cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aspirin use and prostate tumor angiogenesis.

PURPOSE Aspirin use has been shown to be associated with reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer, although the mechanisms are not fully understood. METHODS We examined associations between regular aspirin use and prostate tumor angiogenesis among 572 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Participants reported aspirin use on biennial questionnaires. Prostatectomy tumor blocks were immunostained for CD34 to assess microvessel size and irregularity. Multivariable linear regression was used to calculate percent differences in biomarker measures comparing use vs nonuse, and by duration and tablets per day. RESULTS Current aspirin users had larger vessel area (14.5%) and diameter (6.5%), and lower vessel irregularity (- 8.1%) compared to non-users, indicating a less angiogenic profile. Duration of use and current tablets per day were also associated with larger vessel diameter. Similar patterns were seen for low- and high-grade prostate cancers. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that aspirin use, particularly current use, can lower prostate cancer carcinogenesis through angiogenic mechanisms.
Photographic assessment of eyelid position using a simple measurement tool paired with cell phone photography in a pediatric population.

Purpose This proof-of-concept study evaluates the ability to assess eyelid measurements and the reproducibility of eyelid measurements using a simple measurement tool paired with digital cell phone photography in children. Methods Seventy consecutive patients and their siblings, 2-19 years of age, were prospectively enrolled. Participants underwent clinical examination and cell phone photography with a simple measurement tool. An ophthalmologist and nonophthalmologist assessed photographs for interpalpebral fissure distance (IPFD), margin reflex distance-1 (MRD1), and levator function (LF). Clinical examinations and photographs were repeated on the same day in a random sample (n = 20). The agreement of grading photographs compared to clinical examination was assessed using Bland-Altman plots. Intra-grader repeatability of the clinical examination, repeatability of photographic technique, and interobserver reproducibility of photographic assessment was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results Of photographs acquired, both graders considered quality good/fair in 100% to assess IPFD and MRD1, and 70% to assess LF. The mean difference (limits of agreement) in mm between clinical examination and photographic assessment was 1.1 (−1.5 to 3.8) for IPFD, 0.7 (−1.8 to 3.1) for MRD1, and 1.1 (−3.5 to 5.7) for LF. Intraobserver repeatability on clinical examination was excellent for IPFD (ICC = 0.81), MRD1 (ICC = 0.88), and LF (ICC = 0.94). Repeatability of photographic technique was fair for IPFD (ICC = 0.44) and good for MRD1 (ICC = 0.74) and LF (ICC = 0.77). Interobserver photographic assessment repeatability was excellent for IPFD (ICC = 0.94), MRD1 (ICC = 0.96), and LF (ICC = 0.92). Conclusions Photographic assessment of eyelid measurements in children is possible, highly reproducible between graders, and enables documentation for future comparison.
The influence of social values on obstetric anesthesia.

Understanding the history of responses to obstetric pain, both medical and social, may promote understanding of the rationale for obstetric anesthesiology and reveal changes in social values that contributed to the natural childbirth movement.
Rhesus immune responses to SIV Gag expressed by recombinant BCG vectors are independent from pre-existing mycobacterial immunity.

Abstract Background A recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG (rBCG) vector expressing HIV transgenes is an attractive candidate as a dual vaccine against HIV and TB. However, pre-existing immune responses to mycobacteria may influence immune responses to rBCG. We analyzed data from a rhesus rBCG trial to determine the effect of pre-existing mycobacterial immune responses on the vaccine-induced responses to the vector and expressed transgene. Methods Indian-origin rhesus macaques were primed with rBCG expressing simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Gag and boosted with attenuated vaccinia NYVAC gag-pol . Mycobacteria responses were measured by Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb ) purified protein derivative (PPD) interferon-γ ELISpot and Mtb whole cell lysate (WCL) ELISA. SIV Gag responses were measured by SIV Gag ELISpot and by p11C tetramer binding. Results Baseline Mtb PPD ELISpot responses and Mtb WCL antibody responses in rhesus macaques overlapped those in human populations. Cellular and antibody responses boosted sharply 4 weeks after rBCG vaccination. Mtb WCL antibody titers at 4 weeks correlated with baseline titers. Primates vaccinated with rBCG developed strong SIV Gag ELISpot and p11C tetramer responses after rBCG prime and NYVAC boost. There were no correlations between the pre-existing mycobacterial immune responses and the SIV Gag T cell responses after vaccination. Conclusions Rhesus immune responses to SIV Gag expressed by rBCG vectors were independent from pre-existing anti-mycobacterial immunity. Rhesus macaques may serve as a surrogate for investigations of pre-existing anti-mycobacterial immunity in humans.
Global Capitalism and the Crisis of Humanity: Beyond the Theory of Imperialism

