cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of lacI mutations in Big Blue Rat-2 cells treated with 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-nitrosourea: a model system for the analysis of mutagenic potential of the hydroxyethyl adducts produced by 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea.

Abstract We have investigated the genotoxic effects of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-nitrosourea (HENU). We have chosen this agent because of its demonstrated ability to produce N 7-(2-hydroxyethyl) guanine ( N 7-HOEtG) and O 6 -(2-hydroxyethyl) 2′-deoxyguanosine ( O 6 -HOEtdG); two of the DNA alkylation products produced by 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). For these studies, we have used the Big Blue Rat-2 cell line that contains a lambda/ lacI shuttle vector. Treatment of these cells with HENU produced a dose dependent increase in the levels of N 7-HOEtG and O 6 -HOEtdG as quantified by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Treatment of Big Blue Rat-2 cells with either 0, 1 or 5 mM HENU resulted in mutation frequencies of 7.2±2.2×10 −5 , 45.2±2.9×10 −5 and 120.3±24.4×10 −5 , respectively. Comparison of the mutation frequencies demonstrates that 1 and 5 mM HENU treatments have increased the mutation frequency by 6- and 16-fold, respectively. This increase in mutation frequency was statistically significant ( P O 6 -HOEtdG. These results suggest that the formation of O 6 -HOEtdG by BCNU treatment contributes to its observed mutagenic properties.
Effects of stimulus intensity on the inhibition by ω-conotoxin GVIA and neomycin of K+-evoked [3H]norepinephrine release from hippocampal brain slices and synaptosomal calcium influx

Abstract The effects of various K+concentrations on the inhibition of [3H]norepinephrine release from rat hippocampal brain slices and evoked synaptosomal 45Ca2+ influx by ω-conotoxin GVIA (ω-CgTx) and neomycin were examined. K+(15–75 mM) caused a concentration-dependent release of [3H]-norepinephrine that was greater than 90% dependent on extracellular calcium. The ability of ω-CgTx to inhibit [3H]norepinephrine release was optimal at 25 mM K+ and was reduced substantially at higher concentrations of K+.ω-CgTx maximally inhibited [3H]norepinephrine release by 49% (15 mM K+), 58% (25mM K+), 22% (50mM K+), and 12% (75mM K+). In contrast, neomycin caused a concentration-dependent and virtually complete inhibition of [3H]norepinephrine release at all concentrations of K+, with ic 50 values of 210 μM (15mM K+), 150 μM (25mM K+), 450 μM (50mM K+), and 1500 μM (75mM K+). ω-CgTx (1μM) had little effect (10% or less inhibition) on hippocampal synaptosomal 45Ca2+ influx at any concentration of K+ whereas 3 mM neomycin caused at least 75% inhibition of 45Ca2+ influx, with the largest inhibition (96%) occurring at 25 mM K+. The results suggest that increasing stimulus intensity decreases the contribution of N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) in mediating K+evoked release of [3H]norepinephrine. The comparative absence of (ω-CgTx-sensitive synaptosomal 45Ca2+-influx sites suggests that N-type calcium channels are a small subset of channels in rat hippocampal synaptosomes. The demonstration that neomycin can inhibit (ω-CgTx-sensitive and -insensitive neurotransmitter release and calcium influx suggests that neomycin may block N-type VSCC as well as non-N-type VSCC.
Scootin' with Newton: Teaching Newton's Third Law Using Motion

(2002). Scootin' with Newton: Teaching Newton's Second Law Using Motion. Strategies: Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 7-11.
Local convective transfer coefficients in a channel downstream of a partially constricted inlet

Abstract Experiments have been performed to investigate the transfer coefficient distributions in the regions of flow separation, reattachment, and redevelopment along the walls of a channel whose inlet is partially constricted. The experiments were carried out for Reynolds numbers in the laminar range and utilized the naphthalene sublimation technique with air as the working fluid. The results revealed the presence of a new region of augmented transfer coefficients that is in addition to the zones of augmentation caused by the reattachment of the separated flow. The separated regions on the respective walls of the channel are of different length (i.e. short and long stalls) except at low Reynolds numbers and small constrictions. The new region of augmentation occurs on the wall of the channel that is washed by the short stall and is downstream of both the long and short stall reattachments. There is strong evidence that the new region of augmentation is caused by a vortex street shed from the tips of the constriction plates situated at the inlet.
Effect of the Sphere Standards on the incidence of communicable and infectious diseases in a returnee camp in South Sudan

