cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and growth of III–V nanowire solar cell arrays on low cost substrates

State-of-the-art III–V multijunction cells have achieved a record efficiency of 42.8%, which has fueled great interest in the utility sector for large-scale deployment. However, III–V solar cells have thus far proven too expensive for widespread terrestrial applications due to the combined cost of substrates, growth processes, and materials. Here, we propose a novel III–V solar cell based on the epitaxial growth of AlGaAs/GaAs on Ge nanowires, pre-patterned on low cost substrates to achieve cost-effective, large-scale deployment. This approach is based on our recent discovery that the surface kinetics and epitaxial growth by MBE and MOCVD are dramatically altered when growing on nanostructures instead of planar surfaces. These growth kinetics enable uniform, single crystal growth of low-defect, lattice mismatched materials on nanostructures with high aspect ratios. We present the device design, TCAD simulation results, and experimental growth results for GaAs/Ge core-shell nanowires on silicon substrates. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation results show that this GaAs/Ge nanowire array has reduced reflection and wider incident angle acceptance than its planar counterpart, and outperforms planar anti-reflective coatings under some conditions. GaAs is epitaxially grown on Ge nanowires via MBE and MOCVD. TEM measurements on the wires confirm that the GaAs/Ge core-shell structure is single crystal. Based on these results, we are in the process of fabricating GaAs/Ge nanowire solar cell arrays. We will present further characterization of these core-shell arrays as well as electrical measurements of solar cell devices.
Creation of radiopaque thrombi for in vivo experiments.

PURPOSE A number of percutaneous thrombectomy devices are undergoing investigation for treatment of patients with venous thromboembolism. Use of radiopaque thrombus to monitor thrombus delivery and assess thrombectomy has been previously reported. The purpose of this project was to quantitatively test the effect of mixing different ratios of blood and contrast material to facilitate maximum thrombus formation and radiopacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The following ratios of blood and contrast material were mixed: 2 mL blood to 8 mL contrast material (ratio = 0.25), 4 mL blood to 6 mL contrast material (ratio = 0.67), 6 mL blood to 4 mL contrast material (ratio = 1.5), and 8 mL blood to 2 mL contrast material (ratio = 4). Contrast material was added at day 0, 3, or 6. Each sample received one of two ionic contrast agents to opacify the clots. At day 14, thrombus mass and opacity were determined. RESULTS Three combinations of blood and contrast material produced maximum thrombus and radiopacity. These were sodium iothalamate 30% with a ratio of 4 with contrast material added on day 0 and sodium iothalamate 60% with a ratio of 1.5 with contrast material added on day 3 or 6. CONCLUSIONS When forming radiopaque thrombi, significant differences can result from the ratio of blood to contrast material used. Contrast material type can also affect radiopacity and mass formed. The use of optimal ratios of blood to contrast material should maximize device evaluation with minimal wasting of valuable resources such as test subjects, physician time, and equipment.
First RunII results with the Dzero detector at the Fermilab Tevatron

Abstract We report the first results obtained by the Dzero Collaboration using data from Run II delivered by the Fermilab Tevatron. With the data sample collected until May 2002, we have commissioned and calibrated all of the detector components. Here we will present the current performance of all the detector subsystems. We also report the first physics signals, with emphasis on first measurements of production cross sections of W , Z bosons in proton anti-proton collisions at the new center of mass energy of 1.96 TeV and searches for particles predicted by theories beyond the Standard Model.
Rx Roulette: combatting counterfeit pharmaceuticals in developing nations

The debate over access to medicines has principally centered on pharmaceutical patents and prohibitively high drug prices. Although a less recognized problem, counterfeit pharmaceuticals are certainly a more insidious barrier to access. Pharmaceutical counterfeiting is an invisible threat, not only by nature, but also because the industry has historically downplayed it. However, that has changed. Pharmaceutical firms now not only readily concede counterfeiting is a threat to their business, but in some cases publicly address their strategies and the anticounterfeiting technologies in use and development. Acknowledging the problem has benefited the industry because it alters the ways in which firms are able to combat counterfeiting, allowing them to more overtly confront the problem. In addition, it allows them to better partner with governments and health advocates since their incentives are aligned in efforts to prevent counterfeiting. In light of the more public and more aggressive campaign against counterfeiting, it is important to examine the variety of strategies firms may utilize to prevent their sale. Through a theoretical model of the market in a representative developing country, several anticounterfeiting strategies are considered. Some strategies appear to be more effective than others in the battle against fake drugs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intracellular transport of MHC class II and associated invariant chain in antigen presenting cells from AP-3-deficient mocha mice.

