cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Test for the Detection of Lactic Bacteriophage Using 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride

Summary In this study, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) was used to measure inhibition of lactic cultures by bacteriophage. The procedure follows: Place 8.7ml. of 10% sterile reconstituted nonfat dry milk (NDM) in each of two sterile test tubes. To each tube add 0.2ml. of a lactic culture diluted 1:1 with sterile 10% NDM. Add 1ml. of serially diluted phage nitrate to one tube. To the other tube, remaining as the control, add 1ml. of sterile distilled water. Place sterile rubber stoppers in the tubes and invert twice to mix the contents. Incubate the tests for 4 hr. at 32° C. in a water bath. Add 0.1ml. of 1:25 aqueous solution of TTC per tube. Invert the tubes twice and incubate again for 30min. at 32° C. Compare the color in the tube with added filtrate to the control tube. If less color is developed than in the control, inhibition has occurred. Results of this test are available in 4.5 hr. Its sensitivity for bacteriophage is comparable, and in some cases better, than a litmus milk test (8) requiring from 12 to 16 hr. With mixed-strain lactic starter cultures, the TTC test indicates some cases of phage inhibition in 4.5 hr. that are not evident after extended incubation in the litmus milk test. By using unheated filtrate and filtrate heated to 80° C. for 10min., this test can be used to distinguish between inhibition of lactic cultures caused by heat-stable inhibitors and bacteriophage.
Viser: providing serializability in hardware with simplified cache coherence

While existing architectures like x86 and SPARC provide strong hardware memory consistency models, such as TSO, programming language memory models are more relaxed. This divide nullifies the usefulness of providing strong hardware memory models, since languages and compilers provide a weaker guarantee. Moreover, current shared memory systems implement complex cache coherence protocols which add to the complexity. This work proposes a microarchitecture, called Viser, that ensures strong semantics---serializability of synchronization-free regions (SFRs)---in the absence of region conflicts even for racy program executions. Given an execution, Viser either reports a serializability violation or guarantees SFR-serializability, in effect providing the same guarantees provided by languages such as C++ and Java for data-race-free programs only. Viser's design also allows for greatly simplifying existing cache coherence protocols, without requiring any assumptions about language-level properties such as data-race-freedom.
Bladder tumors : molecular aspects and clinical management

1. Epidemiology of Bladder Cancer, Maria Ribal 2. Bladder Carcinogenesis and Molecular Pathways, Vinata Lokeshwar 3. Pathology of Bladder Tumors, Arndt Hartmann 4. Bladder cancer diagnosis and detection, Fred Witjes 5. Urine Cytology, DNA Ploidy and current approaches, Eva Wojick 6. Molecular signatures of bladder cancer, Getzenberg 7. Economics of bladder cancer diagnosis and surveillance, Yair Lotan 8. Prognostic Markers for bladder cancer, Habuchi 9. Molecular Nomograms for predicting prognosis and treatment response, Theodorescu 10. Practical Approaches to the Management of Superficial Bladder Cancer, Levy and Jones 11. Clinical management of Low-grade bladder tumors, Oosterlink 12. Treatment of Low-grade tumors, Allaparthi and Balaji 13. Intravesical Chemotherapy, Soloway 14. Intravesical Immunotherapy: BCG, G. Hemstreet 15. Cystectomy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, Axel Merseburger 16. Radical surgery, Juergen Gschwend 17. Urinary Diversion, Stefan Hautmann 18. Laparoscopic cystectomy, Hubert John 19. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Amir Sherif 20. Upper tract tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment, Mesut Remzi 21. Chemotherapy for metastatic bladder cancer, Maria De Santis 22. Non-TCC tumors: Diagnosis and treatment, Hassan Abol-Enein
Oculocutaneous Albinism Associated with Apert's Syndrome

Five of nine patients with Apert's syndrome (acrocephalosyndactyly) showed an associated hypopigmentation of hair, skin, and eyes. The hair color of these five patients ranged from light brown to blond, the skin was pale, and the irides hazel or blue. Iris transillumination and hypopigmentation of the fundus were present and associated with absent or diffuse foveal reflexes. Unlike most forms of classic oculocutaneous albinism, however, there was good visual acuity and no pendular nystagmus. The evidence indicated that the lack of pigmentation associated with the characteristic skeletal anomalies of Apert's syndrome resulted from a disturbance of independent, genetically related, processes occurring at a common point in gestation.
Pathologic features associated with resolution of complex atypical hyperplasia and grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma after progestin therapy.

