cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High temperature oxidation kinetics of dysprosium particles

Abstract Rare earth elements have been recognized as critical materials for the advancement of many strategic and green technologies. Recently, the United States Department of Energy has invested many millions of dollars to enhance, protect, and forecast their production and management. The work presented here attempts to clarify the limited and contradictory literature on the oxidation behavior of the rare earth metal, dysprosium. Dysprosium particles were isothermally oxidized from 500 to 1000 °C in N 2 –(2%, 20%, and 50%) O 2 and Ar–20% O 2 using simultaneous thermal analysis techniques. Two distinct oxidation regions were identified at each isothermal temperature in each oxidizing atmosphere. Initially, the oxidation kinetics are very fast until the reaction enters a slower, intermediate region of oxidation. The two regions are defined and the kinetics of each are assessed to show an apparent activation energy of 8–25 kJ/mol in the initial region and 80–95 kJ/mol in the intermediate oxidation reaction region. The effects of varying the oxygen partial pressure on the reaction rate constant are used to show that dysprosium oxide (Dy 2 O 3 ) generally acts as a p-type semiconductor in both regions of oxidation (with an exception above 750 °C in the intermediate region).
Copper-dependent Recycling of hCTR1, the Human High Affinity Copper Transporter

Copper is an essential co-factor in many important physiological processes, but at elevated levels it is toxic to cells. Thus at both the organism and cellular level mechanisms have evolved to finely tune copper homeostasis. The protein responsible for copper entry from the circulation in most human cells is hCTR1, a small protein (190 amino acid residues) that functions as a trimer in the plasma membrane. In the present work we employ cell surface biotinylation and isotopic copper uptake studies of overexpressed hCTR1 in HEK293 cells to examine the acute (minutes) response of hCTR1 to changes in extracellular copper. We show that within 10 min of exposure to copper at 2.5 microM or higher, plasma membrane hCTR1 levels are reduced (by approximately 40%), with a concomitant reduction in copper uptake rates. We are unable to detect any degradation of internalized hCTR1 in the presence of cycloheximide after up to 2 h of exposure to 0-100 microM copper. Using a reversible biotinylation assay, we quantified internalized hCTR1, which increased upon the addition of copper and corresponded to the hCTR1 lost from the surface. In addition, when extracellular copper is then removed, internalized hCTR1 is promptly (within 30 min) recycled to the plasma membrane. We have shown that in the absence of added extracellular copper, there is a small but detectable amount of internalized hCTR1 that is increased in the presence of copper. Similar studies on endogenous hCTR1 show a cell-specific response to elevated extracellular copper. Copper-dependent internalization and recycling of hCTR1 provides an acute and reversible mechanism for the regulation of cellular copper entry.
Inhibition of growth in medullary thyroid cancer cells with histone deacetylase inhibitors and lithium chloride

Background—While representing only 3% of thyroid malignancies, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) accounts for 14% of thyroid cancer deaths. MTC has a high rate of recurrence and lacks effective treatments. The histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors valproic acid (VPA) and suberoyl bis-hydroxamic acid (SBHA) activate the Notch1 signaling pathway, while lithium chloride inhibits the glycogen synthase kinase-3s (GSK-3s) pathway. These compounds have been shown to limit growth and suppress hormonal secretion; thus, targeting different signaling pathways may be an effective treatment. Methods—MTC cells were treated with varying combinations of up to 20 mM lithium chloride with either 3 mM VPA or 20 μM SBHA for 48 hours. Western analysis was used to measure the effects on Notch1, GSK-3s, and neuroendocrine (NE) markers. Growth was assessed by a methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) bromide cellular proliferation assay. Western analysis was used to determine the mechanism of growth regulation Results—Combination therapy increased active Notch1, inhibited the GSK-3s pathway, and decreased NE markers,. Additive inhibition of growth was observed with combination therapy. Lower-dose combination therapy achieved greater decreases on NE markers and growth than treatment with any of the drugs alone. Moreover, an increase in the cleavage of the apoptotic markers caspase-3 and PARP was observed. Conclusions—Combination therapy with lithium chloride and HDAC inhibitors suppresses NE markers and decreases growth via apoptosis of MTC cells in vitro. With the possibility of increased efficacy and decreased toxicity, combination therapy may represent a new strategy to treat MTC.
“Two warring ideals”: Double consciousness, dialogue, and African American patriotism post-9/11

This article explores how African American expressions of patriotism in post-9/11 America vary according to whether they are stated in a conversational context that is All-Black, Biracial, or Multiracial. With a sample of 87 students from a large, Midwestern, public university, a quasi-experimental focus group design was employed in April of 2002. All-Black groups voiced a wide range of sentiments about patriotism and double consciousness. Biracial groups were often polarized.
Central α-melanocyte stimulating hormone attenuates behavioral effects of neuropeptide Y in chicks

