cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research Ethics: Principles, Practices, and Reporting

Ethical concerns are a common reason for the rejection of manuscripts submitted to biomedical research journals. Professional organizations and journals strongly encourage researchers to follow widely accepted research protocols and to report on what ethics-related methods they employ in their research projects. At least three issues should be addressed by all reports on human subjects research: the review and approval of the protocol by an ethics committee, the acquisition of informed consent from all participants, and the disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. Authors must also adhere to publication rules that forbid plagiarism, duplicate submission, and redundant publication.
Laboratory faceseal leakage evaluation of n95 filtering facepiece respirators against nanoparticles and "all size" particles.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are used for respiratory protection in some workplaces handling engineered nanomaterials. Previous NIOSH research has focused on filtration performance against nanoparticles. This article is the first NIOSH study using human test subjects to compare N95 FFR faceseal leakage (FSL) performance against nanoparticles and “all size” particles. In this study, estimates of FSL were obtained from fit factor (FF) measurements from nine test subjects who participated in previous fit-test studies. These data were analyzed to compare values obtained by: 1) using the PortaCount Plus (8020A, TSI, Inc., MN, USA) alone (measureable particle size range 20 nm to > 1,000 nm, hereby referred to as the “all size particles test”), and 2) using the PortaCount Plus with N95-CompanionTM accessory (8095, TSI, Inc., Minn.) accessory (negatively charged particles, size range ∼40 to 60 nm, hereby referred to as the “nano...
Sea-ice interaction with the thermohaline circulation

Linkages have been suggested between observed interdecadal variability of sea-ice and salinity in the North Atlantic. A plausible mechanism for generating such variability through the interaction of sea-ice and the thermohaline circulation (THC) is examined in a zonally-averaged THC model coupled to a thermodynamic ice model. A self-sustaining interdecadal oscillation arises through the feedbacks between salinity anomalies induced by the sea-ice melting-freezing process and anomalous meridional heat transport associated with the THC. The oscillation time scale is not associated with any oceanic time scales but fundamentally depends on ice-THC coupling. The period is quite robust to stochastic forcing, although the regularity is strongly affected. 25 refs., 7 figs.
Neuroscience: The cortical connection

Neurons in the brain's visual cortex receive inputs from thousands of other neurons. But it now emerges that each is strongly connected to only a few others: those most similar to itself. See Letter p.399 The degree to which a neuron influences the activity of others is dependent on the strength of the synaptic connections it makes with its partners, and it is known that this connection strength can vary over two orders of magnitude. Using a combination of two-photon calcium imaging and simultaneous intracellular recordings from pairs of neurons, Thomas Mrsic-Flogel and colleagues show that layer 2/3 neurons in mouse primary visual cortex (V1) follow a simple rule: strong connections are sparse and occur between neurons with correlated responses to visual stimuli, whereas only weak connections link neurons with uncorrelated responses. This bias in functional connection strength may be a means by which neuronal selectivity for visual features is computed in areas downstream of V1.
Modeling the Effects of Genetic Manipulations of Calsequestrin on Local Calcium Release and Depletion in Cardiac Myocytes

Cardiac calsequestrin (CASQ2), a Ca buffer localized to the junctional SR (jSR) of cardiac myocytes, is known to bind to the RyR-triadin-junctin complex, participate in the luminal regulation of RyRs, and modulate Ca spark activity. To investigate the functional role of CASQ2 during spontaneous Ca sparks, we constructed a hybrid CTMC-ODE stochastic simulation of a Ca release site model composed of 100 Lee-Keener RyRs [J. Theor. Biol. 253:668-679, 2008] that includes Ca activation, Ca inactivation, CASQ2-RyR binding, and the dynamics of myoplasmic and luminal domain Ca and buffer concentrations. Myoplasmic and network SR [Ca] were determined by balancing the simulated average release flux and reuptake mediated by SERCA. The model reproduces average properties of spontaneous sparks in normal myocytes including spark amplitude, blink nadir, and junctional SR recovery time. Parameter studies were performed to interpret the effects of known arrhythmogenic CASQ2 mutants [Terentyev et al., Biophys. J. 95(4):2037-2048, 2008] on average spark properties. Increases in the total amount of CASQ2 resulted in increased spark amplitudes and increased jSR recovery times (observed in myocytes overexpressing wildtype CASQ2); shallower nadirs were observed in simulations but not experiment. Increasing the Kd of CASQ2 and Ca binding decreases spark amplitude and jSR recovery time (observed in myocytes expressing the dominant negative mutation CASQ2-DEL that suppresses CASQ2-Ca binding); in simulations (but not experiment) release-reuptake balance leads to increased network SR [Ca]. Increasing the Kd of CASQ2 and RyR binding is associated with decreased network SR [Ca], as in myocytes expressing CASQ2-R33Q, a variant with dominant negative effects on interactions of CASQ with RyRs. The implications of these results to mechanism of release regulation by CASQ2 will be discussed.
Double-Outlet Right Ventricle and Severe Systemic Outflow Tract Hypoplasia

