cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finding Benefit from Cancer.

Being diagnosed with and treated for cancer is a traumatic experience. Many cancer patients undergoing treatment manifest psychological distress and physical impairment. But this experience may also serve as a stimulus for positive growth. A growing body of literature addresses the possibility of positive growth through difficult events, a concept known as finding benefit. In the current study, the authors investigate finding benefit among 56 adult cancer patients over a period of 3 years, examining the role of optimism and the effects of finding benefit on later depression and physical functioning. The results demonstrated that finding benefit 1 year after treatment was related to both depression and physical functioning at a 3-year follow-up.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENTIAL PRICING ON ROUTE CHOICE: THE CASE OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY OF HONG KONG.

The use of differential pricing as a means of traffic management has been advocated by specialists in the field of transport for quite some time. Because of technical and political reasons, a full-scale pricing scheme for the use of road space has yet to be introduced. Applying the principle to a highly automatic rail system, however, is technologically much more feasible. The Mass Transit Railway Corporation of Hong Kong has implemented a so-called “revenue neutral peal pricing policy” after the completion of a second cross-harbour route- the East Harbour Crossing — in May, 1990. Passengers travelling from Kowloon to the central business district (including Jordon and Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side and stations from Sheung Wan to Causeway Bay on the Island side) during the morning peak hour are confronted with the following choice: either (i) make use of the Nathan Road Corridor and pay 80 cents on top of normal face; or (ii) take the less congested but in general longer route via the East Harbour Crossing and get a 80 cents discount. The present paper attempts to analyse the effectiveness of this differential pricing policy in diverting passengers from the overcrowded section to the less heavily utilized route. A personal interview survey comprising a total of 1094 successful cases was conducted for this purpose. The logit regression model was employed to analyse the route choice. It is found that income, habit and journey time are the most important variables determining the route choice. The effect of cost or fare difference, although large in terms of magnitude, is only marginally significant in the statistical sense. It is suggested that efforts to change the passengers' habit and measures to shorten the train transfer time at the Quarry Bay Station for the East harbour Crossing users would be more effective in achieving this end. This is especially the case given the current political development in Hong King which renders further enlargement of the price difference a highly difficult proposition.
A robust algorithm for detecting pinholes in transparent plastic films

Abstract Study of the correlation between the mechanical properties of plastic films and the pinhole propagation in them is essential for the manufacture of plastic films with desired properties. Accurate information on the size and number of pinholes is required to facilitate this study. A computer vision based technique which automatically detects pinholes in microscopic images of transparent plastic films and also provides accurate and consistent information about the size, number and location of pinholes is presented. Pinholes appear as white blobs with a very dark boundary in the microscopic images of transparent plastic films. The microscopic image is first mapped into three different colors. The boundary pixels of each white blob in a binarized image are then extracted. The algorithm then searches the neighbors of the boundary pixels in the mapped image to verify a very important property of pinholes. Each blob is then classified as a pinhole or not based on the comparison of some quantified features to critical values. Experimental runs of this algorithm have given very consistent and impressive results.
Effects of forest land management on erosion and revegetation after the eruption of Mount St. Helens

The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens covered soils with a tephra blanket and killed the forest tree cover in a 550 km2 area. After the eruption, rates of sheetwash and rill erosion, and plant cover were measured on tephra-covered hillslopes which had been subject to three land-management practices: grass seeding; scarification, and salvage logging. On rapidly-eroding hillslopes subject to grass seeding, limited plant covers were established only after erosion had declined sharply. Logging of trees downed by the eruption and scarification of previously logged surfaces slowed erosion, although the effect was small because erosion rates had already slowed substantially by the time these two practices were implemented. The factors controlling erosion, revegetation, and their relative timing at Mount St. Helens are similar to those following explosive volcanic eruptions elsewhere, suggesting that grass seeding is not likely to be effective at slowing erosion following most tephra eruptions, and that early mechanical disturbance could be an effective erosion-control measure. The results also indicate that even without deliberate conservation measures, processes which mechanically disturb a surface layer of low hydraulic conductivity (such as frost-action or trampling) can radically reduce runoff and erosion before revegetation has an important effect.
SSM/I Observations of ERICA IOP 4 Marine Cyclone: A Comparison with In Situ Observations and Model Simulation

Abstract Fields of rainfall rates, integrated water vapor (IWV), and marine surface wind speeds retrieved by the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) during the intensive observational period 4 on 4 January 1989 of the Experiment on Rapidly Intensifying Cyclones over the Atlantic (ERICA) were analyzed. Subjectively analyzed and model-simulated frontal structures were used to examine the spatial relationship of the SSM/I observed fields to the rapidly intensifying storm and the associated fronts. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons of SSM/I retrievals with GOES imagery, conventional observations, and results produced from the Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) limited-area numerical model were also made. SSM/I rainfall was found along the cold and warm fronts, with heavy precipitation within frontal bands. The spatial pattern and characteristics of SSM/I precipitation closely resembled those simulated by the model. Both the warm and the cold front were found to be located near the area of the strong...
Neurophysiological mechanisms in the genetics of ethanol sensitivity.

