cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Problems in the Laboratory Isolation of Simian Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses and Isolation of the Agent Responsible for the Sussex/69 Epizootic

At least six epizootics of simian hemorrhagic fever have occurred at four different primate centers. Although these diseases could easily be transmitted to other monkeys of the Macaca species, difficulty has been encountered in isolating the causative virus in cell culture. The results of this study have shown that the isolation of simian hemorrhagic fever virus strains in cell culture is dependent upon the use of a susceptible MA-104 cell strain and that the ability of such strains to support the replication of these viral agents may vary. By using this information we have been able to isolate a viral agent in cell culture from materials derived from the Sussex/69 epizootic.
Radiotracer Methods For Determining Utilization of Sedimentary Organic Matter by Deposit Feeders

The purposes of this chapter are to evaluate methods to measure ingestion and absorption by deposit feeders of sedimentary organic matter, to consider the assumptions underlying these methods, and to recommend approaches to develop better methods. Deposit feeders acquire food by ingesting large volumes of sediment and absorbing some fraction of the organic matter. Particle-associated microorganisms are generally absorbed well but are not abundant enough in sediment to account for very much of the absorbed organic matter (Cammen, 1980a and this volume; Lopez and Levinton 1987). Deposit feeders are therefore digesting and absorbing some fraction of the detrital sedimentary organic matter. The refractory nature of much of the sedimentary organic matter results in low absorption efficiency. Gravimetric and chemical methods of estimating organic absorption reach their limits of resolution at the lower range of absorption; it is very difficult to distinguish 5% from 0% absorption, although it is obviously of great consequence to the animal. The difficulty in accurately measuring organic absorption by deposit feeders is compounded by selective ingestion of the organic fraction of sediment. Therefore the study of the utilization of sedimentary organic matter by deposit feeders should include methods for accurately determining absorption efficiency and ingestion selectivity.
Marxian models of reproduction and accumulation

This paper presents three formal Marxian models of reproduction, each an elaboration of the previous one. The first is a model of price formation in which the scale and com position of goods output play no role. The second introduces the output side of the economy, in a classical Marxian model of simple reproduction, where there is no accumu lation. The third allows expanded reproduction—that is, accumulation. Most discussions of Marxian reproduction schemes employ aggregates in terms of labour values (C, V and S) to trace out the equilibrium conditions of the system. This, indeed, has often been taken to be the hallmark of a Marxian general equilibrium discussion. Here, the models are denominated in prices (not values) and hence the familiar Marxian equations are not visible. What, then, allows one to call these models Marxian? The barometer of a Marxian analysis is the role given to class struggle and the concept of exploitation : these elements, it is hoped, will be brought to the fore here. The use of labour values does enter into the definition of the rate of exploitation, and that is the only way labour values appear in these models. In particular, labour values are not used in any capacity to describe exchange. Indeed, the author believes this is precisely the proper scope for the use of labour values; this issue, however, is peripheral here, and is discussed elsewhere (see Roemer, 1977). Some concepts will appear differently here than readers of Marx are perhaps accustomed to. The concept of a worker's subsistence bundle of consumption goods is re placed by a variable consumption bundle which emerges as a consequence of class struggle, in a sense which will be made clear. Another modification of classical analysis is the provision of a welfare state in the model of extended reproduction: profits are taxed to feed the unemployed. (The unemployed, however, will still exert a downward pressure on the real wage, in their capacity as industrial reserve army.) These two specifications are attempts to make the models conform more closely to present capitalist reality, and to show that a Marxian theory of reproduction does not depend on the notion of a sub sistence wage.
Disseminated superficial porokeratosis involving the groin and genitalia in a 72-year-old immunocompetent man.

The porokeratoses are a group of disorders of abnormal epidermal keratinization resulting in the characteristic histologic feature of the cornoid lamella. Several clinical variants of porokeratosis exist, which are unified by this common histologic feature but differ in morphology, distribution, and clinical course. The typical lesions of porokeratosis are characterized by an atrophic center surrounded by an elevated keratotic rim formed by the cornoid lamella. The lesions can be found almost anywhere on the body; however, the groin and genitalia are rarely involved. We report an unusual presentation of a rare clinical variant, disseminated superficial porokeratosis (DSP).
Beyond 3×1: Linking Sending and Receiving Societies in the Development Process

In this paper, I explore the possibilities of linking and expanding existing sending and receiving countries' initiatives that mobilize immigrants to participate in the development process of their countries of origin in such a way as to advance two main goals of such initiatives: (1) to multiply their developmental impact in sending regions; and (2) to help increase the social and political capital of immigrants and immigrant associations, so as to facilitate both their role in the development of their countries of origin and also their integration in their host societies. In the paper, I will study the Mexican 3×1 programme and Spain's co-development model and explore the ways in which programmes such as these could be ideally linked and implemented, in diverse contexts, in a way that is advantageous to both sending and receiving societies. The paper is based on research conducted over the past 9 years with Mexican immigrant associations in the United States; on interviews with Mexican government officials in Mexico and the United States; and on interviews conducted in 2008 and 2009 in Spain.
Racialized correctional governance: the mutual constructions of race and criminal justice

