cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International Success the Second Time Around: A Case Study

Abstract A privately held, third generation family owned company, Boom Technologies, Inc. (BTI), a provider of products and services to the electric utility, telecommunications and contractor markets, continues to make progress in exporting. Although export sales only equaled 5% of total revenue in 2008, BTI has an entire export division. Their export division's Managing Director reveals the trial and errors of a privately held company and their quest for success overseas. From its inception, BTI has always believed its greatest asset is its employees. When export sales struggled due to lack of strategy and direction, BTI hired a Managing Director for its export division. With leadership and guidance from BTT's president and from the Managing Director, they utilized the department's skills and knowledge. Structural changes were made to expand their market presence abroad and increase export sales. As a result, export sales increased four-fold, area managers in new countries were added and distribution net...
Beyond Deficiency: Broadening the View of Menopause

Traditional medical response to women's health issues, cultural stereotypes of aging women, and folklore have contributed to the misunderstanding and misconception of menopause. These views have produced a dominant view of menopause as a deficiency disease, a reductionistic view that obscures developmental and sociocultural factors. Broadening the view of menopause to incorporate a range of contributing factors as well as attending to the diversity inherent in women's experiences will allow for a more inclusive research agenda, in addition to providing more flexibility in resources and services for menopausal women.
Comparative creep-rupture properties of tungsten-25% rhenium consolidated by arc-melting and powder-metallurgy techniques

Abstract The creep-rupture properties of W-25% Re materials consolidated by arc-melting and powder-metallurgy techniques have been compared at 1650 ° and 2200 °C for rupture times up to 1000 h. At comparable stresses, powder-metallurgy material has a shorter rupture life and lower rupture ductility than arc-melted material. On the basis of secondary creep rate, powder-metallurgy material is weaker than arc-melted material at 1650 °C but stronger at 2200 °C. Optical and electron metallography showed that voids form at grain boundaries in both materials. In the powder-metallurgy material, grain boundaries appear to be immobile, and massive growth of voids initiates fracture with very little deformation. In the arc-melted material, grain boundaries appear to be mobile, and fracture seems to be forestalled by their ability to move. The relative creep rates can be explained on the basis of void growth and grain size.
Random Parameter Model Used to Explain Effects of Built-Environment Characteristics on Pedestrian Crash Frequency

Pedestrian safety has been a major concern for megacities such as New York City. Although pedestrian fatalities show a downward trend, these fatalities constitute a high percentage of overall traffic fatalities in the city. Data from New York City were used to study the factors that influence the frequency of pedestrian crashes. Specifically, a random parameter, negative binomial model was developed for predicting pedestrian crash frequencies at the census tract level. This approach allows the incorporation of unobserved heterogeneity across the spatial zones in the modeling process. The influences of a comprehensive set of variables describing the sociodemographic and built-environment characteristics on pedestrian crashes are reported. Several parameters in the model were found to be random, which indicates their heterogeneous influence on the numbers of pedestrian crashes. Overall, these findings can help frame better policies to improve pedestrian safety.
Computational aspects of resilient data extraction from semistructured sources (extended abstract)

Automatic data extraction from semistructured sources such as HTML pages is rapidly growing into a problem of significant importance, spurred by the growing popularity of the so called “shopbots” that enable end users to compare prices of goods and other services at various web sites without having to manually browse and fill out forms at each one of these sites.The main problem one has to contend with when designing data extraction techniques is that the contents of a web page changes frequently, either because its data is generated dynamically, in response to filling out a form, or because of changes to its presentation format. This makes the problem of data extraction particularly challenging, since a desirable requirement of any data extraction technique is that it be “resilient”, i.e., using it we should always be able to locate the object of interest in a page (such as a form or an element in a table generated by a form fill-out) in spite of changes to the page's ntent and layout.In this paper we propose a formal computation model for developing resilient data extraction techniques from semistructured sources. Specifically we formalize the problem of data extraction as one of generating unambiguous extraction expressions, which are regular expressions with some additional structure. The problem of resilience is then formalized as one of generating a maximal extraction expression of this kind. We present characterization theorems for maximal extraction expressions, complexity results for testing them, and algorithms for synthesizing them.
Properties of resistant cells generated from lung cancer cell lines treated with EGFR inhibitors

