cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Practitioner’s Guide to Prescribing Rufinamide for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

We developed this rufinamide guideline using drug prescribing information and reviewing the available literature on relevant neuropsychiatric disorders in populations without intellectual disabilities because of the dearth of available literature on the population with intellectual disabilities. This guideline includes indications; contraindications; assessments prior to and during treatment; dosing with particular focus on dosing modifications required by drug–drug interactions, personal characteristics; and adverse drug reactions. The procedures contained in this guideline may not fully account for all of the possible risks of treatment in this population because of the limited studies available; thus, there will be a need to periodically update this guideline as new information becomes available. Nevertheless, we believe that this guideline provides a useful resource for clinicians who treat epilepsy in adult individuals with intellectual disabilities. A rufinamide drug utilization review that summarizes this guideline is described.
Carcinoma of the cervix with cylindromatous features believed to arise in mesonerphric duct.

A detailed description of the clinical and morphological aspects of a case of carcinoma of the cervix arising from mesonephric duct remnants is presented, and the literature pertaining to these rare tumors is discussed. At the time of initial surgical treatment the tumor was confined to the cervix; however, eventual metastatic dissemination to the bony and soft tissues of the pelvis, the lungs, and the lower vertebral column resulted in the patient's death 8 years later. The tumor appeared refractory to further attempts at treatment with radiation, progestational therapy, and a variety of chemotherapeutic agents. The observation of a focal cylindromatous growth pattern, not previously described in tumors of this type, is presented.
Perceptions of sex-role stereotyped dimensions in cotherapists with an examination of experimenter effects

Observers' impressions of sex-role stereotyped dimensions of videotyped pairs of male and female cotherapists were examined in two conditions of dominance: male-dominant pairs and female-dominant pairs. Sex of experimenter effects were also studied. Results indicated that sex-role stereotyping was a function of behavior, not biological sex. Support was found for the conceptualization of masculinity and femininity as independent dimensions. Observer sex differences indicated less favorable impressions with same-sex dominance. Sex of experimenter effects were not found, but may subtly influence results in sex-role research.
Increased Diastolic Chamber Stiffness During Demand Ischemia Response to Quick Length Change Differentiates Rigor-Activated From Calcium-Activated Tension

Background—Increased diastolic chamber stiffness (↑DCS) during angina (demand ischemia) has been postulated to be generated by increased diastolic myocyte calcium concentration. Methods and Results—We reproduced demand ischemia in isolated isovolumically contracting red-cell–perfused rabbit hearts by imposing pacing tachycardia during global low coronary blood flow (32% of baseline). This increased lactate production without increasing oxygen consumption and resulted in ↑DCS (isovolumic left ventricular end-diastolic pressure [LVEDP] increased 10 mm Hg, P<0.001, n=38). To determine the mechanism of ↑DCS, we assessed responses to a quick-stretch-release maneuver (QSR), in which the intraventricular balloon was rapidly inflated and deflated to achieve a 3% circumferential muscle fiber length change. QSR was first validated as an effective method of discriminating between calcium-driven and rigor-mediated ↑DCS. QSR imposed during demand ischemia when DCS had increased (LVEDP pretachycardia versus posttachyca...
Examining the Original Grasmick Scale: A Rasch Model Approach

The original Grasmick, Tittle, Bursik, and Arneklev self-control scale is frequently used in self-control theory studies. Examining self-control requires precision in measurement. Using the Rasch r...
The formation of multiple adiabatic shear bands

Abstract In a previous paper, Zhou et al. [2006. A numerical methodology for investigating adiabatic shear band formation. J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 54, 904–926] developed a numerical method for analyzing one-dimensional deformation of thermoviscoplastic materials. The method uses a second order algorithm for integration along characteristic lines, and computes the plastic flow after complete localization with high resolution and efficiency. We apply this numerical scheme to analyze localization in a thermoviscoplastic material where multiple shear bands are allowed to form at random locations in a large specimen. As a shear band develops, it unloads neighboring regions and interacts with other bands. Beginning with a random distribution of imperfections, which might be imagined as arising qualitatively from the microstructure, we obtain the average spacing of shear bands through calculations and compare our results with previously existing theoretical estimates. It is found that the spacing between nucleating shear bands follows the perturbation theory due to Wright and Ockendon [1996. A scaling law for the effect of inertia on the formation of adiabatic shear bands. Int. J. Plasticity 12, 927–934], whereas the spacing between mature shear bands is closer to that predicted by the momentum diffusion theory of Grady and Kipp [1987. The growth of unstable thermoplastic shear with application to steady-wave shock compression in solids. J. Mech. Phys. Solids 35, 95–119]. Scaling laws for the dependence of band spacing on material parameters differ in many respects from either theory.
Anemia and jejunal intussusception: An unusual presentation for a metastatic phyllodes breast tumor

