cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 17 – MICROFLUIDICS

Publisher Summary Microfluidics refers to fluid-handling technologies in which at least one dimension of the typical elements is less than 1 mm and internal volumes are less than 100 pA. This technology has been developed for printing (e.g., ink-jet printers), analytical chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and biotechnology. This chapter discusses the physical and technical aspects of microfluidic systems. The most common methods for driving flows in microchannels are with pressure gradients applied via external reservoirs, pressure driven flow generated by peristaltic pumps on the device, and externally applied electric fields. Capillary, acoustic, and magnetic forces have also been used to move fluids in microchannels. Most methods of fabricating microfluidic systems are adaptations of techniques for fabricating microelectronic structures, and photolithography is the core of these methods. Microfluidics enables the manipulation of small volumes of fluid in a precise manner. This capability is important for the preparation and delivery of small synthetic or biological molecules for sensing. Microfluidic manipulations can also increase the rate of mass transfer in order to increase the rate of a fast chemical process that may be related to the sensing mechanism. This capability is especially important for sensors that require a binding reaction at a solid surface, as in DNA and protein chips. The continued development of microfluidic elements is clearly necessary to generalize the chemical processes for which it can be used. This development is under way in a large number of laboratories.
Role of nitrogen and herbicides in integrated management of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) in cool-season forage grasses

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) is becoming increasingly problematic in cool-season pastures and grasslands. A 3-yr field experiment evaluated different rates of nitrogen and herbicides for A. vulgaris management in a permanent grassland. The main plot had three nitrogen rates, 0, 62, and 124 kg N ha−1; the subplot had three herbicides, aminopyralid, clopyralid, and glyphosate; and the sub-subplot had three herbicide rates, aminopyralid (61, 122, and 244 g ae ha−1), clopyralid (140, 280, and 560 g ae ha−1), and glyphosate (552, 1,104, and 2,208 g ae ha−1). Results revealed that nitrogen had no effect on A. vulgaris control, rhizome biomass, and stem density. However, cool-season grass biomass was the highest (7,126 kg ha−1) in the plots that received 124 kg N ha−1 and 244 g ae ha−1 of aminopyralid. Only glyphosate caused grass injury, which varied from 65% to 100% depending upon application rate. By 9 mo after initial herbicide treatment (MAIT), A. vulgaris was controlled 60% to 98% with aminopyralid at ≥61 g ae ha−1 or glyphosate at ≥552 g ae ha−1. By 21 MAIT, aminopyralid at ≥122 g ae ha−1 or glyphosate at ≥1,104 g ae ha−1 resulted in >95% reduction in A. vulgaris stem density and rhizome biomass and provided ≥98% visual control. By 33 MAIT, complete control of A. vulgaris was confirmed in plots treated with aminopyralid at ≥122 g ae ha−1 or glyphosate at ≥1,104 g ae ha−1. Clopyralid was not effective; A. vulgaris control was <40% even after three annual applications at 560 g ae ha−1. Results indicate that integration of nitrogen fertilization with aminopyralid did not improve A. vulgaris control, but was advantageous in enhancing cool-season grass productivity.
The regulatory acceptance of translational safety biomarkers

Abstract Translational safety biomarkers are responsive across nonclinical species where toxicity is directly correlated with histopathology; in humans, where histopathological assessment is not feasible, biomarker response is correlated with current standard biomarker response and clinical adjudication for tissue injury. Clinical scientists are nearly exclusively reliant on safety biomarkers to assess drug-induced tissue injury in clinical trials. It is therefore critical that safety biomarkers are deemed reliable for clinical decision-making and patient safety. Biomarker qualification is the formal regulatory acceptance of a biomarker for a specific context of use. Qualification results in certainty as to how the biomarker can be applied and how the biomarker data generated in drug development programs should be interpreted by both drug developers and regulators.
Clinical Interventions in State Psychiatric Hospitals: Safety and Logistical Considerations

Adaptations are frequently made by hospital administrators, clinicians, and other staff to accommodate for the changing populations of state psychiatric hospitals in the United States. For example,...
Investigating Deep Learning for Predicting Multi-linguistic Interactions with a Chatterbot

Deep Learning (DL) becomes a mainstream technique for Artificial Intelligence (AI) machine learning because of its success in performing many tasks, such as image recognition, speech interpretation, language prediction and translation. We are investigating the underlying principles of DL Neural Networks (NN) to design optimal DL NN for predicting human multi-linguistic conversations with a chatterbot. This research attempts to tackle the well-known open problem of finding optimal NN designs for data of various characteristics. We are in particular focusing on Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) models with time progression, which takes into consideration the results from the previous steps plus the current input to predict the next step, i.e. it ‘remembers’ what it has previously learnt. Through the experiments of tuning an RNN to achieve an optimal performance in terms of accuracy and training time, we found that characteristics such as word counts and layers of neurons could affect the training performance. We applied the tuned optimal model to a game implementation, inspired by IBM Watson, where users can guess the words to be generated by a computer, called “Beat AI” to have human predict the machine prediction.
Thermal optimization of a novel thermo-optically responsive SS-PCM coatings for building enclosures

