cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emulsion-based encapsulation of pluripotent stem cells in hydrogel microspheres for cardiac differentiation.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and current treatments are ineffective or unavailable to majority of patients. Engineered cardiac tissue (ECT) is a promising treatment to restore function to the damaged myocardium; however, for these treatments to become a reality, tissue fabrication must be amenable to scalable production and be used in suspension culture. Here, we have developed a low-cost and scalable emulsion-based method for producing ECT microspheres from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-fibrinogen encapsulated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Cell-laden microspheres were formed via water-in-oil emulsification; encapsulation occurred by suspending the cells in hydrogel precursor solution at cell densities from 5 to 60 million cells/ml, adding to mineral oil and vortexing. Microsphere diameters ranged from 30 to 570 μm; size variability was decreased by the addition of 2% poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. Initial cell encapsulation density impacted the ability for mESCs to grow and differentiate, with the greatest success occurring at higher cell densities. Microspheres differentiated into dense spheroidal ECTs with spontaneous contractions occurring as early as Day 10 of cardiac differentiation; furthermore, these ECT microspheres exhibited appropriate temporal changes in gene expression and response to pharmacological stimuli. These results demonstrate the ability to use an emulsion approach to encapsulate pluripotent stem cells for use in microsphere-based cardiac differentiation.
Analysis of the effects of visibility and warning devices on driver injury severity at highway-rail grade crossings considering temporal transferability of data

This study explores the joint effect of visibility and warning devices on driver injury severity at the highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs), while also considering other contributing factors. For this purpose, four mixed logit models are developed to estimate the determinants of driver injury severity considering the combinations of visibility conditions (daylight vs. no daylight) and type of warning devices (active vs. passive warning). The models were calibrated using the data obtained from the USDOT Federal Railroad Administration for HRGC crashes that occurred over a ten-year period 2008-2017 across the United States. A temporal transferability test was conducted and confirmed the stability of model specifications considering a ten-year span of collected data. The pseudo-elasticity analysis was conducted to ascertain marginal impact of the contributing factors on driver injury severity in each model. While the vehicle speed, train speed, time of day and driver age are found to be common significant factors among the four models, there are marked differences between parameters associated with various crash factors. The study provides new insight into the driver injury severity in train-vehicle collisions considering visibility and type of warning devices, which can help in setting up proper policies to improve safety at HRGCs.
Phthalate Exposure and Long-Term Epigenomic Consequences: A Review

Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid which are used in cosmetics and other daily personal care products. They are also used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics to increase durability and plasticity. Phthalates are not present in plastics by covalent bonds and thus can easily leach into the environment and enter the human body by dermal absorption, ingestion, or inhalation. Several in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that phthalates can act as endocrine disruptors and cause moderate reproductive and developmental toxicities. Furthermore, phthalates can pass through the placental barrier and affect the developing fetus. Thus, phthalates have ubiquitous presence in food and environment with potential adverse health effects in humans. This review focusses on studies conducted in the field of toxicogenomics of phthalates and discusses possible transgenerational and multigenerational effects caused by phthalate exposure during any point of the life-cycle.
Transition of femoral-jugular to dual-stage left subclavian without discontinuation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a technology that has allowed further cardiopulmonary support in the setting of respiratory failure refractory to mechanical ventilation. While it has evolved since its first description, one area of improvement continues to be its implementation. With advancements in cannulation techniques, in recent years, there has been a plethora of new cannulas that has been introduced in the market. For urgent venous-venous cannulation, the right internal jugular vein along with either femoral veins remain the most utilized strategy due to minimal need for imaging support. This allows for safe bedside cannulation. However, as the number of days of ECMO support continue to increase, transitioning to a cannulation strategy that is easier to ambulate with and more comfortable is preferred. Therefore, we describe a method for transitioning from right jugular-femoral cannulation to left subclavian placement of the Crescent Dual-Lumen catheter without interrupting ECMO support.
A Cascaded Multi-Core Vapor Chamber for Intra-Lid Heat Spreading in Heterogeneous Packages

We introduce the concept of an intra-lid cascaded multi-core vapor chamber (CMVC) for heat spreading in heterogeneous packages that simultaneously generate large total heat loads and high-power-density hotspots. Current thermal management strategies rely on spreading high local heat fluxes by conduction in the package lid, ultimately dissipating the total heat load using a mounted heat sink. Embedding vapor chambers within the lid is an attractive option to directly address intra-package hotspots, but their design must be reconsidered to simultaneously manage the large total heat load at low thermal resistance. We investigate the design of intra-lid vapor chambers, with water as the working fluid, for a representative device generating a total heat load of 476 W having a background heat flux of 0.75 W/mm2, with hotspots of 8 W/mm2 over a 1 mm2 area. Conventional vapor chamber designs have a single vapor core, which requires thick evaporator wicks to avoid the capillary limit at high total heat loads; directly subjecting this thick wick to high heat flux hotspots imposes a large conduction resistance. To address this drawback, the CMVC concept comprises of a bottom-tier core having many small vapor cores that can each attenuate high heat flux hotspots before they pass through to the top tier, which has a single vapor core functioning as a conventional vapor chamber. Experimentally validated, reduced-order models predict that the CMVC offers an order of magnitude reduction in thermal resistance (0.66 K/W) compared to a solid copper benchmark (7.4 K/W) and conventional single-core vapor chamber (1.8 K/W) owing to a reduction in the conduction resistances across the internal wicks.
Skin-Related complications of Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: a retrospective review of 410 patients.

