cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lorentz Invariance and the Kinematic Structure of Vertex Functions

The general kinematic properties of vertex functions which follow from the transformation properties of the initial and final single-particle states, and of the vertex (current) operator under proper and improper Lorentz transformations, are studied for the pseudoscalar (pion) and vector (electromagnetic) vertices. The treatment, which relies strongly on the helicity representation for the states of a relativistic particle introduced by Jacob and Wick, is fully relativistic, and applies to particles of arbitrary spin. The number of independent vertex functions or form factors is determined in each case, and the analogs of the nonrelativistic multipole expansions are obtained. One obtains thereby a complete specification of the dependence of the matrix elements on the spins, helicities, and relative parities of the particles, and some information on the limiting behavior of the form factors for small momentum transfers. A theorem first proved by Ernst, Sachs, and Wali in the special case of spin \textonehalf{}, that the matrix elements of the 4-divergence of the electromagnetic current between states of the same (single) particle vanish independently of the assumption of gauge invariance or current conservation, is extended as a byproduct of the general results to the case of arbitrary spin and to any vector current having the same transformation properties as ${j}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$. Finally, the parametrizations obtained for the pseudoscalar and vector vertex functions are used to calculate the cross sections for the general two-particle scattering process $a+b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}c+d$ in the single-quantum-exchange approximation for relativistic particles of arbitrary spin.
Chemical genetic discovery of targets and anti-targets for cancer polypharmacology

Using Ret-driven models of multiple endocrine neoplasia, it is shown that optimal kinase inhibition must aim to target an ideal spectrum of tumour-relevant kinases while avoiding ‘anti-targets’ that cause unwanted toxicity.
The association of febrile transfusion reactions with leuko-agglutinins.

Summary Leuko-agglutinins were demonstrated in 32 of 49 or 65% of sera from patients with febrile transfusion reactions. In contrast, the incidence of red cell antibodies was small. Transfusion reactions and leuko-agglutinins developed at approximately the same time in 13 of 15 patients receiving repeated transfusion therapy. The use of “leukocyte-free” blood failed to provoke febrile transfusion reactions in patients with a history of reaction. Resume Des leuco-agglutinines ont ete demontrees dans 32 parmi 49 seerums (65%) provenant de malades qui avaient presente des reactions trans-fusionnelles febriles. La frequence d'anticorps anti-erythrocytaires dans ces serums, par contre, etait faible. L'apparition des reactions transfusionnelles et des leuko-agglutinines etait presque simultanee chez 13 des 15 sujets qui avaient recu des transfusions multiples. Chez les malades traites par transfusion de sang appauvri en leucocytes, aucun choc febrile n'a plus ete enregistre. Zusammenfassung Unter 49 Seren von Patienten, welche fieberhafte Transfusions-reaktionen durchgemacht hatten, enthielten 32 (=65%) Leuko-zytenagglutinine. Nur 7 dieser 49 Seren enthielten zugleich anti-erythrozytare Isoantikorper. Bei 13 von 15 Patienten, welche uber langere Zeit mit Vollbluttransfusionen behandelt wurden, traten die Leukozytenagglutinine und die fieberhaften Transfusionsreaktionen ungefahr zur selben Zeit in Erscheinung. Transfusionen von «tleuko-zytenfreien» Erythrozytenaufschwemmungen wurden von Patienten, die auf Vollblut mit Fieberschuben reagierten, reaktionslos ertragen.
Selective Excitation of Resonances in 2D Fourier Transform Optical Spectroscopy with Tailored Pulse Shapes

Shaped pulses, with phase windows and double amplitudes, are tailored for specific resonances in 2-D Fourier transform optical spectroscopy. Pulses, designed using Feynman pathway analysis, selectively enhance biexciton peaks in 2-D spectra of quantum wells.
RETROPERITONEAL LIPOSARCOMA IN A CHILD

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a rare tumor in children and has been reported previously on only three occasions. This is the fourth such case, presenting with a large mass on the left side which displaced the sigmoid and ureters to the right. The patient was treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. She is alive and well more than four years after therapy was instituted. A review of the pertinent literature cites the need for radio- and chemotherapy especially when surgical removal is incomplete.
709-3 Efficacy and Safety of Palmaz-Schatz Stent in Elderly (≥ 75 Years Old) Patients: Early and Follow-up Results

