measure his or her subjective feeling of preparedness and nervousness. Objective measures were also obtained through the use of discordance levels from on-call cases. Results Seventy-one cases were entered into the simulator. Of the 12 residents in the first-year class, 7 were placed in the study group and 5 in the control group. The residents in both groups claimed they felt more prepared and less nervous 1 month after starting call. The differences at survey were not significant, but the residents in the study group trended toward feeling more prepared and less nervous. There was no statistical difference in the discordance rates for on-call cases between the two groups. Conclusions Although statistical significance was not reached between the users of the radiology simulator and the control group, there was a subjective feeling that the simulator was useful for call preparation and as an interactive learning tool. A larger sample study group size may show statistical significance.
The P blood group system: biochemical, serological, and clinical aspects.

T HERE ARE several excellent reviews of carbohydrate human blood group antigens in general,1 and of the P blood group system in particular. 2"3 However, rapid progress in recent years in the biochemical, genetic, serological, and medical aspects of the P blood group system suggest that this is an opportune time to review our current understanding of this interesting blood group system. In 1927 Landsteiner and Levine identified the first member of the human P blood group system while studying antibodies induced in rabbits after immunization with human erythrocytes.4 Although they named the new antigen P, it was later defined as the P~ antigen after Levine's discovery in 1951 of a related antigen now known as p.5 The finding that hydatid cyst fluid could inhibit anti-P16 and anti-P k but not anti-P 7 enabled investigators to study the biochemistry and biosynthesis of this complex system. Initial studies showing that antiP~ binding to erythrocytes was inhibited by D-galactose, indicated that the P~ antigen was carbohydrate in nature and that D-galactose was the immunodominant sugar. 8 The carbohydrate nature of the pk antigen was initially studied using similar hemagglutination-inhibition methods. 9,a~ Further characterization of the Pt antigen, resulting from the analysis of hydatid cyst fluid glycoproteins, identified the following antigenic structure: Gala 14Gall31-4GlcNAc. 11,12 Subsequently, the same structure was found on human erythrocytes at the nonreducing end of a glycosphingolipid carrying P1 specificity. 13 The P and pk antigens were then identified as globoside (ie, globotetraosylceramide) and ceramide trihexoside (ie, globotriaosylceramide), respectively, by hemagglutinationinhibition studies using purified glycosphingolip-
Ascorbate-Nitrite Reaction: Possible Means of Blocking the Formation of Carcinogenic N-Nitroso Compounds

The formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds by the chemical reaction between nitrous acid and oxytetracycline, morpholine, piperazine, N-methylaniline, methylurea, and (in some experiments) dimethylamine was blocked by ascorbic acid. The extent of blocking depended on the compound nitrosated and on the experimental conditions. Urea and ammonium sulfamate were less effective as blocking agents. The possibility of in vivo formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds from drugs could be lessened by the combination of such drugs with the ascorbic acid.
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) receptor antagonist blocks activating and 'anxiogenic' actions of CRF in the rat.

The effectiveness of a recently synthesized corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) antagonist, α-helical CRF9–41, in reversing the locomotor activating and proconflict effects of CRF was evaluated. The CRF receptor antagonist (50, 100 and 200 μg, i.c.v.) produced a dose-related attenuation of the response-suppressing effects of CRF in a conflict model of anxiety. The antagonist also effectively suppressed the marked locomotor activation produced by CRF. No discernible intrinsic effects on behavior were noted when the antagonist was administered alone. These results suggest that the behavioral effects of CRF are receptor-mediated phenomena and point to the potential usefulness of a CRF antagonist in understanding the function of endogenous CRF in mediating responses to stressful stimuli.
Calcium ethyl-enediaminetetraacetate (Ca EDTA) toxicity: time- and dose-dependent studies on intestinal morphology in the rat.

