cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A three dimensional study of layer I of the rat parietal cortex

Serial thin sections have been used to reconstruct neuronal processes in the outer portions of layer I of adult rat somatosensory cortex. The reconstructions show that two distinct forms of dendrites exist in this area: one that is smooth and varicose and another that bears spines along a shaft of relatively constant diameter. These two dendritic types, which originate from nonpyramidal and pyramidal neurons respectively, have differences in the distribution of organelles. Cortical dendrites terminate with no apparent morphological modification which would permit their identification in isolated thin sections. A pyramidal dendritic ending is blunt, about 0.5 μ in diameter, with microtubules and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the terminal cytoplasm. Very long mitochondria which are invariably present within pyramidal dendrites, penetrate into an ending. A smooth dendrite terminates in an expansion containing microtubules and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, but no long mitochondrion. One or two asymmetrical synapses occur at the end of each terminating dendrite but do not encompass the tip. The principal axonal elements in layer I are small unmyelinated axons with en passant boutons. Serial examination reveals that various combinations of synaptic contacts are possible between axons and dendrites of both types.
Nucleation-Mediated Lateral Growth on Foreign Substrate

A model is developed to deal with lateral growth of a crystalline layer on a foreign substrate, which is mediated by successive nucleation at the concave corner defined by the meeting of a crystal facet and the substrate. It is demonstrated that due to an imbalance of surface/interface tensions at the concave corner, once the embryo of a nucleus is formed, the crystallographic orientation of the nucleus is spontaneously twisted. By successive nucleation at the concave corner, the crystalline layer develops laterally on the substrate, with its crystallographic orientation continuously rotated. In this way, a regular spatial pattern with well-defined long-range order is eventually achieved. Our model provides a criterion to predict when such an effect becomes observable in the nucleation-mediated lateral growth. The theoretical expectations are consistent with the experimental observations.
Perceptions of control during systems development: effects on job satisfaction of systems professionals

While a great deal of organizational research has been devoted to the study of individual differences and task characteristics as the major determinants of job satisfaction, the role of organizational variables in explaining employee satisfaction has received little empirical attention. The present study argues that the extent to which employees perceive that their activities are controlled by managers, peers, or themselves may have significant effects upon their corresponding levels of job satisfaction. Based upon this rationale, this study investigated perceptions of different control approaches in relation to job satisfaction of 62 systems professionals of a local government organization. Bivariate analyses indicated that managerial control, team-member control, and self-control were highly correlated with general satisfaction. Additional analyses indicated that self-control had strong positive effects on both intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction, while, managerial control had a strong positive effect on extrinsic satisfaction. Implications of the findings for the management of information systems personnel and future research are discussed.
Is There an Organizational Multiplier

The article presents information on a study on the impact of organizational multiplier, which stems from the natural tendency among individuals within organizations to try to act in ways which maxi...
INCIDENCE OF CHOLELITHIASIS IN 125 CONTINENT URINARY DIVERSIONS

Purpose: Several studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that ileal resection has an increased association with gallstone formation. However, little reported data exist in regard to continent diversion, and the incidence and relative risk of gallstones. We describe a single institution, single surgeon (J. W. W.) experience with 125 modified Indiana pouch continent urinary diversions constructed in a 14-year period and the subsequent association with gallstones.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 129 patients who underwent continent urinary diversion from March 1985 to August 1998 at our institution to assess postoperative cholelithiasis. Complete information was available in 125 of the 129 charts. All patients were followed yearly with ultrasound combined with telephone followup to ensure complete data.Results: Cholelithiasis was present in 32 of the 125 reviewable patients (25.6%), including 53 men and 72 women. Three men and 8 women who underwent previous or concomit...
An improved biclustering method for analyzing gene expression profiles

Microarrays are one of the latest breakthroughs in experimental molecular biology, which provide a powerful tool by which the expression patterns of thousands of genes can be monitored simultaneously and are already producing huge amount of valuable data. The concept of bicluster was introduced by Cheng and Church1 to capture the coherence of a subset of genes and a subset of conditions. A set of heuristic algorithms were also designed to either find one bicluster or a set of biclusters, which consist of iterations of masking null values and discovered biclusters, coarse and fine node deletion, node addition, and the inclusion of inverted data. These heuristics inevitably suffer from some serious drawback. The masking of null values and discovered biclusters with random numbers may result in the phenomenon of random interference which in turn impacts the discovery of high quality biclusters. To address this issue and to further accelerate the biclustering process, we generalize the model of bicluster to incorporate null values and propose a probabilistic algorithm (FLOC) that can discover a set of k possibly overlapping biclusters simultaneously. Furthermore, this algorithm can easily be extended to support additional features that suit different requirements at virtually little cost. Experimental study on the yeast gene expression data2 shows that the FLOC algorithm can offer substantial improvements over the previously proposed algorithm.
The limitations of induction generators in constant-frequency aircraft systems

