cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcome of Lung Transplantation in Patients With Mycetomas

Background Lung transplantation has become an acceptable treatment option for many end-stage lung diseases. Pulmonary mycetomas are found in patients with end-stage lung diseases, especially sarcoidosis. The clinical course and long-term outcome of these patients after transplantation remains unknown. Methods We reviewed retrospectively the pathology reports of the explanted lungs from all lung and heart-lung transplantations performed at our institution between January 20, 1992, and June 26, 2000. Patients were included in our study if mycetomas were present on the specimens. Information on transplant date and type, diagnosis, information on antifungal therapy and fungal infections pretransplant and posttransplant, and clinical course after transplantation was recorded. Results Mycetomas were present in 3.0% of transplant recipients (9 of 303 patients). The underlying pulmonary diagnoses were sarcoidosis (six patients), and emphysema, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumoconiosis (one patient each). Seven patients received bilateral lung transplants, one patient received a heart/lung transplant, and one patient received a single lung transplant. Aspergillus was isolated from culture in five patients pretransplant and from five patients posttransplant. Six patients received treatment with itraconazole, or IV or inhaled amphotericin B prior to transplantation. All patients who survived transplantation received posttransplant antifungal therapy. Four patients died in the first month after transplantation. Two patients died at 17 months and 24 months posttransplant, respectively; one patient received a second transplant 30 months later; and two patients are alive and free from fungal infections 17 months and 18 months, respectively, after transplantation. All of the medium-term survivors received lengthy therapy with inhaled and systemic amphotericin B and itraconazole before and after transplantation. Conclusions Lung transplant recipients with mycetomas have significantly reduced posttransplant survival. Careful selection of patients and aggressive antifungal therapies before and after transplantation have led to improved outcomes in patients with mycetomas. Additional research is needed to define the best therapeutic strategy for these patients during transplantation.
Use of databases in thermal analysis

There have recently become available many commercial programs for microcomputers which can be utilized to manage databases (DBs). Such relational DB managers provide various mathematical, geometric, statistical, financial, string and error-trapping functions. Many of these functions are also available in spreadsheets which have been employed by the present author to determine successfully various kinetic parameters from thermogravimetric (TG) data, such as rate constants (k) and reaction order (n). In view of the preceding, the aim of the present study was to employ a DB script (just as macros were utilized in spreadsheets) to estimate kinetic parameters from TG data. Thus, a DB script was used which contains an algorithm that employs an iterative procedure along with isothermal TG data to determine values of k and n. The powerful Paradox 3 DB was utilized since it possesses the extensive paradox application language (PAL) which can be used to write scripts pertaining to the determination of kinetic parameters from TG data.
A new fast Chebyshev—Fourier algorithm for Poisson-type equations in polar geometries

Abstract A fast Chebyshev–Fourier algorithm for Poisson-type equations in polar geometries is presented in this paper. The new algorithm improves upon the algorithm of Jie Shen (1997), by taking advantage of the odd–even parity of the Fourier expansion in the azimuthal direction, and it is shown to be more efficient in terms of CPU and memory.
Dissipative quantum tunneling of defects in a mesoscopic metal

Abstract We have studied the dynamics of single bistable defects in sub-micron Bi wires at temperatures 0.1–2 K. The defect motions can cause large changes in the sample resistance via universal conductance fluctuations. The dynamics are due to the defect particle, coupled to the electron bath, tunneling in a double-well potential with asymmetry ɛ. We clearly observe tunneling rates that increase as the temperature is lowered when kT≫ɛ, as predicted by the theory of dissipative quantum tunneling. Fits of the theory to the data yield a value of the defect-electron bath coupling constant α, that is defect-specific.
A performance analysis of personal computers in a video conferencing environment

New intelligent adapters, advanced bus architectures, and powerful microprocessors have resulted in a new generation of personal computers with true multimedia capabilities. Collaborative applications are the most demanding applications of multimedia technologies today. We present a performance analysis of how effective video conferencing applications can be supported with personal computers connected through a local area network (LAN). We also evaluate the performance impact of an advanced, peer-to-peer I/O protocol. The key factor in the performance of a video conferencing system over a LAN is the video compression and decompression algorithms. At high video frame rates, the peer-to-peer I/O protocol performs better than the traditional, bus-master, interrupt-driven I/O protocol.
Comparison between in situ and MODIS-derived spectral reflectances of snow and sea ice in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica

The spectral albedo and directional reflectance of snow and sea ice were measured on sea ice of various types, including nilas, grey ice, pancake ice, multi-year pack ice, and land-fast ice in the Ross, Amundsen and Bellingshausen seas during a summer cruise in February through March 2000. Measurements were made using a spectroradiometer that has 512 channels in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) region in which 16 of the 36 bands of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are covered. Directional reflectance is also retrieved from the MODIS radiometrically calibrated data (Level 1B) concurrently acquired from the first National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth Observing System (EOS) satellite, Terra. The locations of the ground ice stations are identified accurately on the MODIS images, and the spectral albedo and directional reflectance values at the 16 VNIR MODIS bands are extracted for those pixel locations. MODIS-derived reflectance is then corrected for the inter...
Surface Adhesion and Friction in Microelectromechanical Systems: Measurement and Modification Techniques

Microscopic devices that can perform sensing, actuation, and control, known as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), are projected to lead to new technologies with profound impacts in science and engineering. However, there are several limitations that must be overcome before MEMS could be fully utilized in various applications. In particular, because of the low stiffness and large surface-to-volume ratio of MEMS, high adhesion and friction forces between proximity and contacting surfaces limit the device efficiency and often lead to premature failure. Basic study of adhesion and friction under MEMS conditions requires special microdevices fabricated by surface micromachining. The basic features of such MEMS devices are presented herein together with suitable surface modification techniques for reducing surface adhesion and friction, such as surface texturing and deposition of low surface energy solid films and self-assembled monolayers.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A conceptual analysis of ethics codes.

Codes necessarily state standards of professional practice, but the term “standards”; is itself ambiguous. “Standards of professional practice”; can mean anything from minimal expectations for all practitioners to the perceived ideal for which practitioners should strive. Carefully articulated codes of ethics should recognize the differences between minimal standards and standard‐as‐ideal They should also articulate group norms—largely unstated expectations of how all people within the group should or do perform. The process of producing a code of ethics is intellectually healthy because it constitutes critical analysis of the profession by its practitioners.
Multiply resistant Haemophilus influenzae type b causing meningitis: Comparative clinical and laboratory study

Thirty-five patients with meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b were admitted to our hospital from January 1981 to December 1984; 60% of the strains were resistant to ampicillin, 65.7% to chloramphenicol, and 57% to both antibiotics. No significant differences in age, sex, previous treatment, clinical symptoms, outcome, and mortality were found between the 20 patients whose strains were resistant to both ampicillin and chloramphenicol and the other 15 patients whose strains were susceptible to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, or both. Alternative therapeutic agents were a combination of carbenicillin and gentamicin and new cephalosporins. At present, cefotaxime is our treatment of choice for meningitis caused by H. Influenzae type b.
Bounds on graph eigenvalues

Abstract Upper and lower estimates are found for the maximum of the kth eigenvalue of a graph as a function of the number of vertices or edges.
Studies of Consumer Acceptance of High Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Enriched Eggs

Abstract Two studies were conducted to test the effects of flaxseed or menhaden fish oil with supplemental vitamin E on consumer acceptance, oxidative products, and yolk color of fresh and stored eggs. Trial 1 showed no effect of Ω-3 fatty acid enrichment from flaxseed or fish oil on texture, off-flavors, and consumers’ overall acceptance of fresh eggs, but did show a slight negative effect on appearance and flavor in eggs from hens fed high levels (10 and 15%) of ground flaxseed vs. whole flaxseed. Storing eggs for 6 wk caused significant reduction in texture and off-flavor of all eggs tested in Trial 1 regardless of source of Ω-3 fatty acid incorporation. In Trial 2 consumer panelists showed a preference in appearance of eggs from hens fed the golden (Omega) vs. brown (Neche) variety of flax. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) significantly decreased with storage time in both Trial 1 and Trial 2, indicating that less active oxidation occurred in eggs during cold storage. TBARS were not consistently affected by level of dietary flaxseed. Yolks produced on the golden variety of flaxseed also had lighter color. Overall acceptability of eggs from flax-fed hens was similar to that of eggs from diets enriched with menhaden fish oil and not greatly different from that of regular eggs.
Midtrimester abortion using intraamniotic prostaglandin F2α

Abstract Prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ) was instilled intraamnniotically in varying amounts and at different intervals in 40 patients in the second trimester of pregnancy. Using an F prostaglandin radioimmunoassay as a clinical tool, a regimen was developed in which 40 mg of PGF 2α were instilled in a single injection. Of 35 patients so treated, 26 aborted completely and 9 partially. The results compare favorably with those reported with hypertonic saline. The mean treatment-abortion interval among the 26 patients who received the high dose was 22.3 hours. The side effect rate was low and acceptable, and no effect was noted on blood clotting mechanisms.
From the culture of poverty to the underclass: An analysis of a shift in public language

This paper focuses on the emergence of the “underclass,” and the decline of the “culture of poverty,” as terminologies used in scholarly and popular analysis of certain lowincome groups in American society. It is argued that the theoretical cores of these two concepts are similar but not identical, and that a shift in “public language” has occurred. This shift represents the most recent chapter in the historical process of word substitution that Matza (1966) claims has characterized society’s response to the disreputable poor. The factors responsible for this shift are analyzed, and the consequent potential for miscommunication is highlighted.
Identification of the Fortnightly Wave Observed Along the Northern Coast of the Gulf of Guinea

