cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of aging on cholinergic receptor binding in the rat urinary bladder

Binding sites with high affinity and specificity for [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB), a cholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonist, were found in homogenates of rat urinary bladder. Atropine and scopolamine inhibited 50% of the specifically bound [3H]QNB (IC50) at a concentration of approximately 2 nM, whereas the agonist oxotremorine had an IC50 of 580 nM. By contrast, the IC50 for the ganglionic nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine was greater than 100,000 nM. These values are similar to those reported for [3H]QNB binding sites in rat brain. [3H]QNB binding was characterized in rat bladder obtained from animals aged 6, 16, and 26 months. No differences in either the number of binding sites or the affinity constant for the radioligand were noted between these groups, suggesting that there are no agerelated alterations in muscarinic receptor recognition sites in this organ.
Thermodynamic Framework for Analysis of Waste Containment Barrier Materials

In order to analyze the fate and estimate the transport rates of contaminants through a barrier system, textural parameters such as the specific surface, density, permeability, diffusion coefficient, and flow path tortuosity are usually measured or estimated. The magnitudes of transport parameters of barrier systems are expected to change in response to physicochemical reactions and other environmental stresses, the intensities of which may grow or wane over time. In essence, when discrete catastrophic events (for example, earthquakes) are discounted, the flaws that develop are macroscopic manifestations of microlevel processes. Processes such as crystallization and precipitation add solid material to pore spaces in barriers and can improve barrier performance. Conversely, processes that cause changes in state from solid to liquid (for example, material dissolution) degrade barriers through the creation of larger flow channels. An appreciation of the thermodynamics of contaminant/barrier interactions under various environmental (temperature, pressure, and moisture) conditions is a prerequisite for establishing the bounds for textural changes and estimating contaminant release rates from containment systems. Then, process kinetics can be used to estimate the rate at which such texture-controlling processes may occur. The alternative approach is to conduct numerous ’test-and-see’ factorial experiments of limited utility, in which one parameter is changed at a time. The latter approach consumes resources excessively, relative to an approach that involves the use of thermodynamics to minimize the number of tests. In this paper, long-term deterioration mechanisms are analyzed, and a framework for their assessment within the context of barrier system performance modeling is presented.
Conformational changes in chemisorbed CO on Ni(110) due to molecular interactions: An esdiad study

Abstract The surface bonding geometry of CO chemisorbed at 83 K on the Ni(110) surface was studied as a function of CO coverage using the ESDIAD technique. A study of the O + angular distribution from CO indicated that at CO coverages below about 0.75 CO/Ni, a normal orientation of the CO bond exists. Above this coverage, CO species begin to be tilted approximately 19° away from the normal in a plane perpendicular to the Ni atom rows. The O + ion angular distribution evolves from a single normal beam to a split beam during this transformation. The yield of positive ions from chemisorbed CO was studied as a function of electron energy. Since a sharp threshold for O + emission occurs at the O(1s) core level energy, measurements above this threshold are particularly effective in observing the conformational transformation. In addition, smaller yields of O 2+ and CO + have been characterized as functions of the electron energy. The conformational behavior of CO has been correlated with thermal desorption spectra and LEED behavior for the overlayer. The work was carried out in a new ESDIAD analyzer which acquires digital ion angular distribution data. The new apparatus is able to eliminate a serious soft X-ray background present in all photographic ESDIAD measurements. Coherent accumulation of ESDIAD data and subsequent background subtraction yields excellent signal-to-noise ratios for ion angular distributions, and facilitates quantitative analysis of ion beam orientations.
Model Reference Adaptive Tracking Control of Nonminimum Phase Marine Vehicles

The most commonly used propulsion system for marine vehicles is a propeller, generating thrust, and a stern rudder, used for steering. Motion control of a vehicle equipped with such a propulsion system can prove rather challenging. Indeed, the vehicle will not only be underactuated, but also nonminimum phase. Classically, the undesirable effects of the nonminimum phase nature of the system will translate into attitude issues. In this paper, a model reference adaptive controller that satisfactorily solves the tracking problem for a nonminimum phase model of marine vehicle is presented, along with an expression of the zero-dynamics. Using Lyapunov theory and introducing carefully chosen tracking errors, we study the closed-loop system stability and relate the behavior of the zero-dynamics to a relevant design constant.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Robust multicellular computing using genetically encoded NOR gates and chemical ‘wires’

