cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A flexible micromachined optical sensor for simultaneous measurement of pressure and shear force distribution on foot

Lower limb complications associated with diabetes include the development of plantar ulcers that can lead to infection and subsequent amputation. While it is known from force plate analyses that there are medial/lateral and anterior/posterior shear components of the ground reaction force, there is little known about the actual distribution of this force during daily activities, nor about the role that shear plays in causing plantar ulceration. Furthermore, one critical reason why these data have not been obtained previously is the lack of a validated, widely used, commercially available shear sensor, in part because of the various technical issues associated with shear measurement. Here we have developed novel means of tranducing plantar shear and pressure stress via a new microfabricated optical system. The pressure/shear sensor consists of an array of optical waveguides lying in perpendicular rows and columns separated by elastomeric pads. A map of pressure and shear stress is constructed based on observed macro bending through the intensity attenuation from the physical deformation of two adjacent perpendicular optical waveguides. The uniqueness of the sensor is in its batch fabrication process, which involves injection molding and embossing techniques with Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the optical medium. Here we present the preliminary results of the prototype. The sensor has been shown to have low noise and responds linearly to applied loads. The smallest detectable force on each sensor element based on the current setup is ~0.1 N. The smallest area we have resolved in our mesh sensor is currently 950x950μm2© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Parallel prefix adder design using quantum-dot cellular automata

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) represents a very promising emerging technology, which has been claimed to be faster and smaller than the most traditional CMOS technology. In the last years, important advances have been made in QCA designs, since the introduction of basic logic gates until the insertion of more complex circuits, like adders. However, new paradigms and challenges have emerged in this sense. The implementation of the basic blocks necessary to build parallel prefix adders (PPAs) is presented in this work. These blocks have been evaluated and validated through the construction of a 4-bit PPA. The proposed adder implementation is compared to other QCA adders available in the literature.
Isoelectric pH of polyamide–epichlorohydrin modified soy protein improved water resistance and adhesion properties

Protein macromolecules derived from plants have been considered as alternative resources for various applications, including adhesives, films, rubbers, and biocomposites. Plant protein polymers are pH sensitive and need to be modified to meet application performance. This study demonstrated interactions between polyamide–epichlorohydrin (PAE) and soy protein as affected by pH and temperature. PAE and soy protein molecules formed reversible ionic complexes at room temperature at a pH range of 4–9. The complexation interactions acted as physical crosslinking, which stabilized the soy protein structure and increased its denaturation temperature and enthalpy. The viscosity of adhesives derived from the interaction of PAE and soy protein was affected significantly by the complexation formation, denaturation, and pH. The complexation interactions improved the adhesion properties of the PAE/modified soy protein. pH also played an important role in the adhesion performance, which was attributed to the pH dependence of the protein conformation and PAE/soy protein complexation interactions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl PolymSci 103: 2261–2270, 2007
Learning to maximize reward rate: a model based on semi-Markov decision processes.

When animals have to make a number of decisions during a limited time interval, they face a fundamental problem: how much time they should spend on each decision in order to achieve the maximum possible total outcome. Deliberating more on one decision usually leads to more outcome but less time will remain for other decisions. In the framework of sequential sampling models, the question is how animals learn to set their decision threshold such that the total expected outcome achieved during a limited time is maximized. The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical framework for answering this question. To this end, we consider an experimental design in which each trial can come from one of the several possible ``conditions". A condition specifies the difficulty of the trial, the reward, the penalty and so on. We show that to maximize the expected reward during a limited time, the subject should set a separate value of decision threshold for each condition. We propose a model of learning the optimal value of decision thresholds based on the theory of semi-Markov decision processes (SMDP). In our model, the experimental environment is modeled as an SMDP with each ``condition" being a ``state" and the value of decision thresholds being the ``actions" taken in those states. The problem of finding the optimal decision thresholds then is cast as the stochastic optimal control problem of taking actions in each state in the corresponding SMDP such that the average reward rate is maximized. Our model utilizes a biologically plausible learning algorithm to solve this problem. The simulation results show that at the beginning of learning the model choses high values of decision threshold which lead to sub-optimal performance. With experience, however, the model learns to lower the value of decision thresholds till finally it finds the optimal values.
A New British Bird

A FINE example, a male, of the Pacific eider-duck, Somateria v-nigrum, was killed at Scarborough on December 16. This is the first recorded instance of the occurrence of this bird on our shores. Closely resembling the common eider, Somateria molissima, it may yet be readily distinguished therefrom by the bright orange colour of the bill, and the sharply defined, black V-shaped mark on the throat—hence the specific name v-nigrum.
An NMR study of alkyl exchange reactions between boron and aluminum: effect of such exchange reactions on the polymerizability of alkenyldialkylboranes by the Ziegler-Natta process