Starting from basic theory, this paper shows that induction generators are useful only if the speed range is limited. A number of seemingly ingenious schemes are discussed. The conclusion is that there is either no net output or that the efficiencies of the systems are too low for wide speed range operation to find practical application as constant-frequency aircraft electrical, supplies.
Optical Second-Harmonic Generation with Long-Range Surface Plasmons

The first observation of enhanced optical second-harmonic generation due to excitation of the long-range surface plasmon is reported. When the fundamental mode of this plasmon is excited on both surfaces of a thin silver film bounded by a nonlinear quartz crystal and an index-matched liquid, the harmonic generation is over 2 orders of magnitude larger than that due to a single-boundary surface plasmon. Nonlinear excitation of the harmonic long-range surface-plasmon mode is also observed.
Evaluation of gastric mucosal biopsy site and number for identification of Helicobacter pylori or intestinal metaplasia : Role of the Sydney system

Pathologists are frequently asked to evaluate gastric mucosal biopsy specimens for the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection and for potentially important changes such as intestinal metaplasia. No agreed-on system is both available and prospectively shown to provide reliable estimates of the underlying pathological condition. The Sydney System combined topographical, morphological, and causative information for evaluation of gastric biopsy specimens and provided recommendations regarding biopsy site and number. Both the biopsy sites and number were changed in 1994. Gastric biopsy specimens from patients who had multiple biopsies performed on predetermined sites were examined to compare the original and the revised Sydney Systems for the detection of intestinal metaplasia and H pylori. The diagnosis based on both versions of the Sydney System was then compared with that obtained by evaluating all specimens. Forty-six patients were studied, 20 with H pylori infection and 36 with intestinal metaplasia. Using either version of the Sydney System correctly categorized H pylori infection status in 100%. Both the original and the revised Sydney recommendations seriously underestimated the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia. Intestinal metaplasia was missed in more than 50% of those with confirmed intestinal metaplasia. No set or site of biopsy specimens was found that could reliably exclude the presence of intestinal metaplasia. Current and future studies that use the Sydney System as basis for detecting intestinal metaplasia are not likely to be reliable. Likewise, using the Sydney System to test posttherapy or with time will not accurately reflect the true status of intestinal metaplasia.
Image Processing Of Muscle Striations Below The Resolution Limit Of The Light Microscope

We describe the use of digital deconvolution in the study of muscle striations below the resolution imposed by the optical diffraction of our video light microscope. To use deconvolution procedures on muscle images, the transfer function of the optical system is first characterized. This is accomplished by imaging a step object and fitting the image with the combination of a first order Bessel and Gaussian function using a non-linear least squares approach. Due to the ill-conditioned nature of deconvolution, however, ambiguity in the reconstruction is sometimes found. To allow better estimation of the true object, separate deconvolution approaches are used and the reconstructions compared. In this manner, the fine structure of muscle striations is determined.
An integrated optimization model for switchgrass-based bioethanol supply chain

Abstract Bioethanol produced from lignocellulosic feedstock show enormous potential as an economically and environmentally sustainable renewable energy source. Switchgrass (panicum virgatum) is considered as one of the best second generation feedstock for bioethanol production. In order to commercialize the production of switchgrass-based bioethanol, it is essential to design an efficient switchgrass-based bioethanol supply chain (SBSC) and effectively manage the logistics operation. This paper proposes an integrated mathematical model to determine the optimal comprehensive supply chain/logistics decisions to minimize the total SBSC cost by considering existing constraints. A case study based on North Dakota state (ND) in the United States illustrates the application of the proposed model. The results demonstrate that by using only 61% of the available marginal land for production of switchgrass feedstock, 100% of the annual gasoline energy equivalent requirement of ND can be economically and sustainably met from the produced bioethanol. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to provide insights for efficiently managing the entire SBSC and minimizing the total cost.
The influence of anti-TNF therapy on the course of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background The immunosuppressive potential of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in exacerbating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been a major concern. We aim to critically analyze the impact of anti-TNF on the course of chronic HCV infection in patients with concurrent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and HCV infection.
Barbudan Creole English: Its history and some grammatical features

This article presents some of the core grammatical features of Barbudan Creole English, an Anglophone language that has never been described in the linguistics or creolistics literature. It begins with a historical presentation of Barbuda within the British colonial world, discussing the island’s unusual social configuration regarding the use of African slaves and its role in producing goods for plantations in nearby Antigua. The grammatical presentation focuses on the preverbal markers as well as other features and provides some comparative data mostly between Antiguan Creole English and Barbudan.
Detection of room air contamination of angiographic CO2 with use of a gas analyzer.