Double-outlet right ventricle and severe systemic outflow tract hypoplasia comprises a subset of patients in whom total correction or palliation requires complex surgical procedures in the neonatal period. Our experience with 3 patients illustrates the difficulties associated with treatment and suggests possible surgical options for this otherwise lethal variant of the Taussig-Bing syndrome.
Metallogenesis in marginal basins: Fe-rich basal deposits from the Philippine Sea

Abstract Metal-rich sediments were found in the West Philippine Basin at DSDP sites 291 (located about 500 km SW of the Philippine Ridge or Central Basin Fault) and 294/295 (located about 580 km NE of the Philippine Ridge). In both cases the metalliferous deposits constitute a layer, probably Eocene in age, resting directly above the basaltic basement at the bottom of the sediment column. The chemistry of the major (including Fe and Mn) and trace elements (including trace metals, rare earth elements, U and Th) suggest a strong similarity of these deposits to metalliferous deposits produced by hydrothermal activity at oceanic spreading centers. Well-crystallized hematite is a major component of the metal-rich deposits at site 294/295. We infer that the Philippine Sea deposits were formed at some spreading center by hydrothermal processes of metallogenesis, similar to processes occurring at oceanic spreading centers. A locus for their formation might have been the Philippine Ridge (Central Basin Fault), probably an extinct spreading center. We conclude that metallogenesis of the type occurring at oceanic spreading centers can take place also in marginal basins. This has implications for the origin of metal deposits found in some ophiolite complexes, such as those in Luzon (Philippines), which may represent fragments of former marginal basins rather than of oceanic lithosphere.
Increase in plasma ammonia and amino acids when rats are fed a 44% casein diet.

Abstract Rats were trained to eat a 6% casein basal diet during a 3-hour period per day. They were then fed either the same 6% casein diet or a 44% casein diet for 3 hours. No food intake depression was observed in the rats eating 44% casein diet during the 3-hour period. Plasma ammonia and amino acids and brain amino acids were measured at 0, 4, 12 and 24 hours after presentation of the 6% or 44% casein diets. Plasma ammonia rose to 134 (p
The effects of mental model conformity on usability in apps

Designing interfaces to conform to users’ mental models is an important usability guideline. With respect to designing apps to be used on tablets and smartphones for existing websites, whether the app conforms exactly to the website’s original layout is a design question that must be considered. Aside from general mental models of functionality, this study sought to examine the importance of conformity to system (i.e., website) mental models when designing apps. Sixteen undergraduate students were recruited. They completed a series of tasks, either first on the website to generate a mental model of the system, and then again on the app, or vice-versa. Time to complete the tasks was recorded and participants also completed questionnaires to determine how system mental models affected usability. Results suggested that the app was more usable than the website overall. Task times and usability scores were not affected by condition; however, those who used the website first gave higher subjective usability sco...
Tunable reflectarray unit cell element using BST technology

A tunable reflectarray unit cell is presented in this paper using Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) technology. A square patch is capacitively loaded with a narrow gap in the middle and a BST thin-film layer is deposited under the patch. The BST layer is etched away everywhere except for the area under the gap for minimum loss. By tuning the DC bias voltage across the gap, the dielectric constant of the BST layer changes, which results in a change in the effective capacitance of the gap. Therefore, the reflection phase of the reflectarray unit cell can be continuously controlled. Simulation and measurement results are presented at 12.3 GHz. Due to the monolithic integration of the tuning mechanism with the unit cell, this configuration can be applied at millimeter-wave frequencies without suffering from packaging and bonding problems.
Water quality of agricultural coastal plain watersheds