Abstract Building energy consumption constitutes approximately 40% of total energy usage in the US. zero energy buildings (ZEBs) have received much attention in the last decade as they can alleviate some of the negative impacts that buildings have on the environment. New materials and systems are emerging that can help regulate building enclosure heat losses and gains in a passive manner, possibly leading to more cost effective ZEBs. A novel thermo-optically responsive solid–solid phase change material (SS-PCM) coating has been developed to help offset heat gains or losses in building enclosures. The study investigates the optical and thermal processes of the SS-PCM, as well as the synergies among different layers within the enclosure system, through a series of numerical simulations. The impacts of the solar incoming angle and phase transition temperature on the absorptivity of the SS-PCM, which have a significant influence on the optical and thermal transfer processes, are explored. The feasibility and benefits of using the SS-PCM system in building enclosures under both warm and cold climates are investigated. Simulation results: (1) confirm the potential of the SS-PCM coatings to reduce undesirable heat exchange through building enclosure in all orientations and identify the roof as the preferred location of installing the SS-PCM system; (2) substantiate the thermal benefits of the system throughout the year and determine the optimal phase transition temperature of the SS-PCM with maximal energy saving; and (3) demonstrate more thermal benefits and energy saving of the SS-PCM coatings in warm climates compared to cold climates, which has been a challenge for most of existing passive solar facades.
Grid-Based Correlation Analysis to Identify Rare Quantum Transport Behaviors

Most single-molecule transport experiments produce large and stochastic datasets containing a wide range of behaviors, presenting both a challenge to their analysis, but also an opportunity for discovering new physical insights. Recently, several unsupervised clustering algorithms have been developed to help extract and separate distinct features from single-molecule transport data. However, these clustering approaches have been primarily designed and used to extract major dataset components, and are consequently likely to struggle with identifying very rare features and behaviors which may nonetheless contain physically meaningful information. In this work, we thus introduce a completely new analysis framework specifically designed for rare event detection in single-molecule break junction data to help unlock such information and provide a new perspective with different implicit assumptions than clustering. Our approach leverages the concept of correlations of breaking traces with their own history to robustly identify paths through distance-conductance space that correspond to reproducible rare behaviors. As both a demonstrative and important example, we focus on rare conductance plateaus for short molecules, which can be essentially invisible when examining raw data. We show that our grid-based correlation tools successfully and reproducibly locate these rare plateaus in real experimental datasets, including in situations that traditional clustering approaches find challenging. This result enables a broader variety of molecules to be considered in the future, and suggests that our new approach is a useful tool for detecting rare yet meaningful behaviors in single molecule transport data more generally.
Sex bias in clinical judgment among school psychologists

Using an analogue case study format, sex bias in clinical judgment among school psychologists was examined. The sex of an adolescent student was varied in the case studies, and two types of problems were presented in this 2 × 2 (sex of student by problem type) design. School psychologists were asked to read a case study and answer a series of questions relating to the extent of perceived disturbance and the importance of intervention. The main finding of the study was that it was rated as more important to intervene when the case study subject was a male, but there were no sex differences on the disturbance rating. Research and practical implications are discussed.
Polymer light-emitting devices: promises, prospects-and problems

Summary form only given. Light-emitting devices made from conducting polymers offer attractive advantages. These include the fabrication of uniform areas of light on flexible substrates, with a variety of colours, using thin films of semiconducting and luminescent polymers cast from solution. The status of the science and technology will be summarized with emphasis on recent progress using two different device configurations: tunneling injection light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs). The latter is a new device configuration for light emission film electroactive polymers. In these LECs, a p-n junction diode is created in-situ through simultaneous p-type and n-type electrochemical doping on opposite sides, respectively, of a film of conjugated polymer which contains added electrolyte to provide the necessary counterions for doping. LECs have been fabricated which operate by the proposed electrochemical oxidation-reduction mechanism; blue, green and orange emission are obtained with turn-on voltage close to the bandgap of the emissive material.
Structural Genes for Ornithine Transcarbamylase in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli K-12

Mutations of Salmonella typhimurium affecting the structural gene for ornithine transcarbamylase (argl) have been isolated and mapped. The two ornithine transcarbamylase loci in Escherichia coli K-12 have been demonstrated by F′ episome transfer.
Anesthetic management for fetal operation in the subhuman primate.

