cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ways a World Might Be

This book is a collection of independent papers, but they are all, in one way or another, about possibilities: what kind of things they are, and what role they play in theorizing about metaphysical issues. The papers interpret, defend, and apply the framework of possible worlds. A central presupposition that underlies all of this work is that to represent the world to -say anything about how things are is to locate the world in a space of possibilities. We say how things are by contrasting the way we take the world to be with alternative ways that it might have been. We can understand metaphysics, I suggest, as the study of the nature of the space or spaces of possibilities in which we locate our world, and with the distinctions that there are for our representations of the world to make. Contrasting conceptions of the nature of possible worlds bring with them different views of the character of metaphysical inquiry. The general view of the nature of possible worlds that I develop and defend can be summarized in three interconnected points. First, it is an actualist account, and so contrasts with David Lewis's modal realism, according to which nonactual possible worlds are other things of the same kind as our total universe ("me and all my surroundings"). For the actualist, possible worlds are more accurately described as possible states of the world; they are ways that a world might be, or might have been. Second, it is a naturalistic account, and so contrasts with what David Chalmers has called modal rationalism. The naturalistic conception of possible worlds emphasizes that the materials in terms of which possibilities are characterized (and the materials that determine what distinctions between possibilities there are to be made) are all materials that are found in the actual world. (For the actualist, that is the only place where there are things to be found.) This view rejects the idea that there is any kind of articulated conception of the space of possibilities that we can grasp prior to and independently of experience of and judgments about the things and kinds of things in
Flapless cortical bone damage has no effect on medullary bone mesial to teeth being moved.

Introduction In this study, we evaluated the effects of bone awl–induced damage to bone surrounding a tooth that was moved. Methods A randomized split-mouth design with 7 foxhounds was performed to evaluate protraction of the mandibular third premolars for 56 days with 200 g of orthodontic force. Before initiating tooth movements, a bone awl was used on the experimental side to create 60 buccal and lingual microfracture injuries to the cortical bone without a periosteal flap. Tooth movements were performed on the control and experimental sides. Microcomputed tomography and histology were used to assess bone morphology and modeling. Radiographic and caliper measures were used to assess tooth movements. Results The awl-induced injuries produced significant damage and microfractures (95 mm 3 ). Buccal and lingual cortical bone volume fractions and densities were significantly less and cortical modeling was significantly greater on the experimental sides than on the control sides. Bone volume fractions and densities mesial to the third premolars were the same on the experimental and control sides. Experimental side tooth movements (1.40 ± 0.25 mm) were statistically the same as the control side tooth movements (1.57 ± 0.45 mm). Conclusions The effects of flapless, bone awl−induced damage were limited to the cortical bone. Because there was no effect on the medullary bone mesial to the tooth being moved, no differences in tooth movements were produced.
Kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction on Pd3M (M = Cu, Ni, Fe) electrocatalysts synthesized at elevated annealing temperatures

Abstract Carbon-supported Pd and Pd 3 M (M = Fe, Ni, Cu) electrocatalysts were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and subsequently annealed at temperatures ranging from 300 to 800 °C. X-ray diffraction patterns of the Pd alloys revealed a major diffraction peak shift to higher diffraction angles, indicating alloy formation. The crystallite sizes of the electrocatalysts were significantly altered at higher annealing temperatures, especially at 600 and 800 °C. The change in electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) with annealing temperature was characterized by cyclic voltammetry. Pd 3 Fe/C annealed at 800 °C showed 3-fold higher ECSA compared to Pd annealed at same temperature. A comparison of the kinetic currents for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) obtained on the various Pd 3 M alloys revealed higher ORR activity for Pd 3 Fe/C (60 mA/mg Pd ) and Pd 3 Cu/C (42 mA/mg Pd ) annealed at temperatures of 800 °C and 600 °C respectively, when compared with pure Pd (33 mA/mg Pd ) and other variants. Koutecký–Levich plots for Pd 3 Fe/C and Pd 3 Cu/C indicated that the four-electron transfer pathway for oxygen reduction was followed in these alloys.
HIGHER NERVOUS ACTIVITY IN THE THYROIDECTOMISED SHEEP AND GOAT

The attempt was made to test the effect of thyroidectomy on the intelligence of the sheep and goat, and for this purpose the well-known maze or labyrinth method was employed. Significant differences in maze behaviour between the thyroidectomised animals and their twin controls were noted, but it was found impossible to interpret these differences by using the concepts of animal psychology. Regarding the problem physiologically, however, it was possible to frame a hypothesis to harmonise the facts, viz. the weakening in the cretin animal, of the inhibitory processes of the cerebral cortex. A criticism of the maze or labyrinth method from a physiological viewpoint is given. The expenses of this investigation were in part defrayed by grants from the Heckscher Research Foundation and the Sage Research Fund of Cornell University.
Asymptomatic chronic gastrointestinal blood loss in patients taking aspirin or warfarin for cardiovascular disease