Abstract Objective To determine the response of complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) and well differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterus (WDC) to progestin therapy and whether pre-treatment estrogen and progesterone receptor status predicts outcome. Methods We performed a retrospective review encompassing women treated with progestin therapy for CAH or WDC at two institutions. Clinicopathologic, treatment, and recurrence data were recorded. Pre/post-treatment pathologic evaluation was performed. SAS 9.2 was used for statistical analyses. Results Forty-six patients were included. The median age was 35, and median BMI was 36.9. Thirty-seven percent were diagnosed with CAH and 63% had WDC. Megestrol acetate was the most commonly used agent (89%); 24% received multiple progestin therapies. Median treatment length was 6months (range, 1–84); 36% of the patients underwent eventual hysterectomy, and 17.4% had carcinoma in their uterine specimens (8 primary endometrial, 1 primary ovarian). After a median follow-up of 35months (range, 2–162), 65% experienced a complete response (CR), 28% had persistent or progressive disease, and 23% had a CR followed by recurrence. On univariate analysis, decreased post-treatment glandular cellularity ( p =0.0006), absence of post-treatment mitotic figures ( p =0.0008), and use of multiple progestin agents ( p =0.025) were associated with CR; however, only decreased glandular cellularity was significant on multivariate analysis ( p =0.007). Estrogen and progesterone receptor expression was not associated with treatment response. Conclusion In women with CAH or WDC, the overall response rate to progestin therapy was 65%; pre-treatment estrogen/progesterone receptor status did not predict response to treatment.
Efficient storage of nonadaptive routing tables

An algorithm for improving storage utilization for nonadaptive routing tables in point-to-point networks is presented. It allows storage vs. access time tradeoffs. The algorithm is quite general, and it can be used for other applications to improve storage in tree-like structures. The algorithm was applied to the UUCP routing tables resulting in a threefold storage improvement.
Tasks for assessing memory for temporal order versus memory for items in aging.

Younger and older adults were compared on new tests for item and temporal memory suitable for use in future electrophysiological or neuroimaging studies. Following a series of 10 simple line drawings, 4-choice panels containing two previously seen targets and two novel distractors appeared. Participants identified which pictures had been seen previously (item), or which of the items was presented earliest (temporal order). Performance of younger adults was superior to that of older adults. Memory for item and temporal order were equivalent in the younger group. In contrast, the item memory of the older group was superior to memory for temporal order, confirming previous evidence of differential impairment of memory for temporal order with age.
Early experiences with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: our first 70 cases.

Study Design. Prospective consecutive series. Objective. Analysis of the results and outcomes of patients treated with video-assisted troracoscopic surgery for spinal pathology. Summary of Background Data. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is an alternative to open thoracotomy. It has been suggested that the learning curve is substantial. The authors present their early experience in treating a variety of spinal pathologies with this technique. Methods. Seventy cases were available at the 2-year follow-up. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with tire goal of anterior spinal release and fusion was carried out on patients with the following diagnoses: idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular spinal deformity, Scheuermann kyphosis, congenital and infantile scoliosis, neurofibromatosis, Marfan syndrome, postradiation scoliosis, and repair or pseudarthrosis. Three patients had excision of the first rib to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. Two patients had excision of intrathoracic neurolibroma and a benign rib tumor. One had anterior fusion following thoracic spine fracture-dislocation. Results. The average operative time for the thoracoscopic anterior release with discectomy and fusion procedure was 256 minutes (range 150-405 minutes). The average number of discs excised was 8 (range 4-11 discs). The average operative time per disc was 32.5 minutes (range 20-45 minutes). The average blood loss during the thoracoscopic anterior release with diskectomy and fusion was 285 mL (range 150-405 mL). Final postoperative scoliosis and kyphosis corrections were 68% grange 41-91%) and 90% (range 47-100%), respectively. Complications related to thoracoscopy occurred in 3 patients. All deformity patients had evidence of anterior fusion radiographically. Conclusion. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery provides a safe and effective alternative to open thoracotomy in the treatment of thoracic pediatric spinal deformities. The procedure remains time consuming.
Placental dysfunction disorders across generations: Wikström et al

506 American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology W omen who were the product of a difficult pregnancy may find hat medical history repeats itself when hey become pregnant. A new study by ikstrom et al examined whether the isk for disorders of placentation in regnancy—preeclampsia, placental abuption, spontaneous preterm birth, and tillbirth—was higher when 1 parent had een born small for gestational age (SGA), nother outcome related to abnormal plaentation. An intergenerational linkage ould suggest a genetic predisposition to hese complications. If a true hereditary endency did exist, genetic technologies ould be help pinpoint useful treatments. ournal Club members agreed the work as important, considering the prevalence nd morbidity of these conditions.
Atrazine contamination of groundwater in the platte valley of Nebraska from non-point sources