The purpose of this study was to describe a practical method to detect room air contamination in CO 2 used for angiography. Samples of CO 2 with known room air contamination levels were used in a "bag system" of CO 2 delivery and sampled by a gas analyzer commonly used in anesthesia. Nitrogen levels were reliably detected indicating contamination with as little as 2% air. Oxygen levels were reliably detected, indicating contamination with as little as 5% air. Measured CO 2 values were unreliable with higher-than-true values at all levels except 100%. All clinically important amounts of N 2 and O 2 contamination were readily detected by this practical method.
A Review of the Fossil Record of the Genus Itea (Iteaceae, Saxifragales) with Comments on its Historical Biogeography

Itea is a genus of about 20 species of trees and shrubs that are today native to southeastern North America, eastern Asia, and eastern Africa. In this paper, I review the fossil record of Itea, which is based on four types of fossils: diporate, psilate pollen attributed to Itea or the dispersed pollen genus Iteapollis; carpofossils representing fruits and seeds attributed to Itea europaea; flowers preserved in amber and assigned to Adenanthemum iteoides; and leaf impressions attributed to Itea. The distributions of these fossils indicate that Itea was present in western North America from the early Eocene to Miocene, in eastern North America beginning no later than the early Miocene, and in western Eurasia from the late Eocene to Pliocene. Only one datapoint is known from eastern Asia; it is early Miocene in age. Based on the fossil record, it can be inferred that Itea crossed between continents over both the Bering Land Bridge and North American Land Bridge, and that it reached Africa from Europe via Anatolia. Thus, it is predicted that the sole extant North American species, I. virginica, may be most closely related to the sole extant African species, I. rhamnoides. The potential application of Itea fossils to calibrating phylogenetic trees generated from molecular sequence data is also discussed.
Extracting absolute titanium-alkyl and-hydride bond enthalpies from relative D(TiR(H)) in (silox)2(tBu3SiNH)TiR: electronegativity and ECT models

Abstract Relative D (Ti-R) rel have been measured previously for (silox) 2 ( t Bu 3 SiNH)TiR ( 1-R ). Pauling and Matcha equations of D (MR) that contain elements of electronegativity, D (MM), D (HH) and D (RH) were used to estimate absolute D (TiR) in 1 with minimal success. The electronegativity approaches need a variety of substituents with a wide spread in χ R , hence examination of 1-H and 1-R are heavily and incorrectly weighted by D (TiH)- D (TiR). Absolute D (TiR) generated in this manner approach those of related systems only when χX Ti = 2.9, a value shown to be irrational. Drago's ECT parameters were used in the hope that the three parameter fit would compensate for inadequacies in electronegativity-based methods. The limited set of alkyl parameters available, and a lack of distinguishing parameters that can significantly differentiate one alkyl from another, render this potentially useful method imprecise.
Maternity benefits in Idaho: A two county survey

Abstract This article examines the range of maternity benefits provided by a sample of employers in a two county area in the State of Idaho, representing approximately 33 percent of the state's total employment. The data were used to determine the extent to which respondents met three fundamental components of a maternity policy that responds to the needs of families: health insurance, job-protected leave, and wage replacement while on leave. Comparing the results to those reported a decade ago by Columbia University researchers, we find little has changed for an employee who takes maternity leave. Most employers do have maternity leave policies and health insurance that covers pregnancy. A shift is observed in 1992 with employers who continue life insurance, pension and health insurance with employee contributions. In the Columbia study in 1980–1981, a majority of employers who continued the same benefits did so without employee contribution. The conclusion remains consistent with that of 1980–1981: Women still, may not look to more than two or three months for maternity leave, and most typically they will receive unpaid leave. The passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act, February, 1993, will increase the time to 12 weeks, but will not change the unpaid status of the leave. All the evidence that we have concerning pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the development of attachment between parents and their young infants demonstrates that this is an important time to aid and support families in creating a sense of mutual understanding, trust, and love…. The family is our future, for from well-integrated, caring family systems come content and well-adjusted children, who grow to become responsible and productive adults of the future.
Use of Glucagon in Term, Large for Gestation, Hypoglycemic Infants 1574

Background: Large for gestation infants are at risk for hypoglycemia. Standard care (SC) involves repeated boluses and escalating infusions of dextrose (DI). Glucagon (Glgn) may maintain euglycemia more effectively.
Acoustic ranging and communication via microphone channel

Absolute GPS-coordinates are typically inaccessible indoor. Pervasive smartphones offer new opportunities for relative indoor localization. The low-complexity and high-accuracy ranging under the communication-link is a crucial requirement for enabling location sensing in indoor environments. In this paper, we propose a Time-of-Arrival (TOA) estimation and communication scheme utilizing the ubiquitous speaker/microphone pair to achieve accurate ranging. To compensate for the performance loss caused by this simple device, an optimized TOA estimation method is proposed for enhanced ranging reliability and accuracy. To overcome the strong channel fading in acoustic communication, a dynamic demodulation method that jointly uses frequency and amplitude information has been proposed. Experimental results show that our proposed scheme can achieve near 8cm TOA ranging accuracy and 0.55% communication bit-error-rate (BER) with 70% probability.
Pediatric and adolescent gynecology for the primary care pediatrician