Abstract Background The Sphere Standards are primarily focused on factors that acutely affect survival instead of guiding long-term development in displaced populations and have gained consensus in more than 200 aid organisations. However, research was not available to back up every Standard and in those cases the Standards were based on expert or consensus opinion. Therefore, research to validate or refine the Standards will be of benefit to the humanitarian community and the people they serve. Methods A retrospective study was done at a UN High Commissioner for Refugees camp for returnees from Sudan to South Sudan before and after an intervention to introduce the Sphere Standards for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Data were collected from May 17, 2012, to July 31, 2012. The daily proportion of the camp diagnosed with a communicable or infectious disease was calculated by comparing the daily camp population to the daily counts from the camp's medical clinic. A χ 2 analysis was done to compare the weekly disease proportions before and after the camp met the Sphere Standards for WASH. Findings The camp clinic recorded 12 655 consultations. The weekly prevalences of the camp population diagnosed with diarrhoea, an upper respiratory tract infection, or a lower respiratory tract infection in the week before the camp met the Sphere Standards were 0·67%, 0·59%, and 0·34%, respectively. 2 weeks afterwards, they were 0·99%, 1·68%, and 0·57%, respectively. In the fourth week the prevalences for all three decreased (0·82%, 1·48%, and 0·39%, respectively). This pattern was statistically significant for all age groups and also for subgroup analysis on returnees younger than 5 years. Percentages for the diseases tracked ranged from 0·14% to 1·68% with p Interpretation Factors such as the massive influx of returnees to the camp and the introduction of local pathogens into the returnee camp population probably muted the initial effects of improved WASH on the camp. These results suggest that achievement and maintainence of the Sphere Standards will have a significant, although possibly delayed, effect on the incidence of communicable and infectious diseases during a complex humanitarian emergency. Funding None.
Do Anti–Individualistic Construals of Propositional Attitudes Capture the Agent’s Conceptions?

Burge 1986 presents an argument for anti-individualism about the propositional attitudes. On the assumption that such attitudes are “individuated by reference to intentional notions”, Burge presents a novel thought experiment in an attempt to show that “there are certain relations between an individual and the environment that are necessary to @the thinker’s# having certain intentional notions” ~Burge 1986 p. 709!. The novelty of the thought experiment was that, unlike Burge’s previous thought experiments, it did not appeal to “incomplete understanding or ignorance of specialized knowledge” ~709!. Rather, the case for anti-individualism in his 1986 involves an agent who forms a “nonstandard theory” regarding the subject-matter of his thought. The 1986 thought experiment, however, has come under criticism for relying on a faulty view of the role of sentences occurring within the scope of a propositional-attitude operator. Burge assumes that in attitude-ascribing sentences of the form ‘S Fs that p’, ‘that p’ serves both to specify the truthconditions of S’s F-attitude but also to characterize the ‘notional’ components of S’s F-attitude ~see Burge 1979b, p. 538!. That is, Burge endorses the de dicto reading of such attitude-ascribing sentences; and the objections of both Bach 1988 and Elugardo 1993 take aim at this aspect of Burge’s argument. In this paper I defend Burge against these critics by identifying a faulty assumption common to both. This is the assumption that there must always be a non-trivial characterization of an agent’s conceptions, that is, a characterization which does not employ the word~s! used by the agent in her expression of that conception. My claim is that we have reason to reject this NOUS 36:4 ~2002! 597–621
Reducing colonization of Salmonella Enteritidis in chicken by targeting outer membrane proteins

Aims: To evaluate the ability of Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of 75·6 and 82·3 kDa to inhibit or reduce in vivo colonization of S. Enteritidis on intestinal mucosa in chickens. Methods and Results: Nine-week-old specific-pathogen-free chickens were subcutaneously immunized with 75·6 or 82·3 kDa protein, and challenged with a virulent strain of S. Enteritidis. Chickens were killed, and portions of small intestine and caecum were removed at necropsy. The population of S. Enteritidis attached to chicken intestinal mucosa was determined. The population of S. Enteritidis recovered from the small intestine and caecum of chickens immunized with 75·6 or 82·3 kDa protein was significantly (P < 0·05) lower than that recovered from the control birds. Conclusions:Salmonella Enteritidis OMPs 75·6 kDa and 82·3 kDa were effective in reducing colonization of S. Enteritidis on intestinal mucosa in chickens. Significance and Impact of the Study:Salmonella Enteritidis OMPs 75·6 or 82·3 kDa could be used as potential vaccines to reduce S. Enteritidis colonization in chickens.
Proton nuclear magnetic resonance studies of dibenzo-p-dioxins: substituent effects

High-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance through heptachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins are presented. Chemical shifts from dioxins that were synthesized separately are used to assign congeners formed in mixtures. Linear multiple regression analysis was applied to the chemical shift results and the model yielded excellent shift predictability once substituent interactions had been included in the analysis. The average deviation from experimental values was 0.004 ppm. The intra-ring substituent effects can be explained by a combination of through-space and ring current effects. Inter-ring substituent effects showed a dependence on distance, but the reason for this trend is not clear. These measurements demonstrate a reproducible chemical shift effect over nine bonds.
Investigation of reaction conditions for optimal germanium nanoparticle production by a simple reduction route

Various reaction conditions, such as reductant, time, procedure, concentration, and temperature, were investigated with the aim of finding a simple, optimized synthetic route for the synthesis of crystalline germanium nanoparticles. Results from these studies indicate that sodium naphthalide is an ideal reductant and that the reaction is virtually complete within 10 min. Furthermore, it was observed that a two-pot synthesis resulted in a cleaner, narrower distribution of nanoparticle size and that the narrowest size distribution (∼20%) was produced when a dilute Na(naphth) in glyme mixture was utilized. The optimum initial reduction temperature was found to be 0 °C. It was also shown that concentration and temperature play an important role in controlling nanoparticle size. The best reaction conditions, as stated above, produced nanoparticles with a size dispersion of ∼20% when combined. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy-...
Dorsal column sensory axons lack TrkC and are not rescued by local neurotrophin-3 infusions following spinal cord contusion in adult rats.