BACKGROUND Little is known about skin-related complications in Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS), a complex vascular anomaly defined by capillary malformation (CM), venous malformation (VM) ± lymphatic malformation (LM) and limb overgrowth. Reported skin-related complications of KTS include ulceration, vascular ectasias (blebs), bleeding and infection. OBJECTIVE To determine the spectrum, prevalence and predictors of skin-related complications in KTS. METHODS A retrospective review of 410 patients fulfilling KTS criteria was performed to assess for the presence of skin-related complications. RESULTS Skin-related complications were present in 45% of patients. Most prevalent were CM-related complications including blebs, bleeding, thickening (25%), cellulitis (22%) and ulceration (21%). Features positively associated with skin-related complications were presence of LM (OR 17.17; P < 0.001), VM on the buttocks/perineum/genitalia (OR 1.92; P = 0.009), CM on the feet (OR 1.77; P = 0.039) and male sex (OR 1.63; P = 0.034). Features negatively associated with skin-related complications were CM on the trunk (OR 0.59; P = 0.029) and tissue hypertrophy of the hands (OR 0.27; P = 0.025). CONCLUSION Skin-related complications affect nearly half of patients with KTS. Those with lymphatic involvement or malformation presence in the undergarment area or feet are most at risk.
GMO Contamination-Price Effects in the U.S. Corn Market: StarLink and MIR162

We examine the actual price impact of genetically modified grain contamination events. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the price effects of multiple genetically modified contamination events in the U.S. corn market. Using the relative price of substitute method and time-varying cointegration, we identify two primary structural breaks most relevant to the corn contamination events, StarLink and MIR162 events. Our results support the StarLink event’s large effect on corn prices found in the literature, but the price effect attributed to MIR162 is less clear. The break in prices near the MIR162 event, which was attributed to China’s rejection of the contaminated corn, emerged three months prior to the import ban. The magnitude of the price change was influenced by changes in U.S. corn and sorghum supply, and the EPA’s proposed reduction of the ethanol mandate. Expansion of sorghum exports and subsequent increased corn production also likely kept the pressure on corn prices. While China’s import ban on MIR162 and DDGSs may have resulted in delayed and cumulative changes in prices, the evidence suggests that the subsequent downturn in the U.S. corn market was more likely influenced by other domestic supply and demand changes.
Flow and non-flow event anisotropies at the SPS

A study of differential elliptic event anisotropies (v_2) of charged particles and high-pt pions in 158 AGeV/c Pb+Au collisions is presented. Results from correlations with respect to the event plane and from two-particle azimuthal correlations are compared. The latter give systematically higher v_2 values at pt>1.2GeV/c providing possibly an evidence of a non-flow semihard component.
Utilization of Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System: A Survey of Cardiovascular Imaging Societies.

Objective This survey was performed to determine the extent of utilization of Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) since its introduction in 2016 among members of cardiovascular imaging societies. Methods A survey regarding use of CAD-RADS was distributed to members of North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging and Society for Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Results A total of 246 surveys were completed, and results show that, although most respondents are familiar with CAD-RADS (95%), less than half (45%) report using CAD-RADS for all coronary CTA. Rates of CAD-RADS utilization were similar among physicians who work in a variety of settings. Years of clinical experience did not affect the rates of CAD-RADS utilization; however, a higher weekly volume of cardiac computed tomography was associated with higher rates of CAD-RADS utilization. Conclusions Four years after the introduction of CAD-RADS, the reporting system is used by less than half of surveyed members of North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging and Society for Cardiovascular Computed Tomography regardless of practice model and range of practice experience with cardiac computed tomography.
Assessing the effects of common topical exposures on skin bacteria associated with atopic dermatitis.

Background While patients and families struggling with atopic dermatitis (AD) have documented concerns for a contributory role of skin care products in AD pathology, nearly all the skin microbiome studies to date have asked participants to avoid topical products (such as soaps or select medications) for the preceding days to weeks prior to sample collection. Thus, given the established role of the microbiome in AD, the interactions between topical exposures, dysbiosis and AD remains underrepresented in the academic literature. Objectives To address this knowledge gap, we expanded our previous evaluations to test the toxicological effects of a broader range of common chemicals, AD treatment lotions, creams and ointments using both health- and AD-associated strains of Roseomonas mucosa and Staphylococcus spp. Methods Use of in vitro culture techniques and mouse models were deployed to identify chemicals with dysbiotic or pre-biotic potential. A proof-of-concept study was subsequently performed in healthy volunteers to assess global microbiome shifts after exposure to select chemicals using dermatologic patch testing. Results Numerous chemicals possessed antibiotic properties, including many not marketed as anti-microbials. Through targeted combination of potentially beneficial chemicals, we identified combinations which promoted the growth of health-associated isolates over disease-associated strains in bacterial culture and enhanced microbe-specific outcomes in an established mouse model of AD; the most promising of which was the combination of citral and colophonium (often sold as lemon myrtle oil and pine tar). Additional studies would likely further optimize the combination of ingredients use. Similar results were seen in the proof-of-concept human studies. Conclusions Our results could offer a systematic, multiplex approach to identify which products carry dysbiotic potential and thus may guide formulation of new topicals to benefit patients with AD.
Short-lived detection of an introduced vertebrate eDNA signal in a nearshore rocky reef environment

