cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain mechanical imaging (BMI)

Multiple brain imaging techniques have been introduced, with structural imaging playing a role in acute disease diagnosis and functional imaging providing valuable information on the recovery mechanisms. However, current diagnostic brain imaging techniques have limitations since the imaging modalities differ in sensitivities to various brain abnormalities, limiting their utility for diagnosis. To better understand the pathology of different brain diseases, there is a need to develop an effective and sensitive imaging marker which is easily translatable to clinical settings. As a non-invasive imaging technique, magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is based on synchronizing a mechanical actuator with a phase contrast imaging pulse sequence and measures tissue strain generated by sonic cyclic displacement. In this paper, we applied microscopic MRE (μMRE) as a diagnostic marker for characterizing different central nervous system disease models. While no single brain imaging modality can fully address the pathologies of different diseases, mechanical markers are proven to be effective in detecting different classes of brain diseases. This work aimed at: (1) designing, implementing, and testing an innovative actuation system for future μMRE applications, using a bite bar and rotating nose cone, to overcome the challenge of brain MRE – the brain is entirely encased by the skull, making wave generation and propagation inside complicated and demanding; (2) preliminary studies of using μMRE on different disease models, including multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and medulloblastoma tumors.
Task allocation in the tunneling behavior of workers of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki

Abstract This study provided a detailed analysis of the tunneling behavior of 30 marked individuals by examining the role of each individual in tunnel excavation on three consecutive days. The objective of this study was to identify the specific individuals that were the most active in the initiation of a new tunnel on the first day in order to determine if these specific individuals continued to play a key role in tunnel excavation as the tunnel expanded on the second day. In addition, this study examined the behavior of the same group of individuals in the initiation of a new tunnel on the third day. Overall, there was an average of three individuals transporting > 20 loads of sand, 13 individuals transporting between 1 and 20 loads, and 14 individuals that did not transport any loads during each 2-h observation period. Top excavators during tunnel initiation were significantly more likely to continue to be top excavators during tunnel expansion than other individuals. These top excavators were also more likely to perform the most work in the excavation of a new tunnel on the third day. These results demonstrate that specific individuals remain highly active for at least 3 days which provides further evidence that top excavators act as organizers in determining the orientation and branching patterns in the tunneling networks of C. formosanus.
High Temperature Heat Exchanger Project

The UNLV Research Foundation assembled a research consortium for high temperature heat exchanger design and materials compatibility and performance comprised of university and private industry partners under the auspices of the US DOE-NE Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative in October 2003. The objectives of the consortium were to conduct investigations of candidate materials for high temperature heat exchanger componets in hydrogen production processes and design and perform prototypical testing of heat exchangers. The initial research of the consortium focused on the intermediate heat exchanger (located between the nuclear reactor and hydrogen production plan) and the components for the hydrogen iodine decomposition process and sulfuric acid decomposition process. These heat exchanger components were deemed the most challenging from a materials performance and compatibility perspective
My Little Spontaneous Blips

In his Retrospective on Sir Bernard Katz, Heuser discusses the enormous scientific contributions made by Katz to the fields of biophysics and neuroscience, and reminisces about his intellectual and personal influence on many of today9s leading neuroscientists who were his proteges.
Neurological impairment in a surviving twin following intrauterine fetal demise of the co-twin: A case study

It has been established that twin pregnancies are at an increased risk for complications, including the risk of morbidity or mortality for one or both of the infants. Cerebral palsy and other associated neurological deficits also occur at higher rates in twin pregnancies (1). This report examines two cases of intrauterine demise of one twin with subsequent survival of the co-twin. In both cases, the surviving infant suffered significant neurological sequelae. Impairments observed in these two cases include multicystic encephalomalacia and periventricular leukomalacia as well as the subsequent development of cerebral palsy. This case study explores the predisposing factors, incidence, pathophysiology, consequences, and future research implications of these findings.
Bias in Resampling-Based Thresholding of Statistical Maps in fMRI

Selecting a threshold for the statistical parameter maps in functional MRI (fMRI) is a delicate matter. The use of advanced test statistics and/or the complex dependence structure of the noise may preclude parametric statistical methods for finding appropriate thresholds. Non-parametric statistical methodology has been presented as a feasible alternative. In this paper we discuss resampling-based methods for finding thresholds and show that proposed non-parametric approaches can lead to severely biased results.
Ventriculo-atrial regurgitation following prosthetic replacement of the mitral valve. Angiocardiographic and hemodynamic findings.