In this complex and provocative text, Spivakovsky asserts from the outset that the field of criminology has advanced an impoverished conception of race. She argues that much of criminology has igno...
Quantal release of acetylcholine does not regulate the resting membrane potential of mammalian skeletal muscle: Evidence from in vivo experiments

Abstract Soleus muscles of adult rats were denervated by transecting the soleus nerve as it enters the muscle, by transecting the sciatic nerve in the upper thigh, or by transecting spinal nerves L4 to L6. The segment of nerve attached to the muscle was therefore short (1 to 2 mm), intermediate (35 to 37 mm), or long (62 to 64 mm). At various times postoperatively, the muscles were exposed in vivo and resting membrane potentials (RMPs) and miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs) were recorded at a site within 3 mm of the nerves entrance into the muscle. Bathing the muscles in rat serum containing 10 meq Ca rather than physiologic solution (2 m m Ca) did not alter either the RMP or the amplitude and frequency of the MEPPs. Membrane depolarization was apparent as early as 6 h after transecting the nerve at its entrance into the muscle, and the RMP continued to decline in a linear manner at a rate of 0.48 mV/h. Transecting the nerve farther from its entrance into the muscle produced a delay in the onset of depolarization which was linearly related to the length of the nerve stump. Regardless of the level of nerve transection, the onset of membrane depolarization always preceded any change in transmitter release, but eventually the frequency and amplitude of the MEPPs declined and disappeared. These results confirm established findings in which the RMP and MEPPs were recorded in vitro . We conclude that there is no causal relationship between the decline in transmitter release and the RMP of denervated muscle, that in vitro measurements of membrane properties after denervation are a true reflection of changes occurring in vivo , and that the normal RMP is maintained by a neurotrophic mechanism.
Two‐dimensional electron transport in selectively doped n‐AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs pseudomorphic structures

The transport properties of the two‐dimensional electron gas in selectively doped AlyGa1−yAs/InxGa1−xAs/GaAs pseudomorphic structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy are studied. The mobility in the temperature range from 1.7 to 300 K is reported based on the Hall effect and high‐field magnetoconductance measurements. The relative strengths of various scattering mechanisms are assessed through a numerical iterative solution of the Boltzmann equation and compared with the experimental Hall mobility versus temperature data. Comparison shows that at low temperature, alloy scattering determines the low‐field mobility with a suitable choice of alloy scattering potential. At room temperature, polar‐optical phonon scattering is the dominant mechanism. However, alloy scattering also contributes in reducing the room‐temperature mobility by approximately 20% compared to polar optical scattering alone.
Ionization of SiO2 by Heavy Charged Particles

Highly ionizing heavy charged particles generate significant charge as they pass through the thin thermally grown gate oxide of a MOSFET device. The amount of charge created by an alpha particle and proton is calculated and the yield of charqes which escape initial recombination is measured. The experimental results are shown to agree with a charge recombination model where an ionization track radius of 30-40 A is assumed. Finally, implications of the findings for single charged particle effects in submicron dimension devices are discussed.
A Wafer Level Vibration Test System for MEMS Accelerometer Sensitivity Measurement and Calibration

Sensitivities of microelctromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers are typically measured and calibrated at final production test of packaged devices. This process typically requires expensive special automated test equipment (ATE) that can generate vibration stimulus. A single-axis vibration test system has been developed on an existing commercial wafer probe/trim system to calibrate sensitivities of MEMS accelerometers during wafer probe/trim process to minimize the need for such vibration test equipment. To increase signal to noise ratio but avoid damage of probe pad/pin during the test, the vibration exciter must be able to generate high frequency but small displacement vibration stimulus. The vibration exciter also needs to be small enough to fit into the existing commercial probe/trim system and requires minimum changes to the system. A high resolution but small size in-situ noncontact vibration measurement technique is needed to ensure calibration accuracy. This paper presents a unique solution to meet all these challenges. The success of this system has been validated by final product test data of a test device, a 3-axis low-g MEMS accelerometer.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Studies on photoreactivation in gametes and zygotes of the sand dollar, Echinarachnius parma.