Abstract Groundwater under large portions of the corn ( Zea mays L.) producing areas of the state of Nebraska is contaminated with trace levels of atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)- s -triazine]. Concentrations generally range between 200 and 800 nanograms/liter (ppt), which is well below the levels that would damage even the most sensitive crops. Downward leaching appears to be the predominate route by which atrazine is entering into the aquifers. Studies with soil extractors, established beneath a corn field irrigated with a center pivot system, indicate that 0.07% of the atrazine applied to the soil surface leached to 1.5 m below the surface by the end of the growing season. Groundwater atrazine in wells increased by 0.7 ppb from the up gradient to the down gradient side of the treated field. Dissipation of atrazine, once it has entered into the aquifer is due to dilution and dispersion, and to a small amount of chemical hydrolysis resulting in the production of hydroxy-atrazine. Mathematical models indicate that the trace amounts of atrazine seasonally entering the aquifer are not cumulative since degradation is effectively keeping the level of contamination well below the levels of phytotoxicity.
A statistical approach to the study of phase equilibria in multicomponent systems

Abstract Eigenvalues and eigenvectors obtained from correlation coefficient matrix of a multicomponent multiphase system are used for the diagrammatic representation of the system. On such representations, it is possible to plot certain relative positions of all coexisting minerals as well as of the components. Tie lines joining points representing a pair of coexisting minerals in such figures are significant in the same way as they are in the concentration diagrams (Gibbs triangle for instance) but with the added advantage that they now represent the influence of all the components in the system. Diagrammatic representation of phase equilibria in charnockites from Varberg, Madras, Uusimaa and in certain metamorphosed iron formations from Quebec is made by using this statistical approach.
Biological membrane structure as "seen" by X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques.

The elastic X-ray/neutron diffraction techniques described in this review are currently capable of providing substantial information concerning the time-averaged structures and intermolecular ordering of molecular components within a dynamic membrane structure. In addition, the time resolution of the elastic X-ray diffraction technique, afforded by intense synchrotron and laser plasma X-ray sources, now permits this structural information to be obtained over a range of time scales from nanoseconds to milliseconds and upwards following an excitation of the membrane system. This time-averaged and time-resolved structural information may provide considerable insight into structure-function relationships in biological membranes and, especially when combined with structural information on the membrane proteins involved at atomic resolution, may provide this insight at the atomic level.
An optical probe for micromachine performance analysis

Understanding the mechanisms that impact the performance of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) is essential to the development of optimized designs and fabrication processes, as well as the qualification of devices for commercial applications. Silicon micromachines include engines that consist of orthogonally oriented linear comb drive actuators mechanically connected to a rotating gear. These gears are as small as 50 {mu}m in diameter and can be driven at rotation rates exceeding 300,000 rpm. Optical techniques offer the potential for measuring long term statistical performance data and transient responses needed to optimize designs and manufacturing techniques. We describe the development of Micromachine Optical Probe (MOP) technology for the evaluation of micromachine performance. The MOP approach is based on the detection of optical signals scattered by the gear teeth or other physical structures. We present experimental results obtained with a prototype optical probe and micromachines developed at Sandia National Laboratories.
A model for interband electroreflectance in polyvalent nearly-free-electron metals, with application to Pb

Abstract The interband contribution to the electroreflectance spectrum of Pb has been calculated with a model based on the optical properties of nearly-free-electron polyvalent metals. For such metals parallel band interband transitions dominate. The modulation arises from the uncertainty in wave vector parallel to the applied electric field, which then is simulated by a decrease in interband relaxation time. The model, although lacking microscopic justification, fits the electroreflectance spectra of Pb obtained at two angles of incidence for each of two polarizations using essentially only two fitting parameters, the depth of the modulated region and the (average) field-induced change in the interband relaxation time in this region. The model should be equally applicable to Mg, Al, In, Ga, and Tl.
Current status of total mesorectal excision and autonomic nerve preservation in rectal cancer.

Two decades have passed since the late 1970s, which witnessed the introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME)-based operations for rectal cancers on both sides of the Atlantic. Since the introduction of TME, clinical experience has been reported widely in the form of single- and multisurgeon reports from wide geographic regions with multiple participants, and from specialty services with narrow focus and high levels of expertise. All of these published results conclude that in comparison with conventionally practiced blunt surgery for rectal cancer, TME-based (i.e., anatomically correct, sharply performed) operations are associated with significantly lower rates of pelvic (local) recurrences, a significantly higher rate of survival, and significantly lower long-term morbidity. The latter is accomplished through dramatically higher rates of sphincter preservation, and the preservation of both sexual and urinary functions. Overall, there is a remarkable similarity in the clinical results that have been reported from diverse centers. TME now forms the basis of large randomized clinical trials in which the role of adjuvant therapy is being reexamined. The current status of TME is reviewed, and the authors’ clinical results of a consecutive series of 544 TME-based operations performed through 1998 are updated. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 19:321–328, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
“Baby riots” and “eight-hour orphans”: A comparison of the images of child care in British and U.S. popular magazines during World War II

