cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multilevel nested relational structures

We consider relations not in first normal form, i.e., a data item in a relation may itself be a relation, and extend the relational algebra to include the restructuring operators NEST and UNNEST. Algebraic characterizations are given for the classes of normalization-lossless relations (obtainable by restructuring flat relations), the nested flat relations (obtainable by applying NEST operations to a flat relation) and the permutable nested relations (the result is independent of the order of nesting). Polynomial-time recognition algorithms are also given for the latter two classes.
Abstract LB-313: Development of a novel anti-MYC therapeutic with efficacy against liver and kidney cancers.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC One of the most attractive, yet elusive, targets for cancer therapy is the MYC oncogene. MYC is overexpressed in the majority of human cancers, and we and others have shown that suppression of this oncogene is sufficient to induce sustained tumor regression, a phenomenon known as oncogene addiction. However, no viable therapy has been developed as yet that targets this crucial regulator of the tumor phenotype. Here, we report the development of a novel antisense therapeutic that targets the MYC oncogene. This inhibitor can potently suppress MYC expression in primary tumors in vivo, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Importantly, we show that treatment with the anti-MYC drug significant reduces tumor onset and progression in transgenic mouse models of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cancer. We imaged tumor growth via MRI and utilized quantitative image analysis to demonstrate the inhibition of HCC and RCC progression, confirming our results on total tumor burden histologically after four weeks of drug treatment. Additionally, this antisense therapy against MYC can also attenuate the growth of human HCC cells in vivo, irrespective of the inducing oncogene. In contrast with other reported MYC inhibitors, our approach results in no discernible toxicity due to MYC suppression on any organs examined in the treated animals. Thus, we have established a novel therapy that directly inhibits the MYC oncogene, representing a potentially exciting advance in the field of targeted cancer therapeutics. Citation Format: David I. Bellovin, Aleksey Yevtodiyenko, Stacey J. Adam, Hanan Fernando, Julia Arzeno, Meital Gabay, Dean W. Felsher. Development of a novel anti-MYC therapeutic with efficacy against liver and kidney cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-313. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-LB-313 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
Pharmacological profiles of a novel oral antidiabetic agent, JTT-501, an isoxazolidinedione derivative

Abstract JTT-501, 4-[4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)ethoxy]benzyl]-3,5-isoxazolidinedione, is an isoxazolidinedione derivative which is structurally distinct from thiazolidinediones such as pioglitazone and troglitazone. We investigated the effects of JTT-501 on insulin-sensitizing activity and in rodent diabetic models. JTT-501 enhanced insulin-stimulated cell differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts with an EC50 value of 110 nM. Furthermore, JTT-501 activated peroxisome proliferator-activated (PPA) γ and α receptors with the EC5-fold values of 0.28 and 5.4 μM, respectively. In the non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus model KK-Ay mice, JTT-501 improved hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, and enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation in adipose tissues. JTT-501 was also effective in the non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus model Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats but not in the insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus model streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. These observations suggest that JTT-501 enhances insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues and improves hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus models. In particular, the triglyceride-lowering activity of JTT-501 is a unique characteristic compared to the thiazolidinediones. Therefore, JTT-501 may be a promising antidiabetic agent for treating non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients with insulin resistance.
Prediction of spontaneous hereditary diabetes mellitus in Chinese hamsters by means of elevated alpha-2 serum levels.

CLINICAL and pathological observations on Chinese hamsters (Cricetulus griseus) with spontaneous hereditary diabetes mellitus have been reported previously in several papers1–7. Generally speaking, the disease in Chinese hamsters is primarily pancreatogenic, with degranulation, hydropic degeneration and deficiency of β-cells. Other forms of pathological expression noted in symptomatic animals are glomerulosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, increased periodontal breakdown, and proneness toward the formation of adenocarcinomas of the pancreas.
Gender relations and reproductive decision making in Honduras.

Context: Gender differences influence decision making about reproductive health. Most information on reproductive decision making in Latin America has come from women’s reports of men’s involvement. Methods: Data were collected in Honduras in 2001 through two national surveys that used independent samples of men aged 15-59 years and women aged 15-49. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with male-centered decision-making attitudes and behaviors regarding family size and family planning use. Results: Overall 25% of women and 28% of men said that men alone should be responsible for at least one of these reproductive decisions and 27% of women and 21% of men said that the man in their household made one or both decisions. For women having no children and being in a consensual union were each associated with holding male-centered decision-making attitudes; having less than a secondary education being of medium or low socioeconomic status and living in a rural area were each associated with male-centered decision making. Among men having less than secondary education and being in a consensual union were each associated with male-centered decision-making attitudes and behavior. Women who had ever used or were currently using modern methods were significantly less likely to hold attitudes supporting male-centered decision-making than were those who relied on traditional methods and those who had never used a modern method. Conclusions: Programs should recognize power imbalance between genders that affect women’s ability to meet their stated fertility desires. In rural areas programs should target men encouraging them to communicate with their wives on reproductive decisions. (authors)
High-resolution infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy of SO in the X3Σ− and a1Δ electronic states

