cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability of axisymmetric annular fluid interfaces at zero contact angle

We study the stability of liquid configurations in axisymmetric containers when the liquid-vapor interface is annular and meets the container walls at zero contact angle. Necessary and sufficient conditions for stability, as the contact angle tends to zero, are formulated in terms of the Jacobi accessory differential equations. The stability of the configuration is then shown to depend crucially on whether the equilibrium liquid-vapor interface stays inside the container or not, when continued analytically past the three-phase contact lines.
Empfindlichkeitsprüfung von Fluconazol: Auswertung einer Multizenter‐Studie der Arbeitsgemeinschaft „Klinische Mykologie” der Deutschsprachigen Mykologischen Gesellschaft

Zusammenfassung. An einem Ringversuch zur Invitro-Testung von Fluconazol gegenuber klinischen Hefe-lsolaten nahmen 21 Labors der Arbeitsgemeinschaft, Klinische Mykologie“der Deutschsprachigen Mykologischen Gesellschaft teil. 1181 klinische Isolate von 1033 Patienten wurden in den Zentren anhand eines standardisierten Testprotokolls mittels Mikrodilutionstest, Agardiffusionstest und teilweise im Agardilutionstest auf ihre Empfindlichkeit gegenuber Fluconazol uberpruft. Ca. 600 Stamme (59.1 %) der an ein Referenzzentrum eingesandten 1106 Isolate wurden von einem Labor (Zentrum 13) nachgetestet. Diese Stamme zeigten nahezu die gleiche prozentuale Speziesverteilung wie das Gesamtkollektiv. Fur 90% aller Isolate wurde eine MHK von ≤ 4 μg/ml und fur 90% der Candida albicans-Stamme eine MHK von ≤ 2 μg/ml ermittelt. Nur ca. 9% aller Isolate (Candida albicans 4%) zeigten eine MHK von ≤ 25 μg/ml. Durch das Mittesten von 10 Kontrollstammen, verteilt an alle Labors von dem Referenzzentrum, wurde die Inter- und Intralabor-Vergleichbarkeit der Empfindlichkeitsprufung von Fluconazol uberpruft. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, das die in der Bakteriologie routinemasig eingesetzten Methoden Mikrodilution, Agardilution und Agardiffusion bei entsprechenden technischen Voraussetzungen und standardisierten Testbedingungen auch fur eine reproduzierbare Empfindlichkeitsprufung von Spros-pilzen im mykologischen Routinelabor einsetzbar sind. Summary. In a collaborative study for in vitro testing of fluconazole against clinical yeast isolates participated 21 laboratories of the working group „Clinical Mycology” of the German Speaking Mycological Society. In these centers, according to a standard test protocol 1181 clinical isolates from 1033 patients were tested to their susceptibility against fluconazole by microdilution, agar diffusion and partly by agar dilution. Approximately 600 strains (59.1%) of the collective of 1106 isolates sent to a reference center underwent retesting in one laboratory (center 13). These strains demonstrated almost the same species distribution as the total collective. For 80% of all isolates a MIC of ≤ 4μg/ml and for 90% of the Candida albicans strains a MIC of ≤ 2μg/ml has been determined. Only approx. 9% of all isolates (4% with Candida albicans) showed a MIC of ≤ 25μg/ml. By parallel testing of 10 control strains issued by the reference center to the laboratories, the inter- and intra-laboratory comparability of the susceptibility testing of fluconazole was checked. The results demonstrated that under appropriate tech- nical prerequisites and standardised test conditions, the methods used routinely in bacteriology microdiluti- on, agar dilution and agar diffusion may also be applied in a reproducible way in the routine mycological laboratory for the susceptibility testing of yeasts.
CHI '86 POSTER SESSION ABSTRACTS

Appearing for the first time at CHI '86 were interactive poster sessions. The format, which CHI + GI 1987 will repeat, provided for active exchanges between presenters and listeners. Presenters had display space for posters or similar media and were encouraged to prepare handouts. Presentations on topic areas were grouped together. The audience was encouraged to participate in interactive discussions about the presentations. The conference proceedings did not include poster session abstracts. At the conference, the Bulletin editor and I discussed the possibility of publishing abstracts; subsequently, each poster session presenter was offered the opportunity to prepare a summary. What follows are the submitted poster session abstracts. More will appear in the next issue.
Identification of the Holocene-Pleistocene boundary in the Bering Sea by diatoms.

