cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Renal parenchymal damage in sibling vesicoureteric reflux.

Aim: To compare the incidence of renal damage in siblings of patients with vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) who presented with a documented history of urinary tract infection (UTI) with asymptomatic siblings who were diagnosed with reflux during a screening programme for hereditary VUR. Methods: Medical and radiological records of the VUR patients (1990–2000) were examined for age, gender, mode of presentation, reflux grade and renal damage. Results: VUR was noted in 226 siblings (352 ureters) in 107 families. Of the 119 siblings of index patients, 64 were investigated for a documented UTI and 55 with no history of UTI were detected during screening for sibling reflux. Dimercaptosuccinic acid scan revealed reflux nephropathy in 25 (26%) of the 97 renal refluxing units (RRU) of siblings who presented with a UTI and in 6 (7%) of the 89 RRU of asymptomatic siblings who underwent screening voiding cystourethrography (p= 0.0006). Mild renal damage was present in 20 (21%) RRU of siblings with UTI and in 2 (2%) RRU of the screened siblings (p 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the incidence of mild renal scarring was much higher in siblings who presented with UTI than in asymptomatic siblings. However, the incidence of moderate and severe renal scarring among asymptomatic siblings was comparable to that in siblings with VUR and UTI.
Thiopurine methyltransferase regulation in rat kidney: immunoprecipitation studies.

1. Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) catalyses the S-methylation of thiopurine drugs. TPMT activity in the kidneys of male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats is approximately twice that present in the kidneys of female S-D rats, and this difference is testosterone-dependent. Renal TPMT activities in these animals also increase dramatically during growth and development.2. Our studies were conducted to determine whether variations in TPMT activity in the S-D rat kidney were due to differences in the quantity of TPMT protein. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies to partially purified rat kidney TPMT were used to develop an immunoprecipitation assay for immunoreactive TPMT protein.3. Gender-related differences in renal TPMT activities in S-D rats were due to a lower content of immunoreactive TPMT protein in kidneys of female animals. TPMT enzyme activities and immunoreactive protein levels were also directly correlated in renal preparations from castrated and sham-operated male rats, from testosterone-treated castrated and...
Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy–Based Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Medically Inoperable Early-Stage Lung Cancer: Excellent Local Control

Purpose To validate the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) beams for medically inoperable Stage I lung cancer. Methods and Materials From February 2004 to November 2006, a total of 26 patients with 28 lesions received SBRT using a Novalis/BrainLAB system. Immobilization involved a Bodyfix vacuum cushion. A weighted abdominal belt limited respiratory excursion. Computed tomographic simulation images were acquired at rest, full inhalation, and full exhalation and were merged to generate an internal gross tumor volume (ITV). Dose was prescribed to cover the planning target volume (PTV), defined as PTV = ITV + 3-5 mm set-up margin. Heterogeneity corrections were used. Delivery of 50 Gy in five sequential fractions typically used seven nonopposing, noncoplanar beams. Image-guided target verification was provided by BrainLAB-ExacTrac. Results Among the 26 patients, the mean age was 74 years (range, 49–88 years). Of the patients, 50% were male and 50% female. The median Karnofsky performance status was 70 (range, 40–100). The median follow-up was 30.9 months (range, 10.4–51.4 months). Tissue diagnosis was contraindicated in seven patients (26.9%). There were 22 T1 (78.6%) and six T2 (21.4%) tumors. The median conformality index was 1.38 (range, 1.12–1.8). The median heterogeneity index was 1.08 (range, 1.04–1.2). One patient (3.6%) developed acute Grade 3 dyspnea and one patient developed late Grade 2 chest wall pain. Actuarial local control and overall survival at 3 years were 94.4% and 52%, respectively. Conclusions Use of IMRT-based delivery of SBRT using restriction of tumor motion in medically inoperable lung cancer demonstrates excellent local control and favorable survival.
SU-GG-J-156: Optimizing a 3-Stage Compton Camera for Imaging Prompt Gammas during Proton Irradiation

Purpose: Due to the intrinsic range uncertainties in proton therapy and its potential impact on the dose delivery, secondary prompt gamma ray emitted during proton treatment delivery is being explored as a dose verification tool. In this work, we investigate the use of a 3‐stage Compton camera to measure secondary prompt gamma emission. The purpose of this study was: (1) to develop an optimal 3‐stage Compton camera specifically designed to measure prompt gamma rays from tissue and (2) to determine the feasibility of using this 3‐stage Compton camera to measure and image prompt gammas emitted from irradiated tissues during proton beam irradiation. Method and Materials: The 3‐stage Compton camera was modeled in Geant4 as three high‐purity germaniumdetectors arranged in parallel‐plane geometry. Initially, an isotropic gamma source ranging from 0.1 to 15 MeV was used to determine the detector dimensions (width and thickness) that provided the optimal detection efficiency. Then, the gamma source was replaced by a proton beam irradiating a tissue phantom to calculate the overall efficiency of the optimized camera during proton beam irradiation. Results: Using the isotropic gamma source, the optimal dimensions chosen for the 3‐stage Compton camera were 3 cm thick by 10 cm wide for the first detector, 3 cm thick by 10 cm wide for the second, and 10 cm thick by 10 cm wide for the third. The overall efficiency of the 3‐stage Compton camera varied from 2.4 to 10.5 × 10−6 prompt gammas detected per starting proton over the range of proton energies. Conclusion: Based on the overall efficiency results and the typical number of protons emitted during a treatment (about 1 × 1011protons), the 3‐stage Compton camera should detect a sufficient number of prompt gammas to allow for image reconstruction of the dose deposition within the tissue phantom.
Genes and proteins of Escherichia coli K-12.