Objective To determine whether low-dose aspirin or warfarin induces fecal occult blood loss. Patients and methods A prospective, crossover study, of 100 participants over 40 years of age in 1 of 3 groups, taking: (1) no aspirin or warfarin, (2) daily aspirin (either 81 or 325 mg), or (3) warfarin, but no aspirin. Stool samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of occult blood using HemoQuant and Hemoccult II. After collection of baseline samples, patients initially taking no aspirin (group 1) were asked to take regular aspirin (325 mg daily) for 2 months. Patients initially taking aspirin 81 mg daily (group 2) were switched to 325 mg daily for 2 months, and vice versa. Results Patients taking no aspirin had mean fecal blood of 0.68 ± 0.05 mg hemoglobin/g stool, which increased to 1.41 ± 0.36 mg/g after taking 325 mg of aspirin daily ( P = 0.02). In contrast, patients in group 2, taking 81 mg and 325 mg of aspirin, had mean fecal blood of 0.82 ± 0.08 mg/g ( P = 0.57) and 1.04 ± 0.23 mg/g ( P = 0.13), respectively (comparisons with patients taking no aspirin). The mean blood loss in patients taking warfarin was 0.51 ± 0.04 mg/g ( P = 0.55), and fecal blood was not related to the degree of anticoagulation. There was no increase over normal in the rate of Hemoccult II-positive stool tests with aspirin or warfarin therapy. Conclusion Aspirin, but not warfarin, caused a small but clinically insignificant increase in occult fecal blood. The small blood loss in patients taking aspirin or warfarin is unlikely to interfere with fecal occult blood tests. Therefore, positive fecal occult blood tests, in patients taking either low-dose aspirin or warfarin, should be managed in the same fashion as patients not taking these medications.
Isolation and characterization of nongeminal cyclic methylphenylphosphazene tetramers.

Heating pure samples of the cyclic phosphazenes, cis- or trans-[Me(Ph)PN]3, yielded mixtures of the cis and trans isomers of the cyclic phosphazene trimers, [Me(Ph)PN]3, and all four geometric isomers of the tetramers, [Me(Ph)PN]4. Varying the temperature and heating times changes the ratio of these components. Following the thermolysis by NMR spectroscopy indicated that only a mixture of the two isomeric trimers occurred initially. Longer heating times produced mixtures of the isomers of the tetramer. Column chromatography and solubility differences were used to separate each of the isomers of the tetramer. Spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic studies suggest that the four different geometrical isomers of the tetramer can be described as cone, partial cone, 1,2-alternate, and 1,3-alternate by analogy to calix[4]arene.
SU-E-T-324: Evaluation of Prostate Volume and Shape Change after Permanent Prostate Brachytherapy Using Implanted Seed Displacement Analysis

Purpose: To investigate a novel method of characterizing prostate volume and shape changes after permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) by using the implanted seeds as a surrogate. Methods: In twenty‐one patients undergoing PPB, multiple 2D C‐arm based fluoroscopy (CF) were taken intraoperatively immediately after seed implantation (day 0) and CT scan was performed the next day (day 1). The 3D coordinates of seed locations for each patient were reconstructed from both CF and CT, respectively. The volume of seed cloud was calculated as the volume of its convex hull. The CT and CF seed clouds were registered using iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm. The boundary seed shifts in each dimension between CF and CT seeds were calculated and student's t‐test was used to test if the seeds shifts were significantly different from zero. Results: Twelve patients show average of 7%±5% volume increase between day one CT seeds and day 0 CF seeds and nine patients show 9%±5% volume decrease. A positive correlation is found between seed‐calculated volume and intraoperative preplanning ultrasound volume. For patients with volume increase, there is significant expansion in both z dimension (SI) with p<0.001. For patients with volume decrease, there is shrinkage in both x dimension (LR) with p<0.05. An average 23±8 degree pitch angle around x (LR) axis was observed between two seed clouds, corresponding to the change of patient position from lithotomy position during the implant to supine position during CT.Conclusions: A method to use implanted seeds to determine prostate volume changes is demonstrated. The prostate volume can increase or decrease between end of implantation and day one CT, indicating edema either reaches its maximum intraoperatively, or still continues development after implantation. The ability to characterize immediate postoperative prostate volume and shape changes allows for correlation of intraoperative dynamic dosimetry to post‐implant CTdosimetry.
Comparison of Spin-Echo and Gradient-Echo T1-Weighted and Spin-Echo T2-Weighted Images at 3T in Evaluating Term-Neonatal Myelination