Computation underlies the organization of cells into higher-order structures, for example during development or the spatial association of bacteria in a biofilm. Each cell performs a simple computational operation, but when combined with cell-cell communication, intricate patterns emerge. Here we study this process by combining a simple genetic circuit with quorum sensing to produce more complex computations in space. We construct a simple NOR logic gate in Escherichia coli by arranging two tandem promoters that function as inputs to drive the transcription of a repressor. The repressor inactivates a promoter that serves as the output. Individual colonies of E. coli carry the same NOR gate, but the inputs and outputs are wired to different orthogonal quorum-sensing 'sender' and 'receiver' devices. The quorum molecules form the wires between gates. By arranging the colonies in different spatial configurations, all possible two-input gates are produced, including the difficult XOR and EQUALS functions. The response is strong and robust, with 5- to >300-fold changes between the 'on' and 'off' states. This work helps elucidate the design rules by which simple logic can be harnessed to produce diverse and complex calculations by rewiring communication between cells.
DIAGNOSIS WITH CONTINUOUS AND DISCRETE CAUSAL RELATIONSHIPS: KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION

Most present research on diagnostic reasoning has dealt with discrete causal relationships. However, continuous causal relationships are frequently encountered in many applications, particularly in equipment/instrument diagnostic applications. This paper offers an integrated model of discrete and continuous causal relationships based on probability theory. Four types of continuous and discrete causal relationships are identified. For each type of causal relationship the following issues are addressed: its semantics and causation strength based on probability theory, and how causation strength can be acquired. It is also demonstrated that causation probabilities for continuous causal relationships can be derived based on classical statistical theory and Bayesian probability theory. It will be shown in a companion paper that the knowledge representation framework presented in this paper can be used in causal network-based diagnostic inference models.
Behavioral Interventions for Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Preface.- Foreword.- Part I: Overview Chapters-Behavioral Interventions.- History of Behavioral Interventions in STD Control.- Behavioral Interventions for Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Theoretical.- Models and Intervention Methods.- Biomedical Interventions.- Part II: Intervention Approaches.- Dyadic, Small Group and Community-Level Behavioral Interventions for STD/HIV Prevention.- Structural Interventions.- STD Prevention Communication: Using Social Marketing Techniques with an Eye on Behavioral Change.- Partner Notification and Management Interventions.- Interventions in Sexual Health Care Seeking and Provision at Multiple Levels of the U.S. Health Care System.- Use of the Internet in STD/HIV Prevention.- Male Condoms.- STI Vaccines: Status of Development, Potential Impact, and Important Factors for Implementation.- Part III: Interventions by Population.- Behavioral Interventions for Prevention and Control of STDs Among Adolescents.- Biological and Behavioral Risk Factors Associated with STDs/HIV in Women-Implications for Behavioral Interventions.- STD Prevention for Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States.- STD Repeaters: Implications for the Individual and STD Transmission in a Population.- Looking Inside and Affecting the Outside: Corrections-based Interventions for STD Prevention.- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Illicit Drug Users in the United States: The Need for Interventions.- Part IV: Understanding Methods.- Quantitative Measurement.- Qualitative Measurement.- From Data to Action: Integrating Program Evaluation and Program Improvement.- Cost Effectiveness Analysis.- From Best Practices to Better Practice: Adopting Model Behavioral Interventions in the Real World of STD/HIV Prevention.- Part V: Ethical and Policy Issues.- The Ethics of Public Health Practice for the Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.- Policy and Behavioral Interventions for STDs.
Protonated nanoparticle surface governing ligand tethering and cellular targeting

Nanoparticles have shown tremendous potential for effective drug delivery due to their tiny size and cell membrane penetration capabilities. Cellular targeting with nanoparticles is often achieved by surface modifications followed by ligand conjugation. However, the efficiency of the nanoparticles reaching the target cells and getting internalized depends on the stability of targeting ligands and the chemical nature of the ligand nanoparticle binding. Recent advancements in nanobiomaterials research have proven the superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) in protecting cells against oxidative stress. Due to their excellent biocompatibility, CNPs can be used as a potential drug carrier that can transport and release drugs to the malignant sites. Here we combine single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) and density functional theory (DFT) simulations to understand the interaction between transferrin, a ligand protein overexpressed in cancer cells, and CNPs. SMFS studies demonstrate an increase in the transferrin adhesion to the nanoparticles' surface with an increase in positive zeta potential of CNPs. Binding energy values obtained from DFT calculations predict an increase in bond strength between the transferrin and CNPs upon surface protonation and charge modification. Transferrin-conjugated CNPs were tested for their binding stability and preferential cellular uptake efficiency by incubating them with human lung cancer cells (A549) and normal embryo lung cells (WI-38). The results demonstrate the importance of tuning the surface properties of nanoparticles for better ligand adsorption and cellular uptake.
Paleosol classification: Problems and solutions

