cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decoding motor cortical spike trains for brain machine interface applications

This paper addresses the issue of cortical control using motor neurons. We examined data from both open-loop off-line and close-loop online motor control tasks: given multi-neuron recordings of action potentials, determine rats' paddle press intentions as they respond to the onset of light cues. We systematically evaluated two classes of machine learning classification techniques, the self-organizing maps (SOM), and the support vector machines (SVM).The SOM based algorithm was augmented by a Bayesian decision model for classification of control commands. To circumvent the difficulty of large number of data variables and relatively low number of data samples, principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) were used as dimension reduction techniques associated with the classifiers. We demonstrated using recordings from 5 rats that the proposed algorithms provide much more accurate control decisions than those by chance. Our results provided validation of the feasibility of real-time brain control with feedback using predictive models between cortical firing patterns and control commands. Our real-time brain control does not require desired target information in decoding as some other algorithms did. In addition, careful comparisons and evaluations are provided for several different implementations of the decoding techniques.
Correlation of Friedman test and phase of endometrium in ectopic pregnancy

Abstract 1. 1. Thirty-two cases of ectopic preguancy with complete clinical and laboratory findings are analyzed with regard to the findings on curettage, the result of the Friedman test, the microscopic examination of the removed tube, and the clinical picture. 2. 2. Any patient with an ectopic pregnancy who bleeds scantily, even for many weeks, may still have uterine decidua, but with a decreased decidual expectancy as the duration of the bleeding increases. If the bleeding has been moderate or profuse for more than three weeks, decidua is extremely likely to be absent. The probable presence of uterine decidua is inversely proportional to the total amount of blood lost per vaginam, the less the blood loss, the greater the chance for decidua to be present. 3. 3. No patient with a negative Friedman test had uterine decidua at the time of curettage. No patient with uterine decidua had a negative Friedman test. 4. 4. There is a close but not perfect relationship between the result of the Friedman test and the state of preservation of the chorionic villi. 5. 5. Occasionally one finds morphologically perfect placental tissue in the Fallopian tube, a positive Friedman test, and an absence of decidua in the uterus. Such patients always had a history of prolonged or profuse bleeding per vaginam. 6. 6. Factors other than placental degeneration are probably important in causing decidual degeneration and expulsion. Among such factors may be the suddenness of placental degeneration, and the sensitivity and irritability of the decidua or myometrium. 7. 7. In a well-regulated hospital, a suspected case of ectopic pregnancy without acute symptoms may be observed with comparative safety for rather prolonged periods of time until the diagnosis is made. Seventeen patients were observed from one to two weeks and 4 patients still longer, without serious sequelae. 8. 8. If while under observation for several days or longer the patient's course has been febrile, the uterus appears less likely to contain decidua than if the temperature had remained normal. 9. 9. In cases of suspected old ectopic pregnancy where the Friedman test is negative, aspiration of the cul-de-sac may confirm the diagnosis. Here curettage would reveal no decidua, but may nevertheless be indicated to rule out the presence of an old incomplete abortion or placental polyp.
The spiritual worker: An examination of the ripple effect that enhances quality of life in‐ and outside the work environment

Purpose – To describe ways in which non‐managerial workers could contribute toward establishing spirituality at work.Design/methodology/approach – The subject scope is spirituality at work. The methods are literature review, and two qualitative (phenomenological) studies. The approach to the topic is defining the phenomenon; examining internal, integrated and external drivers; presentation of the ripple effect.Findings – Finds that spirituality at work is an inside‐out approach; workers at different levels can help establish spirit at work. Some workplaces are just not susceptible toward a spiritual mindset.Research limitations/implications – The studies reviewed, although in‐depth, applied to a small sample, which makes generalization riskier. Although interrater reliability was successfully applied in the first phenomenological study, there may be some bias in this approach, because the researcher is the instrument. Suggestions for future research: applying a quantitative study on a broader sample of wo...
Advances in BJT techniques for high-performance transceivers

New low-inertia bipolar junction transistor (BJT) technologies have paved the way for many novel cell designs during the past few years. These IC processes are optimized for operation at low supply voltages and support the high-performance passive components (such as inductors, low-capacitance thin-film resistors and low-resistance metal-oxide-metal capacitors) needed to realize integrated transceivers. This paper presents several circuit concepts, of general value, which have proven useful in the realization of high-performance cellular and cordless telephony applications.
Dark focus, movement contrast, and the high sky phenomenon.

