cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of temperature and strain rate on ductility and flow stress of a rapidly solidified hypereutectic Al-Si P/M alloy

Etude de la ductilite et de la contrainte d'ecoulement de l'alliage Al-20% Si-4,5% Fe-2,1% Cu-1% Mg-1,1% Mn soumis a des essais de traction ou de compression entre 0 et 480 C pour des vitesses de deformation comprises entre 4•10 −3 et 150•10 −3 s −1
Surgical management of giant herniated thoracic discs: analysis of 20 cases

Object. The authors evaluated the clinical and surgical outcomes obtained in patients with giant herniated thoracic discs (HTDs), defined as occupying more than 40% of the spinal canal. Surgery-related considerations and functional outcomes in patients with small- and medium-sized HTDs were compared. Methods. The authors reviewed 140 cases of surgically treated HTDs, 20 (14%) of which were giant. Before and after surgery, all patients underwent computerized tomography myelography, magnetic resonance imaging, or both. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Frankel grading system preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at long-term follow-up examination. The results observed in patients with giant HTDs were compared with those with small- and medium-sized HTDs. The mean overall follow-up period was 2.6 years. Sixty-six patients (47%) presented with myelopathy, including 19 (95%) with a giant HTD. Of the latter, 16 (80%) underwent anterior, eight thoracoscopic, and eight open thoracotomy approaches. Four patients (20%) with laterally oriented giant HTDs within the spinal canal underwent surgery via a posterolateral approach. Based on analysis of long-term follow-up data, 53% of patients with giant HTDs improved neurologically by one Frankel grade. Progression of myelopathy was arrested in 42%, and in 5% the Frankel grade worsened by one. In patients with small- and medium-sized HTDs, the Frankel grade improved by one in 77%, stabilized in 23%, and worsened in 0%. Patients with giant HTDs who underwent thoracoscopic surgery had worse short- and long-term functional outcomes than those in whom open thoracotomy was performed. Conclusions. Patients with giant HTDs presented more frequently with myelopathy and experienced worse functional outcomes than those with smaller HTDs. Based on their experience, the authors recommend open thoracotomy rather than thoracoscopy for the treatment of midline giant HTDs.
Imaging Spectrum of Cortical Dysplasia in Children

estimated that up to 30% of patients become resistant to optimized medical therapy and are potential surgical candidates. 2 Criteria for this distinction have varied, but most agree that failure of 2 appropriate antiepileptic drugs to adequately control seizures, with more than one seizure/month over an 18-month–2-year period, constitute intractability. 2 Additional important clinical features indicating that the patient may be a surgical candidate include stereotyped, lateralizing seizures with focality of semiology, a localized “epileptogenic zone” by scalp electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), or surface EEG, and a localized anatomical target on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 2 In fact, the presence of an imaging abnormality is one of the key findings that predict resistance to medical therapy and may be a critical finding in determining suitability for surgical therapy. 3 Interestingly, it is thought by many pediatric epileptologists that younger children may in fact be better candidates for epilepsy surgery than adults because of their increased neuroplasticity and the detrimental effect of repeated seizures on normal neurologic development. 4 Cortical dysplasia is the most common neuropathology noted after surgical resection for intractable epilepsy in children, and recent clinicopathologic classification systems have had a significant effect on the treatment and understanding of this disorder. 5,6 Some forms of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) (such as type IIb) have typical imaging manifestations, whereas other types such as isolated type I cortical dysplasia have variable and often nonlocalizing imaging features. As imaging findings indicating cortical dysplasia may significantly affect selection for potential surgery, radiologists involved with the workup of these patients must be familiar with the imaging spectrum of FCD, especially in children. In this article, we review the current pathologic classification and imaging findings in cortical dysplasia with an emphasis on the pediatric population.
Ophthalmic artery chemosurgery for retinoblastoma prevents new intraocular tumors.

Objective To determine the incidence and timing of new intraocular tumor foci in genetic retinoblastoma cases after treatment with ophthalmic artery chemosurgery (OAC). Design Single-center retrospective review of all genetic retinoblastoma cases managed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center/Weil-Cornell Medical School since May 2006. Participants Eighty-one patients (80 with bilateral disease and 1 with unilateral disease with a family history) with genetic retinoblastoma, with a total of 116 eyes treated with OAC since May 2006. Methods Retrospective, single-institution review of patients with bilateral retinoblastoma and unilateral retinoblastoma with a positive family history. New tumors were assessed by clinical notes, retinal drawings, and RetCam digital imaging (Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA). Main Outcome Measures New intraocular retinoblastoma tumors after treatment with OAC. Results Forty-one eyes were treated primarily with OAC (treatment-naive group) and 75 eyes were treated with OAC after prior treatment with systemic chemotherapy, external beam radiation, or both and focal techniques. Of the 41 treatment-naive eyes, a new intraocular tumor (one focus) subsequently developed in 1 eye. Of the 75 previously treated eyes, new tumors (single focus in each eye) subsequently developed in 6 eyes. Conclusions Eyes receiving OAC demonstrate fewer new intraocular retinoblastomas after radiation or systemic chemotherapy than has been reported in the literature. This suggests that ophthalmoscopically undetectable tumors are present at the initial diagnosis and effectively are eliminated as a result of OAC. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Characterization of Refuse-Derived Fuels By Large-Scale Continuous Calorimetry