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling plays an important role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and therapeutics targeted against EGFR have been effective in treating a subset of patients bearing somatic EFGR mutations. However, the cancer eventually progresses during treatment with EGFR inhibitors, even in the patients who respond to these drugs initially. Recent studies have identified that the acquisition of resistance in approximately 50% of cases is due to generation of a secondary mutation (T790M) in the EGFR kinase domain. In about 20% of the cases, resistance is associated with the amplification of MET kinase. In the remaining 30-40% of the cases, the mechanism underpinning the therapeutic resistance is unknown. An erlotinib resistant subline (H1650-ER1) was generated upon continuous exposure of NSCLC cell line NCI-H1650 to erlotinib. Cancer stem cell like traits including expression of stem cell markers, enhanced ability to self-renew and differentiate, and increased tumorigenicity in vitro were assessed in erlotinib resistant H1650-ER1 cells. The erlotinib resistant subline contained a population of cells with properties similar to cancer stem cells. These cells were found to be less sensitive towards erlotinib treatment as measured by cell proliferation and generation of tumor spheres in the presence of erlotinib. Our findings suggest that in cases of NSCLC accompanied by mutant EGFR, treatment targeting inhibition of EGFR kinase activity in differentiated cancer cells may generate a population of cancer cells with stem cell properties.
Dietary sodium intake and changes in plasma volume during short-term exercise training.

This study was a retrospective examination of the relationship between estimated dietary sodium intake and training-induced changes in plasma volume (PV). It was undertaken to explore one possible explanation for the large individual differences in PV shifts accompanying 3 d of endurance cycling. Ten healthy males rode a stationary cycle for an average time of 94 min/day at an average relative intensity of 68% VO2max. During the training period, the subjects were allowed to eat a diet of their own choosing and dietary sodium intake was estimated from diet records. Plasma volume was determined before and after short-term training by dye dilution using Evan's blue dye. The mean increase in PV was 4.53 ml.kg body weight (BW)-1 (i.e. 11%). However, the individual shifts in PV ranged from -1.44-14.30 ml.kg BW-1. The correlation coefficient between estimated dietary sodium intake and changes in PV was 0.81. It was concluded that dietary sodium intake was strongly associated with training-induced shifts in PV and may be an influential factor in determining the magnitude of PV expansion derived from short-term exercise training. Further studies are needed, however, to examine this hypothesis.
Iatrogenic tumor implantation

Iatrogenic tumor implantation is a condition that results from various medical procedures used during diagnosis or treatment of a malignancy. It involves desquamation and dissemination of tumor cells that develop into a local recurrence or distant metastasis from the tumor under treatment. The main clinical feature of the condition is nodules at the operation’s porous channel or incision, which is easily diagnosed in accordance with the case history. Final diagnosis can be made based on pathological examination. Tumor implantation may occur in various puncturing porous channels, including a laparoscopic port, abdominal wall incision, and perineal incision, etc. Besides a malignant tumor, implantation potential exists with diseases, such as a borderline tumor and endometriosis etc. Once a tumor implantation is diagnosed, or suspected, surgical resection is usually conducted.
The pharmacological variability of crude coal tar.

SUMMARY Although crude coal tar is a mixture of approximately 10,000 components, few attempts have been made to assess the pharmacological activity of individual components of purified tar products or of different coal tars themselves. The hairless mouse epidermal DNA synthesis suppression assay, which has been shown to be useful for predicting the antiproliferative activity of topical agents, has recently been used to assess the activity of crude coal tar, coal tar extracts and tar based shampoos. Using this assay, great variation in effectiveness (0–90%) was found among tar distillate fractions, suggesting that one source of potential variation of activity in commercial coal tar products is the non-standard composition of crude coal tar itself.
Deconstruction and Decomposition? A Comment on Grusky and Weeden

Goldthorpe, J. 2000a. On Sociology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Goldthorpe, J. 2000b. Rent, Class Conflict, and Class Structure: A Commentary on Sorensen. American Journal of Sociology. 105, 1572-1582. Goldthorpe, J. & Marshall, G. 1992. The Promising Future of Class Analysis: A Response to Recent Critiques. Sociology, 26. 381-400. Grusky, D. & Sorensen, A. B. 1998. Can Class Analysis Be Salvaged? American Journal of Sociology, 103, 1187-1234. Grusky, D. & Weeden, K. 2001. Decomposition Without Death: A Research Agenda for a New Class Analysis. Acta Sociologica, 44, 202-18. Jones, G. S. 1983. Languages of Class. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Korpi, W 1983. The Democratic Class Struggle. London: Routledge. Przeworski, A. 1990. The State and the Econoyny under Capitalism. Chur: Harwood. Przeworski, A. & Sprague, J. 1986. Paper Stones. A History of Electoral Socialismti. Chicago: Chicago University Press. Ricardo, D. 181 7/19 71. Principles of Political of Political Economy and Taxation. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Roemer, J. 1982. A General Thieory of Exploitation and Class Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Rosanvallon, P. 1985. Le moment Guizot. Paris: Gallimard. Sewell, W H. 1980. Work & Revolution in France. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Sorensen, A. B. 2000. Towards A Sounder Basis for Class Analysis. American Journal of Sociology, 105, 1523-1558 Statistiska Centralbyrin. 1983. Socioekonomnisk Indelning. Meddelanden i samordningsfragor 1982, 4. Stockholm: Statistiska Centralbyrdn. Therborn, G. 1995 European Modernity and Beyond. The Trajectory of European Societies 1945-2000. London: Sage. Therborn, G. 2001. Globalization and Inequality. Soziale Welt, 52, 449-76.
Analysis of plant species diversity with respect to island characteristics on the Channel Islands, California