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of central alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and its interaction with neuropeptide Y (NPY) on ingestive and non-ingestive behaviors in chicks. Chicks received intracerebroventricular injections of either 0, 0.12 nM alpha-MSH, 0.06 nM NPY, or 0.12 nM alpha-MSH+0.06 nM NPY. Immediately following injection, chicks were placed in an observation arena and the number of steps, jumps, feed pecks, drinks, exploratory pecks, escape attempts, the total distance traveled, and the amount of time spent standing, sitting, sleeping, and preening were monitored for 60 min. Chicks treated with NPY consumed 69% more feed than controls whereas alpha-MSH-treated chicks consumed 71% less. Feed intake of the NPY+alpha-MSH groups was similar to alpha-MSH-treated chicks at 66% less than aCSF-treated chicks. Differences in pecking were found and followed a similar pattern as feed intake. All treatments increased the amount of time chicks were in a sitting posture, and the alpha-MSH+NPY group spent more time sitting than alpha-MSH and NPY alone. The sitting response after alpha-MSH+NPY treatment was similar to the alpha-MSH group but not the NPY group. Other behaviors were not affected by treatment. Thus, we conclude that alpha-MSH, at a concentration that causes a similar magnitude decrease in feed intake as NPY increases feed intake, is a more potent appetite-related signal than NPY. alpha-MSH causes behavioral effects that may secondarily affect feed intake at a low magnitude and may modulate the behavioral effects of NPY in chicks, contributing to the overall effect on feed intake.
Military Terror and Silence in Brazil, 1910-1945

AbstractThroughout the twentieth century, the Brazilian military has gone to great lengths to conceal its use of terror. The armed forces have kidnapped journalists, censored newspapers, and threatened authors. Such censorship and silencing have not only limited criticism from powerful social groups, but have also enabled the military to defend political myths that are in its interest. To date, however, few scholars have carefully examined military terror in Brazil, although testimonials abound. In order to better understand this phenomenon, consequently, this study examines two specific cases of military terror in Brazil, and the armed forces' efforts to silence or shape the memory of these events.
Osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle: Case report and review of the literature

Osteochondroma is a common benign tumor of the axial skeleton, especially the distal metaphysis of the femur and the proximal metaphysis of the tibia, most frequently seen in the second and third decades of life. ’ They are more common in men, with a male-to-female predilection of 1.6 to 1. Approximately 75% of patients with osteochondroma develop solitary lesions, and 25% have multiple lesions. Multiple osteochondromas, better termed osteochondromatosis, is thought to be inherited as an autosomal dominant disease.2 In spite of the fact that a majority of osteochondromas involve the long bones, they can also occur in the ilium, scapula, vertebrae, and rarely, the mandible. The solitary lesions develop sarcomatous changes in approximately 1% of cases, whereas those patients with multiple lesions have an 11% incidence of sarcomatous change. Therefore, it is important to determine whether a lesion is of the solitary or multiple type.3 Osteochondroma is the only tumor of bone that has been experimentally reproduced.2 The etiology of the lesion is unclear. In 1920, Keith4 postulated that osteochondromas were the result of defects in the periosteal cuff of bone that normally surrounds the vacuolating zone of the epiphyseal plate cartilage during fetal growth and development. Hemiation of epiphyseal plate cartilage through these defects was thought to initiate the circumstances that result in the gradual evolution of the lesion. Geshickter and Copeland thought that focal accumulations of cells with cartilaginous potential exist in all points of tendinous insertion. Stress and strain at these points were thought to cause hyperplastic changes to occur in these cell collections, thereby resulting in an osteochondroma. Langenskiold6
Gamma rays from thermal neutron capture in 28Si, 39Si and 30Si

Abstract Thermal-neutron capture γ-rays from separated isotopes of silicon have been investigated. The results for the 28Si(n, γ)29Si reaction agreed well with those from other recent investigations in which natural silicon or enriched 28Si were used as targets. The use of targets enriched in 29Si and 30Si markedly increased the sensitivity for detection of γ-rays from excited states of 30Si and 31Si. A total of 27 γ-rays were seen in the 29Si(n,γ)30Si reaction, of which 16 are included in the level diagram. For the 30Si(n,γ)31Si reaction, all 13 observed transitions are included in the accompanying level diagram. The neutron binding energies for the silicon isotopes were found to be as follows: B n ( 29 Si) = 8474.2±0.5 keV , B n ( 30 Si) = 10609.9±1.0 keV , B n ( 31 Si) = 6589.1± 0.7 keV .
Towards an Eighteenth‐Century Transatlantic Critical Race Theory*

A critical race theory that examines Anglo and Hispanic contexts, and stretches from Western Europe to the Americas, remains a desideratum. However, by teaching and studying Anglo critical race theory alongside Hispanic critical race theory, critical race theorists of colonial and postcolonial situations would find their own assumptions and preconceptions challenged, and come to recognize differences among those situations. Spanish-English dictionaries published before the nineteenth century provided a jumping-off point for scholars and students interested in the pre-history of race. John Stevens’New Spanish and English Dictionary (1706) and Pedro Pineda's largely derivative New Dictionary, Spanish and English (1740) are signal works that offer insights into the caste system in 18th-century Spanish America. How the taxonomy of caste developed in Spain and Spanish America and how it was disseminated are questions that are rarely posed. Bilingual dictionaries no less than natural history and related discourses (alchemy, books of secrets, husbandry) will perhaps suggest some answers and at the same time encourage critical race theorists to study social hierarchy from a transatlantic perspective.
Protein-truncation mutations in the RP2 gene in a North American cohort of families with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa.