Abstract A comparison of popular magazine images of child day care services in the United States and Great Britain during World War II provide a baseline for later generations. The British magazine depiction of women marching to demand child care in “Baby Riots” and U.S. magazine depictions of children in all-day care as “Eight-hour orphans” capture the needs of both mothers and children as the cultures continue to develop day care today. The child care images for both countries were predominantly custodial, but educational images existed as the ideal in the democratic societies where education is publicly funded.
Operational normality of α-chymotrypsin solutions by a sensitive potentiometric technique using a fluoride electrode

Abstract A simple, direct titration of active α-chymotrypsin, making use of a fluoride ion electrode and a pH meter, has been described. It makes possible measurements of as little as 0.03 μmole of enzyme with about 3% precision. The method uses the specific reagent diphenylcarbamyl fluoride, which inactivates chymotrypsin to yield one mole of F − per mole of active enzyme. The technique is three times more sensitive than previously described methods (1–3), with the added possibility of extending its sensitivity further.
What are race conditions?: Some issues and formalizations

In shared-memory parallel programs that use explicit synchronization, race conditions result when accesses to shared memory are not properly synchronized. Race conditions are often considered to be manifestations of bugs, since their presence can cause the program to behave unexpectedly. Unfortunately, there has been little agreement in the literature as to precisely what constitutes a race condition. Two different notions have been implicitly considered: one pertaining to programs intended to be deterministic (which we call general races) and the other to nondeterministic programs containing critical sections (which we call data races). However, the differences between general races and data races have not yet been recognized. This paper examines these differences by characterizing races using a formal model and exploring their properties. We show that two variations of each type of race exist: feasible general races and data races capture the intuitive notions desired for debugging and apparent races capture less accurate notions implicitly assumed by most dynamic race detection methods. We also show that locating feasible races is an NP-hard problem, implying that only the apparent races, which are approximations to feasible races, can be detected in practice. The complexity of dynamically locating apparent races depends on the type of synchronization used by the program. Apparent races can be exhaustively located efficiently only for weak types of synchronization that are incapable of implementing mutual exclusion. This result has important implications since we argue that debugging general races requires exhaustive race detection and is inherently harder than debugging data races (which requires only partial race detection). Programs containing data races can therefore be efficiently debugged by locating certain easily identifiable races. In contrast, programs containing general races require more complex debugging techniques.
Physiological determinants of endurance exercise performance.

Performance in endurance events is typically evaluated by the power or velocity that can be maintained for durations of 30 min. to four hours. The two main by-products of intense and prolonged oxidative metabolism that can limit performance are the accumulation of hydrogen ion (i.e. lactic acidosis) and heat (i.e. hyperthermia). A model for endurance performance is presented that revolves around identification of the lactate threshold velocity which is presented as a function of numerous morphological components as well as gross mechanical efficiency. When cycling at 80 RPM, gross mechanical efficiency is positively related to Type I muscle fiber composition, which has great potential to improve endurance performance. Endurance performance can also be influenced by altering the availability of oxygen and blood glucose during exercise. The latter need forms the basis for ingesting carbohydrate at 30–60 grams per hour during exercise. In laboratory simulations of performance, athletes fatigue due to hyperthermia when esophageal is approximately 40°C, in association with near maximal heart rate and perceived exertion. It is likely that the central nervous system is involved in the aetiology of fatigue from hyperthermia. Dehydration during exercise promotes hyperthermia by reducing skin blood flow, sweating rate and thus heat dissipation. The combination of dehydration and hyperthermia during exercise causes large reductions in cardiac output and blood flow to the exercising musculature, and thus has a large potential to impair endurance performance. Endurance performance is optimized when training is aimed specifically at developing individual components of the model presented and nutritional supplementation prevents hypoglycemia and attenuates dehydration and hyperthermia. Indeed, the challenge at the transition to a new millennium is to synergistically integrate these physiological factors in training and competition.
Cohort Differences in the Structure and Outcomes of an African American Belief System

The authors examine the structure of African American belief systems across different age strata or cohorts. The authors speculate that, because of negative categorical treatment on the part of the dominant culture, African Americans in different age cohorts possess and share a common schemalike set of beliefs, culminating in “double consciousness.” The results demonstrate substantial similarity across age cohorts of African Americans in their understanding of these belief systems and their tendency to share a strong sense of group attachment and self-worth. The results also indicate substantial overall mean differences in age groups. Further, the authors found that the different constructs of these belief systems relate differentially to an individual’s sense of well-being and system orientation for those who came of age during the Civil Rights era, especially as compared to those who were socialized during an earlier era.
How communication medium and message format affect corrective advertising

The medium through which a firm transmits corrective messages to consumers deceived by its advertisements may influence how effectively such messages eradicate relevant residual advertising deception. The format in which corrective messages are presented may also have comparable effects on the performance of the messages. Conceptual literature and empirical data regarding independent effects of the above variables, namely medium and format, as well as the effects of their interaction on corrective advertising are reviewed, analyzed and discussed in this paper. The empirical results reported are based on data from a controlled experiment which is also amply discussed in the paper.
Assessing hydrography and man's influence on sediments in the northern Suez Canal