Abstract A method of anesthetic management for fetal surgery on the subhuman primate is presented. Forty-five pregnant rhesus and java monkeys were studied. The operation involves partial delivery of the fetus for insertion of catheters into the carotid artery, jugular vein, and amniotic cavity. Halothane is the anesthetic of choice when intrauterine operative procedure is to be performed on the primate. Introduction and recovery is rapid, and uterine relaxation is readily achieved. Examples of hemodynamic and acid-base changes during perioperative complications such as hyperexcitability, supine hypotension of the mother, and umbilical cord compression are presented.
Estimation of probabilistic context-free grammars

The assignment of probabilities to the productions of a context-free grammar may generate an improper distribution: the probability of all finite parse trees is less than one. The condition for proper assignment is rather subtle. Production probabilities can be estimated from parsed or unparsed sentences, and the question arises as to whether or not an estimated system is automatically proper. We show here that estimated production probabilities always yield proper distributions.
Modeling Images and Spectra of a Solar Flare Observed by RHESSI on 20 February 2002

We have analyzed a C7.5 limb flare observed by RHESSI on 20 February 2002. The RHESSI images appear to show two footpoints and a loop-top source. Our goal was to determine if the data are consistent with a simple steady-state model in which high-energy electrons are continuously injected at the top of a semicircular flare loop. A comparison of the RHESSI images with simulated images from the model has made it possible for us to identify spurious sources and fluxes in the RHESSI images. We find that the RHESSI results are in many aspects consistent with the model if a thermal source is included between the loop footpoints, but there is a problem with the spectral index of the loop-top source. The thermal source between the footpoints is likely to be a low-lying loop interacting with the northern footpoint of a higher loop containing the loop-top source.
Internal structure of oceanic lithosphere : A perspective from tectonic Windows

Major faulted escarpments on the seafloor provide tectonic windows into oceanic crust and upper mantle. Direct observations in these settings reveal that the spatial arrangement, internal structure, and contacts between major rock units are significantly more complex than commonly anticipated on the basis of seismic studies and ophiolite analogs. From this perspective, a stratiform, ophiolite-like sequence of rock units, including basaltic volcanic rocks, sheeted diabase dike complex, isotropic and layered gabbroic and ultramafic rocks over upper mantle peridotites-all separated by generally horizontal contacts, may be much less common in the oceanic lithosphere than generally thought. Conversely, documented examples of large outcrop areas (tens of kilometers across) that lack the ophiolite-like sequence or that contain structures that do not conform to the ophiolite model call into question the basic assumptions made in the reconstruction and interpretation of ophiolite complexes. Historically, the stratiform ophiolite architecture has been the basis for inferences of the interaction between tectonism and magmatism at mid-ocean ridge spreading centers.
Skin Depth Considerations in Eddy Current NDT

Eddy current nondestructive testing depends upon the interaction of time-varying electromagnetic fields with the material under test. The electromagnetic fields are applied to the material under test via some finite sized transducer, usually an inductive coil or set of coils. If the material is conducting the fields will penetrate the conductor, but will attenuate to negligible levels after some distance. The classical skin depth, \({\delta _s} = \sqrt {2/\omega \mu \sigma } = \sqrt {1/\pi f\mu \sigma }\) is the standard assumption for the characteristic distance of field penetration in conductors. This paper reports the results of a study which examined the decay of sinusoidal steady-state (AC) fields in conductors induced by finite sized coils. Comparisons are made among the classic Dodd and Deeds formulations [1], the 3D-axisymmetric finite element method (FEM) [2], and published results [3]. Where possible experimental observations were compared to the computed and published results.
Differences in tourist and host perceptions of Appalachia: elasticity in place identity.

Appalachia, like many regions around the world, exists without absolute and universallyaccepted borders. Depending on whether one is speaking in historical, political, economic, agricultural, geographic, or cultural terms, Appalachia may be described as so large to include all or parts of thirteen states and as small as consisting of only three or four states in the mountain South. This research note briefly reviews the literature concerning the differences in perception regarding Appalachian identity and geographic place as described by cultural insiders and outsiders, presents and interprets new data gathered in southern Ohio, and comments on the relevance of perceptions of cultural outsiders to contemporary tourism marketing efforts.
Good or Essential? The Effects of Victim Characteristics and Family Significance on Sentencing Judgments and Perceptions of Harm

ABSTRACTVictim impact statements containing information about the character of the victim, as well as their significance to the family were varied across conditions to examine their effects on perceptions of harm and sentencing decisions for 166 death qualified participants. The results indicate that information concerning the victim's significance to their family significantly influenced sentencing judgments, whereas victim character information failed to do so. Perceptions of harm significantly mediated the relation between family significance and sentencing decisions. Implications for the Supreme Court ruling in Payne v. Tennessee (1991) and the relevance of including information about the victim as a means of communicating harm in capital trial sentencing are discussed.
Institutional and Contextual Factors in Immigrant Naturalization and Voting

(2001). Institutional and Contextual Factors in Immigrant Naturalization and Voting. Citizenship Studies: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 41-56.
Natural toxins and protective factors in brassica species, including rapeseed