Abstract MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation requires trafficking of newly synthesized class II-invariant chain complexes from the trans-Golgi network to endosomal, peptide-loading compartments. This transport is mediated by dileucine-like motifs within the cytosolic tail of the invariant chain. Although these signals have been well characterized, the cytosolic proteins that interact with these dileucine signals and mediate Golgi sorting and endosomal transport have not been identified. Recently, an adaptor complex, AP-3, has been identified that interacts with dileucine motifs and mediates endosomal/lysosomal transport in yeast, Drosophila, and mammals. In this report, we have assessed class II-invariant chain trafficking in a strain of mice ( mocha ) which lacks expression of AP-3. Our studies demonstrate that the lack of AP-3 does not affect the kinetics of invariant chain degradation, the route of class II-invariant chain transport, or the rate and extent of class II–peptide binding as assessed by the generation of SDS-stable dimers. The possible role of other known or unknown adaptor complexes in class II-invariant chain transport is discussed.
Analysis of reflectance spectra from hyperspectral images of poultry carcasses for fecal and ingesta detection

Identification and separation of poultry carcasses contaminated by feces and/or crop ingesta are very important to protect the consumer from a potential source of food poisoning. A transportable hyperspectral imaging system was developed to detect fecal and ingesta contamination on the surface of poultry carcasses. Detection algorithms used with the imaging system were developed from visible/near infrared monochromator spectra and with contaminates from birds fed a corn/soybean meal diet. The objectives of this study were to investigate using regions of interest reflectance spectra from hyperspectral images to determine optimal wavelengths for fecal detection algorithms from images of birds fed corn, wheat and milo diets. Spectral and spatial data between 400 and 900 nm with a 1.0 nm spectral resolution were acquired from uncontaminated and fecal and ingesta contaminated poultry carcasses. Regions of interest (ROIs) were defined for fecal and ingesta contaminated and uncontaminated skin (i.e. breast, thigh, and wing). Average reflectance spectra of the ROIs were extracted for analysis. Reflectance spectra of contaminants and uncontaminated skin differed. Spectral data pre-processing treatments with a single-term, linear regression program to select wavelengths for optimum calibration coefficients to detect contamination were developed. Fecal and ingesta detection models, specifically a quotient of 2 and/or 3-wavelengths was 100% successful in classification of contaminates.
Free Vibration Analysis Of Linear Vibrating Deficient Systems With Arbitrary Damping

Abstract The "deficient" system that exists when the geometric multiplicity of an eigenvalue of a linear vibrating system is less than its algebraic multiplicity is defined and constructed. A complex mode theory is developed for the deficient system. The normal complex modes and generalized complex modes are defined. The free vibration characteristics of the deficient system are discussed. It is shown that the state equations of motion of the deficient system cannot be decoupled completely, and that the free vibration of the deficient system will decay more slowly than a damped normal system with the same damping ratio. A three-degree-of-freedom deficient system of springs and masses is used to illustrate the utility and correctness of the results.
Development and evaluation of a continuous coarse (PM10-PM2.5) particle monitor.

ABSTRACT In this paper, we describe the development and laboratory and field evaluation of a continuous coarse (2.5-10 um) particle mass (PM) monitor that can provide reliable measurements of the coarse mass (CM) concentrations in time intervals as short as 5-10 min. The operating principle of the monitor is based on enriching CM concentrations by a factor of ~25 by means of a 2.5-um cut point round nozzle virtual impactor while maintaining fine mass (FM)—that is, the mass of PM2 5 at ambient concentrations. The aerosol mixture is subsequently drawn through a standard tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM), the response of which is dominated by the contributions of the CM, due to concentration enrichment. Findings from the field study ascertain that a TEOM coupled with a PM10 inlet followed by a 2.5-um cut point round nozzle virtual impactor can be used successfully for continuous CM concentration measurements. The average concentration-enriched CM concentrations measured by the TEOM were 26-27 t...
The significance of brain aminopeptidases in the regulation of the actions of angiotensin peptides in the brain.

From the outset, the concept of a brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been controversial and this controversy continues to this day. In addition to the unresolved questions as to the means by which, and location(s) where brain Ang II is synthesized, and the uncertainties regarding the functionality of the different subtypes of Ang II receptors in the brain, a new controversy has arisen with respect to the identity of the angiotensin peptide(s) that activate brain AT1 receptors. While it has been known for some time that Ang III can activate Ang II receptors with equivalent or near-equivalent efficacy to Ang II, it has been proposed that in the brain, only Ang III is active. This proposal, which we have named “The Angiotensin III Hypothesis” states that Ang II must be converted to Ang III in order to activate brain AT1 receptors. This review examines several aspects of the controversies regarding the brain RAS with a special focus on brain aminopeptidases, studies that either support or refute The Angiotensin III Hypothesis, and the implications of The Angiotensin III Hypothesis for the activity of the brain RAS. It also addresses the need for further research that can test The Angiotensin III Hypothesis and definitively identify the angiotensin peptide(s) that activate brain AT1 receptor-mediated effects.
Reflection and refraction of elastic waves for stratified materials