Abstract This study identifies the distribution of water masses and surficial sediment texture in the northern part of the Suez Canal after its reopening and just before completion of the widening and deepening project which took place in 1980. The investigation compares the results of a hydrographic-bottom sediment texture survey made in June 1979 with a comprehensive analysis of Canal mineralogical-sedimentological provinces made at about the same time, in April 1980. The two studies, conducted independently, provide a basis for assessing the role of hydrography versus that of dredging and ship traffic on the distribution of surficial sediments in this part of the Canal. Although Mediterranean water flowing into the Canal carries some sediment of Nile-Mediterranean derivation, it is a considerably less significant factor than anthropogenic influences on sediment dispersal.
Amoebae as sources of hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Abstract Pulmonary hypersensitivity has been associated with inhalation of many diverse occupational and environmental airborne agents. Of biological materials, spores of thermophilic actinomycetes have been recognized frequently as causative agents of the disease. Amoebae have rarely been associated with inhalation hypersensitivity. However, recent isolation of several species of amoebae from heated humidification systems in homes and factories has prompted concern for the role of amoebae in hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In this study, an animal model was employed to investigate hypersensitivity to nonpathogenic Naegleria gruberi . Guinea pigs were sensitized by injection of axenic as well as nonaxenic N. gruberi emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant. Animals were evaluated for three distinguishing characteristics of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Delayed-onset skin reactivity was apparent in all animals upon intradermal challenge with N. gruberi antigen. Test sites on animals sensitized with axenic N. gruberi developed extensive rashes lasting 96 h. Antibodies were detected in experimental animals. However, antibodies in animals sensitized with nonaxenic N. gruberi were directed mainly toward the bacteria Enterobacter aerogenes , which was used as the feeder culture. This finding points out the importance of using axenic cultures of amoebae. Bronchial provocation challenge was employed to investigate pulmonary hypersensitivity. Animals sensitized with axenic N. gruberi displayed delayed-onset respiratory responses beginning 6 h post challenge. The study indicates that attention should be given to nonpathogenic free living amoebae as causative agents of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
The role of intraoperative frozen section if suspicious for papillary thyroid cancer.

Background: Optimal surgical intervention is straightforward when a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is diagnostic for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). However, if there are characteristics of an aspira...
The BF3 and B(C6F5)3-catalyzed 1,3-isomerization of allylic stannanes

Abstract A spectroscopic and chemical study of the stereospecific B(C6F5)3-catalyzed 1,3-isomerization of (E,S)-1-methoxymethoxy-2-butenyl tributylstannane to (Z,S)-1-methyl-3-methoxymethoxy-2-propenyl tributylstannane is described. A pathway involving an intermediate B(C6F5)3 adduct is proposed based upon 1H- and 119Sn-NMR data. Analogous spectral evidence was not observed in the seemingly related BF3·OEt2-catalyzed isomerization. However, the similar product ratios obtained in B(C6F5)3 and BF3·OEt2-promoted additions of the latter stannane to o- and p-methoxybenzaldehyde reveals a close similarity between the two and prompts speculation that the BF3·OEt2-catalyzed 1,3-isomerization proceeds by an analogous pathway. A pathway for the B(C6F5)3-promoted addition of allylic stannanes to o-methoxybenzaldehyde is also presented.
Reproduction of the nassau grouper, Epinephelus striatus (Pisces : Serranidae) and its relationship to environmental conditions

Spawning aggregations of the Nassau grouper, Epinephelus striatus, occurring at the southern end of Long Island were investigated during the winters of 1987–1988 and 1988–1989. Fish aggregate at two specific sites around the time of the full moon in December and January, possibly not during November and almost certainly not during February. At one site the fish aggregate well inside the shelf edge while at the other they are on the dropoff into deep water. Fish migrate, probably as distinct groups of up to about 500 individuals, to the sites on or before the full moon and remain for several days. There was no significant difference in the size of males and females caught from the aggregations between years or months. Female/male sex ratio was between 5 : 1 and 3 : 1. Courtship occurred in late afternoon with spawning commencing shortly before sunset. Most spawning occurred within 10 min of sunset. Water temperatures were 25.0–25.5°C during a period of gradual decrease towards the annual minimum in February and March. Two color patterns were important in courtship and spawning. The ‘bicolor’ pattern is a submissive coloration indicating a non-aggressive state acquired by both males and females near the time of spawning. The ‘dark’ phase is acquired by females who are followed by numerous bicolor fish during courtship and they lead spawning events in this pattern. Spawning occurred among subgroups of the aggregation numbering 3–25 fish; gamete release was well above the bottom. Drogues deployed with the gametes either moved inshore or did not move far away from the shelf edge over the course of several days. Nassau groupers may not strictly be protogynous hermaphrodites and other groupers which form spawning aggregations may not be so either. Latitudinal shifts in spawning time may be related to water temperatures. Currents at aggregation sites do not appear to favor offshore transport of eggs. Questions of whether spawning aggregations should be protected need to be answered.
A Three Stage Integrative Pathway Search ( TIPS © ) framework to identify toxicity relevant genes and pathways