Abstract Runoffs from six rural watersheds in the Coastal Plain were monitored over a period of five years. Nitrogen, phosphorus and COD loading rates were developed for all the watersheds and related to land use and soil type. The nitrogen, phosphorus and COD content of rainfall was also measured. Annual total nitrogen loading rates varied from 3·2 to 42·5 kg ha −1 and annual total phosphorus loading rates from 0·37 to 1·08 kg ha −1 . More than 50% of the nitrogen and phosphorus loads occurred in baseflow. Highest nitrogen loads occurred on watersheds with well drained soils. Higher phosphorus loading rates occurred during storm events on watersheds with poorly drained soils than with well drained soils. Nitrogen, phosphorus and COD contributed by rainfall was greater than the loading rates occurring in streamflow.
Smoked heroin in rhesus monkeys: effects of heroin extinction and fluid availability on measures of heroin seeking.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reinforcing effects of smoked heroin in nonopioid-dependent nonhuman primates when an alternative reinforcer, sweetened fluid, was made available. Four adult male rhesus monkeys lived in three chambers, with heroin self-administration (0, 0.3, and 0.6 mg/kg) specific to one end of the chamber, oral sweetened fluid self-administration specific to the other end chamber, and no commodity available in the middle chamber. The length of time monkeys spent in the drug-associated chamber provided one measure of drug seeking (i.e., location preference). During self-administration sessions, a second-order schedule of reinforcement was used, with responding during the first component maintained by a brief presentation of the stimuli associated with reinforcement. Responding during the second component was maintained by a delivery of the reinforcer, and the associated stimuli. Responding during the first component provided a second measure of drug seeking. Monkeys also had choice trials each day, when they could choose to work for either commodity. Choice behavior provided a third measure of drug seeking. Each experimental day consisted of a smoking session (four smoking trials), a sweetened fluid session (four fluid trials), and a choice session (four choice trials). Monkeys typically completed all four smoking trials each day when either of the active heroin doses was available. They chose both heroin doses over fluid on 3.5 of the four choice trials, and they had a location preference for the heroin chamber. Under baseline conditions, the number of acquisition responses and the number of consumption responses (inhalations) were greater for the high dose of heroin compared to the low dose of heroin. Further, it took longer to extinguish the responding for the high dose of heroin compared to the low dose of heroin when a vehicle was substituted. During heroin extinction, acquisition responding for fluid increased, the number of fluid choices increased, and location preference shifted to the fluid chamber. These data suggest that in nondependent rhesus monkeys, measures of heroin seeking decreased when heroin was not available and seeking behavior shifted to the available alternative commodity.
A linear theory for soft ferromagnetic elastic solids

Abstract A general theory of magnetoelasticity is developed for soft ferromagnetic materials of multidomain structure, for which the hysteretic loss and exchange effect may be neglected. The general equations are linearized by assuming infinitesimal strains, linear constitutive equations, and that all magnetic variables (magnetic intensity, induction and magnetization) in the deformed body may be divided into two parts: a rigid body state and a perturbation state. The former are the same as those in the magnetostatics for a rigid body and the latter which are the added corrections due to deformations, are coupled with strains and stresses in a set of linear differential equations and boundary conditions. Two versions of the linear theory are given for materials with isotropic, cubic or uniaxial symmetry. One of them is applied to investigate the buckling of an elastic, isotropic plate in a transversally applied uniform magnetic field. The calculated results agree with previous observations.
The RON‐receptor regulates pancreatic cancer cell migration through phosphorylation‐dependent breakdown of the hemidesmosome

The recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) receptor tyrosine kinase is overexpressed and stimulates invasive growth in pancreatic cancer cells, yet the mechanisms that underlie RON-mediated phenotypes remain poorly characterized. To better understand RON function in pancreatic cancer cells, we sought to identify novel RON interactants using multidimensional protein identification analysis. These studies revealed plectin, a large protein of the spectrin superfamily, to be a novel RON interactant. Plectin is a multifunctional protein that complexes with integrin-β4 (ITGB4) to form hemidesmosomes, serves as a scaffolding platform crucial to the function of numerous protein signaling pathways and was recently described as an overexpressed protein in pancreatic cancer (Bausch D et al., Clin Cancer Res 2010; Kelly et al., PLoS Med 2008;5:e85). In this study, we demonstrate that on exposure to its ligand, macrophage-stimulating protein, RON binds to plectin and ITGB4, which results in disruption of the plectin-ITGB4 interaction and enhanced cell migration, a phenotype that can be recapitulated by small hairpin ribosomal nucleic acid (shRNA)-mediated suppression of plectin expression. We demonstrate that disruption of plectin-ITGB4 is dependent on RON and phosphoinositide-3 (PI3) kinase, but not mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), activity. Thus, in pancreatic cancer cells, plectin and ITGB4 form hemidesmosomes which serve to anchor cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and restrain migration. The current study defines a novel interaction between RON and plectin, provides new insight into RON-mediated migration and further supports efforts to target RON kinase activity in pancreatic cancer.
On the Superfluid Fraction and the Hydrodynamics of Supersolids

This review largely considers the author’s extensions of two foundation works in supersolids: Andreev and Lifshitz’s hydrodynamics, and Leggett’s Non-Classical Rotational Inertia (NCRI) with estimates of the T=0 upper limit. Relative to the case of a perfect lattice, the Andreev and Lifshitz equations contain an additional degree of freedom, which permits a liquid-like internal pressure P that is distinct from the lattice stress (or ‘solid-like pressure’). This is particularly relevant to 4He, which requires an applied pressure Pa to solidify; use of a Maxwell relation relating P and strain yields that \(P\sim P_{a}^{2}\); we estimate that near the melting pressure the liquid-like pressure in equilibrium is about 1/4 of the solid-like pressure. This new freedom also permits vacancy diffusion, which we have studied for both ordinary solids and supersolids. In both cases, for the vacancy diffusion mode the liquid-like pressure and the lattice stress cancel. Further, since at T=0 the supersolid fraction fs is less than unity and the excitation part of the normal fraction is zero, we argue that there must be an additional source of “normal” mass, to which we attribute a velocity that in principle is distinct from the lattice velocity associated with elasticity. Relative to NCRI we have made numerous estimates of the upper limit for the superfluid fraction fs; we find fs values on the order of 0.2 for realistic models of the atomic density. Correlation effects in the solid cause the superfluid velocity \(\vec{v}_{s}\) of one particle to depend on correlations with the positions of other particles, and this leads to a more complex theory for the flow pattern and for the upper limit on fs.
Characterization and Evaluation of Cache Hierarchies for Web Servers

