cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interference Contrast and Phase Contrast Microscopy of Sporulation and Germination of Bacillus megaterium

The techniques of Nomarski interference contrast microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy were compared for their utility in monitoring sporulation and germination in Bacillus megaterium. The Nomarski technique permitted rapid and easy delineation of septation and engulfment during sporulation, whereas with phase contrast microscopy these stages were not detected at all. The later stages of sporulation were easily seen by either technique. Thus, of the seven stages of sporulation as recognized by the electron microscopy of thin sections, five can now be routinely detected quantitatively by optical microscopy: septation (stage II), engulfment (stage III), phase-dark forespore (corresponding to cortex formation, stage IV), phase-bright spore in a sporangium (corresponding to coat formation, stage V), and the free spore (stage VII). This means that now only stage I (axial filament) and stage VI (maturation of the refractile spore) require electron microscopy for routine detection. There was no advantage in using Nomarski optics for germination studies.
Molecular characterisation of species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia and assessment of zoonotic transmission

The molecular characterisation of species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia is essential for accurately identifying organisms and assessing zoonotic transmission. Results of recent molecular epidemiological studies strongly suggest that zoonotic transmission plays an important role in cryptosporidiosis epidemiology. In such cases the most prevalent zoonotic species is Cryptosporidium parvum. Genotyping and subtyping data suggest that zoonotic transmission is not as prevalent in the epidemiology of giardiasis. Molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium and Giardia is a relatively recent application that is evolving as new genes are found that increase the accuracy of identification while discovering a greater diversity of species and yet unnamed taxa within these two important genera. As molecular data accumulate, our understanding of the role of zoonotic transmission in epidemiology and clinical manifestations is becoming clearer.
An Algorithm for the Unified Solution of the Sate Equations of Electrically Excited Systems with Time Varying Coefficients

This paper sets forth the state variable formulation for the representation of the dynamics of the motor mode of operation of different types of energy converters. State equation diagrams with cross-coupled inputs and outputs, constituting nonlinear conditions, represent these state equations. The developed electromagnetic torque ?em of the electrical state equation diagram is the input of the mechanical state diagram, the outputs of which are then fed into the electrical state equation diagram. The angular velocity ?r affects the coefficients of the electrical state equations. The angular displacement ?r transforms the electrical state variables into terminal variables in each device.
A post-focusing accelerator for A spectrometer

Abstract A post-focusing accelerator for A π 2 spectrometer is described which enables electrons down to less than 150 eV to be detected quantitatively with almost negligible spurious background. The properties of the accelerator are illustrated with K- and L-Auger lines of 113In from 113Sn.
Self-Stabilizing Selection of Influential Users in Social Networks

Selection of Influential Users is an essential task in influence propagation schemes in social networks. Considering the phenomenon of asymmetric influences between neigh boring users and different sensitivities of users to influences, we propose to select the users in the minimal weighted positive influence dominating set of a social network graph as the influential users to maximize the speed of the propagation. We present the first polynomial time self-stabilizing algorithm for minimal weighted positive influence dominating set in an arbitrary social network. Starting from an arbitrary initial state, the algorithm terminates in O(n3) steps using a distributed scheduler, where n is the number of nodes in the graph. Space requirement at each node is O(log n) bits. Experiments are conducted to verify the correctness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Parasites, democratization, and the liberalization of values across contemporary countries.

The countries of the world vary in their position along the autocracy–democracy continuum of values. Traditionally, scholars explain this variation as based on resource distribution and disparity among nations. We provide a different framework for understanding the autocracy–democracy dimension and related value dimensions, one that is complementary (not alternative) to the research tradition, but more encompassing, involving both evolutionary (ultimate) and proximate causation of the values. We hypothesize that the variation in values pertaining to autocracy–democracy arises fundamentally out of human (Homo sapiens) species-typical psychological adaptation that manifests contingently, producing values and associated behaviours that functioned adaptively in human evolutionary history to cope with local levels of infectious diseases. We test this parasite hypothesis of democratization using publicly available data measuring democratization, collectivism– individualism, gender egalitarianism, property rights, sexual restrictiveness, and parasite prevalence across many countries of the world. Parasite prevalence across countries is based on a validated index of the severity of 22 important human diseases. We show that, as the hypothesis predicts, collectivism (hence, conservatism), autocracy, women’s subordination relative to men’s status, and women’s sexual restrictiveness are values that positively covary, and that correspond with high prevalence of infectious disease. Apparently, the psychology of xenophobia and ethnocentrism links these values to avoidance and management of parasites. Also as predicted, we show that the antipoles of each of the above values—individualism (hence, liberalism), democracy, and women’s rights, freedom and increased participation in casual sex—are a positively covarying set of values in countries with relatively low parasite stress. Beyond the cross-national support for the parasite hypothesis of democratization, it is consistent with the geographic location at high latitudes (and hence reduced parasite stress) of the early democratic transitions in Britain, France and the U.S.A. It, too, is consistent with the marked increase in the liberalization of social values in the West in the 1950s and 1960s (in part, the sexual revolution), regions that, a generation or two earlier, experienced dramatically reduced infectious diseases as a result of antibiotics, vaccinations, food- and watersafety practices, and increased sanitation. Moreover, we hypothesize that the generation and diffusion of innovations (in thought, action and technology) within and among regions, which is associated positively with democratization, is causally related to parasite stress. Finally, we hypothesize that past selection in the context of morbidity and mortality resulting from parasitic disease crafted many of the aspects of social psychology unique to humans.
Thermal relaxation studies of glassy superconductors