Abstract Cerebellar Purkinje neurons of long‐sleep (LS) mice express a higher sensitivity than do those of short‐sleep (SS) mice to the depressant effects of ethanol in situ, in vitro, and in intraocular cerebellar brain grafts. The ethanol sensitivity of Purkinje neurons is intrinsic to the cerebellum, may be associated with only certain brain areas, and shows a high genetic correlation with the behavioral sensitivity of mice to ethanol‐induced ataxia. Tolerance develops to the depressant effects of ethanol on cerebellar neurons in both lines of mice. However, ethanol‐tolerant LS mice are more sensitive to the electrophysiological effects of ethanol on Purkinje neurons than are ethanol‐tolerant SS mice. In addition, the behavioral sensitivity to this drug probably also involves noncerebellar neurons since neonatally cerebellectomized LS and SS mice retain a different sensitivity to the ataxic effects of ethanol.
Colony of the Sertao: Amazonian Expeditions and the Indian Slave Trade

After expelling their European rivals from the Amazon in the early–seventeenth century, the Portuguese set about exploiting the principal assets of the vast basin—the indigenous inhabitants. As allies, converts, and slaves the native population provided the labor and much of the social fabric of the developing colony. While a variety of canoe-borne expeditions ventured ever farther up the main river and its tributaries seeking elusive gold, harvesting forest products, and expanding the crown's domain, prosperity and power for the leaders and sponsors of those forays derived mainly from the human cargo brought downstream to missions, forts, and other settlements. As a result, crown and colonial authorities attempted to regulate and control the expeditions, and fierce competition developed among institutions and individuals involved in the process. Documents in Portuguese and Brazilian archives reveal the key role played by the Indians themselves in collaboration with the little-studied cross-cultural intermediaries, known as cunhamenas.
Perceived Color and its Dependence on Focal, Surrounding, and Preceding Stimulus Variables*

Alternative formal definitions of perceived color are examined. Both alternative formulations treat the responses evoked by stimulation of a focal test area, but in one case the influence of surrounding stimulation on the primary test area is taken into consideration, whereas this influence is ignored in the other formulation. The consequences of these alternative formulations for predictions of equivalent stimuli and for predictions of color appearance under different circumstances are discussed.Sensory scaling experiments are reported which yield direct quantitative estimates of the hue, saturation, and brightness attributes of perceived color, and of the dependence of these attributes on variations in focal, surrounding, and preceding stimulation. The relation of some of these dependencies to opponent neural induction mechanisms postulated by the opponent-colors theory is discussed.
Characterization and inhibition kinetics of cadmium on cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase from the pyloric caeca of Luidia clathrata (say) (echinodermata: asteroidea)

Abstract 1. Cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (cMDH) was purified 200-fold. 2. Disc gel electrophoresis showed a single major band of activity of cMDH. 3. MDH in crude cytoplasmic extract was less sensitive to Cd2+ than purified cytoplasmic MDH. 4. Purified cMDH had a Km of 0.14 mM OAA. 5. Concentrations of Cd2+ of 0.312 mM significantly inhibited the cMDH. 6. The inhibition by Cd2+ was completely reversed by 1.54 and partly reversed by 0.56 mM 2-mercaptoethanol. 7. The inhibition by Cd2+ was non-competitive. Calculated Ki values are below those reported for Cd2+-imidazole and Cd2+-cysteine interactions, but above those reported for other Cd2+-thiol group interactions.
Core hole screening and lifetimes in adsorbates on metallic surfaces

Abstract The C 1s photoemission lineshape and width has been studied for methoxy (CH3O), formate (HCO2) and CO on Cu(100). We find the Doniach-Sunjic asymmetry of the lineshape to be different for the three adsorbates and correlate these differences with the adsorption geometry. The observed shake up satellites exhibit a greatly increased width compared to the main lines, which is attributed to the reduced lifetime of the excited state of the C 1s core hole.
A Brief Comparison of the Accuracy of Time-Dependent Integration Schemes for the Reynolds Equation

Abstract : Two dynamic methods are compared for integrating the Reynolds equation as applied to determining the axial dynamics of a spool bearing. It is shown that very sensitive phase shifts in the numerical schemes can badly falsify the dynamics; therefore, care is needed in interpreting results using classical methods. Second order temporal accuracy can alleviate these problems; one such scheme is presented with excellent phase properties that is just as computationally efficient per time step as any of the first order accurate schemes.
The structure of FSTL3.activin A complex. Differential binding of N-terminal domains influences follistatin-type antagonist specificity.

