cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transpleural systemic artery to pulmonary vessel fistulas: Imaging characteristics and management of an uncommon entity

Systemic arterial to pulmonary vessel fistulas may develop in the setting of pleural inflammation and/or injury. Bronchial arteries are the most commonly involved vessels, with recruitment often occurring in chronic diseases such as tuberculosis and cystic fibrosis. Rarely, transpleural systemic arteries that directly communicate with the pulmonary vasculature may develop in the presence of pleural injury or chronic inflammation. The clinical presentation and management of three cases of transpleural systemic artery to pulmonary vessel fistulas are detailed. Given the atypical imaging appearance of these lesions, there is risk of misdiagnosis of these entities as a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. Understanding the pathophysiology, complex anatomy, and treatment for these rare vascular malformations is crucial prior to angiographic intervention in order to improve outcomes, avoid misdiagnosis, and prevent inappropriate intervention.
Citrobacter braakii CLABSI in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient

IntroductionCitrobacter bacteria are gram-negative anaerobic bacilli commonly found in water, soil, food, and the intestinal tracts of animals and humans. Patients at highest risk of these nosocomi...
Enhanced Recovery after Surgery in Patients Implanted with Left Ventricular Assist Device

Purpose We sought to develop and implement a comprehensive enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for patients implanted with left ventricular assist device. Methods Our approach to the development and phased implementation of the ERAS protocol were described (Figure 1). We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected LVAD implant data at our institution between February 2019 and August 2020. Patients were divided into 6-months period cohorts: Pre-ERAS cohort (which covered 6 months prior to ERAS initiation) and ERAS cohort. A time gap of 6 months between the cohorts was used to appreciate initial outcomes after implementing most of the protocol phases. Results Of the 115 LVAD implants, 38 patients were classified in pre-ERAS cohort and 46 in ERAS cohort. We reduced transfusions and discharge on opioids and show a trend towards reduced intubation times, ICU and overall length of stay (Table 1). Conclusion ERAS for advanced heart failure patients deemed candidates for LVAD therapy is a novel, evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach to care with multiple potential benefits. We described details of the protocol, challenges faced as well as early positive changes in clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to both assess provider satisfaction and evaluate benefits of an ERAS protocol in reduction of adverse events.
Development of shape memory alloy actuated caudal fin soft robotic fish propulsion system

We present shape memory alloy (SMA) driven caudal fin soft robotic fish propulsion system. The goal of the project is to build a bio-inspired, soft robotic underwater vehicle that swims and maneuvers quietly and efficiently, much like a real biological fish, without using traditional mechanical motors that produce noise. The vehicle is modeled (shape, size, and mechanics of motion) after the Wahoo fish (Acanthocybium solandri) which can swim efficiently at a high speed. The vehicle’s propulsion thrust is produced by the undulating motion of the back half of the body that produces wave-like motions when actuated. The propulsion is achieved by actuating coiled SMA elements that span successive cross section ribs, on the port and starboard sides, of the vehicle that are designed to pivot at the midpoint of the vehicle. All successive ribs are connected at the midpoint by linkages mimicking the vertebra in a fish, which allow each rib to pivot at the end of the link to which it is attached. Alternating the actuation (turning the current on and off) of the SMA elements on the port and starboard sides produces the desired undulating motion, currently at a frequency of 0.5Hz. The alternate actuation scheme allows the SMA elements to cool down before the next actuation sequence. The thrust produced were measured by mounting the propulsor on a 3-axis load cell in a water tank and recording the force generated at various power levels applied to the SMA actuators. The thrust increases as the power supplied to the actuators were increased. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation is then used to estimate the achievable speed for the full vehicle model at a given thrust level. Inversely, the CFD model is then used to predict the required thrust/force level to achieve the desired vehicle speed. Building upon some preliminary results, we are working on optimizing the kinematic designs, actuator configurations and strategies to achieve higher undulating frequency and thrust to develop a soft robotic fish that can achieve high speed.
Comparative outcomes for older adults undergoing surgery for bladder and bowel dysfunction