(1979). Dark Focus, Movement Contrast, and the High Sky Phenomenon. Research Quarterly. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance: Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 119-122.
Diffusion mechanism of particle beams in the presence of phase modulation in double RF systems

The particle diffusion mechanism due to phase modulation on one of the RF cavities in a double RF system is studied. We find that the Einstein relation is satisfied if there is a global chaos in the phase space. On the other hand, the existence of dominant parametric resonances forces the particles streaming along the separatrix, which may result in an anomalous diffusion process. The particle tracking simulations based on the Hamiltonian for the double RF system is employed to reveal the essential diffusion mechanism. Also for the first time, a coherent octupole mode has been observed in the bunch beam excitation. The phase space evolution of the octupole mode is displayed.
Appraisal Arbitrage and the Future of Public Company M&A

In this Article, we demonstrate that the stockholder’s appraisal remedy — long-dismissed in corporate law scholarship as useless or worse — is in the middle of a renaissance in public company mergers. We argue that this surge in appraisal activity promises to benefit public shareholders in circumstances where they are most vulnerable. We first show a sea change in the use of appraisal in Delaware. Relying on our hand-collected data, we document sharp recent increases in the incidence of appraisal petitions, in the size of the petitioners’ holdings, and in the sophistication of the petitioners targeting public deals. These litigants appear to invest in target company stock after the announcement of the merger and with the intention of pursuing appraisal. In short, this is appraisal arbitrage. There is every reason to believe that appraisal now stands as the most potent legal challenge to opportunistic mergers. We also present evidence showing that these appraisal petitions bear strong markers of litigation merit — they are, in other words, targeting the right deals. Nevertheless, defense lawyers have recently suggested that appraisal arbitrage constitutes some sort of “abuse” of the remedy and ought to be stopped. This nascent argument has matters precisely backwards. This new world of appraisal should be welcomed and indeed encouraged. Our analysis reveals that appraisal arbitrage focuses private enforcement resources on the transactions that are most likely to deserve scrutiny, and the benefits of this kind of appraisal accrue to minority shareholders even when they do not themselves seek appraisal. In this way, the threat of appraisal helps to minimize agency costs in the takeover setting, thereby decreasing the ex ante cost of raising equity capital and improving allocative efficiency in public company mergers and acquisitions. We offer some modest reforms designed to enhance the operation of the appraisal remedy in Delaware.
Acclimatization to high altitude increase muscle sympathetic activity both at rest and during exercise

This investigation examined the relationship between alterations in plasma norepinephrine associated with 21 days of high-altitude exposure and muscle sympathetic activity both at rest and during exercise. Healthy sea level residents, divided into a control group (n = 5) receiving a placebo or a drug group (n = 6) receiving 240 mg/day of propranolol, were studied while at sea level, upon arrival (acute), and after 21 days of residence (chronic) at 4,300 m. Arterial norepinephrine levels and net leg uptake and release of norepinephrine were determine both at rest and during 45 min of submaximal exercise via samples collected from femoral arterial and venous catheters. Arterial norepinephrine levels increased significantly after chronic altitude exposure both at rest (84%) and during exercise (174%) compared with sea level and acute values. A net uptake of norepinephrine was found in resting legs at sea level (0.28 +/- 0.05 nmol/min) and with acute exposure (0.07 +/- 0.06 nmol/min); however, a significant switch to net leg norepinephrine release was observed with chronic altitude exposure (0.51 +/- 0.11 nmol/min). With exercise, a net release of norepinephrine by the leg occurred across all conditions with chronic exposure, again eliciting the greatest values (5.3 +/- 0.6, 8.0 +/- 1.7, and 14.4 +/- 3.1 nmol/min for sea level, acute, and chronic exposure, respectively). It was concluded that muscle sympathetic activity is significantly elevated both at rest and during submaximal exercise as a result of chronic high-altitude exposure, and muscle is a major contributor to the increase in plasma norepinephrine levels associated with prolonged altitude exposure. The presence of dense beta-blockade did not alter this adaptation to altitude.
A systems analysis of irrigation water quality in an environmental assessment of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in the United States linked to iceberg lettuce

Abstract A foodborne Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak in December 2006 included 77 illnesses reported in Iowa and Minnesota. Epidemiologic investigations by health departments in those states and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified shredded iceberg lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) as the vehicle of transmission. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Minnesota and California public health agencies traced the lettuce to several growing regions in California based on information from a lettuce processor in Minnesota. Samples from an environmental investigation initiated by the California Food Emergency Response Team (CalFERT) revealed a genetic match between the outbreak strain and environmental samples from a single farm, leading to an in-depth systems-based analysis of the irrigation water system on that farm. This paper presents findings from that systems-based analysis, which assessed conditions on the farm potentially contributing to contamination of the lettuce. The farm had three sources of irrigation water: groundwater from onsite wells, surface water delivered by a water management agency and effluent from wastewater lagoons on nearby dairy farms. Wastewater effluent was blended with the other sources and used only to irrigate animal feed crops. However, water management on the farm, including control of wastewater blending, appeared to create potential for cross-contamination. Pressure gradients and lack of backflow measures in the irrigation system might have created conditions for cross-contamination of water used to irrigate lettuce. The irrigation network on the farm had evolved over time to meet various needs, without an overall analysis of how that evolution potentially created vulnerabilities to contamination of irrigation water. The type of systems analysis described here is one method for helping to ensure that such vulnerabilities are identified and addressed. A preventive, risk-based management approach, such as the Water Safety Plan process for drinking water, may also be useful in managing irrigation water quality.
On the ratios for extreme value distributions with application to rainfall modeling

The exact distributions of the ratio X/Y are derived when X and Y are independent random variables and come from type I, type II or type III extreme value distributions. A detailed application of the results is provided to extreme rainfall data from Korea. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal structure of polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS) nano-materials: A study by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.

