cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a thermal interface material fabricated using thermocompression bonding of carbon nanotube turf

In this work, the use of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) as thermal interface materials is presented. The VACNT structure is fabricated on 4×4 mm silicon substrates using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These VACNT structures can be transferred to other substrates using a thermocompression bonding process; the process transfers the VACNTs to metalized silicon die which are tested after that as thermal interface materials. Two configurations of VACNTs were tested: one with a full coverage of VACNTs and one with patterned VACNTs. For the full coverage turf a thermal interface resistance as low as 1.082 cm2 K/W was obtained, while a thermal interface resistance of 0.044 cm2 K/W was obtained for the patterned turfs.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Positive and Negative Ions in the Primary Cosmic Radiation

THE observed east-west asymmetry of the cosmic radiation, and its increase with increasing altitude, has been interpreted in terms of an unbalanced primary radiation which is positively charged. It has been suggested by Compton and Bethe that the radiation probably consists of protons, the rest of the primary radiation consisting of equal numbers of positrons and electrons.
Patterns of primary care and mortality among patients with schizophrenia or diabetes: a cluster analysis approach to the retrospective study of healthcare utilization.

Background Patients with schizophrenia have difficulty managing their medical healthcare needs, possibly resulting in delayed treatment and poor outcomes. We analyzed whether patients reduced primary care use over time, differentially by diagnosis with schizophrenia, diabetes, or both schizophrenia and diabetes. We also assessed whether such patterns of primary care use were a significant predictor of mortality over a 4-year period.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF RELAPSING AUTOIMMUNE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS WITH MYELIN PEPTIDE-COUPLED SPLENOCYTES

Injection of antigen cross-linked accessory cells has proven to be an efficient and highly selective approach for inducing epitope-specific peripheral tolerance. This approach has been used successfully to inhibit induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and to dissect the relative dominance of component encephalitogenic determinants that contribute to both acute and relapsing EAE. In this study, we evaluated the tolerogenic effect of the dominant encephalitogenic epitope for SJL/J mice, residues 139-151 of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), on the induction and relapses of EAE induced actively with PLP139-151/CFA. Our results demonstrate the powerful protective effect of treating mice before induction of EASE with PLP139-151-conjugated splenocytes (SPL) on the incidence and severity of both the initial episode and the first relapse of EAE. Moreover, treatment of mice on the first day of onset of clinical signs of EAE reduced the severity of the first relapse, apparently by reducing T cell recognition of PLP139-151, although no significant therapeutic effect was observed during the initial treated clinical episode. These data demonstrate the utility of using neuroantigen-coupled accessory cells to prevent and treat relapsing EAE.
Renal Hemodynamics and Natriuresis Induced by the Dopamine-1 Agonist, SKF 82526

The intrarenal infusion of dopamine (DA) during alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade has been reported to increase renal blood flow (RBF) and sodium excretion by occupation of DA-1 receptors. In addition, DA may potentially influence renal function by occupation of DA-2 receptor subtypes. This study was designed to examine the hemodynamic and/or tubular mechanisms of the natriuretic effect of DA-1 in dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital. The intrarenal infusion of the DA-1 agonist, SKF 82526 (10(-9), 10(-8), 10(-7) M), resulted in dose related increases in RBF and absolute and fractional sodium excretion. These changes were not associated with alterations in urinary prostaglandin E2, F2 alpha, or kallikrein excretion. To determine the role of RBF in the natriuresis due to SKF 82526 infusion (10(-7) M), the renal artery was constricted to return RBF to control levels during continued SKF 82526 infusion. Although absolute and fractional sodium excretion decreased during this maneuver, they remained higher than control. These studies support both a hemodynamic and a tubular mechanism for the natriuretic effect of the DA-1 agonist, SKF 82526. These effects do not appear to be mediated by the renal prostaglandin or kallikrein systems.
On the Kinetics of Adsorption of Dodecyl Sulfate at the Mercury−Water Interface

Dodecyl sulfate adsorbs at the mercury−water interface in a highly complex manner, which depends on the potential and on the nature of other ions present. The kinetics of formation of the adsorbed ...
Utility of Acellular Allograft Dermis in the Care of Elderly Burn Patients