As in the case of democracy, which is used in a positive sense to describe, from particular positions, radically different and consciously opposed political systems, imperialism , like any word which refers to fundamental social and political conflicts, cannot be reduced, semantically, to a single proper meaning. Its important historical and contemporary variations of meanings point to real processes which have to be studied in their own terms. Raymond Williams, Keywords Theories of a “new imperialism” proliferated in the years following the September 2001 attack on the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon and the subsequent U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. These theories argued that the United States set about to renew a U.S. empire in order to offset a decline in its hegemony amid heightened inter-imperialist rivalry. So popular were new imperialism theories that they came to be seen as common sense; critics were seen as heretics or nut cases, and alternative explanations nearly disappeared from the intellectual and political radar. Yet these theories rested on a crustaceous bed of assumptions that must be peeled back if we are to get at the root of twenty-first century global social and political dynamics. The lynchpin of “new imperialism” theories is the assumption that world capitalism in the twenty-first century is made up of “domestic capitals” and distinct national economies that interact with one another and a concomitant realist analysis of world politics as driven by the pursuit by governments of their “national interest.” Realism of this sort sees each national economy as a billiard ball banging back and forth against the others. This billiard image is then applied to explain global political dynamics in terms of nation-states as discrete interacting units (the interstate system). The realist paradigm that dominated the study of international relations during the post–World War II period lost much of its luster as globalization unfolded in the 1980s and 1990s, but then made a powerful comeback following the events of the 2001 and renewed U.S. interventionism.
Reduced-Order Discrete-Time Recursive Observers for Linear Continuous-Time Singularly Perturbed Systems

A new technique for constructing decoupled reduced-order discrete-time slow and fast observers for singularly perturbed continuous-time linear systems with piecewise-constant inputs is presented. The resulting state estimates are shown to converge to a neighborhood of the true states, in the sense that the state estimation error vanishes as the singular perturbation parameter tends to sero. The reduced-order multirate implementation results in significant computational savings over competing full-order techniques. Moreover, in the event that the singular perturbation parameter is sufficiently small with respect to the input sampling period, a simplification can be made which further reduces the computational requirements.
Quantum Magnetism of CuGeO3.

The magnetic properties of CuGeO{sub 3}are shown to be well described by the one-dimensional Heisenberg {ital S}={ital cf};1;2 model with competing antiferromagnetic interactions. Provided that the competing exchange is moderately large but smaller than the critical value required to produce a gap in the excitation spectrum without lattice dimerization, the model agrees with a variety of experimental properties. It is argued that competing exchange interactions are a general feature of organic charge transfer compounds, and that they increase the temperature at which a spin-Peierls transition takes place.
Phonon softening in Ni46.8Ti50Fe3.2

Emploi de la diffusion inelastique des neutrons pour etudier la transition de phase martensitique das NiTi:Fe. On observe un amollissement des phonons de la branche TA 2 -[110] au voisinage de q 1 =(1/3, 1/3, 0). Ceci est tres proche du vecteur d'onde ou la sur-structure incommensurable presente un pic, en dessous de la temperature de transition de phase premartensitique a 232 K. Cet amollissement des phonons peut etre compris en termes d'une anomalie electron-phonon
Regulatory domains of the Gmhsp17.5-E heat shock promoter of soybean.

Abstract Promoter domains required for in vivo transcriptional expression of soybean heat shock gene Gmhsp17.5-E were identified by insertion-deletion mutagenesis with transgenic expression monitored in Agrobacterium tumefaciens-incited tumors of sunflower. Removal of the TATA-distal domain from position -1175 to position -259 had little effect on overall activity. The four regions contributing to promoter activity identified by this study all map within 244 base pairs from the start of transcription. The most distal cis-acting element of major significance was located from -244 to -179 and contains a conserved TATA-dyad motif centered at -220. Sequences from -179 to -40 comprise the TATA-proximal domain and include an AT-rich region and two sites containing heat shock consensus elements (HSEs). Deletion of the HSE centered at -93 (site 2) severely reduced transcriptional activity. Heat-inducible expression was also eliminated by internal deletion of either the TATA motif or the overlapping HSEs at site 1, indicating that each of these regions is also a major determinant of promoter activity.
Neural Network Model of Striatal Complex

Basal ganglia bridges posterior and anterior neocortices, serving a variety of functions which are involved in execution and planning of complex motor and cognitive sequences. We forward a motor production model which is based on known anatomical, physiological and behavioral studies of basal ganglia involvement in production of complex motor sequences in mammals (see
A CHROMOGENIC SUBSTRATE FOR THE CONTINUOUS ASSAY OF MAMMALIAN PHOSPHOINOSITIDE-SPECIFIC PHOSPHOLIPASE C

Abstract The synthesis of a chromogenic substrate for mammalian PI-PLC, d,l -myo-inositol 4,5-bis(dihydrogen phosphate) 1-(4-nitrophenyl hydrogen phosphate) tetrasodium salt (13), is described. Phosphoinositol bisphosphate 13 (NPIP-P2) is shown to be a substrate for human PI-PLCδ1 in a non-radioactive, continuous assay. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
17O NMR study of substituent effects in 4-substituted N-chlorobenzamides and comparison with 4-substituted benzamides: Sensitivity to ring substituents (ρ) reflects electronic and steric effects