Abstract By reducing the progressive degeneration and disconnection of axons following spinal cord injury the functional outcome should improve. After direct transection of dorsal column sensory axons, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) treatment can reduce degeneration and promote regeneration of the proximal stumps. Here, we tested in adult rats whether NT-3 infusion at the site of a moderate T9 spinal cord contusion would rescue sensory connections to the gracile nucleus in the medulla. Sensory projections were anterogradely traced bilaterally with injections of cholera toxin B (CTB) into the sciatic nerve 3 days before analysis. Seven days after the contusion plus intrathecal (subarachnoid) vehicle infusion as a control, the CTB-positive innervation of the gracile nucleus was reduced to ∼ 25% of sham-operated rats. Intrathecal infusion of 10 μg/day of NT-3 did not affect this reduced innervation. To ensure good tissue penetration and high concentrations of NT-3 early after the injury, other rats received intraparenchymal infusions of vehicle or NT-3 near the injury site starting 2 days before until 7 days after the injury. This NT-3 treatment also did not affect the reduced innervation. This suggests that local NT-3 treatments cannot protect sensory axons from secondary degeneration after a contusive spinal cord injury. These results are likely because TrkC is not present in axons of the dorsal columns or gracile nucleus, or in other dorsal column cell types, even after the contusion. Together with published results, our data suggest that NT-3 is a peripherally – but not centrally – derived neurotrophic factor for sensory neurons.
Precedence of spatial pattern learning revealed by immediate reversal performance

Human participants learned to choose eight correct locations in a 4 × 4 matrix on a computer display. The locations were arranged either in a structured spatial pattern or an unstructured but consistent spatial arrangement. When the assignment of correct and incorrect locations was reversed after initial learning, participants in the spatial pattern condition demonstrated reversal performance immediately (i.e., following the first choice after reversal of the contingencies). Follow-up experiments confirmed that immediate reversal performance depends on a structured spatial pattern among the locations and that a learned motor pattern cannot explain the immediate reversal performance. This pattern of results shows that learning the spatial relations among locations has precedence over learning about the individual locations, even when the individual locations are completely valid predictive cues.
Fourth-order boundary value problems at nonresonance

We establish under nonuniform nonresonance conditions an existence and uniqueness theorem for a linear, and the solvability for a nonlinear, fourth-order boundary value problem which occurs frequently in plate deflection theory.
Controllers as fixed points of set-valued operators

Considers the problem of constructing a "controller" for a hybrid system which will solve the viability problem that all points of plant trajectories stay inside a given "viability set". Here, a "controller" is a network of three successive devices, a digital to analog converter, a digital program (a computer together with its control software), and an analog to digital converter. The authors model a controller as an input-output automaton, which they call a "control automaton". The authors give a necessary and sufficient condition that must be satisfied in order that a finite state control automaton solves a viability problem. The authors' results apply to plants modelled by vector differential equations with control and disturbance parameters, or to plants modelled by differential inclusions with a control parameter. The authors represent imprecise sensing of plant state. The main restrictions on the range of applicability of the authors' results are that the set of admissible control laws is finite, and that they can neglect delays when control laws are reset. The latter restriction seems to be inessential.
Circulating Microparticles in Children With Sleep Disordered Breathing

Background Endothelial dysfunction is a common complication of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Circulating cell-derived microparticles (MPs) have emerged as reliable biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Methods Children underwent blood drawing the morning after a sleep study. Endothelial function was assessed using a modified hyperemic test after cuff-induced occlusion of the brachial artery. Circulating MP levels in plasma, including levels of endothelial MPs, endothelial progenitor MPs, leukocyte MPs, and platelet MPs, were measured using flow cytometry after staining with cell-specific antibodies. Results The levels of endothelial MPs, endothelial progenitor MPs, leukocyte MPs, and platelet MPs were significantly different according to the severity of OSA in children. Leukocyte CD11b+ MPs and platelet CD41a+ MPs correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (r = 0.334, P Conclusions Childhood OSA is associated with higher circulating MP levels that can promote cardiovascular risk. Platelet-derived MPs emerge as being significantly associated with the vascular dysfunction associated with OSA in children and could potentially account for increased risk for altered endothelial function. However, the clinical use of MPs as reliable biomarker indicators of vascular risk will have to await further studies.
Bismuth: Inorganic Chemistry