Abstract Numerical calculations of coastally trapped wave modes along the northern coast of the Gulf of Guinea using representative bottom topography and continuous stratification on a β-plane were carried out to identify the observed fortnightly propagating coastal wave. Results showed that the propagation speed of the observed wave (approximately 53 cm s−1 for sea level and 54 cm s−1 for sea surface temperature) is close to that of the second mode (64 cm s−1) and no other. Off the shelf this mode has a baroclinic structure, having considerable amplitude at 2 km depth. Ray theory calculations indicate that if, as is likely, the observed wave were generated on the shelf, a vertically standing modal structure with large amplitude at 2 km depth is not possible. Therefore, no coastally trapped vertically standing wave modes are consistent with the observed wave. Consequently, it is most likely that the wave is a vertically propagating coastally trapped wave as has been observed recently in other contexts. Th...
BAYES STOPPING RULES IN A CHANGE-POINT MODEL WITH A RANDOM HAZARD RATE

In the Bayes sequential change-point problem, an assumption of a fully known prior distribution of a change-point is usually impracticable. At every moment, one often knows only the discrete hazard function, that is, the probability of a change occurring before the next observation is collected, given that it has not occurred so far. In the randomized model, the observed or predicted values of the hazard function are assumed to form a Markov chain. Under these assumptions, the optimal change-point detection stopping rules are derived for two popular loss functions introduced in Shiryaev (1978) and Ritov (1990). Derivations are based on the theory of optimal stopping of Markov sequences.
Site-specific modification of Alzheimer's peptides by cholesterol oxidation products enhances aggregation energetics and neurotoxicity

Accumulation of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) and tau aggregates, possibly linked to age-associated deficiencies in protein homeostasis, appear to cause Alzheimer's disease. Schiff-base formation between Abeta and the aldehyde-bearing cholesterol oxidation product 3-beta-hydroxy-5-oxo-5,6-secocholestan-6-al is known to increase Abeta amyloidogenicity. Here, we synthesized Abeta variants site-specifically modified with the cholesterol aldehyde at Asp-1, Lys-16, or Lys-28, rather than studying mixtures. These distinct modifications have a similar effect on the thermodynamic propensity for aggregation, enabling aggregation at low concentrations. In contrast, the modification site differentially influences the aggregation kinetics; Lys-16-modified Abeta formed amorphous aggregates fastest and at the lowest concentration (within 2 h at a concentration of 20 nM), followed by the Lys-28 and Asp-1 conjugates. Also, the aggregates resulting from Abeta Lys-16 cholesterol aldehyde conjugation were more toxic to primary rat cortical neurons than treatment with unmodified Abeta under identical conditions and at the same concentration. Our results show that Abeta modification by cholesterol derivatives, especially at Lys-16, renders it kinetically and thermodynamically competent to form neurotoxic aggregates at concentrations approaching the physiologic concentration of Abeta.
Decreased serotonin levels associated with behavioral disinhibition in tissue plasminogen activator deficient (tPA-/-) mice.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) is a serine protease expressed in different areas of the mammalian brain. It has been used clinically to dissolve clots and shown to have a role in neurodegeneration. Early studies suggested that tPA plays an important role in the processes of learning and memory, demonstrated at the level of behavior and synaptic plasticity. Herein, we extend the behavioral characterization of these mice to the related dimension of exploratory-related behavior using an extensive battery of behavioral tests as well as the neurotransmitter metabolism associated with the behavioral measures. Our results indicate a behavior tendency in these mice consistent with “impulsivity” or reduced exploratory inhibition. These patterns are accompanied by decreased levels of serotonin in several brain regions important in behavioral regulation in the tPA−/− mice compared to control animals. Systemic administration of fluoxetine reversed the behavioral disinhibition of tPA−/− mice, further supporting an important alteration in behavior regulation mediated by serotonin systems as underappreciated but important element of the behavioral phenotype of these animals.
Mergers and restructuring in the world oil industry

Abstract This study focuses on the world oil industry since the relevant markets are global. Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the petroleum industry reflect the accelerating rate of M&A activity worldwide. The basic change forces are: technological advances, globalization, deregulation, industry dynamics, pressure for economies, and favorable economic environments. The change forces have blurred the boundaries of industries and have multiplied the forms and sources of competition. M&As and restructuring have had positive influences in the performance of the economy. Since the 1980s, real GDP growth in the U.S. has been strong with only short interruptions. During the past 2 decades, almost 2 million new jobs per year have been created. Patterns in the oil industry have mirrored these changes in the economy as a whole, emphasizing technological improvements and cost reductions. Instabilities of prices and other increased risks in the oil industry have triggered M&As and restructuring. Financial analysis of the BP acquisition of Amoco demonstrates that even if a fraction of the estimated cost savings are achieved, market values will be increased. If five major mergers are completed, the HHI for the world oil industry will rise from a very low 389 to 581, still well below the 1,000 critical level specified by the regulatory authorities. Analysis suggests that the BP Amoco acquisition will have positive economic effects on the economy of Alaska.
The annulus vacuum sign