GenProtEC is a database of Escherichia coli genes and their gene products, classified by type of function and physiological role and with citations to the literature for each. Also present are data on sequence similarities among E.coli proteins, representing groups of paralogous genes, with PAM values, percent identity of amino acids, length of alignment and percent aligned. GenProtEC can be accessed at the URL http://www.mbl.edu/html/ecoli.html
The limitations of planning : The importance of learning

The ability to create new knowledge is a key to success. This paper explores two facets of the process of knowledge creation and their impact on project outcomes. The first deals with knowledge that is related to learning about the project. It is associated with the arrangement of the planning process, the characteristics of the project, and the behaviors of the project participants. The second type of knowledge creation deals with the project participants' learning about each other. It examines the activities and behaviors that take place early in the project and their affect on the activities that take place during the project. The results raise some provocative questions related to the efficacy of planning. The ability to manage change on an ongoing basis rather than the ability to plan appears to be the key to project management success. The results also suggest that the conditions necessary to manage change evolve over the duration of the project. The planning activities that occur early in the project are important in determining the path of evolution.
Fluoridation of drinking water reduces caries prevalence

Objective To determine the effects of fluoridation of drinking water supplies on the incidence of caries. Data sources See page 37. Study selection See page 37. Data extraction and synthesis See page 37. Results Twenty-six studies met the criteria. There were no level ‘A’ studies. All but three were before and after studies, two used prospective cohort designs, and one a retrospective cohort. The most serious defect of these studies was the lack of appropriate analysis. The degree of caries reduction is not clear from the data available. It was estimated that a median of six people need to receive fluoridated water for one extra person to be caries-free [interquartile range of study number-needed-to-treat (NNT), 49]. Studies after withdrawal of water fluoridation (level ‘B’ and limited quantity) indicate that caries prevalence increased, approaching the level of the low fluoride group. The estimates of effect could be biased due to poor adjustment for the effects of potential confounding factors. Conclusions The best available evidence suggests that fluoridation of drinking-water supplies does reduce caries prevalence, both as measured by the proportion of children who are caries-free and by the mean change in dmft/DMFT score. The studies were of moderate quality (level B), but of limited quantity. McDonagh M, Whiting P, Bradley M, Cooper J, Sutton A, Chestnutt I, et al. A Systematic Review of Public Water Fluoridation, September 2000. York: University of York Publications Office, NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. ISBN 1 900640 16 3
Chemical Characterization and Sorption Capacity Measurements of Degraded Newsprint from a Landfill

Newsprint samples collected from 12-16 ft (top layer (TNP)), 20-24 ft (middle layer (MNP)), and 32-36 ft (bottom layer (BNP)) below the surface of the Norman Landfill (NLF) were characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, cross-polarization, magic-angle spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (CP-MAS 13C NMR) spectroscopy, and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) thermochemolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The extent of NLF newsprint degradation was evaluated by comparing the chemical composition of NLF newsprint to that of fresh newsprint (FNP) and newsprint degraded in the laboratory under methanogenic conditions (DNP). The O-alkyl/alkyl, cellulose/lignin, and lignin/resin acid ratios showed that BNP was the most degraded, and that all three NLF newsprint samples were more degraded than DNP. 13C NMR and TMAH thermochemolysis data demonstrated selective enrichment of lignin over cellulose, and TMAH thermochemolysis further exhibited selective enrichment of resin acids over lignin. In addition, the crystallinity of cellulose in NLF newsprint samples was significantly lower relative to that of FNP and DNP as shown by 13C NMR spectra. The yield of lignin monomers from TMAH thermochemolysis suggested that hydroxyl groups were removed from the propyl side chain of lignin during the anaerobic decomposition of newsprint in the NLF. Moreover, the vanillyl acid/aldehyde ratio, which successfully describes aerobic lignin degradation, was not a good indicator of the anaerobic degradation of lignin on the basis of the TMAH data. The toluene sorption capacity increased as the degree of newsprint degradation increased or as the O-alkyl/alkyl ratio of newsprint decreased. The results of this study further verified that the sorbent O-alkyl/ alkyl ratio is useful for predicting sorption capacities of natural organic materials for hydrophobic organic contaminants.
Regulation of CDX4 gene transcription by HoxA9, HoxA10, the Mll-Ell oncogene and Shp2 during leukemogenesis