Abstract The effect of CaEDTA toxicity on intestinal morphology was investigated in rats. Constant iv infusion of CaEDTA was used in time- and dose-response studies. A dosage of 6.0 mmoles/kg/24 hr was needed to induce marked morphological changes. These changes consisted of shortening of the villi, reduced height of epithelium, degeneration of the brush border and decreased mitotic index. After 36 hr of infusion at a dosage of 6.0 mmoles/kg/24 hr the villi were drastically reduced and no mitotic figures were seen. If the CaEDTA infusion was stopped at this point the intestine began to recover. After 24 hr of recovery mitotic figures were again in evidence and by 48 hr the mitotic index was higher than in controls. It is proposed that the pattern of changes observed is consistent with the mode of action of the chelating agent being a block of DNA synthesis in the S or early M phase. All other cellular changes are consistent with an inflammatory response.
High-Resolution Radio Observations of the Supernova Remnant 3C 391 Possible Breakout Morphology

We present radio observations of the bright compact SNR 3C 391 (G31.9+0.0) made with the VLA2 at 6 arcsec resolution. The remnant's morphology suggests expansion into a medium with a very strong density gradient. We interpret radio and X-ray morphologies as evidence for a breakout of the expanding material into a region of abruptly lower density. The CO survey of Sanders et al. (1986), though not fully sampled, shows the presence of molecular gas at the position of the remnant, with a radial velocity of 90-110 km/s similar to the highest velocity absorption features seen in H I toward 3C 391. This gas may thus be near the remnant, though direct evidence of interaction is lacking. More detailed CO observations, and searches for evidence of shocked molecular gas such as 2.12 micron emission from H2, might confirm or refute the tantalizing possibility that 3C 391 is interacting with an observable molecular cloud.
Calcium-mediated myopathy at neuromuscular junctions of normal and dystrophic muscle

Abstract Previous studies showed that a myopathy which can be produced in vertebrate muscle by inactivating esterases is mimicked by exposure to carbamylcholine and requires agonist-receptor interaction and extracellular calcium. A most consistent aspect of the myopathy is dissolution of Z-disks in myofibrils near the postsynaptic membrane. Using mouse extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles in vitro , we found that leupeptin partially protects the Z-disks from dissolution. Chloroquine had much less, if any, effect. These data are compatible with the suggestion that prolonged agonist action at the neuromuscular junction results in the activation of the calcium-activated protease known to destroy the Z-disk protein. Because dystrophic mouse muscles reportedly have increased activities of calcium-activated proteases, we compared the response of normal and dystrophic EDL muscle. These muscles showed no significant difference after 3 h in Krebs baths, but when carbachol was added, there was a significantly greater amount of Z-disk damage in dystrophic muscles than in muscles from wild types (129 ReJ) or from albino mice. As in normal muscle, the agonist-induced myopathy in dystrophic muscle is both calcium- and protease dependent.
Path diversity for enhanced media streaming

Media streaming over best effort packet networks such as the Internet is quite challenging because of the dynamic and unpredictable available bandwidth, loss rate, and delay. Recently, streaming over multiple paths to provide path diversity has emerged as an approach to help overcome these problems. This article provides an overview of the benefits and use of path diversity for media streaming. The different approaches to media coding and streaming over multiple paths are examined, together with architectures for achieving path diversity between single or multiple senders and a single receiver. Important examples include using the distributed servers in a content delivery network to provide path diversity to a requesting client, using multiple 802.11 wireless access points to provide path diversity to a mobile client, and using relays to provide low-latency media communication. The design, analysis, and operation of media streaming systems that use path diversity are considered, with emphasis on the accurate performance models needed to select the best paths or best servers.
Levels of expression of Fcγ receptor IIA (CD32) are decreased on peripheral blood monocytes in patients with severe atherosclerosis

To obtain information in vivo concerning the role of Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaR) in atherosclerosis, we used quantitative flow cytometry to measure the levels of expression of FcgammaRI and FcgammaRIIA on peripheral monocytes in patients with severe atherosclerosis. Expression of several other markers was also measured. We found that differences in the levels of expression of FcgammaRI were not statistically significant when compared between patients and control subjects. For FcgammaRIIA, levels of expression were decreased in the patient group, a difference that was statistically significant. Levels of expression of CD14 and CD36 were also significantly decreased in the patient group. The decrease in expression of FcgammaRIIA was statistically significant when the effects of current cigarette smoking status or medication use, including statins, were taken into account. There was also a positive and statistically significant correlation between high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and levels of expression of FcgammaRIIA for all subjects. In contrast, decreased levels of expression of CD14 and CD36 were strongly associated with current smoking status or statin use. In summary, levels of expression of FcgammaRIIA on peripheral blood monocytes were significantly decreased in patients with clinical atherosclerosis. Additional studies are warranted to determine if levels of expression of FcgammaRIIA have utility as a phenotypic marker for assessing relative risk of atherosclerotic disease.
Tobacco Research: One Researcher's Experience

James F. Glenn's statement (Letters, [12 July, p. 167][1]) that “CTR [the Council for Tobacco Research] has always encouraged investigators to publish results of research, whether favorable or unfavorable to the tobacco industry” contradicts my personal experience when the CTR, through Robert
Screening for retinoblastoma: presenting signs as prognosticators of patient and ocular survival.