An annulus vacuum sign at the anterosuperior or anteroinferior margin of a cervical interspace in extension may be due to an acute hyperextension injury with tearing of Sharpey fibers allowing the annulus fibrosus to separate from the adjacent bone. The sign is not pathognomonic of this injury as has been implied in the literature. It can be due to an old hyperextension injury and is seen in degenerative disease of the annulus without any acute trauma. In addition, a pseudovacuum sign may be very difficult to distinguish from a true vacuum sign.
Pattern of serum immunoreactivity against breast cancer cell lysates may predict severity of disease in breast cancer patients

Humoral tumor-specific immunity has been investigated as a potential tool to identify tumor-associated antigens and evaluate cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Using SDS-PAGE and western blotting techniques we investigated the humoral immune response against tumor cell antigens in 36 breast cancer patients, 17 node-positive (NP) and 19 node-negative (NN). As a source of antigens, we prepared protein lysates from four breast cancer cell lines (AU565, BT474, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) which in vitro exhibit different features of invasion, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor status and HER2/neu expression thereby potentially representing mild to aggressive forms of clinical disease. A higher number of immunocomplexes Ag–Ab were formed when serum from NN patients was immunoreacted against lysates from AU565 and MCF-7 in comparison to serum from NP patients (P < 0.01). BT474 cells were not a good antigenic source. MDA-MB-231 cells could not significantly discriminate between NN and NP patients since both groups showed higher amounts of reactivity against the lysate. However, comparative analysis of protein preparations purified from MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and immunodetected concomitantly with the same serum samples showed that serum from patients with cancers with worse prognosis (stage, nodality, HER2/neu and hormonal status) reacted more intensely to proteins purified from the relatively more invasive cell line MDA-MB-231 compared to MCF-7. These findings suggest that the study of serum antibody reactivity to antigens purified from breast cancer cell lines with different invasive properties should be further investigated for its potential in providing beneficial prognostic information in breast cancer.
On the solution of multicomponent dispersion problems

Abstract A solution is developed for the problem of transient multicomponent dispersion in time-variable fully developed laminar flow. A method valid for all values of time is employed, based on a generalization of a series expansion technique previously applied to the case of a single solute. A general dispersion model, involving a set of time-dependent matrices of coefficients, results as a consequence of the analysis.
Human behavioral pharmacology of benzodiazepines: Effects on repeated acquisition and performance of response chains

One scientific concern with benzodiazepine is their effects on learning (acquisition). One procedure that permits a detailed study of learning processes is the repeated acquisition of behavioral chains procedure. The repeated acquisition of behavioral chains allows for the repeated study of learning in individual subjects and also permits a comparison with comparable performance behavior. This paper reviews the effects of acute and chronic benzodiazepines on the repeated acquisition and performance of response chains. With acute administration, diazepam, alprazolam, and triazolam are all found to produce dose-related increases in percent errors in the acquisitions component, while generally not affecting percent errors in the performance component. Diazepam showed less activity than either alprazolam or triazolam. With chronic administration, acquisition showed tolerance to the errors-increasing effects of diazepam at a slower rate than did performance. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Risk and wealth effects of U.S. firm joint venture activity

Abstract Using a sample of US firms engaged in joint venture activity primarily in the 1990s, we test the hypothesis that joint venture activity is motivated by a desire for efficient risk sharing. We find that approximately ninety-six percent of our sample experiences a risk change in response to joint venture activity. A significant proportion of these experience a reduction in beta. No market price response is evident in conjunction with this reduction. In addition, the average parent firm experiences a significant increase in firm risk, which we attribute to taking on the risky joint venture. This increase in risk is particularly pronounced for firms engaged in international joint ventures and is accompanied by a positive market response. Investment stake, pre-venture firm profitability, size and private risk increasing characteristics appear to influence the wealth character of the joint venture. We interpret that there may be a positive market premium for international diversification effects and/or for the flexibility that the real option joint venture opportunity provides.
Dopamine toxicity in neuroblastoma cells: role of glutathione depletion by L-BSO and apoptosis.

