cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two evolutionary models for the interactions of dietary organic cyanogens, hemoglobins, and falciparum malaria.

Significant regional and ethnic variations in hemoglobin S frequencies among 485 adult nonpregnant Liberian women uniformly exposed to holoendemic falciparum malaria suggest that an additional major factor may influence the distribution of this hemoglobinopathy and the severity of the infectious disease with which it is causally associated. The differential consumption of organic cyanogen-rich cassava (Manihot esculenta) foodstuffs and subsequent dosage-dependent in vivo exposure to sublethal CN- , SCN- , and CNO- may directly interact with hemoglobin S by inhibiting sickling diathesis, and, at higher intakes, this dietary factor may adversely affect Plasmodium survival and antigenicity. In this study, low dietary organic cyanogen intakes (0.3 mg CN- /kg body wt/day) in NW and W geographical areas are associated with higher regional hemoglobin S gene frequencies (11%; phenotypic incidence 20%), lower mean (± SD) positive Plasmodium antibody titers (861.6 ± 102.4), and a higher mean (± SEM) prevalence of clinical falciparum malaria [3.04 times (± 0.09) within the previous 12 months]. In contrast, high dietary organic cyanogen intakes (1.5 mg CN- /kg body wt/day in SE and C geographical areas) are associated with lower hemoglobin S gene frequencies (2%; phenotypic incidence 4%), higher mean (± SD) positive Plasmodium antibody titers (968.7 ± 160.5), and a lower mean (± SEM) prevalence of clinical falciparum malaria [1.73 times (± 0.11) within the previous 12 months]. No other significant malaria-linked genetic variation exists between regions or ethnic groups. Two evolutionary models are hypothesized to suggest how 18 generations of differential dietary organic cyanogen intakes could produce two distinct patterns of change in hemoglobin S gene frequencies, modifying both the cadence and direction of evolution.
Unveiling hidden complex cavities formed during nanocrystalline self-assembly.

The existence of hidden complex cavities formed inside a self-assembled nanocrystalline structure is discovered in real-time by using surface plasmon resonance near-field refractive index fingerprinting. Furthermore, computer analysis of the naturally occurring R-G-B interference fringes allowed us to reconstruct the 3D cavity formation and crystallization processes quantitatively. For the case of an aqueous droplet containing 10% by volume of 47 nm Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles, the submicrometer-scale inner cavity peak grows up to 0.5% of the entire crystallized crust height of over 150 μm. The formation of the complex inner structure was found to be attributable to multiple cavity inceptions and their competing growth during the aquatic evaporation. This outcome provides a better understanding and feasible control of the formation of nanocrystalline inner structures.
Use of biomarkers in ALS drug development and clinical trials

The past decade has seen a dramatic increase in the discovery of candidate biomarkers for ALS. These biomarkers typically can either differentiate ALS from control subjects or predict disease course (slow versus fast progression). At the same time, late-stage clinical trials for ALS have failed to generate improved drug treatments for ALS patients. Incorporation of biomarkers into the ALS drug development pipeline and the use of biologic and/or imaging biomarkers in early- and late-stage ALS clinical trials have been absent and only recently pursued in early-phase clinical trials. Further clinical research studies are needed to validate biomarkers for disease progression and develop biomarkers that can help determine that a drug has reached its target within the central nervous system. In this review we summarize recent progress in biomarkers across ALS model systems and patient population, and highlight continued research directions for biomarkers that stratify the patient population to enrich for patients that may best respond to a drug candidate, monitor disease progression and track drug responses in clinical trials. It is crucial that we further develop and validate ALS biomarkers and incorporate these biomarkers into the ALS drug development process. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ALS complex pathogenesis.
Migration of the elderly from the perspective of the Master Beneficiary Record.

The potential of the Social Security Administration's Master Beneficiary Record file for supporting the study of migration among the elderly is explored. The file's characteristics are described, and attention is called to its unique perspective on migration. Some findings, from a sample study, are presented on the extent and correlates of elderly migration for the one-year period ending June 1985.
Selling to Both Sides: The Effects of Major Conventional Weapons Transfers on Civil War Severity and Duration

Civil wars are primarily fought with small and light arms, but the availability of major conventional weapons to states and rebels can alter the nature of the war being fought. This study explores the impact of major conventional weapons transfers on civil war severity and duration. By using a recipient based approach to arms transfers, I find rebel acquisition of major conventional weapons from international sources leads to conflict escalation and deadlier conflicts. State importation of major conventional weapons is associated with longer conflicts. These findings provide researchers a means to account for rebel capabilities in civil war research and policy makers insight to limit the destructiveness of civil wars.
Auto-Retratos da Classe Média: Hierarquias de "Cultura" e Consumo em São Paulo

Based on 17 months of field research in Sao Paulo (1993-94), this paper examines how middle-class adults in 42 surveyed households verbalized their class identity during the inflation crisis. It concludes that consumption (goods and practices) are foundational to their class definitions, both in relation to other major classes and to other middle-class sectors.
The “ABCs” of dermatology: using art, bird-watching, and computers to enhance the teaching and learning of dermatology