The crystal structure and morphology of inorganic−organic hybrid POSS nanoparticles, consisting of an inorganic core of silicon and oxygen and outer organic attachments of alkyl groups, has been studied using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. These molecules self-assemble to form a hexagonally packed structure. Alkyl attachments are accommodated within the interstices of the hexagonal lattice. The results have implications for our understanding of the disorder in polymer−POSS nanocomposite materials such as those formed by copolymerization.
Excimer laser-assisted removal of embedded IVC filters: a single-center prospective study

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the excimer laser sheath technique for removing embedded IVC filters. Materials and Methods Over a 3-year period, 100 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled into an IRB-approved study. There were 42 men and 58 women (mean: 46 years, range 18-76). Indications for retrieval included symptomatic acute IVC thrombosis, chronic IVC occlusion, and/or pain from retroperitoneal or bowel penetration. Retrieval was also performed to prevent risks from prolonged implantation and potentially to eliminate need for lifelong anticoagulation. After standard methods failed, treatment escalation was attempted with a laser sheath for photothermal tissue ablation, powered by a 308 nm XeCl excimer laser (CVX-300, Spectranetics). Applied forces were recorded using a digital tension meter before and after laser activation. All retrieved specimens were sent for histologic analysis. Results Laser-assisted retrieval was successful in 98.0% (95%CI:93.0-99.8%) with mean implantation of 855 days, range: 37-6663 days ( > 18 years), among the following: Gunther Tulip (n = 34), Celect (n = 12), Option (n = 17), OPTEASE (n = 20, 1 failure), TRAPEASE (n = 6, 1 failure), Simon-Nitinol (n = 1), 12-Fr SS Greenfield (n = 4), Titanium Greenfield (n = 6). Average force during failed standard retrievals was 7.2 lbs versus 4.6 lbs during laser-assisted retrievals (p Conclusion Excimer laser tissue ablation is effective for removing embedded IVC filters refractory to standard retrieval and high force. With appropriate expertise, this technique can safely be used to help prevent and alleviate filter-related morbidity.
Selective Regulation of Aromatase Expression for Drug Discovery

Aromatase is a particularly attractive drug target in the treatment of hormone-responsive breast cancer, and aromatase activity in breast cancer patients is greater in or near the tumor tissue compared with the normal breast tissue. Complex regulation of aromatase expression in human tissues involves alternative promoter sites that provide tissue-specific control. Previous studies in our laboratories suggested a strong association between aromatase (CYP19) gene expression and the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) genes. Additionally, COX selective inhibitors can suppress CYP19 gene expression and decrease aromatase activity. Our current hypothesis is that pharmacological regulation of aromatase can act locally to decrease the biosynthesis of estrogen and may provide additional therapy options for patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer. Two pharmacological approaches are being developed, one approach utilizing small molecule drug design and the second approach involving mRNA silencing technology. The small molecule drug design approach focuses on the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of sulfonanilide analogs derived from COX-2 selective inhibitors. Combinatorial chemistry approaches were used to generate diversely substituted novel sulfonanilides. The compounds suppress aromatase enzyme activity in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells in a dose and time dependent manner, and structure activity analysis does not find a correlation between aromatase suppression and COX inhibition. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrates that the sulfonanilide analogs decrease aromatase gene transcription in breast cells. Furthermore, the sulfonanilide compounds selectively decrease aromatase gene expression in several breast cancer cells, without exhibiting cytotoxic or apoptotic effects at low micromole concentrations. A ligand-based pharmacophore model for selective aromatase modulation (SAM) by the novel sulfonanilides identified an aromatic ring, two hydrogen bond acceptors, and a hydrophobic function as four key chemical features. In the second approach, short interfering RNAs (siRNA) were designed targeting human aromatase mRNA. Treatment of breast cancer cells with siRNAs targeting aromatase (siAROMs) completely masked the aromatase enzyme activity and resulted in suppression of CYP19 mRNA. Thus, these results suggest that the novel sulfonanilides and the siRNAs targeting aromatase expression may be valuable tools for selective regulation of aromatase in breast cancer.
Femtosecond-laser writing of tracks with depressed refractive index in crystals

Fabrication and characterization of tracks in calcium fluoride and crystalline quartz are described. These tracks were created using ultrashort near-infrared (NIR) laser pulses in a manner similar to that of writing waveguides in glasses. Unlike the tracks in glasses the laser-written tracks in crystals have the depression of the refractive index. The magnitude of the depression is about 0.01 or more that may enable creation of high-contrast structures in crystals. Depending on the writing conditions the tracks' diameter may vary from around 1 micrometer to 10 micrometers.
A new technique for right heart catheterization with a swan‐ganz balloon catheter via femoral vein in the patient with dilated right heart chambers, utilizing a modified transseptal‐type sheath