Abstract Dependence of critical temperature of glassy superconducting alloys Zr3Pd and Zr3Rh on annealing temperature, annealing time, and quenching rate is investigated. The results are explained in terms of a phenomenological theory developed for magnetic viscosity in ferromagnets and spin glasses. Relevant microscopic parameters for the strain relaxation process are derived.
Occult trauma mimicking metastases on bone scans in pediatric oncology patients

Background Tracer-avid osseous lesions are usually considered to represent metastases in pediatric oncology patients. However, sites of minor, clinically occult, skeletal trauma may be mistaken for osseous metastases.
Gold Nano-Popcorn-Based Targeted Diagnosis, Nanotherapy Treatment, and In Situ Monitoring of Photothermal Therapy Response of Prostate Cancer Cells Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among the American male population, and the cost of treating prostate cancer patients is about $10 billion/year in the United States. Current treatments are mostly ineffective against advanced-stage prostate cancer and are often associated with severe side effects. Driven by these factors, we report a multifunctional, nanotechnology-driven, gold nano-popcorn-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) assay for targeted sensing, nanotherapy treatment, and in situ monitoring of photothermal nanotherapy response during the therapy process. Our experimental data show that, in the presence of LNCaP human prostate cancer cells, multifunctional popcorn-shaped gold nanoparticles form several hot spots and provide a significant enhancement of the Raman signal intensity by several orders of magnitude (2.5 × 109). As a result, it can recognize human prostate cancer cells at the 50-cells level. Our results indicate that the localized heating that...
Constant moment behavior of high-performance steel I-shaped beams

Abstract Experimentally verified nonlinear finite element modeling techniques are applied to the study of the structural ductility developed in high-performance steel I-shaped beams subjected to a constant moment loading. It is observed that current notions of cross-sectional compactness and compression-flange bracing limitations may not be directly applicable to these types of high-performance steel flexural members. It is also noticed that differences in material properties between these newer high-performance steel grades can have a significant influence on observed flexural ductility.
Transformation of Quantum Photonic Circuit Models by Term Rewriting

The development of practical methods for synthesis and verification of complex photonic circuits presents a grand challenge for the nascent field of quantum engineering. Of course, classical electrical engineering provides essential foundations and serves to illustrate the degree of sophistication that can be achieved in automated circuit design. In this paper, we explore the utility of term rewriting approaches to the transformation of quantum circuit models, specifically applying rewrite rules for both reduction/verification and robustness analysis of photonic circuits for autonomous quantum error correction. We outline a workflow for quantum photonic circuit analysis that leverages the Modelica framework for multidomain physical modeling, which parallels a previously described approach based on VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL).
The Mott diode as a heterodyne receiver element

This paper considers a novel doping profile for Schottky barrier mixer diodes called the Mott barrier. The structure consists of a metal-semiconductor junction in which the semiconductor's epitaxial layer is very lightly doped and thin enough so that it remains depleted even under substantial forward bias. It has been proposed that Mott barrier diodes will generate less noise and have lower series resistance-junction capacitance products than standard Schottky diodes, thus increasing the sensitivity and cut-off frequency of heterodyne receivers. In this paper, the band structure and electron transport properties of the Mott diode are evaluated. This analysis shows that the Mott diode actually will have a large series resistance-junction capacitance product and excessive hot electron noise, making it a poor candidate for high-frequency applications. Experimental results are presented which substantiate these conclusions.
Life Cycle Costing for Engineers

This article was downloaded by: [Gransberg, Douglas D.]On: 21 October 2010Access details: Access Details: [subscription number 928409202]Publisher RoutledgeInforma Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK
Synergistic bio-effects of oil and irradiation in an aquatic organism, Taricha granulosa.