Background/objectives To compare surgical outcomes between vulnerable nursing home (NH) residents and matched community-dwelling older adults undergoing surgery for bladder and bowel dysfunction. Design Retrospective cohort study. Participants A total of 55,389 NH residents and propensity matched (based on procedure, age, sex, race, comorbidity, and year) community-dwelling older adults undergoing surgery for bladder and bowel dysfunction [female pelvic surgery, transurethral resection of the prostate, suprapubic tube placement, hemorrhoid surgery, rectal prolapse surgery]. Individuals were identified using Medicare claims and the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for NH residents between 2014 and 2016. Measurements Thirty-day complications, 1-year mortality, and weighted changes in healthcare resource utilization (hospital admissions, emergency room visits, office visits) in the year before and after surgery. Results NH residents demonstrated statistically significant increased risk of 30-day complications [60.1% v. 47.2%; RR 1.3 (95% CI 1.3-1.3)] and 1-year mortality [28.9% vs. 21.3%; RR 1.4 (95% CI 1.3-1.4)], compared to community-dwelling older adults. NH residents also demonstrated decreased healthcare resource utilization, compared to community-dwelling older adults, changing from 3.9 to 1.9 (vs.1.1 to 1.0) hospital admissions, 11 to 10.1 (vs. 9 to 9.7) office visits, and 3.4 to 2.2 (vs. 1.9 to 1.9) emergency room visits from the year before to after surgery. Conclusion Despite matching on several important clinical characteristics, NH residents demonstrated increased rates of 30-day complications and 1-year mortality after surgery for bowel and bladder dysfunction, while demonstrating decreased healthcare resource utilization. These mixed findings suggest that outcomes may be more varied among vulnerable older adults and warrant further investigation.
Morphological Measurements in the Aging Rat Cerebral Cortex

This chapter deals with the structural changes seen in the brains of aging rats exposed to differential environments. We have previously reviewed the overall progress of experiments from our laboratory indicating brain changes due to modified external stimuli (Diamond and Connor, 1981, 1982). We showed changes in occipital cortical cell number and pyramidal cell dendrites from animals living in enriched, standard colony, and impoverished conditions. The present chapter includes some of the same data, but adds new information from the somatosensory cortex which has more recently been obtained. New dendritic spine data have also been presented to compare with our previous work.
The effect of previous contraction condition on subsequent eccentric power production in elbow flexor muscle

This study examined the effect of previous contraction condition on subsequent eccentric power production in the elbow flexor muscles in 20 healthy volunteers (10 males, 10 females). Power production was determined during constant velocity eccentric loading at 60° /s when preceded by: condition 1 passive elbow flexion; condition 2 maximal concentric contraction of the elbow flexor muscles; or condition 3 maximal isometric contraction of the elbow flexors. Comparison of eccentric power production under the different conditions was conducted using a repeated measures ANOV A. Results indicated that a continuum exists between conditions such that eccentric power production when preceded by condition 1 is < power production when preceded by condition 2, is < power production when preceded by condition 3. Implications are that contraction condition previous to eccentric loading allows various levels of tension transfer in the series elastic and the contractile components producing different levels of torque during the ensuing eccentric loading of the muscle. Techniques utilizing combinations of movement to enhancing muscle contraction should be examined critically with regard to order of movement and contraction conditions.
p75, a polypeptide component of karyoskeletal protein-enriched fractions associated with transcriptionally active loci of Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes

Abstract A 75-kilodalton polypeptide has been identified which copurifies with karyoskeletal protein-enriched fractions prepared from Drosophila melanogaster embryos. Results of indirect immunofluorescence experiments suggest that this protein, here designated p75, is primarily associated with puffed regions of larval salivary gland polytene chromosomes. In nonpolytenized Schneider 2 tissue culture cells, p75 appeared to be localized throughout the nuclear interior during interphase. In mitotic cells, p75 was redistributed diffusely. A possible role for karyoskeletal elements in transcriptional regulation is discussed.
The overlooked real cause for high voltage in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Summary form only given. In this work, we have designed an experiment to show that with proper p/sup +/GaAs-Au contact annealing, device threshold voltage (Vth) is reduced greatly to 1.46 V with merely a simple, uniformly doped InGaAs QW vertical cavity surface emitting (VCSEL) laser structure. Thus, contrary to previous publications, doping and bandgap engineering at heterointerfaces appear not to be very significant. Our results also show that contrary to general belief, Ti-Au or Au on p/sup +/GaAs cap layer can be annealed to obtain better contacts.
The Riemann Integral

The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is a statement about the inverse relationship between differentiation and integration. It comes in two parts, depending on whether we are differentiating an integral or integrating a derivative. Under suitable hypotheses on the functions f and F, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus states that $$ \begin{array}{l} \left( i \right)\,\int_a^b {F'\left( x \right)} dx = F\left( b \right) - F\left( a \right)\;and\\ \left( {ii} \right)\,if\,G\left( x \right) = \int_a^x {f\left( t \right)} dt,\,then\,G'\left( x \right) = f\left( x \right). \end{array} $$
Polyphosphate and Orthophosphate Content of Nitrosomonas europaea as a Function of Growth

