cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA Methylation of a GC Repressor Element in the Smooth Muscle Myosin Heavy Chain Promoter Facilitates Binding of the Notch-Associated Transcription Factor, RBPJ/CSL1

Objective— The goal of the present study was to identify novel mechanisms that regulate smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation marker gene expression. Approach and Results— We demonstrate that the CArG-containing regions of many SMC-specific promoters are imbedded within CpG islands. A previously identified GC repressor element in the SM myosin heavy chain (MHC) promoter was highly methylated in cultured aortic SMC but not in the aorta, and this difference was inversely correlated with SM MHC expression. Using an affinity chromatography/mass spectroscopy–based approach, we identified the multifunctional Notch transcription factor, recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin κ J region (RBPJ), as a methylated GC repressor–binding protein. RBPJ protein levels and binding to the endogenous SM MHC GC repressor were enhanced by platelet-derived growth factor-BB treatment. A methylation mimetic mutation to the GC repressor that facilitated RBPJ binding inhibited SM MHC promoter activity as did overexpression of RBPJ. Consistent with this, knockdown of RBPJ in phenotypically modulated human aortic SMC enhanced endogenous SMC marker gene expression, an effect likely mediated by increased recruitment of serum response factor and Pol II to the SMC-specific promoters. In contrast, the depletion of RBPJ in differentiated transforming growth factor-β–treated SMC inhibited SMC-specific gene activation, supporting the idea that the effects of RBPJ/Notch signaling are context dependent. Conclusions— Our results indicate that methylation-dependent binding of RBPJ to a GC repressor element can negatively regulate SM MHC promoter activity and that RBPJ can inhibit SMC marker gene expression in phenotypically modulated SMC. These results will have important implications on the regulation of SMC phenotype and on Notch-dependent transcription.
Analysis of laterally loaded piles with rectangular cross sections embedded in layered soil

An analysis is developed to determine the response of laterally loaded rectangular piles in layered elastic media. The differential equations governing the displacements of the pile–soil system are derived using variational principles. Closed-form solutions of pile deflection, the slope of the deflected curve, the bending moment and the shear force profiles can be obtained by this method for the entire pile length. The input parameters needed for the analysis are the pile geometry and the elastic constants of the soil and pile. The new analysis allows insights into the lateral load response of square, rectangular and circular piles and how they compare. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous culture of T cells cytotoxic for autologous human leukaemia cells.

CYTOTOXIC T lymphocytes (CTLs), capable of lysing autologous and HLA-identical human leukaemia cells, can be generated in vitro by culturing lymphocytes from patients in remission from leukaemia with X-ray irradiated autologous leukaemia cells and irradiated allogeneic normal cells in ‘three-cell’ mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) protocols1–3. Additionally, T cells cultured with X-ray irradiated normal lymphocytes pooled from 20 unrelated individuals can differentiate into CTLs capable of lysing autologous Epstein-Barr (EB) virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines and autologous human leukaemia cells, but not autologous normal cells4,5. Because in vitro generated CTLs directed against syngeneic tumour cells can inhibit tumour development in some animal tumour systems6–9, it is likely that if large numbers of human CTLs cytotoxic for autologous malignant cells could be generated in vitro, these CTLs could be effective in eliminating residual malignant cells in patients who have received chemotherapy. Recent findings that normal human T cells10,11 and allosensitised mouse12 and human CTLs13,14 grow continuously in medium containing T-cell growth factor (TCGF) derived from super-natants of mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes, have raised the possibility that large numbers of in vitro generated CTLs cytotoxic for autologous human malignant cells could be propagated by growing CTLs in TCGF. We report here that in vitro generated CTLs cytotoxic for autologous lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) and human leukaemia cells can be increased in number by several millionfold by growth in TCGF and that the continuously growing CTLs are highly cytotoxic for autologous abnormal cells.
Managerial Accountability To Shareholders: Audit Committees And The Explanatory Power Of Earnings For Returns

Abstract Managerial accountability to shareholders is fundamental to the integrity of capital markets. Accordingly, corporate governance mechanisms have been established to minimize the risk of fraudulent financial reporting. An audit committee of the board of directors, whose responsibilities extend to the oversight of the financial reporting process, is arguably one of the more important governance mechanisms. The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality of managerial accountability to shareholders before and after the formation of an audit committee. The analysis relies on an analytical illustration to formulate empirical tests of the informativeness of accounting earnings conditional on audit committee formation. The evidence indicates that earnings are significantly more informative to market participants after formation of the audit committee. This finding is consistent with the notion that the audit committee both enhances managerial accountability to shareholders and is an effective component of corporate governance.
Human metallothionein genes: molecular cloning and sequence analysis of the mRNA