Background Because skin thins with advancing age, traditional thickness skin grafts cannot always be obtained in very elderly burn patients without creating a new full-thickness wound at the skin graft donor site. Materials and methods In an attempt to circumvent this problem, acellular allograft dermis (Alloderm, Life Cell Corp., The Woodlands, TX) and thin autograft (depth 0.005 inches) was used in skin grafting 10 elderly burn patients (age 78 year ± 2, TBSA burn 17% ± 2; mean ± SEM) over a 1-year period. The outcome of patients receiving Alloderm was compared retrospectively to a similar group of 18 elderly patients admitted over the prior year, eight of whom underwent operative wound excision and autografting (depth 0.014 inches) without Alloderm. Results Length of hospital stay was significantly reduced in patients treated with Alloderm compared to the total group of elderly in whom selective use of operative debridement and skin grafting was used. Functional outcome was improved in those patients who underwent skin grafting regardless of operative technique. Donor site healing time was significantly reduced with Alloderm (12 days ± 1 versus 18 days ± 2), while graft take was similar to conventional autografting. Unfortunately, 3-month mortality remained poor regardless of operative skin grafting or technique used. Conclusions This initial experience suggests that use of Alloderm may allow more elderly burn patients to undergo operative wound closure, thus improving functional outcome and reducing hospitalization. Unfortunately, long-term survival for very elderly burn patients remains poor.
The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been shown to prolong survival, decrease infarct size, and improve ventricular function in patients who have congestive heart failure, and in those who have sustained a myocardial infarction. This review will summarize the evidence to show that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors can also benefit patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery by minimizing perioperative ischemia, and reducing long-term cardiovascular events.
Pollen Longevity in Wheat, Rye and Triticale

The duration of pollen life was measured for several varieties of wheat, rye and triticale to determine whether the inclusion of alleles for pollen longevity from alien sources would be necessary and effective in hybrid wheat production. Percent seed set was calculated from spikes in which emasculated flowers had been pollinated with pollen stored for specified time intervals under desiccation and under normal greenhouse conditions. Seed was set on wheat, rye and triticale lines using pollen stored for 45, 220, and 80 minutes, respectively. These results indicate that the duration of wheat pollen life is adequate for fertilization to occur under conditions normally used in hybrid wheat production, and that. Introgression of alien alleles is not necessary.
Enhanced backscattering of surface polaritons on a randomly rough surface

We present a theory of the enhanced backscattering of surface polaritons on a two-dimensional randomly rough surface. We solve the scattering problem by the method of reduced Rayleigh equations using unitary and reciprocal expansions in powers of the surface profile function. We calculate the angular dependence of the intensity of the surface polaritons into which the incident surface polariton has been scattered, and find that it has a peak in the backscattering direction. The effect is expected to be most easily observed by the methods of near-field optical microscopy in the infrared range.
A possible association of long Y chromosomes and fetal loss.

Long Y chromosomes in a relatively unbiased large sample of newborn infants were measured. The proportion of prior abortions was increased twofold in mothers of long Y infants compared to the control in the Caucasian sample. Our results indicate that an increased length of Y chromosome may be an important cause of fetal loss.
The philosophy of medicine in Europe: Challenges for the future

Two challenges face European philosophy of medicine. The first is to counterbalance what is seen as an overemphasis on social analysis of medicine with greater attention to its personal and individual dimensions. The second, related challenge, is to more fully understand the clinical realities of modern medicine, which in turn, give rise to the scope and limits of physician duties, patient obligations, and social concerns.
Methodologies for evaluation of collaborative systems workshop

This paper presents some of the issues I've encountered in evaluating collaborative systems. To place my issues in context, it begins with a brief introduction of the systems I work with and the evaluation methods I usually employ.
Kinetic energy effects on the oxidation of Ni(111) using O2 molecular beams

Abstract The oxidation kinetics of the Ni(111) surface have been quantitatively examined utilizing kinetic energy selected supersonic beams of molecular oxygen. Using in-situ high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy, we have observed notable differences in the oxidation mechanism for this interface as a function of incident-beam kinetic energy. Exposure of a 300-K surface to a relatively low-energy 60 meV O 2 beam leads to oxidation kinetics that follow an island growth model, qualitatively similar to what is seen with simple ambient gas dosing. In contrast to this, exposure to a relatively high-energy 600 meV O 2 beam yielded a fundamentally different oxidation behavior: the kinetics of oxidation no longer follow an island growth model but rather behave with a Langmuir-like sticking model, implying key differences in the nucleation stage for interface oxidation. Cryogenically cooled Ni(111) could not be oxidized using either of these incident-beam conditions, indicating that the energetic constraints needed to move from oxygen chemisorption to actual metallic oxidation cannot be simply overcome using incident O 2 kinetic energy.
Contemporary Trends in Management of the Upper Limb in Tetraplegia: A Multinational Perspective

The 2007 Meeting on Upper Limb in Tetraplegia in Philadelphia provided an opportunity to explore individual and regional differences in surgeons' preferences in tetraplegic upper limb reconstruction. Reports were heard from New Zealand, Canada, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Most presenters attempted to gather data from across their regions. Each reporter made a sincere effort to identify the spectrum of the quality of the data, as well as the opportunities for regional progress. Completeness of reports varied, depending on sophistication of the available data collection agencies. Notwithstanding limitations and omissions, the commonalities and differences revealed in those reports were enlightening and provide opportunities for fruitful study. This article represents a compilation of presentations on regional trends by invited participants.
Local electrical and dielectric properties of nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia

Grain core and grain boundary electrical and dielectric properties of nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were analyzed using a novel nano-Grain Composite Model (n-GCM). Partially sintered pellets with average grain sizes ranging from 10 to 73 nm were analyzed over a range of temperatures using AC impedance spectroscopy (AC-IS). Local grain core and grain boundary conductivities, grain boundary dielectric constants, and effective grain boundary space charge widths were determined from the fitted circuit parameters. Required grain core dielectric constant data were provided by AC-IS measurements of single crystal YSZ over a range of temperatures. The local grain core conductivity of all the nanocrystalline samples was slightly decreased with respect to that of microcrystalline YSZ. Conversely, the local grain boundary conductivity was enhanced up to an order of magnitude compared to microcrystalline YSZ. At the nanoscale, there was a noticeable increase in local grain boundary dielectric constant versus single crystal values at the same temperature.
A Unique Case of Bezold's Abscess Associated With Multiple Dural Sinus Thromboses†

Objectives/Hypothesis: Bezold's abscess and dural sinus thromboses are rare complications of otitis media in the era of antibiotics. Although potentially fatal, they are treatable. We present a unique case report of Bezold's abscess in association with multiple dural sinus thromboses. Study Design: Single case report. Methods: A young female patient's clinical course is presented and discussed. We review the anatomy, incidence, pathogenesis, and treatment of Bezold's abscess and dural sinus thrombosis. Results: After mastoidectomy, neck exploration, broadspectrum intravenous antibiotics, and anticoagulation therapy, the patient recovered fully and has remained asymptomatic since her discharge from the hospital at 12 months' follow-up. Conclusions: This is the first reported case of Bezold's abscess associated with a cavernous sinus thrombosis and the third reported case of Bezold's abscess associated with lateral sinus thrombosis. Despite its rarity, Bezold's abscess must be recognized and treated aggressively. Dural sinus thrombosis is relatively more common, and treatment of the underlying cause is essential. The diagnosis and rapid, aggressive treatment of these conditions are essential for an optimal clinical outcome.
Publication bias as a threat to the validity of meta-analytic results

This paper reviews the evidence in support of the contention that publication bias is a potential threat to the validity of meta-analytic results in criminology and similar fields. It then provides a critique of the traditional file drawer or failsafe N method for examining publication bias, and an overview of four newer methods that can be used to detect publication bias. These include two (trim and fill and cumulative meta-analysis) that enable the researcher to estimate the magnitude of the influence of publication bias on the overall mean effect size. Advantages and limitations of both traditional and newer methods are examined. The methods reviewed are illustrated through their application to a meta-analysis of the effects of drug courts on recidivism by Wilson et al. (Journal of Experimental Criminology, 2, 459–487, 2006).
Further Considerations of a Previous LCAO‐MO Study of the Allylic‐Type Transition State in 1,3‐Butadiene

Approximate solutions are obtained for the molecular orbital energies of a perturbed allylic‐type transition state involved in the ionic addition reactions of 1,3‐butadiene. It is shown that consideration of the perturbation effects on either or both the Coulombic and resonance integrals leads to a correct prediction of chemical reactivity based on the criteria of atom stabilization energies, frontier electron densities, and total electron densities.
Asymmetric hybridization in Nicotiana by fusion of irradiated protoplasts.

Mesophyll protoplasts of a kanamycin-resistant, nopaline-positive Nicotiana plumbaginifolia seed line were inactivated by γ-irradiation and electrically fused with unirradiated mesophyll protoplasts of N. tabacum. Hybrids were selected on kanamycin and regenerated. Genetic material from N. plumbaginifolia was detected in these plants by the following criteria: (1) morphology, (2) esterase isozyme profiles, and (3) the presence of nopaline in leaf extracts. All of the plants regenerated were morphologically more similar to N. tabacum than to N. plumbaginifolia, and many were indistinguishable from N. tabacum. It was found that 37 plants displayed one or two esterases characteristic of N. plumbaginifolia in addition to a full set of esterases from N. tabacum. Based on their esterases, we have classified these plants as somatic hybrids. However, irradiation has clearly reduced the amount of N. plumbaginifolia genetic material that they retain; 24 plants were found that had only N. tabacum esterases but that produced nopaline and were kanamycin resistant. Genomic DNA from several of these plants was probed by Southern blotting for the presence of the authentic neomycin phosphotransferase gene (kanamycin-resistance gene) — all were found to contain the gene. These plants were classified as asymmetric hybrids. Finally, 25 plants were regenerated that were kanamycin sensitive, negative for nopaline, and contained only N. tabacum esterases. All of the regenerated plants, including this final category, were male sterile. As transferring the N. plumbaginifolia cytoplasm to an N. tabacum nuclear background results in an alloplasmic form of male sterility, all of the plants regenerated in this study appear to be cybrids irrespective of their nuclear constitution. Chromosome analysis of the asymmetric hybrids showed that most of them contained one more chromosome than is normal for N. tabacum. The somatic hybrids examined all had several additional chromosomes. Although male sterile, the asymmetric hybrids were female fertile to varying degrees and were successfully backcrossed with N. tabacum. Analysis of the resultant F1 progeny indicated that the kanamycin-resistance gene from N. plumbaginifolia is partially unstable during meiosis, as would be expected for factors inherited on an unpaired chromosome.
EFFECTS OF DORSAL STRIATAL INFUSIONS OF R(-)-PROPYLNORAPOMORPHINE ON κ-OPIOID-MEDIATED LOCOMOTOR ACTIVITY IN THE YOUNG RAT : POSSIBLE ROLE OF THE INDIRECT PATHWAY