Abstract Formulas are derived for the reflection and transmission tensors associated with a plane elastic wave impinging obliquely upon a stratified slab interposed between two homogenous half-spaces. These tensors transform the components of the incident displacement field into the components of reflected and transmitted displacement fields. Both solid-solid and solid-liquid interfaces are considered.
Leveraging Broadband for e-Government and Development in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges

This study investigated the extent and benefits of Africa's broadband connectivity, its impact on e-government and economic growth, and the challenges and best practices for addressing them. Studies by the UN and ITU over the years have revealed Africa lags behind in the global broadband connectivity and e-government diffusion. The Connect Africa summit held in 2007 by the ITU and its partners came out with five specific goals to connect the continent and help improve its economy. This study reviewed the Connect Africa Outcomes Report, and analyzed the publications of three independent studies conducted by: a) the ITU, b) the World Bank and the African Development Bank, and c) Informa Telecoms and Media. The findings reveal that Africa has made substantial progress in international connectivity and mobile broadband penetration. Additionally, broadband connectivity has contributed toward some improvements in e-government initiatives and economic growth. The study concludes with recommendations to address the existing challenges to consolidate the gains made.
Virtual reality neurosurgery: a simulator blueprint.

OBJECTIVE This article details preliminary studies undertaken to integrate the most relevant advancements across multiple disciplines in an effort to construct a highly realistic neurosurgical simulator based on a distributed computer architecture. Techniques based on modified computational modeling paradigms incorporating finite element analysis are presented, as are current and projected efforts directed toward the implementation of a novel bidirectional haptic device. METHODS Patient-specific data derived from noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging sequences are used to construct a computational model of the surgical region of interest. Magnetic resonance images of the brain may be coregistered with those obtained from magnetic resonance angiography, magnetic resonance venography, and diffusion tensor imaging to formulate models of varying anatomic complexity. RESULTS The majority of the computational burden is encountered in the presimulation reduction of the computational model and allows realization of the required threshold rates for the accurate and realistic representation of real-time visual animations. CONCLUSION Intracranial neurosurgical procedures offer an ideal testing site for the development of a totally immersive virtual reality surgical simulator when compared with the simulations required in other surgical subspecialties. The material properties of the brain as well as the typically small volumes of tissue exposed in the surgical field, coupled with techniques and strategies to minimize computational demands, provide unique opportunities for the development of such a simulator. Incorporation of real-time haptic and visual feedback is approached here and likely will be accomplished soon.
Peer vs. mother directed behavior in 1- to 3-month-old infants*

Infants between the ages of five and 14 weeks were observed during the first ten seconds of interaction with their own mother, with a strange peer, and alone. Results show that infant behavior was qualitatively different during each condition. Behavior to mother was smoother, more varied, and relied more on fine motor expressive movements in the infant's face and fingers. Behavior to the peer was more abrupt and intense, composed primarily of a relaxed face, but with gross motor movements of arms and body. Behavior while alone was relaxed.
Take-up of mortgage assistance for distressed homeowners: The role of geographic accessibility

Abstract Program participation is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the success of housing policies such as mortgage assistance for distressed homeowners. Low rates of take-up of available assistance among eligible homeowners have hampered the potential success of programs such as the U.S. Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund initiative. This paper investigates the effect of accessibility and related transaction costs, measured in terms of geographic access to application intake agencies, on the likelihood of application completion for homeowners who begin the assistance application process. Using data from a large-scale mortgage assistance program in Ohio, the work is motivated by the observation that a surprisingly small percentage of eligible homeowners who register for assistance submit a completed application. Consistent with the literature on access and transaction costs, we find that proximity to intake agencies increases the probability of application submission in a small, but significant, way. The results suggest that further emphasis should be given to the interactions at the front lines of mortgage assistance programs.
Crystal growth and superconductivity of TlBa2Ca3Cu4O11 − δ

Abstract TlBa 2 Ca 3 Cu 4 O 11 − δ is an interesting compound because of its high superconducting transition temperature, large numbers of CuO 2 planes within a unit cell and strong interlayer coupling. A self-flux growth technique has been used to prepare TlBa 2 Ca 3 Cu 4 O 11 − δ single crystals. X-ray analysis showed that the crystals contained four CuO 2 layers within a unit cell and confirmed the crystal structure. The DC susceptibility experiments indicated a high superconducting transition temperature of 128 K in these crystals. Magnetic measurements including hysteresis loop and irreversibility line were performed. A large critical current density and high irreversibility line were observed in TlBa 2 Ca 3 Cu 4 O 11 − δ single crystals.
Stem cell research in cell transplantation: sources, geopolitical influence, and transplantation.