SUMMARY: A prior clinical report of 3T MR imaging in subsequently healthy very premature neonates imaged at term-equivalent age found that both gradient recalled-echo–T1WI and spin-echo–T2WI showed higher rates of myelinated structures, compared with spin-echo–T1WI. The current study set out to assess those rates on the same sequences at 3T in term neonates and thus consisted of 16 term neonates with normal-appearing MR imaging findings who subsequently had normal findings at clinical follow-up. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed 19 structures in those infants on all 3 sequences. Gradient recalled-echo–T1WI showed a slightly higher rate of myelination (57.2%–72.4% of all structures) and interobserver agreement (κ = 0.546, P < .0001) than spin-echo–T2WI (58.2%–64.8%; κ = 0.468, P < .0001), while spin-echo–T1WI had the lowest myelination rate and agreement (25.0%–48.4%; κ = 0.384, P < .0001). Both observers noted that the following structures were myelinated in 88%–100% of patients on gradient recalled-echo–T1WI: the brachium of the inferior colliculus, decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle, habenular commissure, medial lemniscus, pyramidal decussation, posterior limb of the internal capsule, and superior cerebellar peduncle; on spin-echo–T2WI, there was myelination in 88%–100% of the following structures: the brachium of the inferior colliculus, decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle, inferior cerebellar peduncle, medial lemniscus, and posterior limb of the internal capsule. In conclusion, this study confirmed that similar to the findings in term-equivalent-age premature infants, myelination changes in term neonates may be best assessed on both gradient recalled-echo–T1WI and spin-echo–T2WI at 3T, and not on spin-echo–T1WI. BIC : brachium of the inferior colliculus CST : corticospinal tracts DSCP : decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle GRE : gradient recalled-echo ICP : inferior cerebellar peduncle PLIC : posterior limb of the internal capsule SCP : superior cerebellar peduncle SE : spin-echo
The aponeurotic approach to eyelid retraction.

A technique for the upper lid retraction that involves an anterior approach similar to aponeurotic ptosis surgery is presented. Instead of advancing the aponeurosis, it is recessed and Muller's muscle is completely extirpated. The lateral horn of the levator must be cut to relieve the marked temporal elevation of the eyelid. Lid height and contour are adjusted intraoperatively with patient cooperation. In the lower lid, the retractors are recessed via a conjunctival approach unless simultaneously performed with orbital decompression. Any amount of lid retraction may be corrected by this technique in the upper lid and up to 3 mm of lower lid retraction can be corrected. Lid height in both the upper and lower lid is lasting and predictable. Thirty-one patients (63 eyelids) have been operated on using this technique with good results. Results in 17 patients (35 eyelids) with follow-up ranging from 8 to 42 months are presented.
An immunohistochemical study of serotonin development in the opossum cerebellum

In the present study we have used the indirect antibody peroxidase anti-peroxidase technique to analyze the development of serotonin in the cerebellum of pouch young opossums ranging in age from birth (postnatal day (PD) 1) — to PD 47. The pathways by which serotoninergic axons enter the cerebellum appear to change during development. Between PD 1 and PD 11 varicose serotoninergic fibers course though the continuity between the tectum and the dorsal medial aspect of the cerebellar plate and distribute primarily to the intermediate zone. By PD 11 serotoninergic fibers enter the cerebellum via a connecting band between the cerebellum and the dorsal lateral aspect of the rostral medulla. Fibers entering the cerebellum via this later route course around the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle and initially distribute to ventral and lateral areas of the cerebellum. At later developmental ages (PD 14–PD 47) serotoninergic fibers are present in: 1) the cellular zone of migration between the Purkinje cell layer and deep nuclei; 2) the Pukinje cell layer; 3) the internal granule cell layer; and 4) the deep cerebellar nuclei. The external granule cell and the molecular layers rarely contain serotoninergic fibers. The present study has shown that serotonin is present in the cerebellar anlage on PD 1 (within 13 days of conception). This is prior to the arrival of other major afferent systems (King et al. 1982; Bishop et al. 1983; Martin et al. 1983; Morgan et al. 1983). Further, serotoninergic axons reach the cerebellum via different routes at different stages of development. The presence of serotonin in the intermediate zone early in development supports the hypothesis that it may influence neuronal migration and differentiation (Lander and Krebs 1976). Axons containing serotonin and arriving later in development may function in synaptic transmission, a role proposed for this indoleamine in the adult (Strahlendorf et al. 1979).
Work in Progress - An Interdisciplinary Program in Computer Graphics

Computer graphics has become a high-profile specialty that is attractive to both computer science and art majors. Each discipline provides relevant skills that are absent in the other. Historically, curricula in art and computer science do not include courses from the other. To provide students with a broad foundation in computer graphics, Shippensburg University has developed a computer graphics concentration that includes components from both art and computer science. This paper discusses the details of this concentration
Instructional Strategies in Mainstream Classrooms Prediction of the Strategies Teachers Select

Fifty mainstream teachers provided information concerning their experience and educational background, their attitudes toward teaching effectiveness, and their mainstream classes, in order to demonstrate relationships between these variables and teachers' selections of instructional strategies in mainstream classes. The Bender Classroom Structure Questionnaire (BCSQ) was used as the dependent measure. Consistent relationships were demonstrated between teachers' attitudes toward personal teaching effectiveness and the instructional strategies they selected. Both teacher attitude toward personal teaching efficacy and class size predicted variance in the teachers' selection of educational strategies for their mainstream classes, yielding an R2 of .42. An exploratory analysis was conducted that included a factor analysis of the BCSQ and regression procedures designed to predict variance in each factor. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of continued research on instructional strategies in th...
DOES CARDIAC RHYTHM ALONE DETERMINE HUMAN BLOOD PRESSURE VARIATIONS