The title and topic were developed under pressure from the Continuing Medical Education (CME) office to give them a title, topic, and objectives for a scheduled dermatology grand rounds for internal medicine. I had just read an article about using art to enhance the teaching ofmedical students.1With the idea that a good title sometimes stimulates someone to attend a lecture, I chose a variation of the title with the “ABC” for “art, bird-watching, and computers.” The objectives of this disquisition are to
The p75NTR mediates a bifurcated signal transduction cascade through the NFκB and JNK pathways to inhibit cell survival

p75NTR is most abundantly expressed in the nervous system, but is also widely expressed in many other organs and tissues where it primarily functions as a negative regulator of cell survival. In the prostate, p75NTR functions as an inhibitory protein capable of slowing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. It has been shown that p75NTR is expressed in the normal prostate, progressively lost from malignant tumor cells in vivo, and largely absent from prostate cancer cell lines derived from metastases. Although the role of p75NTR in prostate cancer has been well established, the signal transduction pathway that mediates its inhibitory activity has only been partially elucidated. This study demonstrates that exogenous expression of p75NTR down-regulates, in a dose-dependent manner, a bifurcated signaling cascade that results in reduced expression of potent transcription effectors. This two-arm signal transduction cascade was directly linked to the upstream receptor by using dominant-negative deletion constructs of p75NTR that rescued tumor cells from p75NTR-induced loss of survival and promotion of apoptosis. Furthermore, the dominant negatives rescued alterations in the levels of signal transduction intermediates. Conversely, the use of kinase-inactive intermediates that are downstream of the receptor further reduced expression of involved transcription effectors and reduced survival of the cells. These results provide a definitive link between the proximate p75NTR and signal transduction intermediates leading to the transcription effectors NF kappa B and JNK, with associated growth suppression and induction of apoptosis.
A spectral problem in hydroelasticity

The present paper is concerned with the analysis of the small vibrations of a coupled fluid-elastic system. In a geometrical sense the problem consists of a liquid-filled body which contains an internal elastic structure, such as an elastic plate or membrane. The mathematical model which describes the resulting dynamic response of the fluid and container is coupled through the differential equations as well as through the kinematic boundary conditions. Because of this, and the geometrical complexity, the problem is approached using variational methods. An analysis of various hydroelastic systems, without internal structures, can be found in Tong [l], Berger [2], and Moiseyev [3]. However, aside from the geometrical differences to our problem these authors deal primarily with sloshing, that is, elastic tanks which are partially filled with liquid. The associated spectral problem for the hydroelastic system, which is of the Steklov type, is studied by introducing certain energy spaces on which the operators are compact and positive. Preceding this the motion of the fluid is examined independently of the problem for the elastic boundary. As a result of this the eigenvalue problem can be reduced to a single operator equation which is easily resolved in the defined function spaces. After establishing the existence of a discrete spectrum the forced initial-value problem can be studied with little difficulty. The problem discussed in this article arose in modeling the dynamics of the cochlea. As a component of the inner ear the cochlea is believed to be responsible for most of the frequency resolution in the hearing process. Consequently a viable theory of hearing must include a comprehensive investigation of the natural frequencies and corresponding eigenfunctions. A description of the problem, as it applies to the cochlea, can be found in either Cole and Chadwick [4] or Holmes [5].
Role of extrarenal and intrarenal converting enzyme inhibition in renal vasodilator response to intravenous captopril

Abstract Participation of intrarenal converting enzyme (ICE) in mediation of the renal vasodilator response to captopril (C) was studied in 7 anesthetized dogs. Blood pressure (BP), renal blood flow (RBF) and femoral blood flow (FBF) were measured and vasoconstrictor responses were elicited by i.a. injections of angiotensin (A) I to the renal and femoral vascular beds. The latter responses served as indices of intrarenal and skeletal muscle converting enzyme activity, respectively. Successive infusions of C were given i.a. to the kidney at 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 μg/kg/min for 30 min each. RBF and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were unaffected by any of these doses of C. The % changes in RBF caused by A-I were reduced from 45 to 23, 20 and 17% by these successive doses of C, respectively; however, the decrements were not significantly different from each other. When C was administered i.v., 0.5 mg/kg, after the highest i.a. dose had been given, there was no further decrease in the response to A-I, suggesting maximal blockade of ICE obtainable by C. BP, RBF and RVR were further affected by the i.v. administration of C. BP decreased from 146 to 136 mm Hg (P
Pertechnetate immobilization with amorphous iron sulfide