One group of newts was irradiated but not exposed to oil; a second group was exposed to oil but not irradiated; a third group was exposed to oil and radiation; and the control group received neither oil or radiation. X radiation was administered in doses of 1,000; 2,500; 5,000; or 10,000 rads. The behavior, physical appearances, and mortality of the newts were observed. Histological examinations were made of tissues following death of the ainmals. Graphs are presented to show survival time of newts. The cause of death of irradiated newts was anemia and lesions of the skin and other tissues. High concentrations of oil without irradiation resulted in dilatation of poison glands and skin denudation, and radiosensitivity was increased by exposure to oil. (HLW)
Dynamic photoelastic studies of fracture

Dynamic characterization of brittle fracture is possible by relating the instantaneous stress-intensity factorK(t) to the velocity of propagation of the crack. High-speed photographic systems are employed with photoelastic methods to obtain a sequence of isochromatic-fringe patterns representing the state of stress associated with the propagating crack. Methods for determiningK(t) from these isochromatic patterns are reviewed.
High-power and reliable semiconductor laser diodes for WDM applications

The mid-infrared (3<λ<5 μm) and far-infrared (8<λ<14 μm) spectral regions are presented as a viable, yet underutilized spectral region that would be suitable for mulitple WDM communication applications. Historically limited by the laser source, the quantum cascade laser, thanks to recent advances in performance, is proposed as a realistic source for addressing this spectral region. The current status of the laser technology is reviewed, as well the future outlook for this technology for WDM communication.
Purification and Characterization of Human Serum N-Acetylglucosamine-1-phosphodiester α-N-Acetylglucosaminidase

Abstract Many lysosomal enzymes are recognized and selected by a unique marker in the form of mannose 6-phosphate groups which are present exclusively on their N-linked oligosaccharides. Two enzymes act sequentially to catalyze the addition of mannose g-phosphate groups to the proteins: N -acetylglucosamine phosphotransferase (GlcNAc phosphotransferase) and N -acetylglucosamine-1-phosphodiester α- N -acetylglucosaminidase (phosphodiester α-GlcNAcase). We report here the purification and partial characterization of phosphodiester α-GlcNAcase from human serum. The enzyme was purified over 600,000-fold by utilizing ammonium sulfate precipitation, fractionation on wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose, Fe 3+ -chelating Sepharose, and Cu 2+ -chelating Sepharose, and renaturation from gel slices after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The protein observed after renaturation and subsequent SDS-PAGE and silver staining had an apparent molecular mass of 118 kDa, which is slightly smaller than bovine liver phosphodiester α-GlcNAcase (Mullis et al . (1994) J. Biol. Chem . 269, 1718-1726). Serum enzyme activity does not require Triton X-100 and is not stimulated by its addition. These results suggest that the enzyme found in serum represents a form secreted after proteolysis in the Golgi of the membrane-bound enzyme. The serum enzyme hydrolyzed UDP-GlcNAc to UDP and GlcNAc and hydrolyzed GlcNAc-P-ManαMe into αMeMan-P and GlcNAc. The enzyme had no hydrolyzing activity toward UDP-GalNAc, UDP-Glc, [6- 3 H] GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc, p -nitrophenyl-α- N -acetylglucosaminide, p -nitrophenyl-β- N -acetylglucosaminide, p -nitrophenyl-α- N -galactopyranoside, or p -nitrophenyl-β- N -galactopyranoside. The enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by UDP-GlcNAc and GlcNAc-1-phosphate, had a pH optimum between pH 6.0 and 7.0, and was inhibited by FeCl 3 , FeSO 4 , and CuSO 4 . The K m values for UDP-GlcNAc and GlcNAc-P-ManαMe were 0.94 and 0.45 mM, respectively. Over 77% of enzyme activity remained after incubation for 10 min at 70°C, demonstrating an unusual thermostability of the serum enzyme.
Rab27a and Rab27b regulate neutrophil azurophilic granule exocytosis and NADPH oxidase activity by independent mechanisms.

Neutrophils rely on exocytosis to mobilize receptors and adhesion molecules and to release microbicidal factors. This process should be strictly regulated because uncontrolled release of toxic proteins would be injurious to the host. In vivo studies showed that the small GTPase Rab27a regulates azurophilic granule exocytosis. Using mouse neutrophils deficient in Rab27a (Rab27aash/ash), Rab27b [Rab27b knockout (KO)] or both [Rab27a/b double KO (DoKo)], we investigated the role of the Rab27 isoforms in neutrophils. We found that both Rab27a and Rab27b deficiencies impaired azurophilic granule exocytosis. Rab27aash/ash neutrophils showed upregulation of Rab27b expression which did not compensate for the secretory defects observed in Rab27a-deficient cells, suggesting that Rab27 isoforms play independent roles in neutrophil exocytosis. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy analysis showed that Rab27aash/ash and Rab27b KO neutrophils have a decreased number of azurophilic granules near the plasma membrane. The effect was exacerbated in Rab27a/b DoKo neutrophils. Rab27-deficient neutrophils showed impaired activation of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase at the plasma membrane although intraphagosomal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was not affected. Exocytosis of secretory vesicles in Rab27-deficient neutrophils was functional, suggesting that Rab27 GTPases selectively control the exocytosis of neutrophil granules.
Environmental temperature and thyroid function in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis.