Abstract Partial detachment of a mitral ball-valve prosthesis, resulting in left ventriculo-atrial regurgitation, may be responsible for persistent symptoms of diminished cardiac reserve following mitral valve replacement. Such persistent regurgitation is difficult to detect and to differentiate by clinical means from other causes of residual disability, since the characteristic pansystolic murmur of mitral regurgitation is often absent. The present study reports the clinical findings, hemodynamic data, and the results of left ventricular cineangiocardiography in 18 patients following mitral valve replacement. All of the patients had persistent hemodynamic abnormalities, and in 17 the left atrial pressure was elevated. On cineangiocardiography, it was observed that some degree of ventriculo-atrial regurgitation always occurred with “normal” function of the prosthetic valve. However, the appearance of this type of regurgitation differed angiocardiographically from that caused by partial detachment of the prosthesis. The characteristics of regurgitation resulting from detachment of the valve were defined cineangiographically in 8 patients, and confirmed in 6 of these 8 patients, who were reoperated upon. In 6 other patients the clinical and hemodynamic abnormalities appeared to be due solely to abnormal function of the left ventricular myocardium. It is suggested that the diagnosis of ventriculoatrial regurgitation should be suspected and left ventricular cineangiocardiography should be performed in patients who fail to improve following mitral valve replacement or who exhibit abnormal cardiac dynamics at postoperative cardiac catheterization.
Capturing the Biases of Socially Anxious People by Addressing Partner Effects and Situational Parameters

To expose biases in self-perceptions of people high in social anxiety, information is needed on actual and perceived informant reports following social situations. We measured trait social anxiety (SA) in 90 college students arranged in pairs for "getting acquainted" conversations. Half participated in a small-talk task, where they took turns answering superficial questions; half participated in a closeness-generating task, where questions required gradual increases in self-disclosure. Afterward, students rated themselves and their partner on positive and negative attributes and how they think their partner viewed them. People with high SA judged themselves more negatively and less positively than their partner did (accuracy); when interacting with a partner endorsing low SA, they possessed enhanced negativity biases about how they expected to be viewed (meta-accuracy), and believed their partner's judgments were less positive than their own low self-judgments (perceived dissent). Conversely, people with low SA showed evidence of a self-enhancement bias about the impression they made on low SA strangers. Other moderators of the social cognitions of people with high SA included gender and the social situation (distortions being amplified in men and small-talk conversations). Our findings suggest that the study of SA cannot be understood using decontextualized approaches, instead requiring consideration of the synergy among the person, partner, and situation.
Data management in NOAA

NOAA has 11 terabytes of digital data stored on 240,000 computer tapes. There are an additional 100 terabytes (TB) of geostationary satellite data stored in digital form on specially configured SONY U-Matic video tapes at the University of Wisconsin. There are over 90,000,000 non-digital form records in manuscript, film, printed, and chart form which are not easily accessible. The three NOAA Data Centers service 6,000 requests per year and publish 5,000 bulletins which are distributed to 40,000 subscribers. Seventeen CD-ROM's have been produced. Thirty thousand computer tapes containing polar satellite data are being copied to 12 inch WORM optical disks for research applications. The present annual data accumulation rate of 10 TB will grow to 30 TB in 1994 and to 100 TB by the year 2000. The present storage and distribution technologies with their attendant support systems will be overwhelmed by these increases if not improved. Increased user sophistication coupled with more precise measurement technologies will demand better quality control mechanisms, especially for those data maintained in an indefinite archive. There is optimism that the future will offer improved media technologies to accommodate the volumes of data. With the advanced technologies, storage and performance monitoring tools will be pivotal to the successful long-term management of data and information.
Host-plant leaps versus host-plant shuffle: a global survey reveals contrasting patterns in an oligophagous insect group (Hemiptera, Psylloidea)

Global analyses of interspecific interactions are rapidly increasing our understanding of patterns and processes at large scales. Understanding how biodiversity assembles and functions on a global scale will increasingly require analyses of complex interactions at different ecological and phylogenetic levels. We present an analysis of host-plant associations in the sap-sucking Psylloidea (∼3,800 species) using the most comprehensive assemblage of host data for this group compiled from 66 % of published records. Psyllids are known for high levels of host specificity and host switching between related plants at local scales, but a global survey implicates historical processes that are not entirely consistent with those at local scales. In particular, saltationary host switching events appear to have been a key factor explaining the wide but patchy distribution of psyllid host-plants throughout the angiosperm phylogeny. Alternative explanations involving co-diversification with subsequent extinction seem imp...
Backward Induction in the Wild? Evidence from Sequential Voting in the US Senate

In the US Senate, roll calls are held in alphabetical order. We document that senators early in the order are less likely to vote with the majority of their own party than those whose last name places them at the end of the alphabet. To speak to the mechanism behind this result, we develop a simple model of sequential voting, in which forward-looking senators rely on backward induction in order to free ride on their colleagues. Estimating our model structurally, we find that this form of strategic behavior is an important part of equilibrium play. We also consider, but ultimately dismiss, alternative explanations related to learning about common values and vote buying.
Evaluating Child Coping Competence: Theory and Measurement

