cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-layer stackable tissue culture platform for 3D co-culture

In vitro tools, which can enable development of models that replicate the cell microenvironment associated with complex diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA), are critically needed. In OA, catabolic...
An evaluation of the experiences of academics and practice educators who supported radiography students working on the temporary HCPC register during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on all those residing in the United Kingdom, resulting in unprecedented changes being made to the education and training of healthcare students. Universities and practice partners had to respond quickly and work in close collaboration with Health Education England, to ensure the changes brought in by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) emergency measures were implemented. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of staff supporting final year diagnostic and therapeutic radiography students who joined the HCPC register early during phase one of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study was informed by a phenomenological approach, in which a purposeful sample of eight participants comprising of six practice educators (PEs) and two academics. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted to collect the data via a virtual platform. Results The results highlighted three themes, Competence and the transition to registration, Support mechanisms and Communication. Both academics and PEs described how they observed the new registrants gaining confidence and competence during their time on the temporary register and suggested that professional bodies could consider curriculum changes to encompass a final transitional placement similar to their experience. They suggested that having robust support mechanisms and communication in place are essential for the success of this initiative. Conclusion The results provide insight into how PEs and academics supported new registrants to meet the necessary requirements of the HCPC register whilst working during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlight the importance of having robust support mechanisms and good communication in place to achieve this. Implications for practice Some consideration could be made to changing the curriculum in the future to allow for early temporary registration and paid Band 4 final placements for students working as assistant practitioners.
Benchmarking of SpCas9 variants enables deeper base editor screens of BRCA1 and BCL2

Numerous rationally-designed and directed-evolution variants of SpCas9 have been reported to expand the utility of CRISPR technology. Here, we benchmark PAM preferences, on-target activity, and off-target susceptibility of 11 variants of SpCas9 in cell culture assays with thousands of guides targeting endogenous genes. To enhance the coverage and thus utility of base editing screens, we demonstrate that the SpCas9-NG and SpG variants are compatible with both A>G and C>T base editors, more than tripling the number of guides and assayable residues. We demonstrate the performance of these technologies by screening for loss-of-function mutations in BRCA1 and Venetoclax-resistant mutations in BCL2, identifying both known and new insights into these clinically-relevant genes. We anticipate that the tools and methodologies described here will facilitate the investigation of genetic variants at a finer and deeper resolution for any locus of interest.
In-process Pokayoke system in unmanned manufacturing cells

An in-process Pokayoke (IP) system has been developed in unmanned manufacturing cells (UMCs) to approach a zero defect rate based on fuzzy systems and neural networks approaches. The IP system is a real-time approach to detect a tooling defect in an UMC. The IP system consists of two components: (1) the fuzzy-nets classifier (FNC), which maps a state vector into a recommended action using fuzzy pattern recognition, and (2) the fuzzy-nets adaptor (FNA), which maps a state vector and it failure signal into a scalar grade that indicates state integrity. The FNA also produces the output active value, p, to upgrade FNS mapping according to the variation of the input state. The performance of the IP system was examined for an end milling operation. >
The Process of Prescribing Due Process

RECENTLY we were told that the dueness of government procedure is not tested by "doctrinaire conception" or "loose generalities or sentiments abstractly appealing." Instead, "Whether the scheme satisfies those strivings for justice which due process guarantees, must be judged in the light of reason drawn from the considerations of fairness that reflect our traditions of legal and political thought, duly related to the public interest Congress sought to meet . . . as against the hazards or hardship to the individual that the ... [attacked] procedure would entail."' That is quite a mouthful. And no sooner were the words pronounced than a dissenting Justice retorted, "When we turn to the cases, personal preference, not reason, seems, however, to be controlling." Further, "Due process under the prevailing doctrine is what the judges say it is; and it differs from judge to judge, from court to court.... [It is] a tool of activitists who respond to their own visceral reactions in deciding what is fair, decent, or reasonable."2 Sanford Kadish has dissected the viewpoints those excerpts reflect,3 and we will not refurbish his findings here. The intent of this article is to examine method rather than theory or result. We do not survey the rules of due process or query their correctness.4 We do look at the process of prescribing those rules. We assess the prescribers' procedure, testing it for capacity to help ensure correct rules. Our presumption is that modest reforms may be practicable, that the process of prescribing due process could be bettered.
Framing, patient characteristics, and treatment selection in medical decision-making

The effects of patient characteristics, information, and framing on decision-making were explored using scenarios involving patients with AIDS and lung cancer. Participants were physicians affiliated with a large university medical center and undergraduate psychology students. For the physicians, the roles of experience, workload, fatigue, continuing education, and supervision were examined. In scenario one, physicians showed that the way outcomes were framed affected treatment selection for patients with hemophilia (p < .0005), but not for patients who were intravenous drug users (p = .107). In scenario two, similar to a previous study, the students showed a significant framing effect (p = .001), but the physicians did not (p = .085). Patient characteristics and the framing of treatment options can alter decision-making. Experience and additional outcome information also play a role in treatment selection. Computer applications may be a means to eliminate these treatment differences.
Further characterization of the inhibition of casein production in a primary mouse mammary epithelial cell culture by epidermal growth factor. Antagonism by cyclic AMP.