Stimulation of kappa-opioid receptors in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNPR) increases the locomotor activity of young rats: an effect blocked by systemic administration of a D2-like receptor agonist. Based on these initial findings, we proposed that: (a) D2-like receptors in the dorsal striatum are responsible for attenuating kappa-opioid-induced locomotor activity, and (b) the effects of D2-like receptor stimulation are mediated by the indirect pathway, which extends from the dorsal striatum to the SNPR via the globus pallidus (GP) and subthalamic nucleus (STN). To test the first hypothesis, young rats were given a systemic injection (i.p.) of saline or the kappa-opioid receptor agonist (+/-)-trans-U50,488 methanesulfonate salt (U50,488) on postnatal day (PD) 18. Later in the testing session, rats received bilateral infusions of vehicle or the D2-like receptor agonist R(-)-propylnorapomorphine (NPA) into the dorsal striatum, and the ability of NPA to block U50,488-induced locomotor activity was determined. To test the second hypothesis, rats were given sham or bilateral electrolytic lesions of the GP or STN on PD 16. Two days later, saline- and U50,488-induced locomotor activity was measured after systemic (i.p.) administration of vehicle or NPA. As predicted, dorsal striatal infusions of NPA attenuated the U50,488-induced locomotor activity of young rats. Contrary to our expectations, bilateral lesions of the GP or STN did not impair NPA's ability to block U50,488-induced locomotor activity. When considered together, these results suggest that: (a) stimulation of D2-like receptors in the dorsal striatum is sufficient to attenuate the kappa-opioid-mediated locomotor activity of young rats; and (b) the indirect pathway does not mediate the effects of D2-like receptor stimulation in this behavioral model.
Systematic interpretation of genetic interactions using protein networks

Genetic interaction analysis,in which two mutations have a combined effect not exhibited by either mutation alone, is a powerful and widespread tool for establishing functional linkages between genes. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ongoing screens have generated >4,800 such genetic interaction data. We demonstrate that by combining these data with information on protein-protein, prote in-DNA or metabolic networks, it is possible to uncover physical mechanisms behind many of the observed genetic effects. Using a probabilistic model, we found that 1,922 genetic interactions are significantly associated with either between- or within-pathway explanations encoded in the physical networks, covering approximately 40% of known genetic interactions. These models predict new functions for 343 proteins and suggest that between-pathway explanations are better than within-pathway explanations at interpreting genetic interactions identified in systematic screens. This study provides a road map for how genetic and physical interactions can be integrated to reveal pathway organization and function.
Improving memory for temporal order through extended practice

Considerable controversy exists as to whether a fundamental memory process can be identified as automatic, particularly as set forth by Hasher and Zacks (1979). This study examined their notion that practice will not improve one’s ability for temporal coding. Additionally, the difficulty of the subjects’ ability to recognize visually presented test items was manipulated by the introduction of irrelevant distractor words. Four different groups of subjects were administered word lists, each containing 48 items, for 10 trials distributed over a 22-day period. Groups receiving repeated trials were compared to a control group that did not receive any practice. During recall, memory for temporal order was assessed, along with d’scores derived from the subjects’ ability to detect words they had been given. The results indicated that memory for temporal order could be improved with practice, in violation of a criterion believed necessary for the establishment of an automatic process. This evidence is consistent with current findings against the automaticity notion for memory of temporal information (Naveh-Benjamin, 1990a).
An Integrated Approach to the Medical Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is a treatable condition for which careful and objective evaluation of patients’ lung function, symptoms, exercise capacity, and exacerbation history on an ongoing basis is essential so that treatments may be individualized as much as possible. Although the comparative effectiveness of drug classes has not yet been tested completely in COPD, virtually all inhaled COPD therapies improve lung function, quality of life, and reduce COPD exacerbations, which fulfills the major goals of care. Pulmonary rehabilitation is safe, effective, and a crucial component of COPD therapy. Newer therapies have been developed with the specific purpose of reducing COPD exacerbations and should be prescribed to individuals who have evidence of recurrent exacerbations despite maximal inhaled maintenance medications.
Interpretation of scatterometer ocean surface wind vector EOFs over the Northwestern Pacific