Much of the research on children’s coping styles is based on a downward extension of adult coping theories. In a departure from this approach, coping competence theory seeks to account for children’s ability to cope with daily challenges on the basis of developmental research. The theory, which states that challenges call for distinct coping skills in the affective, social, and achievement domains, was evaluated with an ethnically diverse sample of preschoolers. The study relied on confirmatory factor analysis of a parent-completed measure of coping to test the 3-factor model underlying the theory, and related those factors to parent and teacher measures of child functioning. Results supported the 3-factor model of coping competence and showed that each domain of coping was negatively correlated with parent and teacher ratings of child disruptive behavior. Coping competence theory held across child sex and age. Findings provide support for a 3-factor model of coping competence in early childhood and for the validity of the new parent-completed measure of children’s coping styles refined in this study.
The development and evaluation of a community mental health education program for seminarians

Because the clergy stands in an ideal position to serve the mental health needs of the community, seminaries have, for some time, included courses in pastoral counseling and related skills. While valuable, these courses tend to focus on the traditional clinical relationship excluding the broader role of community interventionist. Viewing this need, a course was developed to train seminarians in principles and practices of community mental health. The 28 students were compared to 24 controls at the beginning and end of the term. Evaluative instruments were the Community Mental Health Ideology Scale, two scales adapted from the Theological School Inventory, a self-evaluative competence scale, and a role evaluation scale. Data within a 2 X 2 X 2 design were subjected to an analysis of variance. Experimentals were found to exceed controls on the Community Mental Health Ideology Scale (p less than or equal to .001), the competence scale (p less than or equal to .01), and role evaluation scale (p less than or equal to .01).
Separation of Carotenoids in Fruits and Vegetables by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Several isocratic high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods, including both normal and reversed-phase, have been developed to separate provitamin A compounds and other carotenoids - α-carotene, β-carotene, stereoisomers of β-carotene, γ-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin and lycopene- in fruits and vegetables. The normal phase systems used either an amino or alumina column with 99.5% isooctane and 0.5% tetrahydrofuran. Procedures employing reversed-phase used C18 columns- Vydac 201TP54, Vydac 218TP54, Zorbax ODS and NovaPak C18- with nonaqueous solvent systems comprised of various mixtures of acetonitrile, methanol, tetrahydrofuran and chloroform. All compounds were monitored at 470 nm or 450 nm. Each method has certain advantages and disadvantages for the analysis of carotenoids in fruits and vegetables.
Stranger in a strange land: holography, aesthetics, and criticism 1968-1993

Out of the vast dearth of aesthetic theory aimed specifically at holography, the most ubiquitous is also the most reductive and discouraging in its anachronistic quest for old-fashioned seriousness in art holography.
Cenozoic active margin and shallow Cascades structure: COCORP results from western Oregon

Two deep seismic reflection profiles totaling 98 km were recorded by the Consortium for Continental Reflection Profiling (COCORP) in western Oregon in 1984, providing some of the first onshore deep seismic reflection data from the forearc and arc of an active convergent margin. These data are of lower quality than most COCORP data, but when combined with other geological and geophysical data, they provide some useful insights into the subduction zone beneath Oregon and into extensional structures in the Cascades. Line 1 crossed the Eocene sediments and underlying pillow basalts of the Coast Range and western Willamette Valley. Reflections from the Willamette Valley clearly define the lower and western boundary of flat-lying, rhythmically bedded Eocene sediments. These sediments appear to be underlain by as much as 8 km of seismically transparent Eocene pillow basalts. Layered reflections at depths of 8-16 km may indicate a remnant crust upon which the Eocene pillow basalts were erupted. East-dipping reflections at depths of 35-40 km may represent the decollement above the subducting Juan de Fuca plate. Oregon line 2 crosses the Cenozoic volcanic arc terrains of the Western and High Cascades. Interpretation of COCORP seismic data suggests modification of existing models for normal faulting that postulate a symmetric graben or grabens in the Cascades of Oregon. In the High Cascades along COCORP Oregon line 2, reflections suggest a large, gently west-dipping half-graben with major offset only on the west side of the range. The seismic reflection data along with other geological and geophysical data suggest that the High Cascades were built on a series of blocks, rather than a single graben. The blocks were differentially faulted during the Pliocene. Seismic data from the Western Cascades indicate several normal faults with down-to-the-east offset, including a major, previously unidentified fault of probable Miocene age.
Effect of bacillus sphaericus strain SSII-1 on honey bees, apis mellifera1

When mosquito-larvicidal B. sphaericus strain SSII-1 cultures were fed to newly emerged adult honey bees and to bee colonies, no effect was found on the longevity of newly emerged bees nor on the brood production of colonies.
Dirichlet and Fresnel Integrals via Iterated Integration