Balloon PTCA in elderly patients (pts) has been associated with diminished clinical success rates, due to the presence of unfavorable patient and lesion characteristics. To assess whether Palmaz-Schatz (PS) stent is a useful alternative to balloon PTCA in elderly( ≥ 75 years old) pts, immediate and follow-up (FU) results were analyzed in 331 patients ≥ 65 years old and compared pts ≥ 75 years old with those 65 to 74 years old. Clinical success was defined as l 50% residual stenosis without death, CABG, Q-wave MI. FU quantitative angiography was obtained from 176 patients after 6 months or earlier when indicated by symptoms. Clinical FU data was obtained after 6–12 months. Event-free survival was defined as free from death, MI, CABG, target lesion PTCA at FU. 65–69 years N = 131 70–74 years N = 126 ≤ 75 years N = 74 Poor LV/Unstable (%) 12/20 14/24 22/37 Calcification * (%) 12 17 34 Reference Diameter (mm) 3.09 ± 0.55 3.09 ± 0.55 3.14 ± 0.52 Pre MLD (mm) 0.80 ± 0.36 0.79 ± 0.34 0.79 ± 0.38 Post MLD (mm) 2.82 ± 0.40 2.88 ± 0.44 2.92 ± 0.38 Clinical Success * (%) 96 94 86 Death/MI/CABG (%) 0.8/0.8/0 1.6/1.6/2.4 4.1/1.4/1.4 Thrombosis (%) 0 1.6 1.4 Bleeding Complication (%) 5.3 6.4 5.4 FU MLD(mm) 2.00 ± 0.67 2.12 ± 0.65 1.79 ± 0.77 Binary Restenosls (%) 23 14 29 Event Free Survival (%) 81 84 75 * P l 0.05, MLO: minimal lumen diameter Conclusion 1) PS stent implantation can be performed in elderly pts with the acceptable complications. 2) But stent delivery is more difficult because of complex lesions, especially lesions containing calcium, and major complications tend to occur more frequent. 3) Long-term efficacy is similar to younger pts.
DEALING WITH THE CHELLENGES AND STRESSORS FACED BY COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS: THE OLD COLLEGE TRY

ABSTRACT Community college students are different from their four-year college counterparts in many ways. In fact, the entire nature of expectation among students is different in psychological, social, economic, and academic terms. Despite an array of reports about community college students, few attempts have been made to generate baseline data about who these students are and how they perform in college. The current study was designed to examine both the characteristics of community college students and to identify the challenges they face to academic success. As an extension, this study also was designed to examine the response strategies these students use. Findings from this type of research can be valuable to faculty members, student-affairs professionals, and other academic leaders and policy makers who seek to optimize the experience of students enrolled in community colleges.
On estimating the fracture stress and elongation of Al–7%Si–0.3%Mg alloy castings with single pores

Abstract An elastic–plastic fracture-mechanics approach was followed to estimate the fracture stress of Al–7%Si–0.3%Mg alloy castings as a function of size and shape of pores in castings, by using a combination of load limit and linear elastic fracture mechanics. Estimated elongation was then calculated from estimated fracture stress values by using the Voce equation for true stress-strain relationship and the Kocks–Mecking work hardening model. Estimated fracture stress and elongation values compared well with experimental findings of Surappa et al. [Scripta Metall. 20 (1986) 1281]. The methodology and results are discussed in the paper.
86Rb+ efflux mediated by α4β2*-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with high and low-sensitivity to stimulation by acetylcholine display similar agonist-induced desensitization

Abstract The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) assembled from α4 and β2 subunits are the most densely expressed subtype in the brain. Concentration–effect curves for agonist activation of α4β2*-nAChR are biphasic. This biphasic agonist sensitivity is ascribed to differences in subunit stoichiometry. The studies described here evaluated desensitization elicited by low concentrations of epibatidine, nicotine, cytisine or methylcarbachol of brain α4β2-nAChR function measured with acetylcholine-stimulated 86 Rb + efflux from mouse thalamic synaptosomes. Each agonist elicited concentration-dependent desensitization. The agonists differed in potency. However, IC 50 values for each agonist for desensitization of 86 Rb + efflux both with high (EC 50 ≈ 3 μM) and low (EC 50 ≈ 150 μM) acetylcholine sensitivity were not significantly different. Concentrations required to elicit desensitization were higher that their respective K D values for receptor binding. Even though the two components of α4β2*-nAChR-mediated 86 Rb + efflux from mouse brain differ markedly in EC 50 values for agonist activation, they are equally sensitive to desensitization by exposure to low agonist concentrations. Mice were also chronically treated with nicotine by continuous infusion of 0, 0.5 or 4.0 mg/kg/h and desensitization induced by nicotine was evaluated. Consistent with previous results, chronic nicotine treatment increased the density of epibatidine binding sites. Acute exposure to nicotine also elicited concentration-dependent desensitization of both high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity acetylcholine-stimulated 86 Rb + efflux from cortical and thalamic synaptosomes. Although chronic nicotine treatment reduced maximal 86 Rb + efflux from thalamus, IC 50 values in both brain regions were unaffected by chronic nicotine treatment.
Public attitudes and opinions toward physicians and dentists infected with bloodborne viruses : Results of a national survey