After inoculation of a stationary-phase culture of Nitrosomonas europaea into fresh growth solution, the cell-associated orthophosphate increased rapidly to 800 mumoles/g (wet weight), whereas the acid-insoluble long-chain polyphosphate content decreased rapidly to 22 mumoles/g. As growth proceeded, the orthophosphate content decreased rapidly to a level of 15 mumoles/g and the long-chain polyphosphate content gradually increased to 60 to 90 mumoles/g. When the pH of a culture of Nitrosomonas decreased during growth below approximately 7.4, the rate of nitrite and polyphosphate synthesis increased and the ratio of change in protein to change in nitrite decreased. When the pH of the culture was maintained above 7.6 throughout growth, polyphosphate accumulation, an increased rate of nitrite and polyphosphate synthesis, and a decreased ratio of change in protein to change in nitrite were not observed. Cells of Nitrosomonas apparently accumulated polyphosphate when adenosine triphosphate generated during the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite was not efficiently used to promote an increase in cell mass. The rapid hydrolysis of polyphosphate after the transfer of stationary-phase cells into fresh growth solution was found to be triggered primarily by the higher pH of the fresh growth solution. The efflux of orthophosphate during culture growth was not associated with a decrease in the pH of the growth solution. Data on the chemical composition of Nitrosomonas are presented.
A method of revitalizing Sampson's theory of the Galilean satellites

A method is developed by which Sampson's theory of motion of Jupiter's Galilean satellites can be revitalized by use of algebraic manipulation software on a digital computer. The technique seeks (1) to remove algebraic errors existing in the current Sampson theory, (2) to introduce some neglected effects due to solar interactions and the 3-7 commensurability between the outer two satellites, (3) to allow for nonzero amplitude and phase of the libration, (4) to allow future revision of the arbitrary constants of integration, (5) to express the final results as analytic functions of variations in the numerous arbitrary constants of integration and arbitrary parameters, and (6) to provide analytic partial derivatives by means of which the numerical values of coefficients in the expressions for the coordinates can be adjusted. The level of precision desired is one arc second (Jovicentric) for the coordinates (2, 3.3, 5.2, and 9.1 km, respectively, for satellites I through IV).
Textbooks for K-12 Astronomy

I report on American textbooks for kindergarten through highschool grades. Middle school, up through approximate age 15, is the last time American students are required to take science, and I provide statistics on the narrowing of the funnel containing those taking physics. I describe some recent curriculum and standards projects, and I discuss the recent “less is more” trend. I conclude with comments on whether textbooks are necessary and useful and discuss possible content and style of an ideal textbook.
NMDA receptor agonist and antagonists alter retinal ganglion cell arbor structure in the developing frog retinotectal projection

The development of sensory maps is thought to require an activity-dependent structural rearrangement of afferent terminal arbors within the CNS which recreates the topographic relations of sensory somata present in the periphery. In the frog retinotectal projection, activation of the NMDA receptor plays a role in this structural plasticity. Exposure of the optic tectum of tadpoles to NMDA receptor antagonists results in a rearrangement of retinal ganglion cell arbors so that their organization into a topographic projection and eye-specific stripes is disrupted (Cline et al., 1987; Cline and Constantine-Paton, 1989). Exposure of the optic tectum to the receptor agonist, NMDA, increases the eye-specific segregation of these arbors (Cline et al., 1987). We examined the projection of the supernumerary retina and the morphology of individual retinal afferent arbors of untreated, NMDA-treated, APV-treated, MK801-treated, and MK801/NMDA-treated 3-eyed tadpoles and young postmetamorphic frogs in an effort to understand how NMDA receptor activation is involved in the growth and ordering of retinal arbors. Treatments with MK801 in combination with NMDA resulted in a desegregation of eye-specific stripes, whereas treatments with MK801 or NMDA alone did not. As reported previously, APV treatment resulted in stripe desegregation without increasing the tangential area (measured from 2-dimensional drawings) of the terminal arbors. However, a detailed analysis revealed that the APV-treated tadpole arbors have 35% reduction in branch density (branch tips/area) compared to untreated 3-eyed tadpole arbors. We treated the optic tectum with a range of concentrations of NMDA prepared in the slow-release plastic Elvax. NMDA at 10(-4) M in Elvax was the optimal concentration to produce the sharpening of stripe borders. Exposure of the tectum to NMDA at 10(-6) M in Elvax produced no change in the stripe pattern, while 10(-2) M NMDA in Elvax resulted in beading of the arbors. At the optimal concentration NMDA treatment results in a 75% reduction in the number of axons crossing from a stripe to an interstripe zone. Drawings of individual HRP-labeled, NMDA-treated arbors demonstrate that they have fewer branch points and fewer branch tips. NMDA treatment reduced arbor density by approximately 50%. Arbors drawn from untreated postmetamorphic frogs have twice the branch density of arbors from untreated tadpoles. NMDA treatment in these animals reduced the branch density by 55%, comparable to the reduction seen in tadpole branch density. Our data support a specific hypothesis for NMDA receptor involvement in the activity-dependent structural refinement process within the developing retinotectal projection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Validation of DRAMMS among 12 popular methods in cross-subject cardiac MRI registration