Cdx and Hox proteins are homeodomain transcription factors that regulate hematopoiesis. Transcription of the HOX and CDX genes decreases during normal myelopoiesis, but is aberrantly sustained in leukemias with translocation or partial tandem duplication of the MLL1 gene. Cdx4 activates transcription of the HOXA9 and HOXA10 genes, and HoxA10 activates CDX4 transcription. The events that break this feedback loop, permitting a decreased Cdx4 expression during normal myelopoiesis, were previously undefined. In the current study, we find that HoxA9 represses CDX4 transcription in differentiating myeloid cells, antagonizing activation by HoxA10. We determine that tyrosine phosphorylation of HoxA10 impairs transcriptional activation of CDX4, but tyrosine phosphorylation of HoxA9 facilitates repression of this gene. As HoxA9 and HoxA10 are phosphorylated during myelopoiesis, this provides a mechanism for differentiation stage-specific Cdx4 expression. HoxA9 and HoxA10 are increased in cells expressing Mll-Ell, a leukemia-associated MLL1 fusion protein. We find that Mll-Ell induces a HoxA10-dependent increase in Cdx4 expression in myeloid progenitor cells. However, Cdx4 decreases in a HoxA9-dependent manner on exposure of Mll-Ell-expressing cells to differentiating cytokines. Leukemia-associated, constitutively active mutants of Shp2 block cytokine-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of HoxA9 and HoxA10. In comparison with myeloid progenitor cells that are expressing Mll-Ell alone, we find increased CDX4 transcription and Cdx4 expression in cells co-expressing Mll-Ell plus constitutively active Shp2. Increased Cdx4 expression is sustained on exposure of these cells to differentiating cytokines. Our results identify a mechanism for increased and sustained CDX4 transcription in leukemias co-overexpressing HoxA9 and HoxA10 in combination with constitutive activation of Shp2. This is clinically relevant, because MLL1 translocations and constitutive Shp2 activation co-exist in human myeloid leukemias.
The effect of electrolyte‐controlled growth morphology on the charge transport properties of poly(3‐methylthiophene)

Poly(3-methylthiophene) films were potentiostatically and galvanostatically synthesized on platinum electrodes in acetonitrile using lithium perchlorate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate, and tetra-n-butylammonium tetrafluoroborate as supporting electrolytes. Cyclic voltammetric analyses of the polymer films indicate the synthesis is polymerization process dependent. Constant potential syntheses, which resulted in a higher current density and were carried out at higher potentials, yielded polymer films with a higher charge capacity. Chronocoulometric results show that the charge transport rates of the films were electrolyte dependent and that tetra-n-butylammonium tetrafluoroborate yielded poly(3-methyl-thiophene) with the highest charge transport rate. The charge transport rate was found to be electric field dependent for all cases, suggesting that the films resemble a porous electrode. Scanning electron microscope analyses of the films, prepared under various conditions, indicate that the synthesis method used, and the nature of the electrolyte, strongly influence morphology and charge transport.
The Pragmatic Basis of Catalog Codes: Has the User Been Ignored?

This article discusses the major catalog codes published in the United States and Great Britain since 1841. The main point made is that, although a number of the authors of these codes had the catalog user in mind when creating their codes, not one of the codes was significantly influenced by the findings of empirical investigations of user needs. The article concludes with the idea that authors of future codes should consider taking into account the research findings of catalog use studies when creating their codes.
Changes in Blood Glucose, Nonesterified Fatty Acids, and Ketones in Response to Weaning and Feed Intake in Young Calves

Effects of weaning age on blood glucose, ketones, and nonesterified fatty acids were examined using 16 Holstein heifer calves. Animals entered the study at 6 +/- 3.5 d of age and were fed 1.8 kg of milk twice daily to 28 (early weaning) or 56 d (late weaning) and a commercial pelleted calf starter from 0 (early) or 28 d (late). Blood was sampled once weekly for 14 wk and analyzed for beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate. Plasma was analyzed for glucose and nonesterified fatty acids. Blood beta-hydroxybutyrate increased with increasing grain intake and was greater during wk 0 to 4 and 5 to 8 in calves weaned early than in those weaned late. Blood acetoacetate followed trends similar to beta-hydroxybutyrate and averaged 23.8 and 16.1 microM in calves weaned early and late, respectively. Plasma glucose and nonesterified fatty acids declined with age and were lower during 5 to 8 wk in calves weaned early. Data suggest that ketone concentrations resulted from alimentary ketogenesis, which increased rapidly after weaning.
Structure/function analysis of the integrin beta 1 subunit by epitope mapping