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly used to measure biodiversity of marine ecosystems, yet key aspects of the temporal dynamics of eDNA remain unknown. Of particular interest is in situ persistence of eDNA signals in dynamic marine environments, as eDNA degradation rates have predominantly been quantified through mesocosm studies. To determine in situ eDNA residence times, we introduced an eDNA signal from a non-native fish into a protected bay of a Southern California rocky reef ecosystem, and then measured changes in both introduced and background eDNA signals across a fixed transect over 96 hours. Foreign eDNA signal was no longer detected only 7.5 hours after introduction, a time substantially shorter than the multi-day persistence times in laboratory studies. Moreover, the foreign eDNA signal spread along the entire 38 m transect within 1.5 hours after introduction, indicating that transport and diffusion play a role in eDNA detectability even in protected low energy marine environments. Similarly, native vertebrate eDNA signals varied greatly over the 96 hours of observation as well as within two additional nearby fixed transects sampled over 120 hours. While community structure did significantly change across time of day and tidal direction, neither accounted for the majority of observed variation. Combined, results show that both foreign and native eDNA signatures can exhibit substantial temporal heterogeneity, even on hourly time scales. Further work exploring eDNA decay from lagrangian perspective and quantifying effects of sample and technical replication are needed to better understand temporal variation of eDNA signatures in nearshore marine environments.
Perfect fluid flows on $$\mathbb {R}^d$$ R d with growth/decay conditions at infinity

We study the well-posedness and the spatial behavior at infinity of perfect fluid flows on $$\mathbb {R}^d$$ with initial velocity in a scale of weighted Sobolev spaces that allow spatial growth/decay at infinity as $$|x|^\beta $$ with $$\beta <1/2$$ . Moreover, for initial velocity with sufficient spatial decay, we show that the solution of the Euler equation generically develops an asymptotic expansion at infinity with non-vanishing asymptotic terms that depend analytically on time and the initial data. For initial data in the Schwartz space, we identify the evolution space of the fluid velocity with a certain space of symbols.
LGBTQ Identities and Hermeneutical Injustice at the Border

This paper applies the framework of epistemic injustice to the context of the asylum process, arguing that asylum seekers are typically at risk of this kind of injustice, which consists in their not being considered credible and not being listened to due to prejudices toward their social identity. More specifically, I address hermeneutical injustice in the adjudication of LGBTQ asylum claims, as well as the possibility of developing practices of hermeneutical justice in this context. I start with a general analysis of epistemic injustice in the asylum process, examining the different ways in which stereotypes and prejudices hinder the process (section 1). Next, I focus on hermeneutical injustice in LGBTQ cases (section 2). In section 3, I expand on the possibility of developing hermeneutical justice in this context. Finally, I conclude by hinting at hinge epistemology as a feasible framework for research on hermeneutical injustice and justice, and at broader theoretical themes stimulated by this reflection.
Anthropologist as Anti-Christ: Positioning and Reciprocity in San Miguel Acatán, Guatemala

The accusation by some villagers that I was an Anti-Christ provides an opportunity to reflect on the production of anthropological knowledge. The production of knowledge by anthropologists must not only take into account the personal characteristics of the anthropologist but also the ways in which the culture the anthropologist studies classifies that anthropologist, thereby making available to him or her certain ways of knowing. I my case, as an unmarried man with no visible means of economic support, I appeared similar to others, like Earthlords, and priests, who offered villagers Faustian bargains. The deals' dangers lay in the fact that the exchanges occurred outside of the moral and social frameworks which undergird the community. Thus, their accusation of me as antithetical to the community opens an opportunity to consider the nature of that community.
Biochemical Actions of Fibroblast Kinin-Forming Protease

Both a neutral (1) and acid (2,3) protease capable of forming kinins from a variety of mammalian substrates have been isolated and purified from the transplanted rodent Murphy-Sturm lymphosarcoma (MSLS). The MSLS tissue was comprised of a neterogeneous population of tumor cells and fibroblasts. Initial studies with a pure cell line of mouse fibroblasts grown in stationary cell culture identified the presence of a kinin-forming protease active optimally at pH 4.0.
Smad1 and 5 but Not Smad8 Establish Stem Cell Quiescence Which Is Critical to Transform the Premature Hair Follicle During Morphogenesis Toward the Postnatal State