Right heart catheterization with a Swan-Ganz balloon catheter via femoral vein in the patient with dilated right atrium and ventricle is frequently difficult due to excessive catheter coiling in the dilated atrium. A new technique is described in this situation. By using a modified transseptal-type sheath positioned counterclockwise in right atrium as an introducing sheath, a balloon catheter can be easily advanced to the distal pulmonary artery by smooth counterclockwise direction and secure support from this sheath.
Absolute stereochemistry of 2‐hydroxyglutaric acid present in methanopterin

The absolute stereochemistry of the 2-hydroxyglutaric acid present in methanopterin and its α-glutamyl derivative, sarcinapterin, has been determined to be (S). Thus, the absolute stereochemistry of the 2-hydroxyglutaric acid present in the side chain of these modified folates is the same as the L-glutamic acid present in the side chain of folates. Chirality 9:678–680, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
EXTENSIVE REPEAT TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND GUIDED PROSTATE BIOPSY IN PATIENTS WITH PREVIOUS BENIGN SEXTANT BIOPSIES

Purpose: Standard sextant prostate biopsy may underestimate cancer in men in whom clinical findings are suspicious for localized prostate cancer. We describe our experience with extensive transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy in men in whom previous sextant biopsy was negative. Materials and Methods: Between November 1997 and March 1999, 57 men 47 to 72 years old (mean age 61.4) underwent extensive transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate using intravenous sedation at our institution. An average of 22.5 cores (range 15 to 31) were obtained depending on prostate size. Biopsies were obtained from each of 6 sagittal regions, including samples from the far lateral and mid transitional zones. Each patient had undergone at least 1 previous benign transrectal ultrasound guided sextant biopsy (mean 2.1, range 1 to 4). Indications for repeat biopsy were persistently elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) in 89% of the cases, increased PSA velocity in 63%, suspicious free-to-total PSA in 39% and a previous suspicious biopsy finding in 32%. Clinical factors (PSA, PSA velocity, free-to-total PSA and previous suspicious biopsy) were analyzed for the ability to predict positive biopsy, and tumor parameters were assessed pathologically in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Results: Adenocarcinoma was identified in 17 of the 57 men (30%). Biopsy revealed a Gleason score of 6 to 8 (mean 6.4). In 7 of the 17 patients (41%) in whom cancer was identified only 1 biopsy core was positive. Of the 15 patients in whom previous sextant biopsy had demonstrated high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation extensive biopsy revealed cancer in 7 (47%). Although serum PSA was higher and free-to-total PSA was lower in those with cancer, the only statistically significant predictor of positive biopsy was PSA velocity (p Conclusions: Extensive prostate biopsy identifies significant prostate cancer in many men in whom previous sextant biopsy was benign. This procedure should be considered when findings are suspicious for adenocarcinoma despite previously negative sextant biopsy.
Isolation of the Candida tropicalis gene for P450 lanosterol demethylase and its expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have isolated the gene for cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase (14DM) from the yeast Candida tropicalis. This was accomplished by screening genomic libraries of strain ATCC750 in E. coli using a DNA fragment containing the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae 14DM gene. Identity of this gene was confirmed by a) observing a heme binding region common to all P450s after sequencing the 3' portion of the gene, and b) based upon tests of its expression in strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
The Chicken Genome: Some Good News and Some Bad News

The sequencing of the chicken genome has generated a wealth of good news for poultry science. It allows the chicken to be a major player in 21st century biology by providing an entree into an arsenal of new technologies that can be used to explore virtually any chicken phenotype of interest. The initial technological onslaught has been described in this symposium. The wealth of data available now or soon to be available cannot be explained by simplistic models and will force us to treat the inherent complexity of the chicken in ways that are more realistic but at the same time more difficult to comprehend. Initial single nucleotide polymorphism analyses suggest that broilers retain a remarkable amount of the genetic diversity of predomesticated Jungle Fowl, whereas commercial layer genomes display less diversity and broader linkage disequilibrium. Thus, intensive commercial selection has not fixed a genome rich in wide selective sweeps, at least within the broiler population. Rather, a complex assortment of combinations of ancient allelic diversity survives. Low levels of linkage disequilibrium will make association analysis in broilers more difficult. The wider disequilibrium observed in layers should facilitate the mapping of quantitative trait loci, and at the same time make it more difficult to identify the causative nucleotide change(s). In addition, many quantitative traits may be specific to the genetic background in which they arose and not readily transferable to, or detectable in, other line backgrounds. Despite the obstacles it presents, the genetic complexity of the chicken may also be viewed as good news because it insures that long-term genetic progress will continue via breeding using quantitative genetics, and it surely will keep poultry scientists busy for decades to come. It is now time to move from an emphasis on obtaining "THE" chicken genome sequence to obtaining multiple sequences, especially of foundation stocks, and a broader understanding of the full genetic and phenotypic diversity of the domesticated chicken.
Using Social Network Analysis to Enhance Nonprofit Organizational Research Capacity: A Case Study