Abstract Dopamine (DA), while an essential neurotransmitter, is also a known neurotoxin that potentially plays an etiologic role in several neurodegenerative diseases. DA metabolism and oxidation readily produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DA can also be oxidized to a reactive quinone via spontaneous, enzyme-catalyzed or metal-enhanced reactions. A number of these reactions are cytotoxic, yet the precise mechanisms by which DA leads to cell death remain unknown. In this study, the neuroblastoma cell line, SK-N-SH, was utilized to examine DA toxicity under varying oxidant states. Cells pretreated with the glutathione (GSH)-depleting compound, l -buthionine sulfoximine ( l -BSO), exhibited enhanced sensitivity to DA compared to controls (non-GSH-depleted cells). Furthermore, in cells pretreated with l -BSO, the addition of ascorbate (250 μM) afforded significant protection against DA-induced toxicity, while pyruvate (500 μM) had no protective effect. To further characterize the possibility that DA is associated with oxidative stress, additional studies were carried out with manganese (30 μM) as a pro-oxidant. Manganese and DA (200 μM), although not cytotoxic when individually administered to SK-N-SH cells, had a synergistic action on cytotoxicity. Finally, morphological and molecular markers of programmed cell death (apoptosis) were observed in cells treated with DA and l -BSO. These markers included membrane blebbing and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. These results suggest that DA toxicity is tightly linked to intracellular oxidant/antioxidant levels, and that environmental factors, such as excessive Mn exposure, may modulate cellular sensitivity to DA.
Hygroscopic growth of multicomponent aerosol particles influenced by several cycles of relative humidity.

Infrared aerosol flow tube experiments were performed for mixtures of ammonium, sulfate, and hydrogen ions at 293 K. The impact of the cycling of relative humidity (RH) on the crystals formed and on the hygroscopic growth was evaluated. Submicron particles having an extent of neutralization (X) between 0.60 and 0.75 were the focus, with special emphasis on the composition of aqueous letovicite (NH4)3H(SO4)2 (X ) 0.75) because of its unique behavior. Aqueous letovicite particles crystallized initially as an external mixture of solid particles, forming pure particles of letovicite (NH 4)3H(SO4)2(s) (LET) in some cases and internally mixed particles of ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4(s);AS) and ammonium bisulfate (NH4HSO4(s); AHS) in other cases. Cycling between 3% and 48% RH increased the fraction of LET particles in the aerosol population, moving in the direction of the more thermodynamically favored species. However, some internally mixed particles remained even after multiple cycles, possibly indicative of a memory effect of AS as a heterogeneous nucleus for AHS. For all compositions studied, the RH of first water uptake and the magnitude of water uptake at higher RH were compared to model predictions. As expected, the more acidic particles (X ) 0.60 and 0.65) took up water at the eutonic RH (37%) of mixed AHS/LET particles, but not as expected, both solids dissolved completely, arguing for an increased water solubility possibly attributable to nanocrystalline materials. Particles of X ) 0.70 took up water above 41% RH, suggesting a particle morphology of an outer coating of AHS that prevents water uptake at the lower eutonic RH values of mixed AHS/LET and AHS/AS particles. Particles of X ) 0.75 took up water as expected for an externally mixed particle population of LET and AS/AHS particles, although the fraction of each type in the population depended on the RH history. These results show that the hysteresis effect for some particles depends on a multi-node RH history. The implication for atmospheric particles is that the crystals present therein as well as particle morphology, water content, and extent of internal/external mixing might continue to evolve during multiple atmospheric cycles of RH.
China, Taiwan, and the World Trade Organization

Commercial ties have been the exception to the pessimistic forecast for cross‐strait relations. Mutual WTO membership, expected in the near future, will likely force changes in the relationship between Taipei and Beijing that diplomacy cannot achieve.
Strain-sensitive conductivity of carbon black-filled PVC composites subjected to cyclic loading

Abstract This paper reports a study on the strain sensitivity response of polyvinylchloride/carbon black (PVC/CB) composites’ electrical conductivity (tensoresistivity) subjected to cyclic tensile loading. This study is part of a research program to develop sensor-enabled geogrids for performance-monitoring of reinforced earth structures. A medium-structure and a high-structure black were used as conductive fillers for a PVC coating which is commonly used for woven geogrids. Five different cyclic loading regimes were used to investigate influences of factors such as the strain amplitude, strain rate and pre-straining on the strain sensitivity performance of the coating composite electrical conductivity. Results showed that the conductive network in the coating specimens filled with the higher-structure CB experienced less damage upon cyclic deformation and showed a greater degree of recoverability in their tensoresistivity response. Also, pre-straining of coating specimens had a positive influence on the recoverability of their strain sensitivity. The degree of pre-straining induced in the specimens was characterized by the ratio of initial peak strain to the subsequent operating peak strain introduced here as the over-elongation ratio (OER). A greater OER value resulted in a more stable and consistent recoverability of tensoresistivity in the filled composite.
Classroom BRIDGE: using collaborative public and desktop timelines to support activity awareness

Classroom BRIDGE supports activity awareness by facilitating planning and goal revision in collaborative, project-based middle school science. It integrates large-screen and desktop views of project times to support incidental creation of awareness information through routine document transactions, integrated presentation of awareness information as part of workspace views, and public access to subgroup activity. It demonstrates and develops an object replication approach to integrating synchronous and asynchronous distributed work for a platform incorporating both desktop and large-screen devices. This paper describes an implementation of these concepts with preliminary evaluation data, using timeline-based user interfaces.
Remote spectroscopic sensing of chemical adsorption using a single multimode optical fiber.