Abstract Alkyl exchange reactions between boron and aluminum were studied using 1H-NMR, to gain a better understanding of the behavior of various ω-alkenyldialkylboranes towards Ziegler-Natta catalysts. The reaction of a model borane, octyldimethylborane, with Et3Al, Et2AlCl and EtAlCl2 was investigated. The transfer of the methyl group from boron to aluminum was monitored as a function of time. The rate of transfer was found to be rapid in the case of Et3Al and decreased in the order: Et3Al » Et2AlCl > EtAlCl2. The extent of this transfer at equilibrium, followed the same order and a maximum of 92 mol percent of the methyl group was transferred in the case of Et3Al. Sterically hindered aluminum alkyls such as tri(isobutyl)aluminum was also found to undergo rapid exchange with octyldimethylborane. Sterically crowded boranes such as 1-hexenyl-9-BBN, however, did not undergo any exchange reaction with Et2AlCl.
Impact of inspection errors on performance measures of a complete repeat inspection plan

In quality assurance of critical multicharacteristic components complete repeat inspection plans have been proposed to guard against inspection errors. The optimal number of repeat inspections is determined using a model for the plan which minimizes the total expected cost, which consists of the cost of false acceptance, cost of false rejection and cost of inspection. In this paper performance measures for such plans are defined and then the statistical and economic impact of inspection errors on these measures is investigated. The impact of the errors is studied by conducting sensitivity analysis on the errors utilizing a computer software which implements an algorithm that determines the optimal parameters of the model of the plan. Then the levels of the errors are varied and the behaviour of the performance measured are observed. Results indicate that the impact of type I and type II errors are significant and have considerable effect on the performance measures of complete repeat inspection plans. Als...
Effect of acid predissolution on fibril size and fibril flexibility of synthetic beta-amyloid peptide.

beta-amyloid peptide (A beta) is the major protein component of senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's patients. Several researchers have demonstrated that A beta is neurotoxic in in vitro and in vivo systems. Peptide aggregation state and/or conformation might play a significant role in determining the toxicity of the peptide. The size and flexibility of fibrils formed from the synthetic peptide beta (1–39), corresponding to the first 39 residues of A beta, were determined. Samples were prepared either directly from lyophilized peptide or diluted from a 10 mg/ml stock solution in 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). All samples had a final peptide concentration of 0.5 mg/ml, a final pH of 7.4, and a final NaCl concentration of 0.14 M. The molecular weight and linear density of the fibrils increased with increasing pre-incubation time in TFA, based on static light scattering measurements. Analysis of the angular dependence of the intensity of scattered light indicated that the fibrils were semi-flexible chains and that the fibril flexibility decreased with increasing pre-incubation time in TFA. There was a concomitant change in phase behavior from precipitation to gelation with the decrease in fibril flexibility.
Battered women: intervention and prevention. A psychosociocultural perspective, Part 2

Building on the foundation of understanding and comprehensive assessment of battered women, this article addresses service planning and intervention. Strategies are approached within the framework of a Crisis Paradigm developed from field research with battered women and their families. They include mechanisms such as support groups which link crisis service to the long-term needs of battered women, and systematic approaches to removing the obstacles which keep women victimized. An Assessment and Service Planning Guide (ASPG) is proposed for inclusion in routine health care of abused women. The article concludes with strategies for preventing violence at interpersonal and societal levels.
Recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation: on-treatment prediction of response to peginterferon/ribavirin therapy.

Sustained virologic response (SVR) in the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT) remains suboptimal. We evaluated efficacy of pegylated interferon alfa (PEG) and ribavirin (RBV) (PEG/RBV) combination therapy in LT recipients with recurrent HCV and predictive values of rapid virological response (RVR) and early virologic response (EVR). Between January 2001 and October 2005, LT recipients with recurrent HCV were intended to be treated for 48 weeks with PEG/RBV combination therapy independent of genotype or virologic response [53 patients (79% genotype 1)]. On-treatment predictor of response at week 4 (RVR) was defined as undetectable HCV RNA, and at week 12 (EVR) as undetectable HCV RNA or a >2 log10 drop from pretreatment viral load. SVR was seen in 19 (35%) patients. Patients with genotype 2/3 were more likely to achieve SVR than those with genotype 1 (87% versus 23%; P = 0.001). The highest rate of SVR was seen in patients with RVR [specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) = 100%] while the highest rate of treatment failure was seen in those who did not have EVR [sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) = 100%]. The NPV of RVR to identify those who will not achieve SVR was also very high (88%). EVR had low PPV (63%) to identify those with SVR. In conclusion, PEG/RBV combination therapy is effective in the treatment of post-LT recurrent HCV. On-treatment virologic monitoring is highly predictive of SVR and may optimize the virologic response and minimize toxicity. Given its high PPV and NPV, RVR appears to be the most appropriate decision time point for continuation of therapy. Liver Transpl 14:53–58, 2008. © 2007 AASLD.
Lack of seasonal variation in protein-bound iodine