The reduction of pertechnetate (TcO 4 - ) with freshly prepared amorphous iron sulfide was investigated. The amorphous iron sulfide (FeS) was shown to have an elemental composition of FeS 0.97 for all of the size fractions and a point of zero charge of pH Pzc = 7.4. Solubility studies of FeS in various buffers indicated that in the pH range 6.1-9.0, the concentrations of dissociated Fe 2+ and S 2- were negligible. The reductive immobilization of TcO 4 - with FeS was shown to be accelerated by increasing ionic strength and strongly pH dependent. At pH values below the pH pzc , the positively charged FeS surface reacted much faster with TcO 4 - and had higher immobilization yields relative to the negatively charged FeS surface at pH values above pH pzc . The TcO 4 - -FeS reaction is consistent with a surface mediated reaction through ligand exchange. The TcO 4 - -FeS reductive immobilization reaction product was characterized by X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and found to be predominantly TcO 2 . Studies on the reductive capacity of the FeS and the long term stability of the TcO 4 - -FeS reaction product under both anaerobic and aerobic environments shows the potential utility of the in situ gaseous (hydrogen sulfide gas) immobilization technology in solidification of TcO 4 - by creating a FeS permeable reaction barrier in the vadose zone.
A culture-centered exploration of health: constructions from rural Bangladesh.

The traditional approach in health communication has historically adopted a linear model to explore and study health, without considering the voices of the subaltern sectors in academic discourse. Such linear models prescribe one-way knowledge, information, and transmission of beliefs from the core health sectors to the subalterns at the margins. The culture-centered approach to health focuses on co-constructing meanings of health through dialogic engagement with communities that are situated at the margins of mainstream discursive spaces. This co-constructive research investigates how members of a Bangladeshi rural community define, construct, and negotiate health issues in their everyday lives through their narratives of health, illness, and healing. The findings explicate how the community participants negotiate their health in terms of poverty, work, and structure, and highlights how the participants negotiate their marginalization through communicative practices. The in-depth narratives on their cons...
Considerations on the use of adjunct red blood cell exchange transfusion in the treatment of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

BACKGROUND: Travelers returning to the United States from malaria-endemic areas are at increased risk of a potentially fatal infection from Plasmodium falciparum, which requires prompt and aggressive treatment. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Described is a case of a 7-year-old boy who was infected by P. falciparum while in Africa and developed features of severe infection, including hyperparasitemia, altered neurologic status, and malarial hepatitis. RESULTS: A single automated erythrocytapheresis procedure reduced parasitemia from 14% to less than 1%. Along with intravenous quinidine, this reduced parasite level was maintained throughout the hospitalization and the patient recovered. CONCLUSION: Exchange transfusion (ET) is an effective adjunct therapy to reduce the parasite load in cases of severe P. falciparum malaria. When performed in certain defined settings, the benefits can outweigh the risks of the procedure. Discussed are the medical and technical considerations on the use of adjunctive ET for severe P. falciparum infection and a review of the literature of the use of adjunct ET in the treatment of severe P. falciparum malaria.
Effect of Reynolds number on the structure of recirculating flow

Calcul de la structure de la zone de recirculation se formant derriere une marche tournee vers l'aval pour des nombres de Reynolds de 50 a 5000 a l'aide de la methode des tourbillons aleatoires. Les resultats sont analyses en termes de lignes de courant instantanees, de profils de vitesse moyens et de statistiques de turbulence. On idenfie 4 regimes d'ecoulement distincts
Work hardening and forming behavior of cast dental alloys.

The work hardening characteristics of several casting alloys were determined from true stress-true strain data. A regression technique was used to fit the data to linear or nonlinear mathematical expressions. Manipulation of the expressions made it possible to calculate the work necessary to deform the alloys. Several nonprecious alloys proved to be as easy to cold form as a conventional, high gold containing alloy.
What are the caveats to using sodium phosphate agents for bowel preparation

Although these preparations are generally safe and well tolerated, they can cause significant fluid shifts and electrolyte abnormalities. They should not be used in patients with electrolyte imbalances, renal or hepatic dysfunction, or a number of other comorbidities.
Magnetic properties of Co-rich Co-Pt thin films electrodeposited on a Ru underlayer

Co-rich Co–Pt films were grown by electrodeposition from an amino-citrate based electrolyte on Si(011)∕Cu(111)∕Ru(0001) templates. The Ru(0001) surface provides an interface which induces the growth of an oriented hexagonal phase, thereby yielding hard magnetic properties and perpendicular anisotropy in films as thin as 10nm. Increase in film thickness only marginally compromises the hard magnetic properties probably due to the limited coarsening of the microstructure, oriented columnar growth, and magnetic grain isolation. The deposition current density plays an important role in optimizing microstructure and hard magnetic properties. Perpendicular squareness close to 1 and coercivities as high as 4.5kOe were obtained in thin as-deposited Co–Pt films.
A portable diagnostic facility for SNOBOL4

In programming systems based on abstract machine modelling concepts, the underlying structure of the abstract machine can be made available to the software implemented on it. The result is an unusual facility for diagnosis and exploration of software structure. Such a facility has been added to the macro implemention of SNOBOL4. This paper describes the nature of the facility, illustrates its use, and presents some results of using it for language implementation and development.
In vitro study of the soft tissue effects of microsecond-pulsed CO(2) laser parameters during soft tissue incision and sulcular debridement.