Changes in cardiac rhythm are not the only determinants of blood pressure variations in man. They play a part in the variations of systolic and diastolic pressures, the relative importance of which depends on the degree of arhythmia present and on the depth of respiration which, in itself, causes the systolic and diastolic pressures to decrease during inspiration and increase during expiration. No degree of rate variation can be regarded as a type. The cases range from those in which respiration governs the change of pressures entirely through those where more or less complicated mixtures of heart rate and respiratory influences intermingle to those in which extreme cardiac variations alone determine the pressure changes. The emphatic insistence of Henderson and his collaborators that heart rate changes play a more important part than is commonly recognized in man is true in many cases. That, in certain cases, it is the only determining influence may also be admitted, but they are in the minority. The majority show the intervention of a respiratory influence which controls, at least, the variations of systolic pressure. In the light of these results, the doctrine that, in man, an effective venous pressure exists sufficient during all respiratory phases to insure superimposable beats, must be subjected to further reinvestigation.
Fundamentals of polymer coagulation

Polymer coagulation is studied by a Monte Carlo diffusion model in which coagulant, solvent, and polymer particles move on nearest neighbor lattice sites according to the change in local interaction energy. Our approach has allowed, for the first time, to describe the coagulation process beyond the initial quench state and to reproduce the wide variety of different polymer structures that can be obtained, ranging from dust- to finger- to spongelike morphologies. We show that these morphologies are fully controlled by the coagulation rate which is itself strongly dependent on the degree of miscibility between solvent and coagulant. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Sensitivity to azoxystrobin in Didymella bryoniae isolates collected before and after field use of strobilurin fungicides

BACKGROUND: Isolates of Didymella bryoniae (Auersw.) Rehm, causal agent of gummy stem blight on cucurbits, developed insensitivity to azoxystrobin in the eastern United States 2 years after first commercial use in 1998. Baseline sensitivity of this fungus to azoxystrobin has never been reported. The objectives were to compare baseline sensitivities of D. bryoniae from South Carolina and other locations to sensitivities of isolates exposed to azoxystrobin for one or more seasons, and to compare sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Sixty-one isolates of D. bryoniae collected before 1998 were sensitive. Median EC50 was 0.055 mg L−1 azoxystrobin (range 0.005 to 0.81). Forty isolates collected after exposure during 1998 also were sensitive. Fifty-three of 64 isolates collected in South and North Carolina between 2000 and 2006 were insensitive to 10 mg L−1 azoxystrobin. Sensitive and insensitive isolates were distinguished by disease severity on Cucumis melo L. seedlings treated with azoxystrobin (20 or 200 mg L−1). CONCLUSIONS: An azoxystrobin baseline sensitivity distribution was established in vitro for isolates of D. bryoniae never exposed to strobilurins. Baseline values were comparable with those of other ascomycetes. Insensitive isolates were found in fields with a history of strobilurin applications. An in vivo method distinguished sensitive and insensitive isolates. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of protein structural flexibility by microsecond force spectroscopy

Proteins are dynamic molecular machines having structural flexibility that allows conformational changes. Current methods for the determination of protein flexibility rely mainly on the measurement of thermal fluctuations and disorder in protein conformations and tend to be experimentally challenging. Moreover, they reflect atomic fluctuations on picosecond timescales, whereas the large conformational changes in proteins typically happen on micro- to millisecond timescales. Here, we directly determine the flexibility of bacteriorhodopsin -- a protein that uses the energy in light to move protons across cell membranes -- at the microsecond timescale by monitoring force-induced deformations across the protein structure with a technique based on atomic force microscopy. In contrast to existing methods, the deformations we measure involve a collective response of protein residues and operate under physiologically relevant conditions with native proteins.
U.S. Standards for Air Sampling of Environmental Contaminants: Current Basis and Future Options

Abstract In the 1970s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) used the traditional “control with enforcement” method in addressing exposures of the U.S. urban population to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, lead, and particles. A different approach will be used to implement the hazardous air pollutant regulations required by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. This article discusses the two approaches and then describes five emerging issues: aerosol acidity, enhanced ozone monitoring, development of simple-to-operate and inexpensive air pollutant monitoring systems, indoor air pollution, and continuous measurement of stack gas flow rate. The areas in which suppliers of pollutant control systems and pollutant measurement systems can help EPA address these issues are also discussed. Mitchell, W.J.: U.S. Standards for Air Sampling of Environmental Contaminants: Current Basis and Future Options. Appl. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 8(4):239-242; 1993.
CRYSTALLIZATION AND PRELIMINARY STUDIES OF THE DNA-BINDING DOMAIN ZA FROM ADAR1 COMPLEXED TO LEFT-HANDED DNA