Abstract Paleosols are soils that formed on landscapes of the geologic past. Three kinds exist — buried, exhumed, and relict. To help reconstruct paleoenvironments and for ease of comparison, we suggest a property-based classification system linked to genetic processes. We use enduring properties because alteration of paleosols following burial is common. Morphological properties such as horizonation, soil fabric, root and worm casts, and redoximorphic features are resistant to alteration and thus are valuable as criteria. Field-observable and micromorphological properties, degree of weathering, and proportion of resistant minerals are also useful as criteria for paleosol orders. Total chemical analysis provides a proxy measure for base saturation and clay mineralogy. We use proxy criteria to help classify paleosols that have changed markedly or have been lithified during or after burial. To an earlier version of the system, we add two new orders and include buried, relict, lithified, and exhumed units at the suborder level. Our system clearly separates paleosol taxon names from those of all ground soils. We use the prescript paleo- at the order level, and kryptic to designate the buried, enduric to designate the relict, lithic to designate the lithified, and emergent to designate the exhumed paleosol suborders. We use prescript modifiers to describe the physical characteristics of the paleosols and postscripts for parent material origin and the extensiveness of the paleosol landscape. We present data and classify a number of paleosols as examples of the system.
Assessment and cross-product prediction of software product line quality: accounting for reuse across products, over multiple releases

The goals of cross-product reuse in a software product line (SPL) are to mitigate production costs and improve the quality. In addition to reuse across products, due to the evolutionary development process, a SPL also exhibits reuse across releases. In this paper, we empirically explore how the two types of reuse--reuse across products and reuse across releases--affect the quality of a SPL and our ability to accurately predict fault proneness. We measure the quality in terms of post-release faults and consider different levels of reuse across products (i.e., common, high-reuse variation, low-reuse variation, and single-use packages), over multiple releases. Assessment results showed that quality improved for common, low-reuse variation, and single-use packages as they evolved across releases. Surprisingly, within each release, among preexisting (`old') packages, the cross-product reuse did not affect the change and fault proneness. Cross-product predictions based on pre-release data accurately ranked the packages according to their post-release faults and predicted the 20 % most faulty packages. The predictions benefited from data available for other products in the product line, with models producing better results (1) when making predictions on smaller products (consisting mostly of common packages) rather than on larger products and (2) when trained on larger products rather than on smaller products.
Influence of soil nitrogen and potassium levels on the growth and composition of lucerne grown to first flower in four temperature regimes

One-year-old plants of lucerne were grown through two first-flower harvests in growth chambers set at 35/29, 28/22, 21/16 and 16/10 °C day/night temperatures with and without N and K fertilisation. Time to first flower decreased from 50 to 17 days as temperatures increased. Averaged over all fertility levels, shoot heights; shoot numbers; and yields of leaflets, stems, herbage, roots and total plant decreased as temperatures increased. Neither N nor K materially affected these growth measurements, with a few exceptions. Averaged over all fertility levels, concentrations of P, K, Fe, B, Cu and Zn in the herbage, and all N fractions in the leaflets, stems and herbage, decreased as temperatures decreased; Ba, Sr and total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) increased; Ca changed very little; while Mg, Na, Al and Mn were variable. Neither N nor K affected the percentages of most minerals. However, N and K increased herbage Mg and K percentages, respectively. N increased all N fraction percentages, but K had little effect on them. K did not affect TNC percentages, but N decreased them in the herbage at 35/29 and 28/22 °C and in the roots at 35/29 °C.
A data acquisition system for spectroscopy using an IBM PC

Abstract A real-time data acquisition computer system has been developed using an IBM PC/XT or PC/AT personal computer. Although the program was specifically written for Raman spectroscopy, it includes many subroutines which are generally useful for laboratory work. The PC coordinates all activities of the system, including photon counting, adjustment of optics within the spectrometer, display of spectra in real time, and analysis of data during acquisition. All of the hardware components are standard and commercially available. The program is written in FORTRAN-77 and assembly language, and contains independent subroutine packages which may be used to make modifications for individual experiments. These routines provide instructive examples on sending TTL signals through the parallel port, clock-driven interrupts, graphics operations, and RS-232 interfacing.
Toward a new narrative on Black males, education, and public policy

This article examines the Black male crisis thesis promulgated by the social science literature, public policy, and mainstream discourse, respectively. The authors contend that the stock‐story that the majority of African American males are ‘at‐risk’ for engaging in self‐destructive behavior or on the verge of extinction perpetuates a discourse of Black male pathology, which leads to over‐emphasis of behavior modification as a strategy for their collective improvement. Subsequently, de‐emphasis on the historical and structural role of race as a life opportunity‐shaping variable occurs, which renders an incomplete understanding of the social and educational status of Black males in the United States. As a result, public policies and social programs guided by this deficit discourse are unlikely to create meaningful change for this population, because society’s existing political economic structures are left unchallenged. The article concludes with the assertion that a ‘new narrative’ is needed in order to r...
VLA observations of OH in galaxies. I. NGC 253 and its nuclear plume

The distribution of emission and absorption has been mapped in all four 18 cm lines of OH in the nuclear regions of NGC 253, using the VLA with a resolution of 17''.7 x 9''.5. A steep rotation curve is found over the inner 150 pc radius, yielding a nuclear mass of approx.5 x 10/sup 8/ M/sub sun/, the same as found from IR observations. The absorbing gas covers a range of 60--550 km s/sup -1/, wider than seen optically or as yet in H I. Clumping of the absorbing gas implies individual entities approx.20 pc in size, suggestive of giant molecular clouds in the Milky Way. The absorbing gas appears to be distributed in a toroid of mean radius 170 pc centered on the nucleus.
Holographic interferometry: compensation for rigid body motion.