Background and Objectives Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers are an important part of dental treatment. Advances in laser technology have produced microsecond pulse durations and small beam sizes. The histological effects of porcine intraoral soft tissue with a range of microsecond-pulsed CO2 laser parameters used for incision and sulcular debridement were evaluated in vitro and compared with historical histologic data. Study Design/Materials and Methods Fresh pig mandibles were used to perform incision and sulcular debridement using a microsecond-pulsed CO2 laser. λ = 10,600 nm, articulated arm delivered non-contact with spot size 200 µm, 500 µm, and 1 mm, and focal distance of 1 mm. For sulcular debridement, epithelium within periodontal pocket (6 mm×6 mm) was removed. Laser parameters for incision were from 30 Hz, 350 microseconds, 28 mJ and energy density of 143 J/cm2 to 90 Hz, 1,000 microseconds, 60 mJ, and 1,911 J/cm2. Width and depth of tissue removed, as well as coagulation effects of the tissue treated were measured. These were compared to historical histologic database. Laser-treated surfaces were observed qualitatively using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results All laser parameters studied were able to reach the defined simulation objectives in reasonable amounts of time, less than a minute for incision and <20 seconds for sulcular debridement. The depth of the cut was significantly greater than the historical 95% confidence interval, but equivalent for width, lateral, and deep coagulation to the historical database. Sulcular debridement was achieved with minimal coagulation, <100 µm. SEM analysis did not identify any alteration to enamel, dentin, or bone during sulcular debridement. Conclusion The treatment objectives of incision and sulcular debridement were achieved with minimal lateral and deep coagulation in reasonable amount of time. Microsecond-pulsed CO2 lasers can be safely and effectively used for incision and sulcular debridement. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:257–263, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Influence of the Onion Creek salt diapir on the late Cenozoic history of Fisher Valley, southeastern Utah.

The upper Cenozoic deposits in Fisher Valley, Utah, record a long history of deposition, deformation, and geomorphic changes related to movement of the Onion Creek salt diapir. Apparently, several pulses of salt flowed into the diapir between about 2–3 and 0.25 m.y. ago, and the diapir may still be active. Fisher Creek once headed in the igneous rocks of the La Sal Mountains and flowed along the present course of Onion Creek to the Colorado River. The rising salt diapir impeded the flow of ancestral Fisher Creek, causing deposition of more than 125 m of basin-fill sediments, and eventually diverted the creek down Cottonwood graben to the Dolores River about 0.25 m.y. ago. Onion Creek has eroded headward from the Colorado River, through both the diapir and the basin-fill sediments, and is about to capture Fisher Creek, restoring the original drainage course.
A substantial tax on sugar sweetened drinks could help reduce obesity.

Governments should act now, and real world evidence will follow Public health researchers, advocates, and policy makers have increasingly proposed taxes on sugar sweetened drinks as a way to reverse the rising consumption of such drinks—a trend believed to be a major contributor to the global obesity epidemic. In a linked article (doi:10.1136/bmj.f6189), Briggs and colleagues have modelled the expected impact of such a tax on energy intake and the prevalence of obesity and overweight.1 According to recent national data from the United States, 12-19 year olds consumed an average of 1260 kJ per day (301 calories) in sugar sweetened drinks.2 Adults over 20 years consumed 850 kJ per day.3 Consumption is lower in the United Kingdom—448 kJ per day for 4-18 year olds and 682 kJ per day for 19-64 year olds in one survey—but still substantial.4 In response, several European countries, including Hungary, Finland, and France, have recently levied or increased existing taxes on these drinks.5 In the United States, 34 states and the District of Columbia have food taxes that affect sugar sweetened drinks; 23 of these have taxes specifically targeting these drinks.6 The question remains—do these taxes …
Evidence for the role of pancreatic acinar cells in the production of ornithine and guanidinoacetic acid by L-arginine: Glycine amidinotransferase

L-Arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (transamidinase) occurs at high concentrations in the kidney and the pancreas of rats. The cellular localization of transamidinase was investigated in fetal, neonatal, and adult rat pancreatic tissue using three indicators of the presence of transamidinase: (1) immunofluorescence microscopy, (2) in vitro enzymatic activity measurements on homogenates of whole pancreas and on isolated acinar and islet tissue from adult rats, and (3) ornithine production from perfused adult rat pancreas. The cellular localization of transamidinase was determined in fetal, neonatal, and adult rat pancreas, using a polyclonal guinea pig antibody made against a highly purified preparation of kidney transamidinase. Immunoreactive transamidinase was detected only in the pancreatic acinar cells. The cellular distribution of the immunostaining was compatible with the presence of transamidinase in mitochondria. The transamidinase enzymatic activity of whole pancreatic homogenates was 13.4 +/- 0.7 U/g wet weight (n = 11). In pancreata where islets had been isolated away from the acinar tissue, the transamidinase activity was similar to that of the whole pancreatic homogenates (16.8 +/- 2 U/g wet weight). Any transamidinase activity present in isolated islets was below the sensitivity of the assay. Transamidinase activity in the isolated perfused pancreas was determined by measuring the amount of ornithine released into the perfusate. The transamidinase activity of the perfused pancreas was 16.4 +/- 1.8 U/g pancreas and is an estimate of the physiological production capacity of the enzyme (270 +/- 29 nmol ornithine/min/g pancreas). These results indicate that transamidinase is present at high concentrations in the pancreas.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
On the natural floatability of sulfides