Abstract Epidermal growth factor (EGF) inhibited casein production and the accumulation of casein mRNA activity induced by insulin (I), cortisol (F) and prolactin (P) in a primary culture of mammary epithelial cells from pregnant mice. The inhibitory effects of EGF were blocked by 8-bromo cyclic AMP (8-br-cAMP) in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of 8-br-cAMP was observed at a concentration as low as 20 μM and was maximal at 500 μM. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP), cAMP, and 3-isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, also antagonized the inhibitory effect of EGF on casein production. 8-Br-cAMP had, however, no effect on the mitogenic activity of EGF in this system. These results suggest a possible modulatory role of cAMP in EGF-induced inhibition of casein production in cultured mammary epithelial cells.
The Neoinstitutionalist Theory of Value

Neoinstitutional thought is based on an integration of Thorstein Veblen's evolutionary theory of institutional change and John Dewey's theory of instrumental valuation. It offers a coherent methodology that guides both economic analysis and policy formation. Neoinstitutionalist methodology differs from mainstream economic methodology in its rejection of the normative-positive dualism. It denies that "objectivity" requires that science be wertfrie, arguing instead that normative propositions based on instrumental valuation are the foundation of scientific objectivity. The analytical focus of neoinstitutional economics is the process of institutional change which it treats as a change in the value structure of the institution.
Critical couplings and string tensions via lattice matching of renormalization group decimations

Critical couplings and string tensions in SU(2) and SU(3) lattice gauge theory are calculated by two-lattice matching of RG block transformations. The transformations are of the potential moving type generating plaquette actions with large number of group characters and exhibit rapid approach to a unique renormalized trajectory. Fixing the critical coupling β(Nτ) at one value of temporal lattice extent Nτ by MC simulation, the critical couplings for other values of Nτ are then obtained by lattice matching of these decimations. β(Nτ) values are thus obtained for a range of Nτ and found to be in agreement with MC simulation results to within a few percent in all cases. A similar procedure allows the calculation of string tensio ns for a range of β values with similarly good agreement with MC data.
Carcinoid Tumors (Argentaffinomas) of the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Report of Twelve Cases

Summary 1. The pathogenesis, incidence, location and pathology of carcinoid tumors (argentaffinomas) of the gastrointestinal tract were discussed. 2. Twelve cases of carcinoid tumors were tabulated. Two cases, a malignant carcinoid of the rectum and a benign gastric carcinoid, were reported in detail.
Asymptotic behavior of constrained stochastic approximations via the theory of large deviations

Let G be a bounded convex set, and Π G the projection onto G, and $$\{ \xi _j \} $$ a bounded random process. Projected algorithms of the types $$X_{n + 1}^\varepsilon = \Pi _G (X_n^\varepsilon + \varepsilon b(X_n^\varepsilon ,\xi _n ))({\text{or }}X_{n + 1} = \Pi _G (X_n + a_n b(X_n ,\xi _n ))$$ , where 0<a n→0, Σ a n =∞) occur frequently in applications (among other places) in control and communications theory. The asymptotic convergence properties of {X e } as e→0, en→∞, have been well analyzed in the literature. Here, we use large deviations methods to get a more thorough understanding of the global behavior. Let Θ be a stable point of the algorithm in the sense that X →Θ in distribution as e→0, ne→∞. For the unconstrained case, rate of convergence results involve showing asymptotic normality of $$\{ (X_n^\varepsilon - {{\Theta )} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\Theta )} {\sqrt \varepsilon }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\sqrt \varepsilon }}\} $$ , and use linearizations about Θ. In the constrained case Θ is often on ∂G, and such methods are inapplicable. But the large deviations method yields an alternative which is often more useful in the applications. The action functionals are derived and their properties (lower semicontinuity, etc.) are obtained. The statistics (mean value, etc.) of the escape times from a neighborhood of Θ are obtained, and the global behavior on the infinite interval is described.
Recategorized WISC-R Scores of Juvenile Delinquents

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised scores of a male delinquent sample were grouped by Bannatyne's classification of Wechsler's subtests, and these recategorized scores were compared with results of a previous study of learning disabled children. Intragroup comparisons indicated similar patterns of category scores for the delinquents and LD youth at three levels of intelligence. The findings failed to support a theory that LD youth possess a unique pattern of recategorized scores.
Obstructing laryngeal granuloma after brief endotracheal intubation in neonates

Laryngeal granuloma formation is an unusual complication of endotracheal intubation, especially in young children. Two neonates were evaluated for stridor and life–threatening upper airway obstruction that developed 2 days after birth. Each infant had been endotracheally intubated for several minutes to facilitate meconium suctioning in the delivery suite. Obstructive true vocal cord granulomas were seen at microlaryngoscopy, and surgical excision provided relief of airway obstruction. The pathogenesis and treatment of postintubation laryngeal granulomas are discussed.
Low rates of colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer screening in Asian Americans compared with non-Hispanic whites: Cultural influences or access to care?