We thank Drs. Sten Andreasson, David Birch, Nancy Carson, Bernie Chodirker, Mark Evans, Gerald Fishman, John Heckenlively, Dennis Hoffman, Maria Musarella, and Beth Spriggs and Mr. Eric L. Krivchenia for some of the patient samples that were included in the mutation screening. We acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Wolfgang Berger for providing the RP2 primer sequences. We thank Dr. Monika Buraczynska for organization of the patient registry; Dr. Radha Ayyagari for discussions; Dr. Beverly Yashar for counseling; Ms. Cara Coats for assistance in patient collection; Mr. Jason Cook, Ms. Patricia Forsythe, and Ms. Eve Bingham for technical assistance; and Ms. D. Giebel for secretarial assistance. This research was supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants EY05627, EY06094, and EY07961 and by grants from the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the Chatlos Foundation, the Kirby Foundation, the Mackall Trust, and Research to Prevent Blindness. We also acknowledge NIH grants EY07003 (core) and M01-RR00042 (General Clinical Research Center) and a shared equipment grant from the Office of Vice President for Research (University of Michigan). A.S. is recipient of a Lew R. Wasserman Merit Award, and P.A.S., a Senior Scientific Investigator Award, both from Research to Prevent Blindness.
Improved adiabatic calculation of muonic-hydrogen-atom cross sections. II. Hyperfine transitions and elastic scattering in symmetric collisions

The improved adiabatic representation is used in calculations of elastic and hyperfine-transition cross sections for symmetric collisions of {ital p}{mu}, {ital d}{mu}, and {ital t}{mu} with bare {ital p}, {ital d}, and {ital t} nuclei and with H, D, and T atoms, respectively. The cross sections for {ital d}{mu}+{ital d} and {ital t}{mu}+{ital t} are in excellent agreement with other recent determinations, while those for {ital p}{mu}+{ital p} are about 30% larger at low energies. The electronic screening is calculated nonperturbatively and found to be about 30% smaller in magnitude than the previously calculated value at large internuclear distances, and to deviate considerably from the asymptotic form in the molecular region. The resulting screened elastic cross sections are up to 60% smaller than those obtained using the old screening potential. The reactance matrices, needed for calculations of molecular-target effects, are given in tables.
The Potential for Intracoastal Transfer of Non-indigenous Species in the Ballast Water of Ships

Abstract A principal mechanism for the transfer of non-indigenous species among aquatic ecosystems has been through the movement of ships’ ballast water. To date, most ballast water studies have focused on the transoceanic movement of organisms while ignoring the potential for spread by intracoastal traffic. This study measured the transfer of estuarine and coastal species by domestic ship traffic between Somerset, Massachusetts and Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.A. Plankton diversity and abundance in the ballast water of a coal carrier at the beginning and end of seven replicate voyages were estimated. These data, collected over a 1-year period, were used to (1) characterize plankton assemblages in the ballast water, (2) assess survivorship of ballasted organisms for the voyages by comparing initial and final abundances, and (3) test for differences in survival as a function of voyage or taxonomic group. A diverse assemblage of organisms was transported intracoastally that was dominated by dinoflagellates, diatoms and copepods. In four of seven voyages, total abundance declined significantly over the 36-h journey; however, considerable within- and among-voyage variation in numerical response among major taxonomic groups was observed. Despite a general decline in abundance, millions of organisms nevertheless survived each voyage and were released into the receiving harbor. These data indicate that ballast water carried by domestic ships is potentially an important vector for transferring aquatic non-indigenous and native nuisance species. Thus, future management decisions concerning ballast water transport should consider the role of domestic traffic in promoting invasions.
Genetically Engineered Alginate Lyase-PEG Conjugates Exhibit Enhanced Catalytic Function and Reduced Immunoreactivity