The proteolytically defined Z-DNA binding domain Za of human adenosine deaminase type 1 (hADAR1) has been crystallized in complex with the DNA oligomer d(TCGCGCG). The crystals were obtained from a solution containing ammonium sulfate as precipitating agent and belong to the tetragonal space group P4212. A complete diffraction data set has been collected to a resolution of 2.4 A. The unit-cell dimensions are a = b = 85.9, c = 71.3 A. A Raman spectrum of the complex indicates that the DNA in the complex adopts the left-handed Z conformation.
Intraplate volcanism of the western Pacific: New insights from geological and geophysical observations in the Pigafetta Basin

Understanding intraplate volcanism is a key to deciphering the Earth's magmatic history. One of the largest intraplate volcanic events occurred during the mid Cretaceous, roughly 75 to 125 Ma in the western Pacific. To investigate the origin and effects of this volcanism on various Earth systems, we present the first comprehensive study of volcanism in the Pigafetta Basin using seismic surveys, magnetic and gravity modeling, and Ocean Drilling Program drill core and well log data from Site 801. Our results show that intraplate volcanism in the Pigafetta Basin coincides with the rest of the western Pacific seamount provinces, supporting the previously suggested plumelets scenario for the origin of intraplate volcanism during the mid Cretaceous volcanic events. We also discover that the late stage volcanism does not overprint the remanant magnetization acquired by the Jurassic ocean crust in the Pigafetta Basin, and hence, marine magnetic anomalies recorded in the Jurassic basement are preserved. Also, the formerly identified Rough Smooth Boundary (RSB) is indistinguishable from any other rough-smooth topographic boundaries throughout the survey area suggesting that the RSB is unlikely to be a Cretaceous sill-Jurassic basement boundary. Lastly, the apparent ages and spatial distribution of volcanic features suggests a dynamic history of hydrothermal circulation in the Pigafetta Basin, indicating that hydrothermal circulation was ongoing well past 100 Ma. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Distributed fiber optic intrusion sensor system for monitoring long perimeters

The use of an optical fiber as a distributed sensor for detecting and locating intruders over long perimeters (>10 km) is described. Phase changes resulting from either the pressure of the intruder on the ground immediately above the buried fiber or from seismic disturbances in the vicinity are sensed by a phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer (Φ-OTDR). Light pulses from a cw laser operating in a single longitudinal mode and with low (MHz/min range) frequency drift are injected into one end of the single mode fiber, and the backscattered light is monitored with a photodetector. In laboratory tests with 12 km of fiber on reels, the effects of localized phase perturbations induced by a piezoelectric fiber stretcher on Φ-OTDR traces were characterized. In field tests in which the sensing element is a single mode fiber in a 3-mm diameter cable buried in a 20-46 cm deep, 10 cm wide trench in clay soil, detection of intruders on foot up to 4.6 m from the cable line was achieved. In desert terrain field tests in which the sensing fiber is in a 4.5-mm diameter cable buried in a 30 cm deep, 75 cm wide trench filled with loose sand, high sensitivity and consistent detection of intruders on foot and of vehicles traveling down a road near the cable line was realized over a cable length of 8.5 km and a total fiber path of 19 km. Based on these results, this technology may be regarded as a candidate for providing low-cost perimeter security for nuclear power plants, electrical power distribution centers, storage facilities for fuel and volatile chemicals, communication hubs, airports, government offices, military bases, embassies, and national borders.
Serum-mediated blocking of cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity in a melanoma patient: Association with BCG immunotherapy and clinical deterioration

A patient with melanoma was found to have lymphocytes highly cytotoxic for autogenous tumor cells but not for fibroblasts. Autogenous serum did not block the cytotoxicity. He then received an injection of BCG into a small tumor nodule. Three weeks later, in association with accelerated clinical deterioration, his lymphocytes were still cytotoxic, but his serum could now block completely the tumor-specific lymphocyte reactivity. Blocage a mediation cellulaire de l'immunite anti-tumorale a mediation cellulaire chez un sujet atteint de melanome: Association avec l'immunotherapie par le BCG et l'aggravation de l'etat clinique Chez un sujet atteint de melanome, nous avons observe des lymphocytes fortement cytotoxiques envers les cellules d'une tumeur autogene, mais pas envers les fibroblastes. Le serum autogene n'a pas bloque l'effet cytotoxique. Le malade a alors recu une injection de BCG a l'interieur d'un petit nodule tumoral. Trois semaines plus tard, alors que son etat clinique s'aggravait rapidement, ses lymphocytes etaient toujours cytotoxiques, mais son serum pouvait desormais bloquer completement la reactivite specifique des lymphocytes a Vegard de la tumeur.
Novel neurosensory testing in cancer patients treated with the epothilone B analog, ixabepilone