A technique producing an optical effect that is unaffected by rigid body motion is described. It is shown that the resulting interference fringe pattern is proportional to the change in model thickness, which for the case of plane stress is proportional to the sum of the principal stresses, and thus provides a full field isopachic fringe pattern. This method combines holographic interferometry and the moire effect. Double exposure holograms are made from both sides of a model before and after deformation. The two sets of holographic interferometric fringes thus obtained are treated as random grids, and the superposition of these two grids produces a moire effect that is free from the effects due to rigid body motion. The theory is experimentally confirmed with several examples, and limitations of the techniques are also discussed.
Neonatal lupus: bedside to bench and back.

Isolated congenital heart block (CHB) detected in utero is strongly associated with autoantibodies reactive with the intracellular soluble ribonucleoproteins 48 kD SSB/La, 52 kD SSA/Ro, and 60 kD SSA/Ro. An erythematous skin rash with a predilection for the scalp and periorbital area, most often apparent in the first few postnatal months, is also highly associated with these maternal antibodies. The permanent cardiac disease and transient cutaneous disease are the most common manifestations of the neonatal lupus syndromes. Fetal and neonatal disease are presumed to be due to the transplacental passage of these IgG autoantibodies from the mother, who may have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren's syndrome, or be entirely asymptomatic, into the fetal circulation. The fetal heart appears to be uniquely vulnerable, since complete block has never been described in the mothers despite exposure to identical circulating levels of the autoantibodies. Extensive work from several laboratories has resulted in the molecular characterization of the maternal autoantibody responses and the cloning of genes expressing the cognate antigens whose structural features suggest a role in transcriptional regulation. While the precise pathogenetic mechanism of autoantibody mediated tissue injury is not defined it has been demonstrated in adult rabbit and human fetal hearts that sera containing anti-SSA/Ro antibodies induce atrioventricular block and inhibit L-type calcium currents (ICa) in isolated ventricular myocytes. From a clinical perspective the current data suggest that there is not a unique profile of maternal antibody response that predicts the development of neonatal lupus. However, a low risk profile is one in which the titer of anti-SSA/Ro antibodies is low and neither the 60 kD or 52 kD component is recognized on SDS-immunoblot and there are no detectable anti-SSB/La antibodies. Although the fetal disease is called neonatal lupus, this is clearly a misnomer since only about 25% of mothers actually fulfill criteria for the diagnosis of SLE. Furthermore, asymptomatic mothers do not invariably become ill and if an asymptomatic mother does develop SLE it is generally not life-threatening. The recurrence rare of CHB is low, about 15%, but this is nearly three times higher than the risk for CHB in a primigravida with the putative antibodies. CHB carries a significant mortality, 15-30%, and morbidity; two thirds of children require permanent pacing. While prospective clinical trials of fluorinated steroids in women with anti-SSA/Ro and/or anti-SSB/La antibodies is not likely to be initiated given the very low rate of CHB in these mothers, such trials in fetuses with heart block identified in utero are required before definitive recommendations can be made. Numerous anecdotal cases support the use of dexamethasone for treatment of effusions and hydrops and possibly incomplete block. To further efforts both at the bench and bedside, national registries have been established in the U.S. and Canada.
Assembly and function of a quaternary signal transduction complex monitored by surface plasmon resonance

We have used surface plasmon resonance biosensor technology to monitor the assembly and dynamics of a signal transduction complex which controls chemotaxis in Escherichia coli A quaternary complex formed which consisted of the response regulator CheY, the histidine protein kinase CheA, a coupling protein CheW and a membrane-bound chemoreceptor Tar. Using various experimental conditions and mutant proteins, we have shown that the complex dissociates under conditions that favour phosphorylation of CheY. Direct physical analysis of interactions among proteins in this signal transduction pathway provides evidence for a previously unrecognized binding interaction between the kinase and its substrate. This interaction may be important for enhancing substrate specificity and preventing 'crosstalk' with other systems. The approach is generally applicable to furthering our understanding of how signalling complexes transduce intracellular messages.
On two types of governance theory. A response to B. Guy Peters

In ‘Governance as political theory’ B. Guy Peters argues that the use of governance as a theoretical concept can bring focus to political science by highlighting the ‘steering’ and ‘rowing’ roles t...
Silicon-based nonlinear optical devices for high-speed optical communications