Alginate lyase enzymes represent prospective biotherapeutic agents for treating bacterial infections, particularly in the cystic fibrosis airway. To effectively deimmunize one therapeutic candidate while maintaining high level catalytic proficiency, a combined genetic engineering-PEGylation strategy was implemented. Rationally designed, site-specific PEGylation variants were constructed by orthogonal maleimide-thiol coupling chemistry. In contrast to random PEGylation of the enzyme by NHS-ester mediated chemistry, controlled mono-PEGylation of A1-III alginate lyase produced a conjugate that maintained wild type levels of activity towards a model substrate. Significantly, the PEGylated variant exhibited enhanced solution phase kinetics with bacterial alginate, the ultimate therapeutic target. The immunoreactivity of the PEGylated enzyme was compared to a wild type control using in vitro binding studies with both enzyme-specific antibodies, from immunized New Zealand white rabbits, and a single chain antibody library, derived from a human volunteer. In both cases, the PEGylated enzyme was found to be substantially less immunoreactive. Underscoring the enzyme's potential for practical utility, >90% of adherent, mucoid, Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms were removed from abiotic surfaces following a one hour treatment with the PEGylated variant, whereas the wild type enzyme removed only 75% of biofilms in parallel studies. In aggregate, these results demonstrate that site-specific mono-PEGylation of genetically engineered A1-III alginate lyase yielded an enzyme with enhanced performance relative to therapeutically relevant metrics.
Prognostic value of dobutamine stress echocardiography in patients with chronic kidney disease

Background Although dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is cited in clinical guidelines for the evaluation of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), there are limited data regarding its prognostic utility in this setting. The current study assesses the prognostic value of DSE in patients with CKD. Methods Four hundred eighty-five patients with CKD (on renal dialysis or with creatinine >3 mg/mL) who had DSE were followed for 2.3 ± 1.8 years. Results One hundred eighty-eight (39%) patients died during follow-up. Patients with extensive ischemia (affecting >25% of myocardial segments) had a 1- and 3-year survival rate of 77% and 48%, respectively, compared with 83% and 52% in those with lesser degrees (≤25% segments affected) of ischemia and with 88% and 70% in those with a normal DSE. In multivariate analyses, the percentage of ischemic segments on DSE was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.40 per 25% increase; 95% CI, 1.16-1.68; P = .001). Inclusion of DSE data improved the predictive value of the best clinical model ( χ 2 , 83.6-97.4; P = .003). Conclusion In patients with CKD, the percentage of ischemic segments during DSE is an independent predictor of mortality and provides prognostic information that is incremental to clinical data.
Self-consistent linearized augmented-plane-wave study of the electronic structure and superconductivity of fcc lanthanum under pressure

We report the results of a linearized augmented-plane-wave calculation of the electronic structure of fcc La at three lattice constants corresponding to ambient pressure, 50, and 120 kbars. The Kohn-Sham-Gaspar approximation for exchange and correlation is used and the potential is allowed a fully non-muffin-tin form. The f bands lie approx.2--2.5 eV above the Fermi level and are approx.1 eV wide, resulting in a very small (0.05 electrons) localized f occupation. Under pressure the f bands rise and broaden appreciably, resulting in only a slight increase in f occupation. The rigid-muffin-tin approximation for the electron-phonon interaction lambda overestimates the superconducting transition temperature T/sub c/ by 40%, but we find that the drastic increase in T/sub c/ under pressure can be attributed primarily to changes in the electronic stiffness eta. Structural transitions which occur at 25 and 53 kbars may be related to changes in Fermi-surface topology which we find to occur approximately at these pressures.
Shear modulus of porcine coronary artery in reference to a new strain measure

To simplify the stress-strain relationship of blood vessels, we define a logarithmic-exponential (log-exp) strain measure to absorb the nonlinearity. As a result, the constitutive relation between the second Piola-Kirchhoff stress and the log-exp strain can be written as a generalized Hooke's law. In this work, the shear modulus of porcine coronary arteries is determined from the experimental data in inflation-stretch-torsion tests. It is found that the shear modulus with respect to the log-exp strain can be viewed as a material constant in the full range of elasticity, and the incremental shear modulus for Cauchy shear stress and small shear strain at various loading levels can be predicted by the proposed Hooke's law. This result further validates the linear constitutive relation for blood vessels when shear deformation is involved.
Dichlorobis(3,5-dimethylpyrazole)copper(II)

The title compound, [CuCl2(C5H8N2)2], has been synthesized as part of a project aimed at the synthesis and characterization of scorpionate ligands with cyano substituents. The structure shows the Cu ion coordinated by two 3,5-dimethyl­pyrazole ligands and two chloride ligands in a tetrahedral coordination geometry.
Enhancing oral contraceptive success: the potential of new formulations.