As Internet usage continues to expand rapidly, careful attention needs to be paid to the design of Internet servers for achieving high performance and end-user satisfaction. Currently, the memory system continues to remain a significant performance bottleneck for Internet servers employing multi-GHz processors. In this paper, our aim is two-fold: (1) to characterize the cache/memory performance of web server workloads and (2) to propose and evaluate cache design alternatives for future web servers. We chose SPECweb99 as the representative web server workload and our entire characterization and evaluation methodology is based on our CASPER simulation framework. We begin by exploring the processor cache design space for single and dual-processor servers. Based on our observations, we then evaluate other cache hierarchy alternatives such as chipset caches, coherence filters and decompressed page stores. We show the sensitivity of these components to basic organization parameters such as cache size, line size and degree of associativity. We also present the performance implications of routing memory requests initiated by I/O devices through these caches. Based on detailed simulation data and its implications on system level performance, this paper shows that chipset caches have significant potential for improving future web server performance.
Packet loss analysis of nonblocking ATM switches with nonuniform traffic and performance improvement by output buffer sharing

We present new results derived from the packet loss analysis of a generic Nx/N nonblocking ATM switches with speedup factor m and finite input/output buffers under nonuniform traffic. We adopt a queue loss scheme which allows packet loss at output buffers if the finite output buffers at each output port cannot accommodate all arriving packets. Exact packet loss probabilities of the switch at inputs and outputs are derived by using the matrix geometric solution technique. Our discrete time Markov chain analysis is more accurate than continuous time analysis, considering file fixed ATM cell size. It is shown that the optimal packet loss performance is obtained at the speed-up factor 2, not at larger values, with moderate input and output buffer sizes less than 30, for the practical range of uniform traffic load up to 0.8, to meet the given packet loss requirement, say 10/sup -9/. This result suggests that we do not need to design with large speed-up factor for the practical range of packet loss and track load requirements, knowing that the large speed-up factor often means excessive cost and complexity involved in implementing the switch design. We also study how the different sizes of input and output buffers affect the switch performance. In particular, for nonuniform traffic study, we investigate the effect of each nonuniform parameters, such as nonuniformity at the input/output and output port addressing, on the switch performance. Finally, we introduce a concept of output traffic pressure, which is defined as output traffic intensity felt at unit buffer. Based on this idea, we propose an output buffer sharing scheme, to improve the packet loss performance degraded by nonuniform traffic. With this scheme we can significantly improve packet loss performance of nonuniform traffic. Furthermore, with a small increase in buffer budget we may achieve the performance very close to that of uniform traffic. >
Incremental reconfiguration for pipelined applications

This paper examines the implementation of pipelined applications using run-time reconfiguration. Throughput and latency of pipelined applications can be significantly improved when reconfiguration is performed at the level of individual pipeline stages, as opposed to configuration of the entire FPGA. If reconfiguration and execution can be performed simultaneously, the performance of a pipelined application approaches its theoretical maximum. This paper proposes a new FPGA configuration mechanism, called striping, that supports pipeline stage reconfiguration and simultaneous configuration and execution. Additionally, the use of the pipeline stage as the atomic unit of reconfiguration introduces a design abstraction that enables the development families of upwardly-compatible FPGAs and virtual hardware design.
Laryngospasm and paradoxical bronchoconstriction after repeated doses of β2-agonists containing edetate disodium

A 22-year-old woman with mild intermittent asthma, who had no previous history of an adverse reaction to an albuterol metered-dose inhaler, developed paradoxical bronchoconstriction after inhalation of the fourth dose of an albuterol nebulizer solution. She experienced the same symptoms and laryngospasm with repeated inhalations of albuterol and metaproterenol nebulizer solutions that contained edetate disodium. Each episode responded to racemic and subcutaneously administered epinephrine. To our knowledge, this is the first report of paradoxical bronchoconstriction and laryngospasm due to repeated doses of β 2 -agonist solutions with edetate disodium.
Expression and reception of treatment information in breast cancer support groups: how health self-efficacy moderates effects on emotional well-being.