The ability to obtain profiles of gene expressions, proteins and metabolites with the advent of high throughput technologies has advanced the study of pathway and network reconstruction. Genome-wide network reconstruction requires either interaction measurements or large amount of perturbation data, often not available for mammalian cell systems. To overcome these shortcomings, we developed a Three Stage Integrative Pathway Search (TIPS©) approach to reconstruct context-specific active pathways involved in conferring a specific phenotype, from limited amount of perturbation data. The approach was tested on human liver cells to identify pathways that confer cytotoxicity. This paper presents a systems approach that integrates gene expression and cytotoxicity profiles to identify a network of pathways involved in free fatty acid (FFA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induced cytotoxicity in human hepatoblastoma cells (HepG2/C3A). Cytotoxicity relevant genes were first identified and then used to reconstruct a network using Bayesian network (BN) analysis. BN inference was used subsequently to predict the effects of perturbing a gene on the other genes in the network and on the cytotoxicity. These predictions were subsequently confirmed through the published literature and further experiments. The TIPS© approach is able to reconstruct active pathways that confer a particular phenotype by integrating gene expression and phenotypic profiles. A web-based version of TIPS© that performs the analysis described herein can be accessed at http://www.egr.msu.edu/tips .
The Effect of Maternal Language on Bilingual Children's Vocabulary and Emergent Literacy Development During Head Start and Kindergarten

This investigation examined the impact of maternal language and children's gender on bilingual children's vocabulary and emergent literacy development during 2 years in Head Start and kindergarten. Seventy-two mothers and their children who attended English immersion programs participated. Questionnaires administered annually over a 3-year period revealed that mothers increased their usage of English to their children. In addition, more mothers of sons reported using “More or All English” with their children than mothers of daughters. Growth curve modeling indicated that increased usage of English did not impact children's English vocabulary or emergent literacy development. However, increased usage of English slowed the growth of children's Spanish vocabulary. Despite differences in mother-to-child language usage, gender did not impact growth in either language. These findings provide evidence that maternal usage of Spanish does not negatively affect children's developing English vocabulary or emergent l...
Differences in cell division and thymidine incorporation with rat and primate fibroblasts in collagen lattices.

Abstract Human and gorilla dermal fibroblasts, primate cells, suspended in a collagen lattice, do not divide for the first 3 days. In contrast, rat fibroblasts divide within 24 hr. In this study, the proliferation of rat fibroblasts were compared to primate fibroblasts. Rat fibroblasts in monolayer culture increase from 100,000 to 355,000 in 2 days, and human cells increase from 100,000 to 436,000 in the same period. An initial seeding of 100,000 rat fibroblasts suspended in collagen increased to 163,000 cells in 2 days. An initial 100,000 human fibroblasts seeded in collagen decreased to 80,000 cells in 2 days. Retarded proliferation of human and gorilla fibroblasts in collagen is unrelated to a defect in DNA synthesis. By autoradiography human fibroblasts suspended in collagen incorporate labelled thymidine. By flow cytometry analysis, the DNA concentrations of human fibroblasts suspended in collagen exhibited 41% in a 4N chromosome state, compared to 14% in monolayer culture. Nuclei of gorilla fibroblasts from collagen displayed 42% in a 4N state, compared to 19% in monolayer culture. With nuclei of rat fibroblasts from collagen, 14% were in a 4N state, compared to 9% in monolayer culture. Primate fibroblasts show a three-fold increase in the number of nuclei in a 4N state compared to rat fibroblasts suspended in collagen. After replating fibroblasts released from collagen in monolayer culture in the presence of 1 mM hydroxyurea (an inhibitor of DNA synthesis) primate fibroblasts doubled in 24 hr. Under identical conditions, rat fibroblasts showed no cell division. Primate cells suspended in collagen have completed DNA synthesis but show a delay in cell division, indicating fibroblasts are arrested in G2 of the cell cycle. Polymerized collagen produces a physical constraint on primate fibroblasts which retards these cells from entering mitosis. In contrast rat fibroblasts show no constraint and readily enter mitosis upon completion of DNA synthesis.
Human-data based cost of bipedal robotic walking