Abstract Reductions in oral contraceptive (OC) estrogen dose and the development of new progestins have resulted in formulations that maintain acceptable cycle control while improving safety. However, the potential safety benefits of low-estrogen doses may be offset by less acceptable cycle control. These observations have led to the development of 2 triphasic OC formulations containing norgestimate and desogestrel in combination with 25 μg ethinyl estradiol (EE). Both of these 25-μg EE triphasic OCs balance fewer estrogen-related side effects with good cycle control comparable to OCs containing higher estrogen doses. However, questions remain about the risk of venous thromboembolism associated with OCs containing desogestrel. A new monophasic 30-μg EE OC contains drospirenone, a spironolactone analogue with which there is limited experience. Although initial data with this OC are intriguing, product labeling highlights safety issues related to its antimineralocorticoid effects and the potential for hyperkalemia. Further experience with this formulation will determine its role in contraceptive practice.
Resection of Peritoneal Implantation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Hepatic Resection: Risk Factors and Prognostic Analysis

Peritoneal implantation from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatic resection is infrequent, and information on risk factors and long-term survival of such patients is lacking. The clinicopathologic features and risk factors of 16 HCC patients after hepatic resection who developed peritoneal implantation from an HCC and the prognosis after surgical resection of these HCC implants were assessed. The clinical features of 16 HCC patients after hepatic resection undergoing resection of peritoneal HCC implants (P-HCC) from 1986 and 2000 were reviewed. The clinical features and outcomes of 195 HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy without recurrence (NR-HCC) were used for comparison. During 1986 and 2000 a total of 749 HCC patients underwent hepatic resection. Of these 749 patients, 465 (62.1%) had HCC recurrence after hepatic resection during the follow-up period (median 26 months). Of the 465 patients, 26 (5.6%) developed peritoneal implants, and 16 of them underwent resection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a high α-fetoprotein (AFP) level and capsular invasion by the tumor cells may predispose posthepatectomy patients to peritoneal implantation from their HCCs. The overall survival of the P-HCC patients after peritoneal implant resection was similar to that of the NR-HCC patients. An elevated AFP level might be regarded as a significant prognostic factor for poor overall survival (p = 0.0577) after resection of peritoneal implants from HCCs. Peritoneal implantation occurs infrequently in posthepatectomy patients with an HCC. Elevated AFP values and capsule invasion by tumor cells may predispose posthepatectomy patients to peritoneal implantation from HCCs. Surgical resection of peritoneal implants from HCCs may prolong survival in selected patients. Elevated AFP levels may be regarded as a possibly significant prognostic factor for poor overall survival after resection of peritoneal HCC implants.
III, ERes, and Ares—A Reserves Comparison

A comparison of the pros and cons of three different reserves systems–Innovative’s Millennium software, Docutek’s Eres, and Atlas Systems Ares—as implemented at the University of North Carolinaat Pembroke.
Alternate vehicles for engine/vehicle optimization

The space shuttle main engine, full flow staged combustion, integrated modular engine concept, split expander, and expander bleed rocket engine cycles were studied for use on Single-Stage-to-Orbit fully reusable vehicles. The vehicle uses vertical take-off and horizontal landing and liquid hydrogen rockets for propulsion. The PROPSIZE computer code was modified for use on the available computers. Vehicle sizing was done after trajectory optimization for various engine designs. The various rocket engine cycles were compared and it was found that the full flow staged combustion cycle had the lowest vehicle dry mass. The split expander cycle could have advantages in safety and cooling which could make it the preferred choice in some cases. Comparison to previous work with two-stage heavy-lift vehicles showed that the same ranking of the cycles was found for both vehicle concepts.
Ultrafiltration of PEGylated proteins: Fouling and concentration polarization effects

One of the critical factors governing the application of membrane technology for the commercial production of PEGylated proteins is membrane fouling. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of PEGylation on the filtrate flux and fouling characteristics during ultrafiltration of a model PEGylated protein using both fully and partially retentive regenerated cellulose and polyethersulfone membranes. The physical characteristics of the native and PEGylated proteins were evaluated by size exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, capillary electrophoresis, and reverse-phase chromatography. The filtration behavior with the cellulose membranes was dominated by concentration polarization effects, with the lower flux for the PEGylated proteins associated with the smaller bulk mass transfer coefficient. Significant fouling was observed with the polyethersulfone membranes. Greater fouling was seen with the PEGylated protein due to its increased size, greater hydrophobicity, and lower electrostatic interactions, all of which are directly associated with the attached poly(ethylene glycol) chains. These results provide important insights into the ultrafiltration characteristics of PEGylated proteins.
Maternal Autonomy and Attitudes Towards Gender Norms: Associations with Childhood Immunization in Nigeria

Globally 2.5 million children under-five die from vaccine preventable diseases, and in Nigeria only 23 % of children ages 12-23 months are fully immunized. The international community is promoting gender equality as a means to improve the health and well-being of women and their children. This paper looks at whether measures of gender equality, autonomy and individual attitudes towards gender norms, are associated with a child being fully immunized in Nigeria. Data from currently married women with a child 12-23 months from the 2008 Nigeria demographic and health survey were used to study the influence of autonomy and gender attitudes on whether or not a child is fully immunized. Multivariate logistic regression was used and several key socioeconomic variables were controlled for including wealth and education, which are considered key inputs into gender equality. Findings indicated that household decision-making and attitudes towards wife beating were significantly associated with a child being fully immunized after controlling for socioeconomic variables. Ethnicity, wealth and education were also significant factors. Programmatic and policy implications indicate the potential for the promotion of gender equality as a means to improve child health. Gender equality can be seen as a means to enable women to access life-saving services for their children.
Dynamic Contacts on Viscoelastic Films: Work of Adhesion