Abstract The thyroids of lizards kept at 35°C showed histological evidence of slightly higher activity and much less variability than did those of animals kept at 15°C. Thiourea treatment caused greater histological signs of activation at 35° than at 15°. Differences in the pattern of uptake and release of I 131 by the thyroid at the two temperatures were greater than might have been expected on the basis of the histological findings. Maximum uptake, which was at much the higher level at 35°, was reached within two days after I 131 injection. After this the counts declined rapidly at 35°, slowly at 15°, and the two groups reached the same level by 6 days. Thiourea administration depressed I 131 uptake at both temperatures, but loss of I 131 from the body was more rapid at 35°.
Modeling magnesium, phosphorus and potassium uptake by loblolly pine seedlings using a Barber-Cushman approach

The Barber-Cushman mechanistic nutrient uptake model, which has been utilized extensively to describe and predict nutrient uptake by crop plants, was evaluated for its ability to predict K, Mg, and P uptake by loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings. Sensitivity analyses were also used to investigate the impact of changes in soil nutrient supply, root morphological, and root uptake kinetics parameters on simulated nutrient uptake. Established experimental techniques were utilized to define the 11 parameters needed to model uptake by 1-0 seedlings of K, Mg, and P from a modified A horizon soil (Lilly series). Model predictions of K and P uptake over a 180-d growth period were underestimated by 6 and 11%, respectively. Estimates of Mg uptake were underestimated by 62%. While the level of agreement between predicted and observed K and P values was quite acceptable, analysis of parameter values and results of sensitivity analyses both indicated that the model underestimation of Mg uptake was the result of applying an Imax value developed under relatively low Mg concentration to a situation in which the functional Imax would be much higher due to the dominance of passive versus active uptake. Overall results of sensitivity analyses indicate that under the circumstances investigated, Imax, was the primary variable controlling plant uptake of K, Mg, and P. The dominance of this term over others was due to the relatively high Cli values for all three nutrients. Reducing (-50%) or increasing (+ 100%) other soil supply, root morphological, and remaining root uptake kinetics values did not substantially alter model estimates of nutrient uptake.
Iron uptake by native grasses in a sewage sludge amended semiarid grassland

Abstract Iron chlorosis is commonly associated with calcareous soils due to precipitation of Fe in hydroxide forms. Single applications of sewage sludge have been known to correct Fe deficiency symptoms for up to five years in crop plants grown on such soils. The effect of sludge on the Fe nutrition of native grassland species is less well known. In June 1985, a degraded semiarid grassland site was amended with surface applications of dried, anaerobically digested, sludge at rates of 22.5, 45, and 90 Mg/ha. While DTPA extractable soil Fe increased, tissue concentrations of Fe in the three predominant native grasses tested declined significantly (p ? 0.05) with increasing sludge application. However, plants in amended plots did not become Fe deficient, but rather flourished relative to controls. The greater production of aboveground biomass on amended plots compared to unamended plots suggested the possibility of a dilution effect. Calculations of total tissue Fe, based on biomass measurements and tissue F...
Parental decisions, child health and valuation of avoiding arsenic in drinking water in rural Bangladesh

Arsenic contamination of groundwater in Bangladesh is a widespread public health hazard. Water sources without high arsenic levels are scarce, affecting people's availability for work and other activities when they have to seek safe water to drink. While children are particularly susceptible to chronic arsenic exposure, limited information and heavy constraints on resources may preclude people in developing countries from taking protective actions. Since parents are primary decision-makers for children, a model of stochastic decision-making analytically linking parent health and child health is used to frame the valuation of avoiding arsenic exposure using an averting behavior model. The results show that safe drinking water programs do work and that people do take protective actions. The results can help guide public health mitigation policies, and examine whether factors such as child health and time required for remediation have an effect on mitigation measures.
Evaluation of photochemically immobilized poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) thin films as protein-resistant surfaces.

Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOX) of various molecular weights were covalently immobilized on silicon wafers and gold slides to form protein-resistant surfaces via a fast and general photocoupling chemistry based on the CH insertion reaction of light-activated perfluorophenyl azide (PFPA). The thicknesses of the immobilized PEOX films ranged from 23 to 80 A for molecular weight of 5000 to 500 000, and the grafting density reached 3.2 × 10–3 A–2 for PEOX 5000. The protein-resistant property of the films was studied using bovine serum albumin (BSA) by fluorescence imaging, ellipsometry, and surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi). The fluorescence imaging and ellipsometry studies showed the largest amount of BSA adsorbed on PEOX 5000 and the smallest on PEOX 500 000. This was consistent with the kinetic analysis of BSA adsorption by SPRi showing that PEOX 5000 exhibited the fastest association rate and the slowest dissociation rate whereas PEOX 500 000 had the slowest association rate and the fastest dissoc...
An alternative approach for management of the congenital giant inguinal hernia in neonates