(2005). Dirichlet and Fresnel Integrals via Iterated Integration. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 78, No. 1, pp. 63-67.
Baryon Number Violation Induced by the Monopoles of the Pati-Salam Model

We study the possible baryon-number violating effects induced by the monopoles that are formed due to the spontaneous breakdown of the Pati-Salam [SU(2) L ×SU(2) R ×SU(4)]. This effect is due to the weak 't Hooft anomaly. Although the baryon-number violating condensates involving only the first and the second generation fermions are suppressed by powers of mixing angles, we show that all the relevant mixing angles may be large, while still being consistent with the smallness of the Kobayashi-Maskawa mixing angles. Hence the baryon-number violating effects caused by such monopoles need not be suppressed.
Developmental project management in emerging countries

Aid organizations, governments and even citizens in emerging/developing countries have long complained about the efficacy of developmental projects. Given the vast resources being plowed into developmental activities and the dire needs, it is imperative that such projects are cost-effective, finish on time and provide the specified deliverables. Unfortunately, the procedure to guide such projects is not well developed. In this research, we rely on qualitative case study methodology to provide possible insights to project managers. We examined a total of eight cases related to developmental projects in India. Through these cases, we identify five project management components including: project characteristics, external environment, internal project elements, project management process, and project outcomes. The constructs within each element and the relationships amongst them provide guidance to development agencies in terms of project size, project goals, resource availability, infrastructure, stakeholder variance and organizational flexibility. These constructs influence the internal elements of a project including the level of information, complexity and uncertainty/risk. In turn, the internal elements affect the project outcomes of duration, costs, and deliverables. This research provides guidance to agencies in their project management process in terms of team integration and interactions, communication, and networking with local communities and organizations, all of which can influence standard project outcomes (duration, cost and deliverables), while also helping to build reputation to garner additional funding.
A mass spectrometry screening method for antiaggregatory activity of proteins covalently modified by combinatorial library members: application to sickle hemoglobin.

A homogeneous assay, based on electrospray mass spectrometry, is described for identifying compounds in a combinatorial library that covalently modify a protein and thereby enhance its solubility. The technique is based on measuring the distribution of modified proteins in the supernatant versus aggregate. Compounds having the greatest anti-aggregatory activity are those with the highest supernatant/aggregate ratio. Mass is used as a marker to identify which covalent modifier in the library is involved. An exploratory study is presented which demonstrates that the antisickling activity of a family of isothiocyanates, as measured by the standard C(sat) assay, correlates well (r(2) = 0.98) with the mass spectrometry analysis of the supernatant/aggregate distribution. The technique has potential for screening libraries capable of covalently modifying other proteins of clinical interest, e.g., Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and various prion related diseases.
Subchronic Centrifugal Mechanical Assist in an Unheparinized Calf Model.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the major centrifugal pumps currently in use in the United States (Medtronic, BioMedicus BioPump and Carmeda-coated BioPump, Sarns 3M centrifugal pump, and St. Jude Medical Lifestream) could function as left mechanical assist devices in the subchronic (72 h) unheparinized calf model. Calves were instrumented for left atrial to aorta ex vivo assist, and the pump flow was set at 3.5 +/- 0.4 L/min. Two calves (Sarns 3M and St. Jude) survived 72 h of pumping without clinical complications. The other 2 calves died at 62 and 66 h (Medtronic BioPump and Carmeda-coated BioPump, respectively); both had pelvic limb paralysis. The seal of the Sarns 3M pump head ruptured after approximately 36 h of pumping and required replacement. On postmortem examination, pump-associated thromboembolic lesions were detected in 3 of the 4 calves in one or more of the following organs: kidneys, pancreas, abomasum, duodenum, ileum, spleen, and lumbar spinal cord. The calf with the Sarns 3M pump had no discernable lesions. Because of the clinical abnormalities and postmortem lesions in the unheparinized calf model, it was suggested that anticoagulation is necessary for conducting centrifugal mechanical assist studies in calves using presently available technology.
Changing sex ratio in the United States, 1969–1995

Abstract Objective: To determine if the sex ratio of live births in the United States has changed during the 27 years from 1969 through 1995. Design: Regression analysis of secular trends in sex ratios. Setting: Population-based data. Patient(s): Liveborn infants in the United States 1969–1995. Main Outcome Measure(s): Sex of liveborn infant. Result(s): The sex ratio (number of male births divided by number of female births) declined significantly among whites during the 27 years under study. Among black newborns, the sex ratio significantly increased during the same time period. Conclusion(s): These secular trends could not be explained by changing maternal or paternal age, or by changing proportions of specific birth orders. Possible explanations for the observed changes in sex ratio include random fluctuations in sex ratio over time, changes in demographic characteristics of the population (other than the characteristics controlled for in this analysis), and changes in frequency or timing of intercourse. Environmental exposures are unlikely to account for the observed trends.
Syntactic Logical Relations for Polymorphic and Recursive Types