Reproductive hormones readily cross the placenta; thus, female fetuses in utero have the hormonal environment of reproductive-aged women. This gives female neonates plump, pink labia majora and readily palpable breast buds, as expected in this high-estrogen state. The first 6 weeks of life are associated with a marked drop in reproductive hormones; subsequently, breast buds regress, and pubic tissues become flat and more pale, typical of their childhood appearance. 12 This rapid fluctuation in hormones can mimic the stimulus for ovulation, producing a functional ovarian cyst that can be present for some time. If the estrogen stimulus has been sufficiently prolonged and stops quickly, the uterine lining responds with a withdrawal bleed. Hence, genital bleeding in girls is not always pathologic if the anatomic, physiologic, and psychologic factors discussed later are all considered. After such evaluations take place and are integrated, expectant management is often appropriate for these conditions.
Fast transforms: Banded matrices with banded inverses.

It is unusual for both A and A-1 to be banded—but this can be a valuable property in applications. Block-diagonal matrices F are the simplest examples; wavelet transforms are more subtle. We show that every example can be factored into A = F1…FN where N is controlled by the bandwidths of A and A-1 (but not by their size, so this extends to infinite matrices and leads to new matrix groups).
Theoretical study of the excited-state proton-transfer threshold in 1-naphthol–ammonia complexes

Abstract To help resolve the controversy about the number of ammonia molecules needed to achieve excited-state proton transfer in 1-naphthol–ammonia complexes in the vapour phase, we report the results of ab initio calculations on the structure and energy of complexes with three and four ammonias. Our results indicate that at least four ammonias are needed to produce a stable excited ammonium naphtholate conformer.
Cultural values in international advertising: An examination of familial norms and roles in Mexico

Past research suggests that the cultural value orientation, individualism-collectivism, should be considered when developing international advertising campaigns. The present study examines how (in)consistencies in collectivist values (e.g., familial norms and roles) may affect attitudes and behaviors toward advertised products within a collectivist culture, Mexico. The findings suggest advertisements that depict consistencies in local cultural norms and roles are viewed more favorably and purchase intention is higher than for advertisements that depict inconsistencies. The data provide no support for the moderating role of individual-level differences in value orientation (i.e., allocentric versus idiocentric tendencies) on persuasion measures. Interestingly, product category advertised appears to be the best moderator of the relative strength of role and norm effects on ad attitudes and purchase intention. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The IgA receptor complex: a two-for-one deal.

IgA triggers immune responses by binding to Fc receptors on cells of the immune system. The structure of IgA1-Fc in a complex with two molecules of FcαRI provides clues that may explain the selectivity of IgA-mediated immune events.
Metatalk in American Academic Talk The Cases of point and thing

Thereisasmall-scalebuthealthytraditionofresearchintoacademicspokendis-courseinbothitsBritishandNorthAmericanvariants.Someofthisresearchcomesfrom communication studies (e.g., Tracy 1997) and some from sociology (e.g.,Grimshaw 1989), but the greater part, at least in quantity, has emanated from ap-plied linguists eager to provide better services for students in English-medium in-stitutions who are themselves not native speakers of the language (e.g., Flowerdew1994). As might be expected, a primary focus has been on the lecture (Flowerdew1994) because of its central educational role in many university settings. However,EricksonandSchultz(1982)andBardovi-HarligandHartford(1993)haveinvesti-gated advising sessions, Furneaux et al. (1991) and Tracy (1997) colloquia andseminars, Grimshaw (1989) and Grimshaw and Burke (1994) a dissertation de-fense, Axelson (1999) a graduate student study group, and Dubois (1980), Shalom(1993), and Rowley-Jolivet (1999) speech at academic conferences.Inthisbodyofwork,approachesandfociofinteresthavevariedwidelyfromthegeneral structure of lectures (Coulthard and Montgomery 1981) and the signalingof main points (Olsen and Huckin 1991) to more specific investigations such asFlowerdew (1992) on definitions, Dubois (1987) on “rounded” and “unrounded”numbers, and Strodt-Lopez (1991) on personal anecdotes and asides in universityclasses.Throughoutthisdiverserangeofstudies,severaltrendsemerge.First,thereis widespread recognition that the samples studied are very small when set againstthe plethora of academic speech-events that occur on a standard campus on a stan-dard workday in a standard semester. This problem of representation is furthercompounded by the considerable evidence available (Dudley-Evans and Johns1981; Johns 1997) that academic speech is much more variable in structure, func-
Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the regulator AcrR from Escherichia coli.