Hair follicles (HFs) are regenerative miniorgans that offer a highly informative model system to study the regulatory mechanisms of hair follicle stem cells (hfSCs) homeostasis and differentiation. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is key in both of these processes, governing hfSCs quiescence in the bulge and differentiation of matrix progenitors. However, whether canonical or noncanonical pathways of BMP signaling are responsible for these processes remains unresolved. Here, we conditionally ablated two canonical effectors of BMP signaling, Smad1 and Smad5 during hair morphogenesis and postnatal cycling in mouse skin. Deletion of Smad1 and Smad5 (dKO) in the epidermis during morphogenesis resulted in neonatal lethality with lack of visible whiskers. Interestingly, distinct patterns of phospho-Smads (pSmads) activation were detected with pSmad8 restricted to epidermis and pSmad1 and pSmad5 exclusively activated in HFs. Engraftment of dKO skin revealed retarded hair morphogenesis and failure to differentiate into visible hair. The formation of the prebulge and bulge reservoir for quiescent hfSCs was precluded in dKO HFs which remained in prolonged anagen. Surprisingly, in postnatal telogen HFs, pSmad8 expression was no longer limited to epidermis and was also present in dKO bulge hfSCs and matrix progenitors. Although pSmad8 activity alone could not prevent dKO hfSCs precocious anagen activation, it sustained efficient postnatal differentiation and regeneration of visible hairs. Together, our data suggest a pivotal role for canonical BMP signaling demonstrating distinguished nonoverlapping function of pSmad8 with pSmad1 and pSmad5 in hfSCs regulation and hair morphogenesis but a redundant role in adult hair progenitors differentiation.
The Case for Hunting

There are serious ecological problems in the world today. Lead from the exhaust of California automobiles is found in the ice of Greenland, and sulfur from Ohio industries acidifies lakes in Michigan and New York and fish die. Toxic wastes once buried out of sight near the Great Lakes have unexpectedly returned from their graves, causing gulls and cormorants to be born with deformed bills. Tropical rainforests are being clearcut at a rate of 250,000 square kilometers per year, destroying entire species of animals before they are even described by scientists.
Parallel Data Flow Analysis for OpenMP Programs

The paper presents a compiler framework for analyzing and optimizing OpenMP programs. The framework includes Parallel Control Flow Graph and Parallel Data Flow equations based on the OpenMP relaxed memory consistency model. It enables traditional compiler analyses as well as specific optimizations for OpenMP. Based on the framework, we describe dead code elimination and barrier elimination algorithms. An OpenMP code example is showed in the paper to illustrate the optimizations. The framework guarantees that the traditional optimizations can be performed safely to OpenMP programs, and it further increases the opportunities for more aggressive optimizations.
Differential cardiovascular responses elicited by point-specific acupuncture during phenylbiguanide-induced reflex stimulation (686.4)

Stimulation of cardiopulmonary receptors with phenylbiguanide (PBG) consequent to vagal activation decreases blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) mediated by the nucleus ambiguus (NA) and nucleu...
On optimum power allocation for the V-BLAST

A unified analytical framework for optimum power allocation in the unordered V-BLAST algorithm and its comparative performance analysis are presented. Compact closed-form approximations for the optimum power allocation are derived, based on average total and block error rates. The choice of the criterion has little impact on the power allocation and, overall, the optimum strategy is to allocate more power to lower step transmitters and less to higher ones. High-SNR approximations for optimized average block and total error rates are given. The SNR gain of optimization is rigorously defined and studied using analytical tools, including lower and upper bounds, high and low SNR approximations. The gain is upper bounded by the number of transmit antennas, for any modulation format and type of fading channel. While the average optimization is less complex than the instantaneous one, its performance is almost as good at high SNR. A measure of robustness of the optimized algorithm is introduced and evaluated. The optimized algorithm is shown to be robust to perturbations in individual and total transmit powers. Based on the algorithm robustness, a pre-set power allocation is suggested as a low-complexity alternative to the other optimization strategies, which exhibits only a minor loss in performance over the practical SNR range.
MRCI Calculations of the Lowest Potential Energy Surface for CH3OH and Direct ab Initio Dynamics Simulations of the O(1D) + CH4 Reaction†

The stationary point geometries and frequencies on the lowest singlet potential energy surface for the CH3OH system are calculated using the complete-active-space self-consistent-field method. The energetics are refined using a restricted internally contracted multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) method at the complete basis set (CBS) limit. The CBS energy is extrapolated using the scheme of Halkier et al. with two large basis sets: aug-cc-pVDZ and aug-cc-pVTZ. The implications of our calculated results concerning the O(1D) + CH4 and OH + CH3 reactions are discussed. In addition, the O(1D) + CH4 reaction at a collision energy of 6.8 kcal/mol is investigated using a variant of the “scaling all correlation” (SAC) method of Truhlar et al. and the coupled-cluster double-excitation (CCD) method in a direct dynamics study with a D95(d,p) basis set. The results show that the O(1D) + CH4 → OH + CH3 reaction occurs both via direct and long-lived intermediate pathways. The differential cross section for...
Stable isosteres of neurotensin c-terminal pentapeptides derived by modification of the amide function

Abstract A series of amide bond modified neurotensin c-terminal pentapeptides has been prepared and tested for their in vivo analgesic properties. Reduced amide function and trans double bond isosteres did show analgesic activity.
Clinical outcome of triple negative breast cancer in BRCA1 mutation carriers and noncarriers.