Objective. To correlate 3 common presenting signs of retinoblastoma with patient and ocular survival and to assess the efficacy of current pediatric screening practices for retinoblastoma. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted of 1831 retinoblastoma patients from our center (1914–June 2000). Patient survival (excluding deaths from other primary neoplasms) and ocular survival (presenting eyes) rates were calculated and analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results. Leukocoria correlated with excellent patient survival (>86%, 5 years) but poor ocular survival in unilateral (4%, 5 years) and bilateral patients (29%, 5 years). A total of 308 (19%) of 1654 patients presented with strabismus: patient survival was excellent (90%, 5 years), and ocular survival was poor (17%, 5 years) yet better than leukocoria. Patients who had a family history of retinoblastoma and were clinically screened for retinal tumors from birth were diagnosed younger (8 months of age) and earlier (Reese Ellsworth group 1 = 26 [58%] of 45) and had better ocular survival than nonscreened patients with a family history. More patients were initially detected by family/friends (1315 [80%] of 1632) than pediatricians (123 [8%] of 1632) or ophthalmologists (156 [10%] of 1632). Conclusion. Most US children whose retinoblastoma is diagnosed initially present with leukocoria detected by a parent, despite routine pediatric screening for leukocoria via the red reflex test. Initial disease detection at the point of leukocoria or strabismus correlated with high patient survival rates and poor ocular survival rates for the presenting eye. Saving eyes and vision requires disease recognition before leukocoria, as demonstrated by the better ocular salvage rate among patients who had a positive family history and received clinical surveillance via early, routine dilated funduscopic examinations by an ophthalmologist.
Identification of Connective Tissue Growth Factor as a Target of WT1 Transcriptional Regulation

The Wilms tumor suppressor WT1 has transcription-activating and -suppressing capabilities. WT1-responsive promoters have been described; however, in large part, it remains unclear which potential downstream genes are physiologically relevant and mediate the function of WT1 in tumorigenesis and development. To identify genes regulated by WT1 in vivo, we used a dominant-negative version of WT1 to modulate WT1 activity in a Wilms tumor cell line. Screening oligonucleotide arrays with RNA from these cells uncovered a number of genes whose expression was altered by abrogation of WT1 function. Several of the genes encode members of the CCN family of growth regulators. The promoter of one of these genes, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), is suppressed by WT1 both in its endogenous location and in reporter constructs. WT1 regulation of CTGF expression is not mediated by previously identified WT1 recognition elements and may therefore involve a novel mechanism. Our results indicate that CTGF is a bona fide target of WT1 transcriptional suppression and likely plays a role in Wilms tumorigenesis and associated disease syndromes.
Trace metal complexation in high ligand variety natural media

Abstract A relatively small variety of ligand number two, three, and four complexes is sufficient to generate a very large number of mixed-ligand species. A simple model is presented which quantitatively accounts for the sum complexation intensity due to very large numbers of mixed-ligand complexes. Mixed-ligand complexes can dominate the solution chemistry of trace metals in ligand-rich, high ligand variety media. A probable consequence of neglecting mixed-ligand complexation in high ligand variety systems is substantial underestimation of a metal's degree of complexation.
Analytic study of assemblies of Neurons in memory storage

Abstract Previously, Little and Shaw developed a model of memory in neural networks using the Hebb learning hypothesis and explicitly incorporating the known statistical fluctuations at the chemical synapses. They solved exactly the large fluctuation limit of the model and were able to examine the capacity for memory storage. However, the solutions were not physiologically interpretable. We now explicitly introduce assemblies of neurons within the network, and obtain fully interpretable, physiological solutions (again, in the large fluctuation limit) which lead to readily testable predictions.
A Novel Micromachining Technique for Achieving Optical Structures with Arbitrary Sidewall Profiles

We present a micromachining technique using a fluorocarbon inductively coupled plasma for achieving arbitrary sidewall profiles in silicon, silicon dioxide and lithium niobate that are independent of the substrate crystal orientation.
Surjectivity for Hamiltonian loop group spaces