This paper describes the cloning, expression, purification and preliminary X-ray data analysis of the AcrR regulatory protein. The Escherichia coli AcrR is a member of the TetR family of transcriptional regulators. It regulates the expression of the AcrAB multidrug transporter. Recombinant AcrR with a 6×His tag at the C-terminus was expressed in E. coli and purified by metal-affinity chromatography. The protein was crystallized using hanging-drop vapor diffusion. X-ray diffraction data were collected from cryocooled crystals at a synchrotron light source. The best crystal diffracted to 2.5 A. The space group was determined to be P32, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 46.61, c = 166.16 A.
Histaminergic neurons mediate restraint stress-induced activation of central 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurons in the rat

The role of histamine in mediating restraint stress-induced increases in the activity of central 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurons was evaluated in male rats. 5-Hydroxytryptaminergic neuronal activity was estimated by measuring concentrations of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the nucleus accumbens and suprachiasmatic nucleus which contain terminals of these neurons. Placement of rats within restraining tubes rapidly increased (within 10 min) 5-HIAA concentrations in the nucleus accumbens and suprachiasmatic nucleus. Depletion of neuronal histamine by alpha-fluoromethylhistidine or antagonism of histamine H1 receptors by mepyramine prevented stress-induced increases in 5-HIAA concentrations, whereas blockade of histamine H2 receptors by zolantidine was without effect. Neither alpha-fluoromethylhistidine, mepyramine nor zolantidine affected basal 5-HIAA concentrations in either brain region. These results indicate that histaminergic neurons mediate stress-induced increases in the activity of central 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurons via an action at histamine H1 receptors.
Deciphering aromaticity in porphyrinoids via adaptive natural density partitioning

The adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) method has been applied for the first time to porphyrinoids in order to describe their aromaticity. The analysis of π-electron system reveals that aromaticity of annulene originates from 6-π-electron delocalization, while aromaticity of porphyrin can be better described in terms of local aromaticities of the appended 6-π-electron pyrrolic heterocycles and 6-π-electron central fragment. The patterns of chemical bonding for porphyrinoids obtained by AdNDP are consistent with chemical intuition and lead to unique and compact graphic formulas.
A magneto-optical trap loaded from a pyramidal funnel

We have demonstrated the transfer of 39 Kand 40 Katoms from a magneto-optical funnel (a hollow pyramidal mirror) through a low(0:05l/s)conductanceholeandintoaconventionalmagneto-optical trap(mot)35cmaway,withaneciencyofapproximatelysixpercent. This simple scheme should be useful for experiments requiring high loading rates with minimal contaminationfromhot untrapped atoms.
Pentexifylline modulates deformability, F-actin content, and superoxide anion production of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from diabetic cats

Capillary occlusion is an early event in the development of diabetic retinopathy, and white blood cells have recently been shown to be involved. We have shown previously that pentoxifylline improves deformability and decreases F-actin content of unstimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes from normal human subjects. The purpose of this study was to determine if pentoxifylline would improve three properties of unstimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes from diabetic cats. The measured parameters were mechanical (whole cell deformability), structural (F-actin content) and biochemical (rate of superoxide anion production). Chronic hyperglycemia was induced in three cats by partial pancreatectomy, and they were kept in poor glycemic control for at least 6 months prior to the study. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were isolated and the entry time of individual passive cells was measured during aspiration into a 4-micron micropipette under constant suction pressure (-15 cmH2O). Deformability was defined as the inverse of the entry time. F-actin content of passive cells was measured by NBD-phallacidin labeling followed by flow cytometry. The rate of superoxide anion production was measured spectrophotometrically by superoxide dismutase-inhibitable cytochrome c reduction. Following incubation for 15 min with 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mM pentoxifylline, the average entry time of passive polymorphonuclear leukocytes was reduced from control by 11 +/- 5% (P = 0.045), 17 +/- 6% (P = 0.007), and 36 +/- 5% (P < 0.001), respectively. The F-actin content decreased by 0%, 4 +/- 0.6% (P < 0.001), and 10 +/- 3% (P < 0.001), respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Correlation of anisotropic cell behaviors with topographic aspect ratio

In this study, we have used nanoimprinting to create a range of micro- and nanoscale gratings, or their combination, in bulk polystyrene plates to investigate anisotropic cell behaviors of human dermal fibroblasts with respect to the aspect ratio (depth/width) of gratings. The depth and width of the polystyrene gratings both show strong effects individually on cell alignment and elongation that are qualitatively similar to the results of other studies. However, consistent quantitative comparison of these individual parameters with different studies is complicated by the diversity of combinations of width and depth that have been tested. Instead, the aspect ratio of the gratings as a unified description of grating topography is a more consistent parameter to interpret topographic dependence of cell morphology. Both cell alignment and elongation increase with increasing aspect ratio, and even a shallow grating (aspect ratio of ∼0.05) is sufficient to induce 80% cell alignment. Re-plotting data recently published by other groups vs. aspect ratio shows a similar dependence, despite differences in cell types and surface structures. This consistency indicates that aspect ratio is a general factor to characterize cell behaviors. The relationship of cell elongation and alignment with topographic aspect ratio is interpreted in terms of the theory of contact guidance. This model provides simplicity and flexibility in geometry design for devices and materials that interface with cells.
Phospholipid methylation and biological signal transmission