Abstract A system is presented in which an atmosphere containing less than 10−6 mole fraction oxygen and water containing less than 5 ppb oxygen can be maintained. Flotation of chalcocite, chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite and sphalerite in this system reveals that these minerals are naturally floatable under these conditions.
Generalised star graphs

Generalised star graphs are defined, and a general formula is given for the number of (spanning) trees in the incomplete graphs resulting from the deletion of such subgraphs from a complete graph. Multigraph variations of the star are indicated.
Population Characteristics of Gizzard Shad in Missouri Reservoirs and Their Relation to Reservoir Productivity, Mean Depth, and Sport Fish Growth

Abstract Population characteristics of gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum were examined in 14 Missouri reservoirs to determine if they were related to reservoir productivity (chlorophyll-a concentrations, mg/m3, CHLA), mean depth, and sport fish growth. Gizzard shad catch per unit effort (CPUE, >age 1), mean length at age 1, mortality, and a recruitment variability index (RVI, larger numbers indicate more consistent recruitment) increased with increasing reservoir productivity and decreasing mean depth, while proportional stock density (PSD), relative weight (W r ), and mean length at age 3 decreased. In stepwise regression models, gizzard shad mean length at age 1 was negatively related to mean depth; mean length at age 3 was negatively related to CHLA; mortality was negatively related to mean depth and positively related to CPUE; and RVI was negatively related to PSD and positively related to mean length at age 1. Mean lengths at age 3 for largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and white crappie Pomoxis an...
Ethanol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: mechanism for cross-tolerance in mice.

Abstract The pharmacological interaction between equipotent doses of ethanol (1.35 g/kg) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 17 mg/kg) was evaluated in mice using rotarod performance as a measure of drug action. Tolerance to the effects of ethanol and THC as well as a symmetrical cross-tolerance between these two drugs was demonstrated. Ethanol elimination was not altered by previous treatment with either ethanol or THC as determined by measuring blood ethanol concentrations with an enzymatic assay. THC metabolite ratios in blood, brain and liver tissues determined after a dose of 3 H-THC demonstrated that THC treatment had no effect upon THC metabolism or disposition. Ethanol treatment altered the distribution of THC and also altered hepatic THC metabolism as evidenced by the occurrence of increased proportions of polar THC metabolites. No treatment regimens produced lower whole brain levels of subsequent ethanol or THC suggesting that tolerance to ethanol or THC and cross-tolerance between these two drugs does not develop due to lower brain concentrations. A vehicle effect was shown when treatment with a mixture of propylene glycol and Tween-80 altered the metabolic and behavioral effects of subsequently administered THC.
Training Psychiatric Residents and Fellows in a Telepsychiatry Clinic: A Supervision Model

The authors assess the effectiveness of a specialized telepsychiatry training and supervision training model. Fifteen residents and eight child fellows rotated through Cedars Sinai Medical Center Telepsychiatry Developmental Disability Clinic and completed questionnaires of knowledge and self-assessed skills at commencement and completion of the rotation. The supervision was on site, side-by-side, and directive. Both the residents and the fellows demonstrated improvement. Increase in knowledge was equal in the study cohorts, while residents’ self-assessed skills were significantly greater than the fellows’. A telepsychiatry clinic appears to be an appropriate setting in which to provide direct supervision. Exposure to such opportunities early in training may yield a greater impact.
New relative equilibria of the N-body problem

We announce several theorems on the nature of new relative equilibria classes in the planar n-body problem of celestial mechanics. Their existence is suggested by the creation and annihilation of relative equilibria at degenerate relative equilibria classes. We announced several basic new results in [2], [4]. We refer to these papers for definitions left unspecified here.
Red and Blue Déjà Vu: Measuring Political Polarization in the 2004 Election

Hamilton College, ahapanow@hamilton.eduCopyright c 2005 by the authors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior writ-ten permission of the publisher, bepress, which has been given certain exclusive rightsby the author. The Forum is produced by The Berkeley Electronic Press (bepress).http://www.bepress.com/forum
World Class Manufacturing: The Next Decade

The article reviews the book “World Class Manufacturing: The Next Decade,” by Richard J. Schonberger.
Improved underlayers for acid amplified resists

Abstract Acid amplified resists represent a major development in lithography in the last few years. It is recognized that for precise CD control with these resists in device manufacturing, it is required that the processing environment be free of any basic contaminants. Top coat protection of the resist films in conjunction with rigorous exclusion of basic chemical vapors in the work area has been recommended to minimize the effects of environmental contaminants. Another important variable in determining the resist performance is the effect of substrate chemistry which has received little attention in the literature. This paper provides an understanding of these effects and gives a general method to circunmvent the problem.
The development of Welsh affricates: A change through borrowing