Abstract The proper design of combustion chambers for refuse-derived fuel (RDF) has been hampered by the problems of characterizing the properties of the fuel. This is due to difficulty in obtaining a representative RDF sample on which to conduct calorimetric measurements, and the inability of present laboratory-scale techniques of energy content measurement to accurately reflect the burning conditions in large RDF furnaces. The paper describes a pilot-scale, continuous-fuel-feed combustion unit which has been used as a calorimeter to obtain fuel data applicable towards design of large-scale combustion facilities. Data are obtained by means of an energy and materials balance on the pilot-scale calorimeter, which enables quantification of fuel characteristics for a large sample and under simulated combustion conditions.
Window Materials Design and Properties for Use in High Power Klystrons

This paper discusses the design of and material for klystron output windows to be used on the Stanford 20-GeV linear accelerator. Alternative window geometries are considered in view of the requirements of the SLAC application. Criteria for choice of window material are presented along with physical properties of several dielectric materials, and results of experimental evaluations of various window materials are described. The necessity for, and effectiveness of, techniques for reducing multipactor are discussed. Reasons are given for the choice of the present SLAC klystron window.
Fish Reliance on Littoral–Benthic Resources and the Distribution of Primary Production in Lakes

Pelagic, littoral, and terrestrial resources can all play a role in supporting consumers in lakes. The role of benthic algal-derived food web pathways in lakes is perhaps the least understood because limnologists have historically focused on pelagic (open-water) production and processes. We compiled carbon stable isotope data from 546 fish populations (75 lakes), and used a two end-member mixing model to calculate littoral–benthic reliance for each fish species in each lake. Fish littoral–benthic reliance values were averaged by lake to assess overall fish species benthic reliance for each lake. Lake-specific mean littoral reliance (BRL; fish species not weighted according to production or biomass) averaged 57% and was independent of lake morphological and limnological attributes. For these same lakes, water column nutrients, light, and morphometry data were used to estimate whole-lake benthic algal and phytoplankton primary production. On average, benthic algae comprised 36% of whole-lake primary production (BPf = 0.36). BPf and BRL were weakly correlated: BRL tends to be high even in large/deep lakes in which benthic algae is a minor contributor to whole-lake primary production. The high littoral–benthic contribution to individual fish species appears to reflect the high concentration of fish species diversity in the littoral zone. Our work cannot be extrapolated to whole-lake fish production. However, the result is consistent with other work indicating that most fish species inhabit the littoral zone, whereas relatively few exclusively inhabit the pelagic. Our results suggest that it takes less primary production to support a single fish species in the littoral zone than is required to support a species in the pelagic.
Preliminary systems sizing for a lunar transfer propulsion module

Addresses the conceptual design of a propulsion module to serve as part of a two-stage propulsion system for a two person lunar transfer vehicle. For this module, designated Propulsion Module 1 (PM1), the avionics are sized, including INS/GPS, star trackers, sun sensors, horizon sensors, and flight computers. Batteries and a solar power system are also sized, including the sun tracking system and mechanisms. Thermal control issues are considered. The communications system is sized to provide the bulk of Earth-Moon communications while the LTV is in lunar orbit. The PM1 propulsion system itself is also sized, including a hypergolic engine and tanks. An attitude control system is sized, using the same propellants as the main engine. Performance calculations are performed to determine a valid trajectory.
Some Possible Causes of and Corrections for STS-1 Response Changes in the Global Seismographic Network