Solid state and molecular compounds of bismuth have many interesting and useful properties. In addition to bismuth alloys, this article describes simple binary compounds such as the bismuthine, bismuth halides, carboxylates, alkoxides, thiolates, dithiocarbamates and oxides are described in addition to coordination compounds based upon them. Some of these compounds have antibacterial and/or antifungal properties. They have also been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Also described are reduced bismuth cluster compounds and transition metal cluster compounds incorporating. Keywords: bismuth; coordination compounds; chalcogenide; carboxylate; alkoxide; halide; thiolate; dithiocarbamate; cluster; intermetallic; zintl ion; organometallic compounds; gastrointestinal disease; biological activity; antifungal; antibacterial
Art-Based Supervision Techniques

Art-based techniques in counselor and therapist supervision are couched within a constructivist educational and supervision framework. A rationale for artmaking by supervisees within supervision settings is provided, followed by a discussion of various art-based supervision techniques targeted at instilling the capacity for reflection in supervisees, and at increasing supervisees' self-awareness, including case conceptualization skills and processing of countertransference. Art techniques effective in reducing supervisee stress are also introduced. A discussion of the ethical concerns intrinsic in this sort of work, as well as some caveats regarding the introduction of art activities in supervision with non-artist supervisees concludes the article.
Development of an Indirect Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay to Detect Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) Secreted by the Marine Stromatolite-Forming Cyanobacteria, Schizothrix sp.

Abstract An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed using polyclonal antibody to detect extracellular polymeric secretions (EPS) produced by the marine stromatolite-forming cyanobacteria, Schizothrix sp. The cross-reactivity of this assay with other EPSs and polymers were low (<0.5%). This assay can detect Schizothrix sp. EPS as low as 0.5 ng/mL. Intra-assay and inter-assay comparisons showed that coefficient variations were low, ranging from 3.34 to 10.30% and from 6.30 to 12.8%, respectively, for standards between 2 and 1000 ng/mL. Also, the seawater matrix effect was negligible. Our results indicated that this assay is a useful tool for quantification of Schizothrix sp. EPS in a range of ng/mL.
A general constraint-based control framework with examples in modular self-reconfigurable robots

In this paper, we advocate a general constraint-based control framework that is highly promising for building control systems with complex dynamic structures, such as modular self-reconfigurable robots. In this framework, a controller consists of constraint solving components distributed in a network of embedded processors. Constraint solvers are goal oriented deliberative agents that can be used as control regulators or as information retrievers. The framework is built on the attribute/service model (ASM), a middleware for coordinating actuators, sensors and tasks in distributed real-time embedded systems. The communications and coordination among the services are realized via shared attributes. Examples of controlling a modular self-reconfigurable robot are illustrated in the paper.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) Characterization of the Morphology of Aluminum Bond Pads for Surface Reflectivity Applications.

Extreme variations in surface reflectivity/topography have been observed on silicon wafers with evaporated aluminum metallization following thermal annealing processes. Such topographic variations negatively impacted the performance of wire bonder pattern recognition systems. It was proposed that this variation was attributed to differences in deposition rates during evaporation of the aluminum front metallization. SEM analysis revealed that the topographically rough sites, deemed as normal for this processing sequence, had large numbers of hillocks, while the smooth sites exhibited limited numbers of hillocks after heat treatment. SIMS depth profiling analyses did not indicate that any elemental difference existed between the smooth and the rough sites, although interfacial differences were detected. Specifically, the Al-Si interface for the rough surface was more graded in nature while the Al-Si interface for the smooth surface was more abrupt. TEM analysis of the rough sites revealed that a three-dimensional island growth mechanism prevailed during film growth, resulting in uneven surface development, whereas analysis of the smooth sites showed a columnar grain structure.
Optical coherence tomography imaging of the patent ductus arteriosus: first known uses in congenital heart disease.

Background Angiography is used to assess ductal morphology and caliber during interventional closure of the ductus arteriosus. We are evaluating the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate ductal anatomy given the potential benefit of superior resolution and lower radiation. Methods Standard angiograms were performed on two patients with patent ductus arteriosus prior to device occlusion. OCT was then used to obtain high-resolution three-dimensional vessel reconstructions. Devices were chosen based on angiographic measurements. Results OCT resulted in excellent three-dimensional anatomic definition, with elliptical narrowest lumenal measurements of 2.2 × 3.1 mm and 1.6 × 2.3 mm, respectively, compared with angiographic measurements of 2.6 and 1.4 mm. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of OCT use in pediatric patients outside the coronaries, and in patients with congenital heart disease. We found OCT imaging of the PDA to be feasible, and only used a small amount of additional radiation and contrast. The three-dimensional OCT reconstructions provided additional anatomic information that could potentially improve device selection, and in both cases may have led to choosing larger devices than what was chosen based on angiography. In addition, once the technique is perfected, little or no angiography or fluoroscopy will be required to perform imaging runs, and only a small injection of contrast appears to be sufficient for vessel imaging. However, there are certain limitations to OCT imaging that are unlikely to make it the method of choice specifically for imaging the patent ductus arteriosus, but we have shown its ability to provide high resolution imaging in a relatively simple fashion which may prove useful for other purposes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Diagnosis and management of posterior cruciate ligament tears has advanced over the past 2 decades due to improved understanding of the natural history of injury and basic science principles. Despite the current advances, our understanding of posterior cruciate ligament injury and treatment continues to lag behind that of the anterior cruciate ligament. In addition, there is still controversy regarding indications for surgical intervention, use of 1 vs 2 reconstructive graft bundles, location of the femoral tunnels, and the ideal degree of graft tensioning. The purpose of this article is to present our diagnostic and surgical preferences.
Calcium-activated K+ Channels of Mouse β-cells are Controlled by Both Store and Cytoplasmic Ca2+: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