Cleavage in the zygote of E. parma is delayed by uv irradiation of either the egg or sperm. Illumination in the spectral range 0.3 to 0.5 mu will mitigate cleavage delay if applied to fertilized or unfertilized eggs which have been irradiated, or if applied to eggs which have been fertilized with irradiated sperm. Illumination of irradiated sperm prior to fertilization exacerbates the ultraviolet effect. Cleavage delay after sperm irradiation is independent of the dose-rate. No evidence was found for thermal reactions associated with the production of the uv lesion. Maximal photoreactivation of the cleavage delay in irradiated eggs shows a dose-reduction factor of about 0.25. Photoreactivation in irradiated eggs shows a refractory period during which illumination can no longer mitigate the delay in first cleavage. Illumination during this period is effective in mitigating the prolonged first-to-second cleavage interval. (auth)
High level parallelism in hierarchy of GPST algorithm for parameter identification in engineering mechanics

Abstract The Generalized Pulse-Spectrum Technique (GPST) is a versatile and efficient iterative numerical algorithm for solving multi-parameter idenitification problems in engineering which can be formulated mathematically as multi-parameter inverse problems of a system of partial differential equations. Here high level parallelism is introduced into the hierarchy of GPST. By using a simple computational complexity analysis, it is shown that very large speedup with no communication overhead can be achieved even without the introduction of low level parallelism into the hierarchy of GPST. Moreover, the parallel structured GPST can achieve considerable speedup over the standard GPST even on a single-processor computer.
Schistosoma mansoni: Decarboxylation of 5-hydroxytryptophan, l-dopa, and l-histidine in adult and larval schistosomes

Abstract Homogenates of adult and larval Schistosoma mansoni, decarboxylate 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and l -dopa in vitro, but not l -histidine. The enzyme responsible, similar to mammalian aromatic- l -amino acid carboxy-lyase (EC 4.1.1.28), has a Km of 5.1 × 10−5M, a Vmax of 1.1 nmole/30 min/mg protein, and high activity at pH 7.9. No evidence for a specific l -histidine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.22) was found in either stage of the schistosome. In vivo, schistosomules form serotonin from 5-HTP, detectable by thin-layer chromatography, within 3–4 hr after addition of 14C-labeled 5-HTP to the medium. Addition of 14C-labeled tryptophan under similar conditions results in no detectable formation of 5-HTP.
Electroporation: past and future of catheter ablation

Successful catheter-based management of cardiac arrhythmia involves accurate identification of the arrhythmogenic substrate and complete, permanent elimination of that substrate without collateral injury. Despite >30 years of intensive research and innovation that has included novel energy sources, the seemingly straightforward objectives have been elusive. Limited advances have translated to clinical practice, including improved methods of delivering existing energy sources (irrigated catheters, balloon technology, and assessment of contact), but a permanent and effective energy source with efficient tissue specificity to eliminate the possibility of unnecessary collateral damage has not surfaced. Articles see p 728 & 734 In this issue of Circulation Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology , Neven et al1 and van Driel et al2 from the laboratory of Wittkampf report 2 separate studies involving the use of irreversible electroporation (IRE) for cardiac ablation. They report in the first article2 the relative effects of IRE versus radiofrequency energy on the risk of pulmonary vein stenosis. In the second article,1 they examine the ability to create transmural lesions with IRE applied epicardially in the left ventricle with minimal collateral damage, specifically the potential for an ablation source to create transmural lesions without 2 of the most worrisome complications associated with thermal injury (scar leading to pulmonary vein stenosis and coronary arterial trauma). Electroporation should be considered in the historical context of direct current (DC) ablation, the beginnings of catheter ablation. Direct current energy may produce effects by affecting the cell membrane, thermal injury, or barotrauma.3–5 In addition, nonhomogenous DC ablation lesions may be proarrhythmic.6 The relative merits of radiofrequency and DC ablation were studied extensively in the early 1980s and suggested better safety and efficacy with radiofrequency ablation.7,8 The term electroporation can be thought of more traditionally in the context of DC ablation …
On an integro-differential equation model for the study of the response of an acoustically coupled panel

The response of a clamped panel to supersonically convected turbulence is considered. A theoretical model in the form of an integro-differential equation is employed that takes into account the coupling between the panel motion and the surrounding acoustic medium. The kernels of the integrals, which represent induced pressures due to the panel motion, are Green's functions for sound radiations under various moving and stationary sources. An approximate analysis is made by following a finite-element Ritz-Galerkin procedure. Preliminary numerical results, in agreement with experimental findings, indicate that the acoustic damping is the controlling mechanism of the response.
Psammocarcinoma with an aggressive course