Transforming growth factor β family ligands are neutralized by a number of structurally divergent antagonists. Follistatin-type antagonists, which include splice variants of follistatin (FS288 and FS315) and follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3), have high affinity for activin A but differ in their affinity for other ligands, particularly bone morphogenetic proteins. To understand the structural basis for ligand specificity within FS-type antagonists, we determined the x-ray structure of activin A in complex with FSTL3 to a resolution of 2.5 A. Similar to the previously resolved FS·activin A structures, the ligand is encircled by two antagonist molecules blocking all ligand receptor-binding sites. Recently, the significance of the FS N-terminal domain interaction at the ligand type I receptor site has been questioned; however, our data show that for FSTL3, the N-terminal domain forms a more intimate contact with activin A, implying that this interaction is stronger than that for FS. Furthermore, binding studies revealed that replacing the FSTL3 N-terminal domain with the corresponding FS domain considerably lowers activin A affinity. Therefore, both structural and biochemical evidence support a significant interaction of the N-terminal domain of FSTL3 with activin A. In addition, structural comparisons with bone morphogenetic proteins suggest that the interface where the N-terminal domain binds may be the key site for determining FS-type antagonist specificity.
A clinical study of hair removal using the long-pulsed ruby laser.

background. Laser hair removal is rapidly becoming a widely used modality. Clinical studies are needed to assess these hair removal systems. The long-pulsed ruby laser is one such modality for the removal of unwanted hair. objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of the long-pulsed ruby laser (694 nm, 3-msec pulsewidth, 7- or 10-mm spot size) in removing unwanted hair, and to provide treatment guidelines for the proper utilization of this laser system. methods. Forty-eight areas of unwanted facial and body hair from 25 patients with blonde, brown, or black hair were treated with the long-pulsed ruby laser at fluences between 10 and 40 J/cm2. Hair regrowth was measured at 4 weeks after the first treatment, 4 weeks after the second treatment, 4 weeks after the third treatment, and 16 weeks after the third treatment by counting the number of terminal hairs compared with baseline pre-treatment values. All complications and treatment outcomes were documented. results. The mean percent of regrowth after the first treatment was 65.5%, 41% after the second treatment, and 34% after the third treatment. Overall, regardless of skin type or targeted body region, patients who underwent three treatment sessions demonstrated an average 35% regrowth in terminal hair count compared with baseline pretreatment values 6 months after initial therapy. conclusion. Long-pulsed ruby laser treatment resulted in significant hair growth delay in most cases. Repeated laser treatments produced an increased number of vellus hairs, an increase in growth delay, and a decreased percentage of hair regrowth.
Showbiz as a Cross‐Cultural System: Circus and Song, Garland and Geertz, Rushdie, Mordden,… and More

What intellectual "attitude," critical and apologetic, suits situations of showbiz? How might this vast arena of human endeavor be approached ethnographically and comparatively? What, perforce, does "the show business" mean-not just here and now (America since P. T. Barnum) but elsewhere and earlier: across cultures and eras, continually transformed and translated. Should anthropological modes of interpretation, philosophically inclined, address showbiz situations? What would distinguish such studies from, say, the anthropology of tourism?
Old Testament Turning Points: The Narratives That Shaped a Nation – Victor H. Matthews

Book reviewed: Old Testament Turning Points: The Narratives That Shaped a Nation, Victor H. Matthews, Baker Academic 2005 (0-8010-2774-8), 208 pp., pb $18.99
Sliding contact fracture on glass and silicon

Surface crack geometry produced during sliding contact on amorphous glass specimens and silicon single-crystal specimens was investigted. The experiments were performed by sliding a spherical indentor on a surface with increasing normal load in ambient air and oil environments. The results show that the cracks formed on the contact surface due to sliding motion are governed by the stress field generated. Cracks tend to follow the maximum principal tensile stress trajectories in amorphous glass specimens, but the cracks generated on silicon were strongly influenced by the planes of easy cleavage on the contact surface. The normal load P, friction coefficient of contact and crystallographic cleavage plane directions were found to have a large influence on the surface crack patterns. A general relation, W ∝ P1/3, was obtained for the measurement of crack widths W in all testing conditions. Crack-morphologies were related to material removal. Studies showed that the latter is often due to chip formation which occurs between very closely spaced cracks.
Unusual multilocular cysts of the jaws (botryoid odontogenic cysts)

Abstract Two cases of an unusual multilocular cyst of the jaws are described, both clinically and histologically. Although the etiology is unknown, the lesion is probably of odontogenic origin. This appears to be a distinct entity which has not been previously reported.
The nature of monocyclic C10. A theoretical investigation using coupled-cluster methods☆

Abstract Three planar monocyclic geometries of C10 (D5h cumulenic (1), D10h cumulenic (2), and D5h acetylenic (3)) have been investigated using coupled-cluster methods. Geometries have been optimized with the coupled-cluster singles-and-doubles (CCSD) method, effects of triple excitations on the relative energies have been estimated using the CCSD+T(CCSD) and CCSD(T) methods, and some distortions of (2) to lower symmetry have been investigated. With all basis sets considered, (1) is the lowest energy structure, although (2) and (3) are respectively 2.8 and 5.8 kcal mol−1 higher in energy with a polarized valence double-zeta basis set, and (2) is less than 1 kcal mol−1 higher in energy than (1) with a 4s3p1d basis set. (2), however, is found to have an imaginary frequency for the B1u mode, which leads to (1). It is suggested that monocyclic C10 is highly fluxional, (2) being the low energy transition state for automerization of (1).
Sub-32nm CMOS technology enhancement for low power applications