If the rapidly progressing field of stem cell research reaches its full potential, successful treatments and enhanced understanding of many diseases are the likely results. However, the full potent...
Countercurrent Chromatographic Separation of Bacteria with Known Differences in Surface Lipopolysaccharide

Abstract Countercurrent chromatography was used to separate cells of Salmonella typhimurium whose surfaces were identical except for the proportion of lipopolysaccharide molecules with long versus short chain polysaccharide chains. Large differences in partition properties resulted from slight differences in polysaccharide composition, and the results suggest that the physical state of the molecules, as well as their composition, can affect the partition of such cells.
Towards an axiomatization of statistical privacy and utility

"Privacy" and "utility" are words that frequently appear in the literature on statistical privacy. But what do these words really mean? In recent years, many problems with intuitive notions of privacy and utility have been uncovered. Thus more formal notions of privacy and utility, which are amenable to mathematical analysis, are needed. In this paper we present our initial work on an axiomatization of privacy and utility. In particular, we study how these concepts are affected by randomized algorithms. Our analysis yields new insights into the construction of both privacy definitions and mechanisms that generate data according to such definitions. In particular, it characterizes a class of relaxations of differential privacy and shows that desirable outputs of a differentially private mechanism are best interpreted as certain graphs rather than query answers or synthetic data.
Early Parenting, Represented Family Relationships, and Externalizing Behavior Problems in Children Born Preterm

Through assessment of 173 preterm infants and their mothers at hospital discharge and at 9, 16, 24, 36, and 72 months, the study examined early parenting, attachment security, effortful control, and children's representations of family relationships in relation to subsequent externalizing behavior problems. Less intrusive early parenting predicted more secure attachment, better effortful control skills, and fewer early behavior problems, although it did not directly relate to the structural or content characteristics of children's represented family relationships. Children with higher effortful control scores at 24 months had more coherent family representations at 36 months. Moreover, children who exhibited less avoidance in their family representations at 36 months had fewer mother-reported externalizing behavior problems at 72 months. The study suggests that early parenting quality and avoidance in children's represented relationships are important for the development of externalizing behavior problems in children born preterm.
Intestinal button implantation for obstipation and fecal impaction in children

Chronic obstipation and fecal impaction in children can be difficult management problems for pediatricians. We describe a novel approach to the management of obstipation and fecal impaction: the implantation of the button gastrostomy device in the appendiceal stump or the terminal ileum. We report the procedure in two children. One child had pseudoobstruction syndrome complicated by recurrent obstipation; the other had cystic fibrosis complicated by recurrent obstruction from meconium ileus equivalent. Both children received a polyethylene glycol/electrolyte solution, with or without pancreatic enzymes, which was administered through the button. The children have remained essentially asymptomatic for at least 10 months. We believe that this is the first report of the use of a button gastrostomy device to successfully manage chronic obstipation and recurrent fecal impaction in children.
Glucocorticoid regulation of the humoral immune system. Dexamethasone stimulation of secretory component in serum, saliva, and bile.

Dexamethasone, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid, has been shown to increase polymeric immunoglobulin A (IgA) and antigen-specific IgA antibody levels in serum. This response coincided with a decline in IgA and IgG levels in saliva and vaginal secretions after dexamethasone treatment. To investigate the mechanism(s) of glucocorticoid action responsible for the accumulation of polymeric IgA in serum, we undertook in the present study to determine whether dexamethasone alters the production of secretory component (SC). SC is the receptor responsible for transporting IgA from blood and tissues into bile and external secretions. Dexamethasone administered in vivo increased SC levels in serum in a dose- and time-dependent manner. When bile and saliva samples were analyzed, dexamethasone treatment increased saliva SC levels and the production rate of SC by the liver, but had a pronounced inhibitory effect on both bile and salivary levels of IgA. As judged by HPLC, the majority of SC in blood was associated with...
EUV mask defect analysis from mask to wafer printing

ASML NXE3100 has been introduced for EUV Pre-Production, and ASML NXE3300 for High Volume Manufacturing will be installed from this year. EUV mask defect control is the one of the concerns for introducing EUVL to device manufacturing, for current EUV mask defect level is too high to accept for device volume production. EUV mask defects come from mask blank, mask process and mask handling. To have reduced mask defect level, quality control of blank mask, optimization of EUV mask process and improvement of EUV mask handling need to be ready. In this paper, we analyze printed defects exposed from EUV full field mask at NXE3100. For this analysis we trace mask defects from mask to wafer printing. From this we will show current EUV mask’s defect type and numbers. Acceptable defect type, size and numbers for device manufacturing with EUVL will be shown. Through investigating printing result of natural ML defects, realistic level of natural ML defects will be shown.
Chromosomal mapping of T-DNA inserts in transgenic Petunia by in situ hybridization

The chromosomal location of T-DNa inserts in ten independently derived and confirmed transgenic plants ofP. hybrida was detected byin situ hybridization. Nine transgenic plants had the T-DNA inerts at single sites distributed among each of the seven chromosomes; in one plant the T-DNA inserts were detected on two different chromosomes. Although the T-DNA inserts were integrated randomly among the chromosomes, seven of the 11 total inserts were located at or near the telomere. Thus, T-DNA inserts appear to have potential for tagging chromosomes and chromosome fragments.
Partisan Dealignment and the Dynamics of Independence in the American Electorate, 1953–88