The strong optical nonlinearity of silicon and tight optical field confinement in silicon waveguides, accompanied by silicon's unique material properties such as high optical damage threshold and thermal conductivity, enable compact nonlinear photonic devices to be fabricated in silicon using cost effective CMOS compatible fabrication technology. By integrating a p-i-n diode into the silicon waveguide, the nonlinear optical loss due to two photon absorption induced free carrier absorption in silicon waveguides can be dramatically reduced, and efficient nonlinear optical devices can be realized on silicon chips for high speed optical communications. In this paper, we report recent development of silicon p-i-n waveguide based nonlinear photonic chips for wavelength conversion and dispersion compensation applications. Wavelength conversion efficiency of -8.5 dB can be achieved in an 8-cm long p-i-n silicon waveguide by four-wave mixing in continuous-wave operation, and chromatic dispersion compensation by mid-span spectral inversion is demonstrated experimentally using silicon spectral inverter at the mid-span of a fiber optical link, achieving transmission of optical data at 40 Gb/s over 320 km of standard fiber with negligible power penalty. The unique advantages of using silicon over previously proposed nonlinear optical media for dispersion compensation are discussed.
On sparse graphs with dense long paths.

The following problem was raised by H.-J. Stoss in connection with certain questions related to the complexity of Boolean functions. An acyclic directed graph G is said to have property P(m,n) if for any set X of m vertices of G, there is a directed path of length n in G which does not intersect X. Let f(m,n) denote the minimum number of edges a graph with porperty P(m,n) can have. The problem is to estimate f(m,n). For the remainder of the paper, we shall restrict ourselves to the case m = n. We shall prove (1) $c_1$n log n/log log n > f(n,n) > $c_2$n log n (where $c_1$,$c_2$,..., will hereafter denote suitable positive constaints). In fact, the graph we construct in order to establish the upper bound on f(n,n) in (1) will have just $c_3$n vertices. In this case the upper bound in (1) is essentially best possible since it will also be shown that for $c_4$ sufficiently large, every graph on $c_4$n vertices having property P(n,n) must have at least $c_5$n log n edges.
Influence of electronic energy losses on atom ejection processes

Two independent computer simulations models establish that when ions bombard solid targets, electronic energy losses by atoms within the collision cascade have greater influence on the ejected atom yield than the ion's electronic losses. This conclusion is independent of the ion's mass or energy, or the mass ratio.
Experimental constraints on the origins of primitive potassic lavas from the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

Primitive magmas in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) span a wide geochemical range that includes calc-alkaline basalt and basaltic andesite, potassic shoshonites, and intraplate alkaline basalts, indicating that the subarc mantle wedge is chemically heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to experimentally constrain the origins of potassic lavas that have erupted along the volcanic front in the TMVB. We used a piston-cylinder apparatus to determine the P–T–H2O near-liquidus phase relations for two primitive potassic lavas: a hornblende trachybasalt (shoshonite) from Cerro La Pilita in the central TMVB and a high-K calc-alkaline basalt from Ayutla in the western TMVB. Experiments were conducted at mantle pressures (0.8–2.5 GPa) and temperatures (1,100–1,400 °C) with 1.5–6 wt% H2O. Results show that both samples were last equilibrated with an olivine + clinopyroxene assemblage at upper mantle pressures. Integrating our results with trace element characteristics, we conclude that the potassic magmas formed by a complex, multistage process in which melts from the hottest part of the mantle wedge either reequilibrated with clinopyroxene-rich veins in the shallow upper mantle or caused melting of such veins by advective heating. We combine our results with previous experiments on TMVB lavas to provide an along-arc perspective of melt equilibration depths in the mantle wedge. The results suggest that although melts may initially form deep in the wedge, they commonly reequilibrate with heterogeneous mantle at shallower depths. Primitive, medium-K basaltic andesites in the TMVB form by reequilibration with harzburgite, which we infer to be a common lithology in the upper mantle, whereas some potassic magmas like the ones studied here form through reequilibration with or melting of veins of olivine + clinopyroxene ± phlogopite. Though somewhat rare at the volcanic front relative to the more abundant medium-K volcanic rocks, the potassic magmas are an important lava type for revealing mantle chemical heterogeneities.
Accounting for Change in Free Vote Outcomes in the House of Commons

Parliamentary decision making is a growth area in the study of the British House of Commons. This is a facet of the behaviour of Members of Parliament (MPs) that tended to be ignored as long as the Commons was seen as a legislature that, cravenly subject to party discipline, simply rubber-stamped policy decisions made by the party leadership. By the 1960s, cohesive party voting had reached the point where ‘it was so close to 100 per cent that there was no longer any point in measuring it’. But more recently, this image of the Commons and its members has worn at the edges. While party loyalty remains very much the norm, MPs have shown themselves more willing than in the past to assert themselves against their party's leadership in order to exercise greater policy influence. One prominent example is the select committee system set up in 1979 to improve parliamentary scrutiny of the executive. Another is the higher incidence of backbench rebellion and dissent in the division lobbies after the mid-1960s.
Innovations in Vascular Imaging: Arteriography, Three-Dimensional CT Scans, and Two- and Three-Dimensional Intravascular Ultrasound Evaluation of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

