cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soft lithography for micro- and nanoscale patterning

This protocol provides an introduction to soft lithography--a collection of techniques based on printing, molding and embossing with an elastomeric stamp. Soft lithography provides access to three-dimensional and curved structures, tolerates a wide variety of materials, generates well-defined and controllable surface chemistries, and is generally compatible with biological applications. It is also low in cost, experimentally convenient and has emerged as a technology useful for a number of applications that include cell biology, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, microelectromechanical systems and flexible electronics/photonics. As examples, here we focus on three of the commonly used soft lithographic techniques: (i) microcontact printing of alkanethiols and proteins on gold-coated and glass substrates; (ii) replica molding for fabrication of microfluidic devices in poly(dimethyl siloxane), and of nanostructures in polyurethane or epoxy; and (iii) solvent-assisted micromolding of nanostructures in poly(methyl methacrylate).
An adaptive numerical method for solving linear Fredholm integral equations of the first kind

A general procedure is presented for numerically solving linear Fredholm integral equations of the first kind. The approximate solution is expressed as a continuous piecewise linear (spline) function. The method involves collocation followed by the solution of an appropriately scaled stabilized linear algebraic system. The procedure may be used iteratively to improve the accuracy of the approximate solution. Several numerical examples are given.
Cerebrovascular dysfunction in children with neoplastic disorders1

Abstract More than 12,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States every year, and most of them will be cured of their malignancy. Although perhaps less common than their adult counterparts, children with cancer are at increased risk of both hemorrhagic and ischemic cerebrovascular insults. There are many causes, which are dependent on the specific malignancy and therapy, for cerebrovascular events among children with cancer. Furthermore, there are distinctive episodes at time of diagnosis of cancer, during cancer treatment, and after completion of therapy. Familiarity with the presumed etiology and pathophysiology of the insults should lead to earlier diagnosis and, if available, treatment of children with cancer who suffer cerebrovascular events. Much additional research remains to be conducted to fully understand and prevent the many different causes of cerebrovascular disease among children with cancer.
Validation of a self-report measure of somatic health.

The primary purpose was to assess the validity of a new self-report inventory of general somatic health status. In addition, we sought to examine the influence of social desirability and negative affectivity on health reports and to learn whether asking respondents to report concrete, memorable aspects of illness episodes such as seeing a doctor or staying home in bed for all or most of a day would enhance validity. The somatic component of the Cornell Medical Index was used as a criterion measure of health status because that Index has been shown to reflect medical records with great accuracy. Scores on the new health inventory correlated highly with the Cornell somatic scores, and this relationship was independent of negative affectivity and social desirability. The addition of the “concrete, memorable” aspects of illness accounted for no additional variance in the Cornell Index somatic scores beyond that accounted for by mere reporting of the presence of the symptom or illness. This study offers eviden...
Design of a robotic mobility system to promote socialization in children

Self-initiated mobility is a causal factor in children's development. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of our training methods in learning directional driving and navigation. The ultimate goal of mobility training is to enable children to be social, that is, to interact with peers. A powered mobility device was developed that can localize itself, map the environment, plan an obstacle-free path to a goal, and ensure safety of a human driver. Combined with a positioning system, this system is able to apply a force field to train subjects to drive towards an object, a caregiver, a peer, or a group of peers. System feasibility was tested by designing a `ball chasing' game. Results show that the system is promising in promoting socialization in children.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections with indeterminate adherence using temporary covered metal stents.

Transenteric drainage of a pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) with poor adherence to the bowel wall risks leakage and perforation. Elimination of tract dilation and the use of a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) may improve safety. We evaluated endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of PFCs using a one-step access device followed by placement of a FCSEMS. Eighteen patients (12 males; median age 50) with PFCs (median size 135 mm) meeting the criteria for indeterminate adherence were enrolled. After 7 – 10 days, the FCSEMSs were removed and exchanged for double-pigtail stents. When indicated, tract dilation and endoscopy-guided cyst debridement was performed. FCSEMS placement was technically successful in all patients without complications. Median procedure time was 37.5 minutes. Cystgastrostomy dilation resulted in dehiscence in one patient and was treated with repeat FCSEMS placement. Cyst resolution was achieved in 78 % of patients. FCSEMS placement without tract dilation enables safe initial drainage of PFCs with indeterminate adherence.
Imaging and Tracking of Tat Peptide-Conjugated Quantum Dots in Living Cells: New Insights into Nanoparticle Uptake, Intracellular Transport, and Vesicle Shedding