Natural abundance 17O NMR spectra of 4-substituted N-chlorobenzamides were obtained in acetonitrile at 75 °C and compared with those for similarly substituted benzamides. An excellent correlation (δ = 5.43σ + + 350.1, r = 0.998) was obtained when the 17O chemical shifts of N-chlorobenzamides were plotted against σ+ and using σ- for the 4-nitro derivative. Based on the greater electronegativity of the N-chloro group the value of ρ observed for N-chlorobenzamides (5.4) would have been expected to be greater compared to that of benzamides (7.3). It is concluded that the 17O chemical shift in N-chlorobenzamides is very sensitive to torsion angle and that is why a low value of ρ is obtained. Sensitivity (ρ) of the chemical shift to ring substituents cannot be used as an unambiguous measure of electronic effects in systems where the torsion angle is greater than zero.
Calculation of the axial charge in the {epsilon} and {epsilon}{sup '} regimes of heavy-baryon chiral perturbation theory

The axial charge g{sub A} is calculated in the {epsilon} regime of heavy-baryon chiral perturbation theory to order {epsilon}{sup 3}. To perform this calculation, we develop a technique to compute baryon properties in the {epsilon} regime of chiral perturbation theory. This technique includes contributions from pion zero momentum modes and can be used at arbitrary order, diagram by diagram, in the {epsilon} regime to calculate any matrix element. Also, a calculation of g{sub A} in the {epsilon}{sup '} regime to order {epsilon}{sup '3} is performed. A discussion of the domain of applicability for both the {epsilon} and {epsilon}{sup '} regimes is also included.
The atoms as a source of light

“Cold” light, the theoretically ideal conversion of electrical energy into light, is still some distance from attainment, being rendered unattainable largely because of a lack of complete theories of the production of light. A summary of the present knowledge in this field and an indication of future possibilities and lines of attack are presented in this article.
Semiclassical treatment of matter-enhanced neutrino oscillations for an arbitrary density profile

The matter-enhanced oscillations of two neutrino flavors are studied using a uniform semiclassical approximation. Unlike some analytic studies which have focused on certain exactly solvable densities, this method can be used for an arbitrary monotonic density profile. The method is applicable to a wider range of mixing parameters than previous approximate methods for arbitrary densities. The approximation is excellent in the adiabatic regime and up to the extreme nonadiabatic limit. In particular, the range of validity for this approximation extends farther into the nonadiabatic regime than for the linear Landau-Zener result. This method also allows calculation of the source- and detector-dependent terms in the unaveraged survival probability, and analytic results for these terms are given. These interference terms may be important in studying neutrino mixing in the Sun or in supernovas.
Metal-promoted assembly of organic-based cages into a porous material

Metal-assembled cages form grids in the solid-state and pack into a manner that creates a material with pores and channels.
Stroke treatment with tissue plasminogen activator in the setting of aortic dissection

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is effective for treating acute ischemic stroke.1 Because of the very brief time window, it is often not possible to investigate stroke etiology before administering rt-PA. There have been a number of case reports of thrombolytic therapy in patients suspected of having acute myocardial infarction who in actuality had an aortic dissection.2,3 The use of thrombolytics to treat ischemic stroke caused by an aortic dissection has not been documented. We report a patient who presented with symptoms consistent with acute ischemic stroke and was given rt-PA. Further investigation demonstrated an aortic dissection as the cause of his stroke. A 54-year-old man presented after his wife heard him fall and found him on the floor, nonverbal, unable to move his right side. There was no history of chest or back pain. Past medical history was significant for hypertension, tobacco abuse, borderline diabetes mellitus, and recent sinus surgery. On examination, he was afebrile with a blood pressure …
Digital Governance and Collaborative Strategies for Improving Service Quality

This paper explores changes in traditional political linkages and argues for greater use of a collaborative model (Figure 2) for achieving citizen access with information communication technologies (ICTs). There is substantial evidence that a âparadigmâ shift from bureaucracy-driven electronic to collaborative digital governance is taking place. Common factors which encourage or limit adoption of ICTs by governmental agencies include public administratorsâ distrust of non-professionals, government officialsâ fear of loss of control, lack of sufficient funding. Prospects for the future expansion of digital governance to deliver higher quality less costly government services in the current strict fiscal environment are assessed. The paper highlights case studies of emerging applications in selected cities and states where advanced ICT applications are being used to achieve operating efficiencies, program effectiveness, and productivity. Examples are given which can serve as âbenchmarksâ for collaborative reforms. Digital governance strategies can promote both the politics and performance management potential for technological collaboration well as improve access to and satisfaction with government services. Emerging collaborative relationships among governments and public as well as private agencies not only result in a more efficient service delivery, but also lead to more accountable and interoperable administrative structure.
Detection of teratogenic compounds using differentiating embryonic cells in culture

Methods are described for screening for teratogenic compounds using differentiating neural crest and prechondrogenic limb bud mesenchyme cells in culture. Substances to be tested are either added directly to the culture medium or are combined in a dialysis bag with the postmitochondrial fraction from rat liver and certain cofactors. In the latter case, the compound and its metabolites are gradually released into the medium from the dialysis bag. The results obtained with 14 compounds demonstrate a positive relationship between teratogenicity in vivo and alterations in the growth or the differentiation of the cultured cells.
Total joint arthroplasty in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: an alarming rate of early failure.