Let G be a compact Lie group, and let LG denote the corresponding loop group. Let (X, ω) be a weakly symplectic Banach manifold. Consider a Hamiltonian action of LG on (X, ω), and assume that the moment map \(\mu \,:\,\,{\rm X}\,\, \to L{g^ * }\) is proper. We consider the function \({\left| \mu \right|^2}:\,X\, \to \,\mathbb{R}\), and use a version of Morse theory to showthat the inclusion map \(j\,:\,{\mu ^{ - 1}}\left( 0 \right)\, \to \,X\) induces a surjection \(j{\,^ * }:\,\,H_G^ * \left( X \right)\, \to \,H_G^ * \left( {{\mu ^{ - 1}}\left( 0 \right)} \right)\), in analogywithKirwan’s surjectivity theorem in the finite-dimensional case. We also prove a version of this surjectivity theorem for quasi-Hamiltonian G-spaces.
Nanoparticles for local drug delivery to the oral mucosa: proof of principle studies

Purpose To determine if solid lipid nanoparticles represent a viable strategy for local delivery of poorly water soluble and unstable chemopreventive compounds to human oral tissues.
Investigation into Potential of Alkali-Acetate-Based Deicers to Cause Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete

Recent investigations by the FAA into the condition of airfield pavements have indicated increased occurrence of premature deterioration in concrete pavements, particularly caused by alkali-silica reaction (ASR). On the basis of the evidence, it was suspected that certain deicing chemicals used on the pavements may have been responsible for the distress. This paper presents the results from a study conducted to investigate the effect of potassium acetate- and sodium acetate-based deicers on causing ASR in test specimens. A modified ASTM C 1260 test procedure was used in this study, in which mortar bars prepared with reactive aggregates were soaked in deicer solutions, instead of 1 N sodium hydroxide solution as in the standard ASTM C 1260 test. Tests were conducted on four reactive aggregate sources and one nonreactive aggregate, using a low-alkali and a high-alkali cement. In addition, standard ASTM C 1260 tests were conducted on all aggregates considered in this study. The effect of concentration and te...
Singularity of Green's function and effective action in massive Yang-Mills theories.

The singularities of the one-loop Green's function and the effective action in massive Yang-Mills theory are investigated, in terms of the original (Proca) variables. Although the result is nonrenormalizable, a high degree of predictive power can be maintained.
Contact angles and liquid loss behavior of high index fluids

To achieve the numerical aperture required for the next generation of immersion lithography, water may be replaced with a high index liquid as the immersion fluid. Due to their low surface tension to viscosity ratios, candidate high index fluids have an increased tendency to lose liquid from the underlens region during scanning. Since any residual liquid left on the wafer is a potential defect mechanism, the conversion to high index fluids may drastically reduce scanning speeds and chip throughput. The mechanism for liquid loss strongly depends on the behavior of the three-phase contact line, so this work focuses on the experimental study of the static and dynamic contact behavior of five high index fluids. Contact angle and critical liquid loss velocity data is compared to the critical velocity model we previously developed, and the liquid loss behavior is discussed.
Effects of enantiomeric homogeneity on the in vitro metabolism and in vivo anticancer activity of (+)- and (-)-cyclophosphamide.