Aim Species richness of native, endemic, and exotic plant groups is examined relative to island area, disturbance history, geological history, and other physical characteristics. Of particular interest are the biogeographic factors that underlie (a) differences in species-area and species-isolation relationships between plant groups; and (b) adherence or departure of individual islands and/or plant groups from expected patterns. Location The eight Channel Islands lie along the continental margin between the U.S./Mexico border and Point Conception, CA. They range in size from 2.6 to 249 km2, and are located from 20 to 100 km off the coast. The islands are known for their high degree of plant endemism, and they have undergone a long history of human occupation by indigenous peoples, followed by over a century of intensive grazing and other biotic disturbances. Methods The study is based on linear regression and residual analysis. Cases where individual islands and/or specific plant groups do not adhere to patterns expected under species-area and species-isolation paradigms, are evaluated with respect to other island characteristics that are not captured by considering only island size and isolation. Results All three plant groups exhibit strong, positive relationships between species richness and island size. For native species, the variance that remains after consideration of island size is largely explained by island isolation. For exotic species, residuals from the species-area relationship are unrelated to isolation. For endemic species, residuals from the species-area relationship are negatively related to isolation. Several islands are outliers for endemic and exotic species, for which richness values are not explained by either island area or isolation. Main conclusions Species-area and species-isolation relationships for native, endemic, and exotic plant groups differ in accordance with hypothesized differences in the biogeographic factors that govern species diversity for these three groups. Most notably, endemic richness increases with isolation, suggesting the influence of this variable on processes of speciation and relictualism. These general relationships persist despite a long and varied history of human activity on the islands. Analysis of residuals suggests that deviations from expected patterns correspond to island-specific biogeographic factors. It is hypothesized that primary among these factors are land-use history, island environmental characteristics, and community-type richness.
Stress and Immune Function During Pregnancy An Emerging Focus in Mind-Body Medicine

Maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy is associated with risks to maternal health, birth outcomes, as well as adverse health and behavioral outcomes in offspring. Maternal immune dysregulation, particularly disruption of inflammatory processes, is also implicated in adverse perinatal health outcomes, with the greatest evidence in relation to preterm birth. Increasingly, the extent to which psychosocial stress induces dysregulation of inflammatory processes during pregnancy is being considered. In this article, I describe studies linking stress to immune function during pregnancy, with an emphasis on studies from our group on inflammation. As will be reviewed, research utilizing psychoneuroimmunology models in pregnancy is a rapidly developing area with abundant opportunities to address questions of clinical relevance for both maternal and child health.
A method for modeling finite-core vortices in wake-flow calculations

A numerical method for computing nonplanar vortex wakes represented by finite-core vortices is presented. The approach solves for the velocity on an Eulerian grid, using standard finite-difference techniques; the vortex wake is tracked by Lagrangian methods. In this method, the distribution of continuous vorticity in the wake is replaced by a group of discrete vortices. An axially symmetric distribution of vorticity about the center of each discrete vortex is used to represent the finite-core model. Two distributions of vorticity, or core models, are investigated: a finite distribution of vorticity represented by a third-order polynomial, and a continuous distribution of vorticity throughout the wake. The method provides for a vortex-core model that is insensitive to the mesh spacing. Results for a simplified case are presented. Computed results for the roll-up of a vortex wake generated by wings with different spanwise load distributions are presented; contour plots of the flow-field velocities are included; and comparisons are made of the computed flow-field velocities with experimentally measured velocities.
Modeling the channeling action of catalysts in gas‐carbon reactions

Developpement d'un modele simple afin de predire la vitesse de canalisation de particules. Celle-ci depend de la taille des particules des catalyseurs utilises, palladium et platine
Sequential interferometric techniques for measuring independent values of the refractive index and material thickness of semiconductor wafers

A technique is presented using both Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometry to independently measure the refractive index and the material thickness of semiconductor wafers. The method does not require accurate prior knowledge of either quantity.
Robustness of Topologically Protected Surface States in Layering of Bi2Te3 Thin Films