This report compares the information obtained from arteriography, CT scans, and intravascular ultrasound evaluation of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The two- and three-dimensional imaging techniques described in this report add information that is redefining the pre- and intraoperative analysis of arterial lesions. The new data may have an influence on the evolution of diagnostic methods and future interventional therapy for vascular disease. This case highlights the developing potential of the methods.
Intrauterine villus hypertrophy with jejunoileal atresia

Abstract Significant villus hypertrophy was observed in the proximal and distal intestinal segments of 19 newborn infants with jejunoileal atresia, most marked in the distal segment of infants with jejunal atresia. Many villi in the distal postatretic segment were not only significantly enlarged but also appeared tortuous and intertwined to the point of obliteration of the tiny lumen. Certain of the longest or "giant" villi also had a unique side branching off the main stalk. These findings are presumed to be an adaptive response after an inutero mesenteric vascular accident with subsequent ischemic necrosis. The pattern of hypertrophy corresponds with that seen after massive midgut resection in neonates.
Modeling for critical design and performance of wafer level chip scale package

Comprehensive finite element analysis (FEA) modeling is carried out to improve the performance of critical designs of wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP). First, a design with one layer redistribution layout (RDL) copper with etched pocket in the non-covered UBM area and one layer polyimide structure (1Cu1Pi design) is investigated. Different polyimide layouts, copper thicknesses, pocket parameters and non-covered UBM diameters are studied through finite element modeling. Then, a stacked metal design with the sputtered copper UBM stacked on the RDL copper layer, with one polyimide layer between them (2Cu1Pi) for the WLCSP is examined. Parameter study of different UBM diameters with the same solder volume and different UBM diameters with the same solder joint height is conducted by the simulation. Finally the correlation and comparison of the failure mechanism between the modeling and the test are presented and discussed.
Large deflections of multisandwich shells of arbitrary shape

Abstract A system of nonlinear differential equations governing the statical behavior of multisandwich shells built up of stiff and weak layers is derived in this contribution. The stiff layers are assumed to be elastic, isotropic, and obeying the Kirchoff-Love hypothesis. The weak layers are assumed to be elastic, orthotropic, and deformable in tangential directions. The thickness of the shell is small compared to its radii of curvature. The shell may be of arbitrary shape. The derived system of equations is specialized to cylindrical shells and compared with the equations of Kurshin for sandwich shells and the equations of Bolotin for multisandwich plates with infinitesimal deflections.
Molecular biology of channel catfish virus

Abstract Channel catfish virus (CCV) is an important fish virus causing economic losses in areas where channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) is cultured. Although it has been almost three decade since the virus was isolated, molecular studies on CCV lagged behind other herpesviruses. Earlier studies dealt mostly with the basic biologic properties of CCV, and most of these studies focused on the pathogenecity and the detection strategies of the disease. Availability of the DNA sequence of CCV prompted many laboratories to study unique molecular characteristics of CCV to find its place in herpesvirus classification. The genomic structure of CCV was different enough so that CCV was given its own place within the herpesvirus classification. Unfortunately, some of the most important common characteristics of herpesviruses, such as gene regulation, latency, and virus–host cell interactions in CCV infection are not fully understood. Although different approaches have been taken to develop a vaccine to control CCV infections in farm raised catfish, these strategies have failed to find a product that could be used by farmers. This was mainly because of both applicability and the cost of the vaccine. Trends in the development of biotechnology, on the other hand, opened new windows to look into both molecular structure and the molecular cell-virus interactions and appear to be promising in explaining some of the fundamental questions in channel catfish virus disease.
Neuroscience, Choice, and the Free Will Debate

A number of scientists have recently argued that neuroscience provides strong evidence against the requirements of the folk notion of free will. In one such line of argumentation, it is claimed that choice is required for free will, and neuroscience is showing that people do not make choices. In this article, we argue that this no-choice line of argumentation relies on a specific conception of choice. We then provide evidence that people do not share the conception of choice required of the argument, nor do people hold that free will requires the conception of choice on which the argument relies. This leaves the proponents of the no-choice argument with a dilemma: Either they adopt a conception of choice that is not required of the folk concept of free will and thus they cease to be talking about the folk concept of free will, or they adopt a conception of choice that aligns with the folk concept of choice and thus the no-choice argument fails.
Vasomotor Reactions Persisting for Twenty Years in a Male Treatment with Androgens