The Global Seismographic Network (GSN) (Figure 1) plays a key role in providing seismic data for global earthquake monitoring ( e.g. , Benz et al. 2005), earthquake science ( e.g. , Tsai et al. 2005), and studies of Earth structure ( e.g. , Dalton et al. 2008). One of the key GSN design goals is to “provide high fidelity digital recordings of all teleseismic ground motions (adequate to resolve at or near ambient noise up to the largest teleseismic signals over the bandwidth from free oscillations (10-4 Hz) to teleseismic body waves (up to approximately 15 Hz))” (GSN ad hoc Design Goals Subcommittee 2002). To help meet this goal, Streckeisen STS-1 seismometers were deployed at 80 GSN stations. Some of the GSN sensors have been deployed for more than 25 years. Several recent studies (Davis et al. 2005; Ekstrom et al. 2006; Davis and Berger 2007) have examined the question of overall calibration of the GSN. Ekstrom et al. (2006) indicated that a number of sites showed anomalous responses and suggested a gradual decay in the sensitivity. We have investigated the anomalous responses at several GSN sites. At least some of the problems observed by Ekstrom et al. (2006) may be attributed to humid air leaking into the feedback electronics of the STS-1 seismometers, which produces lower than normal sensitivities near the long-period corner of the instrument (360 seconds period). It appears that even though the feedback electronics boxes are designed to be sealed, water vapor can penetrate their interior after they have been exposed to highly humid seismometer vault air for extended periods. Highly humid air was also found to be present inside some STS-1 bell-jars (especially horizontal instruments) after loss of vacuum, resulting in corrosion and leakage between electrical conductors in connectors. This also resulted in a lowered …
The effect of prostaglandins E1 and E2 on the human erythrocyte as monitored by spin labels

The effects of the prostaglandins PGE1 and PGE2 on the deformability of the human erythrocyte were studied using spin-labeled erythrocytes. Two magnetic resonance parameters were measured: (1) The orientation relaxation time, t12, for the erythrocyte, and (2) the order parameter, S, for a fatty acid spin label bound to the membrane. Prostaglandins PGE1 and PGE2 exhibited opposite effects on both t12 and S. PGE2 made the cell less deformable (increases of t12 and S) and PGE1 made the erythrocyte more deformable (decrease of t12 and S).
Phase matrix for light scattering by concentrically stratified spheres: comparison of geometric optics and the "exact" theory.

We have developed a hit-and-miss Monte Carlo geometric ray-tracing program to compute the scattering phase matrix for concentrically stratified spheres. Using typical refractive indices for water and aerosols in the calculations, numerous rainbow features appear in the phase matrix that deviate from the results calculated from homogeneous spheres. In the context of geometric ray tracing, rainbows and glory are identified by means of their ray paths, which provide physical explanation for the features produced by the “exact” Lorenz–Mie theory. The computed results for the phase matrix, the single-scattering albedo, and the asymmetry factor for a size parameter of ∼600 compared closely with those evaluated from the “exact” theory.
Investigation of Adaptive Responses in Bystander Cells in 3D Cultures Containing Tritium-Labeled and Unlabeled Normal Human Fibroblasts

Abstract The study of radiation-induced bystander effects in normal human cells maintained in three-dimensional (3D) architecture provides more in vivo-like conditions and is relevant to human risk assessment. Linear energy transfer, dose and dose rate have been considered as critical factors in propagating radiation-induced effects. This investigation uses an in vitro 3D tissue culture model in which normal AG1522 human fibroblasts are grown in a carbon scaffold to investigate induction of a G1 arrest in bystander cells that neighbor radiolabeled cells. Cell cultures were co-pulse-labeled with [3H]deoxycytidine (3HdC) to selectively irradiate a minor fraction of cells with 1–5 keV/µm β particles and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to identify the radiolabeled cells using immunofluorescence. The induction of a G1 arrest was measured specifically in unlabeled cells (i.e. bystander cells) using a flow cytometry-based version of the cumulative labeling index assay. To investigate the relationship between bystander ...
Selecting a practice location: factors that periodontists may consider.

Background: The decision to locate a periodontal practice is based upon a complex series of interrelated variables. An understanding of this process is essential if planning for the distribution of periodontists is to be considered. Methods: Non-parametric statistical tests were used to determine the relationships between the rankings of states by periodontist-to-population ratios and 1) the availability of a periodontal training program, and 2) selected population demographic characteristics. Results: A statistically significant positive relationship was found between the ranking of states by periodontist-to-population ratios and 1) the availability of a periodontal training program; 2) per capita income; 3) per capita spending for health services; 4) availability of health insurance; and 5) the percentage of the population that is African-American, Hispanic, and Asian-American. Conclusions: This study provides a broad analysis of some of the factors in the practice location decision process. Further ana...
Complications to optical measurements using a laser with an unstable resonator: a case study on laser-induced incandescence of soot

Temporal behavior of pulses from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with an unstable resonator can vary significantly with radial position in the beam. Our laser provides pulses with position-dependent durations spanning 8-11.5 ns at 1064 nm and 7-10 ns at 532 nm. Pulses emerge first and have the longest duration at the center of the beam; they are shorter (by up to 4 ns) and increasingly delayed (by up to 10 ns) with increasing radial distance from the center. This behavior can have a dramatic effect on time-sensitive experiments, such as laser-induced incandescence of soot, if not taken into account.
A Unified Framework for Key Agreement Over Wireless Fading Channels