A remote chemical sensor using a single optical fiber has been developed for collecting evanescently excited spectral signals from liquid samples. The sensor is particularly useful for the study of species adsorbed from solution onto the sensor surface. Fluorescence spectra were taken from dye solutions and dye-labeled proteins to demonstrate the evanescent operation of the probe. Raman data from benzene were collected to indicate its sensitivity in the bulk mode.
Fluxless tin bonding of silicon chips to iron substrates

A fluxless process of bonding silicon (Si) chips to iron (Fe) substrates was successfully developed. Iron substrates are plated with Ni, followed by tin (Sn). Si chips are deposited with thin chromium (Cr) and gold (Au) using E-beam evaporation in high vacuum. The Si chip is placed over the Fe substrate and bonded at 240 °C. The resulting joint is very uniform and contains few voids as examined by scanning electron microscopy. The reactions between Fe/Ni and Sn and between Si/Cr/Au and Sn during the soldering process are studied. The Si/Cr-Sn interface is free from intermetallic compound (IMC), i.e., IMC-free. Three-dimensional Ni3Sn4 microstructure is revealed by etching Sn away from the samples. The Fe/Ni–Sn interface forms rod-shaped or polygonal-shaped Ni3Sn4 microstructure. This new fluxless bonding process should be valuable in expanding the use of iron to electronic packaging applications such as substrates, base plates, thermal blocks, and chip-attachable casings.
Neuromuscular Response to Cyclic Loading of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

BackgroundCyclic load applied to various joints during occupational and sports activities is epidemiologically linked to higher risk of neuromuscular disorder development.HypothesisPassive cyclic loading of the knee will develop laxity and creep in the anterior cruciate ligament, and these may elicit a neuromuscular disorder in the quadriceps and hamstrings. Women may be more susceptible to the disorder.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsMale and female groups were subjected to 10 minutes of passive cyclic loading (0.1 Hz) of the knee at a mild load (150-200 N) and at 35° and 90° flexion. Anterior tibial displacement and electromyogram from the quadriceps and hamstrings were monitored during cyclic loading. Maximal voluntary contraction of knee extension and flexion was assessed before and after cyclic loading. The effect of gender and angle on maximal voluntary contraction and quadriceps/hamstrings electromyogram was tested by a 2-way analysis of variance. Differences between the preload and ...
A gradient driven transportation algorithm

In this work we present a new algorithm for the solution of the transportation problem. Although the algorithm is gradient-directed, it does not use the classical gradient approach. Instead, it first computes a reduced gradient and then determines an improved feasible direction in the dual space, thereby extending the initial gradient. To accomplish this, we make use of a special diagonal ordering of the basic vectors. After obtaining the intial basic feasible solution, the algorithm may transfer, without any computational overhead, to a streamlined dual simplex routine, or continue on with the gradient method.
Oxygen Isotopes in Zircon

Isotopic and trace element analysis of zircons can provide reliable and robust estimates of age, compositions of coexisting minerals and melts, and constraints on the genesis and protoliths of host rocks. Recent technological developments facilitate analysis of oxygen isotope ratios in zircon with high accuracy and precision by laser heating/gas-source mass-spectrometry and in situ from thin sections or grain mounts by ion microprobe/secondary ion mass-spectrometer. A large number of studies have shown that non-metamict zircons preserve their δ18O value from the time of crystallization; hence oxygen isotope ratio can be correlated with age (U-Pb) or trace element composition. The zircon δ18O record is generally preserved despite other minerals that have been reset by high-grade metamorphism or intense hydrothermal alteration. Thus the refractory nature and robust inheritance of zircon offers a potential means to sort out magmatic equilibration and reequilibration, and post-magmatic alteration, an eternal problem for igneous rocks. New processes and interpretations for igneous events have been proposed when the effects of post-magmatic exchange are fully recognized. Crustal recycling can be recognized from magmatic values of δ18O(zircon), and if source rocks are igneous and young at the time of melting, δ18O will often be the best geochemical signature. Microanalytical techniques are increasingly useful for stable isotope analysis of silicates. Both the laser fluorination/mass-spectrometer and the ion microprobe/secondary ion mass-spectrometer offer significant advantages over conventional techniques for analysis of zircon. ### Laser fluorination Accurate analysis of δ18O in refractory minerals such as zircon is optimized by use of a CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 μm). The best precision has been obtained when zircons are powdered before analysis. Accuracy and precision of ±0.05 to ±0.1‰ (1 standard deviation = 1sd) are reported for homogeneous samples of ~2 mg (~0.5 mm3) (Valley et al. 1994, …
Seasonal patterns of fatal and nonfatal falls among older adults in the U.S.