Abstract Background: Psammocarcinoma is an unusual variant of serous cystadenocarcinoma characterized by heavy deposits of psammoma bodies. This disease has been suggested to be similar to carcinomas of low malignant potential in its indolent clinical course. We present this case report of an aggressive course of this disease to alert others that psammocarcinoma may not always follow a benign course. Case: A 66-year-old woman underwent staging laparotomy for bilateral ovarian cystadenofibromata with rare foci of borderline serous tumors and several small bowel peritoneal surface nodules showing infiltrating psammocarcinoma. She was not recommended for adjuvant therapy because of the previously reported indolent course of this disease. Eighteen months later she represented with small bowel obstruction and underwent an exploratory laparotomy that demonstrated diffuse recurrence of the psammocarcinoma. Conclusion: Psammocarcinoma may have a more aggressive course than has been suggested. Patients with this disease should have optimal tumor debulking. There may be a role for adjuvant therapy in its treatment.
Risk perception and behavioral context: U.S. forest service fire management professionals

Abstract Fire managers from the U.S. Forest Service were surveyed to determine which decision factors most strongly influenced their fire‐risk decisions. Safety, the resources at risk, public opinion, and the reliability of information were important influences on these decisions. This research allowed direct comparison between fire managers’ perceptions of factor importance and how their fire‐risk decisions changed in response to those factors. These risk decisions were highly responsive to changes in context (an escaped wildfire decision versus a prescribed burning decision) as well as to changing factors. The results demonstrate the utility of using scenarios in risk research and the vital importance of context in studying risk‐taking behavior. Research which attempts to remove risk decisions from their real‐world context may well distort the nature of risk‐taking behavior.
Detergent-resistant erythrocyte membrane rafts are modified by a Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Detergent resistant membranes (DRMs) have been implicated in numerous cellular processes including signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and molecular sorting. Flotillins-1 and -2 have recently been shown to be large components of erythrocyte DRMs. In this study, we show that a Plasmodium falciparum infection disrupts the association of flotillins with erythrocyte DRMs. Flotillins are probably released from erythrocyte DRMs through the reduction of cholesterol and sphingomyelin levels during the course of a P. falciparum-infection. Although it is well known that a P. falciparum infection can modify the host erythrocyte membrane, this is the first report that P. falciparum can alter the DRM components of erythrocyte membranes.
Implementing Low Cost Solutions To Fill The Need For Quality Film Digitization

A mechanical-electrical film digitizing apparatus was developed to enable highly accurate film analysis at low cost. The design incorporated the use of X and Y axis cursors, overlaid on a rear projection screen material, with cursor positioning controlled by reversable motors through a handheld controller. Three separate schemes were investigated to provide a digitizing accuracy of 10,000 by 10,000 points on a 1 meter by 1 meter screen. Additionally, an option was incorporated to provide a 1000 by 1000 point field, with an off-set capability of up to 9000 data points, for use in digitization of film where an initial point of reference moves out of the camera field of view. Features to enable display, storage, and computer manipulation of data were incorporated, using digital circuits available at the retail level. Total system cost fOr the digitizer was less than 800 dollars.
Single-Molecule Studies of Multidomain Protein Folding

Proteins are synthesized as linear polymers that must fold into specific three-dimensional structures to become functionally active. How proteins find their native structures is still not well understood, particularly for multi-domain proteins that account for a large fraction of proteomes. It has become evident that the way proteins are synthesized directly affects their folding: The ribosome synthesizes proteins through the addition of single amino acids to the C-terminus of the growing nascent chain. Folding can begin while elongation is still proceeding. Thus, folding and synthesis are kinetically coupled, and modulations in elongation rates can affect the folding outcome. Molecular chaperones interact with nascent polypeptides and begin to guide their folding as soon as they emerge on the ribosomal surface. We are using single-molecule force spectroscopy with optical tweezers to study the folding of multi-domain proteins in the context of the translation machinery and molecular chaperones. Our measurements are revealing how the process of translation and interactions with molecular chaperones shape the folding energy landscapes of nascent proteins and efficiently guide newly synthesized proteins toward their native structures.
Nonuniform Heating During Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation With Long Electrodes Monitoring the Edge Effect

Background Long, narrow electrodes are being considered for radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation; however, preliminary work revealed coagulum formation on the electrodes and lack of lesion continuity. This may be due to the “edge effect,” which concentrates radiated energy at sharp geometric gradients. It is proposed that temperature sensors at electrode edges are preferable to a single centered sensor for temperature feedback and monitoring of long electrode geometries. Methods and Results A finite element model was used to predict the heating properties of new long electrode geometries. Sixteen dogs with atrial fibrillation underwent left and right atrial ablation using catheters with multiple 12.5-mm coil electrodes. Electrodes with a single thermistor were compared with electrodes with dual thermocouples placed at opposite ends and on opposing sides of the electrode. Power, temperature, and impedance were recorded for all lesions, and coagulum adhesion and magnitude were noted in a subset of lesions. Finite element analysis shows uneven heating, with the main heating concentrated at the electrode edges and a propensity toward temperatures >100°C with single-thermistor feedback control. Ablations with dual thermocouple electrodes achieved higher measured temperatures at lower power levels than those that used single-thermistor electrodes. Impedance rises and coagulum adherence occurred less frequently with dual thermocouple electrodes than with single, centered thermistor electrodes (176 of 395 versus 9 of 425 lesions; P <.0001; 46 of 98 versus 7 of 150 lesions; P <.0001, respectively). Conclusions Maximum heating from radiofrequency energy occurs at the electrode edges, particularly with long electrodes. The safety of temperature-feedback atrial ablation with these electrodes is significantly improved by monitoring temperatures at the edges.
Child Maltreatment Among Immigrant Vietnamese Families: Characteristics and Implications for Practice