We report the use of Tat peptide-conjugated quantum dots (Tat-QDs) to examine the complex behavior of nanoparticle probes in live cells, a topic that is of considerable current interest in developing advanced nanoparticle agents for molecular and cellular imaging. Dynamic confocal imaging studies indicate that the peptide-conjugated QDs are internalized by macropinocytosis, a fluid-phase endocytosis process triggered by Tat-QD binding to negatively charged cell membranes. The internalized Tat-QDs are tethered to the inner vesicle surfaces and are trapped in cytoplasmic organelles. The QD loaded vesicles are found to be actively transported by molecular machines (such as dyneins) along microtubule tracks. The destination of this active transport is an asymmetric perinuclear region (outside the cell nucleus) known as the microtubule organizing center (MTOC). We also find that Tat-QDs strongly bind to cellular membrane structures such as filopodia and that large QD-containing vesicles are released from the tips of filopodia by vesicle shedding. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms of Tat peptide-mediated delivery as well as toward the design of functionalized nanoparticles for molecular imaging and targeted therapy.
Influence of humic acid on the uptake of aqueous metals by the killifish Fundulus heteroclitus

The role of humic acids, over a concentration range of 0 to 20 mg L−1, was investigated in the uptake of three metals (Cd, Cr, and Hg—as both inorganic Hg [Hg(II)] and methylmercury [MeHg]) and a metalloid (As) from the aqueous phase by the killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). Cadmium uptake showed no relationship with humic acid concentration, whereas Cr, Hg(II), and MeHg uptake showed an inverse relationship, and As uptake increased with increasing humic acid concentration. Concentration factors were >1 for Cd, Hg(II), and MeHg at all humic acid concentrations, indicating killifish were more enriched in the metal than the experimental media, whereas As and Cr generally had concentration factors <1 at the end of a 72-h exposure. The uptake of As and Cr reached steady state within the 72-h exposure, whereas uptake of Cd, Hg(II), and MeHg did not. Uptake rate constants (kus; ml g−1 d−1) were highest for MeHg (91–3,936), followed by Hg(II), Cd, and Cr, and lowest for As (0.17–0.29). Dissection data revealed that the gills generally had the highest concentration of all metals under all humic acid treatments. The present study concludes that changes in humic acid concentration can influence the accumulation of aqueous metals in killifish and should be considered when modeling metal bioaccumulation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2225–2232. © 2012 SETAC
Stochastic Analysis of Multistate Systems

The treatment necessary to remove all cells for a periodic cell cycle specific regimen is analyzed using stochastic equations of a multistate model with state transition governed by residence time distributions. While the objective is to remove all cells, exactly when this occurs is uncertain due to the random timing of state transitions. Previous work has shown that removal of all cells requires great certainty that the number of cells is small; an expected population that is six standard deviations less than one cell is an indicator when cure is nearly likely. In developing the necessary stochastic framework, the expression for the standard deviation for multistate processes is derived and a simple two-state example is presented that illustrates the potential coupling between subpopulations. Finally, the methodology is applied to cell cycle specific chemotherapy and the number of cycles required to nearly be assured that zero cells remain is calculated. This method has computational advantages over Monte Carlo simulations when the initial number of cells is not small and only the variation in the total number of cells is of interest.
Haitian amputees--lessons learned from Sierra Leone

More than a month after the recent earthquake, the Haitian government reported that 6000 to 8000 people had lost limbs or digits, but they did not address the bigger question: What's the plan for these amputees?1 Nearly a decade ago, Sierra Leone emerged from war and faced the problem of providing health care to the many civilians who had undergone amputations. In my view, Sierra Leone's history with amputees teaches three lessons: amputees and their dependents have the right to free, lifelong health care, government cannot afford to bear this immediate responsibility, and medical facilities are central to coordinating comprehensive . . .
Specific uptake and retrograde flow of antibody to dopamine-β-hydroxylase by central nervous system noradrenergic neurons in vivo

This study sought to determine whether the administration in vivo of antibody to dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (AD beta H) is taken up by central noradrenergic neurons and transported by retrograde flow to the cell bodies of origin. AD beta H serum or preimmune serum (control) in volumes of 1--20 microliter were stereotaxically injected into the lateral ventricle. Rats were sacrificed at times ranging from 1 h to 8 days. Cryostat sections were stained with fluorescein conjugated IgG. After 24 h, a bilateral granular fluorescence was seen only in neuronal cell bodies corresponding to noradrenergic cell groups A1--A7 with the most intense fluorescence localized within perikarya and processes of the locus coeruleus (A6) and subcoeruleus. This technique also permitted the visualization of the ascending dorsal and ventral noradrenergic bundles as well as varicose fibers and terminals in a pattern identical to that reported with histofluorescence, autoradiographic, biochemical and classical immunofluorescence techniques for the identification of noradrenergic fiber distributions. At 3 and 6 h, the first detectable fluorescence was observed in forebrain noradrenergic terminals and in fibers of the dorsal and ventral noradrenergic bundles. At 10 h fluorescent varicosities were first visualized within the caudal dorsal bundle and some cytoplasmic fluorescent particles were seen within locus coeruleus cell bodies. After 18 h locus coeruleus and subcoeruleus cell bodies were heavily stained, whereas medullary noradrenergic cell groups and nerve fibers were not labeled until after 24 h. An intense locus coeruleus fluorescence remained for 3 days and was completely absent after 6 days. Bilateral transection of the dorsal noradrenergic bundle in the rostral mesencephalon, at the time of injection, effectively blocked the retrograde transport of fluorescing material to the locus coeruleus. The overall staining pattern suggests that, in vivo, central noradrenergic fibers are capable of taking up antibody to dopamine-beta-hydroxylase. The ability of a dorsal bundle transection to abolish locus coeruleus staining, as well as the time course of AD beta H staining in noradrenergic neurons, suggests that AD beta H is transported via a rapid retrograde flow process. This technique combines retrograde transport of a marker protein with the sensitivity and specificity of immunocytochemical procedures to provide a new tool for the neuroanatomical study of neurotransmitter systems.
ELASTIN: DIMINISHED REACTIVITY WITH ALDEHYDE REAGENTS IN COPPER DEFICIENCY AND LATHYRISM