Abstract Separate incubation kinetic measurements for the metabolic “activation” of enantiomerically pure (+)- and (−)-cyclophosphamide (CP) and the racemate of CP by identical phenobarbital (PB)-induced mouse liver microsomal mixed-function oxidase preparations gave, respectively, Vmax = 13.8 ± 1.0, 20.0 ± 1.5 and 16.3 ± 1.1 μmol bis-2-ehloroethylamine (nor-HN2) equiv./g wet liver/hr, and Km = 0.37 ± 0.02, 0.56 ± 0.04 and 0.45 ± 0.02 mM. The absolute magnitude of the apparent Vmax kinetic parameter increased by ca. 50 per cent in a subsequent comparative run between (+)- and (−)-CP using a second preparation of the hepatic microsomal ozidase ; however, the relative behaviour of CP enantiomers toward enzymatic “activation” was constant, within experimental error, and revealed that Vmax−/Vmax+ = 1.34 ± 0.17 and Km−/Km+ = 1.35 ± 0.14. Removal and quantitative measurement, as a function of time, of free acrolein that is produced by incubation of CP with PB-induced microsomes repeatedly gave a roughly congruous family of “skewed bell-shaped” curves having maxima in the order (±)-CP > (+)-CP > (−)-CP; however, the differences between these acrolein time-course profiles were relatively small (ca, 10–20 per cent). Repitition of such measurements with freshly prepared mouse liver cytosol and NAD+ added to the incubation mixtures of CP and liver microsomes led to comparable suppression of the maxima. Isolation of CP from separate (+)- and (−)-CP incubation mixtures, followed by determination of enantiomeric homogeneity by nuclear magnetic resonance methods, demonstrated that CP is not racemized during in vitro liver microsomal metabolism. Aminal screening data (test/control precentages) for (+)-, (−)-, and (±)-CP activity against mouse L-1210 lymphoid leukemia showed no outstanding differences in therapeutic value. Collectively, these various experimental probes suggest that there is an unusually low degree of biological stereoselectivity associated with the metabolism of CP enantiomers.
Evaluation of historical beryllium abundance in soils, airborne particulates and facilities at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Abstract Beryllium has been historically machined, handled and stored in facilities at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) since the 1950s. Additionally, outdoor testing of beryllium-containing components has been performed at LLNL's Site 300 facility. Beryllium levels in local soils and atmospheric particulates have been measured over three decades and are comparable to those found elsewhere in the natural environment. While localized areas of beryllium contamination have been identified, laboratory operations do not appear to have increased the concentration of beryllium in local air or water. Variation in airborne beryllium correlates to local weather patterns, PM10 levels, normal sources (such as resuspension of soil and emissions from coal power stations) but not to LLNL activities. Regional and national atmospheric beryllium levels have decreased since the implementation of the EPA's 1990 Clean-Air-Act. Multi-element analysis of local soil and air samples allowed for the determination of comparative ratios for beryllium with over 50 other metals to distinguish between natural beryllium and process-induced contamination. Ten comparative elemental markers (Al, Cs, Eu, Gd, La, Nd, Pr, Sm, Th and Tl) that were selected to ensure background variations in other metals did not collectively interfere with the determination of beryllium sources in work-place samples at LLNL. Multi-element analysis and comparative evaluation are recommended for all workplace and environmental samples suspected of beryllium contamination. The multi-element analyses of soils and surface dusts were helpful in differentiating between beryllium of environmental origin and beryllium from laboratory operations. Some surfaces can act as “sinks” for particulate matter, including carpet, which retains entrained insoluble material even after liquid based cleaning. At LLNL, most facility carpets had beryllium concentrations at or below the upper tolerance limit determined by sampling facilities with no history of beryllium work. Some facility carpets had beryllium concentrations above the upper tolerance limits but can be attributed to tracking of local soils, while other facilities showed process-induced contamination from adjacent operations. In selected cases, distinctions were made as to the source of beryllium in carpets. Guidance on the determination of facility beryllium sources is given.
Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented

The discovery of elevations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related biomarkers prior to the onset of clinically apparent RA raises hopes that individuals who are at risk of future RA can be identified in a preclinical phase of disease that is defined as abnormalities of RA-related immune activity prior to the clinically apparent onset of joint disease. Additionally, there is a growing understanding of the immunologic processes that are occurring in preclinical RA, as well as a growing understanding of risk factors that may be mechanistically related to RA development. Furthermore, there are data supporting that treatment of early RA can lead to drug-free remission. Taken as a whole, these findings suggest that it may be possible to use biomarkers and other factors to accurately identify the likelihood and timing of onset of future RA, and then intervene with immunomodulatory therapies and/or risk factor modification to prevent the future onset of RA in at-risk individuals. Importantly, several clinical prevention trials for RA have already been tried, and one is underway. However, while our growing understanding of the mechanisms and natural history of RA development may be leading us to the implementation of prevention strategies for RA, there are still several challenges to be met. These include developing sufficiently accurate methods of predicting those at high risk of future RA so that clinical trials can be developed based on accurate rates of development of arthritis and subjects can be adequately informed of their risk of disease, identifying the appropriate interventions and biologic targets for optimal prevention, and addressing the psychosocial and economic aspects that are crucial to developing broadly applicable prevention measures for RA. These issues notwithstanding, prevention of RA may be within reach in the near future.
The effect of glutathione and glucose-6-phosphate on fatty acid synthesis in E. coli