Bulk ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{3}$ is known to be a topological insulator. We investigate surface states of ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{3}(111)$ thin films of one to six quintuple layers using density-functional theory including spin-orbit coupling. We construct a method to identify topologically protected surface states of thin film topological insulators. Applying this method to ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{3}$ thin films, we find that the topological nature of the surface states remains robust with the film thickness and that the films of three or more quintuple layers have topologically nontrivial surface states, which agrees with experiments.
The effects of mismatch repair and RAD1 genes on interchromosomal crossover recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have previously shown that recombination between 400-bp substrates containing only 4-bp differences, when present in an inverted repeat orientation, is suppressed by >20-fold in wild-type strains of S. cerevisiae. Among the genes involved in this suppression were three genes involved in mismatch repair—MSH2, MSH3, and MSH6—and one in nucleotide excision repair, RAD1. We now report the involvement of these genes in interchromosomal recombination occurring via crossovers using these same short substrates. In these experiments, recombination was stimulated by a double-strand break generated by the HO endonuclease and can occur between completely identical (homologous) substrates or between nonidentical (homeologous) substrates. In addition, a unique feature of this system is that recombining DNA strands can be given a choice of either type of substrate. We find that interchromosomal crossover recombination with these short substrates is severely inhibited in the absence of MSH2, MSH3, or RAD1 and is relatively insensitive to the presence of mismatches. We propose that crossover recombination with these short substrates requires the products of MSH2, MSH3, and RAD1 and that these proteins have functions in recombination in addition to the removal of terminal nonhomology. We further propose that the observed insensitivity to homeology is a result of the difference in recombinational mechanism and/or the timing of the observed recombination events. These results are in contrast with those obtained using longer substrates and may be particularly relevant to recombination events between the abundant short repeated sequences that characterize the genomes of higher eukaryotes.
Noise and gain comparison of 0.25 μm gate MESFETs and PHEMTs for low power wireless communication circuits

Abstract We compare the low power, low noise performance of 0.25 μm ion implanted MESFETs and epitaxially grown P HEMTs fabricated with the same geometry in order to identify the suitability of these technologies for the manufacture of hand-held personal communications products. We examine the microwave performance of the devices under low power operating conditions and we analyse the critical factors contributing to the noise performance. In the high current regime we have found that the MESFETs and P HEMTs have equivalent noise figures and gains at the bias point, which results in the lowest noise figure ( V ds = 1.5 V and I ds = 14 mA). Under low power bias, the P HEMT shows several performance advantages over the MESFET, including higher associated gain, lower R n , and lower / vbΓ opt / vb . We believe these advantages result from the sharpness of the doping profile in the epitaxial material and the rapid decrease in carrier concentration at the buried heterojunction, rather than the two-dimensional electron gas effect. Under 1 mW of d.c. bias ( V ds = 0.5 V, I ds = 2 mA) at 6 GHz, the MESFET's noise figure was 0.5 dB and its associated gain was 8 dB. The noise figure of the P HEMT for the same conditions was 0.6 dB and its associated gain was 10 dB.
Simian and feline immunodeficiency viruses: animal lentivirus models for evaluation of AIDS vaccines and antiviral agents.

Abstract Infection of captive macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and domestic cats with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), both discovered in the last five years, represent excellent animal models for infection of humans with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Protection against challenge infection and protection against development of simian and feline acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has been achieved in each model by use of inactivated whole virus or virus-cell vaccines. A recombinant SIV envelope peptide vaccine has also proved efficacious. These vaccines have protected against 10–100 animal infectious doses of the homologous cell-free virus given systemically, and, in the simian model, apparently show cross protection against a heterologous strain of SIV. Protected animals appear free of any latent infection although late breakthroughs of infection in a few animals imply that not all vaccinated animals are completely protected. The mechanism of protection in the simian model apparently involves envelope antibody but the role of neutralizing antibody remains unclear. Questions remaining to be answered in both SIV and FIV models are: (1) the duration of immunity, (2) the extent of protection against heterologous strains and mucosal infection, (3) protection against infection with cell-associated virus and (4) the role, if any, of cellular immunity in vaccine protection. Initial attempts at post-infection immunotherapy with SIV vaccines have not yet been successful. The inactivated whole SIV and FIV vaccines offer a promising start and provide hope that a prophylactic AIDS vaccine will be developed. Use of these animal models for antiviral therapy is just now getting underway. Both models should prove especially useful for studies of prophylaxis and therapy, especially during the early stages of infection and for investigations on drug pharmacokinetics or toxicity that can not be done as well in HIV-infected humans. The animals will also be ideal for testing the pathogenicity of drug-induced mutant forms of SIV and FIV. For these purposes it will be necessary to create self-sustaining specific pathogen-free macaque and cat breeding colonies and provide increased housing facilities for infected animals. The future of AIDS research is crucially dependent on the long term availability of these animal models.
A gene transcription signature of obesity in breast cancer