Many types of cells methylate phospholipids using two methyltransferase enzymes that are asymmetrically distributed in membranes. As the phospholipids are successively methylated, they are translocated from the inside to the outside of the membrane. When catecholamine neurotransmitters, lectins, immunoglobulins or chemotaxic peptides bind to the cell surface, they stimulate the methyltransferase enzymes and reduce membrane viscosity. The methylation of phospholipids is coupled to Ca2+ influx and the release of arachidonic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, and prostaglandins. These closely associated biochemical changes facilitate the transmission of many signals through membranes, resulting in the generation of adenosine 3',5'-monophophate in many cell types, release of histamine in mast cells and basophils, mitogenesis in lymphocytes, and chemotaxis in neutrophils.
Isolated states and the classical phase space of 2D string theory

Abstract We investigate the classical phase space of 2D string theory. We derive the linearised covariant equations for the space-time fields by considering the most general deformation of the energy-momentum tensor which describes c = 1 matter system coupled to 2D gravity and by demanding that it respects conformal invariance. We derive the gauge invariance of the theory, and so investigate the classical phase space, defined as the space of all solutions to the equations of motion modulo gauge transformations. We thus clarify the origins of two classes of isolated states.
Computational modeling of multi-layered reservoirs with unequal initial pressures: Development of a new pre-production well test

The objective of this paper is to present a description and verification of a new semi-analytical simulator used to model the wellbore performance of multi-layered reservoirs with unequal initial pressures. The semi-analytical simulator proved to be faster than a conventional three-dimensional, finite-difference commercial simulator. Also the amount of information needed to run the model is much reduced. The semi-analytical simulator allows each layer to have different layer properties, different boundary conditions, and different initial pressures. The semi-analytical simulator was used to model the reservoir performance for two, three and five layered reservoir cases from literature. The results were verified by comparing them to the results generated using a finite-difference simulator. The agreement was excellent for all the tested cases. The authors developed a new well test, the Pre-Production Well-test or PPWT. The PPWT is performed early in the life of a reservoir when the information is most needed for planning production schedules and making economic decisions concerning the life of the wells.
Reduction of Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis colonization in 20-day-old broiler chickens by the plant-derived compounds trans-cinnamaldehyde and eugenol.

The efficacies of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) and eugenol (EG) for reducing Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis colonization in broiler chickens were investigated. In three experiments for each compound, 1-day-old chicks (n = 75/experiment) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups (n = 15/treatment group): negative control (-ve S. Enteritidis, -ve TC, or EG), compound control (-ve S. Enteritidis, +ve 0.75% [vol/wt] TC or 1% [vol/wt] EG), positive control (+ve S. Enteritidis, -ve TC, or EG), low-dose treatment (+ve S. Enteritidis, +ve 0.5% TC, or 0.75% EG), and high-dose treatment (+ve S. Enteritidis, +ve 0.75% TC, or 1% EG). On day 0, birds were tested for the presence of any inherent Salmonella (n = 5/experiment). On day 8, birds were inoculated with ∼8.0 log(10) CFU S. Enteritidis, and cecal colonization by S. Enteritidis was ascertained (n = 10 chicks/experiment) after 24 h (day 9). Six birds from each treatment group were euthanized on days 7 and 10 after inoculation, and cecal S. Enteritidis numbers were determined. TC at 0.5 or 0.75% and EG at 0.75 or 1% consistently reduced (P 0.05); however, EG supplementation led to significantly lower (P < 0.05) body weights. Follow-up in vitro experiments revealed that the subinhibitory concentrations (SICs, the concentrations that did not inhibit Salmonella growth) of TC and EG reduced the motility and invasive abilities of S. Enteritidis and downregulated expression of the motility genes flhC and motA and invasion genes hilA, hilD, and invF. The results suggest that supplementation with TC and EG through feed can reduce S. Enteritidis colonization in chickens.
Carbonyl ylide formation from the rhodium (II) acetate catalyzed reaction of a α-diazoketone

Abstract Reaction of the α-diazoketone derived from 7-carboxyphthalide with rhodium acetate results in an internal cyclization to give a six-ring carbonyl ylide which is subsequently converted to 7-carbomethoxyphthalide.
Bi-layer polypyrrole artificial muscle valves for drug delivery systems

A miniature controllable drug delivery device in which drug release is achieved by actuating polymeric valves is introduced. The valves made in flap configuration are bilayer structures which were fabricated as a thin gold film and an electrochemically deposited polypyrrole (PPy) layer. A drug simulate was stored in a reservoir and the drug release process was accomplished by bending the bilayer flaps with a small electrical potential bias in solution. The detailed fabrication procedures of this controllable drug delivery device are presented.
33S NMR spectra of sulfonium salts: calculated and experimental.