BACKGROUND Women with BRCA1 mutations develop breast cancer with similar pathologic features to sporadic triple negative (TN) breast cancer, a subtype associated with early disease relapse and poor outcome. We compared the clinical outcome of women with and without BRCA1 mutations who had TN breast cancer treated with conventional chemotherapy.
Relationship between crystal growth and physical properties in the high temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7-δ

The availability of single crystals of superconducting cuprates has made measurements of a number of physical properties of these highly anisotropic systems possible. However, in spite of major developments in crystallization techniques and a massive literature on the growth process, there is generally considerable variation in the critical temperature obtained from transport, magnetic or optical measurement. Certain persistent problems arising during the crystal growth process are examined and analyzed in an attempt to isolate factors influencing physical properties. In this context we review the growth of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ (123) crystals from nonstoichiometric melts, emphasizing impurity effects and complexities of the oxygenation process, using as an example the substitution of Ca in the 123 single crystals. Finally we look critically at the measurements themselves as a means of evaluating crystal quality.
Management of endodontic perforations

1. Perforations in the floor of the pulp chambers of molars offer an improved prognosis when treated aseptically and quickly. 2. Perforations in the apical third of the root canal, when made with a reamer or file that leaves 2 mm. or less of unfilled root canal space, have a good prognosis. 3. If a perforation, either mechanical or resorptive in etiology, occurs on the lingual surface and requires surgical management, prognosis is poor. 4. Recent advances in the use of calcium hydroxide to treat endodontic perforations show promise.
The transition from simple to fractal basin boundary structure displayed by unimodal maps

Abstract One-dimensional unimodal maps of the form X n + 1 = F ( r , x n ) exhibit periodic orbits, or p -cycles, confined within specific values of the control parameter r . For any p -cycle almost all initial conditions x O will iterate to one of attracting fixed points of the map under iteration of the p th iterate of the map F (p) . The basin boundaries which confine points attracted to the fixed points are simple or fractal depending upon whether the cycle is a member of the period doubling cascade or is a cycle in the aperiodic region beyond the period doubling accumulation point. The topology of these basin structures and the transition from simple to fractal behaviour is analyzed as a function of control parameter in terms of a scenario which parallels that of the progression from period doubling to the aperiodic regime.
How stars form: a synthesis of modern ideas

Abstract A great wealth of observational data pertaining to regions of star formation has been acquired in recent years, particularly at radio wavelengths. In this review we assemble this data into a global picture of star formation which traces how molecular clouds, both giant and small, produce stars of varying masses at varying times and with varying spatial distributions. We discuss the central role of turbulence (either energy cascade or torque-driven) in initially supporting molecular clouds and ultimately in determining the mass spectrum of the formed stars. Special emphasis is given to the formation of massive stars, which requires that several physical processes operate, as distinct from low-mass stars which are more easily formed. The picture of star formation is compared in some detail with many new and old observational aspects of the subject, many of which have hitherto been enigmatic.
Prevention of protein adsorption and platelet adhesion on surfaces by PEO/PPO/PEO triblock copolymers

Fibrinogen adsorption and platelet adhesion on to dimethyldichlorosilane-treated glass and low-density polyethylene were examined. The surfaces were treated with poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide)/poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers (Pluronics). Poly(ethylene glycol) could not prevent platelet adhesion and activation, even when the bulk concentration for adsorption was increased to 10 mg/ml. Pluronics containing 30 propylene oxide residues could not prevent platelet adhesion and activation, although the number of ethylene oxide residues varied up to 76. However, Pluronics containing 56 propylene oxide residues inhibited platelet adhesion and activation, even though the number of ethylene oxide residues was as small as 19. Fibrinogen adsorption on the Pluronic-coated surfaces was reduced by more than 95% compared to the adsorption on control surfaces. The ability of Pluronics to prevent platelet adhesion and activation was mainly dependent on the number of propylene oxide residues, rather than the number of ethylene oxide residues. The large number of propylene oxide residues was expected to result in tight interaction with hydrophobic dimethyldichlorosilane-treated glass and low-density polyethylene surfaces and thus the tight anchoring of Pluronics to the surfaces. The presence of 19 ethylene oxide residues in the hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) chains was sufficient to repel fibrinogen and platelets by the mechanism of steric repulsion.
HIGH NITROGEN FIXATION RATES IN THE SARGASSO SEA AND THE ARABIAN SEA1