Objectives: To examine the effects of exchanging treatment information within computer-mediated breast cancer support groups on emotional well-being, and to explore whether this relationship is moderated by health self-efficacy. Methods: Sample: 177 breast cancer patients using an electronic Health (eHealth) program with discussion group. Measure: expression and reception of treatment information; emotional well-being scale (0, 4 months). Analyses: hierarchical regression. Results: Effects of expression and reception of treatment information on emotional well-being were significantly greater for those who have higher health self-efficacy. Conclusions: Results conditionally support prior research finding positive effects of treatment information exchanges among breast cancer patients. Such exchanges had a positive impact on emotional well-being for those with higher health self-efficacy, but they had a negative influence for those with lower health self-efficacy. Practice implications: Given that the association between emotional well-being and exchanging treatment information was moderated by health self-efficacy, clinicians should explain the role of health self-efficacy before encouraging patients to use eHealth systems for treatment exchanges.
Counting objects which behave like irreducible Brauer characters of finite groups

Let N 0 G, where G is a finite group, so that G acts on Irr(N), the set of irreducible ordinary (complex) characters of N. Suppose 8 E Irr(N) is G-invariant and write Irr(G 10) to denote the set of those x E Irr(G) such that x,~ involves (and hence is a multiple of) 8. How large is Irr(G IO)? The answer’ to this question is well known, and not very hard to prove. Analogously to the fact that lIrr(G)I is equal to the number of conjugacy classes of G, it turns out that IIrr(GJB)l is equal to the number of certain “good” classes in the group G/N. There are two equivalent descriptions of which classes of G/N these are. One characterization depends on a certain complex twisted group algebra of G/N, and in this formulation, the result which counts Irr(G 1 t9) is due to I. Schur [S]. The other formulation of this result, due to P. X. Gallagher [Z], defines “goodness” internally to G; it depends on the character theory of G and its subgroups. Specifically, Gallagher defines an element of 2 E G/N to be O-good if some extension of 8 to (N, g) is invariant in C, where C/N= C, ,Jg). The property of being Q-good is preserved by conjugacy in GIN and Gallagher shows that lIrr(G I 13)l is equal to the number of classes of G:IN which consist of &good elements. Somewhat less well known is the corresponding result for irreducible Brauer characters with respect to some prime p. If 8 E IBr(N) is G-invariant, we intend to count the elements of IBr(G ( t9), i.e., the irreducible Brauer characters of G whose restrictions to N are multiples of 8. In view of the fact that IIBr(G)( equals the number of p-regular classes of G, it is reasonable to guess that IIBr(Gl f?)l is the number of e-good p-regular
Foreign material erosion after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: findings and treatment.

Patients after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) can have nonspecific, upper gastrointestinal (UGI) complaints. During postoperative endoscopy, we have noted the erosion of nondissolvable material, such as Peri-Strips® or silk sutures, into the gastric pouch. This study reports the incidence and presentation of foreign material erosion into the gastric pouch after a LRYGB and the outcome after therapeutic endoscopy. From a prospective LRYGB database, postoperative endoscopies from February 2002 to June 2005 that found foreign material in the gastric pouch were reviewed. Presenting symptoms, time until endoscopy, and patient outcomes were evaluated. A therapeutic endoscopy was performed by using endo-shears and biopsy forceps to remove the foreign material. A total of 23 patients underwent 29 therapeutic endoscopies. From February 2002 to November 2004, 208 LRYGB were performed using silk suture for the outer layer of the gastrojejunostomy, and 21 patients (10%) had silk suture found on endoscopy. Peri-Strips were used from February 2002 to December 2003 (n = 153) and 6 patients (4%) had erosions. Since converting to Vicryl suture and Seamguard®, we have had 173 and 228 patients, respectively, without pouch erosion. The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain (n = 15, 65%). Other symptoms included nausea (n = 13, 57%), vomiting (n = 12, 52%), dysphagia (n = 5, 22%), and melena (n = 3, 13%). Foreign material was found by a mean of 34 weeks. Of 29 therapeutic endoscopies, 20 resulted in resolution of symptoms (69%), 4 led to improvements (14%), and 5 had no effect (17%). There were no endoscopic complications and no anastomotic leaks. Nonabsorbable material used during a LRYGB can migrate into the gastric pouch and cause UGI complaints. A therapeutic endoscopy will resolve most UGI symptoms. Using absorbable material in the creation of the gastric pouch and the gastrojejunostomy will avoid foreign material erosion.
Visualization of two dimensional to three dimensional transformations – exploration through technology

A small class of functions is described that easily lend themselves to two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualizations at the basic calculus level. The intended audience is those educators involved in the instruction of elementary calculus. This note is an educational piece that begins with the question: ‘What happens if a function defined on a short interval in the first quadrant is rotated about an axis? This question is answered visually using a graphical software package Mathematica®.
A homogenization technique for obtaining generalized sheet transition conditions for an arbitrarily shaped coated wire grating