In this paper, we have systematically investigated the factors for performance enhancement on sub-32nm CMOS technology. We report that PMOS gains the drive current by slim spacer, S/D silicide resistance reduction by e-SiGe, and compressive CESL. The three factors improve the PMOS performance by 7%, 10% and 25% respectively. Combined with the three factors can gain the device drive current 30%. In addition, the optimized integration scheme can reduce NMOS extension resistance. The main cause is that post e-SiGe clean processes would loss the extension dopant and increases the extension resistance. We successfully reduce the NMOS total resistance 22% compared to control without compromise PMOS device performance.
Genetic characterization of TET1, TET2, and TET3 alterations in myeloid malignancies

Disease alleles that activate signal transduction are common in myeloid malignancies; however, there are additional unidentified mutations that contribute to myeloid transformation. Based on the recent identification of TET2 mutations, we evaluated the mutational status of TET1, TET2, and TET3 in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Sequencing of TET2 in 408 paired tumor/normal samples distinguished between 68 somatic mutations and 6 novel single nucleotide polymorphisms and identified TET2 mutations in MPN (27 of 354, 7.6%), CMML (29 of 69, 42%), AML (11 of 91, 12%), and M7 AML (1 of 28, 3.6%) samples. We did not identify somatic TET1 or TET3 mutations or TET2 promoter hypermethylation in MPNs. TET2 mutations did not cluster in genetically defined MPN, CMML, or AML subsets but were associated with decreased overall survival in AML (P = .029). These data indicate that TET2 mutations are observed in different myeloid malignancies and may be important in AML prognosis.
SU-E-T-438: Commissioning of An In-Vivo Quality Assurance Method Using the Electronic Portal Imaging Device

Purpose: Patient specific pre-treatment quality assurance (QA) using arrays of detectors or film have been the standard approach to assure the correct treatment is delivered to the patient. This QA approach is expensive, labor intensive and does not guarantee or document that all remaining fractions were treated properly. The purpose of this abstract is to commission and evaluate the performance of a commercially available in-vivo QA software using the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) to record the daily treatments. Methods: The platform EPIgray V2.0.2 (Dosisoft), which machine model compares ratios of TMR with EPID signal to predict dose was commissioned for an Artiste (Siemens Oncology Care Systems) and a Truebeam (Varian medical systems) linear accelerator following the given instructions. The systems were then tested on three different phantoms (homogeneous stack of solid water, anthropomorphic head and pelvis) and on a library of patient cases. Simple and complex fields were delivered at different exposures and for different gantry angles. The effects of the table attenuation and the EPID sagging were evaluated. Gamma analysis of the measured dose was compared to the predicted dose for complex clinical IMRT cases. Results: Commissioning of the EPIgray system for two photon energies took 8 hours.more » The difference between the dose planned and the dose measured with EPIgray was better than 3% for all phantom scenarios tested. Preliminary results on patients demonstrate an accuracy of 5% is achievable in high dose regions for both 3DCRT and IMRT. Large discrepancies (>5%) were observed due to metallic structures or air cavities and in low dose areas. Flat panel sagging was visible and accounted for in the EPIgray model. Conclusion: The accuracy achieved by EPIgray is sufficient to document the safe delivery of complex IMRT treatments. Future work will evaluate EPIgray for VMAT and high dose rate deliveries. This work is supported by Dosisoft, Cachan, France.« less
Hormonal influences on chemical carcinogenesis: Studies with the aflatoxin B1 hepatocarcinoma model in the rat

The role of adrenocorticotropin, cortisol, and corticosterone on chemical carcinogenesis was investigated using the rat aflatoxin B1 hepatocarcinoma model. The animals were divided into untreated controls and various experimental groups receiving the carcinogen alone or the carcinogen with a hormone. Animals lost during the treatment period died mostly of massive hepatic necrosis. The results following 65 weeks of observation show that: (1) hormones decrease the toxicity of aflatoxin B1; (2) adrenocorticotropin possibly exerts its influence on aflatoxin B1 hepatocarcinogenesis through adrenal stimulation, and (3) in aflatoxin B1-adrenocorticotropin treated animals, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and malignant lymphoma may be observed.
Effect of Gravity on Liquid Plug Transport Through an Airway Bifurcation Model