Abstract The voiced and voiceless affricates of Welsh were borrowed from English. Gradually, the voiced affricate became the soft mutation form of the underlying voiceless affricate within the morphophonemic system of initial mutation. In at least one dialect, this palato-alveolar order has expanded to produce a voiceless (aspirated) nasal affricate and a voiced nasal affricate to supply nasal mutation forms for the new affricates. This development offers several theoretical insights into the nature of linguistic borrowing, especially when the sounds borrowed cause a readjustment of morphophonemic system within the native language. It also sheds more light on ‘coexistent phonemic systems’.
Theoretical and experimental studies of notched columns having one end fixed and one end pinned

Abstract Studies were conducted on the load carrying capacity of centrally notched columns having one end fixed and the other end pinned. The load was compressive and was applied both concentrically and eccentrically to the axial centerline of the column. Results indicate that the maximum load carrying capacity of fixedpinned notched columns was affected less by the presence of the notches as the eccentricity of load application increases. Experimental results for the eccentrically (eccentricity ⩾ the width of the column) loaded fixed-pinned columns considered here, indicate that notch depths exceeding 40 per cent of the gross crosssection are required to affect the load carrying capacity of the columns significantly. Comparisons of notched columns loaded concentrically in compression and with fixed-pinned, fixed-fixed and pinned-pinned ends have also been made. A stress-intensity approach and a plastic limit analysis were used in discussing strength of the notched columns.
Determining efficient facility locations on a tree network operating as a FIFO M/G/1 queue

In this article, we study the problem of locating a server on a tree network that operates as a FIFO M/G/1 queue. The goal is to identify sets of efficient facility locations with respect to moments of the response time. The results are illustrated via an example. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Boundary‐layer skimming: Calculational curiosity or promising process?

It is suggested that the productivity of ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis can be increased substantially where the desired product is concentrated in the diffusional boundary layer adjacent to the membrane. This increase can be achieved by removing product preferentially from the boundary-layer region. The possible concentration increase and yield of such a skimming process are predicted to be very significant for the constant-property approximation and stagnation flow considered in this exploratory paper.
Cooperative MIMO beamforming with a per-antenna power constraint

This paper details an algorithm to establish transmit beamformers that constrain the power transmitted from each antenna for a multiple-input multiple output broadcast channel. Simulations using measured cooperative channels show the performance implications of the technique.
Re: use of surveillance criteria reduces interstage mortality after the Norwood operation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

[1] Tweddell JS, Hoffman GM, Mussatto KA, Fedderly RT, Berger S, Jaquiss RD et al. Improved survival of patients undergoing palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: lessons learned from 115 consecutive patients. Circulation 2002;106:I82–9. [2] Mahle WT, Spray TL, Wernovsky G, Gaynor JW, Clark BJ 3rd. Survival after reconstructive surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a 15-year experience from a single institution. Circulation 2000;102:III136–41. [3] Furck AK, Uebing A, Hansen JH, Scheewe J, Jung O, Fischer G et al. Outcome of the Norwood operation in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a 12-year single-center survey. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010;139:359–65. [4] Tweddell JS, Hoffman GS. Postoperative management in patients with complex congenital heart disease. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Pediatr Card Surg Annu 2002;5:187–205. [5] McGuirk SP, Griselli M, Stumper OF, Rumball EM, Miller P, Dhillon R et al. Staged surgical management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a single institution 12 year experience. Heart 2006;92:364–70. [6] Ghanayem NS, Hoffman GM, Mussatto KA, Cava JR, Frommelt PC, Rudd NA et al. Home surveillance program prevents interstage mortality after the Norwood procedure. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003; 126:1367–77. [7] Furck AK, Hansen JH, Uebing A, Scheewe J, Jung O, Kramer HH. The impact of afterload reduction on the early postoperative course after the Norwood operation—a 12-year single-centre experience. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2010;37:289–95. [8] Dobrolet NC, Nieves JA, Welch EM, Khan D, Rossi AF, Burke RP et al. New approach to interstage care for palliated high-risk patients with congenital heart disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2011;142: 855–60. [9] Photiadis J, Hubler M, Sinzobahamvya N, Ovroutski S, Stiller B, Hetzer R et al. Does size matter? Larger Blalock-Taussig shunt in the modified Norwood operation correlates with better hemodynamics. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2005;28:56–60. [10] Ghanayem NS, Hoffman GM, Mussatto KA, Frommelt MA, Cava JR, Mitchell ME et al. Perioperative monitoring in high-risk infants after stage 1 palliation of univentricular congenital heart disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010;140:857–63.
Role of Intestinal Microorganisms in Determining Cycasin Toxicity