Cross-subject image registration is the building block for many cardiac studies. In the literature, it is often handled by voxel-wise registration methods. However, studies are lacking to show which methods are more accurate and stable in this context. Aiming at answering this question, this paper evaluates 12 popular registration methods and validates a recently developed method DRAMMS [16] in the context of cross-subject cardiac registration. Our dataset consists of short-axis end-diastole cardiac MR images from 24 subjects, in which non-cardiac structures are removed. Each registration method was applied to all 552 image pairs. Registration accuracy is approximated by Jaccard overlap between deformed expert annotation of source image and the corresponding expert annotation of target image. This accuracy surrogate is further correlated with deformation aggressiveness, which is reflected by minimum, maximum and range of Jacobian determinants. Our study shows that DRAMMS [16] scores high in accuracy and well balances accuracy and aggressiveness in this dataset, followed by ANTs [13], MI-FFD [14], Demons [15], and ART [12]. Our findings in cross-subject cardiac registrations echo those findings in brain image registrations [7].
Identification and characterization of a protein kinase gene in the Lymantria dispar multinucleocapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus.

The Lymantria dispar multinucleocapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus (LdMNPV) gene encoding vPK has been cloned and sequenced. LdMNPV vPK shows a 24% amino acid identity to the catalytic domains of the eucaryotic protein kinases nPKC from rabbits, HSPKCE from humans, APLPKCB from Aplysia californica, and dPKC98F from Drosophila melanogaster, and homology to several other protein kinases from yeasts, mice, and bovines. The homology suggests that vPK is a serine/threonine protein kinase as defined by Hanks et al. (S.K. Hanks, A.M. Quinn, and T. Hunter, Science 241:42-52, 1988). Temporal expression studies indicate that vPK is expressed throughout the infection cycle beginning at 4 h postinfection, first as a delayed-early gene and subsequently as a late gene. Sequence analysis and primer extension reactions confirm the presence of distinct early and late transcription initiation regions. Expression of vPK with a rabbit reticulocyte system generated a 31-kDa protein, which is in close agreement with the predicted size of 32 kDa from the amino acid sequence. Phosphorylation activity of in vitro-expressed vPK was demonstrated by using calf thymus histones.
Asymptotic properties of solutions to set dynamical systems

Dynamical systems with trajectories given by sequences of sets are studied. For this class of generalized systems, notions of solution, invariance, and omega limit sets are defined. The structural properties of omega limit sets are revealed. In particular, it is shown that for complete and bounded solutions, the omega limit set of a bounded and complete solution is nonempty, compact, and invariant. Lyapunov-like conditions to locate omega limit sets are also derived. Tools from the theory of set convergence are conveniently used to prove the results. The findings are illustrated in several examples and applications, including the computation of reachable sets and forward invariant sets, as well as in propagation of uncertainty.
Electrochemical Polishing of Copper for Microelectronic Applications

Abstract Electrochemical polishing (ECP) of copper using hydroxyethylidenediphosphonic acid (HEDP) has been investigated as an alternative to chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) for integration of low-k dialectrics in microelectronic devices. An optimal copper ECP process produces smooth polishing and a fast removal rate. For this investigation copper anodic polarisation curves in HEDP-phosphoric acid solutions were measured and copper ECP effects in various HEDP-phosphoric acid solutions were examined. Copper surface smoothing effects in various HEDP-phosphoric acid solutions were evaluated with atomic force microscopy. It was shown that HEDP and HEDP-phosphoric acid solutions have polarisation curves with a limited current plateau characteristic of ECP. Twenty to forty per cent of HEDP solutions had a maximum limiting current density of ~80 A cm-2. Adding phosphoric acid to HEDP solutions increased the limiting current to a maximum, beyond which further addition caused a decrease. An optimal ECP effect ...
Predicting the Effect of Tire Tread Pattern Design on Thick Film Wet Traction

Abstract An analytical tool is presented for the prediction of the effects of changes in tread pattern design on thick film wet traction performance. Results are reported for studies in which the analysis, implemented on a digital computer, was used to determine the effect of different tread geometry features, among these being the number, width, and lateral spacing of longitudinal grooves and the angle of zigzags in longitudinal grooves, on thick film wet traction. These results are shown to be in good agreement with experimental data appearing in the literature and are used to formulate guidelines for tread groove network design practice.
Assessment of pesticide residues in army cutworm moths (Euxoa auxiliaris) from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and their potential consequences to foraging grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis)

During summer, a grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) (USA) can excavate and consume millions of army cutworm moths (Euxoa auxiliaris) (ACMs) that aggregate in high elevation talus. Grizzly bears in the GYE were listed as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1975 and were proposed for delisting in 2005. However, questions remain about key bear foods. For example, ACMs are agricultural pests and concern exists about whether they contain pesticides that could be toxic to bears. Consequently, we investigated whether ACMs contain and transport pesticides to bear foraging sites and, if so, whether these levels could be toxic to bears. In 1999 we collected and analyzed ACMs from six bear foraging sites. ACMs were screened for 32 pesticides with gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC–ECD). Because gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) can be more sensitive than GC–ECD for certain pesticides, we revisited one site in 2001 and analyzed these ACMs with GC–MS/MS. ACMs contained trace or undetectable levels of pesticides in 1999 and 2001, respectively. Based on chemical levels in ACMs and numbers of ACMs a bear can consume, we calculated the potential of chemicals to reach physiological toxicity. These calculations indicate bears do not consume physiologically toxic levels of pesticides and allay concerns they are at risk from pesticides transported by ACMs. If chemical control of ACMs changes in the future, screening new ACM samples taken from bear foraging sites may be warranted. � 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Empirical estimation of viscoelastic seismic parameters from petrophysical properties of sandstone