The modern diatom flora from surface sediment of the Navarin Basin region of the Bering Sea is dominated by Denticulopsis seminae and Nitzschia oceanica. D. seminae, a north boreal species, is most abundant in the deeper waters of the slope-basin regions, whereas N. oceanica, an Arctic species associated with ice cover, dominates the shallow shelf waters. Downcore studies show that these species alternate in dominance within the late Quaternary sediments. This alternation suggests responses to climatic fluctuations. The interval at which D. seminae is replaced downcore by N. oceanica in dominating the assemblage is distinct and can be correlated in cores throughout the study area as well as adjacent regions. This interval represents the transition from glacial to interglacial conditions and the Holocene-Pleistocene boundary.
Generation of superoxide anion by equine spermatozoa as detected by dihydroethidium

Low-level production of the superoxide anion (O2*-) is an important signal transduction event in sperm function including capacitation; however, excessive production of O2*- can be detrimental to sperm function. The objective of this study was to assess dihydroethidium (DHE) as a probe for O2*- in equine spermatozoa. Ejaculated spermatozoa were separated by centrifugation over a Percoll gradient (40:80), and loaded with DHE (2.0 microM) as well as with calcein-acetoxymethylester (CAM, 7.8 nM) to determine cell viability. In Experiment 1, cells were incubated with the xanthine-xanthine oxidase (X, 0.1 mM; XO, 0.01 U/mL) generating system for the production of O2*-, with or without the addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD, 150 U/mL) or the SOD mimetic, Tiron (0.1, 1.0 or 5.0 mM) for 1h. Changes in fluorescence of DHE were determined for the live cell population (calcein-positive cells) by flow cytometry. The DHE fluorescence increased with the X-XO incubation; this increase was inhibited by SOD or Tiron, indicating that DHE is specific for O2*- detection. In Experiment 2, spermatozoa were loaded with DHE/CAM, treated with calcium ionophore A23187 (0, 0.8, or 8.0 microM), and incubated for 15 min. Cell fluorescence was again determined by flow cytometry. Calcium ionophore A23187 increased O2*- production in a dose-dependent manner. In Experiment 3, cells were loaded with DHE/CAM, treated with NADPH (0.0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1 mM) with or without 0.5% Triton X-100, and incubated for 15 min prior to flow cytometry. Cells treated with NADPH with or without 0.5% Triton X-100 did not have O2*- levels that were significantly different from the control. In Experiment 4, spermatozoa loaded with DHE/CAM were incubated under capacitating conditions (1.2 mM dibutryl-cAMP+1.0 mM caffeine) or in control media for 3h. Although O2*- generation increased over time in control and capacitated treatments, spermatozoa incubated under capacitating conditions had higher O2*- production than those incubated in control media. Therefore, DHE was a useful probe for the detection of O2*- in equine spermatozoa and elevation in intracellular calcium as well as capacitation in vitro were associated with increased generation of O2*-.
Stem cells as a potential future treatment of pediatric intestinal disorders

All surgical disciplines encounter planned and unplanned ischemic events that may ultimately lead to cellular dysfunction and death. Stem cell therapy has shown promise for the treatment of a variety of ischemic and inflammatory disorders where tissue damage has occurred. As stem cells have proven beneficial in many disease processes, important opportunities in the future treatment of gastrointestinal disorders may exist. Therefore, this article will serve to review the different types of stem cells that may be applicable to the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, review the mechanisms suggesting that stem cells may work for these conditions, discuss current practices for harvesting and purifying stem cells, and provide a concise summary of a few of the pediatric intestinal disorders that could be treated with cellular therapy.
Cattle wastes as substrates for bioelectricity production via microbial fuel cells

A new 2 l scale microbial fuel cell (MFC) configuration was developed to generate bioelectricity from particulate substrates. Voltage and power densities generated in this MFC fed with sucrose, particulate cattle manure, and manure wash-water as the substrates were evaluated in batch mode, with and without external mediators. Voltages averaged 0.5 V in open circuit, and 0.4 V under a resistive load of 470 Ω. Power densities (67 to 215 mW/m2) were comparable to previous work that had used liquid wastes as substrates. Based on the energy yield per unit mass of feedstock (~10 kJ/kg wet manure), cattle manure has limited potential to serve as a feedstock for electricity production via MFCs.
Blocs de la paroi abdominale : apport de l’échographie ☆

Resume Les benefices escomptes de l’echoguidage en anesthesie parietale abdominale pediatrique sont : efficience, efficacite, securite (diminution des doses massiques d’AL, des ponctions erratiques et rehabilitation d’ALR « a risque » comme le bloc intercostal), accessibilite a de nouveaux blocs (TAPB…), au catheterisme perinerveux analgesique continu echocontrole et depistage d’anomalies anatomiques ou de pathologies organiques par un « etat des lieux » prealable systematique. Les blocs du plan du muscle transverse de l’abdomen, paraombilical, du champ inguinal et du fascia transversalis sont decrits et discutes.
The Personal Professor: continuing medical education meets the new media.