Abstract Serum protein-bound iodine has been determined monthly from five normal women and four normal men over a one-year period. A seasonal variation in the results was not detectable in spite of a large seasonal variation in ambient temperature. This is contrary to several reports from other geographical areas.
A TCAS-II Resolution Advisory Detection Algorithm

The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is a family of airborne systems designed to reduce the risk of mid-air collisions between aircraft. TCAS~II, the current generation of TCAS devices, provides resolution advisories that direct pilots to maintain or increase vertical separation when aircraft distance and time parameters are beyond designed system thresholds. This paper presents a mathematical model of the TCAS~II Resolution Advisory (RA) logic that assumes accurate aircraft state information. Based on this model, an algorithm for RA detection is also presented. This algorithm is analogous to a conflict detection algorithm, but instead of predicting loss of separation, it predicts resolution advisories. It has been formally verified that for a kinematic model of aircraft trajectories, this algorithm completely and correctly characterizes all encounter geometries between two aircraft that lead to a resolution advisory within a given lookahead time interval. The RA detection algorithm proposed in this paper is a fundamental component of a NASA sense and avoid concept for the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in civil airspace.
Resonant four-photon ionization of atomic hydrogen.

We have measured the three-photon resonant, four-photon ionization profile of atomic hydrogen. The width of the profile is large compared with the laser bandwidth, fine-structure splitting, Doppler width, and radiative and collisional rates. The shape, shift, width, and laser intensity dependence of the measured profiles are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.
Mandating Preservice Enviromental Education Teacher Training: The Wisconsin Experience

Abstract All future Wisconsin elementary, science, social studies, and agriculture teachers must achieve specific competencies in environmental education before they can achieve a license to teach. This article describes the political strategies used to gain approval for this new requirement. The author postulates that similar requirements can be passed in other states if environmental educators use the political process effectively and work with their natural allies.
Rapid dendritic atrophy following deafferentation: An EM morphometric analysis

Abstract The nucleus laminaris (NL), a third-order brain stem auditory nucleus in birds, receives afferents to its dorsal dendrites from the ipsilateral nucleus magnocellularis (NM), while the ventral dendrites of NL neurons are innervated by axons from the contralateral NM via the crossed dorsal cochlear tract (CTrX). The CTrX was transected in young chickens and, 96 h later, NL was examined for cytological changes. A morphometric analysis of electron micrographs from lesioned and sham-operated animals revealed the following. (1) Degenerating axons and axon terminals were localized almost entirely to the ventral neuropil region of NL. (2) The volume density of dendrite in the ventral region of NL of lesioned animals was reduced by 85% compared to both the dorsal dendritic region of the same animals and the ventral dendritic region of sham-operated control animals. (3) The frequency with which primary dendrites were encountered in the ventral neuropil of lesioned animals was 81% lower than in sham-operated controls. (4) Frequently, there was an apparent reduction in the amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and cytoplasmic granularity in the deafferented part of the NL neurons. (5) The data indicate that the cytological integrity of dendritic processes can be specifically, profoundly and very rapidly compromised by removing a significant proportion of their afferents, suggesting that a tonic influence may be exerted by the presynaptic terminals.
Solid source MBE growth of InAsP/InP quantum wells

Strained InAsP multiquantum wells (MWQs) were grown on InP(100) substrates by solid source molecular beam epitaxy and were characterized to relate structural and optical quality to growth conditions. The multiquantum wells were grown using either dimer or tetramer arsenic (As2 or As4) over the substrate temperature range of 420–535°C. θ-2θ x-ray diffraction measurements showed only slight differences between arsenic compositions in the quantum wells grown with As2 or As4. 300K and 8K photoluminescence full width at half max (FWHM) decreased at higher growth temperatures regardless of the arsenic species used. The 8K photoluminescence FWHM and the surface roughness measured by atomic force microscopy are found to be less sensitive to substrate growth temperature for the multiquantum wells growth with As2 as opposed to As4.
Serum esterases among registered breeds of dogs as revealed by immunoelectrophoretic comparisons.

Abstract 1. 1. Aromatic esterase and cholinesterases in the sera of 110 dogs representing 40 breeds of dogs were identified by specific enzyme characterization tests conducted on immunoelectrophoresis slides. The serum from each breed was tested against antisera prepared, in rabbits, against 10 of the breeds. 2. 2. Aromatic esteraseactivity was found in an α-globulin precipitin arc. Cholinesterase activity was found in two precipitin arcs, one involving a protein having the electrophoretic mobility of an α2-globulin, the other involving a protein having the mobility of and α1-globulin. 3. 3. The variations in the numbers and densities of the zones of enzyme-bearing precipitates were attibuted to molecular differences of the protein molecules at sites other than the enzymic center. 4. 4. The data were analyzed by a multivariate statistical program, written in Fortran IV for the IBM 7040, which computed correlation coefficients for molecular similarities of the enzyme molecules. 5. 5. Dendrograms were constructed by the computer that placed all breeds in hierarchies in term of their correlations for enzyme activity with one another. 6. 6. In the aromatic esterase tests, 64 per cent of the breeds had the highest amount of correlation with breeds in their own genealogic line. For the cholinesterase esterase tests, the value was 67·5 per cent. 7. 7. When statistical tests for congruency between the aromatic esterase and cholinesterase data were performed, the correlation coefficient betweenthe two sets of results was found to be 0.230. On the basis of this low correlation, the two enzyme systems are assumed to be independent of one another and are controlled by different gene systems.
Grazing bifurcations and basins of attraction in an impact-friction oscillator