33S NMR chemical shifts were calculated by the scaled DFT and EMPI approaches for the fluoride, chloride and bromide of trimethylsulfonium ion (1) and S-methyltetrahydrothiophenium ion (2), in addition to the free cations. Experimental values were obtained for the iodides of 1 (δ +48, CS2 = 0 ppm) and 2 (δ +95), and were found to agree with the calculated values well within the standard deviation of 35 ppm (3.5% of the shielding range) established in earlier work for a great variety of sulfur compounds. An earlier literature value of δ +750 for the iodide of 2 is therefore to be replaced. Calculations provide a shift of δ +68 for S-methylthianium ion with equatorial methyl, indicating that the reported value of δ +670 for the iodide is also incorrect. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of a Teacher: Helping Students Learn

I was honored to receive the 2007 National Carl J. Norden–Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award. This award reflects the impact that my mentors and students have had on my teaching. I have been fortunate to have dedicated mentors and wonderful students. It is through the support and guidance of colleagues and students that I have been able to grow as a teacher. My students have taught me a lot about being an effective teacher. I will share some key principles that I try to follow in my teaching. These principles can be used in any teaching situation in any discipline.
High-throughput three-dimensional lithographic microfabrication

A 3D lithographic microfabrication process has been developed that is high throughput, scalable, and capable of producing arbitrary patterns. It offers the possibility for industrial scale manufacturing of 3D microdevices such as photonic crystals, tissue engineering scaffolds, and microfluidics chips. This method is based on depth-resolved wide-field illumination by temporally focusing femtosecond light pulses. We characterized the axial resolution of this technique, and the result is consistent with the theoretical prediction. As proof-of-concept experiments, we demonstrated photobleaching of 3D resolved patterns in a fluorescent medium and fabricating 3D microstructures with SU-8 photoresist.
Applications of micromechatronics in minimally invasive surgery

Many surgical procedures are now performed using the techniques of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), in which unnecessary trauma is limited by reducing the size of incisions to less than about 1 cm or by using catheters or endoscopes threaded through vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, or other tubular structures. Micromechatronic technologies have great potential to allow access to regions now inaccessible, or to enhance the surgeon's abilities in applications where current minimally invasive techniques do not permit the full range of human dexterity and perception. Key needs and applications in MIS are identified, and relevant technologies, methods, and systems issues in mechatronics are discussed. The authors' millirobotic system for MIS of the abdomen is used as an example.
X-Ray-Induced Mutations in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Deletion complexes consisting of multiple chromosomal deletions induced at single loci can provide a means for functional analysis of regions spanning several centimorgans in model genetic systems. A strategy to identify and map deletions at any cloned locus in the mouse is described here. First, a highly polymorphic, germ-line competent F1(129/Sv-+Tyr+p × CAST/Ei) mouse embryonic stem cell line was established. Then, x-ray and UV-induced mutagenesis was performed to determine the feasibility of generating deletion complexes throughout the mouse genome. Reported here are the selection protocols, induced mutation frequencies, cytogenetic and extensive molecular analysis of mutations at the X-chromosome-linked hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (Hprt) locus and at the neural cell adhesion molecule (Ncam) locus located on chromosome 9. Mutation analysis with PCR-based polymorphic microsatellite markers revealed deletions of 28 cM were observed at the Ncam locus. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a chromosome 9 paint revealed that some of the Ncam deletions were accompanied by complex chromosome rearrangements. In addition, deletion mapping in combination with loss of heterozygosity of microsatellite markers revealed a putative haploinsufficient region distal to Ncam. These data indicate that it is feasible to generate x-ray-induced deletion complexes in mouse embryonic stem cells.
Incidence and Diversity of Microorganisms within the Walls of an Active Deep-Sea Sulfide Chimney