Background There has been no recent assessment of public attitudes and opinions concerning risk of bloodborne virus transmission during health care. Methods Seven items in the 2000 annual Healthstyles survey were used to assess current attitudes and opinions about health care providers infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the risk of bloodborne virus transmission during health care in a sample of approximately 3000 US households. Results Of the 2353 respondents, 89% agreed that they want to know whether their doctor or dentist is infected with HIV; 82% agreed that disclosure of HBV or HCV infection in a provider should be mandatory. However, 47% did not believe that HIV-infected doctors were more likely to infect patients than doctors infected with HBV or HCV. Opinions were divided on whether HIV-infected providers should be able to care for patients as long as they use good infection control: only 38% thought that infected providers should be allowed to provide patient care. Conclusions These findings suggest that improved public education and risk communication on health care-associated bloodborne infections is needed.
Plasmon diffuse scattering in dynamical calculations for HREED - A method of introducing inelastic scattering in the multislice theory

Abstract A new method, in which inelastic scattering is considered as an external effective “potential” causing electrons to lose energy, is introduced to modify the multislice dynamical theory for reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The total potential in the solid is then a summation of the atomic potential and the effective “potential”. The latter is determined by the electron excitation property of the system according to dielectric response theory and is responsible for plasmon diffuse scattering (PDS). The effect of absorption, due to the inelastic scattering, on the intensity distribution of the elastically scattered electron is also considered in the theory by multiplying the electron transfer function by an exponential decay function. A calculation for the GaAs (110) surface, using the modified multislice formula, shows that plasmon diffuse scattering can totally perturb the electron intensity distribution near the surface. PDS results in a spread distribution of the channeling electrons around the atomic columns. Absorption, on the other hand, can significantly limit the electron distribution region at the surface and reduce the penetration depth of the incident electrons, leading to the surface structure sensitivity of reflection electron microscopy (REM).
Towards model-based control of Parkinson's disease: A perspective

Since the 1950s, we have developed mature theories of modern control theory and computational neuroscience with almost no interaction between these disciplines. With the advent of computationally efficient nonlinear Kalman filtering techniques, along with improved neuroscience models that provide increasingly accurate reconstruction of dynamics in a variety of important normal and disease states in the brain, the prospects for a synergistic interaction between these fields are now strong. I show recent examples of the use of nonlinear control theory for the assimilation and control of single neuron and network dynamics, as well as the modulation of oscillatory waves in the cortex, and the assimilation of epileptic seizures. A control framework for modulating Parkinsonian dynamics is presented, and a perspective offered. As the computational models of dynamical diseases such as Parkinson's disease improve, embedding those models within rigorous model-based control frameworks is now feasible.
Ultrasensitive Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Flow Detector Using Hydrodynamic Focusing

Label-free, chemical specific detection in flow is important for high throughput characterization of analytes in applications such as flow injection analysis, electrophoresis, and chromatography. We have developed a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) flow detector capable of ultrasensitive optical detection on the millisecond time scale. The device employs hydrodynamic focusing to improve SERS detection in a flow channel where a sheath flow confines analyte molecules eluted from a fused silica capillary over a planar SERS-active substrate. Increased analyte interactions with the SERS substrate significantly improve detection sensitivity. The performance of this flow detector was investigated using a combination of finite element simulations, fluorescence imaging, and Raman experiments. Computational fluid dynamics based on finite element analysis was used to optimize the flow conditions. The modeling indicates that a number of factors, such as the capillary dimensions and the ratio of the sheath flo...
Structure and property characterization of low-k dielectric porous thin films

A novel methodology is developed that uses a combination of high energy ion scattering, x-ray reflectivity, and small angle neutron scattering to characterize the structure and properties of porous thin films. Ion scattering is used to determine the elemental composition of the film for absolute intensity calibration of the x-ray and neutron scattering techniques. X-ray reflectivity is used to measure the average electron density and film thickness. Small angle neutron scattering is used to determine the pore size, structure, and connectivity. Combining information from all three techniques, the film porosity and matrax material density can be uniquely determined.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Focus on COPD in Primary Care

In 2007, the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) published updated guidelines on pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), PR is now considered to be the standard of care for those with at least moderately severe COPD as well as those patients with COPD of mild severity (as determined by spirometry) who, following maximal medical care, remain symptom-limited in exercise capacity or functional status. The goal of PR is for the patient to become more physically active and maintain independence longer. The benefits of PR extend far beyond physical endurance and reduced dyspnea, and include improved adherence, reduced health care utilization and costs, more patient involvement in disease management, and improved patient outlook. Pulmonary rehabilitation is more than "just an exercise program;" it is a multidisciplinary, comprehensive intervention that is ideally performed in formal programs by a team of health care professionals, in partnership with the primary care physician. In reality, primary care physicians perform most of the long-term management of COPD patients and thus are left to create ad hoc PR programs in their own communities. This article outlines each of the ACCP/AACVPR recommendations for PR and provides commentary on how these recommendations apply to COPD management in primary care. A discussion of reimbursement issues and future directions for PR guidelines is also provided.
Cytokine- and LPS-induced synthesis of interleukin-8 from human mesangial cells