Abstract From a cDNA clone bank prepared from cadmium-treated HeLa cells, we isolated clones representing mRNAs whose concentration is increased after cadmium induction. Several metallothionein cDNA clones were isolated by cross-hybridization to mouse metallothionein-I cDNA. The nucleotide sequence of one of these clones, containing a nearly full-length cDNA copy of human metallothionein-II mRNA, was determined. The homology between the human and mouse metallothionein sequences is strictly limited to the coding region of the mRNA. Codon usage in metallothionein mRNA is not random. Seventy-nine percent of the codons have G or C residues at the third position, resulting in a GC-rich sequence.
Morphology of dissociated hippocampal cultures from fetal mice

Dissociated hippocampal cultures from fetal mice (13--18 days gestational age) can be maintained for up to two months in culture. Cells grow as either isolated neurons or in small neuronal aggregates. Neurons remain small with a soma diameter of 15--20 micrometer even in mature cultures and develop extensively branched processes during the first two weeks in culture. After this time, processes become more difficult to visualize with phase-contrast optics because of a tendency to grow within the underlying non-neuronal cells. However, the presence of processes has been proved by silver-staining which demonstrates an organizational complexity ranging from a loosely reticulated neuropil to fascicles containing many fibers. More detailed study of individual neuronal morphology was carried out in cells filled with the fluorescent dye, Lucifer Yellow CH, in conjunction with the intracellular recording of synaptic and action potentials from dye-containing micropipettes. Dye-filled cells show a well-developed branching morphology. Process specializations include spines, beading, and basket-like endings. Processes tend to emanate from one side of the soma, either originating at the cell body or from a single trunk. Commonly there are 2--4 orders of branching, but up to 6 orders can occur (counted centrifugally from the soma). Electron microscopy revealed synapses distributed predominantly on dendrites with a smaller number on somata. Dendritic spines are present and are contacted principally by asymmetric synaptic junctions. Symmetric synapses are relatively more common on somata and proximal dendrites.
Undercooling and crystallization behaviour of antimony droplets

The level of liquid undercooling below the equilibrium melting point experienced typically in a bulk material is limited by the presence of potent heterogeneous nucleation sites. By subdividing the material into a collection of fine (10 to 150μm) droplets the most potent nucleants are isolated into a small fraction of the droplet population, allowing the remainder to reach deep levels of undercooling prior to the onset of solidification. Droplet surface coating characteristics influence both the level and uniformity of the undercooling and, in addition, may alter the nucleation kinetics thereby encouraging the formation of a metastable crystalline phase from the undercooled liquid. An effective means of both creating a stable dispersion of fine droplets and influencing the surface coating is through the droplet emulsion technique. This approach has allowed the level of undercooling for pure antimony to be extended from 0.08 to 0.237Tm through proper control of droplet size, surface coating and applied cooling rate. The formation of a metastable simple cubic phase from the melt has been confirmed using both differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction techniques. The simple cubic phase is retained in droplets to temperatures approaching the melting point at a heating rate of 20° C min−1. Drop tube treatment of emulsified samples has also been successful at producing the metastable simple cubic structure by containerless processing.
Limited use of hypertensive excretory urography.

Clinical experience indicates that hypertensive excretory urography is not a satisfactory screening examination to detect patients having hypertension due to renal artery stenosis. Review of the Cooperative Study data indicates the false negative rate for screening was 21.8%. In addition, the prevalence of hypertension caused by renal artery stenosis appears quite low, in the range of 1–3%. Since the objective is to identify patients who will benefit from surgery, clinical sorting strategy should focus on evaluating patients as surgical candidates, not as having the disease. Once that is done, pharmacodynamic renal arteriography is recommended as the first imaging examination to find the renal artery lesion and determine its hemodynamic significance.
DEC performance in the psychology laboratory

A survey of the On-Line Psychology DEC Users’ Group was taken to evaluate DEC’s performance in the psychology research laboratory. Data were obtained for 20 rating scale items and 7 open-ended items in five categories. On a 10-point scale, DEC averaged about 6 on purchasing procedures and documentation, about 4 on delivery time and maintenance service, and about 7 on product satisfaction. The open-ended items provided users’ explanations for the ratings and new hardware and software that users would like to see from DEC in the near future.
Effects of bacterial endotoxins on neutrophil function