Obesity is thought to contribute to worse disease outcome in breast cancer as a result of increased levels of adipocyte-secreted endocrine factors, insulin, and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) that accelerate tumor cell proliferation and impair treatment response. We examined the effects of patient obesity on primary breast tumor gene expression, by profiling transcription of a set of 103 tumors for which the patients' body mass index (BMI) was ascertained. Sample profiles were stratified according to patients' obesity phenotype defined as normal (BMI 1,500 patients), manifestation of the obesity signature patterns correlated with manifestation of a gene signature for IGF signaling and (to a lesser extent) with lower levels of estrogen receptor. In one patient cohort, manifestation of the obesity signature correlated with shorter time to metastases. A number of small molecules either induced or suppressed the obesity-associated transcriptional program in vitro; estrogens alpha-estradiol, levonorgestrel, and hexestrol induced the program, while several anti-parkinsonian agents targeting neurotransmitter receptor pathways repressed the program. Obesity in breast cancer patients appears to impact the gene expression patterns of the tumor (perhaps as a result of altered body chemistry). These results warrant further investigation of obesity-associated modifiers of breast cancer risk and disease outcome.
A sedimentologic analysis of the tongue river-sentinel butte interval (paleocene) of the williston basin, Western North Dakota

Abstract Recognition of distinctive stratigraphic relationships at the Tongue River-Sentinel Butte contact, regarded by many as a vague color boundary, demonstrates that Sentinel Butte deposits are a mappable lithostratigraphic unit which merits formational rank. Granulometric analyses of approximately 500 sediment samples from nine stratigraphic sections amplify textural differences between the two units; Tongue River sediments are finer and less well sorted than those of the Sentinel Butte Formation. Median diameter and skewness are environmentally sensitive particle-size statistics. C-M patterns illustrate the fluvial origin of these deposits and are used to differentiate channel, floodplain, and backswamp facies. Differences in the relative abundances of facies types suggest significant differences in the regimes of fluvial systems which existed during Middle and Late Paleocene time. Evaluation of primary sedimentary structures, lithologic composition, and stratigraphic abundance permits interpretation of paleostream velocities, paleochannel forms, suspended sediment concentrations, sediment dispersal patterns, paleoslope, and sedimentary provenances. Two sedimentation models have been formulated. Tongue River strata were dispersed eastward across the North Dakota portion of the Williston Basin by slow moving streams which drained a low-lying source area to the west. Paleoslope gradient was low and sediments were transported primarily in suspension. The fluvial system was stable and protected backswamps developed. Subsidence in the basin was uniform and controlled the rate of sedimentation during most of the episode; western North Dakota was near base-level during Tongue River time. Near the close of the episode, the elevation of the source area was reduced, subsidence exceeded sedimentation, and swamp conditions prevailed throughout much of western North Dakota. Sentinel Butte deposition was initiated by an influx of coarse sediment dispersed eastward and southeastward, in deltaic fashion, across the late Tongue River swamps. Streams had slightly greater velocities than those of the previous episode, but sediment transport was still primarily by suspension. The paleoslope appears to have been variable, both in magnitude and direction, and reflects Paleocene tectonism to the west and northwest. The elevation of western North Dakota relative to base-level increased during Sentinel Butte time and probably reflects increased deposition relative to basinal subsidence. Both Tongue River and Sentinel Butte deposits are essentially exogeosynclinal.
1022 EFFECT OF BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS ON GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL ANTIBODY LEVELS

The morbidity and mortality rate from group B streptococcal infection continues to be exceedingly high even with the use of potent antibiotics and optimal support measures. In previous studies we suggested that transfusion of fresh, whole blood containing opsonic antibody might alter mortality in this fulminant neonatal disease (Lancet I: 636, 1978). In the present studies we have examined type specific streptococcal antibody levels and opsonic activity in 38 infants who received transfusions of fresh, whole blood. Thirty-three infants received donor blood containing higher levels of opsonic activity than in their own pre-transfusion specimen. Twenty of these infants had increased opsonic activity in their post-transfusion specimen. Among the 20 with increased levels, 18 received partial or complete exchanges amounting to 50% or more of their blood volume (mean 65 ± 7.2 SE%). The mean transfusion volume in the patients whose opsonic level did not increase was only 33 ± 7.5 SE%. Five patients received blood with lower opsonic activity than their own and all had decreased levels in post-transfusion specimens. The mortality rate in the 21 patients studied who had group B disease and received transfusion of fresh whole blood (14%) was exceedingly low. Thus, transfusion may significantly affect the outcome of group B disease.
Carbon-13 NMR spectra of enriched phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and dilantin

Abstract Carbon magnetic resonance spectra have been obtained for phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and diphenylhydantoin all of which were 13 C-enriched at positions in the heterocyclic ring. In addition to carbon chemical shifts for these rings, a variety of CC and CH couplings have been determined, including some couplings to ring substituent positions. The effect of dissociation of the amide proton in phenobarbital on chemical shifts and CC couplings was also studied.
Sur quels paramètres optimiser l’hémodynamique périopératoire ?