BACKGROUND Asian Americans have lower cancer screening rates compared with non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). Little is known about mechanisms that underlie disparities in cancer screening. The objectives of the current study were 1) to determine the relation between nativity, years in the United States, language, and cancer screening in NHWs and Asian Americans, independent of access to care and 2) to determine whether Asians reported different reasons than NHWs for not obtaining cancer screening. METHODS This population-based study included 36,660 NHWs, 1298 Chinese, 944 Filipinos, 803 Koreans, 857 Vietnamese, and 1036 Other Asians from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey. The main study outcomes were 1) self-reported colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer screening and 2) reasons for not obtaining cancer screening. RESULTS After adjusting for access to care, several Asian subgroups still had significantly lower rates of all types of cancer screening compared with NHWs. Adjusting for nativity, years in the United States, and English language attenuated the relation between Asian ethnicity and lower rates of colorectal and breast cancer screening. When they were asked what the most important reason was for not having each screening test, foreign-born Asians were significantly more likely than United States-born NHWs to report that they “didn't have problems/symptoms” (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS Nativity, years in the United States, and English language may be markers of cultural differences that are mediating cancer screening disparities. Foreign-born Asians may believe that cancer screening is in response to symptoms rather than tests that are used prior to the development of symptoms. Health education messages must consider how to communicate effectively that “cancer screening is valuable, because it finds cancer before it is advanced enough to cause symptoms.” Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Relationship between triangular decoupling and invertibility of linear multivariate systems

Abstract For linear multivariable systems, which have square transfer function matrices, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of state feedback laws for triangular decoupling are shown to be equivalent to the conditions of invertibility. A procedure of finding a state feedback law for this purpose is also given.
Multineuronal codes in retinal signaling

Abstract The visual world is presented to the brain through patterns of action potentials in the population of optic nerve fibers. Single-neuron recordings show that each retinal ganglion cell has a spatially restricted receptive field, a limited integration time, and a characteristic spectral sensitivity. Collectively, these response properties define the visual message conveyed by that neuron's action potentials. Since the size of the optic nerve is strictly constrained, one expects the retina to generate a highly efficient representation of the visual scene. By contrast, the receptive fields of nearby ganglion cells often overlap, suggesting great redundancy among the retinal output signals. Recent multineuron recordings may help resolve this paradox. They reveal concerted firing patterns among ganglion cells, in which small groups of nearby neurons fire synchronously with delays of only a few milliseconds. As there are many more such firing patterns than ganglion cells, such a distributed code might allow the retina to compress a large number of distinct visual messages into a small number of optic nerve fibers. This paper will review the evidence for a distributed coding scheme in the retinal output. The performance limits of such codes are analyzed with simple examples, illustrating that they allow a powerful trade-off between spatial and temporal resolution.
Microwave detection of third-order nonlinearities in fatigue cracks

The results of an experiment aimed at demonstrating the possibility of detecting third-order electromagnetic nonlinearities in tight fatigue cracks are described. The postulated non-linearity was found to exist in specimens of aluminium and stainless steel using a two-frequency system operating near 10 GHz. This phenomenon could prove to be useful for non-destructive evaluation.
Spontaneous recovery of memory during posthypnotic amnesia.

Abstract Repeated testing of posthypnotic amnesia indicates that some Ss, initially responsive to the suggestion, show appreciable recovery of memory before the pre-arranged signal is given to cancel the amnesia. Comparison of Ss who received 2 successive memory tests during amnesia with others who received only a single test preceded by a distracting activity indicated that the recovery effect was attributable to the passage of time rather than to prior testing. There were wide individual differences in the extent of recovery, with some Ss maintaining a fairly dense amnesia on the second test. Those Ss who maintained amnesia were more hypnotizable, and showed a denser initial amnesia, than those who breached it. An analysis of subjective reports lent credence to the notion of partial response among some hypnotizable Ss who fail to meet a standard criterion of complete amnesia, and pseudoamnesia among some insusceptible Ss who appear to pass it. Some Ss reported voluntarily engaging in cognitive activity ...
Mouse pathogenicity studies of Nocardia asteroides complex species and clinical correlation with human isolates

Nocardia asteroides complex organisms derived from human specimens between 1979 and 1992 were identified on the species level. Of 117 N. asteroides complex organisms, 34 (29%) were N. farcinica, 28 (24%) were N. nova, and 55 (47%) were N. asteroides sensu stricto. An analysis of the specimen sites from which the organisms were derived showed that isolates derived from blood, brain, or bone marrow were more likely to be N. farcinica than the other two species. A study of the virulence of ten strains of each species was undertaken, using a mouse model with intravenous inoculation. The 50% lethal doses (LD50) for N. farcinica were significantly lower than those of the other two species. LD50 values for N. nova and N. asteroides were not significantly different. The above data confirming the greater virulence of N. farcinica support the identification of species within the N. asteroides complex.
Binding of a nuclear protein to the cyclic-AMP response element of the somatostatin gene.