Abstract This paper describes some interesting global dynamic behavior in the response of a double-sided, harmonically-forced, impact oscillator including the influence of Coulomb damping. The system under study is modeled as piecewise linear in both its force-deflection and force-velocity characteristics. Grazing bifurcations caused by this latter effect are a new feature. The paper has two distinct but related foci. First, the study of basins of attraction provides information regarding the complete solution set for the system, given a specific set of parameters. Second, grazing bifurcations represent the primary source of sudden change in qualitative behavior as a system parameter is varied. The numerical technique of cell-to-cell mapping provides a useful insight into the relation between these two. Thus, both local and global issues are addressed – indeed it is the interplay of periodic attractors and their basins of attraction that dominates bifurcational behavior.
Density gradient centrifugation of tumor cells from needle biopsies and their respective source tumors: a comparison of density distributions

A needle biopsy technique was applied to a murine fibrosarcoma (FSa) tumor system. FSa tumors of 8 mm diameter in size were biopsied and then made into single cell suspensions. Resulting density profiles of cells from both sources were compared following centrifugation in Renografin gradients. In all cases, there was excellent agreement between the density profiles of the material from each of the biopsies and the corresponding solid tumors.
A generalized multi-pass machining model for machining parameter selection in turning

A machining parameter selection model has been developed using multi-pass turning operation as a general type. An approximation optimization solution approach has been defined for this machining model. This model is a constrained model with the objective of achieving minimum cost. Depth-of-cut and number-of-pass are considered as variables in the model. All parameters, including the number-of-passes, cutting speed, feed rate and depth-of-cut for each pass, reach optimal simultaneously in one stage. The performance of this machining parameter optimization model is examined using a example, and the results are compared with current publications that provide same input data.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor blockade fails to alter stress-evoked catecholamine release in prefrontal cortex of control or chronically stressed rats.

Abstract Although it is well documented that stress can increase the activity of central dopamine and norepinephrine neurons, little is known about the role of other neurotransmitters in modulating this response. Previous studies have implicated corticotropin-releasing hormone in modulating stress-evoked changes in the activity of locus coeruleus neurons. The present study examines whether corticotropin-releasing hormone contributes to stress-evoked increases in extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine in rat medial prefrontal cortex, as monitored by in vivo microdialysis. As noted previously, 30 min of tail-shock increased extracellular levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the medial prefrontal cortex of naive rats, and this was enhanced in rats previously exposed to chronic cold (∼5 °C for 2–3 weeks). Previous intraventricular administration of a corticotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (D-Phe-corticotropin-releasing hormone; 3 and 9 μg) did not alter the tail-shock evoked in increase in extracellular levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in either naive or chronically cold-exposed rats. Intraventricular administration of 3 μg of D-Phe-corticotropin-releasing hormone attenuated the increase in extracellular norepinephrine induced by co-administration of 3 μg of corticotropin-releasing hormone, confirming the efficacy of this compound. Results of the present study suggest that endogenous corticotropin-releasing hormone does not play a role in modulating the release of norepinephrine and dopamine occurring in response to acute tail-shock or the expression of a potentiated response to tail-shock in rats exposed chronically to cold.
Coulomb effects on single-particle exchange singularities☆

Abstract We consider the singularity in the scattering amplitude arising from the exchange of a massive neutral particle. It is shown that the presence of Coulomb distortion in the entrance or exit channel modifies the exchange pole residue. Within the framework of the Coulomb wave Born approximation the exchange pole residue is modified by an energy-dependent factor that is independent of the orbital angular momentum of the bound states involved in the exchange process. The implications of this result on the polarization observables and on recent determinations of the deuteron asymptotic D- to S-state ratio, by analytic continuation in cos θ to the neutron exchange pole, are discussed.
Moral education and character education: their relationship and roles in citizenship education