Dynamic mechanical contacts with nanometer to millimeter dimensions are important in scanned probe microscopy, contact mechanics analysis, ultralow load indentation, microelectromechanical systems, compact disks, biological systems, pressure sensitive adhesives, and so forth. The response of these contacts is poorly understood if they involve adhesive viscoelastic materials. We have used indentation to study contacts to styrene−butadiene latex films with a range of glass transition temperatures. Contact times were in the range 0.01−200 s and loads were in the micronewton to millinewton range. Diamond probes with Berkovich and spherical end shapes were used. Load versus displacement data showed substantial adhesion hysteresis between the loading and unloading portions. The hysteresis is at least partially due to creep as indicated by the continued increase in penetration after the start of unloading. We show that an extended Johnson−Kendall−Roberts (JKR) model due to Johnson provides a robust way to extrac...
Propranolol metabolism in normal subjects: Association with sex steroid hormones

The objective of this study was to determine the potential role of circulating testosterone and estradiol in regulation of the activity of the sex-dependent pathways of propranolol metabolism (i.e., α-naphthoxylactic acid and propranolol glucuronide). The pharmacokinetics of a single 80 mg oral dose of propranolol and the plasma levels of the sex steroid hormones were therefore determined in normal volunteers. In 33 young men there was a positive correlation between the testosterone levels and the propranolol clearances through both α-naphthoxylactic acid (p < 0.001) and propranolol glucuronide (p < 0.002), as well as the total clearance (p < 0.05), but not through aromatic ring hydroxylation. Testosterone cypionate administration led to an increased clearance of propranolol through α-naphthoxylactic acid in nine of the 11 men studied, further supporting a stimulatory effect of testosterone on propranolol metabolism. In 23 young women there was no significant association between the circulating levels of either estradiol or testosterone and any of the clearances of propranolol. These observations may be clinically relevant for propranolol therapy and may provide improved insight into the influence of gender and circulating gonadal hormones on drug metabolism in humans. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1994) 56, 127–132; doi:10.1038/clpt.1994.115
Structure, Bonding, and Stability of Small Boron-Lithium Clusters

Structures and energies for BLin (n = 1−3) are investigated with various basis sets and with different levels of theory, including single reference- and multireference-based correlated methods up to QCISD(T)/6-311+G(3df)//MP2(full)/6-311+G(d), MCQDPT2/6-311+G(2df)// CASSCF/6-31G(d), G2, and G2(MP2) theory. BLi (3Πg), BLi2 (2B2), and BLi3 (C2v) are global minima with respective atomization energies of ∼26, 55, and 95 kcal/mol. Their structures are not strongly influenced by the size of the basis set nor by the method of electron correlation employed. Energetics for low-lying excited states of BLi and BLi2 were determined. The dissociation energies obtained with B3LYP/6-31G(d) theory are in excellent agreement with those obtained with the highest levels of theory.
Photonuclear cross sections with mono-energetic neutron-capture gamma rays

Abstract Mono-energetic gamma rays produced by thermal neutron capture in various nuclei were used to measure (γ, n) cross sections in several targets. Cross sections for selected enegies between 7.72 and 10.83 MeV, for a range of targets with mass numbers between A = 59 and A = 209 are presented.
The forkhead protein Foxj1 specifies node-like cilia in Xenopus and zebrafish embryos

It has been proposed that ciliated cells that produce a leftward fluid flow mediate left-right patterning in many vertebrate embryos. The cilia on these cells combine features of primary sensory and motile cilia, but how this cilia subtype is specified is unknown. We address this issue by analyzing the Xenopus and zebrafish homologs of Foxj1, a forkhead transcription factor necessary for ciliogenesis in multiciliated cells of the mouse. We show that the cilia that underlie left-right patterning on the Xenopus gastrocoel roof plate (GRP) and zebrafish Kupffer's vesicle are severely shortened or fail to form in Foxj1 morphants. We also show that misexpressing Foxj1 is sufficient to induce ectopic GRP-like cilia formation in frog embryos. Microarray analysis indicates that Xenopus Foxj1 induces the formation of cilia by upregulating the expression of motile cilia genes. These results indicate that Foxj1 is a critical determinant in the specification of cilia used in left-right patterning.
Serum alpha-fetoprotein level independently predicts posttransplant survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