A large, intact sulfide chimney, designated Finn, was recovered from the Mothra Vent Field on the Juan de Fuca Ridge in 1998. Finn was venting 302°C fluids on the seafloor and contained complex mineralogical zones surrounding a large open central conduit. Examination of microorganisms within these zones, followed by community analysis with oligonucleotide probes, showed that there were variations in the abundance and diversity of eubacteria and archaea from the exterior to the interior of the chimney. The microbial abundance based upon epifluorescence microscopy and quantitative fatty acid analyses varied from >108 cells/g of sulfide 2 to 10 cm within the chimney wall to <105 cells/g in interior zones. Direct microscopic observation indicated that microorganisms were attached to mineral surfaces throughout the structure. Whole-cell hybridization results revealed that there was a transition from a mixed community of eubacteria and archaea near the cool exterior of the chimney to primarily archaea near the warm interior. Archaeal diversity was examined in three zones of Finn by cloning and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The majority of sequences from the exterior of the chimney were related to marine group I of the Crenarchaeota and uncultured Euryarchaeota from benthic marine environments. In contrast, clone libraries from interior regions of the chimney contained sequences closely related to methanogens, Thermococcales, and Archaeoglobales, in addition to uncultured crenarchaeal phylotypes obtained from deep subsurface sites. These observations of microbial communities within an active hydrothermal chimney provide insight into the microbial ecology within such structures and may facilitate follow-up exploration into expanding the known upper temperature limits of life.
Endoscopic Assessment of Swallowing After Prolonged Intubation in the ICU Setting

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of swallowing dysfunction after extubation in a sample of patients with no preexisting dysphagia.Methods:Mechanically ventilated p...
Short History of Nuclear Many-Body Problem

Abstract This is a very short presentation regarding developments in the theory of nuclear many-body problems, as seen and experienced by the author during the past 60 years with particular emphasis on the contributions of Gerry Brown and his research-group. Much of his work was based on Brueckner's formulation of the nuclear many-body problem. It is reviewed briefly together with the Moszkowski–Scott separation method that was an important part of his early work. The core polarisation and his work related to effective interactions in general are also addressed.
Sex-specific differences in body condition indices and seasonal mass loss in Tufted Puffins

Reduced prey availability can affect the growth and survival of nestling seabirds. However, few studies have demonstrated similar effects on indices of adult body condition. We examined body condition and seasonal mass loss of breeding adult male and female Tufted Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) at Chiniak Bay, Kodiak Island, Alaska, in 2004-2005. We determined sex using genetic analysis, developed a discriminant function to determine sex using morphometric measurements, and examined the body condition of adult males and females relative to the growth rates of their offspring. We found that morphological measurements were only moderately useful for sexing Tufted Puffins, with 74% of adults (N = 176) correctly classified. We also found that the relationship between adult body mass and size differed between sexes and conclude that body condition indices must be calculated separately for each sex to avoid inter- and intrasexual bias. Body condition of male and female Tufted Puffins declined during the chick-rearing period. However, body condition of females did not differ between years, whereas male condition declined to a greater degree during 2004 when the mass of young at fledging was significantly lower. Although these results suggest that adult male Tufted Puffins sacrifice their own body condition in years of diminished nestling growth and females do not, reasons for this apparent intersexual difference in reproductive strategies remain unclear.
Ethnic Disparities: Control of Glycemia, Blood Pressure, and LDL Cholesterol Among US Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To examine ethnic disparities in the quality of diabetes care among adults with diabetes in the US through a systematic qualitative review. DATA SOURCES: Material published in the English language was searched from 1993 through June 2003 using PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, the Cochrane Library, Combined Health Information Database, and Education Resources Information Center. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Studies of patients with diabetes in which at least 50% of study participants were ethnic minorities and studies that made ethnic group comparisons were eligible. Research on individuals having prediabetes, those <18 years of age, or women with gestational diabetes were excluded. Reviewers used a reproducible search strategy. A standardized abstraction and grading of articles for publication source and content were used. Data on glycemia, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were extracted in patients with diabetes. A total of 390 studies were reviewed, with 78 meeting inclusion criteria. DATA SYNTHESIS: Ethnic minorities had poorer outcomes of care than non-Hispanic whites. These disparities were most pronounced for glycemic control and least evident for LDL-C control. Most studies showed blood pressure to be poorly controlled among ethnic minorities. CONCLUSIONS: Control of risk factors for diabetes (glycemia, blood pressure, LDL-C) is challenging and requires routine assessment. These findings indicate that additional efforts are needed to promote diabetes quality of care among minority populations.
Learning to detect aircraft at low resolutions

An application of the Viola and Jones object detector to the problem of aircraft detection is presented. This approach is based on machine learning rather than morphological filtering which was mainly used in previous works. Aircraft detection using computer vision methods is a challenging problem since target aircraft can vary from subpixels to a few pixels in size and the background can be heavily cluttered. Such a system can be a part of a collision avoidance system to warn the pilots of potential collisions. Initial results suggest that this (static) approach on a frame to frame basis achieves a detection rate of about 80% and a false positive rate which is comparable with other approaches that use morphological filtering followed by a tracking stage. The system was evaluated on over 15000 frames which were extracted from real video sequences recorded by NASA and has the potential of real time performance.
Lesion development and immunohistochemical changes in granulomas from cattle experimentally infected with Mycobacterium bovis.

Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, persists within granulomas. Formation of granulomas involves a complex array of immune activation and cellular migration. To examine...