P learn from their patients. The lessons patients teach us in the emergency room, examining room, treatment room, even on the telephone, fundamentally shape our professional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. However, therein is a longstanding dichotomy that traditional forms of continuing medical education (CME) focus on others’ clinical experiences rather than our own. Although knowledge gained from hospital grand rounds and journal articles is indispensable to understanding and keeping abreast of medical progress, a large leap is often needed to make the connection from the lecture hall to practice encounters. New means of learning and getting CME credit for that learning are emerging through advances in communication technology. Through digitization, the personal computer allows the bridging of this separation between what we do and what we learn. Computer programs are being designed so that a physician can draw on his/her own experiences in a new form of learning never before possible and receive CME credit for it. A new Internet-based CME activity called The Personal Professor is such a “new media” program for physicians. The Personal Professor offers physicians the opportunity to objectively compare individual medical practice habits with current, credible standards and guidelines in a convenient, private, and CME-certified forum of learning. Each Personal Professor program allows each physician to enter data that can be recalled, or when necessary, extracted directly from selected patients’ medical records. The program analyzes the degrees to which the patient data matches current parameters for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, and compares answers with those of other participants. The list of questions in Table 1, which are to be answered by the physician participant, is an example of a comparative interaction addressing coronary risk factors that apply to a study patient in The Personal Professor program, “Stable Angina Pectoris.” In this type of question, there is no real “right” or “wrong” answer, other than instances in which important patient information is simply not obtained. Following each comparative interaction, in which data are entered from the patient’s medical record, there is a follow-up question, answer, and reference that may be obtained at the conclusion of the activity (Table 2). In each activity, there are 20 to 30 such interactions, under several categories (varying according to From the Department of Film, Television, and Theatre, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; and Baylor Heart & Vascular Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. Manuscript received and accepted June 27, 2002. Address for reprints: Vincent E. Friedewald, Jr., MD, Multimedia Communications, Department of Film, Television and Theatre, 224 Decio Faculty Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556. E-mail: vfriedew@nd.edu. TABLE 2 Sample Follow-up Question and Answer
Age Preferences in Personal Advertisements: Two Life History Strategies or One Matching Tactic?

Previous interpretations of human age preferences in mates posited two sex-linked `life history strategies' said to involve the parental investment potential of the other as revealed by that other's age. In contrast with a dual strategy, our study of 722 heterosexual personal advertisements written by persons aged 20 to 59 found overall patterns of correlations (r.81 to .95) between own and stipulated ages that were common to both men and women. For both sexes, reliable own/other correlations were generally found within age decades as well. Further, an analysis of 133 homosexual personal advertisements revealed a similar pattern of reliably correlated own/other ages. These findings point to a conclusion that regardless of sex or sexual orientation-it may not be the age of the other but the age of the self that is the key factor in a single `matching tactic' for stipulating age preferences in mates or partners.
Cosmic-Ray Propagation

Cosmic ray propagation, discussing interstellar matter effect on composition and diffusion effect necessary to study radiation models
Sexual Development and Mating Response of Laboratory-Reared and Native Mediterranean Fruit Flies,

In the laboratory, 100% of the laboratory-reared female Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) were mated by the 4th day postemergence, whereas only 65% of females of the native strain were mated 10 days postemergence. Also, in field cage tests, twice as many unirradiated laboratory-reared flies as native flies mated; however, when the laboratory flies were irradiated and dyed, mating response of the 2 strains did not differ. Mating of the unirradiated laboratory-reared flies peaked 1 h after sunrise; but mating of the irradiated laboratoryreared flies peaked later in the day, so their response was similar to that of the native flies.
History of tropospheric ozone for the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, 1963–1999

Abstract A historical database of hourly O3 concentrations for Crestline, California in 1963–1999 has been developed based on all relevant oxidant/ozone monitoring data taken since 1963. All data were obtained from the California Air Resources Board and the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service and have been standardized to be comparable to the current UV photometry calibration basis. A rigorous statistical analysis was performed to integrate these data with differing accuracies, reliabilities and representativeness of the study site into a temporally consistent research-quality data set for Crestline, California. Records of O3 monitoring on a long-term consistent basis provide much needed information to better understand the chronic effects of pollutants on sensitive species. The database provides valuable information on the changing ambient air quality conditions in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California due initially to increases in population and vehicle usage and subsequently due to decreases in O3 precursors from the implementation of more effective emission control strategies beginning in the late 1970s. An Excel spreadsheet containing the hourly O3 concentrations for Crestline in 1963–1999 can be accessed at http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/models.htm .
Palliative Benefit of External-Beam Radiation in the Management of Platinum Refractory Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma

In vitro studies and clinical experience have suggested that patients with platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian carcinoma exhibit cross-resistance to radiation. Salvage with radiation in these patients is rare. However, radiation is often utilized to palliate symptoms caused by these chemotherapy-resistant tumors. Forty-seven patients with platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian carcinoma were referred for palliative radiation and 33 (70%) were evaluable for response. One to four regimens of platinum-based chemotherapy (median 2.7) were given to each patient prior to radiation therapy. Of the 33 evaluable patients, 23 (69.7%) had a complete resolution of symptoms after radiation, 8 (24%) had a partial resolution, and 2 were unassessable because of unrelated medical complications. The median duration of response was 11 months (range 1-86) and closely approximated their survival. Thirteen of 33 patients (39%) obtained relief of symptoms for greater than 12 months, with 10 of 33 (30%) having symptoms controlled for 6 to 12 months. In only 10 patients (30%) was the duration of palliation less than or equal to 6 months. Four patients required reirradiation to the same area for recurrence of their symptom. External-beam radiation therapy can provide effective and durable palliation of symptoms in platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients.
Real time battery power capability estimation