Whereas inguinal hernias are commonly encountered in the neonatal population, giant hernias containing the entire small bowel and with complete inguinal floor disruption are significantly less common. These cases present clinical and technical challenges with the obliteration of normal anatomy and an attenuation of the expected abdominal domain. There is a scant literature available describing these hernias or their management in neonates. In this case report, we describe a neonate who presented with a giant unilateral inguinal scrotal hernia complicated by in utero perforation. This was managed by open herniorrhaphy, orchidopexy, and diagnostic laparoscopy.
Critical sections in networked games

This work introduces the concept of critical sections for online first person shooter games (FPS). A critical section is a section of game-play which demands higher precision or tighter deadlines. Critical section traffic is more sensitive to network degradations than sections immediately preceding or following it. Critical sections provide game developers and network programmers a notion of relative priority of game traffic, and can identify segments whose preservation can lead to superior user perceived quality of playing FPS games on a network. By analyzing video-recordings of over 5 hours of FPS gameplay by 10 volunteers, we identify sections of FPS game-play whose degradation would cause inconsistent game-state updates resulting in user frustration. We observe that critical sections exhibit a pattern of occurrence and can account for upto 17% of game-play time. We next quantify the expected network induced degradations on critical sections for online FPS games on the Internet. Using traces from a deployment of FPS workloads on 50+ nodes in the Internet, we study network dynamics and their ensuing effect on critical sections. Using traces from this experiment, we derive the lower bound on potentially degraded game-play session on todays Internet. We argue that critical sections of FPS games can be preserved. This can allow a variety of network architectures to better deliver higher perceptual experience when deployed on the Internet. Overall, our results have implications for FPS game-design, network provisioning, and game quality evaluation.
Mechanism of dent initiated flaking and bearing life enhancement technology under contaminated lubrication condition. Part II: Effect of rolling element surface roughness on flaking resulting from dents, and life enhancement technology of rolling bearings under contaminated lubrication condition

The dent initiated flaking life of a bearing is sometimes shorter than the calculated life. Therefore, it is important to develop an enhanced-life bearing for contaminated lubrication conditions. In this paper, the authors indicated that the dent initiated flaking life of a raceway is significantly reduced in bearings where the general surface roughness of the rolling elements is increased by dent generation due to operating in contaminated lubrication. Additionally, we confirmed that bearings with rolling elements made of material with fine silicon and manganese nitride precipitates, for the purpose of reducing the degradation of surface roughness, are effective in enhancing bearing life.
Photogrammetric and GIS techniques for the development of vegetation databases of mountainous areas: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Detailed vegetation databases and associated maps of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a rugged, forested area of more than 2000 km 2 , were constructed to support resource management activities of the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). These detailed vegetation databases and associated maps have a terrain relief exceeding 1700 m and a continuous forest cover over 95% of the Park. The requirement to use 1:12,000- and 1:40,000-scale color infrared aerial photographs as the primary data source for mapping overstory and understory vegetation, respectively, necessitated the integration of analog photointerpretation with both digital softcopy photogrammetry and geographic information system (GIS) procedures to overcome problems associated with excessive terrain relief and a lack of ground control. Applications of the vegetation database and associated large-scale maps include assessments of vegetation patterns related to management activities and quantification of forest fire fuels.
Laser Light Scattering Study of Microemulsion-like Polymerization Processes with Block Copolymers as Dispersants

Laser light scattering (LLS) was employed to monitor the microemulsion-like polymerization processes by using poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(methacrylic acid) (P(MMA-b-MAA)) block copolymers with...
SIMULATION MODEL REFINEMENT FOR DECISION MAKING VIA A VALUE-OF-INFORMATION BASED METRIC

Since no simulation model is perfect, any simulation model for modeling a system’s physical behavior can be refined further. Hence, the question faced by a designer is – “How much refinement of a simulation model is adequate for a particular design problem?” To answer this question, we present a value-of-information based approach for determining the appropriate extent of refinement of simulation models. The value of additional information obtained via refinement of simulation models is measured as the difference between the maximum payoff that could possibly be achieved throughout the design space and the minimum possible payoff at the point in the design space selected using the simple model. The approach is presented using two examples – design of a pressure vessel and the design of a material.
Evaluation of the scratch collapse test for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

This prospective study measured and compared the diagnostic performance characteristics of various clinical signs and physical examination manoeuvres for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), including the scratch collapse test. Eighty-eight adult patients that were prescribed electrophysiological testing to diagnose CTS were enrolled in the study. Attending surgeons documented symptoms and results of standard clinical manoeuvres. The scratch collapse test had a sensitivity of 31%, which was significantly lower than the sensitivity of Phalen's test (67%), Durkan's test (77%), Tinel's test (43%), CTS-6 lax (88%), and CTS-6 stringent (54%). The scratch test had a specificity of 61%, which was significantly lower than the specificity of thenar atrophy (96%) and significantly higher than the specificity of Durkan's test (18%) and CTS-6 lax (13%). The sensitivity of the scratch collapse test was not superior to other clinical signs and physical examination manoeuvers for CTS, and the specificity of the scratch collapse test was superior to that of Durkan's test and CTS-6 lax. Further studies should seek to limit the influence of a patient's clinical presentation on scratch test performance and assess the scratch test's inter-rater reliability.
Fullerenes Entrapped in Porous Glass