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been produced against the chicken beta 1 subunit that affect integrin functions, including ligand binding, alpha subunit association, and regulation of ligand specificity. Epitope mapping of these antibodies was used to identify regions of the subunit involved in these functions. To accomplish this, we produced mouse/chicken chimeric beta 1 subunits and expressed them in mouse 3T3 cells. These chimeric subunits were fully functional with respect to heterodimer formation, cell surface expression, and cell adhesion. They differed in their ability to react with a panel anti-chicken beta 1 mAbs. Epitopes were identified by a loss of antibody binding upon substitution of regions of the chicken beta 1 subunit by homologous regions of the mouse beta 1 subunit. The identification of the epitope was confirmed by a reciprocal exchange of chicken and mouse beta 1 domains that resulted in the gain of the ability of the mouse subunit to interact with a particular anti-chicken beta 1 mAb. Using this approach, we found that the epitopes for one set of antibodies that block ligand binding mapped toward the amino terminal region of the beta 1 subunit. This region is homologous to a portion of the ligand-binding domain of the beta 3 subunit. In addition, a second set of antibodies that either block ligand binding, alter ligand specificity, or induce alpha/beta subunit dissociation mapped to the cysteine rich repeats near the transmembrane domain of the molecule. These data are consistent with a model in which a portion of beta 1 ligand binding domain rests within the amino terminal 200 amino acids and a regulatory domain, that affects ligand binding through secondary changes in the structure of the molecule resides in a region of the subunit, possibly including the cysteine-rich repeats, nearer the transmembrane domain. The data also suggest the possibility that the alpha subunit may exert an influence on ligand specificity by interacting with this regulatory domain of the beta 1 subunit.
ZEUS: A Submillimeter Grating Spectrometer for Exploring Distant Galaxies

The redshift (Z) and of Early Universe Spectrometer (ZEUS) is a long slit echelle grating spectrometer that we are constructing for use in the submillimeter (350μm, 450μm, and 610μm) windows on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). ZEUS has a resolving power of R≡λ/ΔΛ~1000, optimized for detecting broad, faint lines from extragalactic sources. The detector is a 16×32 pixel array of pop-up bolometers equipped with superconducting transition edge sensors linked into a SQUID multiplexed readout. This array should provide the requisite sensitivity at ~300mK, a temperature easily achieved using a two stage 3He refrigerator. ZEUS is optimized to quickly obtain spectra of point sources over very broad bands in the submillimeter windows. In the 350μm window, ZEUS will provide an instantaneous 27 resolution element spectrum, for each of 16 spatial elements on the sky. The roughly 10% bandwidth 350μm window can therefore be covered with just four settings of the grating. Each pixel is mapped into 5" on the sky (roughly 1•λ/D at 350 μm), so that the field of view is 5"×80". At 610μm, the slit is opened to 12" (2.4 pixels) resulting in a resolving power of around 500. ZEUS can quickly change wavelength or telluric window, adapting well to the demanding weather conditions in the short submillimeter windows. To minimize the effects of stray background radiation, two cold cut-on filters are used, together with 300mK band pass filters mounted on a filter wheel. This filter train fully sorts the echelle grating order, blocking unwanted radiation, but with high submillimeter band transmission. The expected point source sensitivities for 370μm, 444μm, and 610μm are 2.7×1017 W m-2Hz-1/2, 1.2×10-17 W m-2Hz-1/2, and 1.6×10-17W m-2Hz-1/2, respectively. Our primary scientific objectives are to (1) Investigate Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxies (ULIGs) via their (CI) and mid-J CO line emission-what are the origins of their tremendous infrared (IR) luminosities? Why are some ULIGs weak in the 158 μm (CII) line? (2) Probe star formation in the early Universe using highly redshifted far-IR fine-structure line emission-especially that of the 158 μm (CII) line. How strong are starbursts in the early Universe? and (3) Provide redshifts for all 850 μm SCUBA sources, providing source distance, luminosity, and number counts as a function of z. What is the evolutionary history of starformation in the early Universe?
Testing in a Traditional General Chemistry Course

Testing and assessments in a traditional general chemistry course are discussed. Effective student learning depends on instruction that assesses student conceptual understanding in addition to the content and applications that are often used to demonstrate the idea. Instructors are encouraged to evaluate the breadth of student learning.
A learning impairment associated with maternal hypervitaminosis-A in rats.

Abstract Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received vitamin A (100, 000) i.u./kg) on the 8th, 9th and 10th day of gestation. When tested at 50 days of age, the maze learning performance of the offspring of dams receiving vitamin A was significantly poorer than that of controls (p
Statistical Learning in Chip (SLIC)

Despite best efforts, integrated systems are "born" (manufactured) with a unique `personality' that stems from our inability to precisely fabricate their underlying circuits, and create software a priori for controlling the resulting uncertainty. It is possible to use sophisticated test methods to identify the best-performing systems but this would result in unacceptable yields and correspondingly high costs. The system personality is further shaped by its environment (e.g., temperature, noise and supply voltage) and usage (i.e., the frequency and type of applications executed), and since both can fluctuate over time, so can the system's personality. Systems also "grow old" and degrade due to various wear-out mechanisms (e.g., negative-bias temperature instability), and unexpectedly due to various early-life failure sources. These "nature and nurture" influences make it extremely difficult to design a system that will operate optimally for all possible personalities. To address this challenge, we propose to develop statistical learning in-chip (SLIC). SLIC is a holistic approach to integrated system design based on continuously learning key personality traits on-line, for self-evolving a system to a state that optimizes performance hierarchically across the circuit, platform, and application levels. SLIC will not only optimize integrated-system performance but also reduce costs through yield enhancement since systems that would have before been deemed to have weak personalities (unreliable, faulty, etc.) can now be recovered through the use of SLIC.
The vitality model: A way to understand population survival and demographic heterogeneity