Abstract The v = 1 ← 0 vibration-rotation absorption bands of 32 S 16 O, 34 S 16 O, and 32 S 18 O in the ground electronic state, X 3 Σ − , and the v = 1 ← 0 vibration-rotation band of 32 S 16 O in the first excited electronic state, a 1 Δ, were measured at 0.004 cm −1 unapodized resolution with a high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer coupled to a long path absorption cell. The v = 2 ← 0 vibration-rotation band of 32 S 16 O in the X 3 Σ − state was also observed. Line positions for P - and R -branch transitions up to N = 44 for 32 S 16 O have been measured and analyzed yielding improved molecular parameters. The present measurements are compared with previous infrared and microwave measurements.
Electron depletion via cathode spot dispersion of dielectric powder into an overhead plasma

The effectiveness of cathode spot delivered dielectric particles for the purpose of plasma depletion is investigated. Here, cathode spot flows kinetically entrain and accelerate dielectric particles originally at rest into a background plasma. The time variation of the background plasma density is tracked using a cylindrical Langmuir probe biased approximately at electron saturation. As inferred from changes in the electron saturation current, depletion fractions of up to 95% are observed. This method could be exploited as a means of communications blackout mitigation for manned and unmanned reentering spacecraft as well as any high speed vehicle enveloped by a dense plasma layer.
Sosa on easy knowledge and the problem of the criterion

Sosa' s Reflective Knowledge (2009) is enlightening, penetrating, and far too rich to be engaged with in its entirety here. I have chosen to focus on the final chapter, in which Sosa draws upon various of the distinctions and doctrines from earlier chapters to address the Problem of Easy Knowledge and the Problem of the Criterion. Although our symposium is entitled "Author Meets Critics," my own contribution might more aptly be entitled "Author Meets Querist," as what I offer is an exposition of Sosa along with a sprinkling of questions about whether I have understood things correctly and how things might be developed further.
The Spectral Dependence for UVA-Induced Cumulative Damage in Human Skin

The wavelength dependence for UVA-induced cumulative damage was investigated in human skin. Epidermal changes (stratum corneum thickening, viable epidermal thickening sunburn cell production), as well as dermal alterations (lysozyme deposition, inflammation), were used as indices of cumulative photoperturbation. UVA wavelengths between 320 lint and 345 nm were more effective than longer wavelengths (360–400 nm) in inducing viable epidermal thickening. Similarly, the shorter wavelengths (320–345 nm) elicited more sunburn cells, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. All UVA bands were equally effective in inducing the dermal markers. At equal fluences, wavelengths > 400 nm produced no measurable cutaneous alterations. These findings suggest that (i) chronic epidermal and dermal damages have different spectral dependence and (ii) the action spectrum for dermal damage in the UVA is broad, extending up to 400 nm and is different from the acute erythema spectrum in humans.
Effect of N-methyl-D,L-aspartate (NMA) on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene expression in male mice.

Abstract The glutamate analog N-methyl- d,l -aspartate (NMA) affects the regulation of GnRH and LH release in mammals. Several laboratories have reported a rapid and transient increase in GnRH mRNA levels of male rats after NMA injection. Studies employing the simultaneous measurements of nuclear GnRH primary transcript RNA, a reflection of gene transcription, and GnRH mRNA suggest that NMA’s effect on GnRH gene expression in the rat is likely due to post-transcriptional regulation. Despite the increasingly widespread use of transgenic mice, surprisingly little is known about the regulation of GnRH gene expression in the mouse. In this study, we assessed in detail the effects of NMA on GnRH gene expression in adult male mice. In the first experiment, GnRH mRNA levels in mice killed 60-min post-NMA injection (20 mg/kg bw, ip; n=9/treatment group) were lower (P
Perceived risk of home fire and escape plans in rural households.

BACKGROUND: Homes in rural areas have a higher fire death rate. Although successful exit from a home fire could greatly reduce fire-related deaths and injuries, little is known about factors associated with behaviors of developing and practicing an escape plan. METHODS: Between July 2003 and June 2004, a baseline survey was administered, in person, to 691 rural households. Information collected included a history of previous home fire, perceived risk of home fire, existing smoke alarms and their working status, and home fire safety practices, as well as home and occupant characteristics. The association of residents' perceived risk of home fire and fire escape plans was assessed. RESULTS: Forty-two percent of rural households reported having a fire escape plan. Of the households with a plan, less than two thirds (56.9%) discussed or practiced the plan. Households with children were more likely to develop and practice a fire escape plan. Households with an elderly or disabled person were less likely to develop or practice the plan. Compared to respondents who perceived low or very low risk of home fire, those who perceived a high or very high risk had 3.5 times greater odds of having a fire escape plan and 5.5 times greater odds of discussion or practicing their plan. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing awareness of the potential risk of home fires may help occupants develop and practice home fire escape plans. In order to reduce fire deaths and injuries, different strategies need to be developed for those households in which the occupants lack the ability to escape.
The yeast vacuolar proton-translocating ATPase contains a subunit homologous to the Manduca sexta and bovine e subunits that is essential for function.