Any democratic society must concern itself with the socialization of its citizens. This begins in childhood, and schools are critical to this process. The interrelations and roles of educating for character (character education, moral education) and educating for citizenship (citizenship education, civic education) are explored, largely in a North American context. It is argued that citizenship education necessarily entails character and moral formation, but this integration is hindered by negative stereotyping between the two fields. In addition, negative stereotyping between the fields of moral education and character education further complicates attempts at synthesis. Through explorations of each of these domains and their similarities and differences, it is concluded that the role of schools in fostering the development of moral citizens in democratic societies necessitates focus on moral development, broader moral and related character development, teaching of civics and development of citizenship s...
IMPROVED SURVIVAL AND DECREASED MORBIDITY FOR ≤800 G BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS IN 1993-95 COMPARED TO THE 1980's. † 1166

IMPROVED SURVIVAL AND DECREASED MORBIDITY FOR ≤800 G BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS IN 1993-95 COMPARED TO THE 1980's. † 1166
Covalent anion of the canonical adenine - Thymine base pair. Ab initio study

Theoretical ab initio calculations have been performed to determine the stability of the covalent anions of adenine and the adenine−thymine (AT) Watson−Crick base pair. The conclusions of this work are as follows: (i) the covalent anion of adenine is predicted to be a stable system with respect to a vertical electron detachment, but unstable with respect to adiabatic detachment; (ii) the covalent anion of the adenine−thymine dimer (A−T-) has similar properties, although in this system the presence of the second base provides an additional stabilization to the excess electron; (iii) in A−T- the excess electron is localized at the thymine molecule, and this molecule's ring is puckered; (iv) no valence A−T anion was found in the calculations with the excess electron located at the adenine molecule; and (v) in view of the above results, we predict that the AT base pair is not an effective trap of excess electrons.
The Stonefly Isoperla bilineata in Lake Superior

Large numbers of nymphs of the stonefly Isoperla bilineata were found on gill nets set on the bottom off the west shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula in May, 1978. A fisherman said they were common there every year, but extensive Ponar grab sampling in the area in 1974 yielded no stoneflies. Similar sampling experience in the Apostle Islands by Selgeby (1974) suggests that grab samplers do not capture this species. Observations of stonefly nymphs on gill nets at three well-separated locations indicate a wide distribution of this species in Lake Superior.
Cervical approach for the repair of esophageal atresia

Repair of esophageal atresia is usually performed by a thoracic approach. In cases associated with a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) located in a high position, however, the cervical approach is a reasonable alternative. In the literature, the authors found only three patients repaired by this approach. This report describes three additional cases of esophageal atresia successfully repaired by the cervical approach. Three neonates with esophageal atresia and TEF were confirmed as having an unusually high position of the distal TEF by the preoperative bronchoscopy and contrast study. The transcervical approach for repair was chosen. The skin was incised transversely at the right supraclavicular region, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the carotid sheath were retracted posterolaterally. After the division of the TEF, the suture site of the tracheal fistula was covered by a flap of the sternothyroid muscle that was inserted between the trachea and the esophagus, thus avoiding opposing suture lines. These cases emphasize that pediatric surgeons should be aware of the presence of cervical esophageal atresia in which distal TEF is located above the clavicle, and suggest that cervical repair is feasible for the patient whose distal TEF moves up above the first rib on inspiration. The most reliable methods for detecting the location of the distal TEF are telescopic bronchoscopy and contrast study.
Mapping and developmental expression analysis of the WD-repeat gene Preb

We have isolated from mouse a novel WD-motif-containing gene designated Preb. This gene encodes a predicted protein of 416 amino acids and has significant homology with other members of the WD-motif gene superfamily that play a role in cell fate determination. Preb maps to the proximal end of chromosome 5 in mouse, near the Hmx1 homeobox gene. Preb is detectable in early stage embryos in the peripheral nervous system, developing liver, and surface ectoderm. Later, Preb is expressed in the anterior portion of Rathke's pouch, which gives rise to the anterior pituitary, the organ responsible for the production of prolactin and other hormones. In midgestation embryos, the most extensive expression of Preb is observed in the perichondrium of the craniofacial, axial, and appendicular skeleton. The expression pattern of Preb in murine embryos suggests a potential role in the specification of multiple cell types, in particular, the fetal skeleton.
Photochemistry of U(BH4)4 and U(BD4)4

Abstract U(BH4)4 and U(BD4)4 are observed to undergo complex degradation reactions promoted by broadband UV radiation. The primary products of these reactions appear to be U(BH4)3, B2H6, H2, U(BD4)3, B2D6 and D2. Further, U(BD4)4 undergoes a related decomposition reaction under the influence of CO2 laser irradiation at 924.97 cm−1.
Stereotypes of Muslims and Support for the War on Terror

We investigate Americans’ stereotypes of Muslims. We distinguish specific dimensions of stereotypes and find that negative stereotypes relating to violence and trustworthiness are commonplace. Furthermore, these stereotypes have consequences: those with less favorable views of Muslims, especially in terms of violence and trustworthiness, are more likely to support several aspects of the War on Terror. Our findings contrast with some previous research that emphasizes the role of a generalized ethnocentrism, rather than specific stereotypes of Muslims, in explaining public opinion in this domain. We argue that citizens do use specific stereotypes when there is a close correspondence between the dimension of the stereotype and the policy in question.
Amount of training affects associatively-activated event representation