A four-parameter model describing mortality as the first passage of an abstract measure of survival capacity, vitality, is developed and used to explore four classic problems in demography: (1) medfly demographic paradox, (2) effect of diet restriction on longevity, (3) cross-life stage effects on survival curves and (4) mortality plateaus. The model quantifies the sources of mortality in these classical problems into vitality-dependent and independent parts, and characterizes the vitality-dependent part in terms of initial and evolving heterogeneities. Three temporal scales express the balance of these factors: a time scale of death from senescence, a time scale of accidental mortality and a crossover time between evolving vs. initial heterogeneity. The examples demonstrate how the first-passage approach provides a unique and informative perspective into the processes that shape the survival curves of populations.
Computational criterion for application of the characteristic effective medium approximation to ultrathin Co–Au multi-bilayer structures

Abstract The basic optical properties, reflectivity and transmissivity, of three sets of Co–Au bilayer structures are calculated for normal incidence in the wavelength range 300–700 nm. Each set consists of a total number of bilayer identity periods m =1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The thickness of the bilayer in each set is 5, 7, and 9 nm. The composition of the bilayer is kept fixed: 40% Co and 60% Au. The calculations are done for ideal layered Co–Au stacks using the characteristic matrix technique. Calculations for each stack based on the thicknesses of the two composite layers and their optical constants are contrasted against calculations using the characteristic effective medium approximation, CEMA. A third calculation of the optical properties for each stack is performed, again using the CEMA, but when the whole stack, called the effective stack, ES, is treated as one uniform medium of effective optical constants. The comparison of the three sets of calculations for all sets is intended to shed more light onto the validity of the CEMA approximation that has been established for thin bilayer structures whose constituents have thicknesses much less than the wavelength of the incident radiation. The study establishes a limit based on the product of the number of layers m and the identity period of the stack h , beyond which the CEMA approximation cannot be applied. This limit is consistent with a previous study carried out on Ag–SiO ultrathin stacks.
Heavy metal and selenium levels in Franklin's Gull (Larus pipixcan) parents and their eggs

Lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, selenium, and manganese concentrations were measured in the breast feathers of 25 pairs of Franklin's Gull (Larus Pipixcan) and in their eggs from a breeding colony at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Northwestern Minnesota. Metal concentrations in eggs represent metals sequestered in the egg by females at the time of egg formation; while metal concentrations in parents represent concentrations of metals in blood supply at the time of feather formation. There were no significant sexual differences in metal concentrations in feathers, assuming the male to be larger of each pair, but there were significant differences between the concentrations of metals in parents and their eggs. Eggs had significantly higher concentrations of selenium and chromium, but significantly lower concentrations of all other metals than the feathers of their parents. There were few significant correlations among metal concentrations within the egg or within the feather of females, but there were correlations for the feathers of males. Lead and cadmium in feathers were positively correlated for both males and females. Chromium concentrations in eggs were generally higher than reported in the literature. The concentrations in eggs and the feathers of females were positively correlated for mercury, and negatively correlated for chromium and manganese.
ATP and Adenosine Cause Pulmonary Vasodilation by Stimulation of Different K+ Channels in Fetal Lambs. 133

ATP and Adenosine Cause Pulmonary Vasodilation by Stimulation of Different K + Channels in Fetal Lambs. 133
Mapping Growth of an Emerging Technology: A Case Study of Flexible Electronics

Technological innovation is viewed as one of the main economic multipliers. In high-technology sectors, with intense competition and short product life cycles, failure to detect an emerging technology could be devastating to both incumbent technology pursuers and innovators. Firms typically employ methods such as a Delphi method, Technology growth curves or technology road-mapping methods to identify and forecast growth. Some of these methods are based on a life cycle approach where a technology is expected to follow an S-curve and then become obsolete in due time, which is analogous to market diffusion of products. In the case of emerging technologies, forecasting methods are not always reliable due to lack of historical data. Hence, both qualitative and quantitative methods are employed to forecast; however, there are risks associated with both of these methods. A general consensus in technology forecasting community is to apply multiple methods for forecasting. In the last few decades there has been explosion of new technologies, especially in the high-technology sector of electronics. Several new applications such as Large Area Displays (several square feet in area), low cost electronics (e.g. RFID tags being manufactured for pennies or cents per unit) and body conformable electronic applications are a few of a long and growing list. The aforementioned applications could broadly be categorized to form a new and emerging field of electronics called flexible electronics. These applications utilize the rugged lightweight plastics to potentially offer attractive characteristics such as low-cost processing, mechanical flexibility, large area coverage, etc. these characteristics are not easily implemented with established silicon technologies. This research analyzes flexible electronics technology by first identifying a few key innovations. Patent and publications data are collected and technology growth curves based on the indicators would be generated, and compared with those of incumbent technology innovations, to assess technology growth potential. Based on the study, technology adoption strategies would also be recommended by which business leaders could anticipate and plan for the effects of these innovations.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Recognition of waterborne micro-organisms by their motion characteristics using an IMM estimator