The results of 21 total joint arthroplasties (13 knees, 8 hips) in 15 patients were reviewed. There were 13 men and 2 women with an average age of 38 years (range, 28 to 69 years). The mean follow-up period was 10.2 years (range, 2 to 23 years). Six patients died within an average of 10.6 years (range, 3 to 18 years) of joint arthroplasty. All patients died of AIDS. Deep infection developed in 6 joints. Knee Society scores improved significantly, but 13 repeat surgeries were required. An alarmingly high rate of complications was found after total knee and total hip arthroplasty in these patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Physicians and surgeons should be made aware of this high rate of complications after joint arthroplasty in patients with HIV and include a frank discussion of this information with their patients who are contemplating total joint arthroplasty.
Benchmarking weather sensitive plant level manufacturing energy use

Energy intensity of manufacturing varies due to the products produced and the efficiency of production. For some sectors a portion of the energy demand is weather sensitive. This paper applies stochastic frontier regression to auto assembly and pharmaceuticals. The effects of production, utilisation and weather on energy are estimated. The differences in efficiency are captured by a one-sided error term in the frontier model. Confidential plant level data provided by companies that voluntarily participated in this study are used. US EPA Energy Star programme uses the models to provide recognition of superior energy performance for plants in these industries.
α-Hydroxy fatty acids in sphingolipids of tetrahymena

Abstract Sphingolipids of Tetrahymena pyriformis W were found to contain six major fatty acids: the saturated fatty acids 16:0 (n), 17:0 (i), and 18:0 (n), as well as the α-hydroxy fatty acids which have the same three carbon skeletons and presumably are derived from the saturated fatty acids. The structures of the α-hydroxy fatty acids were proven by mass spectrometry, reductive deoxygenation to the corresponding saturated fatty acid, and a reduction-oxidation sequence to give the saturated fatty acid with one less carbon.
A model of psychosis and its relationship with impairment.

Some studies suggest that positive symptoms of psychosis—clinical and sub-clinical alike—reflect a single, continuously distributed dimension in the population. It is unknown, however, whether such a spectrum of positive psychotic experiences is non-linearly related to outcomes such as daily functioning. This work aims to characterize the relationship between positive psychosis and impairment. Data from the Office of National Statistics National Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys of Great Britain were used to establish measurement models of psychosis and impairment. Competing linear and nonlinear models of the relationship between the two latent variables were evaluated using mixture structural equation models. Positive psychosis is best modeled by a continuous, normal distribution. Increases in positive psychosis correlate with roughly linear increases in impairment. Positive psychotic symptoms occur throughout the population without a discrete, pathological threshold. Functional deficits are linearly associated with the psychosis at all points along the continuum, and a significant portion of the population experiences subclinical psychosis.
Thermophilic starter cultures: another set of problems

Abstract Increased consumer demand for yogurt and Italian cheeses, particularly Mozzarella, over the past decade has intensified production demands on thermophilic starter cultures. Dramatically elevated production rates within existing facilities have created problems analogous to those experienced years ago by the dairy industry for mesophilic lactococci when Cheddar cheese production increased dramatically. In contrast to mesophilic lactococci, however, diversity among lactic genera that contain thermophilic species has impeded the progress of microbiological research required to meet these challenges. For example, the bacteriophages that attack these cultures are becoming an important commercial problem, yet little is known about them. Another unique characteristic of thermophilic lactic cultures is the microbial interaction between lactobacilli and streptococci cultured together. Further characterization of this interaction, particularly its effects on physical characteristics of the product, would benefit the cheese industry. Diversity of proteolytic and peptidolytic enzymes exists within lactobacilli. These enzymes are important in cheese flavor and texture development, therefore, further characterization of these systems would facilitate manipulation of organoleptic and physical properties of products. Finally, utilization of other, less studied thermophilic species would facilitate manufacture of new products and improved quality or manufacturing processes.
Rotational temperature measurement in high-temperature air using KrF laser-induced O2 fluorescence

Rotational temperature of O2 has been measured in an atmospheric-air furnace using KrF laser-induced fluorescence. Average measurement errors of 10.7% and 5.1% over a temperature range of 1325–1725K were observed using two- and four-line excitation techniques, respectively. Ground-state depletion was observed for a spectral laser irradiance greater than approximately 7.5×106 W/cm2 cm−1. This technique is suitable for temperature measurements when the O2 vibrational population is not in thermal equilibrium.
Simulation of Plastic Deformation in a Flexible Chain Glassy Polymer