SummaryThe role of intestinal bacteria in converting the naturally occurring glucoside cycasin to its hepatotoxic and carcinogenic aglycone (methylazoxymethanol) has been studied. Germfree rats, in which cycasin is nontoxic, were monocontaminated with several strains of bacteria prior to being given cycasin. Levels of glucosidase activity in the bacteria were determined by the assay of cell free extracts, using cycasin as a substrate. The toxicity of cycasin in rats given the various bacteria and the amounts of unchanged cycasin excreted were consistent with the glucosidase assays. Intestinal microorganisms therefore convert cycasin to the toxic aglycone, and variations in the intestinal flora probably have a role in determining the toxicity of ingested cycasin.
Tests of backscatter coefficient measurement using broadband pulses

An adaptation to a data reduction method is outlined for determining backscatter coefficients, eta , when broad-bandwidth pulses are employed. The accuracy of these eta values is assessed with well-characterized phantoms, for which backscatter coefficients based on their physical properties have been independently calculated. One phantom produces Rayleigh-like scattering, where the backscatter coefficient varies smoothly with frequency over the analysis bandwidth. A second phantom exhibits local maxima and minima in the scattering function versus frequency due to the presence of millimeter-sized graphite gel spheres in a gel background. The method was found to produce accurate results using time gate durations as small as 2 mu s, although better accuracy is obtained for longer gate durations, particularly when the sample exhibits resonance peaks in backscatter versus frequency. Use of a Hamming window in place of a rectangular window extends the accuracy near the upper and lower limits of the frequency range. >
Medicinal derivatives of p-tertiarybutylbenzoic acid.

Fifteen esters of p-tertiarybutylbenzoic acid wirh amino alcohols were synthesized, and their physical and chemical constants were determined. The rearrangement of the corresponding amide to β-ethylaminoethyl-p-tertiarybutylbenzoate was shown to proceed with greater ease than the procedure previously described for similar amides obtained from secondary amino alcohols.
Petrographic and Chemical Study of Yucatan Carbonates: ABSTRACT

Carbonate rocks of Eocene(?) to Recent age crop out in northern Yucatan. Subsurface data from a few widely scattered wells indicate these Tertiary and Recent rocks range in thickness from 3,000 to 5,000 feet. Cretaceous (Comanchean and Gulfian) carbonates, evaporites, and volcanics underlie the Tertiary carbonate rocks. Samples from all outcropping stratigraphic units in northern Yucatan have been collected. These samples have been studied in the following ways: (1) in hand specimen and by etching, (2) by preparation of acetate peels, (3) by staining (silver nitrate-potassium chromate) for calcite-dolomite content and by preparation of stained peels, (4) in thin section, and (5) by "wet" chemical analysis. Samples are presently being analyzed for CaCO3/MgCO3 content by EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) titration. Virtually all carbonate rock types are present, but deposits of foraminiferal microcrystalline carbonates predominate. Reefoid carbonates are present in only minor quantities. Dolomitization and silicification are encountered in many samples. Silicification is most intense in reefoid deposits and negligible in all other rock types. Preliminary results of analyses for calcite-dolomite content in the rocks disclose no apparent correlation of dolomitization with individual rock types. There is, however, an apparent increase in dolomite content with the age of the rocks; this aspect is being investigated more thoroughly. End_of_Article - Last_Page 639------------
The Delay/Re-Read Protocol for concurrency control in databases

We present a new protocol, called the Delay /Re-Read Protocol, for controlling concurrent access to a database. The protocol uses a combination of preventive and corrective measures for maintaining consistency. On recognizing that a transaction has read inconsistent data, the Protocol applies a corrective measure which requires the transaction to re-read some data. Alternatively, on recognizing that a transaction is about to write data which will result in inconsistency, the Protocol applies a preventive measure which delays the Write. A Read request is always granted without delay. The Protocol is deadlock-free, requires no backup data, and supports a greater degree of concurrency than Two Phase Locking. A transaction is never aborted or delayed indefinitely by the Protocol.
Conceptual framework for introducing e-governance in university administration

With emergence of technology and growing demand of the society, e-Governance became a key issue and developed nations started adopting it to better serve their citizens through efficient and effective services, with accountability and transparency. When appropriately applied, e-Governance can effectively ensure the well being of a university, too. The underlying goals for adopting e-Governance practices are to ensure improved quality in disseminating education and administration, conforming to regulations as per the university statutes and acts. In this paper, the authors attempt to propose a conceptual e-Governance framework for universities and benchmark it.
Predicting Textbook Reading: The Textbook Assessment and Usage Scale.

The authors constructed the Textbook Assessment and Usage Scale (TAUS) to measure students' textbook evaluations. They tested the scale in 6 introductory and 3 upper level classes. In Studies 1 and...
Comparison of the UDP-N-acetylmuramate:L-alanine ligase enzymes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae.