Viscoelastic seismic parameters are expressions of underlying petrophysical properties. Theoretical and empirically derived petrophysical/seismic relations exist, but each is limited in the number and the range of values of the variables used. To provide a more comprehensive empirical model, we combined lab measurements from 18 published data sets and well log data for sandstone samples, and determined least‐squares coefficients across them all. The dependent variables are the seismic parameters of bulk density (ρ), compressional and shear wave velocities (Vp and Vs), and compressional and shear wave quality factors (Qp and Qs). The independent variables are effective pressure, porosity, clay content, water saturation, permeability, and frequency. As the derived expressions are empirical correlations, no causal relations should be inferred. Prediction of ρ is based on volumetric mixing of the constituents. For Vp and Vs predictions, separate sets of coefficients are fitted for three water saturation condi...
Immunotherapy Approaches for Malignant Glioma From 2007 to 2009

Malignant glioma is a deadly disease for which there have been few therapeutic advances over the past century. Although previous treatments were largely unsuccessful, glioma may be an ideal target for immune-based therapy. Recently, translational research led to several clinical trials based on tumor immunotherapy to treat patients with malignant glioma. Here we review 17 recent glioma immunotherapy clinical trials, published over the past 3 years. Various approaches were used, including passive transfer of naked and radiolabeled antibodies, tumor antigen-specific peptide immunization, and the use of patient tumor cells with or without dendritic cells as vaccines. We compare and discuss the current state of the art of clinical immunotherapy treatment, as well as its limited successes, pitfalls, and future potential.
Identification of Spontaneous Feline Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Morphology and Ultrastructural Evidence for a Type II Pneumocyte Defect

Study objectives Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a poorly understood chronic respiratory disease of humans, which has no correlate in other animals. Understanding the role that inflammation, alveolar epithelial cells, and myofibroblasts play in the progression of the disease is controversial, and hampered by the lack of an animal model. We have identified spontaneous IPF in domestic cats and hypothesized that this newly identified disease shares the pathology of human IPF; further, this work provides data suggesting that the disease is related to a defect in type II pneumocyte biology. Setting and subjects Chronic respiratory disease with pathology consistent with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) spontaneously developed in 16 domestic cats. Results The histopathology of feline IPF consisted of the following: (1) interstitial fibrosis with fibroblast/myofibroblast foci, (2) honeycombing with alveolar epithelial metaplasia and type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, and (3) alveolar interstitial smooth-muscle metaplasia. Interstitial inflammation was not a prominent feature of the disease. α-Smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts were prominent in myofibroblast foci, beneath honeycomb and hyperplastic epithelium, and in alveolar septa away from the remodeling. Feline IPF type II pneumocyte ultrastructure is similar to a heritable form of human IPF, with abnormal cytoplasmic lamellar body-like inclusions. Conclusions We conclude the following: (1) chronic respiratory disease with clinical and pathology features of UIP/IPF occurs in the domestic cat; (2) as in human IPF, the type II pneumocyte and myofibroblasts are important cellular constituents of feline IPF; and (3) type II cell ultrastructure suggests feline IPF is a defect in the type II pneumocyte.
INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN SUPPLY ON THE RATE OF MULTIPLICATION OF TOBACCO-MOSAIC VIRUS

In a former paper the writer (10) reported experiments which showed that the virus activity of juice expressed from tobacco plants diseased with tobacco mosaic was correlated with the amount of nitrogen supplied to the plants. No conclusions could be drawn from these experiments as to whether this increased activity was due to an increase in the rate of virus multiplication or to some other factor, such as greater accumulation of virus particles over a longer period of time, less destruction of virus, or greater dispersion of aggregates of virus particles. Further studies have now been completed which suggest that the variation in virus activity resulting from a change in nitrogen supply may be brought about by a change in the rate of virus multiplication. Results obtained from several repetitions of the experiments to be described below agree closely with those reported in this paper. Materials and methods
Assessments of intra- and inter-host diversity of hepatitis C virus using Next Generation Sequencing and Mass spectrometry