ABSTRACT Traditional techniques of microbial density estimation involve analysis of microbes from still images of water samples. However, microorganisms are non-rigid objects that swim in polluted water and are surrounded by static clutter and debris. Many of these microorganisms have unique motion characteristics and this paper proposes a technique for microorganisms classification based on their motion characteristics. Motion detection is carried out on pre-processed image sequences obtained from a microscope mounted CCD camera. A block matching technique in the frequency domain is proposed which can detect microorganism motion by using the phase shift property of the Discrete Hartley Transform (DHT). Position estimation of multiple objects can be performed using this technique. Tracking of the various microorganisms is achieved using the Interacting Multiple Models (IMM). The position estimates and the model mixing properties are used as an input to the IMM tracker. Three models are used to define the motion characteristics of the various types of microorganisms. Multiple microorganisms can be tracked using this technique, and is more reliable in recognition of the track characteristics than using a bank of non-interacting single model-based filters. The track characteristic and the mode probabilities are unique properties of a particular organism. The track data obtained from the IMM and the mixing probabilities of the various models used in the track are used as a feature set. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is used for feature extraction. Classification is to be carried out using the Hidden Markov Models (HMM). The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated using simulated image sequences and actual images obtained from the field. Keywords: Discrete Hartley Transform (DHT), Interactive Multiple Models (IMM), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hidden Markov Models (HMM).
Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes Using Atomic Hydrogen from a Glow Discharge

We have functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with atomic hydrogen generated in a cold plasma. A band at 2924 cm-1 (3.4 μm), characteristic of the C−H stretching mode, is observed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Additional confirmation of functionalization is provided by irradiating with atomic deuterium. A band in the region 1940 cm-1 (5.2 μm) to 2450 cm-1 (4.1 μm) corresponding to the C−D stretching mode is confirmed and another weak band in the region 1050 cm-1 (9.5 μm) to 1300 cm-1 (7.7 μm) corresponding to C−D bending mode is also seen. Our approach using a glow discharge provides a clean gas-phase process to functionalize SWNTs for further application development.
Hospice program integration: an issue for policymakers.

Abstract As the number of hospice programs in the United States expands, policymakers face a variety of issues concerning the care of the terminally ill. Do hospice programs offer a truly unique approach in caring for the dying? Are hospice services cost effective? Should hospice programs become integrated into the mainstream of medical care service delivery? Based on data from hospice programs in an industrialized Midwestern state, this paper explores the strategies employed by hospice programs to become integrated, the conflicts that have arisen among providers of hospice care, and the impact of hospice program integration on patient care. Results show that as hospice programs become more integrated, they have lost some of the idealism on which they were founded, have altered organizational structures, and have changed certain patient services. However, there is no evidence to suggest that integration of hospice programs into the medical mainstream has decreased the quality of patient care or patient sa...
Portomesenteric venous thrombosis after laparoscopic surgery: a systematic literature review.

Background Portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PVT) is an uncommon but potentially lethal condition reported after several laparoscopic procedures. Its presentation, treatment, and outcomes remain poorly understood, and possible etiologic factors include venous stasis from increased intra-abdominal pressure, intraoperative manipulation, or damage to the splanchnic endothelium and systemic thrombophilic states. Design Systematic literature review. Setting Academic research. Subjects We summarized the clinical presentation and outcomes of PVT after laparoscopic surgery other than splenectomy in 18 subjects and reviewed the treatment strategies. Main Outcome Measures Systematic review of the literature on PVT after laparoscopic procedures other than splenectomy. Results Eighteen cases of PVT following laparoscopic procedures were identified after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 7), Nissen fundoplication (n = 5), partial colectomy (n = 3), cholecystectomy (n = 2), and appendectomy (n = 1). The mean patient age was 42 years (age range, 20-74 years). Systemic predispositions toward venous thrombosis were identified in 11 patients. Clinical symptoms consisted primarily of abdominal pain manifested, on average, 14 days (range, 3-42 days) after surgery. Thrombus location varied, but 8 patients had a combination of portal and superior mesenteric venous thrombosis. Sixteen patients were treated with anticoagulation therapy. Ten patients underwent major interventions, including exploratory laparotomy in 6 patients and thrombolytic therapy in 4 patients. Six patients had complications, and 2 patients died. Conclusions Portomesenteric venous thrombosis following laparoscopic surgery usually manifests as nonspecific abdominal pain. Computed tomography can readily provide the diagnosis and demonstrate the extent of the disease. Treatment should be individualized based on the extent of thrombosis and the presence of bowel ischemia but should include anticoagulation therapy. Venous stasis from increased intra-abdominal pressure, intraoperative manipulation of splanchnic vasculature, and systemic thrombophilic states likely converges to produce this potentially lethal condition.
Membrane fusion correlates with surface charge in exocytic vesicles.