The yeast cwh36Δ mutant was identified in a screen for yeast mutants exhibiting a Vma- phenotype suggestive of loss of vacuolar proton-translocating ATPase (V-ATPase) activity. The mutation disrupts two genes, CWH36 and a recently identified open reading frame on the opposite strand, YCL005W-A. We demonstrate that disruption of YCL005W-A is entirely responsible for the Vma- growth phenotype of the cwh36Δ mutant. YCL005W-A encodes a homolog of proteins associated with the Manduca sexta and bovine chromaffin granule V-ATPase. The functional significance of these proteins for V-ATPase activity had not been tested, but we show that the protein encoded by YCL005W-A, which we call Vma9p, is essential for V-ATPase activity in yeast. Vma9p is localized to the vacuole but fails to reach the vacuole in a mutant lacking one of the integral membrane subunits of the V-ATPase. Vma9p is associated with the yeast V-ATPase complex in vacuolar membranes, as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation with known V-ATPase subunits and glycerol gradient fractionation of solubilized vacuolar membranes. Based on this evidence, we propose that Vma9p is a genuine subunit of the yeast V-ATPase and that e subunits may be a functionally essential part of all eukaryotic V-ATPases.
Metazoan origin selection: origin recognition complex chromatin binding is regulated by CDC6 recruitment and ATP hydrolysis.

Using a plasmid competition assay, we have measured the stability of origin recognition complex (ORC) associated with sperm chromatin under physiological conditions. Under conditions in which pre-RCs are formed, both ORC and CDC6 dissociate from sperm chromatin with a relatively fast t½ of 15 min. ORC dissociation from chromatin is regulated through the recruitment of CDC6 and MCM proteins as well as ATP hydrolysis. The t½ for ORC alone in the absence of Cdc6 is 40 min and increases 8-fold to >2 h when Cdc6 is present. Strikingly, the presence of a non-hydrolyzable ATP derivative, ATPγS, not only increases both ORC and CDC6 t½ but also inhibits the loading of MCM. The very stable association of ORC and Cdc6 with chromatin in this sequence-independent replication system suggests that origin selection in metazoans cannot be strictly dependent on the interaction of ORCs with specific DNA binding sequences.
KINETICS OF HAEMOFHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B ANTIGENURIA FOLLOWING IMMUNIZATION AND NATURAL INFECTION

KINETICS OF HAEMOFHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B ANTIGENURIA FOLLOWING IMMUNIZATION AND NATURAL INFECTION
Past is prologue: Teachers composing narratives about digital literacy

Abstract This study examines the technological literacy autobiographical narratives (TLANs) written by 23 graduate students enrolled in a teacher-preparation course, Teaching Writing in a Digital Age. The purpose of this research was to understand the meanings and values these future composition teachers ascribed to technological literacy in their own past histories, as well as potential sources of reluctance or resistance to engage technological literacy in the teaching of composition. Findings from these TLANs suggest that participants’ past experiences with technology in school were often less compelling than extracurricular motives for using technology, such as social contact, playful experimentation, and the pursuit of existing interests. The article also explores the TLAN as a pedagogical activity and its potential for helping future instructors realign their orientations toward digital literacies.
Thermal plasmomechanical infrared detector

We demonstrated a thermal plasmomechanical device platform for infrared detection. It integrates an optical antenna absorber on a nanomechanical resonator together with a fiber-optic interferometric readout. Performances of proof-of-concept devices are discussed.
A survey of domestic violence organizations on the World Wide Web

SUMMARY This paper presents the results of an exploratory study of one hundred sixty-six domestic violence organizations that use the World Wide Web. Domestic violence agencies primarily used the Web to promote agency visibility and provide community education, and to a lesser extent for advocacy, direct services, and securing resources. Agency satisfaction with their Website is generally high, although more than one-third of agencies reported problems. Related issues discussed include Web-based sources of client victimization, agency legal liability, agency vulnerability to online disruption, the need to create access for low-income clients, and evaluation of Web services.
The Bering Slope Current System