Rhythmic vasomotor reactions, analogous to those which occur in the menopause, are quite rare in the male. In the case to be reported here,1 flushes associated with profuse perspiration first began following testicular atrophy that supervened on a bilateral herniorrhaphy. The disturbances occurred approximately every half-hour and the syndrome persisted for twenty years. Under adequate androgen therapy2 the flushes and sweating disappeared; they recurred whenever the dosage was reduced below the maintenance level. S.H., a 52-year-old unmarried white male, a former resident of Austria, bookkeeper by trade, was first seen on Aug. 18, 1940. He complained of flushes and perspiration which occurred about every half-hour and were so severe that they interfered with his work and embarrassed him socially. Twenty-five years previously he had received roentgen therapy under the chin and to the pubic region for a dermatitis that had resisted other therapy.
Evidence for a margin-truncating transcurrent fault (pre-late Eocene) in western Washington

I postulate that a major dextral transcurrent fault truncated the pre-Tertiary continental framework of western Washington and southern Vancouver Island during the Late Cretaceous and early Tertiary. The fault trace trends north and is covered in the Puget Lowland; it corresponds to the west-trending San Juan and northwest-trending Survey Mountain faults on southern Vancouver Island. The geometry of the structure has probably been greatly modified by subsequent deformation. Sedimentary basins that formed marginal to the fault are characterized by rapid fades changes and sediment accumulation rates, abrupt stratigraphic thinning and thickening, irregular basin margins, petrographic mismatches, and other features consistent with origin in a zone of strike-slip faulting. The structure was probably part of a network of intracontinental Late Cretaceous-early Tertiary strike-slip faults in the northern North American Cordillera. As an outboard member of this fault network, it likely served as a major avenue of northward translation along the northeast margin of the Pacific basin.
Cardiac applications of digital subtraction angiography

Recent developments in digital computer technology have enabled direct digital acquisition of radiographic images at spatial and temporal resolutions similar to that of cineradiography. Initially intended as a means of performing peripheral angiography, digital subtraction angiography has been increasingly applied to cardiac catheterization procedures. Advantages of cardiac digital substraction angiography include the capabilities to: immediately replay, magnify and enhance angiographic studies during coronary artery interventions, perform left ventriculography with peripheral contrast injections and direct left ventriculography with substantially reduced contrast doses, perform bypass graft visualization using aortic root contrast injection, assess relative regional coronary blood flow and facilitate the quantification of ventriculographic and coronary stenosis parameters. Clinical comparisons of standard cineradiographic and digital angiographic studies have demonstrated very similar results.
Surface-modified nanofibrous biomaterial bridge for the enhancement and control of neurite outgrowth

Biomaterial bridges constructed from electrospun fibers offer a promising alternative to traditional nerve tissue regeneration substrates. Aligned and unaligned polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibers were prepared and functionalized with the extracellular matrix proteins collagen and laminin using covalent and physical adsorption attachment chemistries. The effect of the protein modified and native PCL nanofiber scaffolds on cell proliferation, neurite outgrowth rate, and orientation was examined with neuronlike PC12 cells. All protein modified scaffolds showed enhanced cellular adhesion and neurite outgrowth compared to unmodified PCL scaffolds. Neurite orientation was found to be in near perfect alignment with the fiber axis for cells grown on aligned fibers, with difference angles of less than 7o from the fiber axis, regardless of the surface chemistry. The bioavailability of PCL fibers with covalently attached laminin was found to be identical to that of PCL fibers with physically adsorbed laminin, indicating that the covalent chemistry did not change the protein conformation into a less active form and the covalent attachment of protein is a suitable method for enhancing the biocompatibility of tissue engineering scaffolds. a) Electronic mail: nicole.zander@arl.army.mil
Customer Loyalty to Whom? Managing the Benefits and Risks of Salesperson-Owned Loyalty

Abstract In a study of 362 buyer–salesperson dyads using triadic data (from buyer, salesperson, and sales manager), the authors examine both a customer's overall loyalty to the selling firm and the customer's loyalty vested specifically in his or her salesperson. They find that only salesperson-owned loyalty, a newly identified construct, directly affects the more tangible seller financial outcomes of sales growth and selling effectiveness, whereas both salesperson-owned loyalty and loyalty to the selling firm increase the customer's willingness to pay a price premium. A longitudinal study verifies that the positive effect of salesperson-owned loyalty on sales growth persists over time. However, because salesperson-owned loyalty simultaneously increases the seller's risk of losing business if the salesperson defects to a competitor, managers need to manage effectively the benefit–risk trade-off. Increasing relationship-enhancing activities and value received by the customer builds both salesperson-owned l...
DEM Control in Arctic Alaska With ICESat Laser Altimetry