Abstract Satellite scatterometer winds over the northwestern Pacific were analyzed with the vector empirical orthogonal function (VEOF) method. The Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT), a newly developed non-linear and non-stationary time series data processing method, was also employed in the analysis. A combination of European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS) −1/2 scatterometer, NASA Scatterometer (NSCAT) and NASA's Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) winds covering the period from January 1992 to April 2000 and the area of 0–50°N, 100–148°E constitutes the baseline for this study. The results indicate that annual cycles dominate the two leading VEOF modes. The first VEOF shows the East Asian monsoon features and the second represents a spring–autumn oscillation. We removed the annual signal from the data set and calculated the interannual VEOFs. The first interannual VEOF represents the interannual variability existing in the spring–autumn oscillation. The temporal mode is correlated with the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), but has a half-year lag with respect to the SOI. The spatial mode of the first interannual VEOF reflects the response of the tropical and extratropical winds to ENSO events. The second interannual VEOF is another ENSO related mode, and the temporal VEOF mode is correlated with the SOI with a correlation coefficient of 0.78, revealing the wind variability over mid-latitudes, which is associated with ENSO events. Further analysis indicated that the wind variability over the coast of East Asia represents anomalies of a Hadley cell. The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) was found in the temporal mode, indicating and verifying that the QBO in the wind fields is related to ENSO events. The third VEOF shows the interannaul variability in the winter–summer mode and displays the interannual variability of the East Asian monsoon. The three leading interannual VEOFs are statistically meaningful as confirmed by a significance test.
A Saccharomyces servazzii clone homologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome III spanning KAR4, ARS 304 and SPB1 lacks the recombination enhancer but contains an unknown ORF.

In order to learn about the evolutionary conservation of the recombination enhancer (RE) that controls donor preference during mating type switching in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we have cloned a 13 kb region from S. servazzii. We find that the order of four genes surrounding the RE in S. cerevisiae (PRD1, KAR4, SPB1 and PBN1) is preserved in S.servazzii. However, there is an additional ORF in S. servazzii between PRD1 and KAR4 that is not homologous to any gene in S. cerevisiae or to genes in other organisms. Despite a 75–79% amino acid identity for KAR4 and SPB1, respectively, the S. servazzii sequence did not carry a well-conserved RE sequence and these sequences lacked RE function when introduced into S. cerevisiae. The S. servazzii region contains a sequence that supports autonomous DNA replication in S. cerevisiae and may represent a homologue of ARS304. The S. servazziii sequence has Genbank Accession No. BankIt359091 AF307954. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods of cytologic smear preparation and fixation. Effect on the immunoreactivity of commonly used anticytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3.

Objective To evaluate the effect of fixation and methods of cytologic smear preparation on the immunoreactivity of commonly used anticytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3. Study design Scrape cytology smears and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections (FPTS) of 20 unfixed, fresh specimens submitted for intraoperative consultation were studied by the immunoperoxidase method. In addition to the morphologic examination, the smears and FPTS were evaluated for intensity and proportion scores. For each specimen, two scrape cytology smears were wet fixed in 95% ethanol, and 12 smears were air dried without fixation. Air-dried smears were either postfixed after rehydration in saline or fixed directly without rehydration by one of the three fixatives: alcoholic formalin, 95% ethanol with 5% acetic acid or 95% ethanol. Results Both intensity and proportion scores were higher with rehydrated, air-dried smears as compared to those without rehydration and were comparable to those with wet-fixed smears and FPTS. In the rehydrated group, the optimum results were achieved when the smears were postfixed with alcoholic formalin. Conclusion The method of preparation and fixation had variable effects on the immunoreactivity of anticytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3. The optimum results were achieved with saline-rehydrated, air-dried smears post-fixed in alcoholic formalin. To evaluate the role of inter-sample variation, further, larger studies are recommended on this and other antibodies before applying them to different types of cytologic smears.
Temporal reflectance from a light pulse irradiated medium embedded with highly scattering cores

Abstract This paper presents a new approach to utilize ultrashort pulsed laser for optical diagnostics with numerical simulations. The method is based on the use of ultrafast pulses with a pulsewidth selected according to the probed medium's radiative property and/or size. Our previous work in nonhomogeneous media has shown that the resulting time-resolved reflectance signal will have a unique characteristic: it will show a direct correlation of ballistic photon travel time and interface location, which is in between different layers or nonhomogeneous regions. The premise is based on utilizing the medium's structural information carried by the ballistic and snake photons without being masked by the diffuse photons. In this study, the space–time correlation is further explored in the case of minimally scattered photons from a large scattering coefficient core region embedded within a less-scattering medium. Time-resolved reflectance signals of the single scattering core and multiple scattering cores within a three-dimensional medium demonstrate the concept and illustrate the additional effect due to the scattered photons from the core region. A unique temporal signal profile's correlation at various detector positions with respect to the scattering core is explained in detail. The result has important implications. This approach will lead to a much simpler and more precise determination of the probed medium's composition or structure. Due to the large computational requirement to obtain the physical details of the light pulse propagation inside highly scattering multi-dimensional media, the reverse Monte-Carlo method is used. The potential applications of the method include non-destructive diagnostics, optical imaging, and remote sensing of underwater objects.
Exposure to lead-acetate modulates the developmental expression of myelin genes in the rat frontal lobe.