The method of logical relations assigns a relational interpretation to types that expresses operational invariants satisfied by all terms of a type. The method is widely used in the study of typed languages, for example to establish contextual equivalences of terms. The chief difficulty in using logical relations is to establish the existence of a suitable relational interpretation. We extend work of Pitts and Birkedal and Harper on constructing relational interpretations of types to polymorphism and recursive types, and apply it to establish parametricity and representation independence properties in a purely operational setting. We argue that, once the existence of a relational interpretation has been established, it is straightforward to use it to establish properties of interest.
Telemedicine for patient education

Abstract A telemedicine project was conducted to explore the delivery of childbirth preparation classes originating at a large regional hospital to a remote site at a small rural hospital. Over six months, three series of classes were included in the project, with twenty‐four participants at the originating site and twenty participants at the remote site. A two‐way, audio/video teleconferencing system with multiple cameras and monitors was employed for instruction. A registered nurse taught the class and a site facilitator assisted at the remote site. Evaluation of the project was done through surveys, interviews, and observations. The classes were well received by project participants at both sites. Principal advantages cited were increased availability of the programs, improved attendance, and convenience to rural participants. The principal disadvantages cited focused on technical problems, particularly audio quality.
Fenofibric Acid: Safety and Efficacy in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia and Hyperlipidemia

Adequate control of lipids is a cornerstone in the management of coronary heart disease. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of HMG-Co A reductase inhibitors (statins) in controlling LDL-C. Unfortunately, the effect of statins on other lipid parameters, such as HDL-C and triglycerides, is not as robust. Emerging evidence suggests that these other lipid parameters may contribute to residual cardiovascular risk. The recent release of fenofibric acid offers a potential therapy which can be used in conjunction with statins to achieve an optimal lipid profile. Clinical trials have demonstrated fenofibric acid to be safe for use as dual therapy with low and moderate dose statins. The following article will address the safety and efficacy of fenofibric acid in the treatment of lipid disorders, both alone and as combination therapy with statins. Additionally, the potential role of fenofibric acid in the management of the complex cardiovascular patient with abnormal lipid parameters will be evaluated.
Multicellular tumor spheroid interactions with bone cells and bone

In vitro coculture techniques were used to study HSDM1C1 murine fibrosarcoma multicellular tumor spheroid (HSDM1C1-MTS) interactions with mouse calvarial bone cells having osteoblastic characteristics and mouse bone explants. HSDM1C1-MTS attached to confluent bone cell monolayers and their attachment rate was quantified. HSDM1C1-MTS interaction with bone cells was further demonstrated by the release of /sup 3/H-deoxyuridine from prelabeled bone cells during coculture with multicellular tumor spheroids. HSDM1C1-MTS-induced cytotoxicity was mimicked by the addition of 10(-5) M prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to /sup 3/H-deoxyuridine-labeled bone cells. The effects of low (10(-9) M) and high (10(-5) M) concentrations of PGE2 on bone cell proliferation were also studied. Higher concentrations of PGE2 inhibited bone cell proliferation. HSDM1C1-MTS resorbed living explants in the presence of indomethacin, suggesting that other tumor cell products may also participate in bone resorption. HSDM1C1-MTS caused direct bone resorption as measured by the significantly elevated release of /sup 45/Ca from prelabeled, devitalized calvaria. However, the growth of a confluent bone cell layer on devitalized, /sup 45/Ca-prelabeled calvaria resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of /sup 45/Ca released subsequent to the seeding of HSDM1C1-MTS onto the explants. Bone cells at the bone surface may act as a barrier against invasion andmore » tumor cell-mediated bone resorption. Violation of this cellular barrier is achieved, in part, by tumor cell products.« less
Reactions of Silicon with the Alkali Carbonates

Die Reaktionen von pulverisiertem Silicium mit den wasserfreien Alkalicarbonaten wurden studiert und eine allgemeine Gleichung auf Grundlage der Silicium-Natrium-carbonat-Schmelze vorgeschlagen. Es wird angenommen, das die Hauptprodukte Kohlenstoff, Kohlenmonoxyd, Natrium und eine Natrium-Silicium-Sauerstoffverbindung sind, letztere mit Eigenschaften, die denen von Natriumsilicooxalat gleichen.
Characteristics of drug addicts who attempt suicide