INTRODUCTION: While many believe that older adults fall more often during the winter months, research on this is inconclusive. This study used nationally representative data from 2001 to 2002 to examine unintentional fatal fall rates among older men and women by season and climate, and nonfatal fall rates by season. METHODS: We studied fatal and nonfatal unintentional falls among U.S. adults aged >/=65 during December 2001-November 2002 by season. Fatal fall data were obtained from National Center for Health Statistics' annual mortality tapes; nonfatal fall data for injuries treated in emergency departments were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program. Fatal falls were also analyzed by climate based on each state's average January 1, 2001 temperature (colder climates 32 degrees F (0 degrees C)). RESULTS: From December 2001 through November 2002, neither fatal nor nonfatal fall injury rates showed any seasonal patterns. For fatal falls, the average rate was 9.1 percent higher in colder climates, regardless of season. CONCLUSION: Among older adults, fatal fall rates appear to be influenced more by climate than by season. Additional research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these observations. Language: en
The Neurobiology and Genetics of Suicide and Attempted Suicide:: A Focus on the Serotonergic System

Numerous abnormalities have been found in the serotonergic system in suicide attempters and completers. There is considerable evidence that the serotonergic system is partly under genetic control and that as yet unknown genetic factors mediate the risk for suicidal behavior independently of the genetic factors responsible for the heritability of major psychiatric conditions associated with suicide. An argument is made that there is a relationship of genetic variants to intermediate phenotypes, such as impulsivity, psychomotor change, pathological aggression and biological abnormalities including specific gene products. A variety of biological indices have been generated by new approaches using postmortem tissue and in vivo imaging that will provide a rich substrate for further genetic studies.
The location of cytochrome c on the surface of ultrathin lipid multilayer films using x-ray diffraction

X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize ultrathin fatty acid multilayers having a bound surface layer of cytochrome c. Three to six monolayers of arachidic acid were deposited onto an alkylated glass surface, using the Langmuir-Blodgett method. These fatty acid multilayer films were stored either in a 1 mM NaHCO3 pH 7.5 solution or a buffered 10 microM cytochrome c solution, pH 7.5. After washing extensively with buffer, these multilayer films were assayed for bound cytochrome c by optical spectroscopy. It was found that the cytochrome c bound only to the odd-numbered monolayer films (which have hydrophilic surfaces). The theoretical number of cytochrome c molecules bound to the ultrathin multilayer films having three or five monolayers was calculated as N = 1.2 x 10(13)/cm2 (assuming a hexagonally close-packed monolayer of protein), which would produce an optical density of 0.002 at a wavelength of 550 nm; for a three or five monolayer ultrathin film that was incubated with cytochrome c, OD550 approximately equal to 0.002. The protein was released from the film when treated with greater than 100 mM KCl solution, as would be expected for an electrostatic interaction. Meridional x-ray diffraction data were collected from the arachidic acid films with and without a bound cytochrome c layer. A box refinement technique, previously shown to be effective in deriving the profile structures of nonperiodic ultrathin films, was used to determine the multilayer electron density profiles. The electron density profiles and their autocorrelation functions showed that bound cytochrome c resulted in an additional electron dense feature on the multilayer surface, consistent with a bound cytochrome c monolayer. The position of the bound protein relative to the multilayer surface was independent of the number of fatty acid monolayers in the multilayer. Future studies will use these methods to investigate the structures of membrane protein complexes bound directly to the surface of multilayer films.
Identification of Indole-3-Acetic Acid in the Basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was detected in the ether extracts of culture filtrates of indigotin-producing strains of the basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune. Several solvents, known to give distinctly different RF values for IAA, and 3 location reagents gave identical results with synthetic IAA and IAA found in the extract. Confirmation was obtained by the Avena straight growth test, split pea test, and ultraviolet absorption spectrum.
Lymph node metastasis from ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion.