Many hormones act on neuroendocrine cells by activating second messenger pathways. Two of these, the phosphoinositol and cAMP-dependent pathways, cause changes in cellular activity through specific protein kinases. By phosphorylating cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins, these kinases apparently coordinate cellular processes, including the biosynthesis and release of neuropeptides. Somatostatin biosynthesis and release, for example, are both positively regulated by the second messenger cAMP in hypothalamic cells1, and cAMP also induces somatostatin gene transcription 8–10-fold in transfected PC12 pheochromocytoma cells2. Transcriptional induction requires a 30-nucleotide cAMP response element (CRE) which is conserved in other cAMP-respon-sive genes2−4. This element also confers cAMP responsiveness when placed upstream of the heterologous simian virus 40 (SV40) promoter. The somatostatin gene does not, however, respond to cAMP in mutant PC 12 cells which lack cAMP-dependent protein kinase type II activity2. Activation of somatostatin gene transcription may consequently require the phosphorylation of a nuclear protein which binds to the CRE. Using a DNase I protection assay, we have characterized a nuclear protein in PC 12 cells which binds selectively to the CRE in the somatostatin gene. We have purified this protein which is of relative molecular mass 43,000 (Mr 43K) by sequence-specific DNA affinity chromatography. This 43K CRE binding protein (CREB) is phosphorylated in vitro when it is incubated with the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Stimulating PC 12 cells with forskolin, an activator of adenyl cyclase, causes a 3–4-fold increase in the phosphorylation of this protein. We conclude that the cAMP-dependent pathway may regulate gene transcription in response to hormonal stimulation by phosphorylating this CREB protein.
PERFORMANCE OF ZSM-5 CATALYST IN THE DIMETHYL ETHER TO OLEFINS PROCESS

ABSTRACT The conversion of dimethyl ether (DME) to hydrocarbons is the latter step in the conversion of syngas to hydrocarbons via DME. The shape-selective ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst plays an instrumental part in this reaction in limiting the higher end of the product spectrum. This process, being of an exothermic nature, results in a temperature rise across the catalyst bed causing some hydrocarbons to be deposited on the catalyst as coke. The presence of water as a byproduct in the catalyst environment also enhances the catalyst deactivation. Deactivation of the ZSM-5 catalyst is studied in detail in terms of catalyst performance and life over a period of time. The conversion of DME and the hydrocarbon product distribution are studied as a function of time-on-stream The SiO2/Al2O3molar ratio of the ZSM-5 catalyst is regarded to be important in determining the degree of coke formation as well as the product distribution of the final hydrocarbon product. Catalysts used in aging experiments were studied as to ...
Aortic Valve Replacement with the Hancock Porcine Xenograft

Abstract The Hancock porcine xenograft stabilized with the glutaraldehyde process was used for isolated aortic valve replacement in 71 patients from March, 1972, to July, 1975. Aortic stenosis was the primary diagnosis in 52 patients and aortic insufficiency in 19. There were 52 men and 19 women ranging in age from 18 to 82 years; 14 patients were older than 70 years. One patient was in Functional Class II, 50 in Class III, and 20 in Class IV preoperatively. Seventy-three patients undergoing Bjork-Shiley aortic valve replacement during the same period are presented for comparison. The operative mortality was 3% (2 of the 71 patients); 4 of the remaining 69 patients (6%) died in the late postoperative period. No patient was placed on anticoagulation during the postoperative course, and there was 1 postoperative embolus in a patient with chronic atrial fibrillation (1.4%). With a mean follow-up period of 17 months, 60 patients are now in Functional Class I, 4 in Class II, and 1 in Class III. Seven patients have had transvalvular gradients and effective valve areas measured postoperatively that ranged from 32 to 5 mm Hg and 0.9 to 2.9 cm 2 in 21 through 25 mm (OD) sizes.
Description and the Problem of Priors

Belief-revision models of knowledge describe how to update one's degrees of belief associated with hypotheses as one considers new evidence, but they typically do not say how probabilities become associated with meaningful hypotheses in the first place. Here we consider a variety of Skyrms-Lewis signaling game where simple descriptive language and predictive practice and associated basic expectations coevolve. Rather than assigning prior probabilities to hypotheses in a fixed language then conditioning on new evidence, the agents begin with no meaningful language or expectations then evolve to have expectations conditional on their descriptions as they evolve to have meaningful descriptions for the purpose of successful prediction. The model, then, provides a simple but concrete example of how the process of evolving a descriptive language suitable for inquiry might also provide agents with effective priors.
A novel role of pedunculopontine tegmental kainate receptors: a mechanism of rapid eye movement sleep generation in the rat.