The effects of variations in the amount of training on behavioral plasticity were examined in three experiments that used appetitive Pavlovian conditioning procedures with rats. In experiments 1 and 2, an auditory conditioned stimulus (CS) substituted for a food unconditioned stimulus (US) in the acquisition of new learning about the food US after small numbers of CS-US pairings, but not after larger numbers of pairings. After limited exposure to the relation between the auditory CS and food, pairings of the CS with the toxin LiCl, in the absence of food, were sufficient to establish an aversion to the food US that was previously paired with that CS. This CS-mediated learning did not occur after more extensive exposure to the CS-food relation. In contrast, in experiment 3. mediated performance of previously-established conditioned responding was unaffected by the number of CS-US pairings used to establish that performance. Conditioned responding to the auditory CS remained sensitive to post-training devaluation of the food US regardless of the amount of initial CS-US training. Implications of these results for the investigations of cortical and other brain mechanisms of behavioral plasticity are discussed.
Cyclic AMP signaling in bone marrow stromal cells has reciprocal effects on the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into mature osteoblasts versus mature adipocytes

Stimulatory G protein-mediated cAMP signaling is intimately involved in skeletal homeostasis. However, limited information is available on the role of the cAMP signaling in regulating the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into mature osteoblasts and adipocytes. To investigate this, we treated primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) with forskolin to stimulate cAMP signaling and determined the effect on osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. Exposure of differentiating osteoblasts to forskolin markedly inhibited progression to the late stages of osteoblast differentiation, and this effect was replicated by continuous exposure to PTH. Strikingly, forskolin activation of cAMP signaling in BMSCs conditioned mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to undergo increased osteogenic differentiation and decreased adipogenic differentiation. PTH treatment of BMSCs also enhanced subsequent osteogenesis, but promoted an increased adipogenesis as well. Thus, activation of cAMP signaling alters the lineage commitment of MSCs, favoring osteogenesis at the expense of adipogenesis.
Young girls’ arithmetic and spatial skills: The distal and proximal roles of family socioeconomics and home learning experiences

Abstract The present study addressed girls’ ( N = 127) early numerical and spatial reasoning skills, within the context of a critical environment in which these cognitive skills develop, namely their homes. Specifically, proximal links between distal family socioeconomic conditions and first-grade girls’ arithmetic and spatial skills were examined (mean age = 6.72 years; SD = .34). The proximal roles of two factors were considered: the general learning characteristics of girls’ homes, and the kinds of math and spatial learning activities in which girls participated. General quality of the home learning environment and specific math activities mediated the relation between family socioeconomics and girls’ arithmetic skills. In contrast, socioeconomics and home learning experiences were related to girls’ spatial skills indirectly only through their verbal skills; spatial activities were not proximal predictors of spatial skills. For both arithmetic and spatial skills, mothers’ spatial skills were a strong predictor. Future research and intervention implications of these findings are discussed.
Robust copyright protection scheme for digital images using the low-band characteristic

A copyright protection technique without using the original im- age in the process of copyright verification is demanded in most appli- cations. In addition, robustness, imperceptibility, security, and unambigu- ity are also essential requirements for a copyright protection technique. In this paper, a robust copyright protection scheme for digital images, based on the low-band characteristic, is proposed to meet these require- ments. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme not only can clearly verify the copyright of the digital images, but also is more robust than existing schemes against several attacks such as JPEG lossy compression, noise adding, sharpening, and blurring. © 2006 Society
Mobility and scattering mechanisms in buried InGaSb quantum well channels integrated with in-situ MBE grown gate oxide

InGaSb material family with its higher hole transport properties are potential candidates for group III–V CMOS circuits. Understanding of the dominant scattering mechanisms is crucial for the development of future high speed, low power device applications. We present Hall mobility data of p-type InGaSb quantum well (QW) channels and derive the dominant scattering mechanisms related to the interface and trapped charges that degrade mobility in these structures.
Growth rates of the principal facets of ice between −10°C and −40°C

We describe measurements of the growth rates of the basal and prism facets of ice crystals grown from the vapor phase at temperatures −39°C<T<−10°C. We find that all our data can be well described by a model in which the facet growth is limited primarily by 2D nucleation over this temperature range. The inferred critical supersaturations, and thus the step edge free energies, are essentially identical for the two facets, with values that decrease monotonically with increasing temperature. The growth scaling parameters, on the other hand, exhibit a more complex behavior with temperature that is quite different for the two facets. These data suggest that much of the peculiar behavior seen in ice crystal growth from vapor is due to differences in the surface diffusion of admolecules on the two principal facets.
Promoter deletion and loss of retinoblastoma gene expression in human prostate carcinoma.