Abstract The soluble fatty acid synthetase from E. coli catalyses the formation of long-chain saturated and unsaturated acids from malonyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA in a reaction dependent on TPNH and ACP 1 ( Lennarz, Light and Bloch, 1962 ; Goldman and Vagelos, 1962 ). In the course of an investigation of the detailed products of this reaction, it was discovered that in the presence of glutathione the synthesis of long-chain acids was almost completely suppressed and that a compound identified as the lactone of triacetic acid (TAL) accumulated instead. Addition of glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P) to the incubation mixture reversed the effect of glutathione and restored the synthesis of long-chain acids ( Brock and Bloch, 1966 ). This communication presents evidence that glutathione and G-6-P exert their opposing effects by acting as substrates for enzymes which accompany the synthetase complex and which consume and produce TPNH.
Still Unhealthy 2009: Building Community Research to Identify Risk Factors and Health Outcomes in Childhood Obesity

The goal of the this study was to track and assess children’s health status in Nevada and build relationships between researchers and school districts through the collection of mutually beneficial health data at a local level. All elementary schools in Nevada were sent a health survey for parents of kindergarten students to complete. A total of 3,628 surveys were received with usable height and weight needed to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). African American and Hispanic children had significantly higher BMI scores compared to Caucasian and Asian/Pacific Islander children, regardless of income. Children who had diabetes or mental health concerns also had significantly higher mean BMIs compared to children without these health concerns. Overall staff within the school districts felt that this surveillance system should be continued as data from this study provided important information subsequently used to guide programming and when applying for grants. Our children’s welfare depends on community collaboration to create and implement data-driven initiatives to combat childhood obesity.
Macrophage Fatty-acid Synthase Deficiency Decreases Diet-induced Atherosclerosis

Fatty acid metabolism is perturbed in atherosclerotic lesions, but whether it affects lesion formation is unknown. To determine whether fatty acid synthesis affects atherosclerosis, we inactivated fatty-acid synthase (FAS) in macrophages of apoE-deficient mice. Serum lipids, body weight, and glucose metabolism were the same in FAS knock-out in macrophages (FASKOM) and control mice, but blood pressure was lower in FASKOM animals. Atherosclerotic extent was decreased 20–40% in different aortic regions of FASKOM as compared with control mice on Western diets. Foam cell formation was diminished in FASKOM as compared with wild type macrophages due to increased apoAI-specific cholesterol efflux and decreased uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein. Expression of the anti-atherogenic nuclear receptor liver X receptor α (LXRα; Nr1h3) and its downstream targets, including Abca1, were increased in FASKOM macrophages, whereas expression of the potentially pro-atherogenic type B scavenger receptor CD36 was decreased. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) target gene expression was decreased in FASKOM macrophages. PPARα agonist treatment of FASKOM and wild type macrophages normalized PPARα target gene expression as well as Nr1h3 (LXRα). Atherosclerotic lesions were more extensive when apoE null mice were transplanted with LXRα-deficient/FAS-deficient bone marrow as compared with LXRα-replete/FAS-deficient marrow, consistent with anti-atherogenic effects of LXRα in the context of FAS deficiency. These results show that macrophage FAS deficiency decreases atherosclerosis through induction of LXRα and suggest that FAS, which is induced by LXRα, may generate regulatory lipids that cause feedback inhibition of LXRα in macrophages.
A Review of: “Islam and War: A Review Essay”

Raymond Ibrahim. ed., The Al Qaeda Reader. New York: Broadway Books, 2007, 318 pages. Paper $10.85. ISBN-13: 978-0767922623. Shmuel Bar. Warrant for Terror: The Fatwas of Radical Islam and the Duty...
X‐ray gauge measures areal density variations as small as 0.1%

A gauge measures areal density variations as small as 0.1% in low density plastic foams and other materials. It has a spatial resolution of 0.5 mm. This system is safe, portable, easy to use, and is readily automated. The 6 keV x-ray flux from a /sup 55/Fe source is collimated to a 0.5 mm diameter beam and attenuated by the sample. Transmitted x-rays are detected with a proportional gas detector and counted with a scaler-timer. After measuring the x-ray attenuation in two areas of the sample, the areal density variation is calculated using an
Tuning the Response and Stability of Thin Film Mesoporous Silicon Vapor Sensors by Surface Modification