Abstract Background: We have previously established the recommended phase II dose (RPTD) of ixabepilone as 40 mg/m2 administered over 1 h repeated every 3 weeks with neuropathy as a cumulative dose-limiting toxicity. We expanded the cohort at the RPTD to include detailed assessment of nerve damage in these patients. We report our findings on vibration perception threshold (VPT) and neuropathy. Patients and methods: Forty-four patients were treated with a median (range) of three (1–14) cycles of ixabepilone. The VPT (5-min duration) and nerve conduction test (NCT, 10-min duration) were carried out in the office, before ixabepilone dosing, and every two cycles thereafter. Results: Neuropathy (grade 1 and grades 2–3) was observed in 17 (38.6%) and 11 (25%) patients, respectively. The mean increase in VPT as a function of grade 0–1 versus grades 2–3 neuropathy was 0.235 ± 0.03 versus 0.869 ± 0.09 (P = 0.049) vibration units. The F-wave frequency and distal motor latency, as assessed using the NCT, did not correlate with clinical neurotoxicity. Conclusion: The change in VPT is observed early and likely reflects early vibration perception change. Mean change in VPT correlates with the severity of clinical neuropathy. Whether VPT change predicts onset of severe neuropathy warrants prospective testing and validation.
Do Local Development Outcomes Follow Voluntary Regional Plans? Evidence From Sacramento Region's Blueprint Plan

Problem, research strategy, and findings: We examine the post-plan impacts of the Sacramento region's 2004 Blueprint, a widely celebrated regional process, to better understand the impact of region...
God from the Machine? Urban Movements Meet Machine Politics in Neoliberal Chicago

This paper examines the anti-Wal-Mart and immigrant rights movements in Chicago in order to understand how local political institutions influence dynamics of exclusion and incorporation. Tracing the post-1970s reconfiguration of the city's machine politics, I argue that a mayor-centered neoclientelism has enabled the local state to flexibly manage the political challenges posed by movements. This analysis seeks to contribute to broader conceptions of contemporary urban governance, suggesting how a ‘deviant’ set of local institutions may facilitate the sort of hybridized formations upon which a neoliberal politics relies.
Qualitative Aspects of Nasal Irrigation Use by Patients With Chronic Sinus Disease in a Multimethod Study

PURPOSE We qualitatively assessed attitudes regarding use of hypertonic saline nasal irrigation (HSNI) for frequent rhinosinusitis and chronic sinonasal symptoms in a 3-part, multimethod study. METHODS We conducted semistructured, in-depth interviews with 28 partici- pants who recently used nasal irrigation in studies assessing HSNI. RESULTS Four themes emerged: (1) HSNI improved self-management of sinus symptoms, creating a sense of empowerment; (2) HSNI produced rapid and long-term improvement in quality of life; (3) participants identifi ed discomfort, time, and mild side effects as barriers to HSNI use; and (4) participants identifi ed aspects of training and at-home use that overcame these barriers. CONCLUSION HSNI is a safe, well-tolerated, inexpensive, effective, long-term therapy that patients with chronic sinonasal symptoms can and will use at home with minimal training and follow-up. Success with HSNI will likely be improved by patient education.
Moisture sensitivity of ecosystem respiration: Comparison of 14 forest ecosystems in the Upper Great Lakes Region, USA

Ecosystem respiration (ER) was measured with the eddy covariance technique in 14 forest ecosystems in the Upper Great Lakes Region during the growing seasons of 2002 and 2003. The response of ER to soil temperature and moisture was analyzed using empirical models. On average, ER was higher in the intermediate and young than in the mature stands, and higher in hardwood than in conifer stands. The seasonal mean temperature-normalized respiration rate (R10) ranged from 1 to 3 mmol CO2 m � 2 s � 1 and seasonal mean activation energy (Ea) from 40 to 110 kJ mol � 1 . The variation in the residuals of temperature response function of ER was best explained by soil moisture content. ER showed higher temperature sensitivity (as indicated by lower Ea) in the young than in the mature stands of coniferous forests, but not in the hardwood forests. The inclusion of soil moisture as an explicit driver of R10 explained an additional 8% (range 0-21%) of variability in ER. Significant moisture sensitivity of ER was detected in only 5 out of 20 site-years and it was associated with bimodal soil moisture distribution. Moisture sensitivity could partially be predicted from statistical moments kurtosis and interquartile range. The data implied greater moisture sensitivity with increasing stand age, possibly due to faster depletion of soil water supplies from a greater evaporative surface in the older stands. Additional limiting factors to ER were implicated.
Influence of the parathyroids and ultimobranchial glands in the frog (Rana pipiens) during respiratory acidosis

Abstract The influence of the parathyroids and ultimobranchial glands on the calcium carbonate deposits of the paravertebral lime sacs was examined in Rana pipiens, and correlated with the systemic buffering capacity during a period of respiratory acidosis. Serum composition of intact, ultimobranchialectomized (UBX), parathyroidectomized (PTX) and PTX-UBX frogs was examined over a 72-hr period during exposure to 10% CO2-90%O2. In a high carbon dioxide atmosphere, all groups displayed a respiratory acidosis after 6 hr. At 72 hr, controls showed complete compensation and retained an elevated pCO2. Frogs without parathormone (PTX) and UBX-PTX frogs continued to exhibit an uncompensated respiratory acidosis and elevated pCO2 after 72 hr, and displayed tetany. Serum carbonate levels fell in all groups during the first 6 hr but failed to return to pretreatment levels in PTX- and UBX-PTX frogs. The inability of PTX frogs to mobilize calcium carbonate stores under normal and high carbon dioxide atmosphere suggests that parathyroids in amphibians influence a systemic buffering system in addition to ionized calcium.
Idiopathic and Primary Cardiomyopathies in Children.