The cytokine neutrophil-activating peptide-1/interleukin-8 (NAP/IL-8) activates neutrophils (PMN) and elicits selective diapedesis of PMN into the extracellular space. The glomerular mesangial cell (MC) is a specialized pericyte that controls glomerular filtration and synthesizes and responds to a variety of cytokines. Because of its location within the glomerulus, the MC is in a pivotal position to orchestrate events underlying immune injury. Since immune-injured glomeruli have been shown to produce NAP/IL-8 activity in vitro, we assessed whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or cytokine-activated MC might be a source of this activity. Pure human MC, devoid of monocyte/macrophage and fibroblast contamination, were grown by explant from collagenase-treated glomeruli. Human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha, 20 ng/ml), IL-1 beta (50 ng/ml), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF, 100 ng/ml) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 micrograms/ml) stimulated release of a neutrophil chemotactic factor from cultured MC. Both concentrated (fivefold) and unconcentrated MC supernatants stimulated directed neutrophil migration under agarose at a level similar to that of the bacterial chemotactic factor, FMLP. In contrast, unstimulated MC-conditioned media and IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta. TNF and LPS in medium alone did not directly induce PMN migration. Molecular sizing studies using sequential membrane ultrafiltration identified significant TNF-stimulated, MC-derived chemotactic activity in the 3000 to 10000 kD fraction. An anti-NAP/IL-8 monoclonal antibody, 46E5, significantly inhibited PMN chemotaxis stimulated by TNF-stimulated, MC-conditioned media in a dose-dependent manner.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The legacy and large–scale distribution of active galaxies

If accretion onto massive black holes is the power source for active galaxies, then nearby galaxies should contain 'dead quasars': black holes that do not shine, either because they are starved for fuel or because they accrete with low radiative efficiency. This article briefly reviews the evidence that most inactive galaxies contain black holes at their centres, and how the local distribution of black holes is related to the population of active galaxies.
A Virtual Engineering Tool for Product Design Using High Fidelity CFD Analysis Models

Product design optimization is a complex decision-making process requiring intensive interactions between designers and the designed product. However, most current optimization tools do not support this type of direct interaction. Typically, resolving a converged result with an optimization tool takes a long solution time and high computing cost. However, designers are not involved in the optimization process and cannot control the quality of the so-called optimal result. In this paper, we introduce a virtual engineering design tool that expands the application scope of virtual reality from visualization to interaction and decision support. This design tool allows designers to easily experiment with different product designs using high fidelity CFD solver and observe the effects in an almost real-time manner. This can help designers understand the nature of the product and make superior decisions. Most importantly, the design tool enables designers to control the optimization computing process by selecting superior starting points or changing an obviously unpromising search direction. Hence, by adding human creativity and experience into the optimization process, designers can resolve the design optimization problem more efficiently. A coal pipe design and optimization scenario is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of this virtual engineering design tool. The goal of this tool is to enable a designer to modify the size and shape of a coal pipe to obtain evenly distributed coal at the outlet. In this tool after the initial population was chosen, a standard evolutionary algorithm was used to find the most superior pipe design within a much shorter time.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Endoscopic ultrasound in idiopathic acute pancreatitis.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the utility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in patients with unexplained acute pancreatitis, and whether endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is subsequently needed. METHODS: Subjects who underwent EUS for assessment of idiopathic acute pancreatitis were identified, their medical records were reviewed, and they were contacted for a follow-up telephone interview. EUS diagnosis was compared with the final diagnosis and outcome. RESULTS: EUS revealed a cause of pancreatitis in 21 of the 31 subjects (68%), including microlithiasis in five (16%), chronic pancreatitis in 14 (45%), pancreas divisum in two (6.5%), pancreatic cancer in one (3.2%), and was not diagnostic in 10 (32%). During a mean follow-up period of 16 months, diagnosis changed in four subjects (13%), and nine subjects (29%) had ERCP because of persistent symptoms or recurrent pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: EUS, a less invasive test than ERCP, demonstrated an etiology in two-thirds of patients with idiopathic acute pancreatitis. Most patients did not require ERCP during the follow-up period. EUS can be an alternative to ERCP in patients with unexplained acute pancreatitis.
Anytime search in dynamic graphs

Agents operating in the real world often have limited time available for planning their next actions. Producing optimal plans is infeasible in these scenarios. Instead, agents must be satisfied with the best plans they can generate within the time available. One class of planners well-suited to this task are anytime planners, which quickly find an initial, highly suboptimal plan, and then improve this plan until time runs out. A second challenge associated with planning in the real world is that models are usually imperfect and environments are often dynamic. Thus, agents need to update their models and consequently plans over time. Incremental planners, which make use of the results of previous planning efforts to generate a new plan, can substantially speed up each planning episode in such cases. In this paper, we present an A^*-based anytime search algorithm that produces significantly better solutions than current approaches, while also providing suboptimality bounds on the quality of the solution at any point in time. We also present an extension of this algorithm that is both anytime and incremental. This extension improves its current solution while deliberation time allows and is able to incrementally repair its solution when changes to the world model occur. We provide a number of theoretical and experimental results and demonstrate the effectiveness of the approaches in a robot navigation domain involving two physical systems. We believe that the simplicity, theoretical properties, and generality of the presented methods make them well suited to a range of search problems involving dynamic graphs.
Cecropia schreberiana in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico

Cecropia schreberiana Miq. (Cecropiaceae) is a common tree in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico because it is a pioneer that establishes abundantly after recurrent hurricanes that damage Luquillo forests. In these forestsC. schreberiana typically reaches about 20 m in height and 60 cm dbh and has few branches, these bearing large, deeply lobed leaves. The wood is light and weak. Unlike most of its congeners,C. schreberiana in Puerto Rico does not have symbiotic ants. It is dioecious and produces wind-pollinated flowers in spikes and abundant minute seeds broadly dispersed by birds and bats. Forest soils contain a high density of its seeds, which lie dormant until canopy opening stimulates germination. With adequate nutrientsC. schreberiana grows fast in high light, while nondominant individuals suffer heavy mortality. An individual of the species is thought to live 30 to 50 years.
THE METABOLISM OF I131-LABELED THYROXINE, TRIIODOTHYRONINE AND DIIODOTYROSINE BY ANISOLATED PERFUSED RABBIT LIVER1

Isolated rabbit livers were perfused for 12 to 15 hours with I131-labclcd thyroxine,triiodothyronine and diiodotyrosine in order to evaluate the hepaticmetabolism of these substances. The livers were able to concentrate those, amino acids in appreciable quantities showing somewhat greater accumulation in livers perfused with labeled triiodothyronine than with thyroxinc. Triidothyronine and thyroxine were metabolized by the perfused liver at rates identical in ratio to the intact rabbit but faster by a factor of almost six. Diiodotyrosine, however, was deiodinated at a rate similar to that in the intact animal. Measurements of biliary excretion of radioactivity showed that this pathway proved more important over the period studied for livers perfused with triiodothyronine than for those perfused with thyroxine. Twenty-six per cent of initial radioactivity was excreted over 12 hours in the bile of the former and 8% inthe latter. Less than 3% of the initial perfusate radioactivity appeared in the bile and ov...
The mining industry and the community: joining forces for sustainable social development

This article joins the continuing policy debate over the social responsibility of corporations, particularly in the mining industry. The author argues that the ‘old school mining orthodoxy’—approaching the exploitation of mineral deposits solely from the technical and economic points of view—is long dead. Mining companies must also encompass the social dimension. New policies for the mining industry are discussed in terms of recent worldwide trends and movements, e.g. globalization, economic interdependence and decentralization of governmental authority, and the rise of civil society as a political factor. These trends, together with the United Nations policies in quest of sustainable development and the consensus expressed at international conferences during the last decade, have deepened social awareness and set the stage for enhanced social responsiveness from the private sector. Socially responsible corporate policies include decentralization of decision-making to the field level, reaching out to stakeholders and shareholders, supporting governments which provide official development assistance for good governance and building broad partnerships to reduce social exposures.
Flow cytometric detection of jellyfish venom induced cytotoxicity.

Crude venoms of three poisonous jellyfish produce membrane depolarization as determined by the loss of fluorescence intensity of 3, 3'-dipentyloxacarbocyanine iodide loaded cells measured by flow cytometry. This method for detecting jellyfish cytotoxicity was reproducible and more sensitive than mouse lethality assays.
Surface tension of water in the presence of perfluorocarbon vapors

Fluorocarbons are highly hydrophobic, biocompatible compounds with a variety of medical applications. Despite significant interest, the study of interfacial properties of fluorocarbons in aqueous systems has received limited attention. In this study, we investigate the influence of perfluoropentane and perfluorohexane vapors on the surface tension of water at room temperature. The results show a substantial decrease in the surface tension of water in the presence of perfluorocarbon vapors. In the investigated range of partial pressures up to the saturation value, a linear correlation between the surface tension and the partial pressure was found. This suggests that an adsorbed perfluorocarbon layer is formed on the surface of water. For comparison, the effect of the perfluorocarbon vapor on the surface tension of methanol was also investigated and a similar dependence was observed. Our results indicate that the stability and dynamic transitions of fluorocarbon colloids, which may be dispersed under physiological conditions as microdroplets, bubbles, or their combination, are likely affected by the composition of liquid and gas phases.
Development of Aluminum Chemical Mechanical Planarization

The paper describes the development of an aluminum chemical mechanical planarization process that was successfully integrated into the dual damascene technology producing I Gb dynamic random access memory chips meeting all yield and sheet resistance requirements. Three of the major problems of chemical mechanical polishing of Al-0.5 Cu alloys, i.e., copper plate-out on titanium liners, array erosion, and slow polish rate were solved by adding Ce 4+ ions to the polishing slurry.
Helium 10830-A line in alpha Virginis A and B

Line profiles and velocities of the He I 10830-A line, obtained at maximum velocity separation of the spectroscopic binary Spica (alpha Vir), are presented. A mass ratio of 1.4 is derived as well as an equatorial velocity of 88 km/s for alpha Vir A. A meaningful discussion of observed equivalent widths of the He I 10830-A line awaits a more certain determination of the spectral classification of alpha Vir B.
Mycophagy and its influence on habitat use and ranging patterns in Callimico goeldii.