The aim of the study was to further describe the characteristics of drug-dependent patients who attempt suicide. Thus, 449 drug-dependent patients were interviewed about whether or not they had ever attempted suicide and about their family history of suicidal behavior. Patients completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, and were interviewed with the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). It was found that patients who had attempted suicide (N=175) were significantly younger than patients who had never attempted suicide (N=274). Significantly more of the patients who had attempted suicide were female; had a family history of suicide; and had a lifetime history of major depression, of having received antidepressant medication, and of alcoholism. Also, patients who had attempted suicide had significantly higher scores for childhood trauma, psychoticism, neuroticism and introversion, as well as higher ASI psychiatric composite scores. These results suggest that social, personality, family, developmental and psychiatric risk factors may predispose to suicidal behavior in drug-dependent individuals.
Use of pH-impedance testing to evaluate patients with suspected extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Goals To report the use of pH-impedance testing in evaluating patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with atypical symptoms. Background Although the role of acid reflux in causing atypical GERD symptoms is generally accepted, the role, if any, of nonacid reflux is controversial, largely because until recently it has not been possible to detect nonacid reflux. The advent of intraluminal combined pH impedance testing (MII-pH), to detect nonacid reflux has heightened interest in its possible contribution to atypical symptoms. Study Fifty consecutive patients referred for MII-pH testing to evaluate the cause of atypical symptoms presumed due to GERD were evaluated. The symptoms were either refractory to acid inhibition therapy or so atypical that further work up was desired by the referring physician. Patients underwent MII-pH testing to determine whether reflux was present, and, if so, if it was due to acid, nonacid, or gas. Results Only 16%, 22%, and 2% patients were found to have symptoms due to acid reflux, nonacid reflux, or both, respectively. Ten percent of these patients had gas reflux. MII-pH testing was useful in redirecting the management of patients who did not have reflux as the cause of their symptoms. Conclusions MII-pH testing is useful in determining whether gastroesophageal reflux is present in patients with atypical symptoms that have not responded to proton pump inhibitor therapy. It also distinguishes between reflux due to acid, nonacid, and gas, with consequences for management.
Single-Molecule FRET for Protein Conformation Distributions and Dynamics

The presentation will start with an overview of the technique and point out the unique pieces of information, complementary to those provided by other techniques discussed in this workshop, that single-molecule FRET can offer. Several practical issues will be discussed. They include: What level of precision does one need? How to choose the labeling sites? How to choose the dyes? What are the control experiments that need to be done? Fluorescence single-molecule data tend to be very noisy. What is the single-molecule noise budget? What are the methods that one can use to analyze the data? Other issues to be discussed include consistency, correlation, and causality. Three examples---polyproline, adenylate kinase from E. coli, and protein tyrosine phosphatase B from M. tuberculosis---will be used to illustrate some of the points. Finally, this presenter will attempt to discuss possible future directions.
Formation of rubrene nanocrystals by laser ablation in liquids utilizing MAPLE deposited thin films

Abstract Nanoparticles (NPs) of the organic semiconductor rubrene were formed utilizing the laser ablation in liquids (LAL) method. Thin-films deposited by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) served as the ablation targets. We note in the case of amorphous films targets, the absorbed energy is below the threshold value needed for ablation; though polycrystalline films irradiated under the same LAL conditions result in ejecta. It is suggested this stems from an increase in the effective absorption through light trapping within crystalline domains. An observed red-shift in the absorption edge is attributed to the polar aqueous environment and to the crystalline phase.
Histamine release from the administration of suxamethonium and atracurium in adolescents

Cutaneous reactions and plasma histamine levels were evaluated in 30 adolescents subsequent to the administration of suxamethonium 1.5 mg kg−1 or atracurium 0.6 mg kg−1. Plasma histamine levels were measured by the radio-enzymatic assay using histamine N-methyl transferase. In the atracurium group, the change in plasma histamine level was significant at the 2 min mark, but was not significant in the suxamethonium group. About 60% of the patients in each group developed a cutaneous reaction. Erythematous cutaneous reactions following atracurium were frequently associated with a mild increase in plasma histamine levels, whereas the rashes induced by suxamethonium in adolescents were not associated with changes in plasma histamine.
Structure-Activity Relationships of Benzbromarone Metabolites and Derivatives as EYA Inhibitory Anti-Angiogenic Agents

The tyrosine phosphatase activity of the phosphatase-transactivator protein Eyes Absent (EYA) is angiogenic through its roles in endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Benzbromarone, a known anti-gout agent, was previously identified as an inhibitor of EYA with anti-angiogenic properties. Here we show that the major metabolite of BBR, 6-hydroxy benzbromarone, is a significantly more potent inhibitor of cell migration, tubulogenesis and angiogenic sprouting. In contrast, other postulated metabolites of BBR such as 5-hydroxy benzbromaorne and 1’-hydroxy benzbromarone are less potent inhibitors of EYA tyrosine phosphatase activity as well as being less effective in cellular assays for endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. Longer substituents at the 2 position of the benzofuran ring promoted EYA3 binding and inhibition, but were less effective in cellular assays, likely reflecting non-specific protein binding and a resulting reduction in free, bio-available inhibitor. The observed potency of 6-hydroxy benzbromarone is relevant in the context of the potential re-purposing of benzbromarone and its derivatives as anti-angiogenic agents. 6-hydroxy benzbromarone represents a metabolite with a longer half-life and greater pharmacological potency than the parent compound, suggesting that biotransformation of benzbromarone could contribute to its therapeutic activity.
Mixed-signal VLSI microsystem for acoustic source separation