Abstract The Bering Slope Current flows from southeast to northwest across the Aleutian Basin of the Bering Sea, parallel to the continental slope of the eastern Bering Sea shelf. The water mass characteristics and distributions and the flow field were investigated in August 1972 during T.G. Thompson Cruise 071. Water mass analysis revealed a southeast-flowing countercurrent bounded by two northwest-flowing bands. The countercurrent was clearly delineated by analyses of a temperature-minimum layer between ∼50–300 m and a temperature-maximum layer between ∼300–800 m. The description of the current as comprised of three bands was supported by parachute drogue measurements and geostrophic calculations along six STD sections normal to the slope. The dynamic topographies showed an alternative description of the current as a system of eddies, and an interpretation based on incident and reflected planetary waves with a period of one year is presented. The generating mechanism may be related to the strong annual ...
Clinical spectrum of botulism

Botulism is a paralyzing disease caused by the toxin of Clostridium botulinum. The toxin produces skeletal muscle paralysis by producing a presynaptic blockade to the release of acetylcholine. Recent studies have pinpointed the site of action of the several types of botulinum neurotoxin at the nerve terminal. Since the discovery of the toxin about 100 years ago, five clinical forms of botulism have been described: 1) classic or foodborne botulism; 2) wound botulism; 3) infant botulism; 4) hidden botulism; 5) inadvertent botulism. A clinical pattern of descending weakness is characteristic of all five forms. Almost all human cases of botulism are caused by one of three serotypes (A, B, or E). Classic and wound botulism were the only two forms known until the last quarter of this century. Wound botulism was rare until the past decade. Now there are increasing numbers of cases of wound botulism in injecting drug users. Infant botulism, first described in 1976, is now the most frequently reported form. In infant botulism spores of Clostridium botulinum are ingested and germinate in the intestinal tract. Hidden botulism, the adult variant of infant botulism, occurs in adult patients who usually have an abnormality of the intestinal tract that allows colonization by Clostridium botulinum. Inadvertent botulism is the most recent form to be described. It occurs in patients who have been treated with injections of botulinum toxin for dystonic and other movement disorders. Laboratory proof of botulism is established with the detection of toxin in the patient's serum, stool, or wound. The detection of Clostridium botulinum bacteria in the stool or wound should also be considered evidence of clinical botulism. Electrophysiologic studies can provide presumptive of botulism in patients with the clinical signs of botulism. Electrophysiologic testing can be especially helpful when bioassay studies are negative. The most consistent electrophysiologic abnormality is a small evoked muscle action potential in response to a single supramaximal nerve stimulus in a clinically affected muscle. Posttetanic facilitation can be found in some affected muscles. Single-fiber EMG studies typically reveal increased jitter and blocking, which become less marked following activation. The major treatment for severe botulism is advance medical and nursing supportive care with special attention to respiratory status.
The theory of large deviations: from Boltzmann's 1877 calculation to equilibrium macrostates in 2D turbulence

Abstract After presenting some basic ideas in the theory of large deviations, this paper applies the theory to a number of problems in statistical mechanics. These include deriving the form of the Gibbs state for a discrete ideal gas; describing probabilistically the phase transition in the Curie–Weiss model of a ferromagnet; and deriving variational formulas that describe the equilibrium macrostates in models of two-dimensional turbulence. A general approach to the large deviation analysis of models in statistical mechanics is also formulated.
Effects of neurohypophysial hormones and their deamino analogues on renal excretion of Na, K and water in rats.

Effects of 8-lysine-vasopressin (LVP), oxytocin and their deamino analogues, l-deamino-8-lysine-vasopressin (deamino- LVP) and 1-deamino-oxytocin, on renal excretion of Na, K and water were studied in anesthetized rats undergoing water diuresis. Replacement of the N-terminal amino group in the LVP and oxytocin molecules by hydrogen had no qualitative effect on the renal activity of the hormones. LVP and deamino- LVP, 0.05 mU (antidiuretic unit) /100 g, produced a prompt inhibition on water diuresis and a mild natriuresis and kaliuresis. Oxytocin and 1-deamino-oxytocin produced a diphasic antidiuretic-diuretic effect and a marked natriuresis and kaliuresis. Antidiuretic responses to the vasopressins were much longer than those to the oxytocins. The structure- activity relationships of these neurohypophysial peptides are discussed. The results suggest that deamino-LVP may be a suitable substitute for LVP in the treatment of diabetes insipidus. (Endocrinology 77: 1097, 1965)
Isoelectric focusing of IgA and IgM in composite acrylamide-agarose gels.