As donor agencies become more specific in funding requirements, research that can demonstrate the collaborative efforts of a nonprofit agency with its organizational neighbors and how those efforts pay off in terms of capacity and provision of services is highly useful. Recognizing these benefits, a local funding agency in Virginia commissioned a study to look at the ways in which social network analysis (SNA) can enhance the data resources available to nonprofits for funding and grant requests. In this article, we present a case study of a network of 52 nonprofit organizations to illustrate the viability of SNA in terms of funding and research needs specific to nonprofit organizations. We discuss the outcomes of the case study in terms of how the visual and metric outputs of SNA can be used by nonprofits to enhance the accomplishment of their organizational missions and strengthen their grant requests.
Why the gore report will probably fail

The Gore Report on Reinventing Government summarizes the findings of the National Performance Review Board. It is a well-intentioned endeavor, containing many perceptive insights and solutions. Unfortunately, the NPR failed to consider a number of fundamental problems, which will probably cause the reform effort to fail. Foremost among the problems are the neglect of “the public interest,” reform by command rather than by persuasion, the trivialization of the “public” service, the devaluation of citizenship and the cynicism of frustrated expectations. This article discusses some of the implications of those problems. Because The Gore Report-- the popular name for the report of the National Performance Review Board (NPR) -- is, at the same time, both a proposal for managerial reform and a political document, and because our prognosis is so pessimistic, it is important for us to state our beliefs at the outset. First, both authors are social liberals, with a bent toward fiscal conservatism. Both support str...
Resection of Both Medial Rectus Muscles in Organic Convergence Insufficiency

Six patients with a prolonged history of severe muscular asthenopia caused by persistent convergence insufficiency underwent resection of both medial rectus muscles. A temporary consecutive esotrapia occurred in each instance and was controlled with prisms. Five weeks after surgery the consecutive esotropia had disappeared in all but one patient who still required prismatic correction for distance fixation. All patients experienced relief from their symptoms. Whereas orthoptic training is useful in most cases of convergence insufficiency a resection of both medial rectus muscles should be considered in persistent cases especially with an associated weakness of accommodation.
Ethnicity as a Risk Factor for Inadequate Emergency Department Analgesia

Objective. —To determine whether Hispanic patients with isolated long-bone fractures are less likely to receive emergency department (ED) analgesics than similar non-Hispanic white patients. Design. —Retrospective cohort study. Setting. —The UCLA Emergency Medicine Center, a level I trauma center. Participants. —All Hispanic and non-Hispanic white ED patients aged 15 to 55 years, seen between January 1,1990, and December 31,1991, with isolated long-bone fractures, identified byICD-9 codes 812, 813,821, and 823, were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria included injury more than 6 hours prior to presentation, "possible" or chip fractures only, altered mentation, or ethanol intoxication. Main Outcome Measures. —Emergency department administration of analgesic or no analgesic. Results. —The study group consisted of 139 patients meeting inclusion criteria, of whom 31 were Hispanic and 108 non-Hispanic white. Non-Hispanic whites were significantly more likely to speak English, be insured, and suffer nonoccupational injuries. Hispanics were twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to receive no ED pain medication (crude relative risk [RR], 2.12; 95% confidence interval [Cl], 1.35 to 3.32;P=.003). The RR for ethnicity was similar and significant (P Conclusions. —Hispanics with isolated long-bone fractures are twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to receive no pain medication in the UCLA Emergency Medicine Center. No covariate measured in this study could account for this effect. An ethnic basis for variability in analgesic practice needs to be further characterized. (JAMA. 1993;269:1537-1539)
Vanadate is a potent competitive inhibitor of phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus

Monomeric vanadate is a potent competitive inhibitor of phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus, much better than other oxyanions (e.g., phosphate or iodate). The apparent efficiency of inhibition depends on the substrate aggregate structure. The measured inhibition constant with respect to monomeric phosphatidylcholine substrate is 0.21 mM under conditions where the K(m) is 0.12 mM; for micellar substrate the apparent Ki appears much lower and in fact tracks the apparent K(m) which decreases 10-fold. Vanadate inhibition is removed by addition of exogenous diacylglycerol, which by itself is an inhibitor. In contrast to its effect with monomeric or micellar substrate, vanadate does not strongly inhibit the PLC-catalyzed hydrolysis of small unilamellar vesicles of phosphatidylcholine. These results are interpreted in terms of the surface binding of the enzyme. Because of its ability to mimic the transition state of phosphate ester hydrolysis vanadate is also used to investigate the constraints on the occurrence of strained cyclic intermediates in phospholipid hydrolysis by PLC.
New perspectives on effector mechanisms in uveitis

Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in its several variants represents human autoimmune uveitis and has been instrumental in obtaining insights into the basic mechanisms of disease. Studies have uncovered that in addition to CD4+ Th1 cells, uveitis can be induced also by CD8+ T cells. Antibodies may have a secondary role after the blood–retinal barrier has been broken. The role in uveitis of a recently discovered IL-17-producing effector T cell type, Th17, is being intensively studied. Th17 cells elicit EAU, can be found in uveitic eyes along with Th1 cells, and are dominant in some types of EAU. In other types of EAU, Th1 cells have a dominant role. The dominant effector type is at least in part determined by conditions under which initial exposure to self-antigen occurs. These findings shed light on the heterogeneity of human disease and may ultimately help to develop better and more rational treatment strategies for human uveitis.
Communicative competence and the bargaining of Watergate

(1978). Communicative competence and the bargaining of Watergate. Western Journal of Speech Communication: Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 105-115.
Topology optimization of convection-dominated, steady-state heat transfer problems

The current push in the topology optimization community is to apply topology optimization to mechanics problems beyond typical structural design to other physical domains. Here, a framework for topology optimization of nonlinear steady-state heat transfer with conduction, convection, and radiation without explicitly accounting for fluid motion is evaluated. Convection-dominated diffusion problems are susceptible to numerical instabilities that, unless they are handled properly in the analysis, can severely affect the optimization. This numerical instability issue is the focus of this work, its origin is discussed in the context of density-design-variable-based topology optimization, and a method for avoiding such instabilities is described. Several design examples demonstrate the approach.
SU‐FF‐I‐133: Assessing the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Performance of Gadolinium‐Hyaluronic Acid Polymer Contrast Agents in Phosphate Buffered Saline

The aim was to investigate HA as a potential contrast agent for first‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging*, and to assess the imaging performance of gadolinium‐hyaluronic acid (HA) polymer complexes from HA‐ligand constructs by determining the proton longitudinal relaxivities and accurate relaxation rates in saline solutions at 10.72 MHz. Imaging of same solutions in well defined dialysis tubing at 3T using a constructed phantom was then used to measure the rate of diffusion to determine if the Gd‐complex polymer conjugate would have a sufficiently large hydrodynamic size to prevent immediate perfusion through vascular wall‐like conditions to account for leaks from the intravascular to interstitial space. Samples denoted as HW02‐18 Sample A and HW02‐18 Sample B were successfully prepared by coupling an amine functionalized DTPA with HA via EDC/NHS coupling methods. These produced the highest relaxation rates and relaxivities at 10.72 MHz compared to the other preparation methods. Twenty four hours post‐injection, Gadodiamide showed a signal to noise ratio of unity, while HW‐147 continued to retain some degree of contrast relative to the background. The slope of the logarithmic fit corresponding to HW01‐147 was estimated at −0.006 compared to −0.01 of Gadodiamide, a much steeper drop indicating smaller molecular size and faster perfusion rate across the dialysis membranes. This is demonstrative of the Gd ion's relative freedom to influence the R1 of extracellular water molecules, while the molecular size of the Gd‐polymer complex has a molecular radius that is sufficiently large to prevent vascular‐like perfusion. This is a necessary prerequisite for HA bound Gd as a contrast agent for first‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging.
Surface Modification of Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites by Excimer Laser Ablation

This paper investigates the effects of nanoclay (Organically Modified Montmorillonite -OMMT) dispersion state and morphology of nanocomposites on laser induced surface micro/nano structure formation and modification of Polystyrene-Clay Nanocomposites at various OMMT concentrations. Injection molded sample surfaces were irradiated by a 248 nm KrF excimer laser in air. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance accessory were utilized to analyze the ablated surface. Results show that, in general, better dispersion of OMMT leads to less continuous surface structures and more pronounced carbonyl regions on FTIR spectra. Clay nanoparticles are exposed on ablated surfaces and affect surface structure formation after irradiation by laser. A mechanism for the formation of excimer laser induced surface structures on injection molded parts is thus proposed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Synergistic effects of hyperoxic gas breathing and reduced oxygen consumption on tumor oxygenation: a theoretical model

Abstract Purpose To simulate effects of reduced oxygen consumption combined with hyperoxic gas breathing on tumor oxygenation, and to test for synergistic effects. Methods and materials Diffusive oxygen transport was simulated for a small region of tumor containing a three-dimensional network of microvessels whose geometry was derived from in vivo observations. Changes in tissue partial pressure of oxygen (PO 2 ) and hypoxic fraction (PO 2 2 with the two treatments combined, minus the sum of the changes with the separate treatments. Results Predicted hypoxic fractions were 37% in the control state, 11% with reduced consumption, 23% with oxygen breathing alone, and 0% with the combined treatment. The synergistic effect was about 4 mm Hg at tissue points with very low initial PO 2 levels and decreased as initial PO 2 increased. Conclusions Reduction of oxygen consumption via the Crabtree effect, by administration of glucose, has been proposed as a means to improve tumor oxygenation during radiation treatment. The results support previous experimental studies showing that this approach is more effective when combined with breathing of hyperoxic gases.
Digital forensic implications of ZFS