Mycophagy has been documented in a number of species of marmosets and lion tamarins (Callitrichinae) but its effect on ranging behavior is not known. We present the results of 10 years of research on five groups of Goeldi's monkey (Callimico goeldii) at a field site in northwestern Bolivia. We studied the diet and ranging behavior of two of the groups. On average, groups contained 4.5 individuals (range 2.0–9.0), but they gradually decreased in size until only the breeding female remained in the home range. The annual diet was composed of fungi (31.1–34.9%), fruits (34.0–40.6%), prey (17.4–30.1%), and exudates (1.0–10.9%). They had large home ranges (114–150 ha) and over time individuals tended to shift their core areas of use. They used secondary and bamboo forest and forest with dense understories more than expected based on availability. We suggest that the large home ranges and shifting core areas used by C. goeldii are components of a foraging strategy to track patchy, low density, and ephemeral fungal fruiting bodies. Our results, along with data published on other callitrichines, indicate that groups of Leontopithecus, Callithrix, and Callimico that eat fungi have larger home ranges than those that do not. Mycophagy is one of the several factors that evidently affect home range size in callitrichines. Fungi are clearly an important food source for a number of populations, but additional studies are needed to determine why some eat fungi frequently while others do not. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone-producing medullary thyroid carcinoma causing cushing’s syndrome: Clinical and pathological findings

A 62-yr-old woman presented with progressive fatigue and weakness and was found to have hypercalcemia due to a parathyroid adenoma. Following resection of the adenoma, she developed intractable diarrhea with progressive weakness. Further evaluation showed very high serum calcitonin levels and high cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels along with elevated urinary 5-hydroxindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) levels. Liver biopsy showed metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma which did not stain positively for ACTH but stained positively for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and serotonin. Further examination of the parathyroid tissue showed medullary thyroid carcinoma cells invading the adenoma. This is the first report of a patient with hyperparathyroidism and metastatic medullary carcinoma of the thyroid producing serotonin and CRH resulting in Cushing’s syndrome.
Effects of temperature and social interactions on huddling behavior in Mus musculus

Abstract Huddling behavior in grouped house mice (Mus musculus) was observed at two ambient temperatures, and in groups containing one or both sexes. Increased huddling was observed in all sex combinations at the lower ambient temperature. The differences observed between groups varied with temperature; in general, male mice were more likely to alter their behavior in response to temperature and social situation, while the behavior of females was more consisten. The results are discussed in relation to the competing effects of thermoregulatory demand and Darwinian fitness.
Analysis of Cross-Bores in Unmarked Sewer Service Laterals

AbstractWith an increase in trenchless methods being used for the installation of natural gas lines in urban areas, unmarked sewer service laterals present a risk of accidental and unknown cross-bo...
Measurements of the Electric Polarizabilities of the Alkalis Using the E-H Gradient Balance Method

The atomic beam $E\ensuremath{-}H$ gradient balance method has been used to measure the polarizabilities of the alkali atoms. In this method, congruent electric and magnetic fields are established in the same region of space by applying a potential difference to pole pieces of high permeability which are insulated from their magnet yoke. The condition that atoms in a particular magnetic substate suffer no deflection in such a field region is $\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}E\ensuremath{\partial}E}{\ensuremath{\partial}z}=\frac{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{eff}}\ensuremath{\partial}H}{\ensuremath{\partial}z}$, where $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is the atomic polarizability, ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ is the effective magnetic moment in the field $H$, and $\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}E}{\ensuremath{\partial}z}$ and $\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}H}{\ensuremath{\partial}z}$ are the transverse components of the gradients of the electric and magnetic fields, respectively. Because of the congruence of the $E$ and $H$ fields, $\frac{(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}E}{\ensuremath{\partial}z})}{E}=\frac{(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}H}{\ensuremath{\partial}z})}{H}$, and therefore $\ensuremath{\alpha}=\frac{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{eff}}H}{{E}^{2}}$ when the balance condition is satisfied. The determination of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is therefore independent of the velocity distribution in the beam, the field gradients and the apparatus geometry (except where it enters into the calculation of the electric field). The magnetic field $H$ is readily measured by making use of the convenient alkali zero moments. In these experiments, absolute accuracy for the $\ensuremath{\alpha}'\mathrm{s}$ is limited by the uncertainty in the determination of $E$, which is calculated from a knowledge of the applied voltage and the gap geometry.The results in units of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ are: Li, 20\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.0; Na, 20\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.5; K, 36.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.5; Rb, 40\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5.0; Cs, 52.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6.5. These are considerably higher than the values obtained in early beam experiments using electrostatic deflection techniques. They are, however, in fairly good agreement with the recent calculations of Dalgarno and Kingston and with other theoretical determinations of alkali polarizabilities.
Origins of bulk second harmonic generation in C60 thin films

Abstract Electric field induced second harmonic generation in C60 thin films was investigated. The measured bulk second order nonlinear optical response of C60 was identified as arising from nonlinear polarization moments of higher order than the electric dipole moment. The third order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ(3) (-2ω;ω, ω, 0) was determined from these measurements to be 3.6 X 10-11 esu for the fundamental wavelength of 1.06 μm, in good agreement with published data.
Assessment of basic physical examination skills of internal medicine residents.