Many medical therapies require liquid plugs to be instilled into and delivered throughout the pulmonary airways. Improving these treatments requires a better understanding of how liquid distributes throughout these airways. In this study, gravitational and surface mechanisms determining the distribution of instilled liquids are examined experimentally using a bench-top model of a symmetrically bifurcating airway. A liquid plug was instilled into the parent tube and driven through the bifurcation by a syringe pump. The effect of gravity was adjusted by changing the roll angle (phi) and pitch angle (gamma) of the bifurcation (phi = gamma =0 deg was isogravitational). Phi determines the relative gravitational orientation of the two daughter tubes: when phi not equal to 0 deg, one daughter tube was lower (gravitationally favored) compared to the other. Gamma determines the component of gravity acting along the axial direction of the parent tube: when gamma not equal to 0 deg, a nonzero component of gravity acts along the axial direction of the parent tube. A splitting ratio Rs, is defined as the ratio of the liquid volume in the upper daughter to the lower just after plug splitting. We measured the splitting ratio, Rs, as a function of: the parent-tube capillary number (Cap); the Bond number (Bo); phi; gamma; and the presence of pre-existing plugs initially blocking either daughter tube. A critical capillary number (Cac) was found to exist below which no liquid entered the upper daughter (Rs = 0), and above which Rs increased and leveled off with Cap. Cac increased while Rs decreased with increasing phi, gamma, and Bo for blocked and unblocked cases at a given Cap > Ca,. Compared to the nonblockage cases, Rs decreased (increased) at a given Cap while Cac increased (decreased) with an upper (lower) liquid blockage. More liquid entered the unblocked daughter with a blockage in one daughter tube, and this effect was larger with larger gravity effect. A simple theoretical model that predicts Rs and Cac is in qualitative agreement with the experiments over a wide range of parameters.
The chemistry of adsorbed Cu(II) and Mn(II) in aqueous titanium dioxide suspensions

Abstract We studied the adsorption behavior of Cu(II) and Mn(II) on the surface of titanium dioxide over the pH range from 2.0 to 11.5. The titanium dioxide we used in these experiments was prepared by hydrolyzing TiCl4 and had a surface area of 113.7 m2 g−1. All suspensions, which were 9.04 × 10−3 M in NaClO4, contained 20 m2 liter−1 of oxide surface and divalent metal ion concentrations sufficient (at full adsorption from solution) to cover the available surface with one-half, one, and four layers of close-packed, hydrated ions. Both divalent ions began adsorption below titanium dioxide's isoelectric point (pH = 6.2). Cu2+ adsorption was accompanied by net OH− uptake from solution and it was inferred that the titania surface also provided OH− for Cu2+ adsorption. ESR spectra demonstrate the coexistence of two distinct forms adopted by these metal ions on the surface. A portion of the adsorbed metal ions occupies sites magnetically isolated one from another, as evidenced by the paramagnetic behavior of this form. The majority of the metal ions, however, exist in hydrous-metal-ion clusters in which spin-exchange coupling of the electron dipoles determines the magnetic behavior. Electrophoretic mobility measurements indicate that ions adsorbed at isolated sites exert a stronger influence on the electrophoretically measured charge of the suspension particles than ions in clusters. Even though these experiments were performed in the absence of oxygen, we observed the oxidation of a limited amount of the Mn(II) on the surface as low as pH = 5. Presumably this occurs as a result of electron transfer between photo-induced electron holes and Mn(II) on the surface.
The heats of iodination of chromium tricarbonyl complexes of arenes and cycloheptatriene

Zusammenfassung The heats of iodination of chromium tricarbonyl complexes of benzene, toluene, mesitylene, and cycloheptatriene have been measured by solution calorimetry in tetrahydrofuran at 25°C. The order of the Cr—ligand strength is: mesitylene > cycloheptatriene > toluene > benzene. This order differs from that determined by high temperature decomposition and iodination and is confirmed by chemical equilibration studies.
Growth, etching, doping and effects of Ar+ laser irradiation in chemical beam epitaxy of GaAs with novel precursors

Tris-dimethylaminoarsenic (TDMAAs) is shown to be a viable alternative to arsine. With Ar ion laser irradiation, the growth enhancement at low substrate temperatures, compared to using arsine or arsenic, has a wider temperature range by ∼100°C, indicating a photochemical effect in addition to the photothermal effect. Furthermore, TDMAAs can be used to etch GaAs at a higher temperature by amine radicals as cracked TDMAAs has no etching effect. The etch rate can be enhanced by Ar ion laser irradiation through local heating. Smooth surface morphology in selective-area growth can be obtained with cracked TDMAAs. Diiodomethane is also shown to be a viable carbon-doping source, and laser-enhanced doping has a photochemical component as well. With cracked TDMAAs, a high 10 19 cm -3 hole concentration can be obtained.
Biocomposite films synthesized at a fluid/fluid interface.