This is the third and final issue of Progress in Pediatric Cardiology that reports results from the scientific conference on future research directions for children with idiopathic or primary cardiomyopathies that was held in Bethesda, Maryland in January 2007. The conference was sponsored by the Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute with additional support from the Genzyme Corporation and the Department of Pediatrics of Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. In this issue we begin with the results from the expert roundtable discussions regarding future directions in pediatric cardiomyopathy research in the areas of genetics, epidemiology and clinical care. Topics in this issue include an update on the NHLBI funded Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry, stem cell therapies, signalosomes, familial dilated cardiomyopathy, cardiomyopathy related to fatty acid metabolism, peripartum and restrictive cardiomyopathy, and exercise rehabilitation and comprehensive care for children with cardiomyopathy. The editors wish to acknowledge the outstanding support of the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF) and its president and founder Ms. Lisa Yue for continuing and unwavering support for pediatric cardiomyopathy research. Ms. Yue, with the CCF, has been the primary proponent and principal financial underwriter of the January 2007 conference held in Bethesda noted above. We also wish to recognize Pauline Pierrot and Talitha Hill from CCF whose considerable efforts made the conference possible, as well as the financial support from the Genzyme Corporation. Also, the editors wish to express their gratitude to Ms. Mitzi Wilkinson, Ms. Kathryn Deane, Mr. Jorge Alvarez, and Ms. Natalya Bublik from the Department of Pediatrics of Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami for their invaluable efforts in the planning, conduct and dissemination of the results of this important conference. Finally, we wish to thank Dr. Gail Pearson and Dr. Pothur R. Srinivas of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for their expertise and support for the Bethesda conference.
Impact of Grain Structure and Material Properties on Via Extrusion in 3D Interconnects

In this article, the effects of Cu microstructure on the mechanical properties and extrusion of through-silicon vias (TSVs) were studied based on two types of TSVs with different microstructure. A direct correlation was found between the grain size and the mechanical properties of the vias. Both an analytical model and finite element analysis (FEA) were used to establish the relationship between the mechanical properties and via extrusion. The effect of via/Si interface on extrusion was also studied by FEA. The results suggest small and uniform grains in the Cu vias, as well as stronger interfaces between the via and Si led to smaller via extrusion, and are thus preferable for reduced via extrusion failure and improved TSV reliability.
Maltodextrin Acceptance and Preference in Eight Mouse Strains

Rodents are strongly attracted to the taste(s) of maltodextrins. A first step toward discovery of the underlying genes involves identifying phenotypic differences among inbred strains of mice. To do this, we used 5-s brief-access tests and 48-h 2-bottle choice tests to survey the avidity for the maltodextrin, Maltrin M040, of mice from 8 inbred strains (129S1/SvImJ, A/J, CAST/EiJ, C57BL/6J, NOD/ShiLTJ, NZO/HlLtJ, PWK/PhJ, and WSB/EiJ). In brief-access tests, the CAST and PWK strains licked significantly less maltodextrin than equivalent concentrations of sucrose, whereas the other strains generally licked the 2 carbohydrates equally. Similarly, in 2-bottle choice tests, the CAST and PWK strains drank less 4% maltodextrin than 4% sucrose, whereas the other strains had similar intakes of these 2 solutions; the CAST and PWK strains did not differ from the C57, NOD, or NZO strains in 4% sucrose intake. In sum, we have identified strain variation in maltodextrin perception that is distinct from variation in sucrose perception. The phenotypic variation characterized here will aid in identifying genes responsible for maltodextrin acceptance. Our results identify C57 × PWK mice or NZO × CAST mice as informative crosses to produce segregating hybrids that will expose quantitative trait loci underlying maltodextrin acceptance and preference.
Studies on enhanced degradable plastics: 1. The geographic variability in outdoor lifetimes of enhanced photodegradable polyethylenes

Studies on three types of enhanced photodegradable polyethylenes showed tensile elongation at break to be a suitable parameter for assessing disintegration due to outdoor weathering. Disintegration rates varied greatly with exposure location, with Arizona the harshest environment and Washington and New Jersey the mildest. The rate of breakdown of the enhanced degradable polyethylenes relative to unmodified plastic was termed an enhancement factor. For the materials studied, average enhancement factors generally ranged from five to fifteen. The location-dependent variability in rate parameters can be mostly explained in terms of different average radiation levels and temperatures at these locations. A duplicate exposure protocol was developed to determine if the test data were complicated by short-term fluctuations in sunlight or temperature during exposure.
Transient Performance and Coupled Acoustic Structural and Electrostatic Modeling of a Multistage Vacuum Micropump