In the peptidoglycan of Mycobacterium leprae, l-alanine of the side chain is replaced by glycine. When expressed in Escherichia coli, MurC (UDP-N-acetyl-muramate:l-alanine ligase) of M. leprae showed Km and Vmax for l-alanine and glycine similar to those of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MurC, suggesting that another explanation should be sought for the presence of glycine.
Forming Shaped/Molded Structures by Integrating Meltblowing and Robotic Technologies

A novel system is described that forms three-dimensional (3D) molded nonwoven structures through proper integration of a laboratory scale meltblown unit with a small die and a six-axis robot. The 3D fiberweb structures can be formed by deposition of fibers from the die of the meltblown unit, which is manipulated by the robot, on any desired 3D mold. The mold rotational and surface speeds can be controlled by an additional external axis. The die is connected by two flexible hoses to the melt extruder of the meltblown unit and a hot air supply system. This system directly sprays fibers onto a 3D mannequin mold to produce structures from polypropylene polymers. With varying degrees of success, several robot manipulation algorithms of fiber deposition on the mold are developed to accurately control the basis weight uniformity of the fiberwebs. A rule-based control algorithm using a linear variable differential transducer to map the mold contour results in the greatest fiberweb basis weight uniformity.
Improving television viewing ability

We rarely think of the possible beneficial results of training in something “everyone knows how to do”—such as learning from television. This article is drawn from Mr. May's M.A. thesis, completed in 1963 at the University of Maryland under the direction of Prof. George F. Batka. Mr. May is presently working toward a PhD. in the University of Wisconsin, as a teaching assistant in the Division of Radio‐Television‐Film.
Exactly Sparse Delayed-State Filters

This paper presents the novel insight that the SLAM information matrix is exactly sparse in a delayed-state framework. Such a framework is used in view-based representations of the environment which rely upon scan-matching raw sensor data. Scan-matching raw data results in virtual observations of robot motion with respect to a place its previously been. The exact sparseness of the delayed-state information matrix is in contrast to other recent feature based SLAM information algorithms like Sparse Extended Information Filters or Thin Junction Tree Filters. These methods have to make approximations in order to force the feature-based SLAM information matrix to be sparse. The benefit of the exact sparseness of the delayed-state framework is that it allows one to take advantage of the information space parameterization without having to make any approximations. Therefore, it can produce equivalent results to the “full-covariance” solution.
Integrating Palliative Care in Life-Limiting Pediatric Neuromuscular Conditions: The Case of SMA-Type 1 and Duchene Muscular Dystrophy

Aims: The unpredictability and life-limiting nature of chronic, pediatric neuromuscular disorders raise significant physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and social difficulties for affected individuals and their families, and create special challenges for the healthcare team. Drawing on the principles of pediatric palliative care (PPC), we explored these challenges in the context of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Spinal Muscular Atrophy-Type 1 and identified opportunities for and barriers to the integration of PPC worldwide. Methods: We convened an international interdisciplinary consortium of 53 clinicians, families, and advocates from seven countries. Facilitated small groups explored the key aspects of palliative care integration into the two diseases. Results: Participants identified four transition points in the disease trajectories (i.e., peri-diagnostic, treatment decision making, life-threatening events, and end of life) and opportunities for PPC at each phase. Interpretation: Patients, families, and clinicians can openly discuss their challenges and create a shared vision of quality care for children with NMDs, and that opportunities exist to integrate PPC at each point of transition in the progression of NMDs.
A2E-epoxides Damage DNA in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells VITAMIN E AND OTHER ANTIOXIDANTS INHIBIT A2E-EPOXIDE FORMATION

The autofluorescent pigments that accumulate in retinal pigment epithelial cells with aging and in some retinal disorders have been implicated in the etiology of macular degeneration. The major constituent is the fluorophore A2E, a pyridinium bisretinoid. Light-exposed A2E-laden retinal pigment epithelium exhibits a propensity for apoptosis with light in the blue region of the spectrum being most damaging. Efforts to understand the events precipitating the death of the cells have revealed that during irradiation (430 nm), A2E self-generates singlet oxygen with the singlet oxygen in turn reacting with A2E to generate epoxides at carbon-carbon double bonds. Here we demonstrate that A2E-epoxides, independent of singlet oxygen, exhibit reactivity toward DNA with oxidative base changes being at least one of these lesions. Mass spectrometry revealed that the antioxidants vitamins E and C, butylated hydroxytoluene, resveratrol, a trolox analogue (PNU-83836-E), and bilberry extract reduce A2E-epoxidation, whereas single cell gel electrophoresis and cell viability studies revealed a corresponding reduction in the incidence of DNA damage and cell death. Vitamin E, a lipophilic antioxidant, produced a more pronounced decrease in A2E-epoxidation than vitamin C, and treatment with both vitamins simultaneously did not confer additional benefit. Studies in which singlet oxygen was generated by endoperoxide in the presence of A2E revealed that vitamin E, butylated hydroxytoluene, resveratrol, the trolox analogue, and bilberry reduced A2E-epoxidation by quenching singlet oxygen. Conversely, vitamin C and ginkgolide B were not efficient quenchers of singlet oxygen under these conditions.