Accurate battery power capability estimation is a key to battery life and performance in electric and hybrid vehicles. If power capability is predicted to be higher than actual, battery life is reduced and there is potential for vehicle shutdown. If power capability is predicted lower than actual, the customer may experience slower acceleration, lower top speed, and reduced usable electric drive range. In this paper an approach is proposed to estimate lithium-ion battery charge and discharge power capabilities online. First a simplified Randles circuit model is used to represent a battery cell. Then an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is constructed to estimate the model parameters and voltage across the RC network. Algorithms to calculate the charge and discharge power capabilities are presented. Both desktop simulation and pack level vehicle data are shown to support the correctness and accuracy of the proposed algorithms.
Maximizing Robot Production Rates for Simple Insertion Operations

Abstract In the application of a robot to any process requiring component insertions, one must consider the ability of the robot to attain consistent part insertions given its inherent variability and the dimensional tolerances of the mating components. For some combinations of robot repeatability and component tolerances, failure at insertion is expected to occur with frequencies that can be determined analytically. Given this condition, it is important to be able to determine the point at which the robot should cease attempting to insert a particular component or set of components, given a prior sequence of failed attempts. In this paper the structure of the problem is analyzed and formulas for determining stopping rules are derived. We focus on the case of chamferless insertions, where there are no lead-ins to assist in centering the part.
Transforming Out-of-School Challenges Into Opportunities: Community Schools Reform in the Urban Midwest

For more than three decades, community schools have aimed to improve education and neighborhood outcomes in low-income, urban communities of color. In this article, we position community schools as a place-based reform strategy that pushes back on top-down accountability systems. While most research on urban school reform focuses on improving in-school factors, this study shifts the research lens to out-of-school factors that shape low-income, urban school-community contexts. The purpose of this study is to examine the out-of-school challenges that instigated a neighborhood-driven community school implementation in a racially diverse and low- to working-class community in the urban Midwest. Drawing on interviews and archival data, critical urban theory is used to guide our analysis. This case study details the political and socioeconomic out-of-school forces that preceded a community schools implementation. In doing so, we consider how school leaders can confront out-of-school challenges across similar ur...
High glucose concentration in isotonic media alters Caco-2 cell permeability

Caco-2 cell permeability was evaluated in isotonic media containing high (25mM) or physiological (5.5mM) glucose concentrations. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and membrane fluidity were measured to assess glucose-induced alterations in physical barrier properties. In parallel, distribution of the actin filament (F-actin) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) proteins was assessed by confocal microscopy. Transepithelial fluxes of mannitol, hydrocortisone, digoxin, and glycyl sarcosine (Gly-Sar) that permeate the intestinal mucosa by various pathways were measured to quantify the effect of glucose-induced changes on Caco-2 cell permeability. High glucose decreased maximum TEER of cell monolayers by 47%, whereas membrane fluidity at the hydrophobic core and lipid/polar head interphase was significantly increased. F-actin distribution in high glucose cells appeared more diffuse while ZO-1 was unchanged. Mannitol and hydrocortisone fluxes across Caco-2 cells cultured in high glucose increased by 65% and 24%, respectively. In addition, high glucose decreased the maximum transport capacity (Vmax) of PepT-1. P-glycoprotein activity, however, was unchanged. In conclusion, high extracellular glucose concentration in isotonic media significantly alters physical barrier properties of Caco-2 cell monolayers, which predominantly affects transepithelial transport of solutes permeating the cell barrier by paracellular and transcellular passive diffusion and facilitated transport mediated by the proton-dependent oligopeptide transporter (PepT-1).
The role of banks in financial restructuring in countries of the former Soviet Union