ZFS is a relatively new, open source file system designed and developed by Sun Microsystems. The stated intent was to develop ''...a new kind of file system that provides simple administration, transactional semantics, end-to-end data integrity, and immense scalability'' (OpenSolaris community). Its functionality, architecture, and disk layout take a relatively radical departure from many commonly used file systems (e.g. FAT, NTFS, EXT2/3, UFS, HFS+, etc.). Since file systems play a very important role in how and where data are stored, as well as the likelihood of their retrieval during digital forensic investigations, it is important that forensics researchers and practitioners understand ZFS and its forensic implications. That is the goal of this article. We first provide the reader with a primer of sorts about ZFS, which lays the foundation for our discussion of ZFS forensics. We then present the results of our analysis of ZFS functionality, architecture, and disk layout - identifying and discussing several digital forensic artifacts and challenges unique to ZFS.
Effect of concanavalin a on ganglioside metabolism of human lymphocytes

Abstract The effect of Con-A on the incorporation of radioactivity from [ 14 C]-glucosamine into gangliosides of human lymphocytes was investigated. Compared with non-stimulated lymphocytes there was increased incorporation into gangliosides and total lipids within the first 24 hours of exposure to Con-A. Ganglioside synthesis also occurred in later time intervals within the 96 hour incubation period. GM3 accounted for 80% of the labeled ganglioside in Con-A stimulated cells at all times studied. Thus ganglioside synthesis is not only associated with cellular division, but also occurs within a few hours of lymphocyte activation representing an extremely early prereplicative event.
A physical basis for head-body temperature differences in reptiles

Abstract Head and body temperatures of green iguanas (Iguana iguana) were monitored as the lizards were heated and cooled. The head heated before the body until head temperatures of 30–36°C were reached, after which the rate of increase of head temperature slowed. The head cooled before the body. Dead lizards had larger head-body temperature differences than live ones, indicating that such differences do not necessarily indicate active control of head temperature by the animal.
Microscopic treatment of a barrel drop on fibers and nanofibers.

Abstract The microscopic approach of Berim and Ruckenstein (J. Phys. Chem. B 108 (2004) 19330, 19339) regarding the shape and stability of a liquid drop on a planar bare solid surface is extended to a liquid barrel drop on the bare surface of a solid cylinder (fiber) of arbitrary radius. Assuming the interaction potentials of the liquid molecules between themselves and with the molecules of the solid of the London–van der Waals form, the potential energy of a liquid molecule with an infinitely long fiber was calculated analytically. A differential equation for the drop profile was derived by the variational minimization of the total potential energy of the drop by taking into account the structuring of the liquid near the fiber. This equation was solved in quadrature and the shape and stability of the barrel drop were analyzed as functions of the radius of the fiber and the microscopic contact angle θ 0 which the drop profile makes with the surface of the fiber. The latter angle is dependent on the fiber radius and on the microscopic parameters of the model (strength of the intermolecular interactions, densities of the liquid and solid phases, hard core radii, etc.). Expressions for the evaluation of the microcontact angle from experimentally measurable characteristics of the drop profile (height, length, volume, location of inflection point) are obtained. All drop characteristics, such as stability, shape, are functions of θ 0 and a certain parameter a which depends on the model parameters. In particular, the range of drop stability consists of three domains in the plane θ 0 –a, separated by two critical curves a = a c ( θ 0 ) and a = a c 1 ( θ 0 ) [ a c ( θ 0 ) a c 1 ( θ 0 ) ]. In the first domain, below the curve a = a c ( θ 0 ) , the drop can have any height at its apex. In the second and third domains the values of h m are limited; in the second domain (above the curve a = a c 1 ( θ 0 ) ) there is an upper limit of h, h m 1 , and the drops with h m > h m 1 cannot exist, whereas in the third domain (between those curves) the drop can have values of h m either smaller than h m 1 or larger than h m 2 , where h m 2 > h m 1 is a second critical height. For sufficiently large fiber radii, R f ⩾ 1 μm , the critical curves almost coincide and only two domains, the first and the second, remain. The smaller the radius, the larger is the difference between the critical curves and the larger is the second domain of drop stability. The shape of the drop depends on whether the point ( θ 0 , a ) on the θ 0 –a plane is far from the critical curve or near it. In the first case the drop profile has generally a large circular part, while in the second case the shape is either almost planar or contains a long manchon that is similar to a film on the fiber.
The total artificial heart in refractory cardiogenic shock: saving the patient versus saving the heart.

Marvin J Slepian and Jack G Copeland present their Viewpoint on the University of Arizona's experience with the CardioWest™total artificial heart (TAH-t) in patients with protracted refractory cardiogenic shock accompanying acute myocardial infarction. The authors assert that the TAH-t could provide a lifeline to patients whose prognosis would otherwise be bleak.
Observation of a far-infrared sphere resonance in superconducting La2-xSrxCuO4-y particles.