This study examined the characteristics and patterns of child maltreatment among 124 Vietnamese refugee families served by the Asian Pacific Unit of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The data were presented with descriptive statistics, bivariate comparisons among selected variables, and logistic regression analysis that examined the odds of the selection of two types of placement by DCFS (in-home or out-of-home placement). The most prevalent type of maltreatment was physical abuse, followed by substantial risk for abuse, and neglect. The perpetrators were more likely to be middle-aged, undereducated parents who have resided in the US for a short period of time. This study suggests the importance of further research on the prevalence of and factors associated with child abuse in this population, effective child abuse prevention strategies, and culturally responsive interventions with this population.
Quantitative computed tomography detects peripheral airway disease in asthmatic children

The aim of this study was to compare air-trapping as quantified by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest with measures of lung function and airway inflammation in children with mild to moderate asthma. Plethysmography indices, respiratory resistance, and reactance before and after bronchodilator with impulse oscillation (IOS), exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), total eosinophil count (TEC), and serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels were measured in 21 subjects. A single-cut HRCT image at end-expiration was obtained. Air-trapping was quantified and expressed in terms of the pixel index (PI) by determining the percentage of pixels in lung fields below -856 and -910 Hounsfeld units (HU). Pairwise linear correlations between PI and other parameters were evaluated. Subjects had only mild airflow limitation based on prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)), but were hyperinflated and had air-trapping based on elevated total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV)/TLC ratio, respectively. The PI at -856 HU was positively correlated with % predicted TLC, total gas volume (TGV), and ECP level, and was inversely correlated with FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and % predicted forced expiratory flow between 25-75% FVC (FEF(25-75)). The PI at -910 HU correlated similarly with these variables, and also correlated positively with IOS bronchodilator reversibility. This data suggest that quantitative HRCT may be a useful tool in the evaluation of peripheral airflow obstruction in children with asthma.
Development and reliability of a quantitative measure of adults' narratives

Background: Assessing narrative discourse production in persons with aphasia has long challenged clinicians seeking to improve functional outcomes. Fortunately, the development of single picture or picture sequence stimuli has enabled clinicians to quantify aspects of elicited narrative discourse production in a clinical context. However, also needed for the analysis of the narrative discourse of individuals with aphasia are performance data for adults without brain damage. Such comparative data of both younger and older adults would considerably extend the clinical usefulness of discourse tasks that incorporate picture stimuli. However, elicited narrative discourse samples are only valuable as assessment tasks if the procedure yields samples of similar quality for an individual over time.Aims: The main objectives of this investigation were (a) to characterise the quality of the discourse narratives of non-brain-damaged (NBD) adults, examining the effects of stimulus types on their performance; (b) to com...
Detection of PI3K Inhibition in Human Neuroblastoma Using Multiplex Luminex Bead Immunoassay: A Targeted Approach for Pathway Analysis

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common solid tumor in children. Outcomes for advanced stage NB have not improved, at least in part because of multimodality therapy resistance. Better comprehension of novel molecular targets will likely lead to improved therapies with specific cytotoxic agents. For instance, the role of deregulated IGF-1R/AKT/PI3K/mTOR (PI3K) pathway activity has attracted much attention across several tumors, including NB. Thus, modulating this pathway via anti-PI3K drugs has taken center stage in many cancer clinical trials. However, varied clinical effects have hampered the precise application of these agents. Tumor PI3K pathway profiling may reveal a method to enhance the efficacy of these inhibitors. To this end, solid-phase antibody-based array platforms have emerged as a direct, rapid means of profiling intracellular signaling pathways. We tested the efficacy of four PI3K inhibitors against a panel of human NB cell lines using Luminex xMAP bead array technology to establish PI3K phosphoprotein profiles. We demonstrate the utility of the xMAP approach in following intracellular signaling signatures specific for PI3K targeted therapy. Further validation is required before xMAP is used routinely for clinical PI3K pathway evaluation, but this method may eventually be personalized by taking into account each child's basal NB pathway status.
Carotid blowout in patients with head and neck cancer.