Since the 1950s, the dominant pattern of partisan change in the American electorate has involved movements between party identification and independence rather than direct or indirect shifts between parties. This article employs switching regression analyses to investigate the long-term evolution and short-term dynamics of independence between 1953 and 1988. The analyses reveal that a new ‘independence regime’ developed rapidly in the mid-1960s, with the ‘tipping point’ in the transition occurring in the second quarter of 1967. Under the new–but not the old–regime, short-term changes in the size of the independent cohort have reflected economic conditions as well as political events. These findings argue that future research on the dynamics of public support for political parties in the United States and elsewhere will profit by developing dynamic models which assess processes of long- and short-term change in tandem.
Closure of a Bronchopleural Fistula Using Decalcified Human Spongiosa and a Fibrin Sealant

Bronchopleural fistulas associated with empyema can occur as a life-threatening sequelae after pulmonary resection, most frequently occurring after pneumonectomy. With the use of the flexible bronchoscope, the bronchopleural fistula of a 62-year-old critically ill woman was permanently sealed with a fibrin sealant and a small section of demineralized human spongiosa. Closure of bronchopleural fistulas with the application of fibrin sealant plus human spongiosa may offer a valuable addition to the armament of therapeutic alternatives.
Membrane-Binding Properties of the Antimicrobial Peptide Maximin 3

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune system of most organisms, where they protect the organism from a variety of microbial agents. Research is ongoing to utilize AMPs and their derivatives for medicinal purposes, such as antibiotics that are less likely to induce antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This work focuses on the AMP Maximin 3, which is derived from the skin secretions of the toad Bombina maxima. Maximin 3 is a 27 amino acid cationic peptide that has strong activity against a variety of bacterial, fungal, and viral microbes and is thought to cause toxicity by interaction with the plasma membrane, though this interaction has not previously been observed. However, Maximin 3 is also toxic to mammalian cells and cannot be used therapeutically. The goal of this work is to characterize the membrane-binding of Maximin 3 with the ultimate goal of redesigning its sequence to increase selectivity for microbial membranes.This work examines four aspects of Maximin 3's interaction with membranes. First, fluorescence anisotropy was used to quantify the binding of Maximin 3 to model lipid membranes that mimic the composition of microbial or mammalian membranes. Maximin 3 was also observed binding to E. coli using fluorescence microscopy. Second, Forster resonance energy transfer was used to examine the structural changes that Maximin 3 undergoes upon membrane binding and to probe for structural differences between Maximin 3 bound to bacterial and mammalian model membranes. Third, fluorescence-based vesicle leakage assays were used to directly monitor membrane disruption caused by Maximin 3. And fourth, predicted structures of Maximin 3 and other Maximin peptides bound to membranes were prepared using Rosetta. Our results provide a comprehensive picture of Maximin 3 membrane interactions and suggest sequence modifications that may increase selectivity of the peptide.
Influence of modified blanching treatments on inactivation of Salmonella during drying and storage of carrot slices

Abstract Documented outbreaks of human illness associated with consumption of minimally processed produce have increased in recent years. This study evaluated the influence of modified treatments on inactivation of Salmonella during preparation, home-type dehydration (60 °C, 6 h) and storage of carrot slices. Inoculated (five strains, 7.8 log cfu/g) slices were subjected to the following treatments: (i) untreated control, (ii) steam blanching (88 °C, 10 min), (iii) water blanching (88 °C, 4 min), (iv) blanching in a 0.105% citric acid solution (88 °C, 4 min), or (v) blanching in a 0.21% citric acid solution (88 °C, 4 min), dried for 6 h at 60 °C (140 °F), and stored for up to 30 d. Bacterial populations were reduced by 3.8–4.1, 4.6–5.1 and 4.2–4.6 log cfu/g immediately following steam, water or citric acid blanching, respectively. After 6 h of dehydration, total reductions were 1.6–1.7 (control), 4.0–5.0 (steam blanched), 4.1–4.6 (water blanched) and 4.9–5.4 (blanched in citric acid solution) log cfu/g. Populations continued to decrease throughout storage, but were still detectable by direct plating at 30 d on all samples except for those blanched in 0.21% citric acid. Results suggest that blanching carrot slices, particularly blanching in 0.21% citric acid, before drying should enhance inactivation of Salmonella during home-type dehydration and storage.
EVALUATION OF METHODS OF ATTENUATING BLAST PRESSURES ON WALLS

Abstract : The objective of the study is the experimental evaluation of energy dissipative characteristics of various materials for use in dividing-wall protection schemes. (Author)
The force concept in catatonia