Abstract A convenient method for isoelectric focusing of intact poloymeric IgA and IgM is described. This technique employed composite gels containing 1.0% acrylamide and 0.75% agarose which exhibited minimal electroendosmotic properties. The spectrotypes obtained with mouse IgA myeloma proteins, a human IgA myeloma and rabbit secretory IgA preparations were compared in three gel systems: 5% acrylamide, 0.8% agarose and the composite gel. With respect to resolution of component bands, the composite gel was superior to the other two systems. Hapten binding studies with MOPC-315 IgA and a rabbit secretory IgA anti-DNP antibody indicated that the focused IgA molecules retained their binding site integrity in the composite gel. The pI ranges obtained with microscale sucrose isoelectric focusing and composite gel system showed good correspondence, with the latter exhibiting enhanced resolution. Studies with MOPC-104E IgM revealed improved resolution in the composite gel when compared to the agarose system. Comparison of pI ranges for IgA and IgM immunoglobulins obtained in the present study with those reported previously suggest that IgA spectrotypes are confined to an acidic pI range (3.4–6.4), whereas IgM spectrotypes are not (4.3–8.8).
Acoustic telemetry for oilfield operations

The continuing need for a reliable data path up to 10 km long with reasonable data rate is a critical issue for any number of petroleum industry applications. This article gives a brief introduction to well completions; casing and tubing use in finished wells; and considerations affecting a commercial system addressing the data rate problem in a finished well. The Measure-While-Drilling application necessarily has a toolstring in the hole, which greatly complicates the already complex task of data communications.
Breast reconstruction following mastectomy

Modern breast reconstruction techniques provide the women faced with breast cancer with a reliable source of rehabilitation and an alternative to breast loss subsequent to cancer treatment. As a member of the breast management team, the reconstructive surgeon provides valuable input on the appropriate timing and techniques for surgery. With the surgical oncologist and the plastic surgeon working together, the mastectomy and breast reconstruction can often be combined in one operation with less skin removal, shorter scars, and reduced inconvenience for the patient. Techniques of tissue expansion permit breast reconstruction without additional scars or significant hospitalization. With the development of autogenous tissue breast reconstruction techniques, women are also able to have natural, long-lasting breast reconstruction without the need for a breast implant.
Changes in the apparent localization of anterior determinants during early embryogenesis (Smittia spec., Chironomidae, Diptera).

InSmittia embryos, anterior UV irradiation causes the formation of double abdomens in which head and thorax are replaced by a mirror-image duplication of abdominal segments. The transformation is ascribed to the inactivation of cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein particles acting as anterior determinants. During the first 5 h after egg deposition (h.a.d.), high yields of double abdomens are produced by microbeam irradiation of a small target area (diameter 20 μm) behind the anterior pole. This localization coincides with a yolk-free cytoplasmic cone observed behind the anterior pole of newly depositedSmittia eggs (Zissler and Sander 1973). Irradiation of this area becomes less efficient between 5 and 7 h.a.d., while double abdomen yields increase after irradiation of adjacent target areas. A dramatic increase in the double abdomen yield is also observed after irradiation of the entire anterior surface. Under these conditions, the UV fluence required for a given yield decreases by a factor of 3.9 between 5.5. and 7 h.a.d. This can be explained quantitatively by the assumption that the effective targets move an average distance of 8 μ from the strongly absorbing endoplasm towards the egg surface. During the period of apparent target deshielding, the distance of nuclei from the egg surface actually decreases from 11 to 3 μm. However, the timing and direction of the nuclear migration and of the apparent deshielding differ, indicating that the shift of effective targets may be triggered by, but does not exactly follow, the nuclear movement. The data suggest that a major fraction of anterior determinants shifts from a small volume behind the anterior pole to a spread-out distribution over the surface of the anterior half.
GASOLINE VEHICLE PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTIONS: COMPARISON OF STEADY STATE, FTP, AND US06 MEASUREMENTS

Factors influencing the number and size of tailpipe particles from port injection, spark ignition vehicles are examined by comparing emissions recorded during steady-state operation and those obtained from FTP and US06 drive cycles. Size distributions are measured using the scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and the electrical low-pressure impactor (ELPI). Steady-state particulate emissions are examined as a function of vehicle speed and air to fuel ratio. The emission rates increase moderately with increasing speed but climb steeply with decreasing A/F. This is consistent with the observations from transient drive cycle measurements where particulate emissions occur predominantly during periods of heavy acceleration. As expected from the more aggressive speed and acceleration of the US06 cycle, the per mile particulate emission rates are higher than for phases 2 and 3 of the FTP. For the eight vehicles tested, the US06 mass emissions range from 1.2 to 9.6 mg/mi. Use of a US06-compliant calibration l...
The no inference engine theory - Performing conflict resolution during development

In many rule-based systems, an inference engine is a software component which reasons over rules when the application is executed. The major task performed by the inference engine is conflict resolution, which determines the sequence of the consultation. We describe a theory and the resulting development environment for performing conflict resolution during development to eliminate the inference engine for systems using propositional logic. Using verification criteria and solution strategies, we derive four classes of rules and their rule ordering strategies, allowing conflict resolution to be performed during development. The resultant procedural implementations demonstrate dramatic performance improvements for some classes of rules, testing over 20,000 rules per s on a PC.
Towards ferrofluidics for μ-TAS and lab on-a-chip applications