The problem of key generation over wireless fading channels is investigated. First, a joint source-channel approach that combines existing source and channel models for key agreement over wireless fading channels is developed. It is shown that, in general, to fully exploit the resources provided by time-varying channel gains, one needs to combine both the channel model, in which Alice sends a key to Bob over a wireless channel, and the source model, in which Alice and Bob generate a key by exploiting the correlated observations obtained from the wireless fading channel. Asymptotic analyses suggest that in the long coherence time regime, the channel model is asymptotically optimal. On the other hand, in the high power regime, the source model is asymptotically optimal. Second, the framework is extended to the scenario with an active attacker. Assuming that the goal of the attacker is to minimize the key rate that can be generated using the proposed protocol and the attacker will employ such an attack strategy, the attacker's optimal attack strategy is identified and the key rate under this attack model is characterized.
Texture segmentation using circular-Mellin operators

Texture is an important preattentive cue in region-based segmentation of images. In this paper, we discuss the use of circular-Mellin features for segmenting an image into homogenous regions. The circular-Mellin operators represent the spectral decomposition of the image scene in the polar-log coordinate system and are invariant to both scale and orientation of the target. Coupled with the unique shift invariance property of the correlator architecture, these circular-Mellin operators can be used for rotation- and scale-invariant feature extraction. We note that while both these feature extractors have similar functional form to the Gabor functions, the distortion-invariant characteristics of the circular-Mellin operators make them preferable for texture segmentation. Segmentation results to demonstrate their salient properties are presented. >
Activation of γδ T Cells by Borrelia burgdorferi Is Indirect via a TLR- and Caspase-Dependent Pathway

Activation of the innate immune system typically precedes engagement of adaptive immunity. Cells at the interface between these two arms of the immune response are thus critical to provide full engagement of host defense. Among the innate T cells at this interface are γδ T cells. γδ T cells contribute to the defense from a variety of infectious organisms, yet little is understood regarding how they are activated. We have previously observed that human γδ T cells of the Vδ1 subset accumulate in inflamed joints in Lyme arthritis and proliferate in response to stimulation with the causative spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi . We now observe that murine γδ T cells are also activated by B. burgdorferi and that in both cases the activation is indirect via TLR stimulation on dendritic cells or monocytes. Furthermore, B. burgdorferi stimulation of monocytes via TLR, and secondary activation of γδ T cells, are both caspase-dependent.
Formation of the Chalazae in the Hen’s Egg

Abstract IT HAS been stated by Lillie (1919) that the chalazae appear to be opalescent cords twisted in opposite directions. Hansen (1933) and Asmundson and Burmester (1936) have made further observations on the formation of the chalazae particularly in regard to that portion of the oviduct (isthmus and uterus) in which they become differentiated from other physical divisions of the albumen. In a study of 520 White Leghorn eggs, I have noted that when both chalazae are normal, i.e., of average size and attached both to the yolk and to the firm albumen, the chalaza at the large end of the egg invariably has a clockwise twist, while that at the small end invariably has a counter-clockwise twist. When only one chalaza is normal its direction of twist conforms to the above statement. Abnormal chalazae are usually detached from the firm albumen layer and slightly twisted in the usual direction or . . .
Methodology for the Extraction, Purification, and Determination of Plant Growth Substances

Plant growth substances are involved in nearly all aspects of the plant’s life cycle as deduced from the fact that exogenous applications by them profoundly affect plant responses. However, it is difficult to detect plant growth substances within the plant for numerous reasons. At the present time it is not known whether plant growth substances act at certain levels in a dose-dependent manner or if they remain constant, while changes in tissue sensitivity (receptors) are more closely related to a given response. Our knowledge in the area of plant growth substances is still quite limited and the major reason is that the techniques for their analysis are still very cumbersome. There are many methods for extracting, purifying, and quantifying plant growth substances; however, it is not the intent in this section to provide an exhaustive review of the literature in the area. This chapter is intended to be a basic outline of all steps from tissue preparation through final identification and quantification of plant growth substances. However, for detailed protocols see Rivier and Crozier (1987) and Hedden (1993).
Sensitivity Analysis of Burst Detection and RF Fingerprinting Classification Performance

There has been a recent shift toward improving wireless access security within the OSI PHY layer by exploiting RF features that are inherently device specific and difficult to replicate by an unintended party. This work addresses the extraction and exploitation of RF "fingerprints" to classify emissions and provide device-specific identification. Burst transient detection precedes RF fingerprint extraction and is generally the most critical step in the overall process. This work provides a much needed sensitivity analysis of burst detection capability. The analysis is conducted using instantaneous amplitude responses with both Fractal-Bayesian Step Change Detection (Fractal-BSCD) and Variance Trajectory (VT) processes. The performance of each method is evaluated under varying SNR conditions using experimentally collected 802.11a OFDM signals. The impact of transient detection error on signal classification performance is then demonstrated using RF fingerprints and Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA) with Maximum Likelihood (ML) classification. The VT technique emerges as the better alternative for all SNRs considered and yields MDA-ML classification accuracy that is consistent with "perfect" transient estimation performance.
Comparing the Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Beliefs of Practitioners in General and Special Early Childhood Service Settings