Many plant secondary metabolites exhibit a wide range of dose-related physiological properties when included in the diet of animals and man. Within the brassica family, the glucosinolates, a group of sulphur-containing glucosides have been the subject of a vast amount of study and the effects of dietary inclusion of such compounds or their metabolites on the health of animals and man are briefly reviewed. Although excessive amounts of glucosinolates in animal feed formulations may reduce growth and performance as well as affecting thyroid, liver, and kidney function, there is little evidence of such effects in man. On the contrary, compounds derived from glucosinolates as a consequence of enzymic breakdown or metabolism have been shown to activate mechanisms which moderate or reverse carcinogenic processes. Such effects may contribute to the net anti-carcinogenic benefit attributed to these vegetables in numerous epidemiological studies.
Incorporating genome-wide DNA sequence information into a dynamic whole-cell model of Escherichia coli: application to DNA replication

The advent of thousands of annotated genomes, detailed metabolic reconstructions and databases within the flourishing field of systems biology necessitates the development of functionally complete computer models of whole cells and cellular systems. Such models would realistically describe fundamental properties of living systems such as growth, division and chromosome replication. This will inevitably bridge bioinformatic technologies with ongoing mathematical modelling efforts and would allow for in silico prediction of important dynamic physiological events. To demonstrate a potential for the anticipated merger of bioinformatic genome-wide data with a whole-cell computer model, the authors present here an updated version of a dynamic model of Escherichia coli, including a module that correctly describes the initiation and control of DNA replication by nucleoprotein DnaA-ATP molecules. Specifically, a rigorous mathematical approach used to explicitly include the genome-wide distribution of DnaA-binding sites on the replicating chromosome into a computer model of a bacterial cell is discussed. A new simple deterministic approximation of the complex stochastic process of DNA replication initiation is also provided. It is shown for the first time that reasonable assumptions about the mechanism of DNA replication initiation can be implemented in a deterministic whole-cell model to make predictions about the timing of chromosome replication. Furthermore, it is proposed that a large increase in the concentration of DnaA-binding boxes will result in a decreased steady-state growth rate in E. coli.
Transmit power minimization for the Z Interference Channel

We study transmit power minimization in the two-user Z Interference Channel (ZIC). When the interference link gain is strong, the capacity of the ZIC has been fully characterized. For this strong interference regime, we derive the closed-form solution of the minimum required transmit power to achieve a given rate pair, and show that the resulting power allocation between the two users is not necessarily unique. When the interference link gain is weak, the capacity of the ZIC is still an open problem to date. For this weak interference regime, we develop an inner and outer bound for the required transmit power to achieve a given rate pair, and characterize the constant power ratio relation between the two bounds. In contrast to the strong interference case, rate splitting is necessary for power minimization in this regime. The optimal power-minimizing rate splitting solution is then derived, and performance in terms of total transmit power required for a given rate pair is analyzed.
Application of Complex Aldol Reactions to the Total Synthesis of Phorboxazole B

The synthesis of phorboxazole B has been accomplished in 27 linear steps and an overall yield of 12.6%. The absolute stereochemistry of the C4−C12, C33−C38, and C13−C19 fragments was established utilizing catalytic asymmetric aldol methodology, while the absolute stereochemistry of the C20−C32 fragment was derived from an auxiliary-based asymmetric aldol reaction. All remaining chirality was incorporated through internal asymmetric induction, with the exception of the C43 stereocenter which was derived from (R)-trityl glycidol. Key fragment couplings include a stereoselective double stereodifferentiating aldol reaction, a metalated oxazole alkylation, an oxazole-stabilized Wittig olefination, and a chelation-controlled addition of the fully elaborated alkenyl metal side chain.
Mechanical efficiency during repetitive vertical jumping

The purpose of this study was to compare mechanical efficiency between repeated static jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps (CMJ), drop jumps from 75% of maximum CMJ jump height (75DJ) and drop jumps from 125% of maximum CMJ height (125DJ). Subjects included eight jump-trained males. All subjects completed 30 continuous repetitions in the SJ, CMJ, 75DJ, and 125DJ. Oxygen consumption, peak force and center of mass displacement for each repetition during the four jumping patterns were measured. ME was calculated from a combination of force-time curves, displacement-time curves and lactate-corrected oxygen consumption values. In addition, muscle activity was recorded from the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and biceps femoris using surface electromyography (EMG). 125DJ and 75DJ resulted in significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater ME in comparison to CMJ and SJ. CMJ resulted in significantly greater ME in comparison to SJ. In addition, braking phase muscle activity was significantly greater in 125DJ and 75DJ in comparison to CMJ. Negative work was significantly different between 125DJ, 75DJ and CMJ (125DJ > 75DJ > CMJ). There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.68) between ME and negative work performed across 125DJ, 75DJ and CMJ. These findings suggest that stretch-shortening cycle movements, which include a strenuous braking phase combined with simultaneous high muscle activity, increase ME. This may be due to optimal muscle-tendon unit kinetics and usage of stored elastic energy.
An analysis of trends in the intensity of U.S. capital formation and their determinants

Abstract This article introduces a measure of capital formation that is a composite of the gross investment-output ratio and the average life of investment goods. This measure is shown to be systematically related to future levels of the capital-output ratio, as the net investment-output ratio by itself is not. Historical values of this indicator and its components are presented and analyzed. Econometric techniques are then used to determine whether or not these trends can be explained by interest rates and other economic factors. Finally, these results and their implications for the U.S. economy are analyzed.
The intellectual functioning of hyperactive elementary school boys: a cross-sectional investigation.