Abstract Postnatal exposure to high levels (4%) of lead (Pb) have been shown to disrupt myelin formation and result in abnormal conduction of nerve impulses, components necessary for information processing in the CNS. To investigate whether the pathological changes in myelin, we have might be partially mediated by modulations of the expression of genes involved in CNS myelin, we have examined the developmental profiles of the proteolipid protein (PLP) and myelin basic protein (MBP), two major structural constitents of CNS myelin and 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′ phosphodiesterase (CNP), a non-structural enzyme associated with myeline formation. Rat pups were postnatally exposed, from birth to weaning, to moderate amounts of Pb (0.2%), in the drinking water of the dam, and their frontal cortices were assayed for changes in the expression profile of the above genes by Northern Analysis. On PND 20, Pb resulted in a dramatic stimulation of the mRNA levels of PLP and a small increase in MBP mRNA levels, but had no effect on the CNP message. These data suggest that moderate levels of Pb selectively interfere with the gene expression of structural proteins of CNS myelin and may thus influence the composition of myelin in this way.
Quantitative detection of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae in water by real-time PCR.

In China alone, an estimated 30 million people are at risk of schistosomiasis, caused by the Schistosoma japonicum parasite. Disease has re-emerged in several regions that had previously attained transmission control, reinforcing the need for active surveillance. The environmental stage of the parasite is known to exhibit high spatial and temporal variability, and current detection techniques rely on a sentinel mouse method which has serious limitations in obtaining data in both time and space. Here we describe a real-time PCR assay to quantitatively detect S. japonicum cercariae in laboratory samples and in natural water that has been spiked with known numbers of S. japonicum. Multiple primers were designed and assessed, and the best performing set, along with a TaqMan probe, was used to quantify S. japonicum. The resulting assay was selective, with no amplification detected for Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium, avian schistosomes nor organisms present in non-endemic surface water samples. Repeated samples containing various concentrations of S. japonicum cercariae showed that the real-time PCR method had a strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.921) with light microscopy counts, and the detection limit was below the DNA equivalent of half of one cercaria. Various cercarial concentrations spiked in 1 liter of natural water followed by a filtration process produced positive detection from 93% of samples analyzed. The real-time PCR method performed well quantifying the relative concentrations of various spiked samples, although the absolute concentration estimates exhibited high variance across replicated samples. Overall, the method has the potential to be applied to environmental water samples to produce a rapid, reliable assay for cercarial location in endemic areas.
CFD Validation Studies for Hypersonic Flow Prediction

A series of experiments to measure pressure and heating for code validation involving hypersonic, laminar, separated flows was conducted at the Calspan-University at Buffalo Research Center (CUBRC) in the Large Energy National Shock (LENS) tunnel. The experimental data serves as a focus for a code validation session but are not available to the authors until the conclusion of this session. The first set of experiments considered here involve Mach 9.5 and Mach 11.3 N2 flow over a hollow cylinder-flare with 30 degree flare angle at several Reynolds numbers sustaining laminar, separated flow. Truncated and extended flare configurations are considered. The second set of experiments, at similar conditions, involves flow over a sharp, double cone with fore-cone angle of 25 degrees and aft-cone angle of 55 degrees. Both sets of experiments involve 30 degree compressions. Location of the separation point in the numerical simulation is extremely sensitive to the level of grid refinement in the numerical predictions. The numerical simulations also show a significant influence of Reynolds number on extent of separation. Flow unsteadiness was easily introduced into the double cone simulations using aggressive relaxation parameters that normally promote convergence.
You’re Fired!: County Manager Turnover in Large American Counties

American counties are emerging as leaders in local governance. As such, they are being called on to provide a wide array of new services to an ever-growing population. County managers acting as top...
3D Tissue Reconstruction by using Deep Tissue Fluorescence Imaging System and FLIM

We have demonstrated a new detection method used in two-photon fluorescence microscope called the DIVER (Deep Imaging via Enhanced-Photon Recovery) with enhanced capabilities for deep tissue imaging. The microscope uses a large area photo-detector to collect scattered emission photons directly from the wide area of a specimen. This detection scheme allows for increasing the imaging depth in tissues by about 6 folds due to a unique detector design and its increased photons collection efficiency compared to conventional methods. The DIVER system is also capable of performing Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM), a very powerful tool to segregate various features in cells and tissues. The combination of deep tissue imaging and fluorescence lifetime provides contrasted images based on physiological parameters at depths that are not achievable by conventional microscopes. The DIVER potentially can be useful for imaging of various tissue samples, in particular for human skin cancer diagnostics, providing 3D cellular resolved images. We present the principle of operation of the microscope and show images obtained in unstained tissues in the heart, liver, kidney, lungs and other organs of mice. As an example of SHG in biological tissue, we have imaged the medial thigh muscle of a mouse obtained from the upper region of the leg. The muscle, roughly 3-4 mm thick, multiple z-stack images were acquired at field of view ranging from 400-900 μm, we can see the organization of the sarcomeres as well as the striations present in each sarcomere. We also have taken z-stack of the mouse heart where upon 3D reconstruction we can differentiate the different layers of the heart muscle as well as the ventricle.This work is supported in part by NIH grants P50 GM076516 and P41 GM103540 and the Keck grant KF 50242.
Further studies on ultrasonic properties of blood clots