A novel calcium-dependent potassium current (K(slow)) that slowly activates in response to a simulated islet burst was identified recently in mouse pancreatic beta-cells (Gopel, S.O., T. Kanno, S. Barg, L. Eliasson, J. Galvanovskis, E. Renstrom, and P. Rorsman. 1999. J. Gen. Physiol. 114:759-769). K(slow) activation may help terminate the cyclic bursts of Ca(2+)-dependent action potentials that drive Ca(2+) influx and insulin secretion in beta-cells. Here, we report that when [Ca(2+)](i) handling was disrupted by blocking Ca(2+) uptake into the ER with two separate agents reported to block the sarco/endoplasmic calcium ATPase (SERCA), thapsigargin (1-5 microM) or insulin (200 nM), K(slow) was transiently potentiated and then inhibited. K(slow) amplitude could also be inhibited by increasing extracellular glucose concentration from 5 to 10 mM. The biphasic modulation of K(slow) by SERCA blockers could not be explained by a minimal mathematical model in which [Ca(2+)](i) is divided between two compartments, the cytosol and the ER, and K(slow) activation mirrors changes in cytosolic calcium induced by the burst protocol. However, the experimental findings were reproduced by a model in which K(slow) activation is mediated by a localized pool of [Ca(2+)] in a subspace located between the ER and the plasma membrane. In this model, the subspace [Ca(2+)] follows changes in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] but with a gradient that reflects Ca(2+) efflux from the ER. Slow modulation of this gradient as the ER empties and fills may enhance the role of K(slow) and [Ca(2+)] handling in influencing beta-cell electrical activity and insulin secretion.
Twenty-five years of progress in laboratory animal science

During the past 25 years tremendous improvements have been made in the field of laboratory animal science. Refinements in genetic and microbial quality assurance and animal housing coupled with the development of professional expertise has contributed to enhanced animal well-being and a reduction in the variability of data collected from research animals. These advances occurred concomitant with an increased public awareness of research animal use. In 1967 Laboratory Animals Ltd. published the first issue of Laboratory Animals. In celebration of its Silver Jubilee, I will briefly highlight some of the changes which occurred in the field of laboratory animal science since 1967 and some of the medical advances which depended on animal-based research.
Endovascular Coil Embolization of Cerebral Aneurysm Remnants After Incomplete Surgical Obliteration

Introduction— The presence of an aneurysm remnant after incomplete or unsuccessful surgical clipping is associated with persistent risk of regrowth and rupture, and additional treatment is generally recommended. Attempts at surgical re-exploration are technically difficult and carry significant risk. Endovascular therapy can represent a valuable therapeutic alterative in these cases. Methods— We reviewed the information on 21 patients with postsurgical aneurysm remnants treated at our institution with endovascular coil occlusion between 1991 and 2000. Clinical outcome was measured using the modified Rankin scale. Statistical analysis of outcome predictors was performed using the two-tailed Fisher exact test. Results— Sixty-seven percent of the aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation. The median aneurysm size at the time of surgery was 9.9 mm (range 3 to 35 mm). The mean size of the aneurysm remnants before coiling was 6.4 mm (range 3 to 14 mm). Endovascular coiling resulted in total occlusion o...
Application of liquid-crystal-display modeling to improve the optical performance of LCD panels (Invited Paper)

Modeling of a liquid crystal display (LCD) includes two parts: one is the calculation of the LC director deformation profile inside the cell the other is the LCD optics computation. For the LC director deformation profile calculation, it is usually assumed all the LC molecules within a pixel respond together uniformly to a driving voltage. This one-dimensional (1-D) simulation is a good approximation for most cases. However, due to the finite size of the pixel, the pixel fringe field may drive the LC molecules near the pixel edge to tilt in a direction different from those in the center of the pixel. To understand the detailed LC director structures inside the pixel and their effect on the display performances (especially for the small sized pixel), the two-dimensional (2-D) or sometimes three dimensional (3-D) simulation is required. The 1-D, 2-D and 3-D simulations of the LC director deformation profile will be discussed. For the LCD optics, besides the 4 X 4 matrix method, another alternative method will also be discussed. Finally, examples using the 1-D, 2-D and 3-D LCD simulations to improve the display optical performances will be illustrated.
Invariant measures for higher-rank hyperbolic abelian actions