A short report of a new computer simulation of plastic deformation is given in a typical flexible chain glassy polymer–polypropylene. The model which makes no arbitrary assumptions about structure and modes of molecular segment relaxations is based on systematic static energy minimizations in a small periodic cell representing a typical molecular environment. The simulation shows that because of the relatively inflexible nature of backbone bonds and bond angles, permitting conformational changes only through alterations in torsional degrees of freedom, the size of a coherent plastic relaxation unit is typically 8 to 10 nm in dimensions. Careful scrutiny of conformational alterations revels no recurring simple kinematical configurations such as dislocations, disclinations, rotons, strophons, or the like. The best emerging picture is that plastic relaxation is by the repeated nucleation of shear transformations in a very large group of segments in a very cooperative manner resulting, however, in transformation shear strains of only about 1.5%. While such transformations are dilatant in polypropylene, they are the opposite in polycarbonate which has a more structured and stiff molecule. Es wird uber eine neuartige Computer-Simulation der plastischen Verformung von glasigem Polypropylen berichtet, einem typischen Polymer-Glas biegsamer Ketten. Das Modell basiert auf einer systematischen Minimierung der statischen Energie einer kleinen periodischen Zelle, die eine typische Molekul-Umgebung reprasentiert, und benutzt keine Zusatzannahmen uber die Struktur und Moden der Relaxation molekularer Segmente. Die Simulation zeigt, das die Grose einer koharenten plastischen Relaxationseinheit 8 bis 10 nm betragt. Das ist bedingt durch die relative Starrheit der Bindungen und Bindungswinkel in der Hauptkette, die Konformationsanderungen nur uber Anderungen der Rotationsfreiheitsgrade zulassen. Sorgfaltige Betrachtung der Konformationsanderungen geben keinerlei Hinweise auf das Auftreten spezieller, einfacher Konfiguration, wie Versetzungen, Disklinationen, Rotonen, Strophonen oder ahnlichem. Als geeignetstes Bild ergibt sich, das plastische Relaxation uber wiederholte Ausbildung von kooperativen Schertransformationen in einer groseren Segmentgruppe ablauft, wobei jedoch nur Transformations-Scherungen von etwa 1.5% auftreten. Wahrend die Transformation in Polypropylen mit Volumenzunahme verbunden ist, gilt fur Polycarbonat mit seinem steiferen und starker strukturierten Molekulen das Umgekehrte.
Prediction using unsupervised learning

Abstract The manner and efficiency with which neural networks use competitive learning to discover long-term regularities in the dynamics of nonlinear dissipative systems is analysed. The network creates a coarse-grained dynamics which depends both on the connectivity of the network and the intrinsic properties of the time series. The learning process is analysed using a master equation approach, and the scaling behaviour of the information entropy; while the prediction error after learning is examined as a function of network size, and the nature of dynamical clustering in phase space. Scaling arguments are deduced and compared with simulations of discrete mapping.
Rethinking the Boundaries: Response.

In his Keynote address, Dr. Kretchmar suggests that children who demonstrate an inability or unwillingness to play may have a ‘play disability,’ and thus offers interventions for remediation. In response, Oslin and Collier argue that due to cultural influences, it is more likely that physical educators are play disabled. Oslin and Collier share Kretchmar's sentiment that playing and valuing play is essential to becoming physically educated and living a fulfilling life. Recommendations are offered as a means of infusing play into PETE and physical education curriculums.
Context-aware activity notification system: supporting CSCL

This poster provides an introduction to the Context-Aware Activity Notification System (CANS) and a brief discussion of its design research process. We report the results of three phases of design work. The cumulative results suggest progress toward useful activity visualizations to support forms of social and collaborative learning. The notifications can raise motivation to participate, enhance awareness of group, class, and self-activity, increase participation, and support awareness of instructional and problem-solving opportunities.
Effects of GA4 + 7 on flower initiation and development and vegetative growth of Streptocarpus × hybridus Voss. ‘Hybrid Delta’

Abstract Streptocarpus × hybridus cultivar ‘Hybrid Delta’ seedlings with leaf (phyllomorph) lengths of 1, 2 or 3 cm were treated with 25 μg gibberellin (GA 4 + 7 ) per plant. One week after treatment, petiolode tissue from these plants was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the presence of floral primordia and to track morphological changes during floral development. Samples from plants treated at 1-cm leaf lengths appeared unaffected, while those treated at the 2- and 3-cm lengths showed enhanced floral initiation and development compared with untreated controls. Gibberellin application did not affect the number of days to first flower anthesis, but did decrease the time to anthesis of second and third flowers. Peduncle length, time span between anthesis of the first three flowers and leaf length were not affected by GA 4 + 7 . Plants treated at the 3-cm lengths had more flowers per plant after 110 days compared with the remaining treatments and controls.
MEMS-based resonating xylophone bar magnetometers