This study examined the developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) beliefs of 113 practitioners employed in either general early childhood service settings (n = 74) or special early childhood service settings (n = 39) in a southern state. Results obtained on the Teachers Beliefs Scale were remarkably similar across settings, indicating general consensus on the importance of DAP practices among practitioners employed in both types of service settings. The major areas of difference between individuals employed in the two different service settings were related to the appropriateness of implementing behavioral teaching and classroom management strategies (e.g., positive reinforcement and punishment). Practitioners employed in special early childhood service settings viewed behavioral strategies as being more appropriate than did practitioners employed in general early childhood service settings. No important relationships were found between DAP beliefs and individual characteristics of the respondents, such ...
From Spontaneous Event to Lucidity

Within Western culture, dreams have been and are still generally regarded as events that just happen to people, bizarre nocturnal events that seldom bear any discernible relation to the waking life of the dreamer. If dreams are given any positive value, they are seen as unsolicited gifts. When not particularly valued, the more usual situation in our culture, they are seen as mostly meaningless, chance events. The occasional relationships between life events and dreams tend to be fitted into what Hadfield (1954) charmingly called the “pickled walnut theories” of dreaming: If you ate something that disagreed with you, it might result in the bizarre mental activity of dreaming.
The Arbitrator and Mandatory Rules of Law

An endless literature exhorts us to ask whether international arbitrators have some sort of a duty or obligation to enforce rules of mandatory law. Such an abstract inquiry - untethered from the positive law implications of arbitral failure, or the pragmatic constraints that push individual behavior in one direction or another - seems obviously to elide just about all the interesting questions. Should, it is asked, arbitrators consider themselves as nothing more than the servant of the parties? Do their allegiances lie with the parties that appoint them, or the states that support them? Should they see their role as merely being concerned to keep a deal going without concern for the public interest - or should they perhaps identify themselves instead as statesmanlike jurists whose first dedication is to the law?I examine in some detail a number of important concrete cases that have raised these questions, and try to understand them through the lens of two fairly straightforward priorities that ought to drive the engine - fidelity to the expectations of the contracting parties, and concern for the enforceability of the resulting award.It can never, for example, be the case that in any arbitral proceeding party autonomy can be trumped - not, at least, in any interesting sense. (I am necessarily leaving to one side, then, cases where it is sought to use the arbitration mechanism as a tool to facilitate the parties' involvement behavior universally thought to be abhorrent). Against this backdrop of his role as the parties' agent, our arbitrator is also likely to self-consciously define himself as a positivist who understands rules of law not as the residue of some system or structure to be decoded, but instead as the command of a sovereign. And so he is not encouraged to consider any matters divorced from the consequences of his behavior A vacated or unrecognized award is after all a fiasco, a sign of fecklessness or irresponsibility that hardly enhances market credibility: Precisely who, he will ask, is likely to be looking over his shoulder? The apparent tension between the two parts of this paper - between the arbitrator's solicitude with respect to the ex ante expectations of the parties, and his attentiveness with respect to the ultimate fate of his award - can readily be overstated. With some common sense and ingenuity, it can be minimized even further.
Treating Small Bowel Obstruction with a Manual Physical Therapy: A Prospective Efficacy Study

Small bowel obstructions (SBOs) caused by adhesions are a common, often life-threatening postsurgical complication with few treatment options available for patients. This study examines the efficacy of a manual physical therapy treatment regimen on the pain and quality of life of subjects with a history of bowel obstructions due to adhesions in a prospective, controlled survey based study. Changes in six domains of quality of life were measured via ratings reported before and after treatment using the validated Small Bowel Obstruction Questionnaire (SBO-Q). Improvements in the domains for pain (p = 0.0087), overall quality of life (p = 0.0016), and pain severity (p = 0.0006) were significant when average scores before treatment were compared with scores after treatment. The gastrointestinal symptoms (p = 0.0258) domain was marginally significant. There was no statistically significant improvement identified in the diet or medication domains in the SBO-Q for this population. Significant improvements in range of motion in the trunk (p ≤ 0.001), often limited by adhesions, were also observed for all measures. This study demonstrates in a small number of subjects that this manual physical therapy protocol is an effective treatment option for patients with adhesive small bowel obstructions as measured by subject reported symptoms and quality of life.
Abstract A60: Kras-transformed Caco-2 cells establish a 3-D model of colon cancer