We investigate invariant ergodic measures for certain partially hyperbolic and Anosov actions of ℝk, ℤk and We show that they are either Haar measures or that every element of the action has zero metric entropy.
Paths, cycles, and arc-connectivity in digraphs

In this paper we prove the following theorem: Let D be a k-arcconnected digraph (multiple arcs allowed). If x is a vertex of D and / is an integer with / ≤ k, then for any / disjoint arc pairs {f1, g1}, , {f1, g1}, where f1, , f1 are arcs with head at x and g1, , g1 are arcs with tail at x, there exist in D / arc-disjoint cycles C1, , C1 such that {fi, gi} ⊆ E(Ci) for each i (E(Ci) denotes the arc set of Ci) and such that D - ∪ E(Ci) is (k - 1)-arc-connected. Several interesting results are deduced from this theorem. Our results generalize the early works of Mader (“On a Property of n-Edge-Connected Digraphs,” Combinatorica, vol. 1 [1981], pp. 385-386) and Shiloach (“Edge-Disjoint Branching in Directed Multigraphs,” Information Processing Letters, vol. 8 [1979], pp. 24-27). An extension of Mader's theorem about admissible liftings of digraphs is also obtained in this paper. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Peer-to-Peer Data Replication Meets Delay Tolerant Networking

Work on delay tolerant networks (DTN) and peer-to-peer replication systems has made rapid advances with the similar goal of permitting reliable message delivery in challenged communication environments. Techniques developed for both types of systems also bear some similarity. Both exploit opportunistic connectivity to route messages and updates to their desired destinations while making minimal assumptions about end-to-end connectivity. However, they also have some unique characteristics. DTNs have recently incorporated forwarding algorithms that make use of historical information on past encounters between participants and predictions of future connectivity. Modern replication systems utilize protocols with low overheads that guarantee eventual consistency and at-most-once delivery while supporting content-based filters. In this paper, we show how a DTN-like messaging system can be readily built as a simple application on top of a peer-to-peer replication platform. To reduce delivery delays while retaining the desirable replication guarantees, we then extend the replication substrate to permit pluggable DTN routing protocols. We describe the implementation of four representative DTN schemes as replication policies and evaluate these extensions with emulations driven by traces of e-mail messaging and vehicular mobility. We conclude that DTNs and replication systems can benefit substantially from a cross-fertilization of ideas.
Selenium nanoparticles for the prevention of PVC-related medical infections

It has been shown that selenium elicits antibacterial properties. It is not known, however, if reducing elemental selenium to the nanoscale further enhances these properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial properties of selenium nanoparticles on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a medical tube substrate prone to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Through the reduction of selenium salts by glutathione, selenium nanoparticles were precipitated onto PVC samples. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering indicated the presence of elemental selenium having particle size diameters that averaged 100nm. Selenium nanoparticle-coated PVC and uncoated PVC samples were seeded with Staphylococcus aureus and cultured for 24h. Crystal violet staining and optical density readings were used to evaluate bacterial growth, while intracellular thiol assays were used to determine the method of bactericide. Results indicated that selenium nanoparticles significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus after 24h as compared to uncoated PVC by means of intracellular thiol depletion. These findings demonstrated the potential of selenium nanoparticles as a novel antibacterial coating for PVC and, thus, should be further investigated for improving the efficacy numerous PVC-related medical devices.
The developmental evolution of avian digit homology: An update

The identity of avian digits has been unresolved since the beginning of evolutionary morphology in the mid-19th century, i.e. as soon as questions of phylogenetic homology have been raised. The main source of concern is the persistent discrepancy between anatomical/paleontological and embryological evidence over the identity of avian digits. In this paper, recent evidence pertaining to the question of avian digit homology is reviewed and the various ideas of how to resolve the disagreement among developmental and phylogenetic evidence are evaluated. Paleontological evidence unequivocally supports the hypothesis that the fully formed digits of maniraptoran theropods are digits DI, DII, and DIII, because the phylogenetic position of Herrerasaurus is resolved, even when hand characters are excluded from the analysis. Regarding the developmental origin of the three digits of the avian hand the discovery of an anterior digit condensation in the limb bud of chickens and ostriches conclusively shows that these three digits are developing from condensations CII, CIII, and CIV. The existence of this additional anterior condensation has been confirmed in four different labs, using four different methods: Alcian blue staining, PNA affinity histochemistry, micro-capillary regression and Sox9 expression. Finally, recent evidence shows that the digit developing from condensation CII has a Hox gene expression pattern that is found in digit DI of mice forelimb and chick hind limbs. The sum of these data supports the idea that digit identity has shifted relative to the location of condensations, known as Frame Shift Hypothesis, such that condensation CII develops into digit DI and condensation CIII develops into digit DII, etc. A review of the literature on the digit identity of the Italian Three-toed Skink or Luscengola (Chalcides chalcides), shows that digit identity frame shifts may not be limited to the bird hand but may be characteristic of "adaptive" digit reduction in amniotes (sensu Steiner, H., Anders, G., 1946. Zur Frage der Entstehung von Rudimenten. Die Reduktion der Gliedmassen von Chalcides tridactylus Laur. Rev. Suisse Zool. 53, 537-546) in general. In this mode of evolution two digits are lost, in the course of the adaptation of the three anterior digits to a function that does not require the two posterior digits. This evidence suggests that the evolution of digits in tetrapods can proceed at least on two distinct levels of integration, the level of digit condensations and that of adult digits.
Interpolymer complexation. I. Preparation and characterization of a polyvinyl acetate phthalate-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVAP-PVP) complex.