A novel magnetometer which utilizes the Lorentz force to measure vector magnetic fields has recently been described. The device, based on a classical resonating xylophone bar, has an extremely wide dynamic range and is ideally suited to miniaturization using a variety of technologies. The overall dimensions of the xylophone bar are limited by the width of the nodal supports which act as current electrodes and ultimately govern the resonance qualities. Minimum xylophone lengths of 10 and 5 mm mare attainable by electrostatic discharge machining and chemical milling of metal foils, respectively. Significantly smaller devices are achievable using polycrystalline silicon-based MEMS processing. However, the sheet resistivity of the silicon restricts the drive current through the xylophone bar and thus limits the sensitivity. This sensitivity can potentially by regained by replacing the silicon xylophone bar with a metal/piezoelectric/metal sandwich structure.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dietary Poultry Fat and Gastrointestinal Transit Time of Feed and Fat Utilization in Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted with broiler chicks to determine the effect of 0, 5, 10, and 20% supplemental poultry fat and age on gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) and the effect of supplemental fat on fat utilization and growth. Mean GTT, measured with chromic oxide or ferric oxide, was not affected by supplemental fat. There was a curvilinear relationship (rising ogive) between mean GTT and age. It increased from an estimated lower plateau of 170 min to an upper plateau of 211 min with the inflexion point at 3.23 wk. At 6 wk of age, birds receiving supplemental fat consumed more energy and were heavier and more efficient. Total lipid digestibility increased with supplemental poultry fat but digestibility of poultry fat was not altered. The AME of poultry fat ranged from 8.1 to 8.4 kcal/g at 5 to 20% inclusion in the diet.
Research studies in scientific communication: IV. The continuity of dissemination of information by “productive scientists”

Abstract This article is the last in a series which describes a set of studies which were conducted over a 4 1 2 -year period (1966–1971). The series of articles sought to describe a comprehensive picture of the dissemination and assimilation of scientific information as it flows through various informal and formal media, from the time a scientist initiates his work until it is published. The present article examines the continuity of scientific work and information exchange by “productive scientists” two years after the publication of their articles in 1968/1969. The results indicate that about half of the authors had changed to a subject-matter area which differed from that of their earlier articles, however, such shifts did not decrease authors' productivity nor greatly increase their information needs.
A parallel algorithm for relational database normalization

The problem of database normalization in a parallel environment is examined. Generating relation schemes in third normal form is straightforward when given a set of functional dependencies that is a reduced cover. It is shown that a reduced cover for a set of functional dependencies can be produced in parallel. The correctness of the algorithm is based on two important theorems. it is demonstrated that the companion third normal form algorithm can be easily translated into a parallel version. The performance of the two algorithms is compared to the performance of their serial counterparts. The standard serial algorithms for computing minimal covers and synthesizing third normal form relations are presented. The parallel algorithms and their rationale are discussed. >
Technical implementation and clinical findings/results of monitoring oxygen saturation in patients referred for long term EEG monitoring

Recent technical developments allow the recording of a patient's oxygen saturation (SpO2) simultaneously with intensive long-term EEG monitoring (LTM). Clinically significant information from this enhanced multi-system physiological monitoring device can contribute to more accurate diagnoses in patients referred for LTM. This report covers the technical usage of combined SpO2/EEG recordings in a small group of patients. Clinically, the findings on the SpO2 monitor helped to define the diagnosis in many of these patients. In a few, the SpO2 changes were diagnostic in their own right and prompted referral to our Sleep Disorders Laboratory. From a research aspect, the details of the morphology and timing of the oxygen desaturations and EEG show several interesting relationships with respect to the dynamics of seizure semiology and respiratory physiology.
QTL for Fatty Acid Composition of Maize Kernel Oil in Illinois High Oil × B73 Backcross-Derived Lines

Maize (Zea mays L.) produces high-quality oil valued for oxidative stability and low concentrations of saturated fatty acids. The nutritional value of maize oil could be improved by increasing the concentration of oleic acid, a "heart-friendly" monounsaturated fatty acid. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the major fatty acids constituting oil from maize kernels, we produced 150 backcross1-derived S 1 (BC 1 S 1 ) lines from donor parent, Illinois High Oil (IHO), and recurrent parent, B73. There was a positive phenotypic correlation between oil and oleic acid (r p = 0.47**, a ≤ 0.01) and negative correlations between oil and linoleic acid (r p = -0.46**), and between oleic and linoleic acids (r p = -0.99**). Multiple regression models with QTL detected by composite interval mapping (CIM) on a genetic map with length = 1486 cM, explained 15.4, 41.6, 51.0, 59.6, and 47.9% of the phenotypic variation for palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, respectively. A 6-cM interval on chromosome 6 (bin 6.04) includes QTL for stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, explains 10.9 to 39.6% of the variation for these fatty acids, and is 10 to 16 cM from QTL for oil. Another region on chromosome 6 (bin 6.01) includes QTL for oleic and linoleic acids and was epistatic with the QTL in bin 6.04. One or both of these two QTL regions on chromosome 6 may be responsible for fatty acid variation previously attributed to linoleic acidl.
University accreditation and benchmarking: Pedagogy that increases student achievement