This paper proposes a cost function constructed from human data, the human-based cost, which is used to gauge the "human-like" nature of robotic walking. This cost function is constructed by utilizing motion capture data from a 9 subject straight line walking experiment. Employing a novel technique to process the data, we determine the times when the number of contact points change during the course of a step which automatically determines the ordering of discrete events or the domain breakdown along with the amount of time spent in each domain. The result is a weighted graph or walking cycle, associated with each of the subjects walking gaits. Finding a weighted cycle that minimizes the cut distance between this collection of graphs produces an optimal or universal domain graph for walking together with an optimal walking cycle. In essence, we find a single domain graph and the time spent in each domain that yields the most "natural" and "human-like" bipedal walking. The human-based cost is then defined as the cut distance from this optimal gait. The main findings of this paper are two-fold: (1) when the human-based cost is computed for subjects in the experiment it detects medical conditions that result in aberrations in their walking, and (2) when the human-based cost is computed for existing robotic models the more human-like walking gaits are correctly identified.
Credit Access for High-Risk Borrowers in Financially Concentrated Markets: Do SBA Loan Guarantees Help?

The Small Business Administration's (SBA) loan guarantee program was established to correct financial capital market inefficiencies and improve small business access to financial capital. However, the SBA loan guarantee program has been criticized for its failure to improve the performance of financial capital markets available to small businesses. This study considers the financial capital market failure created by lenders' monopoly power (specifically, financial market concentration) in financial capital markets. Based on this potential market failure, a model is derived to evaluate the behavior of lenders and borrowers in financial capital markets. Using the national Survey of Small Business Finance, this study compares the financial characteristics of small business borrowers with and without SBA loan guarantees, and provides a qualitative assessment of the SBA's ability to correct financial capital market inefficiencies. When considering only the interaction between borrower quality and the degree of financial market concentration, high-risk borrowers in high concentration financial markets have a higher probability of receiving an SBA loan guarantee than low-risk borrowers in low concentration financial markets. However, when other factors influencing the demand for financial capital are included in the model, only the borrower attributes (credit risk and age) are significant. While the SBA loan guarantee program appears to partially mitigate the effects of the market failure caused by financial market concentration for high-risk borrowers, the program appears to be better designed to address borrower risk, rather than credit market failure.
Mitochondrial Multiplex Real-Time PCR as a Source Tracking Method in Fecal-Contaminated Effluents

Multiplex real-time PCR amplifying fecal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) combined with rapid, crude DNA preparations are promising additions to surface water source tracking methods. Amplification of eukaryotic mitochondrial DNA identifies the fecal source directly and can be used in conjunction with other intestinal microbial methods to characterize effluents. Species-specific primers and dual-labeled probes for human, swine, and bovine NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) genes were created for multiplex real-time PCR in feces and effluent slurries. The linear range of the multiplex assay was 10(2)-10(7) mtDNA copies for human, bovine, and swine effluent in combination (equal volumes). PCR amplification efficiencies for bovine, human, and swine mtDNA when assayed in combination were 93, 107, and 92% respectively. Linear regression correlation coefficients (r2) were 0.99 for all standard curves except for human mtDNA in combination (r2 = 0.95). Multiplex amplification of bovine, human, and swine mtDNA (ND5) exhibited no cross-reactions between the effluents from three species of interest. Also, no cross-reactions were observed with effluents of other vertebrates: sheep, goat, horse, dog, cat, Canada goose, broiler, layer, turkey, and tilapia. Performed as a blind test, the PCR operator was able to correctly identify all but two effluent challenge samples (10/12 or 83% correct) with no false positives (22/22 or 100% correct). The multiplex assay had a tendency to detect the species of highest mtDNA concentration only. Better detection of all three species in a combination of human, bovine, and swine effluents was accomplished by running each real-time PCR primer/ probe set singly. Real-time PCR detection limit was calculated as 2.0 x 10(6) mitochondrial copies or 0.2 g of human feces per 100 mL effluent. Some carry-over mtDNA PCR signal from consumed beef, but not pork, was found in feces of human volunteers.
Replacing design rules in the VLSI design cycle

We make a case for the migration of Design Rule Check (DRC), the first step in the modern VLSI design process, to a model-based system. DRC uses a large set of rules to determine permitted designs. We argue that it is a legacy of the past: slow, labor intensive, ad-hoc, inaccurate and too restrictive. We envisage the replacement of DRC and printability simulation by a signal processing and machine learning-based approach for 22nm technology nodes and beyond. Such a process would produce fast, accurate, autonomous printability prediction for optical lithography. As such, we built a proof-of-concept demonstrator that can predict OPC problems using a trained classifier without the need to fall back on costly first-principle simulation. For one sample test site, and for the OPC Line Width error type OPC violation marker, the demonstrator obtained an Equal Error Rate of ca. 4%.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Acquisition and Spreadsheet Analysis of Real Time Dust Exposure Data: A Case Study