Abstract Polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) readily reacted in ethanol and acidic aqueous solutions to produce an insoluble PVAP-PVP complex. The complex has a p K a of 3.8. It is practically insoluble in common organic solvents, but dissolves in dimethylsulfoxide, an alkali or ammonical solution, and a 4:1 (v/v) mixture of methylene chloride and methanol. The powder X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the complex to be an amorphous material. The Fourier-transform infrared spectrum of the complex exhibited characteristics carbonyl stretching vibrations at 1724 and 1657 cm −1 due to phthalate and acetate moieties in PVAP and cyclic amide groups in PVP, respectively, and at 1632 cm −1 (appeared as a shoulder) due to cyclic amide groups of PVP bound to PVAP. The proton and carbon-13 (solution and solid-state) nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the complex showed peak profiles that were linear combinations of those of PVAP and PVP. No new peaks appeared and no change in chemical shifts was observed due to complexation. The spectral data suggest that the interaction between PVAP and PVP probably initially involves the formation of hydrogen bonds between carbonyl groups of PVP and carboxylic groups of PVAP at some point of the polymer chains, causing the hydrophilic parts of the two flexible polymer chains strongly hydrophobic. As a result, the two polymer chains coil up into a compact structure and, consequently, precipitate out from the solution as an insoluble complex.
Pearl Millet as an Alternative Feed Ingredient in Broiler Diets

Abstract Widespread cultivation of pearl millet for grain production in parts of the United States has been limited due to its susceptibility to rust disease. Over the last 3 yr, grain from a recently developed rust-resistant hybrid of pearl millet was evaluated for its potential use in poultry broiler diets. The evaluated grain from each year had a comparable TMEn value (3,300 to 3,448 kcal/kg) and higher protein content (12 to 14%) than corn. In two battery studies (2 to 16 d of age) and two floor pen experiments (1 to 42 d of age) varying levels of pearl millet replaced yellow corn and a portion of soybean meal in isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. The performance and carcass yield of broilers fed diets containing up to 50% pearl millet were equivalent or better than those of broilers fed typical corn-soybean diets. The results clearly indicate that this new hybrid of pearl millet could be a successful alternative grain for poultry production. Because pearl millet can be successfully cultivated in regions where corn production is marginal, this grain may prove to be economically beneficial to the grain and poultry producers in such areas.
Emergence behaviour in children: defining the incidence of excitement and agitation following anaesthesia.

Background: Children display a variety of behaviour during anaesthetic recovery. The purpose of this study was to study the frequency and duration of emergence behaviour in children following anaesthesia and the factors that alter the incidence of various emergence behaviour following anaesthesia. Methods: A prospective study of children who required outpatient lower abdominal surgery was designed to determine an incidence and duration of emergence agitation. We developed a 5-point scoring scale to study the postanaesthetic behaviour in these children. The scale included behaviour from asleep (score=1) to disorientation and severe restlessness (score=5). Children were scored by a blinded observer every 10 min during the first hour of recovery or until discharge from same day surgery. Results: We found 27 of 260 children experienced a period of severe restlessness and disorientation (score 5) during anaesthesia emergence. Thirty percent of the children (79/260) experienced a period of inconsolable crying or severe restlessness (score 4 or 5) following anaesthesia. The frequency of this behaviour was greatest on arrival in the recovery room, but many children who arrived asleep in the recovery room later experienced a period of agitation or inconsolable crying. Conclusions: Repeated assessments of behaviour following anaesthetic recovery are required to define an incidence and duration of emergence agitation. Emergence agitation occurs most frequently in the initial 10 min of recovery, but many children who arrive asleep experience agitation later during recovery.
The American Swallow Bug, Oeciacus vicarius Horvath (Hemiptera, Cimicidae)