Resume L’optimisation hemodynamique au bloc operatoire a pour objectif d’adapter le transport en oxygene a la consommation tissulaire. Le remplissage vasculaire excessif ou insuffisant peut avoir des effets deleteres. Il est difficile d’identifier le parametre ideal qui peut guider l’adaptation hemodynamique. La mesure de la pression arterielle est insuffisante. La mesure continue du debit cardiaque est insuffisamment effectuee au bloc operatoire. La mesure du transport en oxygene ou de la saturation veineuse devrait ouvrir des perspectives interessantes.
Micro coulter counters with platinum black electroplated electrodes for human blood cell sensing

We demonstrated a novel micro Coulter counter featuring platinum-black electrodes for human blood cell counting application. Two designs of micro Coulter counter were fabricated using two distinct technologies: integrated parylene and soft lithography. Platinum-black enhanced detection in the intermediate frequency range (∼100 Hz to 7 MHz), which is the operation frequency suitable for sensing the cells flowing by the electrodes. A detailed theoretical modeling of the sensing mechanism has been performed for the design of the electrodes, and electrical impedance spectra measurements confirmed the theoretical model. The surface morphology and roughness of the platinum black electroplated surface were characterized by SEM and AFM measurements. Polystyrene beads of various sizes were initially used to validate the operation of the devices, and using excitation frequency of 10 kHz, the signal magnitude was found to be correlated with the volume of the individual bead. Human blood cell sensing was successfully demonstrated with diluted whole blood and leukocyte rich plasma under the same excitation frequency. The histogram of impedance magnitude of the cells matched well with volume distributions of erythrocytes and leukocytes measured by conventional counting techniques. Micro Coulter counters have the advantages of small foot-print, low sample volume, and reduced cost of operation. Further development of the devices can lead to the development of a highly-sensitive and high-throughput handheld blood counting system for point-of-care applications.
Using mailed questionnaires in negotiation consultation

This chapter presents two cases in which the mailed questionnaire methodology was used in an applied setting.
Information Literacy Across the Curriculum: Expanding Horizons

Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas, began its first year of a five-year plan to integrate information literacy into the liberal arts curriculum as a part of the required reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 2008–2009. This opportunity brought changing roles for the library and librarians by providing an opportunity at wide-scale integration of information literacy goals into the curriculum with administrative support. The campus embraced the formation of an information literacy committee, and the administration provided support and funding for workshops, curricular grants, and new positions. This article details the goals, plan, and new personnel brought about by this program.
The Elevation of Cellular Phosphatidic Acid Levels Caused by Polyomavirus Transformation Can Be Disassociated from the Activation of Phospholipase D

Abstract Middle T (mT), the oncogene of murine polyomavirus, causes transformation of rat fibroblasts by activating a number of signal transducing pathways usually used by polypeptide growth factors and their receptors. Here, we report data regarding the activation of signal transducing pathways involving phospholipase D (PL-D). The hydrolysis of phospholipids by PL-D produces phosphatidic acid (PA), a compound with multiple biological effects. The PA content of cells expressing wild-type mT, introduced via a number of different methods, is approximately 50% higher than their untransformed counterparts. This increase in cellular PA content is associated with an approximately 65% increase in PL-D activity in cells expressing wild-type mT. We have also examined the effects of a number of site-directed mutants of mT, on both cellular PA levels and on PL-D activity. Mutants that do not produce mT (Py808A) or that produce a truncated, nonmembrane bound mT (Py1387T) have PA levels similar to that of control cells. Cells expressing the 322YF mutant of mT (which abolishes interaction of mT with phospholipase C γ 1 ) show increases in both PA levels and PL-D activity that are similar to those seen with wild-type mT. Expression of mutants that abolish the interaction of mT with either shc or with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (250YS and 315YF, respectively) cause an increase in PL-D activity comparable to that seen with wild-type mT. However, the PA content of cells expressing these mutants is not elevated. These results suggest that mT causes activation of cellular PL-D, but this activation alone is not sufficient to cause an increase in cellular PA content. Therefore, wild-type mT must affect another, as yet unknown, step in PA metabolism.
The motion of solid particles suspended in viscoelastic liquids under torsional shear

This paper presents an experimental study of the behaviour of single particles and suspensions in polymer solutions in a torsional flow. Four issues are investigated in detail: the radial migration of a spherical particle; the rotation and migration of a cylindrical particle ; the particle-particle interaction and microstructures in a suspension of spheres; and the microstructures in a suspension of rods. Newtonian fluids are also tested under similar flow conditions for comparison. A spherical particle migrates outward at constant velocity unless the polynier solution is very dilute. A rod in a viscoelastic fluid has two modes of motion depending on its initial orientation, aspect ratio, the local shear rate and the magnitude of normal stresses in the fluid. In the first mode, the rod rotates along a Jeffery-like orbit around the local vorticity axis. It also migrates slowly inward. The second mode of motion has the rod aligned with the local stream at all times; the radial migration is outward. A hypothesis proposed by Highgate & Whorlow (1968) on the radial force on a particle in a cone-and-plate geometry is generalized to explain the variation of migration speed in torsional flows. Spheres form chains and aggregates when the suspension is sheared. The chains are along the flow direction and may connect to form circular rings; these rings migrate outward at a velocity much higher than that of a single sphere. Rods interact with one another and aggregate in much the same way, but to a lesser extent than spheres. It is argued that the particle interaction and aggregation are not direct results of the shear flow field. Two fundamental mechanisms discovered in sedimentation are applied to explain the formation of chains and aggregates. Finally, the competition between inertia and elasticity is discussed. A change of type is not observed in steady shear, but may happen in small-amplitude oscillatory shear.
Investigation of the Discontinuous Galerkin Method for First-Order PDE Approaches to CFD