Abstract The financial restructuring of enterprises is fundamental to the modernization of the economies of countries of the former Soviet union (FSU). If the models in the West presage the process that will be followed in FSU countries, and with the lack of alternative institutions for intermediation in channeling savings to corporate finance, banks will play a significant role in this process. Enterprise restructuring can proceed even before privatization as conditions evolve with some incentives of a private enterprise economy. As the role of banks changes from distribution of financing under a state plan to one of credit assessment, banks will have access to information concerning enterprises' financial conditions which will also enhance their ability to perform an investment banking function in restructuring. The most significant factor which will enable banks to lead restructurings is their position as the main creditors of large state enterprises, which will enable banks to gain increased authority in determining whether enterprises will be financially reorganized or will be liquidated in whole or in part. This will also raise the issue of potential undue concentration of economic power. The paper describes a typical restructuring transaction in the West, to determine whether similar transactions could be undertaken by banks in FSU countries, and examines in some detail the elements needed to be successful. Banks in FSU countries, as in the West, can arrange financing from different sources to try to ensure that there is an appropriate capital structure that will meet the new projected cash flow of the enterprise. Banks' activities in enterprise restructuring raise certain concerns for bank supervisors relating to conflicts of interest, asset quality, earnings, and liquidity. Since successful restructuring of enterprises is vital to the process of transition to a market economy, supervisors should ensure that the scarce budgetary resources available for this process are used in an optimal fashion.
Site and timing of synthesis of tubulin and other proteins during oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract Protein synthetic patterns during oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster were examined; in particular the site, time, and rate of tubulin synthesis and accumulation during oogenesis were determined. Ovarian proteins were labeled with [ 35 S]methionine in vivo or in organ culure in vitro , and the proteins synthesized in egg chambers of specific developmental stages displayed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A dissection technique was devised to examine proteins synthesized in each of the three cell types present in stage 10B egg chambers. The majority of proteins which were resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, including tubulin and actin, were synthesized throughout oogenesis and, at least to some extent, in each of the stage 10B cell types. Protein synthesis specific to developmental stage and/or cell type was also observed; for example, two nonchorion proteins were synthesized only in follicle cells and primarily at stage 10. A sensitive and specific radioimmune assay was developed in order to quantitate tubulin accumulation. Synthesis of several α-tubulin subunits and one β-tubulin subunit was observed. The tubulin content per egg chamber increased from 3 ng in stage 9 to 17 ng in stage 14, a period of about 13 hr. An accumulation rate of 1 ng/hr suggests that tubulin mRNA can account for about 4% of the total, nonmitochondrial, poly(A) + RNA of the egg. Analysis of separated cell types at stage 10B revealed that both the follicle and nurse cells synthesize and accumulate appreciable amounts of tubulin. The stage 10B oocyte contains relatively little tubulin but actively synthesizes it. These two complementary analyses demonstrate that the tubulin present in the egg is synthesized within the oocyte-nurse cell syncytium, first in the nurse cells and later in the oocyte.
Response to Comment by Destainville et al.

Identifying potential sources of artifactual anomalous diffusion is an important contribution, particularly in the case of transient anomalous subdiffusion. Martin et al. (1), for example, showed that noise in single-particle tracking (SPT) measurements can lead to a period of spurious anomalous subdiffusion. This work originated from experimental evidence of anomalous subdiffusion in a system for which diffusion ought to have been purely normal. In their Comment, Destainville et al. (2) point out that a period of spurious anomalous diffusion can result from the transition between two limiting cases, normal diffusion within a corral (or a cage in three dimensions) at short times, and normal hop diffusion among corrals at long times. (For a review of anomalous diffusion see Metzler and Klafter (3) and for a discussion in a biological context see Condamin et al. (4).)
Enamel Conditioning for Fluoride Treatments

One of the limiting factors of the fluoride-enamel reaction is the close proximity of the enamel crystals. We proposed to loosen the structure of enamel somewhat to cause a favorable reaction with fluoride. The final phase of the process, for which the name enamel conditioning is proposed, is the retightening of the enamel structure (triggered by fluoride ions) and the incorporation of fluoride into the enamel crystals.
Simultaneous Clustering and Visualization of Web Usage Data Using Swarm-Based Intelligence

In this paper, we use a flock of agent-based swarm intelligence approach for simultaneously clustering and visualizing high-dimensional Web usage data. Our approach is based on improvements that overcome several limitations of the FClust algorithm. Our proposed approach is a hybrid, combining the strengths of the spherical k-means algorithm for fast clustering of high-dimensional data sets in the original feature domain and the flock-based (FClust) algorithm which iteratively adjusts the position and speed of dynamic flocks of agents on a visualization plane. Our hybridization decreases the complexity of FClust from quadratic to linear, with further improvements in the cluster quality. Experiments on real data illustrate the workings of the hybrid algorithm and its advantages over its FClust baseline.
Diluents That Promote Demixing in Fluid Phospholipid Bilayers

The influence of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), and 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC) on the mixing behavior of phospholipids derived from 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DMPE) and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE) has been examined in the fluid bilayer state by means of nearest-neighbor recognition methods (Davidson, S. K. M.; Regen, S. L. Chem. Rev. 1997, 97, 1269). When disulfide-based dimers derived from DMPE and DSPE were allowed to undergo monomer exchange at 60 °C, in the presence of 50 mol % of DPPC, an equilibrium molar ratio of heterodimer to each homodimer was found to be 1.95 ± 0.07; with DMPC as the diluent, a small but significant level of nearest-neighbor recognition was observed (i.e., the dimer ratio was 1.86 ± 0.02). In sharp contrast, the use of DLPC resulted in a very strong demixing effect, which was characterized by a dimer ratio of 0.88 ± 0.04. The mechanist...
Ion channel characterization using single cell impedance spectroscopy

A micro electrical impedance spectroscopy system (microEIS) for single cell analysis has been developed and used to differentiate ion channel activities of bovine chromaffin cells. K+ and Ca2+ channels were blocked and their electrical impedances were measured over a frequency range of 100 Hz to 5.0 MHz and compared to that of unblocked chromaffin cells. When ion channels were blocked, an increase in magnitude and decrease in phase of the measured impedances were observed. This result demonstrates that ion channel activities can be distinguished using the developed microsystem and it is expected that this system can be used to provide positive/negative information of ion channel blockage in a high throughput screening setup.
Willing to Work: Agency and Vulnerability in an Undocumented Immigrant Network