We aimed to determine whether combining serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor burden would allow better stratification of posttransplant survival for patients with HCC undergoing liver transplantation. Adjusting for donor and recipient characteristics, we calculated the risk of posttransplant mortality associated with serum AFP level or HCC tumor burden for all first-time adult liver transplants performed in the United States between 2002 and 2011 (n = 45,267). Serum AFP level, rather than tumor burden, was the tumor characteristic most strongly associated with posttransplant survival. Although recipients with HCC and a serum AFP level ≤ 15 ng/mL at the time of transplantation had no excess posttransplant mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93-1.12], patients with a serum AFP level of 16 to 65 ng/mL (AHR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.23-1.54), patients with a serum AFP level of 66 to 320 ng/mL (AHR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.45-1.88), and patients with a serum AFP level > 320 ng/mL (AHR = 2.37, 95% CI = 2.06-2.73) had progressively worse posttransplant mortality in comparison with recipients without HCC. Patients with a tumor burden exceeding the Milan criteria (who are usually excluded from transplantation) had excellent posttransplant survival if their serum AFP level was 0 to 15 ng/mL (AHR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.66-1.43). In contrast, patients within the Milan criteria (who are routinely considered to be transplant candidates) had poor survival if their serum AFP level was substantially elevated (for a serum AFP level ≥ 66 ng/mL, AHR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.74-2.15). Changes in serum AFP level while patients were on the waiting list corresponded closely to changes in posttransplant mortality. In conclusion, the absolute serum AFP level and changes in the serum AFP level strongly predict posttransplant survival independently of the tumor burden. We hope that these data, in combination with other factors, can be used to inform future studies and ongoing discussions aimed at improving the eligibility criteria for liver transplantation for patients with HCC. Liver Transpl 19:634–645, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Experimental characterization of the MIMO wireless channel: data acquisition and analysis

Detailed performance assessment of space-time coding algorithms in realistic channels is critically dependent upon accurate knowledge of the wireless channel spatial characteristics. This paper presents an experimental measurement platform capable of providing the narrowband channel transfer matrix for wireless communications scenarios. The system is used to directly measure key multiple-input-multiple-output parameters in an indoor environment at 2.45 GHz. Linear antenna arrays of different sizes and construction with up to ten elements at transmit and receive are utilized in the measurement campaign. This data is analyzed to reveal channel properties such as transfer matrix element statistical distributions and temporal and spatial correlation. Additionally, the impact of parameters such as antenna element polarization, directivity, and array size on channel capacity are highlighted. The paper concludes with a discussion of the relationship between multipath richness and path loss, as well as their joint role in determining channel capacity.
Kidney transplantation in patients with severe preoperative hypertension

Background Severe systemic hypertension (HTN) is a risk factor for perioperative cardiovascular complications; however, its impact at the time of kidney transplantation (KTX) is not well defined. Methods A retrospective cohort study of adult kidney-only transplant recipients between October 2009 and December 2012 was performed to examine outcomes between patients with (n = 111) and without (n = 98) severe preoperative HTN defined as SBP >180 or DBP> 110 mmHg. Results Recipients with severe HTN were older (56.7 ± 13.0 vs. 53.5 ± 12.4 yr, p = 0.07) and significantly more likely to receive an expanded criteria donor kidney (32.7% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.02). No patients developed hypertensive crisis, intracranial hemorrhage, or life threatening ventricular arrhythmias within 30 d post-transplantation; however, three patients with severe HTN had cardiac events: two with demand ischemia and one with decompensate heart failure. Two patients in the control group had decompensated heart failure. There were no differences between the groups in terms of cardiac event (2.7% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.75), one-yr patient survival (98.2% vs. 98.0%, p = 0.90) or graft survival (90.1% vs. 92.9%, p = 0.48), nadir creatinine >2 mg/dL (4.6% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.62), length of stay>6 d (37.8% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.75), and DGF (52.3% vs. 63.3%, p = 0.11). Conclusions Our results suggest that severe preoperative HTN should not be considered an absolute contraindication to kidney transplant in patients who are otherwise clinically stable.
What is communication design

In 1997, I worked with a team to conduct my first qualitative research project, a study of how software developers used code libraries when developing a common codebase (McLellan et al. 1998; Spinuzzi 2001). In particular, I was interested in how developers used inline comments to understand their own and others' code. At two sites, the developers used comments pretty much as you might expect: as notes for interpreting and communicating information about the code. But at the third site, developers essentially ignored the comments. One compared the comments to an approaching car's blinker: it might or might not indicate intent, but you'd be foolish to trust it. Another set his editor to gray out comments so they wouldn't distract him. A third used comments - not to interpret the code, but as landmarks for navigating it. "If I have 50 lines of code without a comment," he told me, "I get lost. It takes me a while to actually read the code and find out what it's doing. But if I have comments I can separate it into sections, and if I know it's the second section in the function, I can go right to it."
Learning your ABDs: Variation in health care utilization across Kansas Medicaid disability groups.