The neutrophil is a key element in host resistance to bacterial infection. Bacterial products capable of subverting the antimicrobial properties of neutrophils can have a potentially deleterious effect on the host. Current knowledge of the effects of endotoxins derived from the outer cell envelope of gram-negative bacteria on neutrophil function is summarized. Available evidence indicates that endotoxins bind to neutrophils, both in vitro and in vivo. The lipid A region of the endotoxin macromolecule appears to be important in promoting the association of endotoxin with the neutrophil cell membrane. Endotoxin-neutrophil interactions can result in altered neutrophil adhesive and locomotory properties. Moreover, endotoxins have been demonstrated to induce selective degranulation of specific (secondary) granule constituents and to alter the oxidative and microbicidal properties of the neutrophil. Further studies are needed to define on a molecular level the nature of the endotoxin receptor, the precise structural components of endotoxin responsible for altering neutrophil behavior, and the transductional event(s) leading to neutrophil activation as a result of endotoxin exposure.
Academic Preparedness of First-Generation College Students: Different Perspectives.

As student populations continue to become more diversified, institutions must understand students’ academic preparedness to better serve them. A significant amount of research and literature focuses on experiences of students whose parents had little or no college education. Although these first-generation students have much in common with other disadvantaged student groups, their situation presents unique conditions and obstacles to their college experience. This research project seeks to focus on the topic of academic preparedness of first-generation students. More specifically, this project builds on previous research on academic preparedness of first-generation students by exploring differences in students’ attitudes about preparedness compared with traditional academic measures. This study investigates whether first-generation student status affects self-assessment of academic preparedness in the same way it affects traditional measures of academic preparedness.
Poincaré, celestial mechanics, dynamical-systems theory and “chaos”

Abstract As demonstrated by the success of James Gleick's recent book [1987], there is considerable interest in the scientific community and among the general public in “chaos” and the “new science” which is supposed to accompany it. However, as usual, it is not easy to separate hyperbole from fact. In an attempt to do this, I will offer a precise definition of chaos in the context of differential equations: mathematical models which, since Newton, have played a vital role in scientific discovery. I will show how the classical problems of celestial mechanics led Poincare to ask fundamental questions on the qualitative behavior of differential equations, and to realize that chaotic orbits would provide obstructions to the conventional methods of solving them. In a major paper which appeared almost exactly one hundred years ago, Poincare studied mechanical systems with two degrees of freedom and identified an important class of solutions, now called transverse homoclinic orbits, the existence of which implies the system has no analytic integrals of motion other than the total (Hamiltonian) energy. I will explain these terms and outline the history of subsequent developments of these ideas by Birkhoff, Cartwright, Littlewood, Levinson and Smale, and describe how the ideas of Melnikov have made possible an “analytical algorithm” for the detection of chaos and proof of nonintegrability in wide classes of perturbed Hamiltonian systems. I will discuss the physical implications of the mathematical statements that these methods afford. In the process, I will point out that, while there is a precise vocabulary and grammar of chaos, developed largely by mathematicians and steaming from Poincare's work, it is not always easy to use it in speaking of the real world.
Crevasse Detection in Ice Sheets Using Ground Penetrating Radar and Machine Learning

This paper presents methods to automatically classify ground penetrating radar (GPR) images of crevasses on ice sheets. We use a combination of support vector machines (SVMs) and hidden Markov models (HMMs) with down sampling, a preprocessing step that is unbiased and suitable for real-time analysis and detection. We perform modified cross-validation experiments with 129 examples of Greenland GPR imagery from 2012, collected by a lightweight robot towing a GPR. In order to minimize false positives, an HMM classifier is trained to prescreen the data and mark locations in the GPR files to evaluate with an SVM, and we evaluate the classification results with a similar modified cross-validation technique. The combined HMM–SVM method retains all of the correct classifications by the SVM, and reduces the false positive rate to 0.0007. This method also reduces the computational burden in classifying GPR traces because the SVM is evaluated only on select prescreened traces. Our experiments demonstrate the promise, robustness, and reliability of real-time crevasse detection and classification with robotic GPR surveys.
Sternal Force-Displacement Relationship During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

A viscoelastic model is presented to describe the dynamic response of the human chest to cyclic loading during manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Sternal force and displacement were measured during 16 clinical resuscitation attempts and during compressions on five CPR training manikins. The model was developed to describe the clinical data and consists of the parallel combination of a spring and dashpot. The human chests' elastic and damping properties were both augmented with increasing displacement. The manikins' elastic properties were stiffer and both elastic and damping properties were less dependent on displacement than the humans'.
Energy loss to bound hydrogen at the Si surface