While Caco-2 cells derived from a human colorectal carcinoma have historically been used to study differentiated colonic epithelium in 2-D cultures, recent work has used a 3-D cell culture system to model epithelial morphogenesis. We describe here the use of 3-D Caco-2 cell cultures to model colon cancer progression. Caco-2 cells harbor APC, p53, and SMAD4 mutations, but are wild type for Kras, the most frequently mutated gene in colon cancer. Control Caco-2 cells seeded in extracellular matrix generate hollow, polarized structures after 10 days. In contrast, Caco-2 cells expressing oncogenic Kras form much larger and filled structures that lack a central lumen. Furthermore, Western blot analysis of protein lysates made from day 1 and day 10 control structures reveals a strong decrease in cyclin B, suggesting a reduction in the proportion of cells undergoing mitosis. Kras structures, however, maintain cyclin B levels, providing evidence of prolonged proliferation. Immunofluorescence of the apical marker aPKC and the tight junction protein Z0–1 shows that Kras structures have disrupted polarity. Interestingly, Kras-expressing Caco-2 cells do not invade through a matrigel-based matrix. Thus we will investigate which other factors cooperate with oncogenic Kras to promote tumor progression in addition to which pathways downstream of Kras contribute to this transformed acinar phenotype. As most colon cancer research is conducted either with cell lines in 2-D culture or in models, this 3-D model has the potential to provide both relevance to human tumors and ease of mechanistic inquiry. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; 2011 Sep 14-18; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(18 Suppl):Abstract nr A60.
Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of Wisconsin sandy soils.

Soils of the Great Lakes states are largely unexamined for vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAMF). Wisconsin, in particular, has no records of these fungi. There are only three reports (Koske, 1985; Koske et al., 1975, 1986) of VAMF being isolated from the great lacustrine dunes of North America, even though there are numerous reports of VAMF from North American maritime dune systems (e.g., for New England, Koske and Halvorson, 1981; Tews and Koske, 1986; and for the Northwest, Gerdeman and Trappe, 1974). The purpose of this study was to determine the species of VAMF present in dune soils of Lake Michigan and in sandy soils in Wisconsin and to compare the species lists with those of other dune systems. VAM fungi were collected from soil around the root zones of plants at 53 different sites. (FIG. 1 indicates the major collection sites.) The sites included dunes of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, sandbars and banks of the Wisconsin River, and irrigated and unirrigated sandy soils of central Wisconsin. Samples (ca. 11) were collected from the following plants: Ammophila breviligulata Fern., Oct., 1983, July, 1984, June, 1985; Agropyron dasystachum (Hook.) Scrbn., July, 1984; Avena sp., June, 1985; Calamovilfa longifolia (Hook.) Scrbn., Oct., 1983, July, 1984; Glycine max L., July, 1985; Lathyrus maritimus (L.) Bigelow, Oct., 1983; Lythrum salicaria L., June, 1985; Poa praetensis L., July, 1984, June, 1985; Rosa sp., Oct., 1983; Zea mays L., June, 1985; sedges, June, 1985. Collection localities for each species are found in TABLE I. Soil samples were placed in plastic bags and stored at about 6 C until processed. Field observations regarding position, date, vegetational cover, and depth were recorded. Routinely, 2-3 root zones of each plant species were sampled at each site at a depth of 10-30 cm.
Localization of neuroendocrine functions within the hypothalamus.

The results of lesion, stimulation, deafferentation, implantation and transplantation studies employed in the identification of hypophysiotrophic control areas in the hypothalamus to date suggest the following probable locations: corticotropic releasing factor (CRF) is formed in a diffuse area along the base of the median eminence, if not the base of the entire hypothalamus. Follicle stimulating hormone releasing factor (FSHRF) is elaborated in the paraventricular-suprachiasmatic areas but its cyclic control may reside in the anterior hypothalamic area. Luteinizing hormone (LH) is controlled by luteinizing hormone releasing factor (LHRF) formed in the suprachiasmatic area: its cyclic control may be in the preoptic area. Prolactin is controlled by prolactin inhibiting factor (PIF) localized in a diffuse area comprising the ventromedial, dorsomedial, arcuate and paraventricular nuclei. The hypothalamic area involved in thyroid control is also rather large, since thyrotropin stimulating hormone releasing factor (TSHRF) has been found in an area including the supraoptic and chiasmatic nuclei. Growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF) is elaborated in a rather narrow zone, the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei.
Miniaturized Linear Wire Ion Trap Mass Analyzer