The writer proposes therefore the following envisagement of the catatonic process: When an individual develops some notion of a force or power whose nature is not well understood, yet with which he senses some disruption of his personality integration, a considerable regression may occur leading to a partial or complete preoccupation with forces and powers as such. This is catatonia, which, focusing upon power apart from its ordinary practical associative connections, may be evidenced in varying mixtures of muscular and ideational symptomatology.
1686 SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION (SCC) IN CHILDREN WITH SYSTEMIC CANCER

SCC is a neurologic emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and intervention. Over a 40-month period, 21 of 643 newly-diagnosed patients under age 18 with systemic cancer developed SCC; occurring in 12 of 102 (11%) with sarcoma; 5 of 82 (6%) with neuroblastoma and 3 of 94 (3%) with lymphoma. SCC occurred at presentation of illness in 6 children and symptoms were present for a median of 2 weeks (range 5 days to 4 weeks) before diagnosis. In the remaining 14 patients, SCC occurred a median of 13 months after initial diagnosis. Symptoms of SCC included back pain in 17 (80%), weakness in 14 (67%), sphincter dysfunction in 12 (57%) and sensory abnormalities in 3 (14%). Because of delayed diagnosis, 9 children were paraplegic and 10 had complete loss of sphincter control at diagnosis. Plain radiographs of the spine were abnormal in 7 of 20 patients with SCC. During this time period, 4 other children with cancer had cord dysfunction symptoms (2 transverse myelographies, 1 stroke, 1 plexopathy); myelography differentiating these from SCC. Treatment included high-dose corticosteroids followed by surgery and/or radiotherapy. Post-treatment, 8 of 14 nonambulatory patients became ambulatory and 5 of 10 incontinent patients regained sphincter control. We conclude that SCC is relatively frequent in children with cancer (especially with solid tumors) and is often misdiagnosed early in the illness. Any child with cancer suffering back pain is suspect for SCC and plain x-rays are inadequate to rule out SCC. Recommendations concerning evaluation and management of children with possible SCC will be presented.
Tit-For-Tat in guppies ( Poecilia reticulata ): the relative nature of cooperation and defection during predator inspection

The introduction of game-theoretical thinking into evolutionary biology has laid the groundwork for a heuristic view of animal behaviour in which individuals employ ‘strategies’ — rules that instruct them how to behave in a given circumstance to maximize relative fitness. Axelrod and Hamilton (1981) found that a strategy called Tit-For-Tat (TFT) is one robust cooperative solution to the iterated Prisoner's Dilemma game. There exists, however, little empirical evidence that animals employ TFT. Predator inspection in fish provides one ecological context in which to examine the use of the TFT strategy. Here we describe a study in which guppies were tested in multiple predator inspection trials. An individual was tested with its mirror images as well as a series of live conspecifics. Results indicate that guppies are capable of recognizing and remembering their partner's behaviour and seem to employ TFT-like strategies over the course of many inspection visits. In addition, significant differences exist between individuals in the degree to which they will inspect a predator, suggesting that ‘cooperator’ and ‘defector’ may be relative terms rather than discrete categories of behaviour.
Thermische Zersetzung von Polyterafluoräthylen

Bei gleitender trockener Reibung von PTFE auf Metalloberflachen konnen ortlich so hohe Temperaturen auftreten, das sich der Thermoplast zersetzt. Seine schlechte Warmeleitfahigkeit begunstigt diese Erscheinung. Manche Metalle, insbesondere Eisen, Chrom und deren Legierungen, verstarken diesen Vorgang. Dabei entstehende Verbindungen konnen auf verschiedene Metalle korrodierend wirken. Dies erklart den verschiedentlich bei gleitender Reibung von PTFE auf Stahl festgestellten Abtrag dieses Metalles. Vermieden werden solche Schadigungen z. B. von Stahl durch eine Vernickelung der Gleitflachen.
Establishing, Funding, And Sustaining A University Outreach Program In Oral Health

The Surgeon General’s report of May 2000, Oral Health in America, suggests that there are two Americas in terms of oral health: those who have excellent oral health, and those who are unable to acc...
Aerobic Glycolysis: Meeting the Metabolic Requirements of Cell Proliferation

Warburg's observation that cancer cells exhibit a high rate of glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen (aerobic glycolysis) sparked debate over the role of glycolysis in normal and cancer cells. Although it has been established that defects in mitochondrial respiration are not the cause of cancer or aerobic glycolysis, the advantages of enhanced glycolysis in cancer remain controversial. Many cells ranging from microbes to lymphocytes use aerobic glycolysis during rapid proliferation, which suggests it may play a fundamental role in supporting cell growth. Here, we review how glycolysis contributes to the metabolic processes of dividing cells. We provide a detailed accounting of the biosynthetic requirements to construct a new cell and illustrate the importance of glycolysis in providing carbons to generate biomass. We argue that the major function of aerobic glycolysis is to maintain high levels of glycolytic intermediates to support anabolic reactions in cells, thus providing an explanation for why in...
MATHEMATICAL MODELING of SOLID‐LIQUID TWO PHASE TUBE FLOW: an APPLICATION to ASEPTIC PROCESSING