BACKGROUND. Internal medicine faculty at the Mayo Clinic designed a clinical evaluation exercise that separates assessment of physical examination skills from that of medical interviewing and reasoning skills. This report summarizes the first year's experience with assessment of basic physical examination skills. METHOD. A core faculty of five general internists and three internist subspecialists designed a 45-item general examination checklist (e.g., measure blood pressure, examine mouth, palpate liver, drape to ensure privacy). In addition, the core faculty generated a menu of 27 focused examination skills (e.g., examine for carpal tunnel syndrome) from which the faculty examiner would select five items for the resident to perform. Each checklist item was scored 0, 1, or 2 for a maximum possible score of 100. The core faculty selected a criterion-based scoring reference and established a passing score of 90 based on practice examinations with residents and faculty. The core faculty made an instructional videotape of a model examination that was available to all residents. In 1991–92, prior to examination, the checklist was distributed to all first-year categorical (43), preliminary (25), and newly appointed second-year residents (eight). RESULTS. Of the 76 residents examined, 11 (14%) failed and 65 (86%) passed. All failing scores were 86 or lower. The absence of scores 87, 88, and 89 suggested that faculty upgraded borderline performances. All 11 residents who initially failed retook the examination and passed. The five most commonly missed items were (1) inspect the skin, (2) complete examination in logical sequence, (3) palpate aorta, (4) auscultate anterior breath sounds, and (5) palpate axillary and inguinal nodes. Other important observed errors were failure to measure vital signs, confusion of liver and spleen, failure to use bell on stethoscope, and inadequate breast examination. Twenty-eight residents completed an optional feedback form. Reviews were mixed but generally favorable. CONCLUSION. Assessment of the basic physical examination skills of the internal medicine residents was useful, and such skills were able to be assessed separately from physical diagnosis skills and interviewing skills. Direct observation of basic physical examination skills revealed important deficiencies, which provided opportunity for remediation.
Human islet graft function in NOD-SCID mice predicts clinical response in islet transplant recipients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of nondiabetic immune-deficient NOD-SCID mouse model in assessing the functional capacity of isolated human islets. We transplanted 2000 islet equivalents obtained from six preparations used for human islet transplantation in three patients under the kidney capsule of groups of 10 mice. Human (Hu) C-peptide and insulin levels were determined following intraperitoneal (IP) glucose challenge at days 0, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90, and 120. The Hu C-peptide level >1.5 ng/mL was the threshold for islet function in this model. The first patient did not achieve insulin independence and had minimal (0.5 ng/mL) fasting C-peptide levels that mirrored the low C-peptide levels observed in the mice. After the first infusion, the insulin requirements were reduced by 50% in the second patient. She became insulin free 10 days after her second infusion with a C-peptide level of 3.0 ng/mL, which corresponded to the peak C-peptide level (3.9 ng/mL) observed in the mice. By 150 days' posttransplant, the decline in C-peptide level paralleled the decline observed in mice. Within 2 weeks after the first transplant, insulin dose was reduced by 75% in the third patient, which corresponded to the robust C-peptide production in mice (7.3 ng/mL). Both patient and mice had a delay in islet function following the second infusion. She remained with a C-peptide level of 1.8 ng/mL and insulin free until suffering a rejection episode 3 months later. We observed that human islet graft function in NOD-SCID mice correlated with clinical response in islet transplant recipients.
Adaptation of the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, to arid habitats

Abstract 1. 1. During long-term dehydration, the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, is able to tolerate high plasma fluid concentration (>550 mOsmole/1.). 2. 2. An increase in plasma solute concentration followed by the production and accumulation of urea accounted for increased plasma concentration during dehydration. 3. 3. The “benevolent bladder” hypothesis proposes that differential reabsorption of water and salts regulates plasma concentration during long-term dehydration.
Stalking the elusive computer bug

Stalking computer bugs, that is to say, finding errors in computer hardware and software, occupies and has occupied much of the time and ingenuity of the people who design, build, program and use computers. The author considers the origin of the word bug. From at least the time of Thomas Edison, U.S. engineers have used the word bug to refer to flaws in the systems they developed. This short word conveniently covered a multitude of possible problems. It also suggested that difficulties were small and could be easily corrected. IBM engineers who installed the ASSC Mark I at Harvard University in 1944 taught the phrase to the staff there. Grace Murray Hopper used the word with particular enthusiasm in documents relating to her work. In 1947, when technicians building the Mark II computer at Harvard discovered a moth in one of the relays, they saved it as the first actual case of a bug being found.
Oxygen-17 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Bovine and Caprine Casein Hydration and Activity in Deuterated Sugar Solutions