Abstract INTRODUCTION Phyllodes tumor of the breast is a rare cause of breast cancer, accounting for less than 0.5% of breast cancers. These tumors are classified as benign, borderline, or malignant, with malignant tumors compromising nearly 25% of cases. Metastases occur in 20% of malignant tumors, lungs, bones, liver and brain being the frequent sites of metastases. PRESENTATION OF CASE We present a case of a metastatic phyllodes tumor to the small bowel causing jejunal intussusception, symptomatic anemia, and small bowel obstruction. DISCUSSION Patients with phyllodes tumor of the breast can develop disease recurrence even years after initial treatment. Phyllodes tumor metastasizing to the small bowel is extremely rare, with only three known previously described case reports in the literature. CONCLUSION High risk patients, with a past medical history of phyllodes breast cancer, should be monitored closely. Even years after breast cancer treatment, these patients may present with gastrointestinal complaints such as obstruction or bleeding, and therefore metastatic disease to the small bowel should be considered on the differential with subsequent abdominal imaging obtained.
When does a carbon tax on fossil fuels stimulate biofuels

A carbon tax is an efficient economic instrument to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide released from fossil fuel burning. If designed properly, it could also help significantly to promote renewable energy. Using a multi-sector, multi-country computable general equilibrium model this study investigates under what circumstances a carbon tax would help stimulate penetration of biofuels into the energy supply mix for road transportation in various countries and regions around the world. This study shows that a carbon tax cum biofuel subsidy policy, where a carbon tax is introduced to fossil fuels and part of the tax revenue is used to finance the biofuel subsidy, would significantly help stimulate market penetration of biofuels. On the other hand, a carbon tax alone policy, where the entire tax revenue is recycled to households through a lump-sum transfer, does not help stimulate biofuels significantly even at higher tax rates. Although the carbon tax cum subsidy policy would cause higher loss in economic output at the global level as compared to the carbon tax alone policy, the incremental loss is relatively small. The key policy insight drawn from the study is that if a carbon tax were to be implemented in an economy for the purpose of climate change mitigation, recycling part of its revenue to finance biofuel subsidies would significantly help stimulate biofuels.
More promiscuity resulting in more tolerance

Tolerance to self is engendered by multiple mechanisms. Lymph node stromal cells are now found to contribute to self-tolerance by their endogenous expression of peripheral tissue antigens.
Gender Differences in Rural Tourists' Motivation and Activity Participation

ABSTRACT This study explored gender differences in motivation and activity participation among rural tourists to Potter County, Pennsylvania. Mail survey data from a sample of 343 visitors to the region revealed that females were more motivated by family bonding and natural and rural exploration. Female tourists were also more inclined to shop, eat in local restaurants and attend festivals and events, while male tourists were more inclined to fish and hunt. Social role theory was used to explain the observed gender differences. Contrasts between these and previously reported findings reinforce the importance of considering that gender roles and gendered tourist behavior are relative and ever-evolving.
Fundamental frequency discrimination and speech perception in noise in cochlear implant simulations.

Abstract Increasing the number of channels at low frequencies improves discrimination of fundamental frequency (F0) in cochlear implants (Geurts, L., Wouters, J., 2004. Better place-coding of the fundamental frequency in cochlear implants. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 115 (2), 844–852). We conducted three experiments to test whether improved F0 discrimination can be translated into increased speech intelligibility in noise in a cochlear implant simulation. The first experiment measured F0 discrimination and speech intelligibility in quiet as a function of channel density over different frequency regions. The results from this experiment showed a tradeoff in performance between F0 discrimination and speech intelligibility with a limited number of channels. The second experiment tested whether improved F0 discrimination and optimizing this tradeoff could improve speech performance with a competing talker. However, improved F0 discrimination did not improve speech intelligibility in noise. The third experiment identified the critical number of channels needed at low frequencies to improve speech intelligibility in noise. The result showed that, while 16 channels below 500 Hz were needed to observe any improvement in speech intelligibility in noise, even 32 channels did not achieve normal performance. Theoretically, these results suggest that without accurate spectral coding, F0 discrimination and speech perception in noise are two independent processes. Practically, the present results illustrate the need to increase the number of independent channels in cochlear implants.
Evaluating Economic Impacts of Expanded Global Wood Energy Consumption with the USFPM/GFPM Model