Abstract Mutational inactivation of the retinoblastoma gene (RB) is found in all retinoblastomas and in a subset of other human neoplasms, including sarcomas of bone or soft tissue and carcinomas of lung or breast. Exogenous copies of wild-type RB have been shown to suppress the tumorigenicity of several types of tumor cells with endogenous RB mutations, including a previously described human prostatic carcinoma cell line. To further support a role for RB inactivation in the genesis of prostate cancer, seven primary or metastatic prostate carcinoma specimens were examined for evidence of RB mutation. By the use of immunoblot analysis and immunostaining of histologic sections, RB-encoded protein was readily detected in tumor cells of five specimens, was equivocally detected in one specimen, and was apparently absent from tumor cells of one specimen. RB mutations in the latter case were precisely characterized as (i) a deletion of 103 nucleotides containing transcriptional start sites and (ii) loss of the second RB allele. The 103-base-pair deletion was sufficient to abolish the promoter activity of upstream DNA sequences in a heterologous expression system. These results (i) demonstrate that RB can be inactivated in vivo by mutation of its promoter, (ii) confirm the existence of RB mutations in some human prostate carcinomas, and (iii) suggest the use of immunohistochemical methods to screen for RB mutations in clinical samples of common adult neoplasms.
Observation of three intermolecular vibrational states of ArHF

Abstract We report the observation of the (0, 1 1 , 0), (0, 2 0 , 0), and (0, 0 0 , 2) states of the weakly bound complex ArHF by direct far infrared absorption spectroscopy in a jet. A simultaneous analysis of all observed rovibrational frequencies has been conducted, and spectroscopic constants sensitive to the global topology of the intermolecular potential energy surface are given.
Femoral-popliteal bypass with endoscopically harvested saphenous vein in patients with TASC D disease of the superficial femoral artery.

Background This study evaluated patients undergoing femoropopliteal bypasses using endoscopically harvested vein to treat Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) stage D lesions. Primary patency and primary assisted patency were evaluated, as were perioperative morbidity and mortality and hospital length of stay (LOS). Results for this minimally invasive alternative to femoropopliteal bypass with conventional open vein harvesting were analyzed. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent femoral-popliteal bypass with endoscopic saphenous vein harvest and angiographic TASC D anatomy. Postoperative duplex exams were evaluated, and the study end points of graft thrombosis or the development of a high-grade stenosis prompting reintervention were sought. Patient demographics, morbidity, mortality, and hospital LOS were analyzed. Results Twenty-seven patients meeting our inclusion criteria underwent surgery between June 2002 and June 2007. Indications for surgery in these patients were claudication (n=10), gangrene or ulceration (n=9), and ischemic rest pain (n=8). Fifty-two percent of the patients were male, 50% had cardiac disease, 65% had hypertension, 54% were diabetic, and 65% had a significant smoking history. Median LOS was 2.5 days in claudicants, 3.0 days in patients with rest pain, and 7.0 days in patients with gangrene or ulceration (p<0.05). Kaplan-Meier primary patency and primary assisted patency rates were 73.2% and 80.8% at 1 year, respectively; and these rates were maintained for 70 months. The only perioperative complication was a superficial wound infection, and two patients died during follow-up from causes unrelated to the surgery. Conclusion Femoropopliteal bypass using endoscopic vein harvest is a durable reconstructive vascular procedure which can be performed with minimal postoperative morbidity, short LOS, and satisfactory long-term patency.
Anaesthetic management of the child with myotonic dystrophy: epidural anaesthesia as an alternative to general anaesthesia

An 11-year-old boy with myotonic dystrophy required anaesthesia for a lower extremity orthopaedic procedure. The management of patients with myotonic dystrophy is discussed including the use of epidural anaesthesia with a continuous chloroprocaine infusion as an alternative to general anaesthesia.
Design of an Electric Metering Seal Application System Based on Cryptographic Technology

According to such problems as the electricity metering seal’s pry-prevention and falsification-prevention performance is relatively weak, whose management technology is also relatively out of date, this paper has designed a much more security electricity metering seal application system based on the cryptographic technology and RFID technology. This system not only can realize the real-time monitor and manage to the electricity metering device and seal but also can ensure electricity metering seal’s falsification-prevention performance, key data’s integrity and confidentiality by leading-in advanced data cryptographic technology and adding security encryption device. It has great practical value.
Transition State Analysis of the Coupling of Drug Transport to ATP Hydrolysis by P-glycoprotein