The effect of chemical surface treatment on the sensitivity, specificity, and stability of mesoporous Si thin film vapor sensors is studied. The vapor sensors operate by measurement of Fabry−Perot interference from the porous Si layer, probed using a diode laser operating at a wavelength of 687 nm. Four chemically distinct surface types are each probed with three different analyte vapors: ethanol, methyl ethyl ketone, and n-hexane, all in a carrier gas of pure nitrogen. The four different surface types include the H-terminated, freshly etched material (Si−H), ozone-treated material (Si-ozone), electrochemically methylated material (Si−CH3), and thermally oxidized samples (Si−O−Si). Surface modification has a pronounced effect on the specificity and stability. It is found that the Si−H material is more sensitive to the hydrophobic analyte relative to either the Si−O−Si or Si-ozone samples. Similarly, the Si−CH3 material is more sensitive to the more hydrophobic analyte, although it is found to be much mor...
Demographic Characteristics of Hospitalized IBD Patients

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) was used to study the recent demographic characteristics of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). HCUP data of the period 1997–2006 were extracted. The data were stratified by the categories pertaining to patient demographics, such as age-group, sex, race, insurance type, income group, residence in metropolitan area and region of the United States, as well as categories pertaining to hospital characteristics, such as type of ownership, teaching status, location, and bed-size. The distributions of inpatients among different categories were compared between CD or UC and all other diagnoses, using odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for comparison. The data revealed a slight female predominance in CD (1.08, 1.09–1.09) and a slight male predominance in UC (1.15, 1.14–1.15). Compared to patients with other diagnoses, patients with inflammatory bowel disease tended to be white (CD: 2.47, 2.45–2.50; UC: 2.13, 2.10–2.15), more affluent (CD: 1.44, 1.43–1.45; UC: 1.59, 1.58–1.61), live in metropolitan areas (CD: 1.09, 1.08–1.10; UC: 1.26, 1.25–1.27) and in the Northeast of the United States (CD: 1.27, 1.27–1.28; UC: 1.44, 1.43–1.45). These patterns confirm previously described characteristics of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and show that such characteristics still apply to present patient populations.
Interactive computer-aided load and resistance factor design of plate girders

Abstract Based on the newly proposed load and resistance factor design specification for steel buildings, an interactive microcomputer program is presented for design of welded stiffened steel plate girders. The program is capable of designing hybrid girders and takes into account the tension-field action of the web. The loading on the girder may consist of a uniformly distributed load plus any number of concentrated loads. Single or double plates may be used as transverse stiffeners. For flangeto-web connections, either continuous or intermittent fillet weld may be specified. The program rounds off the thickness and width of the flange plates and stiffeners and the thickness of the web plate to practical sizes according to the increments specified by the user/designer. This program demonstrates the effectiveness of microcomputers in practical design of structures.
Word Bias in Surveys and Its Impact on Travel Expenditure Studies

This article analyzes the impact of different wording used in surveys on tourism expenditure studies. Though there is evidence showing that bias arises from the wording of a question, there has not been further research to empirically measure the response bias that is generated. Most survey research is directed towards the design structure with little being done to analyze the economic impact words have on answers. This study analyzed two sets of tourism expenditure data and found that individual respondents reported expenditures up to 4 times higher than group respondents. Adjusting for influences that interjected bias into the results, we concluded that word bias, in particular if the expenditure question is asking for group or individual spending, is the most likely result of the significant differences uncovered. The implications of word bias can be potentially significant if data are used for decision-making.
Assessment of plutonium exposures in Rongelap and Utirik populations by fission track analysis of urine.

A nuclear device, code-named Bravo, detonated at Bikini Atoll at 6:45 a.m. on 1 March 1954, unexpectedly released a large amount of radioactivity. Over 40 years after this incident, the study of its impact on the radiological health and environmental safety of the residents of Rongelap and Utirik Atolls continues. In 1987, researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory established a fission track analysis (FTA) method for low-level 239Pu urinalysis. Two years later, a new shipboard protocol was developed for collecting 24-h radiologically clean urine samples. The purpose of this paper is to update information on the FTA method for measuring low-levels of plutonium, and to summarize results on the distribution of 239Pu in the populations of Rongelap and Utirik between 1981-1991. Plutonium detection levels (99% confidence level) in these samples were 2-3 microBq, which is equivalent to 0.2-0.3 mSv effective dose equivalent (EDE) to age 70 for Marshallese. The latest 1991 FTA data indicate average EDE of 0.62 mSv and 1.6 mSv for the people of Rongelap and Utirik, respectively, which both are the highest values since 1988.