ABSTRACT Restriction-oriented immigration policies and polarizing political debates have intensified the vulnerability of undocumented people in the United States, promoting their “willingness” to do low-wage, low-status work. In this article, I draw on ethnographic research with undocumented immigrants in Chicago to examine the everyday strategies that undocumented workers develop to mediate constraints and enhance their well-being. In particular, I explore how a cohort of undocumented Mexican immigrants cultivates a social identity as “hard workers” to promote their labor and bolster dignity and self-esteem. Much of the existing literature on unauthorized labor migration has focused on the structural conditions that encumber immigrants and constrain their opportunities. By shifting the focus to workers’ agency, I seek to complement these analyses and show how undocumented immigrants actively navigate the terrain of work and society in the United States.
Adolescent hamstring avulsions that simulate tumors

Hamstring injuries are common in athletes. Most of these injuries are diagnosed clinically and managed conservatively. Some patients, such as those with atypical clinical presentations or persistent pain, may be referred for imaging evaluation. In this subacute setting, studies obtained may have confusing features, and fractures may be mistaken for neoplasms.
SNAREing a new cause of neutropenia.

In this issue of Blood , Stepensky et al identify mutations of VPS45 as a new cause of congenital neutropenia and primary myelofibrosis.[1][1] ![Figure][2] Genetic causes of congenital neutropenia. Neutrophilic granulopoiesis occurs primarily in the bone marrow through the stepwise
Simultaneous abdominal aortic replacement and thoracic stent-graft placement for multilevel aortic disease

Abstract Purpose: Patients with aneurysmal disease involving both the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta have historically required simultaneous or sequential conventional operations, but the morbidity rate is high with either approach in these patients, who often exhibit coexisting cardiopulmonary disease. Transluminally placed endovascular grafts have recently been developed for repair of aortic aneurysms, and we have implemented these techniques to eliminate the need for a thoracotomy in patients with multilevel aortic disease. Methods: Since January 1994, 18 patients have undergone conventional abdominal aortic replacement with endovascular stent-graft placement into the descending thoracic aorta under fluoroscopic guidance through a 10 mm Dacron side limb off the abdominal graft. Abdominal aortic replacement required a tube graft in eight patients and bifurcated grafts in 10 patients. Thoracic stent-grafts (custom fabricated, woven Dacron covered, self-expandable stents) averaged 12.2 ± 4.2 cm (mean ± SD) in length. Results: One patient died, resulting in a hospital mortality rate of 6%. No patients required further surgical intervention to treat their aortic disease. Seventeen patients (94%) are currently well 14 ± 8 months after surgery (range, 3 to 29 months) with completely excluded thoracic aortic disease, no stent migration, and no change in stent configuration documented by serial radiologic examinations. Conclusions: Simultaneous abdominal aortic replacement and deployment of a thoracic stent-graft can safely exclude multilevel aortic aneurysmal disease and may be a valuable treatment option for these otherwise high-risk patients. (J Vasc Surg 1997;25:332-40.)
Coherent control of high- n Rydberg lifetimes using wavepacket technology

Abstract We describe a simple, experimentally feasible scheme for enhancing lifetimes of high- n Rydberg states. We propose a new control scheme, based upon a ‘wavepacket technology’ which uses time-dependent, crossed electric and magnetic fields. Model (hydrogenic) calculations illustrating the control over l and m quantum numbers are presented and experimental parameters are suggested. The effects of core multipole moments on the decay of the target state (high l , high m ) are discussed. Coherent lifetime enhancement should be applicable to small signal zero-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy experiments and to Rydberg photofragment translational energy spectroscopy.
Unprecedented crystallization and X-ray crystal structure of racemicN?-(t-butyloxycarbonyl)-L-L-phenylalanineN-methoxy-N-methylamide

Weinreb amide 3 was synthesized using isobutyl chloroformate, carbonyldiimidazole, or ethylcarbodiimide as the coupling agent in the reaction of Boc-phenylalanine with O,N-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride. An optically active oil was isolated along with an optically inactive solid irrespective of the type of coupling agent used. Single crystal X-ray analysis of the solid revealed that it is a racemate. The molecular packing of the crystals reflect the stability of the racemate as opposed to an enantiomerically pure solid.
Adaptive wavelet collocation method on the shallow water model

This paper presents an integrated approach for modeling several ocean test problems on adaptive grids using novel boundary techniques. The adaptive wavelet collocation method solves the governing equations on temporally and spatially varying meshes, which allows higher effective resolution to be obtained with less computational cost. It is a general method for the solving a large class of partial differential equations, but is applied to the shallow water equations here. In addition to developing wavelet-based computational models, this work also uses an extension of the Brinkman penalization method to represent irregular and non-uniform continental boundaries. This technique is used to enforce no slip boundary conditions through the addition of a term to the field equations. When coupled with the adaptive wavelet collocation method, the flow near the boundary can be well resolved. It is especially useful for simulations of boundary currents and tsunamis, where flow and the boundary is important, thus, those are the test cases presented here.
The effect of PEEP on lungmechanics and bloodgases in mechanically ventilated newborn infants