Nitrogen fixation rates have been mcasurcd in the Sargasso Sea and the Arabian Sea using the N'" method. Heavy enrichments in N1" wcrc found in a number of experiments in which the blue-green alga, Trichodemnium, was used for the experimental material.
Profiling of the Mammalian Mitotic Spindle Proteome Reveals an ER Protein, OSTD-1, as Being Necessary for Cell Division and ER Morphology

Cell division is important for many cellular processes including cell growth, reproduction, wound healing and stem cell renewal. Failures in cell division can often lead to tumors and birth defects. To identify factors necessary for this process, we implemented a comparative profiling strategy of the published mitotic spindle proteome from our laboratory. Of the candidate mammalian proteins, we determined that 77% had orthologs in Caenorhabditis elegans and 18% were associated with human disease. Of the C. elegans candidates (n=146), we determined that 34 genes functioned in embryonic development and 56% of these were predicted to be membrane trafficking proteins. A secondary, visual screen to detect distinct defects in cell division revealed 21 genes that were necessary for cytokinesis. One of these candidates, OSTD-1, an ER resident protein, was further characterized due to the aberrant cleavage furrow placement and failures in division. We determined that OSTD-1 plays a role in maintaining the dynamic morphology of the ER during the cell cycle. In addition, 65% of all ostd-1 RNAi-treated embryos failed to correctly position cleavage furrows, suggesting that proper ER morphology plays a necessary function during animal cell division.
A Never-Ending Groove: Johnny Sandlin's Musical Odyssey Anathalee G. Sandlin. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 2012.

A Never-Ending Groove: Johnny Sandlin's Musical Odyssey Anathalee G. Sandlin. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 2012.Written by his wife, Anathalee G. Sandlin, A Never-Ending Groove: Johnny Sandlin's Musical Odyssey, charts the life and times of the noteworthy musician and record producer who is considered to be a pioneer in the sound of Southern rock music.Although the author is Sandlin's wife, the book is a first-person account and an insider's view by Mr. Sandlin (1945), from his early days growing up in Decatur, Alabama and his first guitar lessons to his early bands and his musical influences from Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Ray Charles to the present. Readers will be transported back to Sandlin's performances, or "gigs," as he calls them, throughout the biography. Within the first few pages of the first chapter, Sandlin returns to his first major gig: "In 1958, when [he] was thirteen, we got a gig opening for Jerry Lee Lewis at a fair in Cullman, Alabama, and this particular night, Jerry Lee's guitar player didn't show up. Since most of what we played were his songs anyway, Jerry Lee figured [Sandlin] could play them and he let [him] sit in. [Sandlin] was scared to death, and it's not an understatement to say [he] was terrible" (4).Johnny Sandlin's life in the music world definitely improved following his first gig with Jerry Lee Lewis, and by the early 1960s, he was playing in a variety of bands with musicians who eventually made names for themselves in the music industry, including David Briggs, Jerry Carrigan, David Hood, and Dan Penn. The strong bonds that Sandlin made with his fellow musicians on the road and in the recording studio over the decades are a constant theme throughout the biography.With spectacular detail, the memoir recounts Sandlin's musical journey as the 1960s progressed, and he became a member of The HourGlass, which included members Duane and Gregg Allman. The HourGlass created the foundations of the Southern rock style and recorded two albums for the Liberty record label. During the band's short heyday, they opened for such acts as Buffalo Springfield, Eric Burdon, Jefferson Airplane, Moby Grape, Mother Earth, and the Youngbloods.Sandlin's recollections from touring, in particular from the days in California, are akin to a diary of a young man from the South who followed his musical dreams with stories that still have him in almost disbelief about the amazing experiences. …
Ethnic Differences in Children's Intelligence Test Scores: Role of Economic Deprivation, Home Environment, and Maternal Characteristics

We examine differences in intelligence test scores of black and white 5-year-olds. The Infant Health and Development Program data set includes 483 low birthweight premature children who were assessed with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. These children had been followed from birth, with data on neighborhood and family poverty, family structure, family resources, maternal characteristics, and home environment collected over the first 5 years of life. Black children's IQ scores were 1 SD lower than those of white children. Adjustments for ethnic differences in poverty reduced the ethnic differential by 52%. Adjustments for maternal education and whether the head of household was female did not reduce the ethnic difference further. However, differences in home environment reduced the ethnic differential by an additional 28%. Adjustments for economic and social differences in the lives of black and white children all but eliminate differences in the IQ scores between these two groups.
Math Bite: A Novel Proof of the Infinitude of Primes, Revisited

9. , A Survey of Geometry, revised edition, Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1972. 10. H. G. Forder, A Theorem in Coolidge's "Circle and Sphere," Math. Gaz. 15 (1930-1931), 470-471. 11. Gaspard Monge, Sur la pyramide triangulaire, in Correspondance sur l'Ecole Imperiale Polytechnique, edited by J. Hachette, 1813-1816, Vol. 2, pp. 1-6. 12. , Sur la pyramide triangulaire, in Correspondance sur I'Ecole Imperiale Polytechnique, edited by J. Hachette, 1813-1816, Vol 2, pp. 263-266. 13. J. J. O'Connor and E. F. Robertson, Gaspard Monge, The MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, http://www-groups.dcs. st-andrews.ac.uk/-history/Mathematicians/Monge.html. 14. George Polya, How to Solve It, 2nd ed., Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 1973. 15. Ren6 Taton, L'oeuvre scientifique de Monge, Presses Universitaires de France, Paris, 1951. 16. H. F. Thompson, A Geometrical Proof of a Theorem connected with the Tetrahedron, Proc. Edinb. Math. Soc. 17 (1908-1909), 51-53.
Characterization of the protein kinases in a transplantable islet cell tumor of the Syrian hamster.