Elastin fibers in the aortas of control, lathyritic, copper-supplemented, and copper-deficient chicks were examined histochemically and chemically for aldehyde content. Diminished staining for aldehydes was obtained in the fibers from the aortas of lathyritic and copper-deficient chicks. Chemical studies of elastin isolated from the aortas of control and lathyritic chicks showed an apparent loss of lysine residues in control elastin to be associated with an increase in aldehyde content providing evidence that lysine is converted to an aldehyde-containing intermediate during biosynthesis of desmosine and isodesmosine. Approximately 6 aldehyde groups were present for every 1000 amino acids in elastin isolated from the aortas of control animals, while the corresponding number in lathyritic elastin was 4. At least two types of aldehydes, saturated and α,β-unsaturated, appear to be associated with elastin, suggesting the presence of more than one intermediate between lysine and the desmosines.
CHROMOSOME COUNTS OF COMPOSITAE FROM MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES

A B S T R A C T Chromosome counts of Compositae are reported from Mexico and the United States. First generic counts are from Egletes (n = 27), Hydropectis (n = 9), and Pippenalia (2n = ca. 60). First counts also are reported for 22 specific and infraspecific taxa in Baccharis, Erigeron, Flaveria, Gnaphalium, Grindelia, Helenium, Heterotheca, Melampodium, Montanoa, Perymenium, Piqueria, Senecio, Stevia, Verbesina, Xanthocephalum, and Zaluzania. Additional counts also are provided for 123 populations of taxa counted previously, of which eight are new numbers. Taxonomic implications of certain counts are discussed.
A synthetic peptide induces a new anti-dextran idiotype.

Summary We have synthesized the JH1 peptide and coupled it to keyhole limpet haemocyanin for use as an immunogen. A serum from an animal hyperimmunized with this immunogen demonstrated binding to both peptide and native immunoglobulin. Furthermore, this serum seems to define an idiotypic determinant nearly unique to α(1→3) dextran-binding immunoglobulins. Synthetic peptide immunogens may be a useful tool in probing the molecular basis of idiotypy.
Effects of feathers on instrumental thermoregulatory behavior in chickens.

Abstract Experiments with domestic fowl confirm that normally feathered chickens utilize species-specific behavior and autonomic responses to cold (at least to−5°C) rather than initiate an instrumental response. When the thermally insulative feathers are removed chickens readily utilize the instrumental response and are able to maintain physiological temperatures not significantly different from feathered birds. Simultaneous measurements of the mean radiant temperature of the chamber and body, skin, and hypothalamic temperatures suggested an approximately equal influence of these three temperatures in the determination of chamber mean radiant temperature.
Reactions to Recruitment Web Sites: Visual and Verbal Attention, Attraction, and Intentions to Pursue Employment

We investigate job seeker visual and verbal attention, and perceptions regarding company web sites in the applicant generation phase of recruitment. We report three studies using varied methodological approaches including eye-tracking, verbal protocol analysis (VPA), and survey data. Eye-tracking results suggest Web-based job seekers focus visual attention on information containing hyperlinks and on text more than graphic images or navigation tools. VPA suggests Web-based job seekers focus verbal attention on content more than design, especially job opening information. Survey results suggest content, design, and communication features are all related to applicant attraction. Design explains the most incremental variance in web site evaluation, while perceptions of communication features explain the most incremental variance in attitude toward the organization and intentions to pursue employment. We provide multi-method evidence concerning features that attract applicant visual and verbal attention, and influence attraction and intentions to pursue employment. The findings also provide practical implications for designing recruitment web sites. We report three methodologically distinct perspectives on an important and timely issue: Web-based recruitment. We are aware of no other psychomotor eye-tracking studies in the recruitment literature, and only one other VPA. Combining multiple methods in this way provides unique perspective.
Combining in situ transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics computer simulations to reveal the interaction mechanisms of dislocations with stacking-fault tetrahedron in nuclear materials.