Abstract Considerable evidence suggests that pedunculopontine tegmental cholinergic cells are critically involved in normal regulation of rapid eye movement sleep. The major excitatory input to the cholinergic cell compartment of the pedunculopontine tegmentum arises from glutamatergic neurons in the pontine reticular formation. Immunohistochemical studies reveal that both ionotropic and metabotropic receptors are expressed in pedunculopontine tegmental cells. This study aimed to identify the role of endogenous glutamate and its specific receptors in the pedunculopontine tegmentum in the regulation of physiological rapid eye movement sleep. To identify this physiological rapid eye movement sleep-inducing glutamate receptor(s) in the pedunculopontine tegmental cholinergic cell compartment, specific receptors were blocked differentially by local microinjection of selective glutamate receptor antagonists into the pedunculopontine tegmental cholinergic cell compartment while quantifying the effects on rapid eye movement sleep in freely moving chronically instrumented rats. By comparing the alterations in the patterns of rapid eye movement sleep following injections of control vehicle and selective glutamate receptor antagonists, contributions made by each receptor subtype in rapid eye movement sleep were evaluated. The results demonstrate that when kainate receptors were blocked by local microinjection of a kainate receptor selective antagonist, spontaneous rapid eye movement sleep was completely absent for the first 2 h, and for the next 2 h the total percentage of rapid eye movement sleep was significantly less compared to the control values. In contrast, when N -methyl- D -aspartate, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid, groups I, II, and III metabotropic receptors were blocked, total percentages of rapid eye movement sleep did not change compared to the control values. These findings suggest, for the first time, that the activation of kainate receptors within the cholinergic cell compartment of the pedunculopontine tegmentum is a critical step for the regulation of normal rapid eye movement sleep in the freely moving rat. The results also suggest that the different types of glutamate receptors within a small part of the brainstem may be involved in different types of physiological functions.
The current status of maxillofacial prosthetic training programs in the United States

A survey was conducted to examine the current status of maxillofacial prosthetics programs. Their relationship to private practice, compared curriculums, patients, and other recent changes of merit were evaluated, and the results of the survey are presented.
The experience of academic learning: uneven conceptions of learning across research and teaching

Research and teaching are often construed by academic staff as incongruous activities that have little overlap in practice. Many studies on the relationship of teaching and research assume an inherent competition or “rivalry” between these two practices. In this study, we draw on a framework that conceptualizes these academic practices not as distinct and irreconcilable, but rather as analogous practices with a common essential goal: the advancement of learning and knowledge. Taking a phenomenographic research perspective, we investigated how 39 early career, research active academic staff at a research-intensive university conceive of learning across their academic experience and practices. We identified five distinct conceptions of academic learning within three general categories: disconnected, transitional, and connected.
Structural Basis for Calcium Sensing by GCaMP2.

Genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators are important tools that enable the measurement of Ca2+ dynamics in a physiologically relevant context. GCaMP2, one of the most robust indicators, is a circularly permutated EGFP (cpEGFP)/M13/Calmodulin (CaM) fusion protein, that has been successfully used for studying Ca2+ fluxes in vivo in the heart and vasculature of transgenic mice. Here we describe crystal structures of bright and dim states of GCaMP2 that reveal a sophisticated molecular mechanism for Ca2+ sensing. In the bright state, CaM stabilizes the fluorophore in an ionized state similar to that observed in EGFP. Mutational analysis confirmed critical interactions between the fluorophore and elements of the fused peptides. Solution scattering studies indicate that the Ca2+-free form of GCaMP2 is a compact, pre-docked state, suggesting a molecular basis for the relatively rapid signaling kinetics reported for this indicator. These studies provide a structural basis for the rational design of improved Ca2+-sensitive probes.
EPR Spectroscopic and Theoretical Study of Chromium(I) Carbonyl Phosphine and Phosphonite Complexes