Abstract Background State Medicaid programs provide critical health care access for persons with disabilities and older adults. Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) programs consist of important disability subgroups that Medicaid programs are not able to readily distinguish. Objective/hypothesis The purpose of this project was to create an algorithm based principally on eligibility and claims data to distinguish disability subgroups and characterize differences in demographic characteristics, disease burden, and health care expenditures. Methods We created an algorithm to distinguish Kansas Medicaid enrollees as adults with intellectual or developmental delays (IDD), physical disabilities (PD), severe mental illness (SMI), and older age. Results For fiscal year 2009, our algorithm separated 101,464 ABD enrollees into the following disability subgroups: persons with IDD (19.6%), persons with PD (21.0%), older adults (19.7%), persons with SMI (32.8%), and persons not otherwise classified (6.9%). The disease burden present in the IDD, PD, and SMI subgroups was higher than for older adults. Home- and community-based services expenditures were common and highest for persons with IDD and PD. Older adults and persons with SMI had their highest expenditures for long-term care. Mean Medicaid expenditures were consistently higher for adults with IDD followed by adults with PD. Conclusions There are substantial differences between disability subgroups in the Kansas Medicaid ABD population with respect to demographics, disease burden, and health care expenditures. Through this algorithm, state Medicaid programs have the opportunity to collaborate with the most closely aligned service providers reflecting needed services for each disability subgroup.
The C terminus of the nuclear protein NuMA: Phylogenetic distribution and structure

The C terminus of the nuclear protein NuMA, NuMA-CT, has a well-known function in mitosis via its proximal segment, but it seems also involved in the control of differentiation. To further investigate the structure and function of NuMA, we exploited established computational techniques and tools to collate and characterize proteins with regions similar to the distal portion of NuMA-CT (NuMA-CTDP). The phylogenetic distribution of NuMA-CTDP was examined by PSI-BLAST- and TBLASTN-based analysis of genome and protein sequence databases. Proteins and open reading frames with a NuMA-CTDP-like region were found in a diverse set of vertebrate species including mammals, birds, amphibia, and early teleost fish. The potential structure of NuMA-CTDP was investigated by searching a database of protein sequences of known three-dimensional structure with a hidden Markov model (HMM) estimated using representative (human, frog, chicken, and pufferfish) sequences. The two highest scoring sequences that aligned to the HMM were the extracellular domains of β3-integrin and Her2, suggesting that NuMA-CTDP may have a primarily β fold structure. These data indicate that NuMA-CTDP may represent an important functional sequence conserved in vertebrates, where it may act as a receptor to coordinate cellular events.
Insulator-to-metal transition induced by disorder in a model for manganites

The physics of manganites appears to be dominated by phase competition among ferromagnetic metallic and charge-ordered antiferromagnetic insulating states. Previous investigations [Burgy et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 277202 (2001)] have shown that quenched disorder is important to smear the first-order transition between those competing states, and induce nanoscale inhomogeneities that produce the colossal magnetoresistance effect. Recent studies [Motome et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 167204 (2003)] have provided further evidence that disorder is crucial in the manganite context, unveiling an unexpected insulator-to-metal transition triggered by disorder in a one-orbital model with cooperative phonons. In this paper, a qualitative explanation for this effect is presented. It is argued that the transition occurs for disorder in the form of local random energies. Acting over an insulating states made out of a checkerboard arrangement of charge, with ``effective'' site energies positive and negative, this form of disorder can produce lattice sites with an effective energy near zero, favorable for the transport of charge. This explanation is based on Monte Carlo simulations and the study of simplified toy models, calculating the density-of-states, cluster conductances using the Landauer formalism, and other observables. A percolative picture emerges. The applicability of these ideas to real manganites is discussed.
Finite Group Theory

Sylow theory Subnormality Split extensions Commutators Transfer Frobenius actions The Thompson subgroup Permutation groups More on subnormality More transfer theory The basics Index.
Quality of life and resolution of co-morbidities in super-obese patients remaining morbidly obese after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Abstract Background Not all patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with an initial body mass index (BMI) >50 kg/m 2 attain a BMI of 2 postoperatively. We hypothesized that even though many of these patients remain morbidly obese after surgery, they still realize an improvement in co-morbidities and quality of life. Methods Patients who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and who had a preoperative BMI >50 kg/m 2 and postoperative BMI >35 kg/m 2 were identified. The records of 120 patients were reviewed for the presence of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Patients were queried about their use of medications, medical problems, and quality of life. Results The average preoperative and postoperative BMI was 63.2 and 43.7 kg/m 2 . Of the 120 patients, 77 responded to the survey. In the preoperative group, the rate of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease was 35%, 50.8%, 15%, and 34.2%, respectively. Postoperatively, 73.8%, 62.3%, 38.9%, and 87.8% of patients had been cured of these co-morbidities. The change in the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease was significant at P = 0.0014, P = 0.037, and P Conclusion Super-obese patients experience significant improvements in co-morbidities and quality of life after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass even if their BMI remains >35 kg/m 2 .