Use of Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) laser altimetry is demonstrated for control of a digital elevation model (DEM) that is synthesized from repeat-pass ERS-1 and 2 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery using interferomet-ric SAR (InSAR). Our study area is 15 650 km2 of the Barrow, AK coastal plain adjacent to the Arctic Ocean; a vast expanse of tundra, lakes, and arctic wetlands of such low relief as to be nearly devoid of terrain features. The accuracy of the ICESat-derived elevation measurements is assessed by comparison with differential global positioning system (DGPS) data acquired along ICESat ground tracks. The ICESat-derived elevations have a mean accuracy, relative to the DGPS elevations, of -0.01 plusmn 0.18 m. ICESat-derived elevations on the Arctic coastal plain provide an excellent source for DEM control. We employ the ICESat-derived ground control points (GCPs) in two distinct InSAR processing steps: 1) selected points are used to perform baseline refinements, which improves the ERS-1 and 2 interfero-grams and 2) the ICESat-derived GCP position data (latitude, longitude, elevation) are then used as control in mosaicking multiple InSAR-derived DEMs. The resulting ICESat-controlled DEM has a mean accuracy of -1.11plusmn 6.3 m relative to an independent standard, which is a commercial airborne InSAR-derived DEM having 0.5 m rms accuracy. This easily meets DTED-2 standards and suggests that DEMs derived using only ICESat altimetry for ground control would meet similar standards in other regions of low relief.
Pancreatitis in Fontan patients is related to impaired ventricular relaxation

Background. Pancreatitis following cardiopulmonary bypass is a well-known complication in adults undergoing cardiac surgery. However, the occurrence of pancreatitis in pediatric patients undergoing repair of congenital heart disease is under-appreciated. Post-Fontan patients are particularly prone to postoperative pancreatitis. In an effort to identify specific perioperative factors predictive of postoperative pancreatitis, we retrospectively reviewed a group of Fontan patients. Methods. From June 1996 to June 2001, 40 patients underwent a modified Fontan operation. Four patients developed acute pancreatitis postoperatively. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative hemodynamics and ventricular function parameters were retrospectively analyzed and compared to 10 randomly selected Fontan patients who did not have pancreatitis. Preoperative echocardiographic and angiographic data, including digitized ventricular pressure tracings, were reviewed to obtain ventricular relaxation time constant (tau), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), ventricular end diastolic pressure (VEDP), positive dp/dt and negative dp/dt values. Results. Patients developing acute pancreatitis had very high mortality (50%) compared to no mortality in the control group. The mean preoperative tau was significantly prolonged (41 ms vs 26 ms in control group, p < 0.001), and pre operative systemic output (Qs) lower in the pancreatitis group (mean 2.75 L/min/m 2 ) compared with controls (Qs of 5.09 L/min/m 2 , p < 0.03). Conclusions. Impaired ventricular relaxation and decreased preoperative cardiac output are predictive of increased risk of postoperative pancreatitis in Fontan patients. Evaluation of preoperative diastolic function in these patients may provide additional insights in to clinical outcome following the Fontan procedure.
Intensified land surface control on boundary layer growth in a changing climate

Data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 for historical and future climate scenarios are examined for changes in the energy cycle component of land surface feedback on the atmosphere, namely, through the linkages from soil moisture to sensible heat flux to the height of the lifting condensation level marking the cloud base. Climate models project heightened sensitivity in both of these segments of the feedback pathway over most of the globe. This is in agreement with studies showing similar increases in land-atmosphere feedback through the water cycle, despite different physical processes, and may contribute to prevalent droughts and floods found in most climate change forecasts.
The role of phonological structure and experience in bilingual children's nonword repetition performance

The current study examined the influence of phonological structure and language experience on the nonword repetition performance of bilingual children. Twenty-six Spanish-dominant and 26 English-dominant Spanish-English bilingual five-year-old children were matched on current exposure to the dominant language and year of first exposure to English. Participants repeated non-wordlike nonwords in English and Spanish. The Spanish-dominant group performed better than the English-dominant group for both Spanish and English nonwords. In addition, there was a main effect for test language, where Spanish nonwords were produced more accurately than English nonwords overall. The Spanish-dominant group advantage for nonwords is interpreted as emerging from the extra practice the dominant Spanish speakers had producing multisyllabic words.
Statistical control of hydrologic data from experimental watersheds

As a part of numerous hydrologic studies in this country and elsewhere, intensive experiments have been undertaken to determine the influence of timber-cutting or other changes in plant-cover or land-use upon water-yields, flood-flows, erosion, and related factors. In these, studies ordinarily two or more watersheds are subjected to control by means of stream-gaging stations rain-gages, snow-courses, and similar equipment. Records of stream-flow and precipitation are obtained from each watershed over a period of years, and then he desired treatments are applied to some of the areas, while one or more is kept untreated its a check. Records taken after treatment for another period of years are analyzed to determine the influence of the treatment or treatments, upon water-yield and other factors.