Using a multiple-scale homogenization method, we derive generalized sheet transition conditions (GSTCs) for an arbitrarily shaped coated wire grating. The parameters in these GSTCs are interpreted as effective electric and magnetic surface susceptibilities and surface porosities of the wire grating. We give expressions for determining these surface parameters for any arbitrarily shaped grating. We show that these GSTCs are a generalized form of the boundary conditions derived earlier by Wainstein and Sivov, who analyzed the case of symmetric, uncoated wire gratings. This work is also a first step in developing GSTCs for more general types of structures such as metasurfaces, metafilms, and metascreens.
Reduction From Seven to Five Cycles of Intensive Induction Chemotherapy in Children With High-Risk Neuroblastoma

Purpose We previously reported a high response rate with a dose-intensive chemotherapy regimen in 24 children with high-risk neuroblastoma (NB). We now describe similar results with changes that reduce toxicity (fewer cycles, less vincristine, use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor). Patients and Methods Eighty-seven consecutive newly diagnosed children with high-risk NB underwent induction that initially had seven cycles (57 patients) but was later limited to five (30 patients). Cycles 1, 2, 4, and 6 used cyclophosphamide (140 mg/kg)/doxorubicin (75 mg/m2)/vincristine (0.15 mg/kg in the first 27 patients, 0.067 mg/kg subsequently). Cycles 3, 5, and 7 used cisplatin (200 mg/m2)/etoposide (600 mg/m2). Tumor resection followed a minimum of three cycles. The induction was eventually modified to include anti-GD2 immunotherapy after each of the last three cycles (38 patients). Results Bone marrow disease resolved in 70 (91%) of 77 patients and was not detected pre- and postinduction in 10 patients. After...
Constructing the “Needy Subject”: NGO Discourses of Roma Need

Due to high rates of poverty, violence, and discrimination, the Roma (or Gypsy) population in Hungary is clearly seen as a “problem population.” As such, in recent years, there has been a great proliferation of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working with and for this subordinated minority. In their work, NGOs use specific discursive strategies that clearly maintain the Roma as problems in need of solutions. In this article, I focus specifically on the manner in which well-meaning organizations, due to constraints from external forces, rely upon stories of discrimination and an overemphasis on poverty. In doing so, they construct the Roma as “needy subjects.” Such a construction is problematic because (1) it often deprives the aid recipient of agency, (2) it obscures in-group differentiation and projects a homogenized identity focused on the most marginalized members of the group, and (3) it does not solve a double bind facing the agencies, whose continued funding and recognition rely upon continued reinforcement of differentiated rather than integrated status for those they try to serve. Given NGOs’ growing role in delivering services and serving as a voice for marginalized people such as the Roma, recognizing and resolving this double bind is a critical task for European NGOs – and for the funding sources that support them –if they want to be effective in achieving their stated goals.
Separating Components of the Detection Process With Combined Methods: An Example With Northern Bobwhite

There are various methods of estimating detection probabilities for avian point counts. Distance and multiple-observer methods require the sometimes unlikely assumption that all birds in the population are available (i.e., sing or are visible) during a count, but the time-of- detection method allows for the possibility that some birds are unavailable during the count. We combined the dependent double-observer method with the time-of-detection method and obtained field-based estimates of the components of detection probability for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). Our approach was a special case of Pollock's robust capture-recapture design where the probability that a bird does not sing is analogous to the probability that an animal is a temporary emigrant. Top models indicated that observers' detection probabilities were similar (0.78-0.84) if bobwhite were available, but bobwhite only had an approximately 0.61 probability of being available during a 2.5-minute sampling interval. Additionally, observers' detection probabilities increased substantially after the initial encounter with an individual bobwhite (analogous to a trap- happy response on the part of the observer). A simulated data set revealed that the combined method was precise when availability and detection given availability were substantially lower. Combined methods approaches can provide critical information for researchers and land managers to make decisions regarding survey length and personnel requirements for point-count-based surveys. Point counts are used widely to study abundance and density of bird populations (Ralph and Scott 1981, Ralph et al. 1995). Data are easy to collect at larger spatial scales compared to mark and recapture methods that are frequently costly and, therefore, limited to studies on
Fitting Systems of Linear Differential Equations Using Computer Generated Exact Derivatives

The problem of estimating coefficients and initial values in a system of linear differential equations from observations on linear combinations of the system's responses is addressed. Using the Gauss-Newton algorithm, the reqllired function values are obtained by expressing the system's solution in terms of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of its coefficient matrix aud its initial values. Differentiating this solution gives expressious for the required function derivatives in terms of these same eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The advantage of this approach is that it, uses exact analytic expressions for the required function values and derivatives rather than resorting to numerical integration or secants. An application to compartment, analysis is considered aud results are compared with those obtained by using the SAAM program of Berman and Weiss.
How I do it: combined direct (STA-MCA) and indirect (EDAS) EC-IC bypass.