KEY WORDS transmission electron microscope; simulation; dislocationABSTRACT In situ straining experiments conducted in a transmission electron microscope havebeen performed to reveal how dislocations interact with and annihilate isolated stacking-fault tetra-hedra, common defect clusters in irradiated face-centered cubic metals. Comparison of the experi-mental results with the predictions from molecular dynamics computer simulations shows some sim-ilarities and some striking differences. The comparison suggests challenges for the simulations anddemonstrates how, despite the disparity in operational parameters, the simulations can be used tointerpret experimental results. Microsc. Res. Tech. 72:284–292, 2009.
Illumination and mood

Hoaki and colleagues recently showed that hyperthermic temperament was strongly associated with increased illumination among a group of healthy subjects. This is interesting because it broadens the context of case reports suggesting that bright light may at times trigger hypomania or mania. There have been several studies which have suggested a converse relationship that low illumination is associated with depression. I wonder if an association of low illumination and depression was also found in this sample.
Design of AQM in supporting TCP based on the well-known AIMD model

In this paper, we investigate how to design AQM with a low-pass filter (average queuing) in supporting TCP based on the well-known AIMD dynamic model sharing a common bottleneck router. Since we formulate the AQM design problem for the given TCP as a state-space model, we get two interesting and important results: (1) we derive PD-type (proportional-derivative) AQM structure is derive in terms of queue length which supports the conjecture in the literature that the AQM RED is not enough to control TCP dynamic behavior, where RED can be classified as P-type AQM structure; (2) we propose a delay-dependent AQM structure to compensate for delays in congestion measure explicitly from the knowledge of RTT, capacity and number of sources, where the previous AQMs RED, REM/PI and AVQ are delay-independent controls. As one trial to obtain stabilizing gains of the proposed structures, we minimize a LQ (linear quadratic) cost of the transients on average-queue length, average-queue length rate, jitter in the rate and the loss probability. Finally, we illustrate the above theoretical results through ns simulations for TCP Reno.
Prostaglandin E2 alleviates cyclosporin a‐induced bone loss in the rat

Cyclosporine A (CsA) administered to the male and female rat produces high-turnover osteopenia. Prostaglandins have both bone-resorbing and bone-forming properties, but administration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to the rat in vivo produces a net increase in cancellous bone. To investigate the effects of PGE2 on CsA-induced alteration in bone mass, 43 male Sprague-Dawley rats (9 weeks old) were administered 15 mg/kg of CsA by oral gavage and/or 6 mg/kg of PGE2 by subcutaneous injection daily for 21 days according to the following protocol: group A was an age-matched control; group B received CsA only; group C received PGE2 only; and group D received CsA and PGE2. Serum was assayed on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 for bone gla protein (BGP), PTH, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D]. A computerized image analysis system was used for bone histomorphometry of the proximal tibial metaphysis after double tetracycline labeling. Compared to control animals (group A), treatment with CsA alone (group B) and PGE2 alone (group C) significantly elevated BGP levels. Combination therapy (group D) resulted in BGP levels that were significantly higher on days 7 and 14 than with either agent alone. 1,25-(OH)2D was significantly elevated in the CsA group only (group B). Therapy with CsA alone (group B) resulted in a significant osteopenia. The concurrent administration of PGE2 with CsA (group D) alleviated the altered bone mass induced by CsA alone by adding a significant amount of additional bone. This report confirms and extends the current knowledge of the different effects of CsA and PGE2 on bone mineral metabolism and demonstrates that PGE2 can alleviate the deleterious effects of CsA on bone.
A simple statistical model of partial erasure in thin film disk recording systems

A simple statistical model of the partial erasure effect in metallic thin-film recording is given. Experimental data are shown and used to determine a fundamental parameter of the micromagnetic structure of the medium. This single parameter determines the extent of erasure at any transition separation. Since it has no (first-order) dependence on the rate of zigzags, it is anticipated that it will be relatively independent of the transition noise amplitude of the medium. >
The Social Origins of Military Dictatorship in Ethiopia

The thesis of this study is that dictators cannot be made in spite of socially propitious circumstances for their existence. Accordingly, transcending person-centered approaches – which limit themselves to intra-individual dynamics in the explanation of the origin of authoritarianism – I demonstrate how four important factors in concert have contributed to the making of Mengistu HaileMariam of Ethiopia as a dictator. First, the social and political basis for Mengistu’s dictatorship was grilled by his predecessor, Emperor HaileSelassie, who, in order to augment his political position, was deeply interested in the centralization of power. Second, the absence of strong civil society, which could have acted as a counterweight to state power, set the condition for Mengistu’s dictatorial regime. Third, Mengistu and his table companions justified their rule by an emergent ideology whose premises were drawn from the political philosophy of Marxism–Leninism and the social history of Ethiopia. Finally, favorable in...
Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy combined with other cardiac operations: indications, surgical approach, and outcome.