Fullerenes have been impregnated in porous glass with little interaction with the glass noted. Concentrations as high as 3mg/ml of C60 or C70 were obtained. It was shown that the fullerenes can enhance the photo-induced charge transfer reaction of DEA with the porous glass.
The Incidence and Clinical Characteristics of Adult-Onset Convergence Insufficiency

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and natural history of convergence insufficiency (CI) in a population-based cohort of adults. Design Retrospectively reviewed population-based cohort. Participants Adult (age ≥19 years) residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota. Methods The medical records of all adults diagnosed with CI over a 20-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Main Outcome Measures Clinical characteristics and outcomes for adult-onset CI. Results A total of 118 adults (annual incidence, 8.44 per 100 000 patients older than 19 years) were diagnosed with CI during the 20-year period, constituting 15.7% of all forms of adult-onset strabismus observed in this population. The median age at diagnosis was 68.5 years (range, 21.7–97.1 years), and 68 (57.6%) were female. The mean initial exodeviation at near was 14.1 prism diopters (PD; range, 1–30 PD) and 1.7 PD (range, 0–10 PD) at distance. The Kaplan-Meier rate of exotropia increasing over time by 7 PD or more at near was 4.2% at 5 years, 13.5% at 10 years, and 24.4% at 20 years. Approximately 88% were managed with prisms, whereas less than 5% underwent surgical correction. Conclusions Adult-onset CI included approximately 1 in 6 adults who were newly diagnosed with strabismus in this 20-year cohort. There was a significant increase in incidence with increasing age. Nearly one-fourth had an increase of their near exodeviation of at least 7 PD by 20 years after their diagnosis, and most patients were managed conservatively.
Demography and Group Structure in Wedgecapped Capuchin Monkeys, Cebus Olivaceus

The extent to which population demography determines the age and sex composition of primate groups was examined using data from a population of wedge-capped capuchin monkeys Cebus olivaceus in central Venezuela. Demographic parameters were derived from censuses of individually recognized, aged, and sexed individuals living in nine groups over a ten year period. Animals were aged by extrapolation from census data. Animals of both sexes were classed as infants during their first year, and juveniles until they reached six years of age. Females reach sexual maturity at this time, while males were classed as subadults until they reached full adult size at age 12. Adulthood lasts at least 30 years in females, at least 24 years in males. Age-sex class specific mortality and fecundity rates generated a life table which indicated that the population was increasing (r = 0.087) between 1977 and 1986. The age and sex composition of the nine groups was described annually. On average, non-adults made up 60% of a group, with this percentage increasing with group size. There were more females than males in all groups in all years. The strong female-biased adult sex ratio (1:4.4) was a consequence of a biased birth sex ratio (1:1.9), higher female than male survivorship especially between the ages of 3 and 7 when males were dispersing, and a pronounced sexual bimaturism. The stable age distribution derived from the life table successfully predicted the observed average distribution of age-sex categories in groups. This suggests that the group structure of Cebus olivaceus groups is not a consequence of intragroup social interactions, but results from demographic parameters.
Studies on the thermostability of lactase ( Streptococcus thermophilus ) in milk and sweet whey

The stability of lactase from Streptococcus thermophilus at 55 °C increased 7-fold, 2-fold and 1·5-fold in the presence of lactose, galactose and glucose respectively; maltose had no effect. Total stability over an 8 h period was more than 10-fold better in milk and sweet whey than in lactose solution, owing to the stabilizing influence of the milk proteins and the milk salts. Ovalbumin and reduced glutathione provided some extra stability but were not as effective as the milk components. In the absence of lactose the enzyme was less stable in milk and was not protected at all by sweet whey constituents. None of the milk protein fractions was as effective in the absence of lactose as when it was present. Enhanced thermostability of the enzyme in milk and sweet whey is due to contributions by all major milk components, but binding of lactose to the enzyme is the major factor controlling the extent of stabilization by other components.
Abstract 4014: Differential expression and activation of IRS1 and IRS2 in breast cancer cell lines