Abstract The protein kinase activities of a transplantable, insulin-producing hamster islet cell tumor were characterized using gel filtration, sucrose density gradient centrifugation and acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The post-microsomal supernatant fluid contains 70–80% of the protein kinase activity present in crude homogenates. A cAMP-dependent protein kinase, PK I ( M r 170,000), represents 25% of the soluble protein kinase activity assayed with protamine as substrate. It dissociates in the presence of cAMP into a cAMP-binding protein, R 2 ( M r 90,000) and a catalytic subunit C ( M r 33,000). The dissociation induced by cAMP seems to be facilitated by the addition of Mg 2+ and ATP. The regulatory subunit, R 2 , changes its gel filtration pattern in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl suggesting dissociation into a smaller subunit, R 1 ( M r 44,000). By analogy with purified beef heart protein kinase (Erlichman et al., 1973) and skeletal muscle protein kinase (Beavo et al., 1974), an R 2 C 2 structure is proposed for the cAMP-dependent insulinoma protein kinase, PK I. The presence in crude homogenates of a free cAMP-binding protein indistinguishable from the R 2 derived by dissociation of PK I, suggests that PK I is partially dissociated in vivo. A cAMP-independent (casein) kinase ( M r 210,000) elutes with PK I on columns of Sepharose 6B. Another cAMP-independent protein kinase, PK II ( M r 88,000), is the predominant form of soluble protein kinase accounting for approximately 75% of the soluble protein kinase activity detected using protamine as substrate. This cAMP-independent protein kinase changes its gel filtration pattern in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl giving rise to a form which appears to have the same M r (33,000) as the catalytic subunit of PK I. Studies comparing the catalytic subunit C of PK I with PK II and its salt-induced smaller molecular form demonstrate facile association of C with the cAMP-binding protein of purified bovine heart protein kinase to yield a hybrid holoenzyme, whereas PK II and its smaller form fail to recombine in this fashion. The 33,000 dalton forms derived from PK I (by cAMP) and PK II (by salt) also show different substrate specificities. It would appear, therefore, that pK II is a cAMP-independent protein kinase unrelated to PK I.
Quality-of-care assessment.

Excerpt To the editor: Recent medical literature abounds with new and more complex schemes for evaluating cost effectiveness and the quality of care we give our patients. The article "Quality-of-Ca...
Metal dehalogenation route to reactive fluoroolefins

Abstract Metal dehalogenation of bromodifluoromethyltriphenylphosphonium bromide with Cd, Zn, or Hg provides a practical route to fluoroolefins that contain an allylic halogen or a pentafluorophenyl group. No SN2′ or ring substituted products are observed.
The microwave stark effect in oxygen

Abstract The Stark effect of the 118 GHz oxygen transition has been observed. From measured frequency shifts in strong electric fields, the sign and magnitude of the electric polarizability anisotropy were found to be α‖ - α⊥ = 1.12 ± 0.07 A3.
Xenophon's Philosophic Odyssey: On the Anabasis and Plato's Republic

Xenophon's Anabasis, a military adventure interwoven with a story of philosophical self-discovery, is a companion piece to Plato's Republic. The Anabasis takes up in deed the two great political problems treated in speech in the Republic, namely, how a just community can come into being and how philosophy and political power may be brought to coincide. In addressing the first of these problems, Xenophon makes explicit a lesson about the limits of politics that is implicit in the Republic. He speaks to the second problem by clarifying the essential role of philosophical eros in his emergence, at the moment of crisis, as the founder and leader of a well-ordered community. Xenophon‘s self-presentation in the Anabasis, which makes clear his debt to Socrates, illuminates the nature of philosophical courage as well as the saving integrity of the philosophical soul.
Prostate cancers diagnosed at repeat biopsy are smaller and less likely to be high grade.