Abstract High stakes standardized exams are expensive and not related to program learning (instead, most researchers found they could be predicted by prior ability). The researcher used customized pedagogy – instructor-led collaborative study groups – to help students improve their scores on standardized exams. A quasi-experiment was designed to test the predictive ability of collaborative study groups on a well know standardized exam ( N = 162). A high degree of experimental control was imposed and the common predictors of high stakes exams (as cited in the literature) were replicated, thus lending validity and credibility to the study's findings. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and ANOVA with regression were applied to test the hypothesis. The ANOVA regression model was able to capture 65% of variance on MFTB standardized exam score, where the four significant predictors were (in order of importance): SAT, pedagogy, GPA and gender. The model proved that standardized exam scores could be increased more than three grade points for students in the collaborative study group.
On the Leontief Dynamic Inverse

1. Introduction, 693. — 2. The Leontief procedure, 693. — 3. A forward integration procedure, 695.
Correlates of Teacher Practices Influencing Student Outcomes in Reading Instruction for Advanced Readers

In a professional development project, six teaching practices were posited as necessary for improving affective and cognitive outcomes for identified advanced readers. These practices were identification, organization for instruction, content, instructional strategies, continuous improvement assessment, and ambassadorship. Sixty-one teachers received training in these practices and were evaluated on their implementation, with usable data from 37. Implementation ratings were correlated with measure of reading attitude and literary analysis. Several correlations were discovered that have implications for understanding teaching style and the influence of teacher practice on student outcomes.
Microforming: Experimental Investigation of the Extrusion Process for Micropins and its Numerical Simulation Using RKEM

Microforming using a small machine (or so-called desktop machine) is an alternative new approach to those using full-size heavy equipment for manufacturing microparts. Microparts are commonly defined as parts or structures with at least two dimensions in the submillimeter range, which are used extensively in electronics and micromechanical products. However when scaling down a conventional forming process to microscale, the influence of the so-called size effect needs to be considered. The individual microstructure (size, shape, and orientation of grains) and the interfacial conditions show a significant effect on the process characteristics. In this paper, the process of extrusion is investigated to establish it as a viable process for microforming. A forming assembly is fabricated and used in conjunction with a loading substage to extrude micropins with a final diameter of I mm. The effect of grain size is investigated by using workpieces heat treated to produce grain sizes varying from 32 μm up to 211 μm. Two extrusion dies with different roughness are used to study the effect of surface finish. While experiments lead to interesting questions and new discoveries, theoretical or numerical solutions are necessary tools for process optimization. Here, knowing the limits of the current widely used numerical simulation tools [i.e., the Finite Element Method (FEM)], a new method, the Reproducing Kernel Element Method (RKEM), has recently been developed to address the limitations of the FEM (for example, remeshing issue), while maintaining FEM's advantages, e.g., the polynomial reproducing property and function interpolation property. The new RKEM method is used to simulate the microextrusion problem. Its results are compared with that obtained from the FEM and the experiment result. Satisfactory results were obtained. Future directions on the experimental and simulation work are addressed.
Estimating landscape carrying capacity through maximum clique analysis.

Habitat suitability (HS) maps are widely used tools in wildlife science and establish a link between wildlife populations and landscape pattern. Although HS maps spatially depict the distribution of optimal resources for a species, they do not reveal the population size a landscape is capable of supporting—information that is often crucial for decision makers and managers. We used a new approach, “maximum clique analysis,” to demonstrate how HS maps for territorial species can be used to estimate the carrying capacity, Nk, of a given landscape. We estimated the Nk of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) in an 1153-km2 study area in Vermont, USA. These two species were selected to highlight different approaches in building an HS map as well as computational challenges that can arise in a maximum clique analysis. We derived 30-m2 HS maps for each species via occupancy modeling (Ovenbird) and by resource utilization modeling (bobcats). For each species, we then identified all pixel locat...
Pure tone thresholds for the rhesus monkey

Auditory thresholds were measured for 18 ears from 13 rhesus monkeys using a simple reaction-time procedure. The threshold contour was a smooth W-shaped function with rises at the extreme frequencies and around 4 kHz and was comparable in shape with previously reported thresholds for this animal. Standard deviations averaged 5.3 dB.
Contiguous redshift parameterizations of the growth index

The growth rate of matter perturbations can be used to distinguish between different gravity theories and to distinguish between dark energy and modified gravity at cosmological scales as an explanation to the observed cosmic acceleration. We suggest here parameterizations of the growth index as functions of the redshift. The first one is given by {gamma}(a)={gamma}-tilde(a)(1/1+(a{sub ttc}/a))+{gamma}{sub early}(1/1+(a/a{sub ttc})), which interpolates between a low/intermediate redshift parameterization {gamma}-tilde(a)={gamma}{sub late}(a)={gamma}{sub 0}+(1-a){gamma}{sub a} and a high redshift {gamma}{sub early} constant value. For example, our interpolated form {gamma}(a) can be used when including the cosmic microwave background to the rest of the data, while the form {gamma}{sub late}(a) can be used otherwise. It is found that the parameterizations proposed achieve a fit that is better than 0.004% for the growth rate in a {lambda}CDM model, better than 0.014% for quintessence-cold-dark-matter models, and better than 0.04% for the flat Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati model (with {omega}{sub m}{sup 0}=0.27) for the entire redshift range up to z{sub CMB}. We find that the growth index parameters ({gamma}{sub 0},{gamma}{sub a}) take distinctive values for dark energy models and modified gravity models, e.g. (0.5655,-0.027 18) for the {lambda}CDM model and (0.6418, 0.062 61) for the flat Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati model. This provides a means for more » future observational data to distinguish between the models. « less
Tailoring microporosity and nitrogen content in carbons for achieving high uptake of CO2 at ambient conditions