In the synthesis of mesostructured particles and films, the cooperative self-organization of amphiphilic molecules in the presence of reactive species is a key factor in the reaction mechanism. This paper presents a method for preparing structured collagen films synthesized at fluid/fluid interfaces. This work is an extension of previous efforts in our group to synthesize structured silica films in a reaction system confined at the interface between two immiscible fluid phases, providing an additional level of control over the structural evolution that occurs during reaction. Synthesis at a liquid/liquid interface was shown to provide excellent control over the mesostructure of the final product, avoiding a major problem encountered in many film synthesis techniques in which the reaction occurs at a liquid/solid interface: namely, the undesired effect of the solid surface on the film structure. The focus of this paper is the synthesis of structured composite films containing amphiphilic phospholipids and collagen. These films provide a way to pattern cell growth on biocompatible surfaces and a model system for studying the self-assembly mechanism of lipids and collagen. Self-assembled monolayers and bilayers composed of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids and collagen were investigated to determine how regularly patterned films can be prepared in a manner that preserves the bioactive properties of the collagen. Mixtures of PEs and acid-soluble collagen were spread on an aqueous subphase in a Langmuir trough. Surface pressure–area compression isotherms for the composite lipid/collagen monolayers provide information about interactions between these components. Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) techniques were utilized to transfer the composite films onto freshly cleaved mica. The mica-supported films were characterized by atomic force microscopy. The lipid/collagen ratio in the composite films was found to be the most important factor in determining how the collagen is assembled and distributed. The temperature and pH of the aqueous subphase, the process for spreading collagen on the subphase, the deposition speed, and the deposition pressure are factors that can be used to selectively control the film patterning. For most of these experimental factors, the range over which a highly structured uniform film can be fabricated over significant length scales is generally very narrow. Based on the experimental results and understanding of the fundamental interactions involved, a mechanism for the co-self-assembly of phospholipids and collagen is suggested. The adhesion and growth of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells on the patterned film surfaces demonstrates the biocompatibility of these composite films.
Torsion and bending properties of shape memory and superelastic nickel-titanium rotary instruments.

Abstract Introduction Recently introduced into the market are shape memory nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files. The objective of this study was to investigate the torsion and bending properties of shape memory files (CM Wire, HyFlex CM, and Phoenix Flex) and compare them with conventional (ProFile ISO and K3) and M-Wire (GT Series X and ProFile Vortex) NiTi files. Methods Sizes 20, 30, and 40 (n = 12/size/taper) of 0.02 taper CM Wire, Phoenix Flex, K3, and ProFile ISO and 0.04 taper HyFlex CM, ProFile ISO, GT Series X, and Vortex were tested in torsion and bending per ISO 3630-1 guidelines by using a torsiometer. All data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and the Tukey-Kramer test ( P = .05) to determine any significant differences between the files. Results Significant interactions were present among factors of size and file. Variability in maximum torque values was noted among the shape memory files brands, sometimes exhibiting the greatest or least torque depending on brand, size, and taper. In general, the shape memory files showed a high angle of rotation before fracture but were not statistically different from some of the other files. However, the shape memory files were more flexible, as evidenced by significantly lower bending moments ( P Conclusions Shape memory files show greater flexibility compared with several other NiTi rotary file brands.
Pre‐inception rhetoric in the creation of a social movement: The case of Frances Wright

Critics and historians disagree on the influence of the rhetoric of Frances Wright. In this essay, we account for both views by showing how Wright's rhetoric functioned in the pre‐inception stage of the suffrage movement. Pre‐inception rhetoric is needed when a movement faces ingrained values denying the legitimacy of advocacy by the group. Pre‐inception rhetoric is defined by the combination of value violation and cooptation in an epideictic setting. This rhetorical pattern will not succeed in persuading the larger society, but it is necessary to set the stage for the inception of the social movement, which may in the long term be successful. An analysis of Wright's 1828 Fourth of July Address illustrates the functioning of pre‐inception rhetoric.
Nurse Mentoring Study Demonstrates a Magnetic Work Environment: Predictors of Mentoring Benefits Among Pediatric Nurses

This descriptive, correlational research study applied a business mentoring model, the Mutual Benefits Model (M. G. Zey, 1991), to explore relationships among mentoring quality, mentoring quantity, mentoring type, length of employment, and mentoring benefits among pediatric staff nurse proteges in a single Midwestern, Magnet-designated, freestanding children's hospital. Results support the hypothesis that the linear combination of quality of mentoring and length of employment explained 40% of the variance in mentoring benefits, more than any one factor alone ( R = .63, p = .01). Nurse mentoring, conceptually and experientially, demonstrates the Magnet model components and provides implications for the Magnet Journey.
P2G-1 Effect of Nonuniform Loading Layer on Monolithic Thickness-Mode Piezoelectric Filters

The effect of using a nonuniform loading layer on the frequency response of a thickness-mode piezoelectric filter is investigated. The goal is to create multiple peak frequency shifts by one extra loading layer on the filter structure. By varying the area of the loading layer, not only the peak frequency is shifted but also extra bandpass filters are created at an offset from the original filter. This may enable the fabrication of compact filter arrays for multi-channel systems. Preliminary measurement results show up to 300 MHz frequency shift for acoustically coupled piezoelectric-on-substrate filters operating at 1.2-1.5 GHz.
Nanospray desorption electrospray ionization: an ambient method for liquid-extraction surface sampling in mass spectrometry

Nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI) mass spectrometry is presented as an ambient pressure liquid extraction-ionization technique for analysis of organic and biological molecules on substrates. Analyte is desorbed into a solvent bridge formed between two capillaries and the analysis surface. One capillary supplies solvent to create and maintain the bridge, while the second capillary transports the dissolved analyte from the bridge to the mass spectrometer. A high voltage applied between the inlet of mass spectrometer and the primary capillary creates a self-aspirating nanospray. This approach enables the separation of desorption and ionization events, thus providing independent control of desorption, ionization, and transport of the analyte. We present analytical capabilities of the method and discuss its potential for imaging applications.
Hyperfine Structure in the 253Es Emission Spectrum. II. Nuclear Spin, Nuclear Magnetic Dipole Moment, and Energy Levels of Es II

Fifty-three emission-spectrum lines of einsteinium have been observed. The interval between the ground level 5I8 and the first excited level 3I7 of Es ii has been found to be 938.66 cm−1. The hyperfine structure confirms that the nuclear spin of 253Es is 72. A value of μI = (+5.1±1.3)μN was obtained for the nuclear magnetic dipole moment.
Review of Alterations in Endothelial Nitric Oxide Production in Diabetes: Protective Role of Arginine on Endothelial Dysfunction

Nitric oxide release from the endothelium plays an important role in regulation of vascular tone, inhibition of both platelet and leukocyte aggregation and adhesion, and inhibition of cell proliferation. These properties suggest that the level of NO production by the endothelium may play a pivotal role in the regulation of vascular disease. Analysis using mass spectrometry has revealed that NO is produced by NOS from the terminal guanidino nitrogen of the precursor amino acid L-arginine. Thus, utilization of L-arginine and conversion to NO may establish a regulatory site in the development of endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by defective endothelium-dependent relaxation, and some reviews regarding endothelial dysfunction in diabetes have been published. These reviews have focused on factors that might contribute to defective relaxation, some of which will not be addressed in detail in this review. The purpose of the present review is to summarize evidence that specifically supports either decreased NO production by diabetic vascular endothelium and/or impaired NO-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation. Second, this review provides reasonable alternatives to explain some of the controversies in this research area. Third, since there is growing evidence that arginine appears to have some benefits for diabetes-associated abnormalities, this review summarizes the current state of knowledge of effects of acute and chronic administration of L-arginine on diabetesinduced endothelial dysfunction and discusses potential NOdependent and -independent mechanisms whereby therapeutic intervention with L-arginine might benefit the diabetic endothelium.
A New Combination in Clinopodium (Lamiaceae) from Mesoamerica and Cuba

ABSTRACT Micromeria brownei var. ludens Shinners is recognized at the rank of species and transferred to Clinopodium L. Shinners distinguished variety ludens from other M. brownei (Swartz) Bentham based on its “hispid-ciliate” calyx teeth. While this character seems to be variable over the entire geographic range of C. brownei (Swartz) Kuntze, C. ludens (Shinners) A. Pool is unique in possessing narrowly ellipsoid nutlets, which are apically rostrate, supporting its recognition at the species level. The generic transfer from Micromeria Bentham to Clinopodium follows the molecular and morphological studies of Cantino and Wagstaff. Clinopodium ludens is currently known from Pinar del Rio Province of Cuba, the Yucatan and Quintana Roo states of Mexico, and the Atlantida Department of Honduras.
Electrostimulated bone marrow human mesenchymal stem cells produce follistatin.

Background aims Follistatin (FST) and the related proteins FSTL1 and FSTL3 are crucial modulators of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-b superfamily and function by neutralizing activins, a group of proteins implicated in many biologic processes, such as cell proliferation and differentiation, immune responses, various endocrine activities, wound repair, inflammation and fibrosis. Activins are increased in the serum of heart failure patients and in cardiomyocytes after experimental myocardial infarction, suggesting the involvement of activins in heart failure pathogenesis. FST is considered to be a key modulator in muscle development, differentiation and regeneration, and it has been implicated in the repair of mesodermal- and endodermal-derived tissues, promoting cell proliferation and hampering fibrogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that electrostimulation (ES) induces cardiomyocyte pre-commitment of both stem and non-stem cells in vitro. In this study, we evaluated whether applying ES to human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) modulated FST production. Methods hMSC were electrostimulated with 10 and 40 V for 12 h. FST production was assessed by immunostaining, Western blot and flow cytometry.
Evaluation of high-altitude balloons as a learning technology

The utility of high-altitude balloons as a learning technology to facilitate education in several disciplines is considered in this paper. The role that a high-altitude balloon can play as a learning technology is discussed and its utility in this role is considered. The need for a formal design framework for high-altitude ballooning is also discussed. A framework for the assessment of high-altitude ballooning in supporting an undergraduate-level course is evaluated and an assessment using this framework is conducted. The paper concludes with a discussion of techniques that can be used to broaden access to high-altitude ballooning in education.
Ion Occlusion/Deocclusion Partial Reactions in Individual Palytoxin‐Modified Na/K Pumps