This paper describes the theoretical analysis used to design of a multistage peristaltic vacuum micro pump, comprising of two parts. First, three different designs for a 16 stage micropump to achieve a vacuum of 250 torr are investigated. One design produces an equal pressure distribution across each stage at steady state. A second design has equal volume ratio across each stage. The third design is a combination of the other two. The transient behavior of these designs is analyzed using a reduced order model. In the first two designs when the pressure difference across the pump is low most pumping occurs across the first few stages, while for the third design the load is almost equally distributed across all stages. The opposite is observed when the pressure difference across the pump is high. In the second part of the paper, the reduced order model is further developed to account for the effects of electrostatic actuation and membrane dynamics. A non-linear model is proposed for the motion of the membrane and used to study the steady state performance and resonance of a multistage vacuum micro pump as a function of input voltage. It is found that near the acoustic frequency, a lower voltage is required to produce a greater flow.© 2011 ASME
Epidemic Situation of Japanese B Encephalitis in Yibin City From 2001 to 2005

Objective To analyze the epidemic rules of Japanese B encephalitis in Yibin City from 2001 to 2005, so as to provide scientific basis for its effective prevention and control. Method Descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the epidemic situation. Results From 2001 to 2005, there were 362 cases reported infecting with Japanese encephalitis in Yibin City. The average incidence rate was 1.41/105. The disease was a seasonal disease, and the main occurrence happened from January to September. There was no significant difference in gender. The main morbidity population was people aged 0-15 years old. The occupational distribution of the disease was mainly in primary and middle school students, accounting 66.57% of the total incidence. Conclusion The incidence rate of Japanese encephalitis in Yibin City is relatively high, so the prevention and control of the disease should be strengthened.
Overview of docetaxel (Taxotere) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

In contrast to previous decades, the 1990s have witnessed an increase of new agents with significant activity in breast cancer, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and, more recently, biologic modifiers. All information appears to confirm that such a trend will persist and even accelerate in the coming decades. Unless clear strategies of development for new drugs are strictly followed, it will become difficult to adequately assess the many new agents with potentially important activity against breast cancer, and patient access may become a limiting key factor. The academic, global virtual concept is calling for the definition of a new relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and clinical researchers. The main aspect is related to the creation of partnerships with an academically controlled global strategy of development for promising new agents, in which the quality and independence of processes (adjuvant setting, for example) are critical. The means are based on the globalization of patient access (worldwide network) and the virtuality of the approach (modern means of communication as well as access to subgroups of patients). The Breast Cancer International Research Group is the first academic global virtual cooperative group in breast cancer and is making contributions in the development of new drugs, such as taxanes, new antiestrogens, and new cytokines.
Limits to accuracy: how well can we do at student modeling?

There has been a large body of work in the field of EDM involving predicting whether the student’s next attempt will be correct. Many promising ideas have resulted in negligible gains in accuracy, with differences in the thousandths place on RMSE or R. This paper explores how well we can expect student modeling approaches to perform at this task. We attempt to place an upper limit on model accuracy by performing a series of cheating experiments. We investigate how well a student model can perform that has: perfect information about a student’s incoming knowledge, the ability to detect the exact moment when a student learns a skill (binary knowledge), and the ability to precisely estimate a student’s level of knowledge (continuous knowledge). We find that binary knowledge model has an AUC of 0.804 on our sample data, relative to a baseline PFA model with a 0.745. If we weaken our cheating model slightly, such that it no longer knows student incoming knowledge but simply assumes students are incorrect on their first attempt, AUC drops to 0.747. Consequently, we argue that many student modeling techniques are relatively close to ceiling performance, and there are probably not large gains in accuracy to be had. In addition, knowledge tracing and performance factors analysis, two popular techniques, correlate with each other at 0.96 indicating few differences between them. We conclude by arguing that there are more useful student modeling tasks such as detecting robust learning or wheel-spinning, and estimating parameters such as optimal spacing that are deserving of attention.
Skeletal muscle blood flow abnormalities in rats with a chronic myocardial infarction: rest and exercise

The purpose of this study was to determine the regional distribution of blood flow deficit in the skeletal muscle vascular bed of rats with a chronic myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure (HF). Accordingly, blood flow was determined (via radioactive microspheres) in rats with a small infarction (MI less than 30%) and in rats with a large (MI greater than 30%) infarction, induced by surgically ligating the left main coronary artery, and compared with rats that had received a sham operation. Results demonstrate that blood flow to the hindlimb musculature was significantly (P less than 0.05) less during a given level of treadmill exercise (20% grade and speed of 28 m/min) in the MI groups of rats compared with their sham counterparts. These differences in hindlimb blood flow were the result of blood flow deficits found in the individual muscles of the thigh and leg. Moreover, the blood flow deficits were more pronounced in the MI greater than 30% group of rats compared with the MI less than 30% group. The blood flow deficits found for the MI greater than 30% group of rats were positively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch oxidative-glycolytic fibers and negatively correlated with the percentage of fast-twitch glycolytic fibers found in the individual muscles. Our study supports the contention that MI rats demonstrate skeletal muscle blood flow abnormalities during exercise. It appears that the degree of blood flow abnormalities produced in rats is dependent on the size of the MI and the amount of left ventricular dysfunction produced in the HF state.