Group intelligence test scores and behavior ratings were investigated in younger and older groups of hyperactive elementary school boys, and in classmate controls. There were deficits in intellectual functioning in the older hyperactive groups, but not the younger. Younger and older subjects both differed from controls in teacher ratings of impulse control, art proficiency, and general adjustment; older subjects showed significant deficits in self-esteem. Results support the hypothesis that non-patient hyperactive children do not differ from their peers in intellectual endowment.
A fluorescence-based analysis of aristolochic acid-derived DNA adducts.

Aristolochic acids (AAs), major components of plant extracts from Aristolochia species, form (after metabolic activation) pro-mutagenic DNA adducts in renal tissue. The DNA adducts can be used as biomarkers for studies of AA toxicity. Identification of these adducts is a complicated and time-consuming procedure. We present here a fast, nonisotopic, fluorescence-based assay for the detection of AA–DNA adducts in multiple samples. This approach allows analysis of AA adducts in synthetic DNA with known nucleotide composition and analysis of DNA adducts formed from chemically diverse AAs in vitro. The method can be applied to compare AA–DNA adduct formation in cells and tissues.
PULMONARY SHUNTING AND LUNG VOLUMES DURING HYPOTENSION INDUCED WITH TRIMETAPHAN

SUMMARY In 10 dogs anaesthetized with pentobarbitone mean P a O2 , decreased from the control value of 13.5 kPa to 10.2 kPa, cardiac output decreased by 33% 2 , and right-to-left shunt doubled during hypotension induced with trimetaphan. There was no significant change in functional residual capacity during the period of hypotension or recovery. The hypoxaemia resulted from an increase in ventilation/perfusion inequality, with a decrease in arterial saturation consequent upon a decrease in cardiac output with a constant shunt. During the recovery period, right-to-left shunting remained greater than the values obtained before induction of hypotension.
Multi-Sensor Measurement of the Motion Stability of an Active Controlled Isolation Test Pad.

Abstract : Performance data of a variety of motion sensors at controlled sub-seismic levels is presented. Sensors compared include representative state-of-the-art seismometers and tilt detectors, as well as newly developed quartz fibre linear and angular motion sensors developed under AGSC/FJSRL sponsorship, and the TGG gyro. The basis for a stable low level motion test pad, and calibrated, controlled excitations is a pneumatically supported, actively controlled Isolation Test Pad (Iso-pad). The Iso-pad is motion controlled at low frequency to local level with precision level-sensor/pneumatic-activator servos, and controlled at high frequencies in 6 degrees-of-freedom with inertial-sensor/electromagnetic shaker-activators. The current stability of the Iso-pad and its potential for ultra low noise instruments tests, is discussed as well as its use for controlled low level excitation of test instruments. (Author)
Hydrophobic agglomeration and spherical agglomeration of wolframite fines

Abstract New beneficiation processes for treating wolframite fines by means of hydrophobic agglomeration and by spherical agglomeration have been developed in this work. An artificial mixture of wolframite and quartz fines, assaying 6.83% WO 3 and having a size of − 15 μm, can be separated by these new processes. The wolframite concentrate obtained by means of hydrophobic agglomeration using sodium oleate as the agglomeration reagent with separation from the dispersed quartz by sedimentation assays 57.61–59.64% WO 3 with a recovery of 90.37–93.76%. The wolframite concentrate obtained by means of spherical agglomeration using sodium oleate as collector and fuel oil as combining liquid and separated by screening assays 69.72–70.65% WO 3 with a recovery of 90.95–91.62%. The major influences on these processes are the amount of reagents used and the time and the speed of agitation.
Delayed recovery of airborne Serratia marcescens after short-time exposure to ultra-violet irradiation.

Delayed Recovery of Airborne Serratia marcescens after Short-Time Exposure to Ultra-violet Irradiation
Variables associated with the development of complications from radiosurgery of intracranial tumors