We report a linear ion trap (LIT) in which the electric field is formed by fine wires held under tension and accurately positioned using holes drilled in two end plates made of plastic. The coordinates of the hole positions were optimized in simulation. The stability diagram and mass spectra using boundary ejection were compared between simulation and experiment and good agreement was found. The mass spectra from experiments show peak widths (fwhm) in units of mass-to-charge of around 0.38 Th using a scan rate of 3830 Th/s. The limits of detection are 137 ppbv and 401 ppbv for benzene and toluene, respectively. Different sizes of the wire ion trap can be easily fabricated by drilling holes in scaled positions. Other distinguishing features, such as high ion and photon transmission, low capacitance, high tolerance to mechanical and assembly error, and low weight, are discussed.
Entr'acte: The Bonds of Slavery

Aristocracies often commit very tyrannical and very inhuman actions; but they rarely entertain grovelling thoughts; and they showa kind of haughty contempt of little pleasures, even whilst they indulge in them. The effect is greatly to raise the general pitch of society. In aristocratic ages vast ideas are commonly entertained of the dignity, the power, and the greatness of man. —Alexis de Tocqueville Slavery grounded southern society and culture, differentiating the South from the North, to which it remained intimately linked. It had not always been thus. Although northern and southern settlement had been fed by slightly different currents – the one more Puritan, the other more Cavalier – both derived disproportionately from British stock and both included a large component of yeoman farm families. Slaveholding, like indentured servitude, was taken for granted by all. Only gradually did the two regions diverge, as slavery advanced in the South and receded in the North. During the early years of the Republic, most Southerners lived comfortably with a kind of layered citizenship: citizens of the new United States but deeply rooted in their discrete states, which they were wont to call “my country,” and in their local communities and households. Many Northerners of the day did the same, but fault lines appeared in the early Republic. By the Missouri crisis of 1819–20, the growing regional divergence in interests and values was clear to those who cared to notice. Today, many academics slight the significance – or deny the existence – of southern distinctiveness, arguing that Southerners were Northerners by another name even during the first half of the nineteenth century: aspiring capitalists, cultivators of conventional middle-class mores, and racists.
Chromatographic analysis of molecular species of lipids: A general survey

There are a number of molecular species within individual lipid classes. Variations in the structure location and mode of attachment of lipophilic chains cause the molecular specie variations. The individual lipid classes are classified as aliphatic and alicyclic lipids each of which classes is further subdivided into categories. This is a review of the use of different methods of chromatographic technique used to analyze the various lipid species. The review discusses each type of lipid in detail including a section on prostaglandins.
High-frequency nerve conduction block

High frequency alternating current waveforms have been shown to produce a rapidly reversible nerve block in animal models, but the parameters and mechanism of this block are not well understood. A frog sciatic nerve/gastrocnemius muscle preparation was used to examine the parameters for nerve conduction block in vivo. A complete and reversible nerve block was achieved in all preparations. The results indicate that a 100% block of motor activity can be accomplished with a variety of waveform parameters, including sinusoidal and rectangular waveforms at frequencies from 2 kHz to 20 kHz. The most efficient waveform for conduction block was a 3-5 kHz constant-current biphasic sinusoid. It was demonstrated that the block is not produced indirectly through fatigue.
Real-time server overloaded monitoring algorithm using back propagation artificial neural network

In recent years, downtime and information loss problems of server computers have become more critical. Even if a server has antivirus and CPU overload checking programs, it may occasionally be broken or slowed down. Hypothetically, there are possible indications of the problems under specific external situations such as high temperature, low fan speed, and extreme main board vibration. In order to recognize the correlation between external conditions and the overloaded problems, a monitoring computer collects data from external sensors. By using an accelerometer, an anemometer, and a temperature sensor, the monitoring algorithm is able to predict the target computer's status. A web application has been developed to help server managers to remotely know how server computers are operating. This paper proposes a monitoring algorithm to diagnose server overload for a target computer, based on the Fast Fourier Transform, multivariate linear regression, and learning algorithms. As a result, this paper suggests that a monitoring algorithm can be implemented with an artificial neural network that warns of possible malfunction cases.
Practical Systems Programming in Computer Science Education (Abstract Only)

Introductory curricula, courses, and programming assignments seem to get most of the attention at Computer Science education conferences. This bird-of-a-feather focuses, instead, on upper-level systems courses (databases, networks, compilers, operating systems, etc.) and, more specifically, on courses with a significant hands-on implementation component, from small-scale programming assignments like implementing a memory allocator or a network protocol, to larger projects like implementing an operating system or compiler from scratch. Designing assignments and projects for these kinds of courses can be challenging: they must be "practical" in the sense of providing a realistic systems programming experience, but also "practical" in the sense of being small and self-contained enough to be feasible in a single quarter/semester. While there are a number of established frameworks (such as Minix, Pintos, or xv6 for operating systems) there is not, to the best of our knowledge, a dedicated forum for educators focused on these types of courses. Such a forum would allow us to more easily share existing coursework, collaboratively develop and refine coursework, and to have seasoned instructors provide support to those just starting out. This birds-of-a-feather is a first step in that direction. It will provide an opportunity for instructors of upper-level systems courses to get to know each other as well as exchange ideas and experiences. Discussion will revolve primarily around programming assignments and projects, but will also look to foster networking and communication beyond the birds-of-a-feather session.
An experimental study of nanoparticle-polymer-stabilized CO2 foam