The hydration of bovine and genetically variable caprine caseins in D2O solutions of sucrose and lactose was investigated by oxygen-17 NMR and fitted by nonlinear regression analysis. A charge−char...
Hypotonic intravenous solutions in children

The use of hypotonic intravenous solutions, especially 4% dextrose/0.18% saline, remains standard practice in many paediatric units in the UK. The practice of prescribing hypotonic intravenous flui...
Cloud-Chamber Study of Multiple Scattering of Protons in Air

Experimental evidence is presented for occasional large apparent curvatures of short range proton tracks in a cloud chamber caused by multiple scattering in the gas. The observed curvatures agree qualitatively with the predictions of Bethe.
Biosynthesis and initial processing of the cardiac sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger

Abstract Based on the deduced amino-acid sequence of the cardiac Na + -Ca 2+ exchanger, there are six potential N- linked glycosylation sites and a potential cleaved signal sequence. To study the post-translational modifications of the exchanger, in vitro translation was examined in the presence and absence of canine pancreatic microsomes. Glycosylation, detected as endoglycosidase H induced shifts in molecular size, was examined for proteins having different numbers of potential N-linked glycosylation sites by using full and partial length RNA transcripts. In the presence of microsomes, the molecular mass of the full-length clone increased from 110 to 113 kDa. Endoglycosidase H treatment led to a reduction to 108 kDa, indicating that glycosylation increases the molecular mass by approx. 5 kDa and a signal sequence of approx. 2 kDa is cleaved during processing. Analysis of molecular-mass shifts obtained with partial transcripts suggested that glycosylation occurs at position N-9. This was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis studies. A molecular mass of approx. 120 kDa was measured for Western blots of cardiac sarcolemmal membrane or oocytes expressing the wild-type exchanger. The molecular mass was reduced by approx. 10 kDa for the N9Y mutant or from exchanger obtained from a baculovirus-infected insect cell line where glycosylation does not occur. The giant excised patch technique was used to determine the functional consequences of glycosylation. Na + -Ca 2+ exchange current was examined in patches from oocytes expressing either the wild-type or N9Y mutant. The non-glycosylated mutant exhibited the same properties as the native exchanger with respect to voltage, sodium dependence, and the effects of chymotrypsin. The results indicate that glycosylation does not affect exchanger function in Xenopus oocytes and help to define exchanger topology.
Total hypothermic blood exchange in acute endotoxin shock.

Abstract It has been reported that total hypothermic blood exchange holds promise for the treatment of septic shock in animals. Since this procedure does not carry any mortality in our laboratory, we studied its effect in an acute septic shock model. After the intravenous injection of endotoxin (10 mg/kg) and blood transfusions into 33 dogs, severe haemoconcentration, tachypnoea, tachycardia, low cardiac output, metabolic acidosis and hyperpyrexia led uniformly to death within 5 h. All of these symptoms were prevented in five dogs by total hypothermic blood exchange, instituted 5 min after the endotoxin injection. Nevertheless, all of these treated animals died a delayed death. Since the endotoxin particles are rapidly phagocytosed by the reticulo-endothelial system, even very early total blood exchange cannot dislodge them from their intracellular site.
Preparing is students to deal with ethical issues

The recent series of ethics violations in business (e.g., insider trading) has caused a number of firms to begin courses in ethics for employees. Unless professionals improve their ethical practices, legislation will force them to do so. The ACM and DPMA curriculum recommendations include ethics topics. An important issue is the proper education of IS students to deal with on-the-job ethical situations. Unfortunately, ethics education gets lost among the myriad of subjects to be taught in IS courses. But there is an effective pedagogical approach for this material. The approach requires students to determine how they would act in various ethical scenarios. This "personalization" method may be the first step toward proper ethical behavior in the workplace. While not a rigorous scientific treatment of the subject, the classroom experiences reported here may be helpful for IS faculty and IS trainers as they develop improved ethics instruction.
Technical Services Job Ads: Changes Since 1995

For this project, the researchers studied job ads posted during 2001 in American Libraries, Autocat, The Chronicle of Higher Education, College and Research Libraries News, and SerialsST . This article replicates studies by Penny M. Beile and Megan M. Adams, and Michael Towsey that analyzed job ads from the mid-1990s.1–2 The results from the current study were compared with their results. Findings included a very large increase in the number of jobs advertised, increases in the number of jobs reposted and in salaries, and a decrease in foreign-language requirements.
Female Reproductive Strategies as Social Organizers

Abstract: When male philoparty is linked to patriarchy, it is often assumed that female reproductive strategies are secondary to male reproductive strategies. By comparing the social structures of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) with those of other non-human primates, I argue that female reproductive strategies can be viewed as primary principles of social organization, including the establishment of patriarchies through differential investment in offspring. Emphasis on the contributions of female reproductive strategies may lead to a different picture of the evolution of primate social organization.