Objectives The objective was to review the clinicopathologic features of carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and present a management algorithm. Methods We reviewed all HNC patients with a diagnosis of CBS seen at our tertiary cancer hospital from 1994 to 2009 and performed a retrospective review of all English-language studies documenting CBS cases within the past 15 years. Results Eight patients with HNC developed CBS at our institution, and another 132 HNC patients were presented in 21 studies. Patients with CBS typically have a history of radiotherapy (89%), nodal metastasis (69%), and neck dissection (63%). This disease usually occurs proximal to the carotid bifurcation and is commonly associated with soft tissue necrosis in the neck (55%) and mucocutaneous fistulas (40%). Half of CBS patients present with sentinel bleeding, but 60% of patients will develop a life-threatening hemorrhage requiring emergent intervention. Over 90% of patients with CBS were treated with endovascular therapy, and surgical ligation was rarely indicated. The morbidity and mortality rates of patients with CBS are significant; only 23% have survived without evidence of disease. Conclusions Carotid blowout syndrome is uncommon and can be rapidly fatal without prompt diagnosis and intervention. Although endovascular treatment within the carotid system can have a significant risk of mortality and neurologic morbidity, it has become the treatment of choice for CBS.
A neural network approach for datum selection in computer-aided process planning

The goal of process planning is to convert design specifications into manufacturing instructions to make products within the specifications at the lowest cost. Therefore, for a computer-aided process planning system (CAPP) to generate a feasible and economical process plan, the tolerance information from design and manufacturing processes must be carefully studied. The geometric tolerances are usually specified in design only when higher accuracy of a feature (such as flatness, roundness, etc.) or a relationship (such as parallelism, perpendicularity, etc.) is required. For the relationships with dimensional tolerances or geometric tolerances with specified design datum(s), the selection of manufacturing datum and setup in process planning plays a very important role to make parts precisely and economically. This paper presents a neural network approach for CAPP to automatically select manufacturing datums for rotational parts on the basis of the shape of the parts and tolerance constraints. A back-propagation algorithm is used and some experiments are conducted. The results are analyzed and further research is proposed.
Pharmacogenetics of Aromatase Inhibitors: Present Understanding and Looking to the Future

Clinicopathologic characteristics have traditionally played a predominant role in adjuvant therapy recommendations for women with breast cancer. Host genetic factors, which impact drug metabolism, drug transportation, and drug targets, may lead to a differential treatment-related outcome in breast cancer, but their role in treatment decision-making has only recently been recognized. Genetic polymorphisms in the CYP2D6 gene and pharmacologic inhibition of the enzyme lead to an altered tamoxifen metabolism, safety profile, and possibly reduced clinical benefit. Inter-individual response to therapy has also been observed with use of aromatase inhibitors, agents that have largely superseded tamoxifen in the treatment of post-menopausal hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. We review the available evidence regarding the impact of pharmacogenetic variation on the drug-response phenotype of the aromatase inhibitors.
Data explosion: the challenge of multidetector-row CT

Abstract The development of multi detector-row CT has brought many exciting advancements to clinical CT scanning. While multi detector-row CT offers unparalleled speed of acquisition, spatial resolution, and anatomic coverage, a challenge presented by these advantages is the substantial increase on the number of reconstructed cross-sections that are rapidly created and in need of analysis. This manuscript discusses currently available alternative visualization tecvhniques for the assessment of volumetric data acquired with multi detector-row CT. Although the current capabilities of 3-D workstations offer many possibilities for alternative analysis of MCDT data, substantial improvements both in automated processing, processing speed and user interface will be necessary to realize the vision of replacing the primary analysis of transverse reconstruction′s with alternative analyses. The direction that some of these future developments might take are discussed.
Comparative review of knowledge engineering and inductive learning using data in a medical domain

This paper analyzes two different methodologies that were employed in the classification of a set of tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy patients into normal and abnormal diagnostic groups with respect to their predispositions to bleeding. An expert system was designed using conventional knowledge engineering strategies and an inductive learning technique was used to infer generalizations directly from the patient data. The former approach involved the development of a hematology expert system which serves as a preoperative filter to identify high risk patients. The system assesses bleeding tendencies as may occur with patients with certain hemostatic conditions such as platelet function defect, von Willebrand’s disease, and hemophilia. The specific inductive classification methodology used in this review was Quinlan’s ID3 induction algorithm which searches for underlying regularities in data sets. Quinlan’s method for inducing generalizations from a training set of events involves the creation of a classification tree whose root and intermediate nodes are decision points based upon the entropy measurements of the events’ attributes at those decision points. The generated leaf nodes correspond to the classification outcomes. This paper discusses the respective performances of the expert system and inductive learning methodologies including sensitivity and specificity measurements, reveals some of the problems encountered in the use of the two techniques, and suggests some possible remedies. The method used for the selection of the patient parameters for use by the ID3 algorithm is also discussed. The classification rules from both techniques are discussed and some computational and clinical (hematological) justifications are proposed concerning the disparity of the rule sets. Finally, some reflections are offered concerning the potential amalgamation of knowledge engineering strategies and inductive learning techniques
Do Growing Chicks Require a Vitamin B Supplement to a Mixed Grain Ration