Isotropic and frozen-solution EPR spectra are reported for several Cr(I) carbonyl complexes of the type cis-[Cr(CO)4L2]+, mer- and fac-[Cr(CO)3L3]+, and trans-[Cr(CO)2L4]+, where L is a monodentate (or L2 a bidentate) phosphine or phosphonite ligand. Extended Huckel molecular orbital theory calculations were performed for cis- and trans-[Cr(CO)4L2], mer- and fac-[Cr(CO)3L3], and cis- and trans-[Cr(CO)2L4] (L = PH3, P(OH)3). The EPR results are discussed in light of the electronic structure predictions, which also provide some insights on the oxidation potentials and the isomerization reaction energetics of these complexes. Isotropic 31P hyperfine couplings can be understood in terms of spin densities in the Cr 3d, P 3s, and P 3p orbitals.
Models and observations of the impact of natural hydrocarbons on rural ozone

Large quantities of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) are emitted into the atmosphere from vegetation1,2. A recent inventory by Lamb et al.2 indicates that the emission of natural hydrocarbons is significant compared to that of anthropogenic NMHCs in most regions of the United States. Because of their chemical activity, the natural NMHCs can play important parts in the formation of trace gases, such as ozone (O3), peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and oxygenated secondary hydrocarbons3–5, which contribute to regional-scale air pollution6 and may be harmful to crops and forest7–9. The impact of natural hydrocarbons on the formation of O3 in the atmosphere has been discussed previously4–13. In general, it has been concluded that their impact is small14–16. But lack of data on the ambient concentrations of key photochemical species and an incomplete analysis of the photochemistry has prevented a definitive evaluation of the impact of natural NMHCs on rural O3. Here we report on concentrations of key trace gases measured concurrently at a rural site in the eastern USA during the summer of 1986 and a modelling study conducted to analyse these measurements. This study demonstrates that natural NMHCs can have a significant impact on ozone formation in rural air.
High aspect ratio sub-100 nm silicon vias (SVs) by metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE) and copper filling

Metal assisted chemical etching (MaCE) is a promising technology for next-generation micro- and nano-semiconductor fabrication. In this technology, noble metals are used as catalyst to anisotropically etch bulk materials in solution. Here we report the first silicon vias with sub-100 nm diameter etched by MaCE. The distinct structure of thus fabricated vias enables the successful copper filling from the bottom, which is demonstrated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS). This work shows the applicability of nano-scale interconnection in 3D package from the view of fabrication. Also, the reported technique bears great significance in functional filling of semiconductor for nano-photonic devices as well as template-based synthesis of functional nanomaterials.
International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association: who are we and where are we going?

The International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (IHPBA) was founded in 1994. The origins of the IHPBA come from the International Biliary Association (IBA), which later became the International Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Association (IHBPA) and the World Association of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery (WAHPBS). The IHBPA and the WAHPBS merged into the IHPBA, which met for the first time in June 1994 in Boston. World Congresses have subsequently been held in the even years in Bologna, Italy in 1996; in Madrid, Spain in 1998; in Brisbane, Australia in 2000; in Tokyo, Japan in 2002; and in Washington, USA in 2004. The IHPBA was incorporated in the United States in June, 2001. Regional Associations currently affiliated with the IHPBA include the American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA), the Asian-Pacific Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (A-PHPBA), and the European Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (EHPBA). The AHPBA became incorporated in the United States in 1994 and held its first regional Americas Congress in 1997. The A-PHPBA is being incorporated in Hong Kong, but its predecessor the Asian Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery began holding regional congresses in Asia in the odd years in 1991. The EHPBA became incorporated in Germany in 2005, but its predecessor the European Chapter of the IHPBA initiated European Congresses in the odd years in 1995. National Chapters variably affiliated with the IHPBA have existed in Argentina, Greece, Italy, Japan, and the United States for a number of years. In recent years new National Chapters have emerged in Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Germany, India, Korea, Scandinavia, South Africa and the United Kindom. In 1999 the IHPBA began publishing its official journal, HPB, which has included regular IHPBA Newsletters. Over the past 5 years, the IHPBA has become incorporated (2001), developed the Warren Research Fellowship (2001), hired professional management (Medconnnect), developed a website (www.ihpba.org), published a Membership Directory (2003, 2005), signed a publishing agreement with Taylor and Francis (2004), initiated an electronic Newsletter (2005), conducted a Member Survey (2005), held a strategic planning meeting (2005), and developed an HPB Fellowship Registry (2006).
Genome Screens Using Linkage Disequilibrium Tests: Optimal Marker Characteristics and Feasibility

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) testing has become a popular and effective method of fine-scale disease-gene localization. It has been proposed that LD testing could also be used for genome screening, particularly as dense maps of diallelic markers become available and automation allows inexpensive genotyping of diallelic markers. We compare diallelic markers and multiallelic markers in terms of sample sizes required for detection of LD, by use of a single marker locus in a case-control study, for rare monophyletic diseases with Mendelian inheritance. We extrapolate from our results to discuss the feasibility of single-marker LD screening in more-complex situations. We have used a deterministic population genetic model to calculate the expected power to detect LD as a function of marker density, age of mutation, number of marker alleles, mode of inheritance of a rare disease, and sample size. Our calculations show that multiallelic markers always have more power to detect LD than do diallelic markers (under otherwise equivalent conditions) and that the ratio of the number of diallelic to the number of multiallelic markers needed for equivalent power increases with mutation age and complexity of mode of inheritance. Power equivalent to that achieved by a multiallelic screen can theoretically be achieved by use of a more dense diallelic screen, but mapping panels of the necessary resolution are not currently available and may be difficult to achieve. Genome screening that uses single-marker LD testing may therefore be feasible only for young (<20 generations), rare, monophyletic Mendelian diseases, such as may be found in rapidly growing genetic isolates.
Computerized Axial Tomography in Family Members of Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis

The diagnosis of unsuspected TS has been reached with the aid of computerized axial tomography. Most cases are sporadic, but incomplete forms of the disease may be difficult to detect. We have, therefore, studied nine immediate family members of four cases with TS. The results were negative in all of them, confirming the earlier notions that, in the absence of adenoma sebaceum in either parent, the disease is most probably sporadic.
Toward an empirical base in pragmatics (Review Article)

Pragmatics, by Stephen Levinson (Cambridge University Press, I983; pp. xvi + 420), is a welcome addition to the Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics series, and I heartily recommend its use in graduate level introductory courses to pragmatics. Furthermore, because of the depth, insight, and lucidity with which Levinson describes, explains, and evaluates pragmatic issues, there are two additional capacities in which it can serve: as a reference book for more advanced scholars in pragmatics and related fields, and as a "state-of-the-art" monograph on pragmatics. Introductory texts, reference books, and monographs are three different genres of work, and weaving them together in one book is not an easy task; in fact, it makes Pragmatics a difficult and challenging text for introductory courses, but it also makes it a book which students will continue to use as they gain knowledge and expertise in linguistics. My review of the book will address issues related to all three of its possible readings. Levinson focuses on those topics traditionally included in what he labels as the Anglo-American tradition (rather than the broader continental tradition): conversational implicature (Chapter 3), presupposition (Chapter 4), and speech acts (Chapter 5). In addition to these phenomena (which scholars generally agree to define as pragmatic), he includes deixis (Chapter 2), which is often considered to be a semantic phenomenon, and conversational structure (Chapter 6), which is usually analyzed by sociologists and sociolinguists. The inclusion of these topics allows Levinson to examine more fully the boundaries between pragmatics and semantics, and pragmatics and sociolinguistics. Because these boundaries (initially addressed in Chapter i) remain a concem throughout the book, readers with an interest in semantics and/or sociolinguistics are likely to profit even more from reading Pragmatics than those without such interests. The book is also very relevant for those concerned with the possible evolution of pragmatics from its roots in philosophy to more empirical traditions of scholarship. Chapters in Pragmatics are relatively self-contained; one can read just the chapter on deixis, for example, for a thorough introduction to the topic. (The one exception, as Levinson notes in his Preface, is the discussion of presupposition, which depends on a prior reading of the chapter on implicature.) The selfcontained nature of the chapters, however, does not mean that the issues in the chapters are self-contained; for example, almost each chapter deals in some way with the concept of "inference" such that one comes away from the entire book
On symmetric operators of higher degree and their applications

Abstract The concept of a symmetric operator relative to a quadratic form is extended to a k-form ϕ acting in n-space Ln for any k⩾2. It is shown how to embed L2 into Lr with the smallest possible r and expand ϕ to a k-form \ g4 acting in Lr such that there exists an operator Lr → Lr that is symmetric with respect to \ g4 and whose eigenvalues are all distinct. As an application it is shown how to express a polynomial in one variable as a sum of r kth powers of the linear binomials with the smallest possible r. As a particular case a formula that generalizes the Cardan formula for solving cubic equations is derived.
Outcomes of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From Pulmonary Artery Repair: Beyond Normal Function

Background Anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is associated with high mortality if left uncorrected. We describe long-term outcomes after surgical repair and ventricular function changes on long-term follow-up. Methods A retrospective review of patients who had ALCAPA repair from January 1996 to December 2011 was completed. Ventricular function was assessed by shortening fraction and ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, and severity of mitral regurgitation. Speckle tracking echocardiography served as a marker of early myocardial dysfunction. Results In total, 34 patients underwent ALCAPA repair at median age of 5 months (range, 3 days to 39 years). Surgical interventions included coronary translocation in 31 patients (91%), Takeuchi repair in 2 (6%), and coronary ligation in 1 patient (3%). Concomitant mitral valve repair was performed in 5 patients (15%). No patient required mechanical circulatory support postoperatively. There was no early mortality. At median follow-up of 6 years (range, 1 month to 14 years), there were 5 reoperations: 2 heart transplants (6%), 1 mitral valve replacement (3%), 1 coronary artery bypass graft (3%), and 1 ventricular septal defect closure (3%); there was 1 death 2 years after surgery. Ejection fraction improved from 21% ± 6% to 60% ± 7% ( p = 0.008), mean shortening fraction from 25% ± 14% to 38% ± 5% ( p = 0.01), mean left ventricular end-diastolic dimension Z-score from 6.0 ± 3.8 to 0.9 ± 0.7 ( p p = 0.01) and circumferential strain ( p = 0.03) for 11 of 14 patients (79%). Conclusions Excellent outcomes are achieved with repair of ALCAPA without mechanical circulatory support and with low reintervention rates. Normal ejection fraction and shortening fraction do not accurately convey myocardial dysfunction in these patients.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis septum site determining protein, Ssd encoded by rv3660c , promotes filamentation and elicits an alternative metabolic and dormancy stress response