The sizing of holding tubes for continuous sterilization of foods containing large particles is affected by the flow behavior of the suspensions. Velocities of carrier fluid and model food particles in holding tube flow were numerically simulated through an iterative solution of the Navier-Stokes equations and particle dynamic equations in three dimensions. the Lagrangian approach was used to predict the individual particle trajectories under multiparticle tube flow. the physical domain included two straight tubes connected with a 180° bend. the system had an upward inclination of 1.194° (0.25 in./ft of straight run). the assumptions considered included Newtonian carrier, spherical and neutrally buoyant particles, and 10% v/v particle loading. the results indicate that the particles have a significant back-influence on the fluid flow field. the 180° bend strongly affected both fluid and particle flow fields, which further reinforced the interaction of the two phases. the fastest particle velocities were less than the fluid streamline velocities passing through the particles' center. the radial positions of the particles on the cross section of the holding tube changed very little in the first straight section, but experienced a significant shifting in the bend and second straight-tube sections due to secondary flow. the residence times of particles under secondary-flow effect are therefore different from those obtained under straight tube-only flow.
Role of histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists in total parenteral nutrition patients

Hospitalized patients, especially those who are critically ill, are often at risk for malnutrition and may require nutritional support. Although the enteral approach is generally preferred when providing nutritional support, parenteral nutrition is frequently required. These patients are also likely to receive therapeutic or prophylactic parenteral histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists. Patients receiving both total parenteral nutrition and parenteral H2-receptor antagonists may benefit from receiving the drug in combination with the total parenteral nutrition admixture. Parenteral cimetidine and ranitidine are stable in various total parenteral nutrition fluids. Clinically, cimetidine has been studied more extensively than ranitidine. Clinical benefits and cost savings may be realized from this method of drug delivery.
Experiences with waterjet hydrosurgery system in wound debridement

Recently, a new device, the Versajet™, involving "Hydrosurgery Technology" which combines lavage and sharp debridement instrumentation has been described for soft tissue debridement. The Versajet™ Hydrosurgery System utilizes a reusable power console with foot pedal activation, disposable handpiece and tubing assembly in conjunction with sterile saline and standard waste receptacle. The purpose of this paper is to report our experiences with this instrument in debridement of a variety of wounds prior to final reconstructive surgery. Technical details and pitfalls are discussed to facilitate clinical use. Efficient, safe and fast debridement was achieved in all patients using the hydrosurgery system. The actual time the hydrosurgery system was used for debridement averaged as 15.5 minutes. In ten patients, an adequately debrided wound bed was achieved with a single operative procedure, in four patients; two stages were required prior to reconstructive surgery. In one patient with recurrent sacral-iscial pressure sore, two debridements were carried out followed by long term vacuum assisted closure. The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients, but in three with a minor breakdown of the skin graft, which eventually healed with no surgical intervention. As a result of our clinical experience, the Versajet™ enables surgeon to precisely target damaged and necrotic tissue and spare viable tissue. This modality may be a useful alternative tool for soft tissue debridement in certain cases. However, further studies are required to investigate its cost-effectiveness in wound management.
Measuring resistance to ruminal degradation and bioavailability of ruminally protected methionine

The objectives of this study were to evaluate ruminal degradation and intestinal digestion of two ruminally protected methionine (RPM) products and to assess the potential use of changes in plasma methionine concentrations as an indication of methionine availability to the animal. Ruminal degradation of the protected methionine was assessed using the in situ technique. The intestinal availability of methionine after ruminal incubation was determined in vitro using an enzymatic procedure. Four Holstein cows receiving a typical mid-lactation ration (16.5% CP, 1.6 Mcal NEL/kg) were supplemented with 0, 30, and 60 g per day of a slowly degraded ruminally protected methionine (SDM), or 60 g per day of a moderately slowly degradable ruminally protected methionine (MSDM) in a 44 Latin square design. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 h after feeding the RPM sources. Ruminal degradation rates of SDM and MSDM were 0.03 h ˇ1 and 0.07 h ˇ1 , respectively. The calculated amount of methionine available for absorption, based on the in situ and in vitro results, was 17.9, 11.9 and 23.8 g per day when dosing 60 g of MSDM, 30 and 60 g of SDM, respectively. The highest (p<0.05) methionine plasma concentration (133.9 mM) was measured with 60 g of SDM, followed by 30 g of SDM, and 60 g of MSDM. Plasma methionine concentrations were affected by an interaction (p<0.05) between time after dosing methionine and rate of ruminal degradation of the methionine dosed. Methionine plasma concentration peaked 12 h after dosing SDM, whereas methionine plasma concentration appeared to peak between 6 and 12 h after feeding MSDM. There was a good relationship (r 2 a0.86) between the grams of methionine escaping from the RPM products and the greatest area under the curve describing plasma methionine concentration. Data from this study show that the lower the ruminal degradation rate, the later the maximum plasma concentration of methionine will occur, and that the plasma methionine concentrations or their area
Inverse perturbation for optimal intervention in gene regulatory networks