Abstract It has been amply demonstrated by Plimmer and Rosedale1, and by others in a less direct fashion, that growing chickens require vitamin B for growth and for the maintenance of health. These experiments also indicate that the optimum concentration of this vitamin in the ration is considerably greater with chickens than with rats, upon which most of the experimental work with growth vitamins has been done. However, the significance of such comparisons is dubious, since it is becoming increasingly evident2 that the so-called vitamin B may consist of two factors, generally occurring together in food materials, but not necessarily in the same proportion. It may be that the relative requirements for these two factors is different in different species ; if so, the relative concentrations of a given source of vitamin B (such as yeast) in the diet requisite for normal growth in rats and chickens cannot be interpreted with . . .
ε expansion analysis of very weak first-order transitions in the cubic anisotropy model. I

The cubic anisotropy model provides a simple example of a system with an arbitrarily weak first-order phase transition. We present an analysis of this model using $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$-expansion techniques with results up to next-to-next-to-leading order in $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$. Specifically, we compute the relative discontinuity of various physical quantities across the transition in the limit that the transition becomes arbitrarily weakly first order.
Model study of plasmapause motion

The ambient plasma in the equatorial plane is predominantly subject to the E×B drift. By approximating the earth's magnetic field by a dipole, characteristic steady state streamlines in the equatorial plane are determined, assuming the interaction between the solar wind and the magnetosphere is characterized by a constant electric field directed from dawn to dusk in the equatorial plane. The steady state plasmapause corresponds to the stagnation streamline in this flow. If the magnitude of the dawn-dusk field is suddenly increased, the plasmasphere bulge moves toward the sun. By suddenly decreasing the magnitude of this field, the bulge can be made to corotate with the earth. The model computations indicate that the spatial configuration of the plasmapause can be very complex, especially near the bulge, because its position depends upon the past history of the magnetosphere.
Positron emission tomography study of human prostatic adenocarcinoma using carbon-11 putrescine.

Abstract To evaluate [1- 11 C]putrescine ([ 11 C]PUT) as a potential tracer for imaging and characterization of human prostatic adenocarcinoma, positron emission tomography (PET) was performed in eight patients and three normal controls. In addition, four of the patients and the three normal controls also had a prostate scan with 2-deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro-d-glucose ( 18 FDG). Three of the patients had undergone resection of the prostate tumor and all of the patients except for one had bone metastasis. Carbon-11 rapidly accumulated in prostate, bone and rectum after injection of [ 11 C]PUT. Maximal uptake was achieved 5 min after injection with minimal washout during the 50 min study period. The uptake of carbon-11 in the prostate of normal controls was significantly higher than that in the patients. However, three of the four patients scanned for metastatic bone lesions showed higher uptake in bone metastasis than in normal bone. Quantitation of 18 FDG uptake in the prostate was hindered by the high accumulation of activity in the urinary bladder. [ 11 C]PUT does not appear to be a useful tracer for assessing proliferation of human prostate adenocarcinoma. Its utility in the imaging of other cancers with high polyamine concentration remains to be investigated.
Ethical Challenges in Conducting Psychiatric or Mental Health Research in Correctional Settings

Background: We explored ethical challenges in conducting psychiatric or mental health research with incarcerated people. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 87 people who were researchers; institutional review board (IRB) chairs, members, and prisoner representatives; research ethicists; and prison administrators with experience in and knowledge about the conduct of research in correctional settings. NVivo 9.0 was used to conduct grounded theory analysis of responses to the question: “What would you say are the top three ethical challenges to conducting psychiatric or mental health research with incarcerated people?” Results: Key informants identified autonomy and consent, balancing the potential for direct benefit with the risk for harm, and access to and standards of psychiatric care in correctional facilities as the three most important ethical challenges. The characteristics of incarcerated individuals, the nature of correctional systems, and federal regulations for oversight of pri...
Self-Recording, Instructions, and Public Self-Graphing Effects on Swimming in the Absence of Coach Verbal Interaction

This experiment systematically replicated a study by McKenzie and Rushall, who reported that a self-recording intervention enhanced swimming workout performance. In that study, anecdotal evidence s...
Reengineering a Large Technology-Based Organization

Los Alamos National Laboratory is a large science- and technology-based organization that has recently undertaken a major reengineering effort in an attempt to maintain its competitiveness in a rap...
Iron Uptake and Translocation by Macrocystis pyrifera