Purpose: We investigated whether prostate cancer diagnosed on initial prostate biopsy had worse pathological outcomes compared to that diagnosed on repeat prostate biopsy.Materials and Methods: We reviewed 905 newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases from 2000 to 2007. Patients were stratified by the number of previous biopsies, including the initial biopsy in 690, and 1 and 2 or greater negative previous biopsies in 142 and 73, respectively. We analyzed Gleason sum, number of cores taken, percent of positive cores and bilaterality of prostate cancer. Clinically insignificant cancers were defined according to prostate specific antigen density 0.4 ng/ml or less, 3 or fewer positive cores, 50% or less of maximum cancer in any core and Gleason sum 6 or less.Results: Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 57%, 23% and 21% of cases in the initial, and 1 and 2 or greater negative previous biopsies groups, respectively. Initial prostate biopsy showed a higher number and percent of positive cores, and the maximum percent ...
Plastic Deformation and Life Prediction of Solder Joints for Mechanical Shock and Drop/Impact Loading Conditions

Recent data [Syed, A., et al., "Alloying Effect of Ni, Co, and Sb in SAC solder for Improved Drop Performance of Chip Scale Packages with Cu OSP Pad Finish," Proceedings of the 8th EPTC conference, 2006, pp. 404-411.] shows that significant improvement in drop performance can be achieved by utilizing solder balls of Sn1.2Ag0.5Cu0.05Ni composition on Cu OSP finish packages. Along with higher performance, the data also shows that the failure mode changes from brittle (IMC) to ductile (bulk solder) when this alloy is used as opposed to SAC305/SAC405 solder alloy. This implies that quantification of plastic deformation of solder joint due to drop/impact loading can be used in predicting the life of solder joints when this alloy is used for solder balls. This paper reports the correlation of accumulated plastic strain and plastic work (energy density) to the number of drops to failure. Board level drop tests were performed on two component types with varying component sizes, ball sizes, and ball pitch using Cu OSP finish and solder balls Sn1.2Ag0.5Cu0.05Ni composition. The drop to failure data was collected on these components at various locations on the board to generate enough spread in the data. Each of this data set was then simulated using the approach published previously [Syed, A., et al., "A Methodology for Drop Performance Prediction and Application for Design Optimization of Chip Scale Packages," Proceedings of 55th ECTC conference, 2005, pp. 472-479.] employing high strain rate stress-strain behavior of this solder alloy. The accumulated plastic strain and plastic work in the critical solder joint was computed for each component and at various locations on the board to determine the correlation with number of drops to failure. The simulation approach and the correlations achieved can be used not only to predict solder joint response in a board level test but also for a product level drop test. Also, the same methodology can be used for life prediction of solder joints using other solder alloys, as long as failure is in the bulk solder.
Particle-induced circulatory disturbances in transplanted rhesus macaque kidneys

We have demonstrated the presence of crystalline particles in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution used to perfuse rhesus monkey kidney transplants. These particles were visible in obstructed blood vessels and associated with immediate graft thrombosis and necrosis. This occurred in 25.7% of kidneys perfused with UW solution and transplanted into young, unsensitized recipients. Two molecular species of crystals were defined by mass spectrometry. The particle size ranged from 3 to greater than 100 μm, with a preponderance of particles less than 25 μm in diameter. Such particles are not removed by 40-μm filtration, but can be removed by centrifugation. With extensive use of UW solution for organ storage, the potential for particle-induced damage in small vessels in both experimental and human transplants needs to be carefully scrutinized.
Video enhanced differential interference contrast microscopy: a new tool for the study of association colloids and prebiotic assemblies

Abstract Progress in our understanding of molecular forces enables some rules to be formulated for design of surfactant systems. Competition between electrostatic and hydration head group forces, hydrocarbon chain interactions, associated oil penetrability, and interaggregate forces can be put to work to dictate prescribed curvature and other properties of association colloids. Such aggregates can be visualized directly and quickly by a new light microscopy technique. The power of this technique which complements QELS, neutron scattering, electron microscopy, and other methods is illustrated by a study on several surfactant-water systems.
Long-term employment and earnings among low-income families with children

Abstract Self-support through employment has become much more important for low-income mothers and welfare recipients as a result of welfare reform and decline of welfare caseloads. This study used the 2004 longitudinal panels of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) to examine longitudinal patterns and trajectories of employment and earnings and to identify factors associated with long-term employment and earnings success among low-income mothers. The results indicate that despite the high proportion of low-income mothers employed, a substantial number were unable to sustain employment and had low earnings. Only 37% of low-income mothers experienced earnings success. Moreover, nearly half of the sample who had successful employment trajectories experienced stagnant or decreasing earnings. Results highlight the importance of considering the level, trend, and stability of employment and earnings in categorizing employment and earnings success. The factors associated with both long-term employment and earnings success included education, work disability, earnings of other adults in the family, homeownership, and state unemployment rates. Results also revealed some differences in factors that determined these two outcomes. The findings point to the importance of advocating for social policies that provide additional income and employment supports for low-income families with children.
Effects of devaluation on income distribution

Few studies in the literature have argued that inflationary effects of devaluation redistribute income from workers to producers. By using cross-sectional data from 24 countries, this paper provides an empirical support for the theoretical arguements that indeed, devaluations have unequalizing effects on income distribution.
Apparel Acquisition for Consumers with Disabilities: Purchasing Practices and Barriers to Shopping:

Consumers with disabilities from State/Federal Vocational Rehabilitation programs were surveyed to determine the consumers'profile, apparel acquisition practices including preferred shopping site, ...