Between 5/21/86 and 11/1/89, we treated 64 recurrent or inoperable intracranial tumors in 60 patients (40 primary, 24 metastatic) with stereotactic radiosurgery using a modified 6 MeV linear accelerator at the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy. Patients were followed until death or 1/1/90. The median follow-up was 8 months (2-43 months). Fourteen patients experienced complications from 12 hours to 7 months (median 3 months, but only two patients more than 4 months) following radiosurgery. To determine variables related to complication, we calculated integral dose-volume histograms for 61/64 lesions and the surrounding CT-defined normal tissue. We excluded 16 lesions in 15 patients for follow-up less than 4 months (12 patients) or insufficient treatment information (3 patients). The variables for which higher values were associated with significantly more toxicity in a univariate score test were: a) tumor dose inhomogeneity (p less than 0.00001), b) maximum tumor dose (p = 0.00002), c) number of isocenters (p = 0.00002), d) maximum normal tissue dose (p = 0.00005) and e) tumor volume (p = 0.0001). These variables were all highly correlated with tumor dose inhomogeneity (coefficients of rank correlation 0.75-0.81). Tumor dose inhomogeneity had a much higher loglikelihood in a logistic model than any other single variable and a higher loglikelihood than any other two variables combined. None of the 21 patients with metastatic lesions experienced a complication. When we excluded the metastatic lesions, the above five variables remained significant in univariate tests. The mean tumor dose, number of treatment arcs, total degrees of arc, tumor location, previous radiotherapy, tumor geometry, pretreatment performance status, collimator size, and age were not significantly associated with toxicity. We conclude that radiosurgery of intracranial tumors is associated with a low risk of complications for lesions less than 10cc treated with a single isocenter to maximum tumor doses less than 25 Gy with tumor dose inhomogeneity less than 10 Gy, but that treatment of larger lesions will require new treatment strategies which reduce the tumor dose inhomogeneity associated with multiple isocenter treatments.
Intraband relaxation in CdSe quantum dots

The relaxation of the $1P$ to $1S$ electronic states of CdSe semiconductor nanocrystals is followed by infrared pump-probe spectroscopy. Fast (1 ps) and slow (g200 ps) components are observed. Using different capping molecules to control the hole states, we show how the intraband relaxation slows down as the hole is in a shallow trap, a deep trap, or a charge-separated complex, providing strong support for an electron-hole Auger coupling. The slow component corresponds to an energy relaxation rate orders of magnitude slower than in bulk systems. It may be the first indication of the phonon bottleneck effect long expected in strongly confined quantum dots.
Critical Factors in Human Resource Practice Implementation: Implications of Cross-Cultural Contextual Issues

In most firms, the human resources department is responsible for the development of effective human resource practices that help the organisation meet or exceed its business objectives. However, the implementation of those practices ultimately falls to the firm’s line managers. This paper uses social context theory and the theory of planned behaviour to propose that line managers’ implementation of effective HR practices is influenced by a variety of contextual and individual factors. Using data from line managers working in a 300 bed not-for-profit community hospital in the southeastern USA, the results of an exploratory factor analysis and a multiple regression test of the suggested model showed that contextual/organisational and individual factors had a significant impact in predicting line managers’ HR practice implementation levels. Implications of these findings are discussed, as are directions for future research.
The aminoglycoside antibiotic, gentamicin, fails to block increases in miniature endplate potential frequency induced by the sulfhydryl reagent, N-ethylmaleimide, in low calcium solutions

N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) increases the frequency of miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) at the adult rat hemidiaphragm. This sulfhydryl-alkylating agent produces comparable effects in the absence of added calcium (2 mM EGTA), suggesting that the drug releases calcium from internal stores, or promotes calcium-independent release by depolarizing the nerve terminal or interacting more directly with the release mechanism. These increases in frequency are not blocked by the aminoglycoside antibiotic, gentamicin; although the latter agent reduces quantal content and the elevations in MEPP frequency induced by high potassium solutions. The results suggest that gentamicin and NEM act at different sites at the presynaptic terminal, and that the aminoglycosides block voltage-dependent presynaptic calcium influx.
The reaction of hydrogen with copper(I) in liquid ammonia-amide solutions

Abstract Molecular hydrogen reacts with liquid ammonia solutions containing CuI and excess of either KNH 2 or CsNH 2 to form thermally unstable orange-red solids with the approximate compositions K 2 Cu 3 H 5 · x NH 3 and CsCuH 2 · x NH 3 . The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffractometry, and, in the case of the potassium compound, Raman spectroscopy and magnetic measurements.
Isolation and Purification of Antibiotic Material from Physarum gyrosum

The myxomycete Physarum gyrosum was cultured in its plasmodial stage on agar plates containing 0.025 M phosphate buffer at pH 6.5, 2% bakers9 yeast, and 0.2% glucose and was supplemented with live Escherichia coli . Extracts of these plasmodia contained several antibiotic substances. Antibiotic materials were partially purified by dialysis of the agar medium-mold mixture, evaporation of the dialyzate, and butanol extraction of the residue. Further purification in two paper and two thin-layer chromatographic systems gave one product which was pure in six thin-layer chromatographic systems. Antibiotic activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and yeasts was demonstrated with partially purified extracts and a paper-chromatographically separated fraction. One pure antibiotic was effective against Bacillus cereus .
Mutational analysis of Sep-tRNA:Cys-tRNA synthase reveals critical residues for tRNA-dependent cysteine formation.