Two-dimensional echocardiography has been found to be an effective clinical tool in diagnosing intracardiac thrombi. Misdiagnosis may, however, still frequently occur because of the difficulty in differentiating the thrombi from other intracavitary masses based only on the echographic appearance of these structures. Ultrasonic tissue characterization techniques have been used in attempts to minimize this diagnostic uncertainty. Previously. we have shown that all ultrasonic parameters of blood, including ultrasonic backscatter, a quantitative measure of echogenicity, at 7.5 MHz increase rapidly following clotting. In this article, we report recent results on the measurements of attenuation and backscatter of thrombi as a function of time following clotting over the frequency range of 3 MHz to 8 MHz. These results indicate that ultrasonic backscatter from thrombi 12 h old is at least 18 dB higher than that of unclotted blood over the frequency range of 3 MHz to 8 MHz, and the slope of the attenuation coefficient is increased to 0.43 dR/cm-MHz. Comparison with the back-scatter of bovine myocardium shows that the myocardium is more echogenic than fresh thrombi and is less echogenic than thrombi 12 to 24 h old. Similar results were also obtained for integrated backscatter measurements over the same frequency range.
Endogenous adenosine is an antiarrhythmic agent

Background Adenosine administered intravenously terminates supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) involving the AV node as part of the reentrant circuit. Dipyridamole increases interstitial myocardial levels of this nucleoside. This study was designed to determine whether intravenous dipyridamole increases coronary sinus plasma adenosine concentrations ([Ado]cs) in humans to levels sufficient to alter electrophysiological parameters and terminate SVT. Methods and Results A custom-designed catheter and syringe for sampling blood for measurement of [Ado]cs was placed in the coronary sinuses of 7 patients. [Ado]cs and refractory periods and conduction characteristics of the atrium and AV node were determined after autonomic blockade and dipyridamole infusion (5 μg · kg−1 · min−1 after a loading dose of 0.56 mg/kg). The atrial effective and functional refractory periods remained unchanged after dipyridamole infusion. In contrast, the AV nodal functional refractory period increased from 350±32 to 381±41 milliseco...
Does capsular incision at radical retropubic prostatectomy affect disease-free survival in otherwise organ-confined prostate cancer?

Objectives. To evaluate the influence of isolated, histologically identified capsular incision (CI) (exposure of benign or malignant glands to the inked surgical margin in the setting of organ-confined disease) on disease progression after anatomic radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for clinically localized prostate cancer. Methods. Between March 1993 and September 1999, 4747 men underwent RRP at the Johns Hopkins Hospital; 107 men (2.3%) were diagnosed with CI in otherwise organ-confined disease; 92 (86%) had at least 6 months (mean 30) of follow-up. We matched these CI cases (based on surgeon, age, clinical stage, final pathologic Gleason grade, and preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level) one-for-one with controls in three additional pathologically defined groups and compared the freedom from disease progression (prostate-specific antigen level greater than 0.2 ng/mL and/or local palpable recurrence) after RRP. Results. The actuarial 3-year likelihood of freedom from disease progression was 87.8% for the CI group, 96.4% for men with organ-confined disease (P = 0.10), 91.3% for men with extraprostatic extension and negative surgical margins (P = 0.99), and 73.9% for men with positive surgical margins resulting from extraprostatic extension (P <0.01). No statistically significant difference was found in the actuarial likelihood of freedom from disease progression between men with CI into benign glands (n = 22) and men with CI into tumor (n = 70) (P = 0.93). Conclusions. No statistically significant difference was found in the likelihood of early recurrence between patients with isolated CI and other specimen-confined disease. Patients with isolated CI have a significantly lower likelihood of early recurrence than patients with positive surgical margins due to extraprostatic extension, regardless of whether the CI is into benign glands or tumor. Long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm these findings.
Chain and romanche fracture zones

Abstract A series of left-lateral faults displace the axis of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the equatorial Atlantic. Two of the most prominent of these faults are the Romanche and Chain Fracture Zones. The ridge crest is offset 180 miles by the Chain Fracture Zone. The Vema Depth of 4106 fm is the maximum depth observed in the Romanche Trench. The floor of the trench is locally smoothed by sediments gravity transported from adjacent areas. Allochthonous fossils occur in cores from the trench floor. Scour by bottom currents is apparent in photographs and in the character of the sediments obtained by coring.
Presymptomatic Parkinson's disease: The Arizona experience