To simulate accurately and efficiently aerospace-type flows using solely first-order PDE models, new numerical methods may be required to overcome difficulties introduced by the model. We consider a Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method that has been shown to possess an asymptotic preservation (AP) property for one-dimensional hyperbolic relaxation systems, in an effort to understand the source of this property and to determine if this property persists for problems in which we are interested. Comparison with traditional MUSCL schemes suggests that the source of the known AP property results from a coupling of the flux and source terms by the direct evolution of the solution slope. For a canonical model problem in a single spatial dimension, we use Von Neumann analysis to demonstrate that the limiting flux function of the DG scheme is of the Harten-Lax-Van Leer type. Further Von Neumann analysis of both a MUSCL scheme and the DG scheme show that near equilibrium, both methods have mesh size restrictions related to the resolution of physical dissipation. The DG scheme is less numerically dissipative than the HR scheme in this limit. Numerical simulations demonstrate these findings in one dimension. In one and two dimensions, our numerical results demonstrate that the convergence rate of the DG scheme eventually drops as the mesh is refined.
TFTR experience with D-T operation

Abstract Temperatures, densities and confinement of deuterium plasmas confined in tokamaks have been achieved within the last decade that are approaching those required for a D-T reactor. As a result, the unique phenomena present in a D-T reactor plasma (D-T plasma confinement, alpha confinement, alpha heating and possible alpha-driven instabilities) can now be studied in the laboratory. Recent experiments on the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) have been the first magnetic fusion experiments to study plasmas with reactor fuel concentrations of tritium. The injection of ≈20 MW of tritium and 14 MW of deuterium neutral beams into the TFTR produced a plasma with a T/D density ratio of ≈1 and yielded a maximum fusion power of ≈9.2 MW. The fusion power density in the core of the plasma was ≈1.8 MW m −3 , approximating that expected in a D-T fusion reactor. A TFTR plasma with a T/D density ratio of ≈1 was found to have ≈20% higher energy confinement time than a comparable D plasma, indicating a confinement scaling with average ion mass, A , of τ E ≈ A 0.6 . The core ion temperature increased from 30 keV to 37 keV due to a 35% improvement in ion thermal conductivity. Using the electron thermal conductivity from a comparable deuterium plasma, about 50% of the electron temperature increase from 9 keV to 10.6 keV can be attributed to electron heating by the alpha-particles. The ∼5% loss of alpha-particles, as observed on detectors near the bottom edge of the plasma, was consistent with classical first orbit loss without anomalous effects. Initial measurements have been made of the confined energetic alphas and the resultant alpha ash density. At fusion power levels of 7.5 MW, fluctuations at the toroidal Alfven eigenmode frequency were observed by the fluctuation diagnostics. However, no additional alpha loss due to the fluctuations was observed. These D-T experiments will continue over a broader range of parameters and higher power levels.
Conditional Party Government and Campaign Contributions: Insights from the Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverage Industries

I examine whether tobacco and alcoholic beverage PAC giving in the 1975-to-2000 period has followed trends inferred by the conditional party government (CPG) model. I look specifically at these PACs because they should be especially sensitive to shifting veto points in the legislative process and, consistent with CPG, contribute increasingly more to the majority party and its leadership and relatively less to members of relevant standing committees. My results show both sectors to give more to leadership as party becomes more important. Increasing CPG, however, generally results in greater giving by tobacco to members of the majority party and relatively larger contributions from alcoholic beverages to committee members and their chairs. I reveal a principal cause of this difference to be issue salience and conclude by arguing that contributions from some PACs are reacting to increased partisanship in the House but PACs interested in issues of relatively low salience still behave as if dealing with a chamber organized along distributive lines—a development that is consistent with CPG.
Differentiation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in fetal rat anterior hypothalamic transplants in oculo