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Numerous studies have shown that IL-4 can protect various types of tumor cells from chemotherapeutic agents including breast cancer cells. There are two main signaling pathways activated by IL-4; the STAT6, signal transducers and activators of transcription pathway, that results in expression of IL-4-responsive genes and the IRS1/2 signaling pathway that influences cellular proliferation and survival. IL-4 can act directly on many tumor cell types to prevent apoptosis. The IL-4-induced activation of STAT6 has been shown to up-regulate anti-apoptotic proteins, cFlip and BcLxL, in cancer. IRS1/2 molecules link the IL-4R and IGF-1R to signaling pathways that regulate cellular proliferation and survival, and are therefore implicated in cancer progression. Recent studies showed that IRS2 regulates mammary tumor metastasis in a mouse model of breast cancer and that knocking out IRS2 rendered the tumor cells less invasive and more susceptible to apoptosis in response to growth factor withdrawal. IRS1 was not required for metastasis and was actually suggested to be a suppressor of metastasis in breast cancer and an enhancer of proliferation. IRS2 suppressed the function of IRS1 by strongly activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and inducing the serine phosphorylation of IRS1. We have found that expression of IRS1, in contrast to IRS2, leads to enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapy-induced cell death in 32D cells. Furthermore, it has been shown that MCF7 cells are more sensitive to docetaxel-induced death as compared to MDA-MB-231 cells. We propose that sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy is in part regulated by the relative abundance of IRS1 and IRS2 and their phosphorylation status. To begin to test this hypothesis, we cultured breast cancer cells lines in the presence or absence of IL-4 and evaluated the IRS pathways. We found that MCF7 cells highly expressed IRS1 with little IRS2 while MDA-MB-231 cells expressed relatively equal amounts of IRS1 and IRS2. In MCF7 cells IL-4 induced the potent tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS1 with very little tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2. However, in MDA-MB-231 cells, IL-4 induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of both IRS1 and IRS2 equally. However, the level of IRS1 phosphorylation in MDA-MD-231 cells was less than that observed in MCF7 cells. Taken together with previous publications, these results suggest that the differential activation status of IRS1 and IRS2 in breast cancer can lead to differential metastatic and chemosensitivity phenotypes. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4014.
Management of the febrile child without a focus of infection in the era of universal pneumococcal immunization.

Should strategies of management of invasive disease in the febrile child without focus of infection (occult bacteremia) be reconsidered in communities with universal immunization of infants with the conjugate vaccines for Haemophilus influenzae type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae (PCV7)? The incidence of occult bacteremia is likely to decrease with the virtual elimination of H. influenzae type b and vaccine serotype pneumococcal invasive diseases. The number of children with fever coming to physicians' offices, however, is unlikely to change. The challenge of distinguishing the febrile child with invasive bacterial disease who requires aggressive therapy from the febrile child who has a viral infection and requires only symptomatic therapy will persist. The bacteriology of invasive disease in infants and young children in 2002 will include pneumococcal serotypes not in PCV7; serotypes in PCV7 that occur in the unimmunized, partially immunized or fully immunized child (vaccine failures); Neisseria meningitidis; Salmonella spp., group A Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative enteric bacilli. Management plans published in the 1990s suggested an aggressive diagnostic approach to the febrile child 3 to 36 months old who was toxic or had a temperature of >39°C. Diagnostic tests included white blood cell counts, cultures of blood and urine and chest radiograph and lumbar puncture as indicated by clinical signs and administration of parenteral ceftriaxone. Although PCV7 was extraordinarily effective in prevention of serotype-specific invasive pneumococcal disease in clinical trials, pediatricians need to know whether the results based on 38 000 enrollees will be maintained as millions of children are immunized. In addition questions about change in serotype of pneumococci causing invasive disease (serotype switching), herd immunity and durability of protection after immunization need to be answered. Until more experience is available to answer these questions, the febrile child without focus of infection should be managed without consideration of immunization with PCV7. Evaluation of the organism (serotype) and the host (acute and convalescent sera) should be undertaken for each case of invasive pneumococcal disease in this era of universal pneumococcal immunization.
2013 Society of University Surgeons Presidential Address: Reassessing the Halstedian residency.

IT IS HARD TO EXPRESS how grateful I am to have been elected President of the Society of University Surgeons (SUS). It is my hope that my work has honored the legacy of this society and of the many illustrious surgeons who have preceded me in this position. There are several people whom I would like to start by acknowledging. Drs John Niederhuber (Fig 1, A) and Tom Krummel (Fig 1, B) were 2 Chairs of Surgery at Stanford who gave me the opportunities to show I could succeed, and I can only hope I have repaid their confidence. In my professional development, 3 individuals stand out. They were my PhD advisor, Lester Lau (Fig 1, C), my residency advisor, Ron Weigel (Fig 1, D), and my mentor when I became faculty, past SUS President Mike Longaker (Fig 1, E). Together, they taught me how to succeed as a scientist and surgeon. I first thought about the topic for this address when another faculty member at Stanford, an SUS member, told me that he thought people like me, basic researchers, were dinosaurs. As much as I do not like to think of myself as extinct, it did lead me to think about whether there was any truth to what he was saying. We have all heard the dire news about the general decline in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the even greater impact on surgical researchers. Some of the challenges facing surgical scientists may be temporal. There is reason to hope that there will
Homochiral Metal−Organic Frameworks Based on Transition Metal Bisphosphonates