A U.S. forest sector market module was developed within the general Global Forest Products Model. The U.S. module tracks regional timber markets, timber harvests by species group, and timber product outputs in greater detail than does the global model. This hybrid approach provides detailed regional market analysis for the United States although retaining the broader global market analysis. We describe how the U.S. Forest Products Module is structured within the global model and show projections based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios with long-range assumptions about economic activity, population growth, and wood energy demands. Results show that real prices for industrial roundwood would increase as a result of significant global expansion in wood energy demands. Expansion of global wood energy demands would influence the comparative economic advantages of U.S. versus foreign producers, with U.S. producers gaining some comparative advantages and increased net exports in scenarios where average foreign industrial roundwood prices are projected to increase more than in the United States. These results suggest that national wood energy policies should consider how the impacts of wood energy use on domestic forest product markets depend on trends in global forest product markets. Le module du secteur forestier aux Etats-Unis (USFPM) a eteelaborea partir du modele mondial du secteur forestier (GFPM–Global Forest Products Model). Le USFPM permet de suivre l’evolution des marches regionaux du bois d’œuvre, des recoltes de bois d’œuvre par groupe deessences et des produits derives de fa con plus detaillee que le modele mondial. Ce modele hybride offre une analyse detaillee des marches regionaux aux Etats-Unis tout en conservant une analyse generale du marche mondial. Dans le present article, nous decrivons la structure du module du secteur forestier aux Etats-Unis par rapport au modele mondial du secteur forestier et presentons des previsions formulees d’apres des scenarios elabores par le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur levolution du climat (GIEC) et renfermant des hypotheses long terme sur l’activiteeconomique, la croissance de la population et la demande de bois energie. Nos resultats indiquent que les prix reels du bois rond industriel risquent d’augmenter en raison de la croissance substantielle de la demande mondiale de bois energie. Cette croissance aurait des repercussions sur les avantages comparatifs des producteurs americains par rapport aux producteurs etrangers, mais les producteurs americains obtiendraient certains avantages comparatifs et une hausse des exportations nettes dans les scenarios ou les prix moyens du bois rond industriel etranger augmenteraient par rapport aux prix observes aux Etats-Unis. Ces resultats autorisent ȧ penser que les politiques nationales en matiere de bois energie devraient examiner de quelle facon les tendances sur les marches forestiers mondiaux influencent l’utilisation du bois energie sur les marches forestiers interieurs.
Correlation of C3b-receptor activity and diphenylhexatriene polarization in a murine macrophage cell line.

Abstract Treatment of a macrophage cell line with lymphokine (LK)-rich lymphocyte culture supernatants activates the cells for C3b receptor-mediated phagocytosis and leads to simultaneous depolarization of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) incorporated into the cells. Maximal effects were observed after 14 hours of incubation with LK. DPH polarization in liposomes prepared from lipids of untreated and LK-treated cells were the same. Furthermore, LK-treatment had no significant effects on phospholipid fatty acid composition, cholesterol content, or phospholipid composition. These observations indicate LK induces alterations in the organization and dynamics of the plasma membrane that lead to facilitation of phagocytosis.
Simulating vehicle dynamics on both design plans and laser-scanned road geometry to guide highway design policy

Increasingly, roadway designers use simulations to analyze how roadway design choices affect vehicle dynamics and ultimately safety. When using commercial multi-body simulations for analysis of vehicle dynamics, engineers are usually able to trust that the vehicle states predicted by simulations are reasonably accurate. This is because simulation software companies spend significant research and development dollars making sure that vehicle models and numerical solvers give realistic results. However, when using vehicle dynamic simulations for the analysis of roadway designs, the road environment must be defined by the user. Researchers are often left to wonder whether the roads they simulate in software are representative of what construction crews actually built in the field. This paper compares the results of simulations using both a road’s design geometry, i.e., the CAD plans, versus a three-dimensional point-cloud scan of its actual geometry. For this comparison, high-fidelity commercial vehicle simulation software (CarSim and TruckSim) was used. Research-grade sensing equipment allowed for the digitization of road geometries during highway traversals in the field to create a simulated mesh of the real highway geometry. After comparing simulation results for traversals of design geometry and measured road geometry with collected vehicle data, the road safety implications of discrepancies seen between the predicted and measured vehicle states are also discussed.
Abstract B21: Resistance to B-RAF inhibitor is mediated by reactivation of MAPK pathway by FGFR3/Ras signaling in B-RAF V600E mutant melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. The RAF/MEK/ERK MAP kinase signaling plays a key role in melanoma progression and etiology, and is considered an important target for anti-melanoma therapies. Approximately 50% of melanomas carry an activating B-RAF V600E mutation that results in constitutive activation of B-RAF and downstream MAPK signaling. Recently, vemurafenib (PLX4032), a selective B-RAF inhibitor, was recently approved by U.S. FDA for treatment of metastatic and unresectable melanomas that carry an activating B-RAF V600E mutation. However, patients eventually developed resistance to vemurafenib and relapsed within an average of 7 months. To improve the clinical benefit of B-RAF inhibitors, it is critical to identify the molecular mechanisms that confer resistance to B-RAF inhibition. Recent reports indicate that multiple mechanisms may render mutant B-RAF expressing melanoma cells resistant to B-RAF inhibition. In this study, we generated vemurafenib-resistant cell lines by chronic treatment of the human B-RAF V600E melanoma cell lines, and investigated the underlying mechanism(s) of resistance. Our analysis revealed that MAPK pathway reactivation through Ras is the key resistance mechanism in these cells. Furthermore, microarray-based gene expression profiling confirmed a significant elevation of RTK and Ras gene signatures in the vemurafenib-resistant cells. Mechanistically, we found that the enhanced activation of FGFR3 is linked to elevated Ras and MAPK activation in the resistant cells, therefore conferring resistance to vemurafenib. Constitutive or inducible activation of FGFR3 sufficiently reactivated Ras/MAPK signaling and conferred resistance to vemurafenib in the parental B-RAF V600E melanoma cells. Additionally, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the FGFR3/Ras axis restored the sensitivity of the resistant cells to vemurafenib. Finally, we demonstrated that vemurafenib-resistant cells are sensitive to MEK or pan-RAF inhibition and maintain their addiction to the MAPK pathway. Therefore, inhibition of MEK or pan-RAF activities is an effective therapeutic strategy to overcome acquired-resistance to vemurafenib. Together, we describe a novel FGFR3/Ras mediated mechanism for acquired-resistance to B-RAF inhibition. Our results shed new light on the complexity of the resistance mechanisms and have implications for the development of new therapeutic strategies to improve the outcome of patients with B-RAF V600E melanoma.
The Sociological Dimensions of Military Co-Optation in the United States*