Abstract The capacity of the rat anterior hypothalamus, and particularly the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), to develop and differentiate when removed from its normal environment was examined in this study using light and electron microscopy. The hypothalamus from fetuses ranging in age from embryonic day 12 (E 12) to E 16 was transplanted to the anterior chamber of the eye of adult rats. In initial experiments, we found that transplants from E 15 fetuses and older routinely differentiated into fields of neurons with extensive neuropil with an appearance similar to the anterior hypothalamic area. Groups of small, compactly organized neurons were observed only occasionally in this tissue. Ultrastructural analysis of these transplants typically revealed well-differentiated neuronal perikarya and neuropil with a complex synaptic organization similar in appearance to the normal rat anterior hypothalamic area. Occasionally both mature and immature tissue coexisted in some of the transplants. Tissue from young embryos (E 12–14) frequently showed development of a compact, small neuron nucleus with the cytoarchitectonic appearance of the SCN. At least 45 days were required after transplantation for the successful differentiation to occur in this situation. The SCN in these transplants displayed vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive cells and fibers surrounded by vasopressin-immunoreactive cells and fibers, similar to the pattern observed in the normal adult SCN. Our results indicate that the anterior hypothalamus will differentiate normally in oculo and that the phenotypic specification of the SCN occurs prior to the birthdate of its component neurons.
Presence awareness: multiple sources, multiple roles

Intelligent, networked devices are increasingly common, and most of these devices are capable of reporting presence information about users or sets of users. One serious limitation is that most existing presence awareness systems are unable handle multiple presence sources at once, nor are they able to handle the situation where a user is also enacting multiple roles. This work looks at some of the possible problems with multiple sources, such as when a single device could report about multiple people, or devices have conflicting data.
Effects of Corexit Dispersants on Cytotoxicity Parameters in a Cultured Human Bronchial Airway Cells, BEAS-2B

The objective of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of COREXIT dispersants EC9500A, EC9527A, and EC9580A on human airway BEAS-2B epithelial cells. Cells were exposed to dispersants for 2 or 24 h at concentrations ranging from 0 to 300 ppm. COREXIT EC9527 at 100 ppm produced 50% viability loss as measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) at 24 h. COREXIT 9527 at 200 ppm produced 50% cell death at 2 h and 100% at 24 h. At 300 ppm COREXIT 9527 induced 100% cell death at 2 or 24 h. In the case of COREXIT 9500A 50% cell viability was noted with 200 ppm at 2 or 24 h, with a significant decrease in cell survival to 2% at 300 ppm. In contrast, no marked change in cell viability was observed in cells treated at any COREXIT 9580A concentration examined. Western blot analysis showed an increase in expression of LC3B, a marker of autophagy, in cells treated for 2 h with 300 ppm COREXIT EC9527A as well as 100 or 300 ppm Corexit EC9500A. No marked effect on LC3B expression wa...
Natural Product-Based 6-Hydroxy-2,3,4,6-tetrahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidinium Scaffold as a New Antifungal Template

Synthetic analogues of the marine-derived class of natural products phloeodictines have been prepared and exhibited potent in vitro fungicidal activities against a broad array of fungal pathogens including drug-resistant strains. The 6-hydroxy-2,3,4,6-tetrahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidinium structural moiety with a C12 to C16 aliphatic side chain at C-6 has been shown to be the antifungal pharmacophore and may serve as a new antifungal template for further lead optimization.
Pathology of explanted polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts.

Abstract Introduction Graft occlusion is a well-documented etiology for arteriovenous fistulae failure. However, there is little morphologic information elucidating why synthetic vascular grafts fail. The purpose of this study was to examine the tissue responses occurring within and adjacent to explanted polytetrafluoroethylene grafts that were utilized during cardiovascular procedures and subsequently removed. Methods Forty explanted polytetrafluoroethylene grafts (including 32 failed vascular grafts) originating from 18 females and 22 males who ranged in age from 6 to 82 years (mean age, 36 years) were evaluated. Duration of engraftment varied from 1 to 255 months (mean engraftment period, 64 months). Results In addition to neointimal hyperplasia, foreign body reaction, and thrombosis, an unexpected finding was calcification involving the graft material, as well as luminal thrombus and adjacent soft tissues. Twenty-seven of forty cases (68%) showed evidence of calcification, either within or adjacent to polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Histologic examination revealed variable degrees and patterns of calcification within and adjacent to explanted polytetrafluoroethylene membranes and conduits (arterial, arteriovenous, or cardiac grafts). A significantly longer duration of engraftment ( P =.015) was identified in calcified versus noncalcified polytetrafluoroethylene materials. Patient age, serum calcium, creatinine level, and blood urea nitrogen level showed no statistically significant differences between patients with calcified grafts and patients without calcified grafts. Conclusions Interstitial calcification is frequently found within explanted polytetrafluoroethylene grafts and is associated with graft disruption. These findings suggest that calcification of polytetrafluoroethylene biomaterials may play a role in eventual graft failure. A better understanding of the process of polytetrafluoroethylene graft calcification may lead to novel therapies that aid in the prevention of polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft failure.