Because little is known about the effect of small PEEP changes on bloodgases and lungmechanics and its impact on respiratory care in the individual patient, we investigated the effect of PEEP of 2, 4 and 6 cm H2O on compliance of the respiratory system(Crs) and bloodgases in 17 mechanically ventilated neonates(GA 28-39 wks, BW 600-3400 g, mainly one day old). The PEEP levels were randomly altered after half an hour, keeping other variables constant. At each PEEP level compliance was measured as described by Simbruner G (J Pediatr 1986; 108:589) and pO2, pCO2 determined from an arterial blood sample. PEEP increased pO2 (10 mm Hg/cm H2O). In 11/17 patients a PEEP 2 yielded the highest, and in 8/17 PEEP of 6 cm H2O yielded the lowest Crs. At PEEP settings, yielding the highest Crs [optimal PEEP]. Crs was on the average 36% (in individuals up to 100%) higher and CO2 2 mm Hg (in individuals up to 10 mm Hg)lower compared to those PEEP levels, yielding the lowest Crs[worst PEEP]. We conclude that small PEEP changes can significantly influence Crs of individual patients. Setting optimal PEEP in individals would allow gas exchange at lower pressures without much decrease of pO2. In future Crs would have to be referred to the PEEP level at which it was measured.
Social Cognition and Writing Interpersonal Cognitive Complexity and Abstractness and the Quality of Students' Persuasive Writing

This study examines the relationship between two measures of individual differences in social cognition and the quality of eleventh grade students' persuasive writing. Subjects completed Crockett's Role Category Questionnaire, and wrote a persuasive letter in response to the problem, “Smoking and the School Nurse.” Letters were submitted to judges for impressionistic and attributional ratings. A content-analytic measure was applied to these 40 papers to yield a measure of the number and quality of persuasive strategies employed. Finally, the same papers were submitted to a second panel, who rated them for overall persuasiveness and appropriateness of tone. Results indicated a significant relationship between interpersonal cognitive complexity and abstractness and quality of writing, persuasiveness, appropriateness of tone, and level of persuasive strategy employed.
Principle Hessian Direction-Based Parameter Reduction for Interconnect Networks With Process Variation

As CMOS technology enters the nanometer regime, the increasing process variation is bringing manifest impact on circuit performance. To accurately consider both global and local process variations, a large number of random variables (or parameters) have to be incorporated into circuit models. This in turn raises the complexity of the circuit models. In this paper, we propose a principle Hessian direction-based parameter-reduction approach. This new approach relies on the impact of each parameter on circuit performance to decide whether keeping or reducing the parameter. Compared with the existing principle component analysis method, this performance based property provides us a significantly smaller set of parameters after reduction. The experimental results also support our conclusions. In interconnect cases, the proposed method reduces 70% of parameters. In some cases, for example, the mesh circuit in the current paper, the new approach leads to an 85% reduction. We also tested ISCAS benchmarks. In all cases, an average of 53% of reduction is observed with less than 3% error in the mean value and less than 8% error in the variation.
Note: On the anomalous behaviour of a class of locality statistics

A scan statistic methodology for detecting anomalies has been developed for application to graphs, where ''anomalies'' are equated with vertices that exhibit distinctive local connectivity properties. We present an ''anomaly graph'' construction that illustrates the capabilities of these scan statistics via the behaviour of their associated locality statistics on our anomaly graphs.
Use and abuse of retrograde pyelography

Abstract Retrograde pyelography to demonstrate the renal pelvis and ureters is a common urologic procedure. Newer contrast materials and better radiographic techniques have obviated many of the previous indications for retrograde studies. Eighty-five consecutive retrograde studies were independently reviewed by two urologists and a radiologist to determine if the studies were indicated, appropriately timed, informative, and complete. Our results indicate a high percentage of these examinations are incompletely performed and uninformative and could have been replaced by noninvasive studies. What constitutes a complete retrograde study and when to utilize this examination is discussed.
Impacts of an anti-androgen and an androgen/anti-androgen mixture on the metabolite profile of male fathead minnow urine.

Male and female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas, FHM) were exposed via water to 20 or 200 μg/L of cyproterone acetate (CA), a model androgen receptor (AR) antagonist. FHM were also exposed to 500 ng/L of 17β-trenbolone (TB), a model AR agonist, and to mixtures of TB with both concentrations of CA. The urine metabolite profile (as measured by 1H NMR spectroscopy) of male FHM exposed to the high concentration of CA was markedly different from that of controls, and this difference was less for males coexposed to the associated TB+CA mixture. The exposure to TB alone had almost no impact on the male urine profile. These results suggest that male FHM urinary metabolite profiling may be useful for directly detecting effects of anti-androgens. In contrast, the urinary profile of male FHM exposed to the lower concentration of CA was not very different from that of controls, but, unexpectedly, this difference was increased when coexposed to the associated TB+CA mixture. This suggests that TB with CA at the lo...
Subcortical projection of the magnocellular medial geniculate body of monkey.