Stimulation of gastric parietal cells results in exocytic recruitment of the proton pump (H+,K+-ATPase) from a pool of intracellular membranes (tubulovesicles) to the apical plasma membrane. We hav...
Influence of Assimilating Surface Observations on Numerical Prediction of Landfalls of Hurricane Katrina (2005) with an Ensemble Kalman Filter

AbstractA series of numerical experiments are conducted to examine the impact of surface observations on the prediction of landfalls of Hurricane Katrina (2005), one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history. A specific initial time (0000 UTC 25 August 2005), which led to poor prediction of Hurricane Katrina in several previous studies, is selected to begin data assimilation experiments. Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) ocean surface wind vectors and surface mesonet observations are assimilated with the minimum central sea level pressure and conventional observations from NCEP into an Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) using an ensemble Kalman filter method. Impacts of data assimilation on the analyses and forecasts of Katrina’s track, landfalling time and location, intensity, structure, and rainfall are evaluated. It is found that the assimilation of QuikSCAT and mesonet surface observations can improve prediction of the hurricane track and structure through modi...
Semi-automated serious educational game generation: A component-based game engineering approach

The use of serious educational games has many advantages, offering immersive, engaging and fun environments that require deep thinking and complex problem solving within a construct of overcoming obstacles and challenges. Developing new games, however, to support broad and rapidly evolving disciplines has remained time consuming, expensive, and requiring the expertise of game designers, software developers, software engineering educators, and players. Here, we introduce a semi-automated component-based engineering approach for generating serious educational games, which enables educators to rapidly and independently develop their own games across diverse educational topics. The game components are presented in this paper using a simplified example game on basic algebra for illustration.
Incorporating hypertensive patient education on salt intake into an introductory pharmacy practice experience.

Objective. To evaluate the impact of the Salt Education Program for hypertensive adults on student pharmacists' knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes regarding sodium consumption. Design. As part of the introductory pharmacy practice experience program in community pharmacies, student pharmacists assessed patients' sodium intake knowledge and behaviors, taught them how to read nutrition labels, and obtained information about their hypertensive conditions. Students completed pre-and post-intervention questionnaires in April and August 2012, respectively. Assessment. One hundred thirty student pharmacists (70% female, 78% white) completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Students demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge scores (p<0.001) and perceived benefit of a low-salt diet (p=0.004). Further, there were significant improvements in the self-reported frequency of looking at sodium content of foods when shopping (p<0.001) and purchasing low-salt foods (p=0.004). Conclusion. Changes in students' knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes after participating in the Salt Education program suggested that the program was effective in improving student knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes.
Lepton family symmetry and possible application to the Koide mass formula

Abstract A finite group generated by four Z 3 transformations is applied to lepton families in a supersymmetric model, resulting in the charged-lepton masses m i being proportional to v i 2 , where v i are three vacuum expectation values. This may be relevant in obtaining the Koide formula m e + m μ + m τ = ( 2 / 3 ) ( m e + m μ + m τ ) 2 .
Infection of Turkeys with Histomonas meleagridis by the Cloacal Drop Method

Resumen RESUMEN. Infeccion con Histomonas meleagridis en pavos mediante instilacion directa en la cloaca. Se intento la infeccion con Histomonas meleagridis en ausencia de su vector normal Heterakis gallinarum mediante diferentes tecnicas experimentales. Pavitos criados en jaulas se inocularon por diferentes rutas a las dos semanas de edad con histomonas cultivadas in vitro. Las tecnicas incluyeron la via oral, intracloacal y por instilacion cloacal. Se estudio ademas la restriccion de alimento como un factor predisponente. La inoculacion intracloacal produjo consistentemente infecciones severas en todos los experimentos. En varios experimentos, los pavitos no se infectaron despues de la inoculacion oral con dosis de 1 × 105de cultivos de histomonas. La restriccion alimenticia antes de la inoculacion no causo susceptibilidad a la infeccion oral. Sin embargo, cuando se aplicaron cultivos liquidos con histomonas a la cloaca y el labio dorsal fue estimulando para efectuar succion, las histomonas fueron trans...
Automatic discontinuity of intertwining operators

Throughout this paper, we suppose that T and R are continuous linear operators on the Banach spaces X and Y, respectively. One of the basic problems in the theory of automatic continuity is the determination of conditions under which a linear transformation S: X → Y which satisfies RS = ST is continuous or is discontinuous. Johnson and Sinclair [4], [6], [11; pp. 24–30] have given a variety of conditions on R and T which guarantee that all such S are automatically continuous. In this paper we consider the converse problem and find conditions on the range S(X) which guarantee that S is automatically discontinuous. The construction of such automatically discontinuous S is then accomplished by a simple modification of a technique of Sinclair's [10; pp. 260–261], [11; pp. 21–23].
Nanometer Scale Axial Localization of Fluorescent Emitters for Cellular Imaging

Nanometer scale axial localization of fluorescent monolayers is demonstrated by utilizing self-interference of fluorescence in a 4Pi type C confocal microscope.
Noble reinforcement in disjunctive aggregation operators