Recent advances in sequencing methods allow the analysis of an unprecedented number of viral variants from infected patients and present a novel opportunity for understanding viral evolution, drug resistance and immune escape. In the present paper, we compared three technologies for amplicon analysis: (i) Next Generation Sequencing; (ii) Clonal sequencing using End-point Limiting-dilution for isolation of individual sequence variants followed by Real-Time PCR and sequencing; and (iii) Mass spectrometry of base-specific cleavage reactions of a target sequence. Hypervariable region 1 of hepatitis C virus was analyzed using these three technologies to assess diversity and genetic relatedness of intra-host viral populations in specimens obtained from 38 patients. Estimates of population heterogeneity varied among technologies. However, all three technologies were equally accurate in identification of genetic relatedness among viral strains, supporting their application in molecular epidemiology for tracking viral variants and detecting transmission events.
Androgyny and its relation to adolescent psychosocial well-being: A review of the literature

The theoretical and empirical literature on androgyny in adolescence is reviewed in this paper. The traditional bipolar view of sex roles and more recent models of sex role development are contrasted. Then the research literature on the relation between sex role orientation and psychosocial well-being in adolescence is reviewed. From a review of several research articles on the topic, it is concluded that it is masculinity and the masculine component of androgyny that is most associated with both male and female adolescents' psychosocial well-being. This conclusion is discussed in light of current issues in the area of sex roles.
Sun Tzu for strategists

Abstract This article examines several important concepts in Sun Tzu's view of war and demonstrates the effect these concepts have had on the creation of a pattern of warfare frequently encountered in the sinicized nations of Asia.
Determination of tolbutamide hydroxylation in rat liver microsomes by high-performance liquid chromatography: Effect of psychoactive drugs on in vitro activity

Abstract A simplified HPLC method for tolbutamide metabolism to hydroxytolbutamide has been used to screen sixty psychoactive drugs for their ability to inhibit rat liver microsomal tolbutamide hydroxylation. One-step extraction with diethyl ether was followed by reconstitution and isocratic HPLC analysis with a binary mobile phase (ammonium phosphate:methanol, 45:55, v/v). Nanogram amounts of hydroxytolbutamide formation were estimated with UV detection at 240 nm. Hydroxytolbutamide formation was linear with incubation times of 40 – 120 min, but specific activity increased with increases in microsomal protein (0.15 – 1.10 mg). A differential inhibitory response was demonstrated for tolbutamide and debrisoquine hydroxylation to 5 psychoactive drugs, suggesting that tolbutamide hydroxylation is not dependent on P4502D1. Sixty psychoactive drugs, or drug metabolites, (at 33 μM) were then co-incubated with tolbutamide (at 2.5 and 10.2 μM). Tolbutamide hydroxylation was refractory ( 50% inhibition that was independent of tolbutamide concentration. Five of the drugs (methadone, chlorpheniramine, meperidine, 6-monoacetylmorphine and methylphenidate), however, caused greater than 50% inhibition in a competitive manner which suggests these drugs may share an affinity for the substrate binding site for tolbutamide.
Molecular and functional characterization of the murine ldh2 promoter region: Sp-binding GC-box domains are the key cis-elements regulating ldh2 gene expression during spermatogenesis

The goal of the present study was to elucidate the specific transcriptional mechanisms that regulate ldh2 gene expression during the early stages of spermatogenesis. DNA sequence analysis of the 1.0-kb ldh2 promoter region directly upstream of the transcriptional start site indicated the presence of three SP-protein binding GC-box elements and the absence of TATA and CAAT boxes. Functional characterization studies of the mouse ldh2 promoter were performed in the SV40 transformed mouse spermatogonial cell line, GC-1 spg. Transfection/transient expression studies using full-length and truncated ldh2 promoter/luciferase reporter constructs revealed that all three of the SP-binding cis-regulatory GC-box elements are required for optimal ldh2 promoter activity. Additional site-directed mutagenesis studies indicated that the two most proximal GC-box sites play essential regulatory roles in mediating basal ldh2 promoter activity. These studies suggest that the expression of the ldh2 gene in spermatogonia and early spermatocytes are regulated by SP-mediated transcriptional mechanisms.
Predicting Rainfall Using the Principles of Fuzzy Set Theory and Reliability Analysis

The paper presents occurrence of rainfall using principles of fuzzy set theory and principles of reliability analysis. Both the abstract and the rest of the paper are discussed from these two points of view. First, a fuzzy inference model for predicting rainfall using scan data from the USDA Soil Climate Analysis Network Station at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU) campus for the year 2004 is presented. The model further reflects how an expert would perceive weather conditions and apply this knowledge before inferring a rainfall. Fuzzy variables were selected based on judging patterns in individual monthly graphs for 2003 and 2004 and the influence of different variables that caused rainfall. A decrease in temperature (TP) and an increase in wind speed (WS) when compared between the ith and (i ? 1)th day were found to have a positive relation with a rainfall (RF) occurrence in most cases. Therefore, TP and WS were used in the antecedent part of the production rules to predict rainfall (RF). Results of the model showed better performance when threshold values for 1) Relative Humidity (RH) of ith day; 2) Humidity Increase (HI) between the ith and (i ? 1)th day; and 3) Product (P) of decrease in temperature (TP) and an increase in wind speed (WS) were introduced. The percentage of error was 12.35 when compared the calculated amount of rainfall with actual amount of rainfall. This is followed by prediction of rainfall using principles of reliability analysis. This is done by comparing theoretical probabilities with experimental probabilities for the occurrence of two main events, namely, Relative Humidity (RH) and Humidity Increase (HI) being in between specified threshold values. The experimental values of probability are falling in between μ ? σ and μ + σ for both RH and HI parameters, where μ is the mean value and σ is the standard deviation.
Depolarized correlation function of light double scattered from a system of Brownian particles