Homochiral metal−organic frameworks with binaphthylbisphosphonate bridging ligands [Mn(L-H2)(MeOH)]·(MeOH), 1, [Co2(L-H2)2(H2O)3]·(H2O)4, 2, [Ni(L-H2)(MeOH)4], 3, [Cu(L-Et2)], 4, and [Zn3(L-H)2(C6H5N)2], 5, where L is completely deprotonated enantiopure 2,2‘-diethoxy-1,1‘-binaphthalene-6,6‘-bisphosphonic acid, were synthesized under hydro(solvo)thermal reactions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that 3−5 adopt condensed network structures, while compounds 1 and 2 adopt robust three-dimensional open-framework structures possessing rhombohedral channels. Solid-state circular dichroism spectra indicate that compounds 1−5 made from bridging ligands of opposite handness are supramolecular enantiomers. Compounds 1, 5, and L-H4 exhibit strong blue fluorescence in solid state, and the formation of excimers in 5 and L-H4 in solid state correlates well with the π−π stacking interactions. The present work illustrates the potential of rational synthesis of robust chiral porous network solids. The chira...
FailureSense: Detecting Sensor Failure Using Electrical Appliances in the Home

With the proliferation of inexpensive sensors, sensors are increasingly being used in smart homes. Recent experience on long term sensor deployment in residential homes has identified the potential risk of various types of sensor failure. Motivated by real examples, we develop new schemes to detect not only fail-stop failure, but obstructed-view and moved-location failures that are not the traditional fault detection foci. Our proposed solution, FailureSense, uses a novel idea of using electrical appliances to detect sensor failure at home. We learn the regular patterns of sensor firing with respect to appliance activation events and report a failure when we observe a significant deviation from the regularity. By using data from three real home deployments of over 71 days and 2818 recorded turn on and off events of 19 monitored appliances, we observe that FailureSense can detect obstructed-view, moved-location, and fail-stop failures with 82.84%, 90.53%, and 86.87% precision, respectively, with an average of 88.81% recall.
On the generation of deep disjunctive cutting planes

In this paper we address the question of deriving deep cuts for nonconvex disjunctive programs. These problems include logical constraints which restrict the variables to at least one of a finite number of constraint sets. Based on the works of Balas. Glover, and Jeroslow, we examine the set of valid inequalities or cuts which one may derive in this context, and defining reasonable criteria to measure depth of a cut we demonstrate how one may obtain the “deepest” cut. The analysis covers the case where each constraint set in the logical statement has only one constraint and is also extended for the case where each of these constraint sets may have more than one constraint.
An aggregate production planning model and application of three multiple objective decision methods

This paper presents a multiple objective formulation of the multi-product, multi-period aggregate production planning problem. The proposed model provides for individual consideration of the conflicting multiple objectives without resorting to a priori trade-off decisions through subjective cost estimation. A numerical example is solved using three Multiple Objective Decision Making Methods.
Absolute quantitation of cancer-related proteins using an MS-based peptide chip

New technologies are needed that can diagnose cancer more rapidly and accurately. These technologies must also have the ability to identify the particular cellular abnormalities contributing to the...
Immunoautoradiographic and in situ hybridization analysis of corticotropin-releasing hormone biosynthesis in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene transcription and mRNA expression are keyed to stimuli activating the pituitary-adrenocortical axis, suggesting a connection between neuronal activation and synthesis of active peptide. However, the relationship between CRH mRNA and levels of CRH peptide remains to be definitively established. The present report characterizes an immunoautoradiographic (IAR) strategy to assess CRH peptide expression in an anatomical context. Non-fixed tissue sections through the rat hypothalamus were reacted with a primary antibody against rat CRH, followed by incubation with [35S] or [125I] labeled secondary antibody. Autoradiography performed on reacted sections revealed that CRH immunoreactivity could be detected in CRH-containing regions of the hypothalamus and amygdala. Generation of CRH signal was blocked by preabsorption of primary antibody with CRH peptide, demonstrating antibody specificity. IAR performed on nitrocellulose blotted with synthetic CRH peptide revealed a linear relationship between peptide quantity and intensity of autoradiographic signal, verifying that this method is appropriate for semi-quantitative analysis of CRH peptide regulation. Assessment of CRH peptide regulation revealed a significant increase in CRH content in adrenalectomized rats (ADX) relative to sham-adrenalectomized (SHAM) controls (196%). In situ hybridization performed on adjacent sections revealed a similar increase in CRH mRNA expression in ADX rats (256%), and a significant correlation between CRH peptide and mRNA measures (r = 0.68). No ADX induced changes were seen in median eminence, dorsomedial hypothalamus or central amygdaloid nucleus. The results of this study indicate that CRH biosynthesis appears to be driven by amount of available mRNA, rather than changes in translational efficacy. In addition, the IAR technique appears ideally suited to allow concomitant assessment of mRNA and protein expression within defined populations of CNS neurons.