The swallow bug, Oeciacus vicarius Horvath, is of common occurrence in North America, chiefly, if not entirely, upon the cliff swallows, Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say); it has been recorded from the barn swallow, probably in error.It appears to be really distinct from the European swallow bug, Oeciacus hirundinis (Linnacus).The habits, structure, and specific characters of the bug do not seem to have been adequately studied hitherto.This paper deals with the external structure of the bug and of such of its biology as could be worked out under the handicap that its natural host could not be kept in captivity.The bugs attack man readily, but do not appear to adapt themselves readily to living upon man or in his dwellings.
Novel Role for RNase PH in the Degradation of Structured RNA

Escherichia coli contains multiple 3′ to 5′ RNases, of which two, RNase PH and polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase), use inorganic phosphate as a nucleophile to catalyze RNA cleavage. It is known that an absence of these two enzymes causes growth defects, but the basis for these defects has remained undefined. To further an understanding of the function of these enzymes, the degradation pattern of different cellular RNAs was analyzed. It was observed that an absence of both enzymes results in the appearance of novel mRNA degradation fragments. Such fragments were also observed in strains containing mutations in RNase R and PNPase, enzymes whose collective absence is known to cause an accumulation of structured RNA fragments. Additional experiments indicated that the growth defects of strains containing RNase R and PNPase mutations were exacerbated upon RNase PH removal. Taken together, these observations suggested that RNase PH could play a role in structured RNA degradation. Biochemical experiments with RNase PH demonstrated that this enzyme digests through RNA duplexes of moderate stability. In addition, mapping and sequence analysis of an mRNA degradation fragment that accumulates in the absence of the phosphorolytic enzymes revealed the presence of an extended stem-loop motif at the 3′ end. Overall, these results indicate that RNase PH plays a novel role in the degradation of structured RNAs and provides a potential explanation for the growth defects caused by an absence of the phosphorolytic RNases.
Early Identification of Occult Bleeding Through Hypovolemia Detection

Clinically occult hypovolemia is a significant problem facing hospitalized patients. Tachycardia may occur before hypotension or signs of end-organ injury are apparent, but it is non-specific, often overlooked and may be attributed to other less serious causes. Unless clinicians have a high index of suspicion for subclinical hypovolemia, at-risk patients may progress to overt tissue hypoperfusion, displaying hyperlactatemia and hypotension. Delaying definitive care to reverse both hypovolemia and its causes may have a negative impact on patient outcome. Clinicians need tools to accurately diagnose patients with occult hypovolemia so that these patients receive appropriate resuscitation and definitive care in a timely fashion. We believe that any instrument used to detect clinically occult hypovolemia must use dynamic changes in physiologic parameters. We will review the merit of commonly and less commonly used hemodynamic parameters, measures of global and tissue blood flow and metabolic function, and features embedded within waveform data to identify occult hypovolemia. We will also provide an overview of new approaches to parsimoniously select parameters most predictive of early hypovolemia. All of these parameters and features can be applied to identify any disease process causing occult hypovolemia, e. g., sepsis, bleeding; we will focus on the early identification of occult bleeding.
The Performance of Drag Reducing Agent in Three Phase Slug Flow and Annular Flow

Experiments have been carried out in a 36-m long, to-em diameter multiphase horizontal flow system to examine the effect of drag reducing agents (DRA) on average pressure drop, maximum pressure drop and slug characteristics with the presence of water. Superficial liquid velocities between 0.5 and 1.5 mls and superficial gas velocities between 2 and 14 mls were investigated. Oil with a viscosity of 2.5 cP at 25°C was used for the study. ASTM salt was used as a substitute for seawater and carbon dioxide was used as the gas. Water cut was 50%. Temperature and pressure were maintained at 25°C and 0.13 MPa. The DRA concentrations of 0, 20 and 50 ppm were used in this study. The results show that the average pressure drop in both slug flow and annular flow decreased significantly with addition of DRA. Under special conditions, it was found that DRA changed the flow pattern from pseudo-slug to annular resulting in a 74% reduction in pressure drop. For annular flow, the average pressure drop reduction of up to 53% was achieved. The maximum pressure drop across the slug also decreased with the presence of DRA. The average and maximum pressure drops at a DRA concentration of 50 ppm were more effective than 20 ppm for all cases. The slug frequency and effective height of the liquid film decreased significantly when DRA concentrations were added. This led to a decrease in the average pressure drop. However, the slug translational velocity did not change significantly with addition of DRA.
Data structures for interactive high resolution level-set surface editing

This paper presents data structures that enable interactive editing of large-scale level-set surface models. The new approach utilizes spatial hashing to store a narrow band of voxels around the level-set interface, as well as a k-d tree to hold the model's display points that lie on the surface itself. This sparse representation of voxels and surface points lets us create and modify high resolution levelset models with modest memory requirements, while allowing fast data access/modifications and interactive graphics updates. The data structures also support out-of-the-box editing, i.e. no bounding box limits the surface editing region, a restriction common when utilizing 3-D arrays. We formally define the level-set representation and demonstrate its interactive performance and scalability through manipulation of high-resolution level-set surface models.