Proteins that are involved in regulation of cell division and cell cycle progression remain undefined in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In addition, there is a growing appreciation that regulation of cell replication at the point of division is important in establishing a non-replicating persistent state. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to use a systematic approach consisting of consensus-modeling bioinformatics, ultrastructural analysis, and transcriptional mapping to identify septum regulatory proteins that participate in adaptive metabolic responses in M. tuberculosis. Septum site determining protein (Ssd), encoded by rv3660c was discovered to be an ortholog of septum site regulating proteins in actinobacteria by bioinformatics analysis. Increased expression of ssd in M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis inhibited septum formation resulting in elongated cells devoid of septa. Transcriptional mapping in M. tuberculosis showed that increased ssd expression elicited a unique response including the dormancy regulon and alternative sigma factors that are thought to play a role in adaptive metabolism. Disruption of rv3660c by transposon insertion negated the unique transcriptional response and led to a reduced bacterial length. This study establishes the first connection between a septum regulatory protein and induction of alternative metabolism consisting of alternative sigma factors and the dormancy regulon that is associated with establishing a non-replicating persistent intracellular lifestyle. The identification of a regulatory component involved in cell cycle regulation linked to the dormancy response, whether directly or indirectly, provides a foundation for additional studies and furthers our understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in establishing a non-replicating state and resumption of growth.
Commissioning and quality assurance for MLC-based IMRT.

Abstract The commissioning and quality assurance (QA) associated with the implementation of linear accelerator multileaf collimator (MLC)-based intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center are described. Our MLC-based IMRT is implemented using the PRIMUS linear accelerator interface through the IMPAC record and verification system to the CORVUS treatment planning system. The “step-and-shoot” technique is used for this MLC-based IMRT. Commissioning process requires the verification of predefined parameters available on the CORVUS and the collection of some machine data. The machine data required are output factor in air and output factor in phantom, and percent depth dose for a number of field sizes. In addition, inplane and crossplane dose profiles of 4 × 4 cm and 20 × 20 cm field sizes and diagonal dose profiles of a large field size have to be measured. Validation of connectivity and dose model includes the use of uniform intensity bar strips, triangular-shaped nonuniform intensity bar strip, and N-shaped target. QA procedure follows the recommendation of the AAPM Task Group No. 40 report. In addition, the leaf position accuracy and reproducibility of the MLC should be checked at regular intervals. The dose validation is implemented through the hybrid plan where the patient beam parameters are applied to a flat phantom. Independent dose calculation method is used to confirm the dose delivery plan and data input to the CORVUS.
Seismic Strengthening of Unreinforced Masonry Piers with Steel Elements

Abstract The system of wall piers and spandrels, created by openings, largely controls the inplane lateral resistance of the wall. For the “rocking‐critical” masonry wall piers, the overall hysteretic behavior can be significantly improved by installing a steel framing system consisting of vertical and horizontal elements around the wall — without any braces. Vertical elements provide the necessary hold‐down forces to stabilize the rocking piers. The stabilized piers “rocked” through a number of cycles of large displacements (up to 2.5%) without crumbling or shattering, displaying a ductile response. The strengthened system has excellent strength, stiffness and ductility, despite the brittleness of the masonry because of considerable load sharing between the existing masonry and the added steel elements. FE analyses predicted the envelope response of the rocking piers accurately. A simple mechanics based model was developed to predict the load‐deflection behavior of a stabilized rocking pier which can be ...
Reinforcement Effects on Intrinsic Interest: A Classroom Analog.

Abstract The potential undermining effects of a reinforcement program were examined in two studies with kindergarten-first grade children. The procedures were designed to provide an analog to typical classroom incentive programs. In one study, the subjects' initial interest in the target activity (coloring) was low, whereas in the other study it was reasonably high. In neither case was an undermining effect evident in follow-up observations.
Expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor in corneal keratocytes during differentiation and in response to wound healing.

Purpose. Insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) associates with ligands that influence wound healing outcomes. However, the expression pattern of IGF2R and its role in the cornea is unknown.