We consider the multiply scattered electric field from a system of noninteracting Brownian scatterers. We show that the lowest-order contribution to the depolarized correlation spectrum of the scattered light is due to double scattering. We find an expression in the far-field approximation for the electric-field correlation function double scattered from a system of pointlike particles. We show that while the correlation function is slightly nonexponential, the $t=0$ slope of the correlation function is independent of scattering angle and equal to the single scattered correlation time corresponding to a scattering angle of 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. We then generalize our result to include larger, Rayleigh-Debye particles of radius $l\ensuremath{\lesssim}\ensuremath{\lambda}$ where $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is the wavelength of the incident light. The results for larger particles are qualitatively similar to those for pointlike particles in that there is a lack of a large scattering-angle dependence in the correlation time of the double-scattered light, and the magnitude of the correlation time is slightly greater than the correlation time for single-scattered light at 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. We then perform intensity autocorrelation experiments on two systems of polystyrene microspheres of radii $l=0.055 \mathrm{and} 0.117$ \ensuremath{\mu}m. We measure the depolarized scattered light correlation time and compare it to our theoretical results for double scattering. The agreement of theory and data is seen to be good. We discuss potential applications of this work to other phenomena.
Selective Chemical Vapor Deposition of Manganese Self-Aligned Capping Layer for Cu Interconnections in Microelectronics

In modern Cu interconnections in microelectronics, weak adhesion between the chemical-mechanical polished copper surface and the dielectric capping material can lead to rapid electromigration of Cu and early failure of the wiring. A self-aligned chemical vapor deposition (CVD) Mn capping process is introduced to strengthen the interface between Cu and dielectric insulators without increasing the resistivity of Cu. In this CVD process, a vapor mixture of Mn precursor and molecular hydrogen deposits Mn selectively on copper and not at all on the adjacent, previously deactivated surfaces of insulators. Deactivation of the insulator surfaces is accomplished by exposure to vapors containing reactive alkylsilyl groups. The presence of Mn at the Cu/insulator interface greatly increases the strength of the bonding between Cu and the insulator. The debonding energy increases approximately linearly with the amount of Mn at the interface, up to values so large that the interface could not be broken apart. This Mn-enhanced binding strength of Cu to insulators is observed for all insulators tested, including plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited Si 3 N 4 , SiCNOH, SiO 2 , and low-k SiCOH, as well as thermal SiO 2 and atomic-layer-deposited SiO 2 . This selective CVD Mn capping process should increase the lifetime of advanced copper interconnections.
Structure Refinement by a Liquid Metal Cooling Solidification Process for Single-Crystal Nickel-Base Superalloys

Single crystals of a nickel-base superalloy were directionally solidified (DS) over a range of cooling rates to evaluate the benefits of a new high thermal gradient solidification process. Solidification experiments were conducted on cylindrical bars with a liquid-metal-enhanced cooling process. This higher gradient casting process was evaluated for the degree of structure refinement, microstructural variability, and porosity distributions. Cylindrical bars of 1.6-cm diameter were solidified at rates between 8.4 and 21.2 mm/min using a tin-based, liquid metal cooling (LMC) technique and at a rate of 3.4 mm/min with a conventional Bridgman process. The LMC process produced a refined microstructure with average primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS) and secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) values as low as 164 and 25 μm, respectively, for the bar geometry evaluated. An optimum intermediate withdrawal velocity of 12.7 mm/min produced up to a 50 and 60 pct refinement in PDAS and SDAS, respectively. Further increases in withdrawal velocity produced smaller SDAS and pore sizes, but undesirable grain boundaries and excessive secondary dendrite arm growth. Voronoi tessellation methods were used to examine the extremes of the dendrite arm spacings in comparison to the average measurements, the packing of dendrites, and the correlation of porosity size and location with the dendrite structure. A simple expression for prediction of the maximum pore size is developed.
Simulation constructs for JIT modelling

Simulation is a vital tool for assisting organizations as they strive to convert to just-in-time (JIT) Methods. Modelling is often found to be tedious because simulation languages which are in use today lack the proper modelling features for efficient simulation of JIT processes. We propose new language constructs to provide the required features. These are implemented as an extension of an existing simulation language (SIMAN). New constructs are based upon the kanban satisfaction paradigm which has been described in a previous paper. Details on the format of the new constructs are provided as well as an extensive description or the implementation. We also describe a framework for integrating the new constructs into the SIMAN language and making the numerous details, such as, satisfaction control, system initialization, and arrival sensing, transparent to the user.
The Unexplored Territory Linking Rewards and Ethical Behavior A Review and a Diagnostic Model