We present an architecture of a microsystem designed for the task of blind source separation of acoustic sources that impinge on the miniature microphone array. The proposed architecture implements the source separation algorithm in a unique framework that combines wavefront sensing, subband signal processing and independent component analysis. The spatial gradients of the acoustic wavefront are computed in the continuous-time domain and decomposed in the 16 subbands. In each band, we perform static independent component analysis. We demonstrate that with the proposed system architecture 13 dB separation performance is achieved in moderate reverberant environment.
Differential regulation of placental amino acid transport by saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

Fatty acids are critical for normal fetal development but may also influence placental function. We have previously reported that oleic acid (OA) stimulates amino acid transport in primary human trophoblasts (PHTs). In other tissues, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids have distinct effects on cellular signaling, for instance, palmitic acid (PA) but not OA reduces IκBα expression. We hypothesized that saturated and unsaturated fatty acids differentially affect trophoblast amino acid transport and cellular signaling. To test this hypothesis, PHTs were cultured in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 50 μM), OA (100 μM), or PA (100 μM). DHA and OA were also combined to test whether DHA could counteract the OA stimulatory effect on amino acid transport. The effects of fatty acids were compared against a vehicle control. Amino acid transport was measured by isotope-labeled tracers. Activation of inflammatory-related signaling pathways and the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway were determined by Western blot analysis. Exposure of PHTs to DHA for 24 h reduced amino acid transport and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, STAT3, mTOR, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1, and ribosomal protein (rp)S6. In contrast, OA increased amino acid transport and phosphorylation of ERK, mTOR, S6 kinase 1, and rpS6. The combination of DHA with OA increased amino acid transport and rpS6 phosphorylation. PA did not affect amino acid transport but reduced IκBα expression. In conclusion, these fatty acids differentially regulated placental amino acid transport and cellular signaling. Taken together, these findings suggest that dietary fatty acids could alter the intrauterine environment by modifying placental function, thereby having long-lasting effects on the developing fetus.
Initial orbit determination using multiple observations

A novel approach for initial orbit determination based on multiple angles-only observations is presented. The proposed technique is iterative and uses Lagrangian coefficients, f and g. The proposed method does not show singularity for the coplanar cases. In addition, the method is capable of handling multiple observations, providing higher accuracy, whereas the level of the algorithm complexity and processor running time remain almost invariant. The technique presented is compared with the Double r-iteration and Gauss’ methods using data corrupted by noise to simulate true measurements. Results show that the proposed method is a valid alternative to the classical methods of orbit determination.
Fabrication of a 50 nm half-pitch wire grid polarizer using nanoimprint lithography

We report the fabrication of a 50 nm half-pitch wire grid polarizer with high performance using nanoimprint lithography. The device is a form of aluminium gratings on a glass substrate whose size of 5.5 cm × 5.5 cm is compatible with a microdisplay panel. A stamp with a pitch of 100 nm was fabricated on a silicon substrate using laser interference lithography and sidewall patterning. The imprint and the aluminium etching processes are optimized to realize uniform aluminium gratings with aspect ratio of 4. The polarization extinction ratio of the fabricated device is over 2000, with transmission of 85% at a wavelength of 450 nm, which is the highest value ever reported. This work demonstrates that nanoimprint lithography is a unique cost-effective solution for nanopatterning requirements in consumer electronics components.
Behavior settings and the quality of life

This paper presents an overview of the concept of behavior settings and the theory and research methodology associated with it. Studies of communities and institutions interms of behavior settings are reviewed as illustrations of the usefulness of the behavior setting concept in measuring aspects of the quality of life in communities.
Environmental Sampling for Detection of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis on Large California Dairies

Abstract Environmental samples collected from each of 3 locations on 23 large California dairies were cultured to evaluate the utility of this approach for identifying herds infected with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis . Results were compared with concurrent ELISA testing of≥60 animals in each herd, and with previously performed individual and pooled fecal cultures of 60 animals. The estimated proportions of infected herds did not differ significantly among the testing methods (environmental sampling, 74%; previous fecal culture, 70%; and concurrent ELISA testing, 65%). Measures of agreement between environmental sampling and the results of previous fecal cultures were 70% (observed agreement), 85% (positive agreement), 62% (negative agreement), and 0.47 (kappa), whereas agreement between environmental sampling and concurrent ELISA testing was 65, 75, and 43%, and 0.19, for the same measures, respectively. The proportion of positive environmental samples on each farm was significantly correlated with the proportion of seropositive animals (r = 0.53), suggesting that environmental sampling may also provide a qualitative estimate of within-herd prevalence. Of the sampling locations that were evaluated, samples of lagoon water (15/23; 65%) were significantly more likely to yield a positive result than were composite manure samples (8/22; 36%) collected from the sick/fresh cow pen or from the alleyway (9/23; 39%) where cows exited from the milking parlor. Environmental sampling was an effective and inexpensive method of identifying herds infected with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis .
Certain Inevitable Relationships among the "Unipolar" Extremity Leads