Subcortical projection of the magnocellular medial geniculate body to the lateral segment of the globus pallidus is suggested on the basis of anatomical observations in six Macaca mulatta. In two, extensive decortication failed to produce complete degeneration of the magnocellular division of the nucleus, suggesting the existence of a subcortical projection as well. In four other monkeys, lesions in the globus pallidus produced varying degrees of nerve cell loss with associated gliosis in the magnocellular medial geniculate nucleus. The suggestion is offered that this nucleus is an area of thalamic representation of vestibular function which projects to globus pallidus and vestibular cortex.
The value of routine preoperative urologic evaluation in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Routine preoperative intravenous pyelography was performed in a series of 105 consecutive male patients with rectal or rectosigmoid carcinomas who were totally free of urinary symptoms. Abnormal findings were present in 26 percent of those patients. Postoperative intravenous pyelograms were performed in 61 patients. Twenty-one percent of patients with negative preoperative intravenous pyelograms and 42 percent of patients with positive preoperative intravenous pyelograms had abnormal findings in the postoperative intravenous pyelograms. Preoperative cystoscopy was performed in 52 patients. Thirtyone percent of patients with negative preoperative intravenous pyelograms and 76 percent of patients with positive preoperative intravenous pyelograms had abnormal cystoscopic findings. The overwhelming majority of cystoscopic findings in patients with negative preoperative intravenous pyelograms were not related to the primary tumor. The findings of this prospective study suggest that routine preoperative intravenous pyelography is indicated in patients with rectosigmoid or rectal tumors without symptoms related to the urinary tract. Postoperative intravenous pyelography is indicated only in patients with positive preoperative intravenous pyelograms. Preoperative cystoscopy is indicated when the preoperative intravenous pyelogram is positive and especially if intravenous pyelography findings are suggestive of bladder-wall defect or extrinsic pressure.
Influence of salinity and prey presence on the survival of aquatic macroinvertebrates of a freshwater marsh

Salinization of coastal freshwater environments is a global issue. Increased salinity from sea level rise, storm surges, or other mechanisms is common in coastal freshwater marshes of Louisiana, USA. The effects of salinity increases on aquatic macroinvertebrates in these systems have received little attention, despite the importance of aquatic macroinvertebrates for nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and as a food source for vertebrate species. We used microcosm experiments to evaluate the effects of salinity, duration of exposure, and prey availability on the relative survival of dominant aquatic macroinvertebrates (i.e., Procambarus clarkii Girard, Cambarellus puer Hobbs, Libellulidae, Dytiscidae cybister) in a freshwater marsh of southwestern Louisiana. We hypothesized that increased salinity, absence of prey, and increased duration of exposure would decrease survival of aquatic macroinvertebrates and that crustaceans would have higher survival than aquatic insect taxon. Our first hypothesis was only partially supported as only salinity increases combined with prolonged exposure duration affected aquatic macroinvertebrate survival. Furthermore, crustaceans had higher survival than aquatic insects. Salinity stress may cause mortality when acting together with other stressful conditions.
Ca2+ Signaling in Microdomains Homer1 MEDIATES THE INTERACTION BETWEEN RyR2 AND Cav1.2 TO REGULATE EXCITATION-CONTRACTION COUPLING

Abstract Excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling and Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release in smooth and cardiac muscles is mediated by the L-type Ca2+ channel isoform Cav1.2 and the ryanodine receptor isoform RyR2. Although physical coupling between Cav1.1 and RyR1 in skeletal muscle is well established, it is generally assumed that Cav1.2 and RyR2 do not directly communicate either passively or dynamically during E-C coupling. In the present work, we re-examined this assumption by studying E-C coupling in the detrusor muscle of wild type and Homer1-/- mice and by demonstrating a Homer1-mediated dynamic interaction between Cav1.2 and RyR2 using the split green fluorescent protein technique. Deletion of Homer1 in mice (but not of Homer2 or Homer3) resulted in impaired urinary bladder function, which was associated with higher sensitivity of the detrusor muscle to muscarinic stimulation and membrane depolarization. This was not due to an altered expression or function of RyR2 and Cav1.2. Most notably, expression of Cav1.2 and RyR2 tagged with the complementary C- and N-terminal halves of green fluorescent protein and in the presence and absence of Homer1 isoforms revealed that H1a and H1b/c reciprocally modulates a dynamic interaction between Cav1.2 and RyR2 to regulate the intensity of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release and its dependence on membrane depolarization. These findings define the molecular basis of a “two-state” model of E-C coupling by Cav1.2 and RyR2. In one state, Cav1.2 couples to RyR2 by H1b/c, which results in reduced responsiveness to membrane depolarization and in the other state H1a uncouples Cav1.2 and RyR2 to enhance responsiveness to membrane depolarization. These findings reveal an unexpected and novel mode of interaction and communication between Cav1.2 and RyR2 with important implications for the regulation of smooth and possibly cardiac muscle E-C coupling.