Rewards research typically examines how well incentives increase employees' productivity. By comparison, research in business ethics research focuses more on employees' ethical behavior than on their productivity per se. Yet, despite the bounty of literature in these two areas, little research specifically (a) links incentives to (un)ethical behavior and (b) focuses on relationships other than that between the employee-employer. This article reviews this neglect in detail, urges that future research address these gaps, and proposes a diagnostic model for use by scholars to guide this future research and by practitioners to implement rewards in their organizations.
Neonatal hyperthyroidism disrupts hippocampal LTP and spatial learning

Excess thyroid hormone at an early stage of development produces marked neurochemical and morphological alterations in the rat hippocampal formation. In order to better understand the functional significance of these changes, we tested adult rats treated neonatally with triiodothyronine (T3), and their control litter mates, in a spatial learning task and for the induction of longterm potentiation (LTP) in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampal formation. The T3-treated rats were significantly impaired in their performance on the spatial task in comparison to their matched controls. Similarly, the efficacy of LTP induction was significantly attenuated in the T3-treated animals. Further, a significant correlation was obtained between LTP induction and performance on the spatial learning task. Thus, a brief neonatal excess of thyroid hormone produces impairments in spatial learning along with decreases in LTP, long held as a model of learning and memory. This relationship provides a unique opportunity to study associations between behavioral, physiological, pharmacological and morphological processes intimately associated with the hippocampal formation
On the use of ridit analysis

Ridit analysis is statistical method for comparing ordinal-scale responses. In this paper, the extact variance and asymptotic distribution of the average ridit is developed, including the cases in which the reference group is sampled or the comparison group is finite. The appropriate use and interpretation of ridit analysis is also discussed.
Defining the stressome of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in vitro and in naturally infected cows

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis causes an enteric infection in cattle, with a great impact on the dairy industry in the United States and worldwide. Characterizing the gene expression profile of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis exposed to different stress conditions, or shed in cow feces, could improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. In this report, the stress response of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis on a genome-wide level (stressome) was defined for the first time using DNA microarrays. Expression data analysis revealed unique gene groups of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis that were regulated under in vitro stressors while additional groups were regulated in the cow samples. Interestingly, acidic pH induced the regulation of a large number of genes (n = 597), suggesting the high sensitivity of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis to acidic environments. Generally, responses to heat shock, acidity, and oxidative stress were similar in M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, suggesting common pathways for mycobacterial defense against stressors. Several sigma factors (e.g., sigH and sigE) were differentially coregulated with a large number of genes depending on the type of each stressor. Subsequently, we analyzed the virulence of six M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis mutants with inactivation of differentially regulated genes using a murine model of paratuberculosis. Both bacterial and histopathological examinations indicated the attenuation of all gene mutants, especially those selected based on their expression in the cow samples (e.g., lipN). Overall, the employed approach profiled mycobacterial genetic networks triggered by variable stressors and identified a novel set of putative virulence genes. A similar approach could be applied to analyze other intracellular pathogens.
Vitamin A deficiency reduces uptake of β-carotene by brush border membrane vesicles but does not alter intestinal retinyl ester hydrolase activity in the rat

Vitamin A deficiency has been reported to result in mild structural and functional changes within the small intestine. The objective of this study was to measure the impact of vitamin A deficiency in the rat on several functional aspects of beta-carotene uptake and intestinal retinyl ester hydrolysis. These included uptake of (14)C-beta-carotene by brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) and in vitro activity of intrinsic retinyl ester hydrolase (REH). Rats (n = 33) were randomly assigned to receive one of three dietary treatments: vitamin A deficient (-VA), vitamin A sufficient pair-fed (PF), or vitamin A sufficient free access-fed (FA). Liver, serum retinol, and growth data were used to verify clinical vitamin A deficiency. Rats in the -VA group were clinically vitamin A deficient by Day 56 on a vitamin A-free diet and, at that point, all rats were randomly assigned to one of two experimental treatments: BBMV studies or REH activity assays. Uptake of (14)C-beta-carotene by BBMV was significantly suppressed (P < 0.05) in -VA rats when compared to both PF and FA control rats during early passive uptake equilibration (10-20 sec). Uptake was also significantly decreased by BBMV isolated from -VA rats compared to PF controls, but not FA controls, after a 10-min incubation (P < 0.05). In vitro activity of REH was not impacted by vitamin A deficiency in rats, although a trend for greater activity from -VA rats was noted. These data suggest that vitamin A deficiency impairs enterocyte membrane uptake of beta-carotene without altering the enzymatic activity of intrinsic REH.