Parameters of iron uptake have been determined for blade tissue of Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Ag. These include the effects of iron concentration, light, various inhibitors, and blade type. All experiments were conducted in the defined artificial seawater Aquil. Iron uptake is light independent, energy dependent, and dependent on the reduction from Fe3+ to Fe2+. Iron is concentrated in the sieve tube exudate; exudate analysis revealed the presence of other micronutrients. Iron and other micronutrient translocation is discussed.
Is There a Jurisprudential Future for the Juvenile Court

This article considers the arguments for abolition of the juvenile court and suggests that its proponents may not go far enough in their proposals to dismantle the juvenile court's delinquency jurisdiction. While eliminating the juvenile court's delinquency jurisdiction may be justifiable given the court's emphasis on punishment and control, any such proposal also must account for the institutional effects on the court. Particularly, proponents of abolishing the court's delinquency jurisdiction on grounds that it is a flawed criminal court must consider whether that criticism also provides justification for abolition of the juvenile court's status offense jurisdiction since status offenders also are subject to state control for their behaviors. Moreover, even if a separate juvenile court is retained, proponents of abolishing the court's delinquency jurisdiction must take into account the institutional consequences of changing the court's caseload. In light of the juvenile court's social control functions,...
Transport effects in low-pressure chemical vapor deposition reactors

Abstract The problem of the formulation of transport equations for low-pressure chemical vapour deposition (CVD) reactors is investigated. A comprehensive set of equations is presented for the description of transport effects in such reactors, and the applicability of diffusive approximations in the design of CVD reactors is evaluated. It is found that such models generally do not provide a rigorous basis for the prediction of transport effects in low-pressure CVD reactors. The applicability of one-dimensional approximations in the analysis of CVD reactors is also evaluated. It is concluded that one-dimensional solutions do not provide a rigorous basis for the analysis of transport effects in the wafer space since not all of the conditions of the problem can be satisfied simultaneously.
A New Approach to the Design of Mono-Hull FPSOs

Problems and issues arising in the design and operation of mono-hull FPSOs have been apparent for many years. This has resulted in shortcomings of current design philosophy being highlighted. Environmental downtime of 10 to 14 days per year is not uncommon in both new-built and converted FPSOs. The financial loss resulting from this downtime during the life of a field, is a significant factor in the overall field economics. The importance of selecting the principal dimensions of the hull to optimise the natural periods of the FPSO is discussed in this paper. Converted FPSOs are therefore at a disadvantage as the natural periods are already set by the principal dimensions and mass properties, which may not suit the environmental conditions at site, potentially resulting in high downtime. However, it is also noted that preliminary design of new built-FPSOs has also tended to neglect this aspect of design and opportunities to optimise motion performance have often been lost by following standard ship building practices in selecting initial principal hull dimensions. This paper explores a new rational approach to the design of the FPSOs, relative to the field environmental conditions, particularly for deep water locations. The main objective is to achieve minimum downtime to avoid financial penalties caused by the associated loss of production. Preliminary hull sizing software for optimising the hull principal dimensions, relative to the mooring and riser requirements and the field environmental conditions for a given storage capacity and topside load is presented. Benefits for the riser and mooring systems and for hull material and fabrication costs are also outlined.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A simplified procedure for synthesizing large quantities of highly purified uridine [β-32P]diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine

A simplified procedure for the synthesis of [β-32P]UDP-N-acetylglucosamine is described. This novel method utilizes commericially available enzymes, chemical acetylation, and preparative thin-layer chromatography and can be used to synthesize millicurie quantities of the sugar nucleotide at an extremely high specific activity and purity.
Big players and herding in asset markets: The case of the Russian ruble

Abstract We present a theory of asset pricing in which discretionary actions of “Big Players” encourage herding and irrational bubbles, thus weakening the tendency of asset prices to equal their rationally expected present values. The theory implies that when Big Players influence a market, martingale models are inapplicable. We test the theory using qualitative and numerical data from an important episode in Russian monetary history. The use of Benoit Mandelbrot's R/S analysis, a statistical technique appropriate to the study of long-memory processes, supports our claims about herding and martingales. Our results weaken the case for present value models and strengthen the case for noise-trader models. Our theory and technique may be applied in many other historical cases as well as that presented here.
Speech-based retrieval using semantic co-occurrence filtering

In this paper we demonstrate that speech recognition can be effectively applied to information retrieval (IR) applications. Our system exploits the fact that the intended words of a spoken query tend to co-occur in text documents in close proximity whereas word combinations that are the result of recognition errors are usually not semantically correlated and thus do not appear together. Termed "Semantic Co-occurrence Filtering" this enables the system to simultaneously disambiguate word hypotheses and find relevant text for retrieval. The system is built by integrating standard IR and speech recognition techniques. An evaluation of the system is presented and we discuss several refinements to the functionality.