In methanogenic archaea, Sep-tRNA:Cys-tRNA synthase (SepCysS) converts Sep-tRNACys to Cys-tRNACys. The mechanism of tRNA-dependent cysteine formation remains unclear due to the lack of functional studies. In this work, we mutated 19 conserved residues in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii SepCysS, and employed an in vivo system to determine the activity of the resulting variants. Our results show that three active-site cysteines (Cys39, Cys42 and Cys247) are essential for SepCysS activity. In addition, combined with structural modeling, our mutational and functional analyses also reveal multiple residues that are important for the binding of PLP, Sep and tRNA. Our work thus represents the first systematic functional analysis of conserved residues in archaeal SepCysSs, providing insights into the catalytic and substrate binding mechanisms of this poorly characterized enzyme.
Anatomy of the nipple and breast ducts revisited.

BACKGROUND Increasing interest in the intraductal approach to the breast has necessitated revisiting the anatomy of the breast. METHODS Using six different complementary in vivo and in vitro approaches, the authors determined the number, distribution, and anatomic properties of the ductal systems of the breast, which extend from the nipple orifices to the terminal duct lobular units. RESULTS More than 90% of all nipples examined contained 5–9 ductal orifices, generally arranged as a central group and a peripheral group. Each nipple orifice communicated with a separate, nonanastomosing ductal system, which extended to the terminal duct lobular unit. CONCLUSIONS Increased knowledge of the ductal anatomy of the breast and the ability to access the nipple ductal orifices will provide a foundation for the intraductal approach to the breast. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society
Non-covalent ruthenium polypyridyl complexes-carbon nanotubes composites: an alternative for functional dissolution of carbon nanotubes in solution.

The dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in the presence of water soluble polypyridyl complexes of the general formula [Rux(bpy)yL]2+ (L = dppz, dppn, tpphz) is reported. These ligands have extended planar π systems, which aid in the solubilization of SWCNTs via π–π interactions.
Optimal Screen Mesh Size for Restraining Walleye Fry

Abstract Various-sized nylon restraining screens were tested to determine the largest opening that still retained 72-h posthatch fry of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum). Screens with more than 710 μm between threads and more than 53% open area allowed more walleye fry to escape than the screens with smaller openings. We recommend using screens with no more than 710 μm (10.31 meshes/cm) between threads and no more than 53% open area to contain young walleye fry when being fed formulated feeds.
Effect of rotation and domain aspect-ratio on layer formation in strongly stratified Boussinesq flows

We present a numerical study of layer formation in forced, rotating, stably stratified Boussinesq flows. All flows are strongly stratified such that the buoyancy timescale 1/N is much faster than the turbulence timescale. The Coriolis timescale 1/f is chosen to be comparable to the turbulence timescale or faster. Furthermore, all simulations are in an asymptotic parameter regime defined by quadratic potential enstrophy. The aspect-ratio of the domain is δ = Hd/Ld where Hd (Ld) is the vertical height (horizontal length) of the domain, and the Froude (Rossby) number is defined using vertical (horizontal) scale and a velocity scale, both based on the large-scale force. Two sets of simulations are studied, both with fixed Froude number . The first set of runs fixes δ = 1 and varies the Rossby number . These unit aspect-ratio runs show a transition from flow with a quasi-geostrophic component to a layered flow as the Rossby number is increased from . The layering appears first in the wave component of the flow...
Acyl-CoA synthetase 1 is required for oleate and linoleate mediated inhibition of cholesterol efflux through ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 in macrophages.

Abstract Diabetes and insulin resistance increase the risk of cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis through mechanisms that are poorly understood. Lipid-loaded macrophages are key contributors to all stages of atherosclerosis. We have recently shown that diabetes associated with increased plasma lipids reduces cholesterol efflux and levels of the reverse cholesterol transporter ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1) in mouse macrophages, which likely contributes to macrophage lipid accumulation in diabetes. Furthermore, we and others have shown that unsaturated fatty acids reduce ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux, and that this effect is mediated by the acyl-CoA derivatives of the fatty acids. We therefore investigated whether acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1), a key enzyme mediating acyl-CoA synthesis in macrophages, could directly influence ABCA1 levels and cholesterol efflux in these cells. Mouse macrophages deficient in ACSL1 exhibited reduced sensitivity to oleate- and linoleate-mediated ABCA1 degradation, which resulted in increased ABCA1 levels and increased apolipoprotein A-I-dependent cholesterol efflux in the presence of these fatty acids, as compared with wildtype mouse macrophages. Conversely, overexpression of ACSL1 resulted in reduced ABCA1 levels and reduced cholesterol efflux in the presence of unsaturated fatty acids. Thus, the reduced ABCA1 and cholesterol efflux in macrophages subjected to conditions of diabetes and elevated fatty load may, at least in part, be mediated by ACSL1. These observations raise the possibility that ABCA1 levels could be increased by inhibition of acyl-CoA synthetase activity in vivo. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Advances in High Density Lipoprotein Formation and Metabolism: A Tribute to John F. Oram (1945–2010).
Superparamagnetism in AuNi alloys