A series of nitrogen-containing carbon spheres (CS) was prepared using the modified Stober method. These CS were synthesized by using resorcinol and formaldehyde as carbon precursors, melamine as nitrogen precursor and ammonia as a polymerization reaction catalyst. Hydrothermal treatment followed by activation of these polymer spheres resulted in highly porous nitrogen-containing CS. Elemental analysis and N2 adsorption showed that the aforementioned CS exhibited high surface area (reaching 1,610 m2/g) with large fraction of fine micropores (volume of micropores smaller than 1 nm was estimated to be 0.40 cm3/g) and comparatively high nitrogen content (about 4.0 at.%). Interestingly, high CO2 adsorption capacities, 4.4 and 6.9 mmol/g, were obtained for these CS at 1 bar and two temperatures, 25 and 0 °C, respectively.
Optical Interconnect for High-End Computer Systems

Advances in silicon photonic technology have made possible the use of optical communication in large-scale chip arrays. This article shows how such a structure utilizes the high bandwidth of the optical links through optical proximity communication that enables significant levels of device integration.
The role of cytochrome P-450 forms in 2-aminoanthracene and benz[α]pyrene mutagenesis

The role of four forms of cytochrome P-450 from rabbit liver in the metabolic activation of two suspected carcinogens, 2-aminoanthracene and benz[α]pyrene, was investigated with a S. typhimurium tester strain, TA 98. Each of the forms, 2,3,4 and 6 was reconstituted with NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase and lipid, and assay conditions were established such that the cytochrome P-450 concentration was rate-limiting. Under these conditions, cytochrome P-450 form 4, but not the other forms, converted 2-aminoanthracene into a potent mutagen. In contrast, form 6 was the only form which metabolized benz[α]pyrene to a mutagen. These results indicate that specific cytochrome P-450 forms preferentially activate particular mutagens.
Radiation Effects in Circular Electron Accelerators

The effects of the radiation emission on the motion of electrons in high-energy synchrotrons are analyzed. The damping rates and quantum excitation of the three principal modes of oscillation are derived for strong focusing and constant gradient accelerators. Methods for correcting the radiation effects for strong-focusing accelerators are discussed.
Translocation (18;22)(q21;q11) in B-cell lymphomas: a report of 4 cases and review of the literature

Follicular lymphomas characteristically carry t(14;18)(q32;q21) which results in IGH-BCL-2 fusion. Variant translocations that juxtapose the BCL-2 gene with the immunoglobulin kappa (2p11) and lambda (22q11) light chain genes are rare. We report 4 cases of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia associated with t(18;22)(q21;q11). The t(18;22)(q21;q11) was the sole aberration identified by conventional cytogenetics in 2 cases. Three cases were classified as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and one as follicular lymphoma based on morphology and immunophenotype. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was performed on all 4 cases using a BCL-2 breakapart probe. The BCL-2 gene was rearranged in all cases. Immunoglobulin lambda light chain gene rearrangement was shown in 3 cases using bacterial artificial chromosome probes spanning the variable and constant clusters of the IGlambda gene. Each case was negative for MALT-1 rearrangement using a MALT-1 breakapart probe. These cases illustrate that t(18;22)(q21;q11) is more commonly observed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and may represent either an initial or secondary genetic event.
Pancreatic cancer after surgery for chronic pancreatitis

Abstract Background. Chronic pancreatitis is known to be a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Aims. To identify patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after undergoing surgery for histologically documented chronic pancreatitis. Patients/Methods. Records of 484 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for chronic pancreatitis from 1976 to 1997 were reviewed. Results. Pancreatic cancer was diagnosed after a mean of 3.4 years (range: 2 months–11 years) in 14 patients (2.9%). In four patients, pancreatic cancer became evident within 12 months of surgery for chronic pancreatitis, suggesting cancer was present at the original surgery. Cancer presented with recurrent or persistent pain, jaundice, and/or weight loss. Pancreatic resection was possible in eight patients, but in the others, the cancer was inoperable. There was one long-term survivor (alive 14 years postoperatively), but for the others mean survival was 10 months (16 months after resection vs. 4 months for inoperable cancer). Conclusion. Pancreatic malignancy should be suspected in patients who have had surgery for chronic pancreatitis when symptoms (such as recurrent pain, jaundice, weight loss, or anorexia) recur. Attempts at curative pancreatic resection are indicated and can offer palliation and the potential for a cure.