Abstract Background . Patients with pulmonary hypertension due to chronic thromboembolic disease benefit from pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. A subset of these patients present with concomitant coronary or valvular disease. Methods . From July 1990 to July 2000, 90 patients (68 males, 22 females, mean age 68 years) with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ranging from 297 to 2261 dynes · sec · cm −5 underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in conjunction with coronary bypass grafting (59 patients), coronary artery bypass grafting/foramen ovale closure (24 patients), tricuspid annuloplasty (3 patients), mitral valve repair (2 patients), and aortic valve replacement (2 patients). The perioperative and hemodynamic outcomes of these patients were compared with the cohort of 1,100 isolated pulmonary thromboendarterectomies performed at our institution during this time. Results . Overall perioperative survival (93.3%; 84 of 90 patients) and mean diminution in PVR (521 dynes · sec · cm −5 ) for patients undergoing combined operations were similar to those undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy alone (94.2% survival; 1034 of 1100 patients; 547 dynes · sec · cm −5 mean PVR reduction). Although patients undergoing combined operations were older (mean age 68 vs 50 years, p p Conclusions . Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension may be performed safely in conjunction with other cardiac operations. Older patients evaluated for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy should be screened for concomitant coronary and valvular disease.
Theory of optimum economic growth and energy policy

The present paper gives a concise but self-contained treatment of optimum economic growth theory and then reformulate it to study the policy implications of the present situation of limited energy resources of various forms. The optimum energy policy so obtained is justifiable in terms of common sense, and economic principles, but is at variance with current energy policy.
Diastereoselective reactions of a simple secondary grignard reagent

Abstract The stereoselective reactions of a simple acyclic Grignard reagent CH 3 CH(OR)CH 2 CH(CH 3 )MgX, 2, with several electrophiles are described.
Notch1 Competes with the Amyloid Precursor Protein for γ-Secretase and Down-regulates Presenilin-1 Gene Expression

Presenilin 1 (PS1) is a critical component of theγ-secretase complex, which is involved in the cleavage of several substrates including the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch1. Based on the fact that APP and Notch are processed by the same γ-secretase, we postulated that APP and Notch compete for the enzyme activity. In this report, we examined the interactions between APP, Notch, and PS1 using the direct γ-secretase substrates, Notch 1 Δextracellular domain (N1ΔEC) and APP carboxyl-terminal fragment of 99 amino acids, and measured the effects on amyloid-β protein production and Notch signaling, respectively. Additionally, we tested the hypothesis that downstream effects on PS1 expression may coexist with the competition phenomenon. We observed significant competition between Notch and APP for γ-secretase activity; transfection with either of two direct substrates of γ-secretase led to a reduction in the γ-cleaved products, Notch intracellular domain or amyloid-β protein. In addition, however, we found that activation of the Notch signaling pathway, by either N1ΔEC or Notch intracellular domain, induced down-regulation of PS1 gene expression. This finding suggests that Notch activation directly engages γ-secretase and subsequently leads to diminished PS1 expression, suggesting a complex set of feedback interactions following Notch activation.
Alan S. Kaye (ed.) (1997). Phonologies of Asia and Africa ( including the Caucasus ). Technical advisor: Peter T. Daniels. Winona Lake, Indiana: Eisenbrauns. 2 vols. Pp. xxi+1041.

This is an unusual book. For one thing, it is huge: two volumes, over 1000 pages, with articles on fifty different languages or groups. For another, the list of contributors is quite diverse, including a few phonologists with specific language interests (Shmuel Bolozky, Robert D. Hoberman, Maria-Rosa Lloret and Joseph L. Malone), a few linguists who are better known for their work in areas other than phonology (Bernard Comrie, Jeffrey Heath, H. Craig Melchert and Johanna Nichols) and a group of distinguished experts on particular languages or families (including Giorgio Buccellati, Gene Gragg, Robert Hetzron, Wolf Leslau, Paul Newman and others). The goals of this book are also a bit unusual. In his introduction, the editor says this: The idea for this volume came about as I searched in vain for a book which would enable my students to gain a concrete familiarity of solid phonological work by subjecting them to the exposure of many of today's (hard-)working linguists who would concisely describe and comment on the phonological processes in and structures of languages which they have carefully scrutinized, both ancient or medieval and modern. (p. xvi) This is an attractive concept; undergraduate and beginning graduate students would undoubtedly benefit from studying and perhaps attempting to reanalyse a carefully presented description of the phonemic system and morphophonemic processes of an unfamiliar language. More advanced graduate students or established scholars could also benefit from having access to compact descriptions that summarise potentially interesting phenomena and give references to consult for further research.
Evaluation of a Commercial Automated System and Software for the Identification of Veterinary Bacterial Isolates