In this paper, we show that ferrofluids can be pumped very effectively in closed-channel geometries both in the macro- and micro-scales using spatially travelling, sinusoidally time-varying magnetic fields. The results from numerical modelling demonstrate that the optimum pumping frequency is the reciprocal of the Brownian relaxation time constant of the magnetic nanoparticles inside the ferrofluid. Since the Brownian time constant depends in part on the overall hydrodynamic volume of the magnetic nanoparticles, this work has been carried with a view to developing functionalized ferrofluids that can be used as sensitive pathogen detectors in the context of ferrohydrodynamic pumping via travelling magnetic fields. A micro-ferrofluidic device has been designed and fabricated in order to demonstrate the potential development of this technology for pathogen detection. A cost-effective fabrication process combining insulated metal substrate etching and soft lithography is used to realize the prototype micro-ferrofluidic device. Results show good agreement between simulation and experiment. We finally propose a ferrofluid-based pathogen detection scheme that is expected to be insensitive to temperature and viscosity differences between the ferrofluid and the sample to be tested.
"Why Should the Business Agents Be Bigger Than the Organization?": A Study of Failed Rebellion in New York City’s Painters’ Union, 1947 to 1973

Union democracy has tended to result in prolabor contracts in the American labor movement. However, many rank-and-file movements attempting to transform staff-led unions into democratic ones have experienced failure. The author examines some of the reasons why insurgent democracy movements are often unable to institute lasting democratic structures and militant reforms in the building trades, through an in-depth analysis of a failed rebellion in New York City’s painters’ union from 1947 to 1973. In contrast to recent literature that explains success and failure by emphasizing the traits of the general membership and the tactics of insurgent reformers, the author argues that fuller attention should be given to the union characteristics that generate staff power. In particular, the author shows that job allocation through the hiring hall is one means by which a corrupt staff can discipline an insurgent membership. The author also shows that when these conditions are undermined through contestation, staff-em...
Fusion inhibition: Bioassay of a Type C viral protein

Abstract Based on the observation that concentrated RD-114 virus directly induces fusion in a Rous sarcoma virus-transformed human glioma cell line, KC, an RD-114 virus protein was identified which had the property of inhibiting this fusion. The protein was irreversibly denatured by 2-mercaptoethanol, reacted with neutralizing sera to RD-114 virus, and eluted from guanidine agarose columns in a single peak in the 60 to 80,000 molecular-weight range. It does not prevent the fusion of KC cells by B-propiolactone-inactivated Sendai virus, and remained bound to KC cells even after extensive washing. It is suggested that the RD-114 fusion-inhibition factor is a viral surface protein which normally plays a role in virus attachment and is analogous to the 70,000-dalton glycoproteins (gp70) described for the murine Type C viruses.
Enhanced Raman scattering from focused surface plasmons

Surface plasmon polaritons launched at concentric arcs can be focused into a subwavelength wide focal spot of high near-field light intensity. The focused plasmons give rise to enhanced Raman scattering from R6G molecules placed in the focal area. By exploiting the polarization dependence of the focusing the authors establish an enhancement of the Raman signal by a factor of ∼6. The results show that focusing of propagating surface plasmons on flat metal surfaces may be an alternative to localized plasmons on metal nanostructures for achieving enhanced Raman scattering. In particular, a flat metal substrate enables better control over the local electric fields and the placement of analyte molecules, and, therefore, ultimately better fidelity of Raman spectra.
Measurement of postdischarge nausea and vomiting for ambulatory surgery patients: a critical review and analysis

Approximately one-third of patients experience nausea and vomiting after discharge from ambulatory surgery settings, yet there have been no clear and definitive instruments used to measure it. A critical review and analysis of the measurement of postdischarge nausea and vomiting was conducted. Twenty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Four studies (14.3%) used instruments with documented reliability and validity. Telephone calls were used in 21 (76%) studies to interview patients, and seven studies (25%) used a mail-in investigator-developed diary or questionnaire. Most studies (22) obtained data at 48 hours; 13 of those obtained data exclusively at 24 hours. Definitions, measurement, and clinical outcomes were defined differently in each study. Of the instruments examined, the Ambulatory Surgery Inventory of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching and Functional Living Index-Emesis provide the possibility for outcome standardization. Although both instruments possess strengths, more study is needed to advance the measurement of nausea and vomiting in the postdischarge ambulatory surgery patient.
On disturbance propagation in leader-follower systems with limited leader information