The American military exercises social control at home as well as abroad, by non-violent as well as violent means. Especially significant is its use of differential co-optative appeals to control potentially revolutionary strata of youth. Through an examination of military recruiting literature it is possible to discover that different inducements for enlistment, ranging from professionalism to patriotism are offered to women, intellectuals, minority and working class youth. Further, through selectively granting deferments as part of the channeling process, the Selective Service System reinforces the American social structure. Such reinforcement is necessary for the preservation of American corporate liberalism, but simultaneously contributes to the radicalization of youth as a class.
Nature and the nonlinear evolution of electrostatic waves associated with the AMPTE solar wind releases

The nonlinear evolution of the electrostatic waves observed during the AMPTE (Active Magnetosphere Particle Tracer Explorers) solar wind releases is investigated. Previous linear studies indicate two distinct sets of instabilities may be responsible for the generation. One set consists of ion-acoustic type instabilities which are insensitive to the presence of a background magnetic field, while the other group corresponds to the modified two stream instabilities and requires the solar wind flow to be across the ambient magnetic field. To establish which set of instabilities is more viable a detailed linear Vlasov theory has been conducted by numerically solving the full electromagnetic dispersion relation. In addition both the plasma wave as well as the magnetic field measurements by the IRM (Ion Release Module) spacecraft were used to correlate the frequency and the power of the observed waves with the magnitude and the direction of the solar wind magnetic field. The results of these analyses indicate that the ion-acoustic type instabilities have growth rates that are an order of magnitude or more larger than those of the modified two stream instabilities. Results show that both the solar wind protons and the released ions may be heated and accelerated in the directions oblique to the solar wind flow velocity.
Comparison of the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer and the Miniature Infrared Analyzer (MIRAN) for the determination of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the presence of Freon-113 in workplace air.

Results obtained using the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and the Miniature Infrared Analyzer (MIRAN®) for samples of workplace air containing tri-chloroethylene (TCE) were evaluated through comparison with results obtained when using a gas chromatograph (GC). The effects of instrument resolution, relative humidity, and sample storage stability were studied. Relative humidity was found to have no effect on the performance of the FTIR over the range Studied. The effect of changing resolution is complex but is explained. The linear range of the FTIR is more than adequate for the concentrations encountered in the samples reported in this study. Interference from Freon® caused the TCE values to be high when the MIRAN was operated in the single-wavelength mode.
Effects of chemical contaminants on the health of Mytilus edulis from Puget Sound, Washington. II: Cytochemical detection of subcellular changes in digestive cells

Activities of the enzymes NADPH-dependent ferrihemoprotein reductase (NFR), NADH-dependent DT-diaphorase (DTD), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and catalase (CAT) and peroxisome proliferation (PP) in the digestive cells of Mytilus edulis from nine sites in Puget Sound, Washington (USA) sampled in September 1992 were measured cytochemically using image analysis. Mussels from these areas are known to be exposed to a wide range of chemical contaminants. At urban-associated sites, mussels generally showed increased activities of NFR, DTD, and CAT, suppressed GGT activity, and peroxisome proliferation, relative to mussels from the non-urban reference sites. Significant positive relationships were observed between tissue concentrations of polyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDTs and activities of NFR, DTD, CAT, and peroxisome proliferation. Structural changes in the digestive gland of mussels also appear to be more responsive to chemical contaminant exposure than changes in enzyme activity. These relationships suggest that NFR, CAT, and the induction of peroxisome proliferation represent complimentary indicators of biological effects from chemical-contaminant exposure in the marine bivalve M. edulis. The current findings support the use of selected cytochemically measured subcellular responses as biomarkers of contaminant exposure in environmental monitoring programs.
CRT-78 Red Cell Distribution Width As A Predictor Of Tvr Mace And Mortality After Pci In Patients With Ckd

Red cell distribution width (RDW), a numerical measure of the variability of the size of circulating erythrocytes, has been shown to be an independent predictor of mortality in patients undergoing PCI. Patients with renal impairment are known to have higher rates of death and myocardial infarction
Measurement of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate.