A commercial gram-negative bacterial autoidentification plate was originally developed using bacterial isolates of human origin. Three veterinary diagnostic laboratories conducted a 2-phase trial to enhance the database for veterinary use. The first phase consisted of testing the plate with 447 bacterial isolates of veterinary origin and incorporating that data into the existing database. Emphasis was placed on the Actino- bacillus, Bordetella, Pasteurella and Enterobacteriaceae groups, since the Pseudomonas taxon was quite complete. The second phase of the trial consisted of evaluating the enhanced database using 270 clinical veterinary isolates normally encountered in veterinary laboratories. For the Actinobacillus, Bordetella, Pasteurella and Enterobac- teriaceae groups, 72% of the bacterial isolates were identified correctly to genus and 61% to species after 5 hours incubation. Eighty-nine percent of the bacterial isolates were identified correctly to genus and 85% to species after 18 hours incubation. All identifications in phase 1 and phase 2 were confirmed using conventional methods. The bacteria frequently associated with infectious diseases of animals often fall into categories less com- monly encountered in humans and, therefore, are not included in the databases of the automated identifi- cation systems used in human medicine. A 3-laboratory collaborative effort was made to enhance the database of an automated identification system for veterinary use. Subsequently, the 3 laboratories challenged the autoidentification 5-hour and 18-hour systems using fresh clinical isolates and compared the results with conventional methods.
Electronically Tunable Miniaturized Antennas on Magnetoelectric Substrates With Enhanced Performance

Achieving relative permeability larger than 1 in antenna substrates can lead to antenna miniaturization, enhanced bandwidth, and tunable resonant frequency. Metallic magnetic films and self-biased ferrite films were introduced as a practical means to tune a patch antenna by loading a commercially available substrate in this paper. Novel antenna designs with metallic magnetic films and self-biased NiCo-ferrite films were investigated. Magnetic patch antennas were demonstrated at 2.1 GHz with a tuning resonant frequency range of 5-10 MHz (with the metallic magnetic films) and 7-23 MHz (with self-biased ferrite films). Three different cases of annular ring antennas with NiCo-ferrite films loading were also designed and analyzed. Antennas with self-biased magnetic films loading working at 1.7 GHz with a tuning range of 3-20 MHz were achieved.
Flexible Recommendations for Course Planning

Most recommendation methods are "hard-wired" into the system and support only fixed recommendations. The purpose of this demo is to show the expressivity of flexible recommendation workflows, how flexible recommendations can be processed over relational data, and to show flexible recommendations in action through a real system used for course planning.
Accuracy of breast magnetic resonance imaging in predicting pathologic response in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Abstract Background Prior studies of the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy have shown conflicting results that vary depending on baseline molecular characteristics. This study examines the ability of MRI to predict pathologic complete response (pCR) and explores the influence of tumor molecular profiles on MRI sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Methods Eighty-one patients with invasive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvantsystemic therapy between 2002 and 2009 who were imaged with breast MRI pre- and post-treatment were reviewed. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were recorded. Comparisons of molecular subsets and their influence on MRI sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were made using χ 2 contingency tables. Results The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MRI for predicting pCR for the total group were 92%, 50%, 74%, and 80%, respectively. Patients had the following molecular subtypes: 33/81 (41%) HR+Her2−, 23/81 (28%) HR+/-Her2 +, and 25/81(31%) triple receptor negative (TN). Molecular subtype did not demonstrate a significant correlation of radiographic and pathologic response, although MRI NPV was highest in the TN subset (100%) followed by those with HR+/-Her2+ disease (87.5%). Multivariate analysis did not show that tumor characteristics (estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, HER2 status) or neoadjuvant treatment (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel versus other or trastuzumab) had any effect on MRI sensitivity or specificity. Conclusions In patients receiving neoadjuvant systemic therapy for invasive breast cancer, molecular subtype and systemic regimen administered did not significantly influence the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, or NPV of MRI in predicting pathologic response.
Synergistic renal protection by combining alkaline-diuresis with lipid peroxidation inhibitors in rhabdomyolysis: possible interaction between oxidant and non-oxidant mechanisms

Background and purpose. Heme-proteins, besides causing renal tubular obstruction, may contribute to rhabdomyolysis-induced renal injury through a heme-iron-mediated lipid peroxidation process. In the present study, we compared the combined therapy of a lipid peroxidation inhibitor, 21-aminosteroid (21-AS) and fluid-alkaline-mannitol (FAM) diuresis with either of them alone to determine the efficacy of the combination therapy and to delineate the roles of lipid peroxidation and cast formation. Methods and results. Employing Raman spectroscopy, we confirmed in vitro the ability of 21-AS to inhibit iron-induced fatty acid peroxidation. 21-AS was then administered to rats developing renal failure from glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis. Although 21-AS inhibited rhabdomyolysis-induced plasma and renal lipid peroxidation, renal protection was incomplete. Administration of FAM to inhibit cast formation afforded a better renal protection. However, when these therapies were combined to inhibit both lipid peroxidation and cast formation, there was a synergistic renal functional protection. This was accompanied by a maximum inhibition of renal and plasma lipid peroxidation, as well as, renal tubular necrosis and cast formation. Compared to combination therapy, FAM therapy alone, despite identical volume, was accompanied by a higher tubular necrosis and cast formation. Conclusions. That combining a lipid peroxidation inhibitor with fluid-alkaline diuresis in rhabdomyolysis further lowers renal lipid peroxidation, tubular necrosis and cast formation and synergistically limits renal dysfunction (i) supports a role for lipid peroxidation in the pathophysiology of rhabdomyolysis ARF, (ii) underscores the role of intratubular heme retention, a cause for tubular obstruction as well a source for prodigious amount of iron, likely involved in the lipid peroxidation, and (iii) raises the possibility of interactions between non-oxidant and oxidant mechanisms.
Microstructural effects on shear instability and shear band spacing