Motivation: Analysis and intervention in the dynamics of gene regulatory networks is at the heart of emerging efforts in the development of modern treatment of numerous ailments including cancer. The ultimate goal is to develop methods to intervene in the function of living organisms in order to drive cells away from a malignant state into a benign form. A serious limitation of much of the previous work in cancer network analysis is the use of external control, which requires intervention at each time step, for an indefinite time interval. This is in sharp contrast to the proposed approach, which relies on the solution of an inverse perturbation problem to introduce a one-time intervention in the structure of regulatory networks. This isolated intervention transforms the steady-state distribution of the dynamic system to the desired steady-state distribution. Results: We formulate the optimal intervention problem in gene regulatory networks as a minimal perturbation of the network in order to force it to converge to a desired steady-state distribution of gene regulation. We cast optimal intervention in gene regulation as a convex optimization problem, thus providing a globally optimal solution which can be efficiently computed using standard toolboxes for convex optimization. The criteria adopted for optimality is chosen to minimize potential adverse effects as a consequence of the intervention strategy. We consider a perturbation that minimizes (i) the overall energy of change between the original and controlled networks and (ii) the time needed to reach the desired steady-state distribution of gene regulation. Furthermore, we show that there is an inherent trade-off between minimizing the energy of the perturbation and the convergence rate to the desired distribution. We apply the proposed control to the human melanoma gene regulatory network. Availability: The MATLAB code for optimal intervention in gene regulatory networks can be found online: http://syen.ualr.edu/nxbouaynaya/Bioinformatics2010.html. Contact: nxbouaynaya@ualr.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A high relative precision colour-magnitude diagram of M67

We have calibrated and combined an extensive set of BVI observations of M67 to produce a colour-magnitude diagram of stars measured with high relative precision. We have selected stars that are most likely to be single-star members of the cluster using proper motion, radial velocity, and variability information from the literature, and an examination of the most probable colour-magnitude diagram locations of unresolved stellar blends. We have made detailed comparisons of our photometry of the selected stars with theoretical models, and discuss the most notable discrepancies. Observations of M67 turn-off stars are a severe test of algorithms attempting to describe convective cores in the limit of small extent, and we find strong evidence of a 'hook' just fainter than the turn-off gap. The stars in M67 support assertions that the degree of convective core overshooting decreases to zero for stars with masses in the range 1.0 < (M/M ○. ) ≤ 1.5, but that the degree of overshoot is smaller than currently used in published isochrones. We also verify that all current theoretical models for the lower main sequence (with the exception of Baraffe et al. 1998) are too blue for M V ? 6, even when the sequences are shifted to match M67 near the M V of the Sun, probably due to a combination of problems with colour-T eff transformations and realistic surface boundary conditions for models. Finally, we identify a subset of cluster members with unusual photometry (candidate red giant binaries, blue straggler stars, and triple systems) deserving of further study.
First Experience With Implantation of a Percutaneous Right Ventricular Impella Right Side Percutaneous Support Device as a Bridge to Recovery in Acute Right Ventricular Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock in the United States

We report the first implantation in the United States of a novel percutaneous right ventricular (RV) support device as a bridge to recovery in a patient with RV infarction with cardiogenic shock refractory to standard care. A 64-year-old man, with prior inferior wall myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, presented with late drug-eluting stent thrombosis inferoposterior ST-segment–myocardial infarction complicated by cardiac arrest requiring defibrillation of ventricular tachycardia (Figure 1; Movie I and II in the online-only Data Supplement). Despite revascularization, fluid administration to a central venous pressure of 20 mm Hg, dobutamine and vasopressin infusions, and intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation, he remained in RV shock (cardiac index of 1.8 L/min per m2). With use of antiplatelet drugs, surgical cannulation for extracorporeal support was deemed an excessive risk. Figure 1. Acute inferoapical ST-elevation–myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated …
Experimental Study of the Variation in Oscillation Characteristics of Point-Contact-Based Spin-Torque Oscillators

This paper presents an experimental study of the variation in oscillation characteristics of circular point-contact-based spin-torque oscillators (PC-STOs). We first measured the oscillation behavior of multiple, identically fabricated PC-STOs, then made the same measurements on a PC-STO and rotated the azimuth angle of the bias field $\varphi$ . Our results show considerable device-to-device variations among identical PC-STOs. More striking is large changes within a single PC-STO for a small $\varphi$ rotation, which is totally inconsistent with the geometrical symmetry of the device. These results suggest that the giant magnetoresistance stack has some form of microstructural inhomogeneity, which causes a strong $\varphi$ dependence of the oscillation behavior, eventually resulting in the device-to-device variation. Some possible sources of the inhomogeneity are discussed based on these observation results.