Abstract A double-isotope dilution and derivative analysis technique is described for the measurement of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate. Column and paper chromatography are used for the isolation of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate from tissues and urine. The nucleotide is esterified with tritium-labeled acetic anhydride via an acetylimidazole intermediate to form adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate 2′-acetate. Specificity of the technique was demonstrated by repeated chromatography of samples and standards with maintenance of constant specific activity and also by comparison with other techniques using single-isotope dilution analysis. Recovery studies and analysis of proportional quantities of tissues are also presented as evidence of specificity. Technique precision was demonstrated by a coefficient of variation of 7.5% in measurements of 3 × 10 −9 mole of liver adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate. The practical sensitivity of the technique is 5 × 10 −10 mole. Values for several rat tissues are presented.
Equality-tempered prioritarianism

In this paper, I present and explore an alternative to a standard prioritarian axiology. Equality-tempered prioritarianism holds that the value of welfare increases should be balanced against the v...
Surface structure of MBE-grown α-Fe 2 O 3 (0001) by intermediate-energy X-ray photoelectron diffraction

Abstract We have used intermediate-energy X-ray photoelectron diffraction to determine the surface structure of epitaxial α-Fe 2 O 3 (0001) grown on α-Al 2 O 3 (0001). Comparison of experiment with quantum mechanical scattering theory reveals that the surface is Fe-terminated, and that the first four layer spacings are −41, +18, −8, and 47% of the associated bulk values, respectively. These results agree reasonably well with the predictions of molecular mechanics and spin-density functional theory previously reported in the literature for the Fe-terminated surface. However, we find no evidence for an O-terminated surface predicted to be stable by spin-density functional theory.
Forging New Perspectives of Fisheries Science and Management

Climate change is often the subject of scathing headlines and vicious debates, and is unquestionably a highly politicized topic. As a result, discussion of climate management and its relationship t...
TETRACOORDINATED PLANAR CARBON IN PENTAATOMIC MOLECULES

Three pentaatomic molecules CSi2Al2, CSi2Ga2, and CGe2Al2 were studied at the B3LYP/6-311+G* and MP2/6-311+G* levels of theory (with tests also run at multiconfigurational levels) to determine whether the central carbon atom exists in a planar geometry. We found that cis-CSi2Al2 and trans-CSi2Al2 planar structures have one imaginary frequency and that distortion along this mode leads to slightly pyramidal local minima. In contrast, cis- and trans-CSi2Ga2 and cis- and trans-CGe2Al2 are true minima in their planar geometries, but their corresponding tetrahedral structures lie 25−28 kcal/mol higher in energy and are first-order saddle points on the respective energy surfaces. A molecular orbital analysis is presented to explain the preference of the planar anti-van't Hoff/Lebel structures over the corresponding tetrahedral structures. This analysis suggests that the presence of 18 valence electrons (which leads to three C−ligand σ bonds, one C−ligand π bond, and one ligand−ligand bond) is crucial for planar ...
A fast method for quantitatively measuring stability in a three-body dynamical system

Abstract The three body problem can be used to investigate many types of dynamical systems when they possess an attraction for each other. The circular restricted three-body problem is a special case of the general three-body problem. The circular restricted three-body problem has no closed form solution and must be numerically integrated to obtain a trajectory of the motion of the third body. A quantitative stability investigation usually requires a tremendous amount of computation due to numerically integrating each individual trajectory. By reducting the amount of numerical integration time, more time can be directed toward numerically investigating the stability relationship of the trajectory sets for the various mass ratios. In this paper a closed form measure of stability for a bounded region in the three-body system is found and used to perform a global (examination of all mass ratio combinations of the three bodies) stability investigation. The developed stability criteria is a function of the initial conditions of the third body and the strength of the potential field. In this study the potential field influencing the bodies is considered to be a gravitational field and it is shown that there are certain mass ratio combinations of the three bodies that result in an optimally stable system.
Peroxidase-mediated oxidation of catechins

Theaflavins and thearubigins are major pigments in black tea, and they are produced by oxidation and polymerization of flavan-3-ols (catechins) during tea fermentation. In the course of studies on the mechanism of black tea polyphenol formation, we have systematically studied peroxidase-mediated oxidation of tea catechins. Individual catechins, appropriate pairs of catechins, and the combination of selected catechins and theaflavins have been used as substrates of peroxidase. Different dimers, trimers and a tetramer are formed. This work has led to the characterization of some of the new trimers in black tea by LC/ESI-MS/MS. The proposed mechanisms for the peroxidase-mediated reaction are discussed.
Evolving MEMS qualification requirements