ATPase activity associated with P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is characterized by three drug-dependent phases: basal (no drug), drug-activated, and drug-inhibited. To understand the communication between drug-binding sites and ATP hydrolytic sites, we performed steady-state thermodynamic analyses of ATP hydrolysis in the presence and absence of transport substrates. We used purified human Pgp (ABCB1, MDR1) expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Figler, R. A., Omote, H., Nakamoto, R. K., and Al-Shawi, M. K. (2000) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 376, 34–46) as well as Chinese hamster Pgp (PGP1). Between 23 and 35 °C, we obtained linear Arrhenius relationships for the turnover rate of hydrolysis of saturating MgATP in the presence of saturating drug concentrations (kcat), from which we calculated the intrinsic enthalpic, entropic, and free energy terms for the rate-limiting transition states. Linearity of the Arrhenius plots indicated that the same rate-limiting step was being measured over the temperature range employed. Using linear free energy analysis, two distinct transition states were found: one associated with uncoupled basal activity and the other with coupled drug transport activity. We concluded that basal ATPase activity associated with Pgp is not a consequence of transport of an endogenous lipid or other endogenous substrates. Rather, it is an intrinsic mechanistic property of the enzyme. We also found that rapidly transported substrates bound tighter to the transition state and required fewer conformational alterations by the enzyme to achieve the coupling transition state. The overall rate-limiting step of Pgp during transport is a carrier reorientation step. Furthermore, Pgp is optimized to transport drugs out of cells at high rates at the expense of coupling efficiency. The drug inhibition phase was associated with low affinity drug-binding sites. These results are consistent with an expanded version of the alternating catalytic site drug transport model (Senior, A. E., Al-Shawi, M. K., and Urbatsch, I. L. (1995) FEBS Lett. 377, 285–289). A new kinetic model of drug transport is presented.
Hæmolytic Complement and Serum Bactericidin

IN a previous communication1, serum bactericidin was related to a clotting factor extracted from fibrin. Several properties of this bactericidin are known to be shared by haemolytic complement, such as inactivation by heating at 56° C for 30 min and removal by filtration through Seitz filter pads. Complement, like bactericidin, is absent from uncoagulated cell-free plasma2. Further investigations comparing the two serum activities were undertaken.
Displacement of preexisting thrombus by umbilical vein catheterization.

Balloon atrial septostomy is recommended as a standard palliative procedure in neonates with congenital heart defects who are dependent on intracardiac shunting. We describe an unusual and unreported complication associated with “bedside” balloon atrial septostomy. The umbilical venous catheterization resulted in displacement of a thrombus from the ductus venousus or the hepatic vein. We recommend careful two-dimensional echocardiographic monitoring during such procedures.
The Effects of Radial Core Decompression on Lunate Kinematics

Kienbock’s disease is an avascular necrosis of the lunate bone in the wrist [1]. Current early-stage treatment techniques include joint leveling procedures, such as radial shortening and ulnar lengthening. These techniques serve to unload the radiolunate joint and redistribute compressive loads to the radioscaphoid joint [2]. Additionally, core decompression of the distal radius and ulna, first introduced by Illarramendi [3], and has been found clinically effective in improving early stage Kienbock’s disease. Clinical studies have since found radial core decompression (RCD) to be as effective as performing the procedure on both forearm bones [4]. However, there have been no biomechanical studies characterizing the changes in wrist kinematics following a RCD. The purpose of this study is to determine the changes in lunate motions following a RCD.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Clustering of Acetic Acid by Association of Hydrogen-Bonded Dimers: Spectroscopic Observation of Multicomponent (Ne)·(C6H6)·(CH3COOH)n Clusters

Resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI) spectra of benzene−acetic acid binary clusters BAn, with n = 1−6 are reported. The results indicate that cluster formation from acetic acid vapor proceeds mainly via the association of preformed hydrogen-bonded dimers. The spectral shift of the BA complex is consistent with π-hydrogen bonding interaction with the benzene ring. The spectral shifts of the BA2 and BA3 clusters are consistent with a predominantly dispersion interaction which is enhanced upon electronic excitation of the benzene molecule. Spectroscopic evidence for the formation of (Ne)·(C6H6)·(CH3COOH)n clusters, with n = 4 and 6, is presented. The direction and magnitude of the spectral shift indicate that the C6H6···Ne and the C6H6···(CH3COOH)n structures are retained in the multicomponent clusters, suggesting no perturbations due to the weak C6H6···Ne interaction.
Monte Carlo analysis of thermochromatography as a fast separation method for nuclear forensics

Nuclear forensic science has become increasingly important for global nuclear security, and enhancing the timeliness of forensic analysis has been established as an important objective in the field. New, faster techniques must be developed to meet this objective. Current approaches for the analysis of minor actinides, fission products, and fuel-specific materials require time-consuming chemical separation coupled with measurement through either nuclear counting or mass spectrometry. These very sensitive measurement techniques can be hindered by impurities or incomplete separation in even the most painstaking chemical separations. High-temperature gas-phase separation or thermochromatography has been used in the past for the rapid separations in the study of newly created elements and as a basis for chemical classification of that element. This work examines the potential for rapid separation of gaseous species to be applied in nuclear forensic investigations. Monte Carlo modeling has been used to evaluate the potential utility of the thermochromatographic separation method, albeit this assessment is necessarily limited due to the lack of available experimental data for validation.