A constitutive relation that accounts for the thermally activated dislocation motion and microstructure interaction is used to study the stability of a homogeneous solution of equations governing the simple shearing deformations of a thermoviscoplastic body. An instability criterion and an upper bound for the growth rate of the infinitesimal deformations superimposed on the homogeneous solution are derived. By adopting Wright and Ockendon's postulate, i.e., the wavelength of the dominant instability mode with the maximum growth rate determines the minimum spacing between shear bands, the shear band spacing is computed. The effect of the initial dislocation density, the nominal strain-rate, and parameters describing the initial thermal activation and the initial microstructure interaction on the shear band spacing are delineated.
Slow recovery of excitability and the Wenckebach phenomenon in the single guinea pig ventricular myocyte.

The cellular mechanisms of Wenckebach periodicity were investigated in single, enzymatically dissociated guinea pig ventricular myocytes, as well as in computer reconstructions of transmembrane potential of the ventricular cell. When depolarizing current pulses of the appropriate magnitude were delivered repetitively to a well-polarized myocyte, rate-dependent activation failure was observed. Such behavior accurately mimicked the Wenckebach phenomenon in cardiac activation and was the consequence of variations in cell excitability during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle. The recovery of cell excitability during diastole was studied through the application of single test pulses of fixed amplitude and duration at variable delays with respect to a basic train of normal action potentials. The results show that recovery of excitability is a slow process that can greatly outlast action potential duration (i.e., postrepolarization refractoriness). Two distinct types of subthreshold responses were recorded when activation failure occurred: one was tetrodotoxin- and cobalt-insensitive (type 1) and the other was sensitive to sodium-channel blockade (type 2). Type 1 responses, which were commonly associated with the typical structure of the Wenckebach phenomenon (Mobitz type 1 block), were found to be the result of the nonlinear conductance properties of the inward rectifier current, IK1. Type 2 sodium-channel-mediated responses were associated with the so-called "millisecond Wenckebach." These responses may be implicated in the mechanism of Mobitz type 2 rate-dependent block. Single-cell voltage-clamp experiments suggest that variations in excitability during diastole are a consequence of the slow deactivation kinetics of the delayed rectifier, IK. Computer simulations of the ventricular cell response to depolarizing current pulses reproduced very closely all the response patterns obtained in the experimental preparation. It is concluded that postrepolarization refractoriness and Wenckebach periodicity are properties of normal cardiac excitable cells and can be explained in terms of the voltage dependence and slow kinetics of potassium outward currents. The conditions for the occurrence of intermittent activation failure during diastole will depend on the frequency and magnitude of the driving stimulus.
Fabrication of a silicon micro-scalpel with a nanometer cutting edge

A silicon micro-scalpel with a nanometer cutting edge bas been fabricated. The fabrication process involves only one mask, and uses RIE, DRIE, and SEG processes. The resulting scalpel is an order of magnitude smaller than any micro-scalpels currently in production. It offers benefits of reduced cost, reduced surface roughness, sharper cutting edges, and blade facets for reduction of tissue or cell tearing. Other structures, such as a micro-probe with a nanometer cutting tip, have also been fabricated using the same process.
Reliable large format arrays of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes

The fabrication of reliable InP-based Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode arrays is described. Arrays of up to 256 times 64 elements have been produced and mated to silicon read-out circuits forming single-photon infrared focal plane imagers for 1.06 and 1.5 mum applications.
Decision feedback multiuser detection: a systematic approach

A systematic approach to decision feedback multiuser detection is introduced for the joint detection of symbols of K simultaneously transmitting users of a synchronous correlated waveform multiple-access (CWMA) channel with Gaussian noise. A new performance criterion called symmetric energy is defined which is a low-noise indicator of the joint error rate that at least one user is detected erroneously. Even the best linear detectors can perform poorly in terms of symmetric energy compared to the maximum-likelihood detector. A general class of decision feedback detectors (DFDs) is defined with O(K) implementational complexity per user. The symmetric energy of arbitrary DFD and bounds on their asymptotic effective energy (AEE) performance are obtained along with an exact bit-error rate and AEE analysis for the decorrelating DFD. The optimum DFD that maximizes symmetric energy is obtained. Each one of the K! optimum, decorrelating, and conventional DFDs, that correspond to the K! orders in which the users can be detected, are shown to outperform the linear optimum, decorrelating, and conventional detectors, respectively, in terms of symmetric energy. Moreover, algorithms are obtained for determining the choice of order of detection for the three DFDs which guarantee that they uniformly (user-wise) outperform their linear counterparts. In addition to optimality in symmetric energy, it is also shown that under certain conditions, the optimum DFD achieves the AEE performance of the exponentially complex maximum-likelihood detector for all users simultaneously. None of the results of this paper make the perfect feedback assumption. The implications of our work on power control for multiuser detection are also discussed.
Situational Segmentation Opportunities in the Snack Food Market