In the early 1990s, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) products were qualified using a suite of application-specific stress tests that were previously developed and used for mechanical sensors. For example, automotive companies required MEMS accelerometers to pass the same stress tests as mechanical accelerometers, including shock, vibration, temperature cycling, acceleration, and operating life tests. Semiconductor companies augmented these traditional stress tests with other tests to assess the robustness of MEMS products, such as cyclic sensor deflection, ESD, and latch-up tests. The proliferation of MEMS products and applications, especially in consumer electronics, poses major challenges to MEMS suppliers qualifying products for a wide range of applications and operating environments. Unlike automotive companies, many consumer electronics companies do not have sensor-specific reliability requirements; instead, they increasingly impose the same stress test requirements specified for all other ICs. Products with MEMS elements directly exposed to the outside world (such as microphones) may have intrinsic failure mechanisms that preclude passing all industry-standard stress tests. In addition, these standard stress tests do not adequately assess the reliability of MEMS products in terms of sensor robustness to failure mechanisms such as stiction, fracture, and particles. Thus, MEMS suppliers and their customers sometimes need to develop and agree upon a set of stress tests and acceptance criteria that are tailored to a particular category of MEMS products. This paper will focus on the qualification requirements for four categories of MEMS products used in diverse applications and operating environments, and then will discuss likely future trends and challenges in qualifying MEMS products.
Top Ten List in Pleural Disease

This supplement contains six sections addressing many aspects of pleural disease. After an introductory section describing the methods to develop the guidelines and a summarization of key points, there is a section each on the investigation of a unilateral pleural effusion in adults and on guidelines for the insertion of a chest drain. Management sections address pleural infection, malignant pleural effusions, and spontaneous pneumothorax. These guidelines are complementary to, and at times divergent from, earlier American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines on spontaneous pneumothorax1 and parapneumonic effusions,2 and the American Thoracic Society statement on malignant pleural effusions.3 The rigor of the British Thoracic Society (BTS) grading system assessing the primary literature is potentially concerning. Grade Ia and Ib literature included meta-analyses of randomized trials and randomized controlled trials, respectively. Other guidelines1,4 subjected randomized controlled trials to more rigorous scrutiny, subdividing them into those without important limitations and those with limitations including small sample size with moderate to high risk of false-positive and/or false-negative errors. Perhaps grading of some recommendations made by the BTS would differ utilizing a more rigorous system. Lastly, the guidelines represent “a blend of published evidence and clinical experience” without providing a clear outline of how expert opinion was gleaned in a bias-free fashion. Regardless, the BTS guidelines represent an excellent compendium of evidence-based information related to commonly encountered clinical pleural problems.
Right Main Pulmonary Artery Thrombus after Type A Aortic Dissection Repair

Type A aortic dissection involves the ascending thoracic aorta and needs emergent surgical repair since these patients are at increased risk of complications such as aortic rupture, aortic regurgitation, myocardial infarction, and cardiac tamponade. We describe two cases of right main pulmonary artery thrombus after Type A aortic dissection repair with graft. The right main pulmonary artery thrombus is a very rare complication of Type A aortic dissection repair and has never been reported up to the present time. The preferred location of thrombus after ascending aortic dissection repair is the right main pulmonary artery due to its close approximation. The possible mechanism of right main pulmonary artery thrombus is the compression of the right main pulmonary artery by distorted aortic structure after the surgery and altered blood flow dynamics in the pulmonary artery.
SCORING A CONTROLLED-ASSOCIATION TEST

Six different scores from a controlled association test have been studied, using a large sample of experienced engineers as examinees, and using criteria of job success and job placement. The test asks subjects to write, in a limited time, as many synonyms as they can to eight common words. None of the six scores from this test appears to be related to job placement, but the five of them which are based on the number of common responses given seem to be related to job success. These five scores vary along a continuum of commonness of response words, from a very stringent definition of commonness to a definition which includes all responses given. Although most of the validity coefficients computed in this study are well below correlations of .20, it is estimated that by using a revised test format a validity approaching .20 could be obtained in a similar testing situation. Although not spectacularly high, in comparison with the other variables which were studied in the Engineering Graduate Placement Test Research study such a validity coefficient for ratings of success is promising. The most promising score on the Controlled Association Test is the one based on the most stringent definition of commonness. A score based on number of uncommon responses was not significantly related to the criteria.
Treatment need and utilization among youth entering the juvenile corrections system.