EC-IC bypass for the treatment of a hypoperfused hemisphere is currently the treatment of choice for symptomatic moyamoya patients. Use of the combination of direct (STA-MCA) and indirect (an STA branch lay-on bypass and flipped dural flaps; EDAS) EC-IC bypass is advocated as the optimal treatment option as it allows immediate augmentation of flow in the postoperative period while allowing the brain to acquire additional indirect flow in the long term. We describe the technical nuances of a combined direct and indirect bypass in a 41-year-old woman with moyamoya syndrome diagnosed with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and cognitive decline. Combined direct and indirect bypass option should become a familiar treatment modality among vascular neurosurgeons. (1) Pay critical attention to not injuring the Superficial Temporal Artery, Parietal branch (STApb) while turning the skin incision anteriorly. Use the operating microscope to dissect the STApb. (2) Always mark the origin of the Superficial Temporal Artery, Frontal branch (STAfb) on the skin so that its location can be anticipated during STApb dissection. (3) When no frontal branch is available or if the frontal branch is of poor quality, the STApb can be used as a direct or indirect graft. (4) A craniotomy should be done 2–3 cm posterior to the course of the STApb to allow for adequate exposure for an indirect graft. (5) Manipulation of the donor vessels should be done with extreme care as spasm of the artery or intraluminal thrombosis may occur. Low cut flow in the direct graft should be interpreted with caution as vasospasm can result in significant temporary reduction of flow. (6) Aggressive distal dissection of the direct donor is a must. The distal 1–2 cm of the vessel should be cleaned of any loose tissue and be fishmouthed prior to anastomosis. (7) A blood-free field is mandatory. Perforators on the backside of the recipient should be sacrificed and cut to avoid backbleeding into the anastomotic segment during temporary occlusion. (8) When recirculating after the anastomosis has been completed, open the temporary clips on the recipient first. Backflow into the donor segment confirms a patent anastomosis. (9) Utilization of intraoperative angiography is not necessary as long as one utilizes flow measurements and ICG angiography. (10) Take great care with the bone flap reconstruction and the skin closure as the grafts can easily be compressed or sutured. Create a generous craniectomy in the bone flap to avoid any graft compression.
Course-based undergraduate research experiences can make scientific research more inclusive.

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) may be a more inclusive entry point to scientific research than independent research experiences, and the implementation of CUREs at the introductory level may therefore be a way to improve the diversity of the scientific community.
Kentucky's Early Childhood Continuous Assessment and Accountability System Local Decisions and State Supports

Kentucky has developed an assessment and accountability system that provides outcome data for a set of state early childhood standards for children birth to 5 years of age that are aligned with early childhood outcomes designated by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Within this flexible and comprehensive state assessment system, early intervention and care providers, district preschool personnel, and childcare program staff select a criterion-referenced, curriculum-based assessment (CBA) tool to monitor children's progress. The system is designed so that data from these CBA tools can be used for three purposes: (a) to demonstrate child progress and inform instruction at the individualized intervention or classroom level; (b) to promote program improvement and plan program, district, and state supports through the aggregation of assessment data at the program, district, and state level; and (c) to report on child progress to evaluate the success of federal, state, or district programs and in...
The ν5 band of C7

Abstract Twenty-four rotational lines a associated with the ν 5 (σ u ) antisymmetric stretch vibration of C 7 have been measured by high resolution diode laser absorption spectroscopy of a supersonic carbon cluster beam. A simultaneous fit of spectra connecting the ground state with ν = 1 of ν 4 (J.R. Heath , Science 249 (1990) 895, J.R. Heath and R.J. Saykally, J. Chem. Phys. 94 (1991) 1724 and ν 5 produces the following molecular constants for the ν 5 state (in cm −1 ): ν 5 =1898.3758(8), B′ =0.030556(15), D′ = -0.16(11) × 10 −7 , H′ = −0.44(31) × 10 −11 .
Perception of Power, Threat, and Conflict Intensity in Asymmetric Intergroup Conflict: Arab and Jewish Citizens of Israel

This article examines the perception of power, threat, and conflict intensity in an asymmetric intergroup conflict. About 900 Arab and 900 Jewish high school and university students in Israel were ...
New techniques for power system visualization under deregulation

Effective power system operation requires power system engineers and operators to analyze vast amounts of information. In systems containing thousands of buses, a key challenge is to present this data in a form such that the user can assess the state of the system in an intuitive and quick manner. This is particularly true when trying to analyze relationships between actual network power flows, the scheduled power flows, and the capacity of the transmission system. With restructuring and the move towards having a single entity, such as an independent system operator or pool, operate a much larger system, this need has become more acute. This paper presents several power system visualization techniques to help with this task. These techniques include animation of power system flow values, contouring of bus and transmission line flow values, data aggregation techniques and virtual reality data visualization.
Inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by targeted pretreatment of complexed antisense DNA in vitro