Abstract The results of foam flooding in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) practices depend largely on the stability of foam flow within reservoirs. To stabilize foam, polymers such as partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide are added to the foaming agents. However, due to residual polymer, which tend to expand in volume within the porous medium, formation damage is inevitable. Thus, new foaming agents are required to stabilize foam without causing formation damage. Nanoparticle-stabilized foams offer promise as suitable substitutes for polymers as they do not damage the formation. The main objective of this work is to improve CO2 foam stability by using nanoparticles such as SiO2 and Fe2O3 in combination with guar-gum polymer. Zeta potential and contact angles of these components were measured to better understand the parameters that affect CO2 foam stability. Experimental outcomes of this work show that the addition of nanoparticles to alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) and guar-gum solutions can considerably enhance CO2 foam stability. Polymer/surfactant solutions such as guar-gum/AOS generate foams with half-life time significantly shorter than that of the surfactant-nanoparticle dispersion like AOS-SiO2. That is, under same conditions, polymer-surfactant based foams are less stable compared to surfactant-nanoparticle based foams.
Soliton-mediated orientation and birefrigence in gold nanorod suspensions

We demonstrate soliton-mediated orientational ordering in gold nanorod suspensions. Polarization transmission spectrum shows orientation-enhanced birefringence along the soliton channel, indicating a disorder-to-order transition of nanorods due to the torque exerted by the soliton beam.
Do Successive Preterm Births Increase the Risk of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms

Background. Postpartum depression and preterm birth (PTB) are major problems affecting women’s health. PTB has been associated with increased risk of postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS). However, it is unclear if PTB in women with a prior history of PTB is associated with an incremental risk of PDS. This study aims to determine if PTB in women with a prior history of PTB is associated with an incremental risk of PDS. Methods. Data come from the 2009–2011 national Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Study sample included 55,681 multiparous women with singleton live births in the index delivery. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between PTB and PDS. Results. The risk of PDS was 55% higher in women with PTB in both deliveries (aRR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.28–1.88) and 74% higher in women with PTB in the index delivery only (aRR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.49–2.05), compared to women with term deliveries. Conclusions. Preterm birth is a risk factor for PDS. PTB in women with a prior history of PTB is not associated with an incremental risk of PDS. Routine screening for PDS should be conducted for all women and closer monitoring should be done for high risk women with PTB.
Redeemed Compared to Whom?: Comparing the Distributional Properties of Arrest Risk Across Populations of Provisional Employees With and Without a Criminal Record

Research Summary By using data on provisional employees with and without criminal records, we find that existing standards of a “reasonable amount of [arrest] risk” (derived from “time to redemption” research) for an employer to incur in hiring individuals with criminal histories prove too onerous for many employees without records to meet, let alone those with records. We then propose an alternative method of assessing arrest risk across these populations—benchmarking—and provide several alternative standards, illustrating that they (a) clear a demonstrable majority of employees without records and a sizable minority of those with a criminal history and (b) do not increase the risk incurred by employers over and above the level they already accept among employees without records. Policy Implications Our findings suggest that the almost singular importance placed on “time since last” policies when conducting criminal background checks is ill-placed as the risk of arrest across populations of employees with and without criminal histories overlaps more than the results of extant research would imply. Although future research needs to be conducted to ascertain whether our findings generalize to other employment contexts, current background check practices would be better served if they were to adopt an approach that chooses a specific threshold for comparison, which should align with an easily communicated and face-valid cost function. Furthermore, the selected standard should (a) hold all individuals to the same standard and (b) be one that a demonstrable majority of individuals without criminal records can meet.
Weak convergence of the linear rank statistics under strong mixing conditions

Abstract We obtain the asymptotic distribution of the linear rank statistics under weak dependence. We consider a sequence of strong mixing random vectors with unequal dimensions and show the asymptotic normality of the rank statistics based on overall ranking.
Euthanasia as an Option: A Note

The choice between life and death is not easy. For patients who are terminally ill and their family members, the choice becomes one that minimizes suffering for both sides. In this paper we proposed a theoretical economics model of evaluating the costs/benefits of euthanasia. The decision to seek euthanasia is modeled akin to valuation of an option. Our model concluded that euthanasia is optimal when certain conditions are satisfied. Our model also provided some policy implications. Different policies, ranging from the amount of money spent on medical research to social and religious attitude, could affect the demand for euthanasia.