We discuss the role of disjunctive aggregation operators in prototype based reasoning systems such as recommender systems. We indicate a need for these aggregation operators to have the additional property of noble reinforcement: Allowing a collection of high valued arguments to reinforce each other to give complete satisfaction while avoiding the situation in which a collection of low valued arguments act in the same way. We describe the difficulty that most t-conorms have in realizing this feature of noble reinforcement. We show that by relaxing the requirement of associativity we can provide disjunctive type aggregation operators that manifest noble reinforcement.
A Comprehensive Subcellular Proteomic Survey of Salmonella Grown under Phagosome-Mimicking versus Standard Laboratory Conditions

Towards developing a systems-level pathobiological understanding of Salmonella enterica, we performed a subcellular proteomic analysis of this pathogen grown under standard laboratory and phagosome-mimicking conditions in vitro. Analysis of proteins from cytoplasmic, inner membrane, periplasmic, and outer membrane fractions yielded coverage of 25% of the theoretical proteome. Confident subcellular location could be assigned to over 1000 proteins, with good agreement between experimentally observed location and predicted/known protein properties. Comparison of protein location under the different environmental conditions provided insight into dynamic protein localization and possible moonlighting (multiple function) activities. Notable examples of dynamic localization were the response regulators of two-component regulatory systems (e.g., ArcB and PhoQ). The DNA-binding protein Dps that is generally regarded as cytoplasmic was significantly enriched in the outer membrane for all growth conditions examined, suggestive of moonlighting activities. These observations imply the existence of unknown transport mechanisms and novel functions for a subset of Salmonella proteins. Overall, this work provides a catalog of experimentally verified subcellular protein locations for Salmonella and a framework for further investigations using computational modeling.
Percutaneous insertion of the Greenfield inferior vena cava filter: Experience with ninety-six patients

Abstract This article evaluates the ease, safety, and convenience of percutaneous Greenfield filter placement and compares percutaneous with surgical placement. Greenfield filters were inserted percutaneously into the inferior vena cava in 96 patients. Ninety filters were placed via the femoral route and 12 were placed from the right internal jugular vein. Six patients had two filters inserted. An inferior venacavogram was performed before filter insertion in all patients. Cavography provided vital information concerning diameter of the inferior vena cava, the level of the renal veins, and the presence and location of thrombus. Filter placement was accomplished in all patients in whom it was attempted. There were four minor complications and one periprocedural death. The incidence of documented femoral vein thrombosis that could be related to percutaneous placement via the femoral veins was 33%; however, none of these patients had permanent venous stasis sequelae. Percutaneous insertion of the Greenfield filter is a safe and convenient procedure and is superior to surgical placement in terms of time, logistics, and the accuracy of filter positioning. (J VASC SURG 1988;8:460-4.)
State Self-Esteem Ratings in Women with Bulimia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa in Remission

Objective: Bulimia nervosa (BN) is associated with low self-esteem. This study was designed to assess whether low self-esteem persists in nondepressed individuals who have recovered from BN (BN-R). Study groups included BN (n 5 22), BN-R (n 5 20), and healthy controls (n 5 42). Participants were medication-free, and none met criteria for current major depression. Assessment instruments included the State Self-Esteem Scale (SSES), a self-rating scale designed to measure state-related changes in selfesteem. Consistent with previous reports, SSES scores for BN were lower than for controls (p \ .001). For BN-R, SSES scores were higher than for BN (p \ .001), but lower than for controls (p \ .025). For BN-R, scores on the SSES Appearance subscale were inversely correlated with ratings of dietary restraint (p \ .005). Conclusion: This study provides new evidence for persistent low self-esteem following recovery from BN. Follow-up studies are needed to assess whether low self-esteem contributes to recurrent dieting and risk for relapse.
Meeting the Challenge: Teaching Strategies for Adult Learners

After retiring, a successful businessman decided to take some history classes at the local community college. Dan was born in the late 1940s, a Vietnam veteran, and, in his own words, “a child of t...
USING A SINGULARITY LOCUS TO EXHIBIT THE NUMBER OF GEOMETRIC INVERSIONS, TRANSITIONS AND CIRCUITS OF A LINKAGE

The identification of motion characteristics and assembly circuits is fundamental in creating a workable mechanism. A circuit defect prevents a mechanism from moving between desired positions. This paper extends the established methods for analyzing multi-degree-of-freedom platforms to gain insight on single-actuated linkages. Specifically, from a plot of the singularity locus projected onto the input joint space, the number of singularities, number of geometric inversions and circuit regimes are revealed. The input/output motion of the linkage can be inferred from the locus. The methodology to produce the singularity locus is general and does not rely on geometric insights of a particular mechanism. By using the locus, desired operational features can be readily identified, such as a fully rotatable crank. Unique motion characteristics, such as a greater than 360° non-rotatable crank, can be also be detected. Further, it is observed that transition linkages serve as bounds between the regions of circuit change.Copyright © 2010 by ASME