Relatively little is known about the substance abuse treatment need patterns and experiences of youth incarcerated in the United States juvenile justice system. To address this issue, four analytic questions concerned with understanding the predictors of treatment need and utilization patterns among adolescents entering the juvenile corrections system are examined. Data analyzed were collected as part of a face-to-face survey of 401 youth who entered the Illinois juvenile correctional system in mid-2000. Overall, need for treatment and treatment utilization each were predicted by sets of social environmental and personal characteristics, in addition to several sociodemographic variables. Less than half of youth with an identified need for treatment reported receiving treatment. Considerable variability in the effects of demographic and social environmental indicators on treatment need and utilization across race groups also was observed. These findings underscore the need for the continual development of the cultural competence of treatment providers and the expansion of onsite provision of substance abuse treatment services to incarcerated juveniles.
The fine structure of iridial constrictor pupillae muscle of Alligator mississippiensis.

The iridial constrictor pupillae muscle of Alligator mississippiensis is found to consist of admixed smooth, myoblast-like, and striated muscle cells. Melanophores, bundles of collagen fibrils, nerve cell processes, and smooth muscle cells, which contain melanin granules, are found scattered in the constrictor pupillae muscle. Protoplasmic bridges are present between myoblast-like cells and between myoblast-like and striated muscle cells. Myoblast-like cells contain agranular reticulum, free ribosomes and randomly scattered, or longitudinally oriented filaments of two sizes (50–100 A and 200–250 A). Free ribosomes are found individually and in clusters of 5 to 10. The agranular reticulum is found as anastomosing tubule-shaped and cisternal elements. The striated muscle fibers consist of myofibrillae and a poorly organized sarcoplasmic reticulum and T system, such that triads and diads are not precisely ordered, but randomly scattered throughout the muscle fiber. This data is discussed in terms of the differentiation and function of striated muscle. On the basis of the disposition of triads and dyads it is concluded that the striated muscle of the constrictor pupillae muscle of Alligator mississippiensis is a slow-acting rather than fast-acting muscle.
Modelling Inter-city Road Distances by Mathematical Functions

This study describes an analysis of seven distance functions with reference to their ability to estimate road distances between cities. The optimal parameters of each function are determined in relation to two samples of data, using two distinct goodness-of-fit criteria. A set of general statistical methods were chosen and applied to the comparison of the estimating power of the functions. Some properties of the lp distance function are also given with reference to its use in facilities location models.
Avoiding a Fatal Attraction: Properties of Nucleosomes and a Histone Chaperone Revealed under Physiological Conditions

Andrews et al. report a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of nucleosomes in low salt, providing new insights into chromatin assembly and revealing an unexpected mechanism used by the histone chaperone Nap1 to prevent aberrant chromatin formation in vitro and in vivo.
Psychometric characteristics of a condition-specific, health-related quality-of-life survey: the FACT-Vanderbilt Cystectomy Index.

Objective Radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer can be associated with significant morbidity and alterations in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Vanderbilt Cystectomy Index (FACT-VCI) is a condition-specific HRQOL survey for patients undergoing RC and urinary diversion (UD) for bladder cancer. This study evaluates the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Vanderbilt cystectomy index (VCI). Methods The FACT-VCI was administered to patients with bladder cancer undergoing RC and UD (n = 190) at 2 major cancer centers. Statistical methods included principal components analysis, Cronbach's coefficient alpha, and nonparametric correlation coefficients. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General (FACT-G) was used to test criterion-related validity and a linear mixed model tested the effects of time and diversion type on longitudinal VCI scores. Results A single summary score of 15 gender-neutral items (VCI-15) represented the optimum solution for postoperative data, which was internally consistent (α = 0.85), had strong retest reliability (ρ = 0.891), and was associated with all FACT-G scales and total score (ρ ≥ 0.38, P P P = .145), they did differ by diversion type ( P = .027), with no substantive change after orthotopic neobladder (40 ± 9 vs 39 ± 10) but with a clinically significant improvement after an ileal conduit (39 ± 11 vs 44 ± 11). Conclusion The VCI-15 is a reliable and valid condition-specific HRQOL survey for patients with bladder cancer undergoing RC and UD. Future studies of RC patients should measure HRQOL using validated, condition-specific forms, such as the FACT-VCI.
Formation of H2Ru6(CO)17 from H2Ru6(CO)18 an improved synthesis of HRu6(CO)17 B1Dedicated to Professor Kenneth Wade on the occasion of his 65th birthday in recognition of his seminal contributions to the correlation of structural relationships in main group and metal cluster systems.1

Abstract Spontaneous decarbonylation of the octahedral cluster H2Ru6(CO)18 produces the bicapped tetrahedral cluster H2Ru6(CO)17. The clusters H2Ru6(CO)18 and H2R6(CO)17 have strikingly similar IR and 1H NMR spectra. In appearance they are indistinguishable; both are deep purple in color. The decarbonylation reaction is partially reversible under low pressures of CO. Reaction of H2Ru6(CO)17 with BH3S(CH3)2 provides an improved synthesis of HRu6(CO)17B, an octahedral cluster with a boron atom at the center of the Ru6 core. HRu6(CO)17B reacts with excess CO at high pressures to produce HRu4(CO)12BH2 and ruthenaboride clusters with pentanuclear metal cores that are proposed to be HRu5(CO)15B and HRu5(CO)16B.
Protein Kinase Cε, Which Is Linked to Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Development of Squamous Cell Carcinomas, Stimulates Rapid Turnover of Adult Hair Follicle Stem Cells