Abstract A magnetic investigation of the aging process at low temperatures in the gold-nickel system has been made. It was found that when alloys of 20–40 at. % nickel in gold were aged at temperatures between 100 and 200°C, an increase in the paramagnetic susceptibility was observed. Supersaturated solid solutions were formed by homogenizing the alloy in the single phase region and quenching rapidly to room temperature. The magnetization curve was then measured at various temperatures. After aging the sample for predetermined time intervals, the magnetization curve was remeasured. The changes which occurred indicated that very small superparamagnetic clusters rich in nickel atoms were being formed as a result of the aging. As is typical of such aging processes, the most rapid changes occurred almost immediately and the rate of clustering decreased with time from this initial maximum. Evidence was found that the clusters do not continue growing indefinitely, but rather, reach a maximum cluster size of at most a few hundred atoms and then cease to grow. It is felt that the large disregistry possible between nickel-rich clusters and the lattice suggest that coherency strain energy may be an important factor limiting the growth of the clusters.
The efficacy of removal of heavy metals from water by calcite

Abstract A feasibility study was conducted for the removal of cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc from water by a commercial grade of calcite (CaCO3(S)). The latter is commonly used for treatment of domestic well waters that are acidic due to excessive quantities of CO2(g). Equilibrium and column studies were conducted for the adsorption of the four metals on calcite.
Abstract 1562: PYK2 and FAK in breast cancer

Proliferation and invasion of malignant tumor cells are mediated by multiple events, including activation of focal adhesion signalings and cytoskeleton remodeling. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) are cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases identified as key mediators in regulation of cytoskeleton proteins in focal adhesion. Pyk2 were found to be overexpressed in Glioblastoma and played a central role in brain tumor invasion. Studies also showed that FAK increased expression and activation in various human cancers. Recently, studies with patients’ tumor samples have demonstrated that Pyk2 and FAK are co-overexpressed in over 70% human breast cancers from the very early disease stage of in situ carcinoma to the advanced metastatic stage. Pyk2 was also involved in the cytoskeleton changes initiated by heregulin through the ErbB-2 receptor in breast cancer cell lines. To further investigate role of Pyk2 and FAK in breast cancer progression and metastasis, we studied protein expression and activation of Pyk2 and FAK, as well as their substrates and interacting proteins in human breast cancer and normal breast epithelial cell lines. Our results showed that activation of both Pyk2 and FAK are marked increased in breast cancer cell lines in comparison with normal breast epithelial cells. In addition, serum stimulation was able to further activate Pyk2 and FAK and to increase tyrosine phosphorylation of their substrates and interacting proteins, including paxillin, Src, and p130CAS. The activated Pyk2 and FAK formed protein complex with paxillin, Src, and p130CAS. Our results and other published studies support the cooperative function of Pyk2 and FAK in breast cancer progression and suggest that dual inhibition of Pyk2 and FAK is a potential therapeutic approach for invasive breast cancer. Lead compounds of Pyk2 and FAK inhibitors have been identified by Southern Research drug discovery team and will be further evaluated in vitro and in vivo as potential breast cancer treatment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1562.
Systematic review: peginterferon vs. standard interferon in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Summary Background : Randomized controlled trials over the last decade have demonstrated incremental improvement in the treatment efficacy of chronic hepatitis C with combination interferon and ribavirin therapy when compared with interferon monotherapy. Aim : To perform a systematic review of clinical trials directly comparing interferon formulations to test the hypothesis that a true difference in terms of efficacy exists between standard interferon (with and without ribavirin) and peginterferon (with and without ribavirin). Methods : A search of the on-line bibliographic databases MEDLINE and PUBMED was performed independently by two authors to identify all relevant articles. In addition, the reference sections of all relevant articles were manually searched to identify any missed articles. Quality was assessed using the Jadad scale, which is an accepted scale specific for randomized controlled trials. A priori, it was decided to include only articles with a Jadad score of three or higher in the final analysis. Data were abstracted on to pre-determined abstraction sheets. The inclusion of articles, the data abstracted and the methodological score differences were adjudicated by consensus with agreement of the authors performing the search. Results : Seven citations of randomized controlled trials, comparing at least two different interferon formulations and evaluating the sustained virological response as a primary end-point, were identified. These relevant articles were abstracted, and five of the seven were found to have a Jadad score of three or higher and comprised the final set of citations reviewed. The studies consistently demonstrated that peginterferon monotherapy was superior to standard interferon, even in patients with advanced fibrosis. With regard to combination interferon therapy, only two high-quality articles compared peginterferon plus ribavirin with standard interferon plus ribavirin. Both studies demonstrated that the overall sustained virological response was statistically better with peginterferon plus ribavirin. Conclusions : On the basis of this systematic review, peginterferon-based regimens are superior to standard interferon-based regimens for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.