Abstract We have shown that antisense oligonucleotides can be targeted to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected cells, resulting in specific inhibition of viral protein synthesis and replication in vitro. The targeting system was based on the internalization of DNA complexes by highly selective receptors for galactose-terminal glycoproteins, asialoglycoproteins, on the surface of hepatocytes. Our objective in this study was to determine whether antisense DNA could be targeted to hepatocytes to prevent subsequent infection by HBV. A 21-mer phosphorothioate-linked oligo DNA complementary to the HBV polyadenylation signal and 5'-upstream sequences was complexed to a targetable DNA carrier consisting of asialoglycoprotein coupled to polylysine. Pretreatment of Huh7, asialoglycoprotein receptor (+) cells, with antisense complexes before lipofection with an HBV-plasmid at a level of 6.5 x 10 6 copies of plasmid per cell inhibited the amount of newly synthesized, core-associated viral DNA in Huh7 cells to undetectable levels, less than 0.1 pg, as assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hepatitis B viral RNA transcripts were decreased by 60% compared with controls as detected by RNase protection assays, and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) accumulation was inhibited by 97%. The inhibition lasted for 6 days and was dose dependent. Controls consisting of antisense alone and a random oligo complex showed no significant effect on any of the parameters under identical conditions. We conclude that preexposure of cells to targeted complexed antisense DNA can substantially block viral gene expression and viral replication after transfection of HBV DNA. (Hepatology 1996 Jun;23(6):1297-303)
An improved method for the in vitro evolution of aptamers and applications in protein detection and purification

One of the key components of proteomics initiatives is the production of high affinity ligands or probes that specifically recognize protein targets in assays that detect and capture proteins of interest. Particularly versatile probes with tremendous potential for use as affinity molecules are aptamers. Aptamers are short single-stranded DNA or RNA sequences that are selected in vitro based on affinity for a target molecule. Aptamers offer advantages over traditional antibody-based affinity molecules in their ease of production, regeneration and stability, largely due to the chemical properties of nucleic acids versus amino acids. We describe an improved in vitro selection protocol that relies on magnetic separations for DNA aptamer production that is relatively easy and scalable without the need for expensive robotics. We demonstrate the ability of aptamers that recognize thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) to bind their target protein with high affinity and specificity, and detail their uses in a number of assays. The TTF1 aptamers were characterized using surface plasmon resonance, and shown to be useful for enzyme-linked assays, western blots and affinity purification.
Plectin-containing, centrally localized focal adhesions exert traction forces in primary lung epithelial cells

Receptor clustering upon cell attachment to the substrate induces assembly of cytoplasmic protein complexes termed focal adhesions (FAs), which connect, albeit indirectly, the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton. A subset of cultured primary alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) display a unique pattern of vinculin/paxillin/talin-rich FAs in two concentric circles when cultured on glass and micropatterned substrates: one ring of FAs located at the cell periphery (pFAs), and another FA ring located centrally in the cell (cFAs). Unusually, cFAs associate with an aster-like actin array as well as keratin bundles. Moreover, cFAs show rapid paxillin turnover rates following fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and exert traction forces similar to those generated by FAs at the cell periphery. The plakin protein plectin localizes to cFAs and is normally absent from pFAs, whereas tensin, a marker of mature/fibrillar adhesions, is found in both cFAs and pFAs. In primary AEC in which plectin expression is depleted, cFAs are largely absent, with an attendant reorganization of both the keratin and actin cytoskeletons. We suggest that the mechanical environment in the lung gives rise to the assembly of unconventional FAs in AEC. These FAs not only show a distinctive arrangement, but also possess unique compositional and functional properties.
Single-Crystal Nanorings Formed by Epitaxial Self-Coiling of Polar Nanobelts

On the basis of these observations, LkH 233 is the more evolved of the two systems, with well-defined cavities swept out by bipolar outflow and bisected by a very dark lane. LkH 198 is a less evolved system, which is only in the early stages of developing bipolar cavities and possesses lower extinction in the apparent disk midplane. The observed circumstellar environments are consistent with the rotationally flattened infall envelopes models developed for T Tauri stars, indicating that the process of envelope collapse has similar phases, despite the large disparities in mass and luminosity between these two classes of young stars. This morphological similarity leads us to infer that the conservation and transport of angular momentum is the dominant physical process for both classes of stars. Alternate formation pathways have been suggested for OB stars that invoke new physical mechanisms, such as magnetohydrodynamic turbulence (31 )o r stellar mergers (32). The Herbig Ae stars studied here appear to be below the mass threshhold at which such effects become important.
Using wireless Ethernet for localization

IEEE 802.11b wireless Ethernet is rapidly becoming the standard for in-building and short-range wireless communication. Many mobile devices such as mobile robots, laptops and PDAs already use this protocol for wireless communication. Many wireless Ethernet cards measure the signal strength of incoming packets. This paper investigates the feasibility of implementing a localization system using this sensor. Using a Bayesian localization framework, we show experiments demonstrating that off-the-shelf wireless hardware can accurately be used for location sensing and tracking with about one meter precision in a wireless-enabled office building.