To find clues about the mechanism by which kinase C epsilon (PKCe) may impart susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), we compared PKCe transgenic (TG) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates for (1) the effects of UVR exposures on percent of putative hair follicle stem cells (HSCs) and (2) HSCs proliferation. The percent of double HSCs (CD34
The Evolution Of A Fracturing Technique For The Cotton Valley

This study presents a review of the stimulation of the Cotton Valley Formation in 13 wells of the Caspiana field, Desoto Parish, Louisiana. A multiple-frac technique was initially used in the stimulation of the numerous pay sands within the Cotton Valley interval. This study resulted in the adoption of a single-stage massive hydraulic fracturing treatment as the most efficient method to stimulate this formation. This work analyzes the problems encountered with the multiple fracturing technique and the results obtained from the first 1,000,000-lb frac job.
Mycophenolic acid response biomarkers: a cell line model system-based genome-wide screen.

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is commonly used to treat patients with solid organ transplants during maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. Response to MPA varies widely, both for efficacy and drug-induced toxicity. A portion of this variation can be explained by pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors, including genetic variation in MPA-metabolizing UDP-glucuronyltransferase isoforms and the MPA targets, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 1 and 2. However, much of the variation in MPA response presently remains unexplained. We set out to determine whether there might be additional genes that modify response to MPA by performing a genome-wide association study between basal gene mRNA expression profiles and an MPA cytotoxicity phenotype using a 271 human lymphoblastoid cell line model system to identify and functionally validate genes that might contribute to variation in MPA response. Our association study identified 41 gene expression probe sets, corresponding to 35 genes, that were associated with MPA cytotoxicity as a drug response phenotype (p < 1 × 10−6). Follow-up siRNA-mediated knockdown-based functional validation identified four of these candidate genes, C17orf108, CYBRD1, NASP, and RRM2, whose knockdown shifted the MPA cytotoxicity curves in the direction predicted by the association analysis. These studies have identified novel candidate genes that may contribute to variation in response to MPA therapy and, as a result, may help make it possible to move toward more highly individualized MPA-based immunosuppressive therapy.
Remote estimation of vine canopy density in vertically shoot‐positioned vineyards: determining optimal vegetation indices

Three spectral vegetation indices were examined for their correlation with vertically shoot-positioned canopy density (leaf area per metre of canopy) using both field spectroscopy data at the vine scale, and aerial image analysis at the vineyard scale. Vine canopy density accounted for a significant amount of the variability in all three vegetation indices (r2 = 0.65 to 0.92). The perpendicular vegetation index (PVI) was found to have the greatest information cost as well as the poorest coefficient of determination value, and thus was the least desirable of the indices examined. The ratio-based indices (RVI and NDVI) were shown to have similar information contents; however, the RVI was found to be more linearly related to canopy density over a broad range of values, and thus more desirable for vineyard remote sensing applications. Results from this analysis corroborate with findings from investigators in woodland and forest environments, and provide evidence of the complex nature of vineyard scene reflectance properties.
Quantum control of single spins and photons in diamond

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color center in diamond shows great promise as an optically addressable solid-state qubit amenable to many quantum-optics applications. Using the NV center, we have demonstrated spin-photon entanglement and manipulation of nuclear spins through coherent population trapping.
New method for self-consistency in disordered systems

Effective-medium theories for the electronic structure of disordered systems often lead to self-consistent equations for the self-energy. We present a powerful method which solves for the self-energy by converting the integral equations into a system of simultaneous equations. We consider two distinct cases: tight binding and muffin tin. Convergence is easily obtained where previously it was very difficult. Further, we provide a physically appealing and useful interpretation to our method.
Host-microbial symbiosis in the mammalian intestine: exploring an internal ecosystem.

The mammalian intestine contains a complex, dynamic, and spatially diversified society of nonpathogenic bacteria. Very little is known about the factors that help establish host-microbial symbiosis in this open ecosystem. By introducing single genetically manipulatable components of the microflora into germfree mice, simplified model systems have been created that will allow conversations between host and microbe to be heard and understood. Other paradigms of host–microbial symbiosis suggest that these interactions will involve an exchange of biochemical signals between host and symbionts as well as among the bacteria themselves. The integration of molecular microbiology, cell biology, and gnotobiology should provide new insights about how we adapt to a microbial world and reveal the roles played by our indigenous ‘nonpathogenic’ flora. BioEssays20:336-343, 1998. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.