This paper studies the problem of disturbance propagation in a string of vehicles aiming to proceed along a given trajectory while keeping a constant distance between each vehicle and its successor. It is assumed that each vehicle can control its position based on the spacing error with respect to the preceding vehicle in the string, as well as on coded information transmitted by the lead vehicle. Using information-theoretic techniques, this paper establishes a lower bound to the integral of the sensitivity function of spacing errors with respect to a stochastic disturbance acting on the lead vehicle. The derived bound depends on the open-loop poles and zeros of the vehicles' dynamics as well as on the (possibly nonlinear) controller used at each vehicle. The lower bound is shown to be tight for a specific class of systems and controllers.
Ultrastructure of airway epithelial cell membranes among patients with cystic fibrosis

Alterations in transepithelial ion fluxes are a primary pathophysiologic feature in cystic fibrosis (CF). Chronic respiratory infections and host responses are secondary aggravating pulmonary complications of this disease. In the present study, the application of the freeze-fracture technique to samples of nasal and tracheal epithelium from patients with CF has provided a perspective of large areas of cell membrane for the evaluation of possible structural correlates to the pathophysiology of this disease. A variety of aberrant configurations in stranding pattern and disorganization of the epithelial tight junctional complexes in CF airway epithelium are described. Additionally, examination of ciliary membranes revealed the presence of compound cilia and dysmorphology of ciliary necklace configuration. These features are thought to represent acquired structural lesions possibly derived from chronic infection and/or host responses which may further exacerbate abnormal ion transport properties and decrements of ciliary function that appear to be associated with the airway epithelium of individuals with CF.
Sealed Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Aircraft-Electrical Systems

Vented secondary-storage batteries supply reserve electrical power to operate certain, essential aircraft equipment if primary power is not available. These vented batteries, however, are prone to premature failure. Spewed electrolyte and expelled hydrogen gas promoted by malmaintenance such as overfilling and underfilling the cells and by improper voltage regulation during charging lead to battery and equipment damage and failure and result in flight safety hazards and economic losses. Sealed batteries show promise of avoiding the shortcomings and maintenance aspects of the vented batteries. This paper concerns the efforts of the Air Force to apply sealed-battery technology to aircraft battery power needs.
Transient generation of diffusion layer alkalinity for the pulsed amperometric detection of glucose in low capacity buffers having neutral and acidic pH values

Abstract The alkaline condition necessary for the anodic detection of glucose at gold electrodes can be generated electrochemically within the diffusion layer by cathodic stripping of surface oxide and reduction of dissolved oxygen. The cathodic generation of hydroxide and the anodic detection of glucose are alternated within the control of the three-step potential waveform traditionally used for pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) of carbohydrates. The detection limit for glucose in dilute acetate buffer (pH 4.8) was determined to be ca. 0.8 μ M . The technique was applied to the direct determination of glucose in a continuous glucoamylase assay in the presence of the active enzyme and the starch substrate at pH 4.8. This method for glucoamylase activity was found to be accurate, more precise, and much faster than the traditional ferricyanide assay.
Problems of Representation in the Government of Private Groups

Some years ago a student of legislative bodies and procedures, in summing up the various theories of representation and methods of selecting and controlling representatives, concluded: "Representation may sometimes be one thing, sometimes the other; 1 and anyone who has studied the history or theory of representative institutions at all thoroughly will sympathize with Mr. Luce's disinclination to force the variety of representative forms and procedures within the rigid confines of a single, formal definition. Much of the arid impression left by theoretical discussions of representation may be eliminated, however, if the problem is stated in adequate political perspective, and by avoiding the narrow conception of representation as a problem of dividing or imposing limitations on the exercise of authority. The political meaning of representation is caught, I suggest, in the following phrase: ... the power of an elected individual, a group of duly designated officials, or a formal meeting of elected persons to act with binding authority in the name of the entire membership of an association, and whose action insofar as it affects other individuals or groups must be recognized by them as authoritative even if they find it legally, morally or economically coercive and distasteful.
Modification of Comprehension Deficits in Learning Disabled Children.

Three experiments investigated the effects of self-recording, tokens and contingent free time on learning disabled children's reading-comprehension performance. The introduction of self-recording and token reinforcement in Experiment I decreased the percentage of oral reading errors at the child's instructional level, with no concurrent effect on comprehension scores. Results of Experiment II (a combined multiple baseline and changing criterion analysis) suggested that contingent free time and self-recording increased silent independent reading rate but produced only mild increases on comprehension scores. Experiment III found utilization of contingent free time and self-recording to result in substantial comprehension changes. Results of these three experiments support recent findings that only minimal changes occur on comprehension performance when left as an untargeted dependent behavior.
Surface-micromachined components for articulated microrobots