A far-infrared sphere resonance has been observed in superconducting La/sub 2-//sub x/Sr/sub x/CuO/sub 4-//sub y/ isolated small particles at low temperatures. The frequency and strength of this electronic mode increase with increased Sr doping, decrease with applied magnetic field, and decrease as the temperature is raised; the resonance disappears above the superconducting transition temperature. This superconducting sphere resonance occurs at a frequency below the energy gap and is polarized along the c axis of the particle.
Familial aspects of congenital heart disease.

Abstract Nineteen families with two or more cases of congenital heart disease have been presented. It is concluded that hereditary factors play a role in the etiology of congenital heart disease, but their relative importance remain to be determined. In some families the incidence of congenital heart disease is very impressive.
Integrated analysis reveals that STAT3 is central to the crosstalk between HER/ErbB receptor signaling pathways in human mammary epithelial cells

Human epidermal growth factor receptors (HER, also known as ErbB) drive cellular proliferation, pro-survival and stress responses by activating several downstream kinases, in particular ERK, p38 MAPK, JNK (SAPK), the PI3K/AKT, as well as various transcriptional regulators such as STAT3. When co-expressed, the first three members of HER family (HER1–3) can form homo- and hetero-dimers, and there is considerable evidence suggesting that the receptor dimers differentially activate intracellular signaling pathways. To better understand the interactions in this system, we pursued multi-factorial experiments where HER dimerization patterns and signaling pathways were rationally perturbed. We measured the activation of HER1–3 receptors and of the sentinel signaling proteins ERK, AKT, p38 MAPK, JNK, STAT3 as a function of time in a panel of human mammary epithelial (HME) cells expressing different levels of HER1–3 stimulated with various ligand combinations. We hypothesized that the HER dimerization pattern is a better predictor of downstream signaling than the total receptor activation levels. We validated this hypothesis using a combination of model-based analysis to quantify the HER dimerization patterns, and by clustering the activation data in multiple ways to confirm that the HER receptor dimer is a better predictor of the signaling through p38 MAPK, ERK and AKT pathways than the total HER receptor expression and activation levels. We then pursued combinatorial inhibition studies to identify the causal regulatory interactions between sentinel signaling proteins. Quantitative analysis of the collected data using the modular response analysis (MRA) and its Bayesian Variable Selection Algorithm (BVSA) version allowed us to obtain a consensus regulatory interaction model, which revealed that STAT3 occupies a central role in the crosstalk between the studied pathways in HME cells. Results of the BVSA/MRA and cluster analysis were in agreement with each other.
Lunar transfer vehicle design issues with electric propulsion systems

This paper describes parametric design studies of electric propulsion lunar transfer vehicles. In designing a lunar transfer vehicle, selecting the 'best' operating points for the design parameters allows significant reductions in the mass in low earth orbit (LEO) for the mission. These parameters include the specific impulse, the power level, and the propulsion technology. Many of the decisions regarding the operating points are controlled by the propulsion and power system technologies that are available for the spacecraft. The relationship between these technologies is discussed and analyzed here. It is found that both ion and MPD propulsion offer significant LEO mass reductions over O2/H2 for lunar transfer vehicle missions. The recommended operating points for the lunar transfer vehicle are an I(sp) of 5000 lb(f)-s/lb(m) and a 1 MW power level. For large lunar missions, krypton may be the best choice for ion propulsion.
Minimizing makespan subject to minimum total flow-time on identical parallel machines

Abstract This paper considers the identical parallel-machine scheduling problem of minimizing makespan subject to minimum total flow-time. In view of the NP-hard nature of the problem, lower bounds on the optimal makespan value and efficient heuristic algorithms for finding optimal schedules are described and empirically evaluated as to their effectiveness in finding optimal schedules.
Replies: Evidence and Sensibility

Regrettably, I will address but a fraction of my commentators' concerns. This should not be attributed to ingratitude or indifference, but to situational constraints: Given the available space, if I am to take even partial account of any issues, I can account for only a few. I will have relatively little to say about a major preoccupation in Lack of Character, the details of the relevant empirical work. I will say something about my reasons for this omission, reasons of considerable methodological importance. For the most part, however, I wonder about how seriously engaging the empirical issues as my astute commentators have done may re-weight the emphases, or reform the sensibilities, with which philosophers approach moral psychology.
The International Conference on the World Crisis in Education: Summary Report of the Conference Chairman

Education is now a central preoccupation of every country, but almost everywhere is in a state of crisis and demands immediate attention to ways and means of replacing inflexibility with innovation and outmoded ideas with fresh approaches. If education is to perform the tasks that mankind requires it will be necessary to improve our performance regarding information about education, management and structure, teachers and students, curriculum content and teaching methods, resources, and international cooperation.