Abstract Personal sampling with a light-scattering monitor connected to a data logger has been used to evaluate the effectiveness of a high-velocity, low-volume (HVLV) sander hood used in a plant manufacturing reinforced plastics. Exposures to sanding dust were determined for two workers, one using a sander with a hood, the other using a sander with none. Both workers were partners in a two-person team sanding a truck hood and fender assembly. Side-by-side filter sampling was conducted to calibrate the aerosol monitor. Data logger output for each worker was combined into a single spreadsheet program. Simultaneous video recording allowed worker activity variables (sanding, compressed air blowing, and other) to be coded onto the spreadsheet, which permitted calculation of the contribution of each activity to each worker's dose of dust. The computerized data acquisition system permitted identifying activities that change worker exposures through review of the work cycle while tracking worker exposures. Thoug...
Measurements of the Diffusion Coefficient for Soot Particles in Flames

Diffusion coefficients for soot particles were measured in a flame with use of a dynamic-light-scattering technique. Experimental measurements for particle Knudsen numbers in the range from 10 to 75 are in good agreement with the results of kinetictheory calculations.
Comparison of arsenic and molybdenum geochemistry in meromictic lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica: Implications for oxyanion-forming trace element behavior in permanently stratified lakes

Abstract Water samples were collected for arsenic (As) and molybdenum (Mo) analysis from different depths in Lakes Hoare and Fryxell, both of which are located in the Taylor Valley within the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica. Sampling depths within each lake were chosen to capture variations in As and Mo concentrations and As speciation in the oxic mixolimnia and anoxic monimolimnia of these meromictic lakes. Arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.67 nmol kg − 1 to 3.54 nmol kg − 1 in Lake Hoare and from 1.69 nmol kg − 1 to 17.5 nmol kg − 1 in Lake Fryxell. Molybdenum concentrations varied between 5.05 nmol kg − 1 and 43 nmol kg − 1 in Lake Hoare, and between 3.52 nmol kg − 1 and 25.5 nmol kg − 1 in Lake Fryxell. Concentrations of As and Mo generally increased with depth in the mixolimnion of each lake, consistent with uptake near the ice–water interface by organic particles and/or Fe/Mn oxides/oxyhydroxides, followed by gravitational settling and regeneration/remineralization at depth in the vicinity of the redoxcline. Arsenic concentrations either remained constant (Hoare) or increased with depth (Fryxell) in the anoxic monimolimnia, whereas Mo exhibited dramatic decreases in concentrations across the redoxcline in both lakes. Geochemical modeling predicts that As and Mo occur as thioanions in the anoxic bottom waters of Lakes Hoare and Fryxell, and further that the contrasting behavior of both trace elements reflects the respective reactivity of their thioanions towards Fe-sulfide minerals such as mackinawite (FeS) and/or pyrite (FeS 2 ). More specifically, the geochemical model suggests that Fe-sulfide mineral precipitation in the anoxic monimolimnia of both lakes regulates dissolved sulfide concentrations at levels that are too low for As-sulfide minerals (e.g., orpiment, realgar) to precipitate, whereas mackinawite and/or pyrite react(s) with particle reactive thiomolybdate anions, possibly forming an Fe–Mo–S mineral that precipitates and, hence, leads to Mo removal from solution.
Understanding the performance and loss-mechanisms in donor–acceptor polymer based solar cells: Photocurrent generation, charge separation and carrier transport

Advances in bandgap and molecular spectral engineering have led to color-tunable donor–acceptor (DA) polymers for use in esthetically colored bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) photovoltaic devices where control and optimization of the physical processes governing their operation is necessary to realize high efficiency. We detail a study of the processes of photogeneration of charge carriers, their separation at the DA heterojunctions and their transport in solar cells fabricated from a series of dioxythiophene–benzothiadiazole (DOT–BTD) copolymers (PG1–PG3) as the electron donor and methanofullerene (PCBM) derivatives as the electron acceptor. We also examine the effect of the blend composition on carrier transport and photoresponse. The photogeneration of carriers and their dissociation increases with increase in concentration of the acceptor and peaks at ∼88% of PCBM. Measurements on single-carrier devices show that hole mobility in the polymer phase of the blends is enhanced by up to two orders at compositions having >80% of PCBM by weight. However, even at the optimized composition, the electron mobility in the blend is two orders of magnitude higher than the hole mobility. This largely imbalanced carrier transport results in the build-up of space-charges, limiting the efficiency of charge separation at short-circuit (∼53%) and the fill factor (<45%). To highlight the importance of attaining charge balance in BHJ DA blends for photovoltaics, we further investigate and compare solar cells from two model polymers, a low bandgap DA polymer (PSBTBT) and poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT), blended with PCBM. Our findings indicate that, in contrast to the DOT–BTD copolymers, carrier transport is significantly more balanced in these model systems, preventing space-charge build-up and reducing recombination, which results in a markedly improved charge separation efficiency and fill factor.