A class of articulated micromanipulator robots with multiple degrees of freedom, workspaces on the order of a cubic millimeter, and payloads on the order of a milligram are proposed. Rigid links, mechanical couplings, and large-force, large-displacement micromotors have been created. Hollow triangular beams made from rotated microhinged polysilicon plates with polysilicon locks can withstand axial loads of up to 2.6 gm. Mechanical couplings with sliding mechanisms are used to rotate hinged structures off the substrate. The typical frictional force observed is approximately 2 /spl mu/N. Linear electrostatic stepper motors with an estimated force of 6.5 /spl mu/N at 35 V and a travel of 40 /spl mu/m have also been demonstrated.
Effect of inflammation on lacrimal gland function

The lacrimal gland is the main contributor to the aqueous layer of the tear film. It secretes proteins, electrolytes and water, which helps to nourish and protect the ocular surface. Lacrimal gland secretion is primarily under neural control, which is achieved through a neural reflex arc. Stimuli to the ocular surface activate afferent sensory nerves in the cornea and conjunctiva. This in turn activates efferent parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves in the lacrimal gland to stimulate secretion. Sex steroid hormones are also important regulators of lacrimal gland functions. A decrease or lack of lacrimal gland secretion is the leading cause of aqueous tear deficient dry eye syndrome (DES). It has been suggested that DES is an inflammatory disorder that affects the ocular surface and the lacrimal gland. In several pathological instances, the lacrimal gland can become a target of the immune system and show signs of inflammation. This can result from autoimmune diseases (Sjogren's syndrome), organ transplantation (graft versus host disease), or simply as a result of aging. The hallmarks of lacrimal gland inflammation are the presence of focal lymphocytic infiltrates and increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. The mechanisms leading to lacrimal gland dysfunction are still poorly understood. Apoptosis, production of autoantibodies, hormonal imbalance, alterations in signaling molecules, neural dysfunction, and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines have been proposed as possible mediators of lacrimal gland insufficiency in disease states.
The ERG-determined spectral sensitivity of the octopus

Abstract The ERG-determined scotopic spectral sensitivity curve of the intact, anesthetized octopus was a broad curve which peaked at 480 nm with no secondary peaks. Adaptation to white light resulted in a narrowing of the curve but the λmax remained at 480 nm. Adaptation to blue, green or red light did not induce a shift in the λmax but resulted in a depression and narrowing of the sensitivity curve. Because of the absence of a Purkinje shift and the narrowing of the sensitivity curve following light-adaptation, it was concluded that the broadness of the sensitivity curve was due to a high effective retinal density of the photopigment and that only one system was present in the retina of the octopus.
Hands-free, wireless goggles for near-infrared fluorescence and real-time image-guided surgery.

Background Current cancer management faces several challenges, including the occurrence of a residual tumor after resection, the use of radioactive materials or high concentrations of blue dyes for sentinel lymph node biopsy, and the use of bulky systems in surgical suites for image guidance. To overcome these limitations, we developed a real-time, intraoperative imaging device that, when combined with near infrared fluorescent molecular probes, can aid in the identification of tumor margins, guide surgical resections, map sentinel lymph nodes, and transfer acquired data wirelessly for remote analysis. Methods We developed a new compact, wireless, wearable, and battery-operated device that allows for hands-free operation by surgeons. A charge-coupled device–based, consumer-grade night vision viewer was used to develop the detector portion of the device, and the light source portion was developed from a compact headlamp. This piece was retrofitted to provide both near infrared excitation and white light illumination simultaneously. Wireless communication was enabled by integrating a battery-operated, miniature, radio-frequency video transmitter into the system. We applied the device in several types of oncologic surgical procedures in murine models, including sentinel lymph node mapping, fluorescence-guided tumor resection, and surgery under remote expert guidance. Results Unlike conventional imaging instruments, the device displays fluorescence information directly on its eyepiece. When employed in sentinel lymph node mapping, the locations of sentinel lymph nodes were visualized clearly, even with tracer level dosing of a near infrared fluorescent dye (indocyanine green). When used in tumor resection, tumor margins and small nodules invisible to the naked eye were visualized readily. In a simulated, point-of-care setting, tumors were located successfully and removed under remote guidance using the wireless feature of the device. Importantly, the total cost of this prototype system ($1200) is substantially less than existing imaging instruments. Conclusion Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using the new device to aid surgical resection of tumors, map sentinel lymph nodes, and facilitate telemedicine.
The behaviour of polyvinyl alcohol at the planar Cd/Cd(OH)2 electrode interface

Abstract The anodic oxidation of Cd in alkaline solution was investigated using potentiostatic pulse and a.c. impedance techniques. In the active dissolution region, the slope of the η—log i curve was close to the “Nernstian” Tafel slope of 30 mV/decade. Addition of an organic additive, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), to the electrolyte caused a marked change in the Tafel slope corresponding to a 2e consecutive electron transfer reaction. Impedance measurement indicated a decrease in the charge transfer resistance in the presence of PVA. The results indicate that expanders such as PVA modify the anodic oxidation mechanism of Cd in alkaline solution.