Abstract This research demonstrates the importance of situational influence on snack food consumption by delineating a situationally defined market structure for a broadly defined array of snacks. This is done by characterizing 17 snacks with respect to pertinent situational factors and clustering the snacks in terms of the similarity of their situational characterizations. Findings reveal three multi-product snack clusters including (1) On-the-Go, (2) Home Alone, and (3) Socializing snack clusters and suggest manners in which snacks from each cluster can be more effectively marketed from a situational conceptualization. The conceptual approach is a useful departure from conventional approaches lhat often rely on consumer demographics and product attributes.
The impact of molecular analysis on the survival of children with embryonal tumors

Embryonal tumors represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterized by poorly differentiated cells and generally aggressive behavior. Although advances in survival rates have been made in several of these tumor types, including Wilms’ tumor, retinoblastoma, and medulloblastoma, survival of patients with central nervous system (CNS) embryonal tumors, including primitive neuro-ectodermal tumors (PNETs) and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT), are particularly poor. Advancing molecular analysis techniques and the development of gene expression profiles has led to the formulation of different subdivisions within many of the umbrella CNS tumor groups with clinical and prognostic implications. Some subgroups have been identified as having improved survivorships, likely not captured by large scale population data given their small numbers and relatively recent characterization. Importantly, identification of differing molecular pathways has begun to result in targeted therapies which may pave the way for even more surviving patients in the coming years.
A graphics package for the first day and beyond

We describe cs1graphics, a new Python drawing package designed with pedagogy in mind. The package is simple enough that students can sit down and make use of it from the first day of an introductory class. Yet it provides seamless support for intermediate and advanced lessons as students progress. In this paper, we discuss its versatility in the context of an introductory course. The package is available at www.cs1graphics.org.
Online Ethics: Social Contracts in the Virtual Community

Our ability to communicate with each other through computer terminals is rapidly changing the way we interact as individuals, the way information is transmitted, and the way records are kept. While...
Insecticides Evaluated as Regulatory Immersion Treatments to Eliminate Third-Instar Japanese Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Small-Diameter Field-Grown Nursery Plants

Abstract Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica Newman, are a quarantine issue for nursery shipments to certain U.S. states. The Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan (DJHP) allows balled and burlapped (B&B) root ball immersion in chlorpyrifos or bifenthrin for P. japonica certification. Study objectives were: (a) to evaluate multiple insecticides as potential regulatory dips against third-instar P. japonica in 30-cm B&B, and (b) to determine the lowest effective rates. Tests were performed fall and spring from 2003 to 2007. All insecticide treatments reduced larval numbers compared with the untreated check treatment, with the exception of chlorantraniliprole and the lowest rate of trichlorfon in a fall test. Bifenthrin, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, clothianidin, and trichlorfon and bifenthrin + imidacloprid were the most effective insecticides. Larval numbers in acephate, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and cyfluthrin + imidacloprid treatments exceeded DJHP requirements at rates evaluated....
Short Tutorial: Getting Started With Ipopt in 90 Minutes

Ipopt is an open-source software package for large-scale non- linear optimization. This tutorial gives a short introduction that should allow the reader to install and test the package on a UNIX-like system, and to run simple examples in a short period of time.
Carbon monoxide and survival from myocardial infarction.

To test the hypothesis that during high periods of carbon monoxide (CO) pollution, persons with acute cardiovascular disease would be adversely affected, we have studied case fatality rates for patients admitted with myocardial infarction (Ml) to 35 Los Angeles hospitals during 1958. The results indicate that there is an increased Ml case fatality rate in “high”-pollution areas and that this difference is only evident during periods of relatively increased CO pollution. At the present time, our interpretation of these findings is that an association could exist between ME case fatality rate and atmospheric CO pollution but we cannot draw any firm conclusions about causality at this time.
Processing and Properties of Reaction Bonded Silicon Nitride Made from Laser Synthesized Silicon Powders

Laser synthesized silicon powders have been used to make reaction bonded silicon nitride samples. Maximum hardness (11.3 GNm−2), fracture toughness (3.6 MNm−3/2), pore size (Hg porosimetry 50–300A radius) and strength (∼460 MNm−2) values reflect the superior microstructures that are observed. With anaerobic anhydrous processing, these powders nitride to completion in less than 7 hours at 1400°C.
Application of ZXPOS Series Tools to UMTS Network Optimization

In combination with the case of UMTS commercial network optimization, it discusses the application of ZXPOS series tools to network optimization, introduces the ways on fast completing optimization with high efficiency, under the aid of optimization tools in different optimization phrase.Finally it presents the considerations on over-cell coverage algorithm.