There is a growing interest in presymptomatic diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD), but the best and most practical method to screen and confirm asymptomatic individuals for PD needs further study. The Banner-Sun Health Brain and Body Donation program in Sun City, Arizona has studied primarily PD and Alzheimer's disease. Enrollees receive annual prospective standardized evaluation that includes clinical, biomarker testing, and at autopsy, neuropathological examination is performed followed by a consensus conference that determines final diagnosis. Since numerous Controls receive these assessments, these subjects become an excellent cohort to study presymptomatic PD. We found that Controls with partial diagnostic criteria for PD (1 of either rest tremor or bradykinesia) had a 6.6 relative risk for eventually developing full diagnostic criteria for PD. Neuropathologic examination has uncovered cases of "incidental Lewy body disease" (ILBD). We have shown that ILBD cases during life demonstrated no significant differences in clinical assessment versus similarly assessed controls. However, electrophysiological assessment showed subclinical low frequency rest discharges in some ILBD cases. Electroencephalography spectral frequency of ILBD cases was lower than for controls but not as low as for PD cases. The longitudinal assessments of this brain bank offer significant opportunities for the study of presymptomatic PD.
Analog simulation of a simple system with state-dependent diffusion

We have constructed an electronic simulator of a simple bistable system driven by noise, whose intensity is determined by the instantaneous value of the coordinate. We observe that the most probable state of the system can be reversed by altering the noise intensity only in the neighborhood of the barrier, an effect pointed out by Landauer many years ago in the context of discussions on entropy-related stability criteria for nonequilibrium systems. We compare detailed measurements on the system with the recent white noise calculations of Landauer and van Kampen. The system also has interesting possibilities for tests of contemporary colored noise theory which we illustrate with an example.
Attenuated phenotype in a child with trisomy for 1q due to unbalanced X;1 translocation [46,X,der(X),t(X;1)(q28;q32.1)].

We report a case of an X;1 translocation in a 9-month-old female infant with mild dysmorphic features and developmental delay. High-resolution chromosome analysis revealed a de novo, unbalanced translocation between chromosomes X and 1 [46,X,der(X),t(X;1)(q28;q32.1)]. Breakpoints on the derivative X and the size of the translocated segment have been defined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with Xq and 1q specific probes. The rearrangement in this patient results in monosomy for Xq28-qter and trisomy for 1q32.1-qter. Replication studies demonstrated late replication of the derivative X in 80% of the observed cells, with the exception of 20% of the cells where X inactivation failed to spread into the translocated 1q segment. Patients with pure trisomy for the distal segment of 1q present a considerably more severe phenotype compared to that seen in our patient, including facial dysmorphisms, urogenital and cardiac anomalies. We suggest that the absence of many of the characteristic features for trisomy 1q in our patient, may reflect a mosaic pattern of inactivation of the translocated autosomal segment on the derivative X chromosome. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Topographic Modulation of the Orientation and Shape of Cell Nuclei and Their Influence on the Measured Elastic Modulus of Epithelial Cells

The influence of nucleus shape and orientation on the elastic modulus of epithelial cells was investigated with atomic force microscopy. The shape and orientation were controlled by presenting the epithelial cells with anisotropic parallel ridges and grooves of varying pitch at the cell substratum. As the cells oriented to the underlying topography, the volume of the nucleus increased as the pitch of the topography increased from 400 nm to 2000 nm. The increase in nucleus volume was reflected by an increase in the measured elastic modulus of the topographically aligned cells. Significant alterations in the shape of the nucleus, by intimate contact with the topographic ridge and grooves of the underlying cell, were also observed via confocal microscopy, indicating that the nucleus may also act as a direct mechanosensor of substratum topography.
Chip-package interaction: Challenges and solutions to mechanical stability of Back end of Line at 28nm node and beyond for advanced flip chip application

Fhis paper discusses the extensive development work carried out by GLOBALFOUNDRIES to mitigate chip-package interaction (CPI) risks for the silicon Backend of Line (BEOL) during IC package assembly. Particularly, material property data for different ultra low k (ULK) materials, CPI qualification results and key findings made during the technology development are discussed. Newly developed test and modeling methods to expedite technology learning are also described in detail.
Industrial psychology as management technique and as social science.

Industrial psychological research has generally been oriented with respect to the interests of management. As a consequence certain areas are not open to research. There is a need for a social approach to industrial psychological problems by psychologists searching for solutions to basic problems. Several approaches of this nature have been made but they are only indications of what might be accomplished if psychologists would turn their efforts to a study of such problems. A promising and valuable type of research which has been almost completely ignored is the broad-gauge attitude and opinion studies bearing on labor relations. There are many urgent questions which such studies would answer. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)