In P-type ion-motive ATPases, transported ions approach their binding sites from one membrane surface, become buried deep within "occluded" conformations in which the sites are inaccessible from either mem- brane side, and are then deoccluded and released to the opposite membrane surface. This describes an alternating-gate transport mechanism, in which the pump acts like an ion channel with two gates that open and close alternately. The occluded states ensure that one gate closes before the other can open, thus preventing the large electrodiffusive ion fluxes that would otherwise quickly undo the pump's electrochemical work. High-resolution crystal structures of two conformations of the SERCA (sarcoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ) P-type ATPase, together with mutagenesis results and analyses of structural models based on homology, have begun to provide a picture of the ion coordination sites in related P-type ATPases, including the Na/K pump. However, in no P-type ATPase are the structures and mechanisms of the gates known. The marine toxin, palytoxin (PTX), is known to bind to the Na/K pump and elicit a nonselective cation leak pathway, possibly by disrupting the strict coupling between the pump's inner and outer gates, allowing them to both be open. We recently found that ion flow through PTX-modified Na/K pump- channels appears to be modulated by two gates that can be regulated by the pump's physiological ligands in a manner suggesting that gating reflects underlying ion occlusion/deocclusion partial reactions. We review that work here and provide evidence that the pore of the PTX-induced pump-channel has a diameter > 6 A.
Runtime analysis for defect-tolerant logic mapping on nanoscale crossbar architectures

Crossbar architectures are promising in the emerging nanoscale electronic environment. Logic mapping onto highly defective crossbars emerges as a fundamental challenge and defect tolerance techniques therefore become crucially important. In this paper we investigate the most challenging part of the problem-the exponential runtime inevitably involved in finding a valid mapping. Runtime depends on solution density of the searching space. Yet, the complexity of the problem is caused by the correlations in the searching space. When defect rate is trivially low, such impact is negligible. When defect rate increases, correlations drive up runtime by not only decreasing the expectation of solution density, but also increasing the standard deviation. Consequently, runtime improvement can be achieved through means which reduce the correlations in the solution space.
The TGF-β Route to Renal Fibrosis Is Not Linear: The miR-21 Viaduct

The chronic kidney disease (CKD) riddle appeared solved 20 years ago when TGF beta (TGF-β) was identified as a potent inducer of renal fibrosis.[1][1] It not only stimulated extracellular matrix production but also efficiently transformed the phenotype of critical cellular mediators into
Fish Assemblages of Floodplain Lakes in the Ohio River Basin

We sampled fish assemblages in 41 floodplain lakes in the Ohio River Basin in the summer of 2012. We collected 2427 individual fishes in 70 species. Mean abundance of individuals at sites was 66, and mean species richness per site was 8.1. We used two multivariate procedures to predict fish-assemblage variation from habitat and environmental variables: an indirect gradient approach (reciprocal averaging [RA]) and a direct gradient approach (canonical correspondence analysis [CCA]). When we applied a forward selection process in the CCA, the habitat and environmental variables that contributed significantly to explaining variation in fishes were mean elevation, latitude, maximum depth, conductivity, longitude, dissolved oxygen, cobble and sand substrates, and lake-surface area. RA provided different results that suggested the presence of additional environmental gradients we did not quantify. Our results show that floodplain lakes in the Ohio River basin contain high species richness and are important habitats to conserve because they have the potential to act as source pools for river fish populations.
Acculturation and Aggression in Latino Adolescents: Modeling Longitudinal Trajectories from the Latino Acculturation and Health Project

This study examines how multiple indicators of adolescent and parent acculturation relate to longitudinal trajectories of Latino adolescent aggression. The hierarchical linear modeling analysis is based on a final sample of 256 adolescents paired with one parent. Of the adolescents, 66% were born outside of the United States and the remaining 34% were US-born. Families lived in two sites: 38% lived in North Carolina and 62% lived in Arizona. The overall trajectory of Latino adolescent aggression displays a statistically significant negative trend best characterized by a quadratic curve. We delineate significant risk factors related to aggression levels, and show that gender, age, parent-reported acculturation conflicts, and adolescent-reported parent-adolescent conflicts are associated with higher levels of adolescent aggression. We discuss the study limitations, implications of the findings, and fertile ground for future research.
Work-life balance of nursing faculty in research- and practice-focused doctoral programs.

Abstract Objectives The growing shortage of nursing faculty and the need for faculty to teach doctoral students to address the shortage call for examination of factors that may contribute to the shortage, including those that are potentially modifiable, including work-life balance.This descriptive study examined work-life balance of a national sample of nursing faculty teaching in research-focused and practice-focused doctoral programs. Methods Data were collected through an online survey of 554 doctoral program faculty members to identify their perceptions of work-life balance and predictors of work-life balance. Results Work-life balance scores indicated better work-life balance than expected. Factors associated with good work-life balance included higher academic rank, having tenure, older age, years in education, current faculty position, and no involvement in clinical practice. Current faculty position was the best predictor of work-life balance. Conclusions Although work-life balance was viewed positively by study participants, efforts are needed to strengthen factors related to positive work/life in view of the increasing workload of doctoral faculty as the numbers of doctoral students increase and the number of seasoned faculty decrease with anticipated waves of retirements.