BACKGROUND Widespread use of mammography has increased the detection of ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) in pathology specimens. Currently there is disagreement regarding the incidence of axillary metastasis from DCISM. The controversy centers on whether complete lymphadenectomy is indicated for axillary staging, given its morbidity and the reportedly minimal rate of axillary involvement in these patients. Intraoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymphadenectomy (SLND) may obviate complete axillary lymph node dissection in selected breast carcinoma patients. In intraoperative lymphatic mapping, isosulfan blue dye is used to demonstrate the course of lymphatic flow from the breast tumor to the first draining or sentinel lymph node. This blue-stained lymph node is selectively excised for pathologic examination; its tumor status is used to predict the tumor status of the other axillary lymph nodes. The authors examined whether SLND would be suitable for staging DCISM. METHODS From February 1992 to January 1997, 14 patients with DCISM underwent intraoperative lymphatic mapping and SLND at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California. Clinical and pathologic data were prospectively collected. RESULTS Primary DCISM tumors ranged in size from 0.9 to 6.5 cm. Nine patients presented with mammographic abnormalities, two patients presented with Paget's disease and a palpable lesion, and three patients presented with palpable lesions. Two patients (14.3%) had tumor-involved sentinel lymph nodes. One of these patients had two sentinel lymph nodes, both of which contained single cancer cells identified by immunohistochemistry. The other patient had 1 sentinel lymph node, in which a 0.3-cm metastasis was revealed by light microscopy. Completion axillary dissection was performed on both patients and revealed no further tumor positive lymph node metastases. CONCLUSIONS SLND can detect lymph node micrometastases (tumor deposits <2 mm) in patients with DCISM. The clinical relevance of these micrometastases is unknown, but their existence shows that DCISM can involve the lymph nodes. Cancer 1999;85:2439–43. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Further investigations of the multiple fractions of leucyl transfer ribonucleic acid synthetase activity from Escherichia coli

Abstract Multiple fractions of leucyl-tRNA synthetase ( l -leucine:tRNA ligase (AMP), EC 6.1.1.4) activity obtained from Escherichia coli K-12, using continuous elution disc-gel electrophoresis, were tested with three leucyl-tRNA fractions. No functional differences between the enzyme fractions for charging leucyl-tRNA species were found. A study of the multiplicity of the enzyme fractions and the recovery of activity as a function of the amount of protein placed on the electrophoresis column indicated that the appearance of the multiple fractions was due to an aggregation phenomenon.
A vanishing theorem for local cohomology modules

Abstract A conjecture of Huneke and Lyubeznik regarding the vanishing of certain local cohomology modules is proved in a special case. A topological counterpart of the vanishing result is also proved.
Physical Therapists' Management of Patients in the Acute Care Setting: An Observational Study

Background Previous literature has not fully described physical therapists’ management of patients across diagnoses in the acute care setting or how that management might vary by facility. Objective The purposes of this study were to describe patient management by physical therapists in the acute care setting and to examine variations in patient management across facilities. Design This was an observational study. Methods Fifty clinicians practicing at 3 academic medical centers in the northeastern United States agreed to participate. Over a 2-week period, clinicians completed checklists indicating the details of patient visits. Logistic analyses, controlling for patient age and diagnosis and accounting for clustering of data, were conducted to examine the odds of patients having several categories of examinations, goals, and interventions. Results Participants provided 2,364 visits to 896 patients. More than 75% of patients in each facility received examinations, goals, and interventions related to functional ability. Median number of visits per patient, duration of visits, and number of visits in which the patient was not treated varied across facilities. Patients with orthopedic conditions were more likely than those with medical/surgical conditions to receive several types of examinations, goals, and interventions. The odds of patients having examinations, goals, and interventions related to functional abilities were greater in facility 2 than in facility 1. Limitations Limitations include the convenience sample, use of an untested data collection tool, and use of only age and diagnosis to control for case mix. Conclusion This study of physical therapist practice in 3 acute care facilities suggests that patient management focuses on functional activity. There was no clear pattern of examinations, goals, and interventions related to specific diagnoses. A small degree of variation was found in practice across the facilities.
Design and Implementation of a Menu Based OSCAR Command Line Interface

The open source cluster application resources (OSCAR) toolkit is used to build and maintain HPC clusters. The OSCAR cluster installer provides a graphical user interface (GUI) "wizard" that directs the user through the installation process. This GUI is useful for general usage, but in some instances a more basic interface is desirable. Therefore, a command line interface (CLI) has been developed for the OSCAR installer. Through the CLI, the OSCAR installer is better equipped to support scripting, which aids more advanced testing scenarios and helps in cluster replication. Additionally, the CLI is better suited for remote installations using OSCAR. While a graphical user interface simplifies installation for occasional users, frequent users and the OSCAR developers will find the CLI beneficial. For developers, the CLI will make testing easier because it may now be scripted for automated testing. Furthermore, because the CLI creates logs of user input, the user may create an exact duplicate of a previous installation, which could be used in later rebuilds or for diagnostic purposes when reporting issues to the developers. This paper provides an overview of the design and capabilities of the OSCAR CLI along with a brief discussion of possible future work.