It is demonstrated in this paper, both mathematically and experimentally, that the scalar sums of the three "unipolar" extremity leads when recorded with resistors of high value in the neutral network must equal zero if all the possible sources of error are eliminated. However, this fact has no bearing upon the validity of the Einthoven hypothesis or upon the theoretic concepts underlying the Wilson central terminal. In fact, when any three points are chosen at random to make a central terminal and the potential differences between each of the three points in turn and the central terminal are recorded, the scalar sum of these potential differences will invariably equal zero. It is also shown why any augmented "unipolar" extremity lead must be exactly 50 per cent greater than the respective unaugmented "unipolar" extremity lead if properly recorded.
Corrigendum to ‘Origin of terrestrial heat flow’

When my paper entitled 'Origin of terrestrial heat flow' (Vacquier 1991) was in press, R. P. Von Herzen called my attention to the paper 'Energetics of core formation' by Francis Birch (1965) in which the release of gravitational potential energy by unmixing of the iron and silicate constituting the primordial Earth was calculated to be 400calg-' of the mixture. Birch revised this figure to 600 cal g-' (Flasar & Birch 1973). Multiplying 600 cal g-' by the mass of the Earth gives a total energy production of 15 X lo3" J. The Earth's moment of inertia and seismic speeds require that the iron of the outer core be alloyed with a light element. In the present theory this element has to be oxygen coming as FeO from the silicates of the primordial mantle. The outer core contains 12.5wt. per cent, corresponding to the composition Fe,O. From this composition and the mass of the outer core we find that 100 x 10" of FeO has accreted to the core, or a little more than half of its present mass of 189 X 10"g. The energy released by this process is (100/189) X (15 x lo3") = 7.94 x lo3" J. Instead of 11.3 x lo3" in Vacquier (1991). The Flasar and Birch elegant derivation of the gravitational energy released is more accurate than mine, and will be used in the calculations given below.
Interaction between components of the human classical complement pathway and immobilized Cibacron Blue F3GA.

Abstract The interaction between the complement components in human serum and the dye, Cibacron Blue F3GA, immobilized on cross-linked agarose (Affi-Gel Blue) has been studied. All nine components of the classical complement pathway bound to the dye and could be recovered using a linear salt gradient. With the exception of C5 and C8, all the components were eluted over a narrow NaCl concentration range, with the following yields: C1, 17%; C2, 69%; C3, 92%; C4, 87%; C6, 105%; C7, 109%; C9, 128%. C5 and C8 eluted throughout the NaCl gradient with yields of 103% and 14%, respectively. Since all components could be eluted without substantial contamination by albumin or IgG, this procedure may prove valuable as an initial step in the purification of complement components. In addition, the ability of immobilized Cibacron Blue F3GA to physically remove complement components may prove useful for both the decomplementation of serum and in elucidating the role of complement in immunological reactions.
High density frequency-domain optical recording

Frequency-domain optical recording based on the phenomenon of persistent spectral hole burning permits very high storage densities in excess of 109 bits/cm2 and very fast data access times through the combined use of spatial and spectral data storage. This paper reviews recent advances in the development of storage materials and describes exploratory investigations of technological issues of frequency-domain optical recording such as simultaneous high-density spatial and spectral recording and fast data readout.
Adjustment-based modeling for statistical static timing analysis with high dimension of variability

This paper presents an adjustment-based modeling framework for statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) when the dimension of parameter variability is high. Instead of building a complex model between the circuit timing and parameter variability, we build a model which adjusts an approximate variation-aware timing into an accurate one. The intuition is that it is simpler to build a model which adjusts an approximate estimate into an accurate one. It is also more efficient to obtain an approximate circuit timing model. The combination of these two observations makes the use of an adjustment-based model a good choice for SSTA with high dimension of parameter variability. To build the adjustment model, we use a simulation-based approach, which is based on Gaussian Process. Combined with intelligent sampling, we show that an adjustment-based model can more effectively capture the nonlinearity of the circuit timing with respect to parameter variability compared to polynomial modeling. We also show that with only 200 samples of the circuit timing and 42 independent parameter variations, adjustment-based modeling obtains higher accuracy than direct SSTA using quadratic modeling.