Abstract The degradation of Si VLSI circuits has been a continuing topic of considerable interest for many years. It was at first thought that the basic 3.1 eV required to lift a carrier from the Si conduction band into the SiO 2 insulator would be a limit that could be passed by reductions in the operating voltages. This has proved not to be the case. More recently, it has been proposed that electron–electron scattering between carriers in the channel of the device could lead to charge injection and subsequent degradation. In an accompanying paper, we show that this effect is rather small. Recently, we have predicted a new, low voltage process in which hydrogen bonded at the Si interface can be transferred to an anti-bonding site in the Si lattice with the absorption of only 1.2 eV. In this paper, we examine the scattering rate for a hot carrier to lose an energy ℏ ω to a bound particle. In this case, the momentum exchange is primarily two dimensional, so that the quasi-two-dimensional nature of the carriers in the inversion layer becomes important.
How to have your cake and eat it too: dynamic software updating with just-in-time overhead

We consider the overhead incurred by programs that can be updated dynamically and argue that, in general, and regardless of the mechanism used, the program must incur an overhead during normal execution. We argue that the overhead during normal execution of the updateable program need not be as high as the overhead for the updated program. In light of the fundamental limitations and the differences in the overhead that must be incurred by the updateable and updated programs, we propose a new mechanism for dynamic software update based on a new shifting gears approach. The mechanism attempts to incur just the required overhead depending on the stage of update the application is in. Before an update the execution incurs low overhead and when an update occurs the execution incurs higher overhead which reverts to low overhead as the execution progresses. We evaluate the mechanism by modifying an application by hand. Preliminary performance numbers show that the mechanism performs better than existing mechanisms for dynamic software update.
Taxation in Niger: Problems and Proposals

Abstract The tax structure in Niger depends heavily on uranium mining and the rest of the formal sector. The slump in uranium prices has reduced tax revenues to 9% of GNP, which is not enough to finance an adequate level of public services. In this paper, tax reforms are considered which will raise more revenue while respecting criteria of equity, efficiency, and growth. The reforms mostly involve extending taxation into the informal sector, such as using external indicators of income in the administration of the income tax, and making greater use of taxes on buildings and motor vehicles.
Effect of machining residual stresses on the repetitive impact behavior of silicon nitride

Silicon nitride is a candidate valve material for internal combustion engines. Its low density and attractive mechanical properties relative to conventional metallic alloys portend significant improvements in valve performance. The production of valves involves a significant amount of machining, especially grinding. Grinding of ceramic materials may result in surface and subsurface damage in the form of fracture or residual stresses which may affect impact behavior, and consequently, the behavior of silicon nitride ceramic materials as valves. The effects of residual stresses due to grinding on the impact wear behavior of one silicon nitride composition ground under various conditions has been investigated.
Removal of metallic iron on oxide slags

It is possible, in some cases, for ground coal particles to react with gasifier gas during combustion, allowing the ash material in the coal to form phases besides the expected slag phase. One of these phases is metallic iron, because some gasifiers are designed to operate under a reducing atmosphere ( $${p_{\rm {O}_{2}}}$$ of approximately 10−4 atm). Metallic iron can become entrained in the gas stream and deposit on, and foul, downstream equipment. To improve the understanding of the reaction between different metallic iron particles and gas, which eventually oxidizes them, and the slag that the resulting oxide dissolves in, the kinetics of iron reaction on slag were predicted using gas-phase mass-transfer limitations for the reaction and were compared with diffusion in the slag; the reaction itself was observed under confocal scanning laser microscopy. The expected rates for iron droplet removal are provided based on the size and effective partial pressure of oxygen, and it is found that decarburization occurs before iron reaction, leading to an extra 30- to 100-second delay for carbon-saturated particles vs pure iron particles. A pure metallic iron particle of 0.5 mg should be removed in about 220 seconds at 1400 °C and in 160 seconds at 1600 °C.
Differential equation models of flow-size based priorities in internet routers

Simulation studies have shown that providing priority to short-flows in internet routers can dramatically reduce their mean delay while having little impact on the long-flows that carry the bulk of internet traffic. In this paper, we present simple differential equation models (commonly referred to as fluid models) that can be used to analytically quantify this observation. Our model is at the connection-level where file arrivals and departures are described using differential equations, while ignoring the packet-level effects. We demonstrate that network performance can be enhanced significantly by giving priorities to short-flows without seriously affecting the throughput of long-flows.
Calculation of steady three-dimensional deep-water waves

Steady three-dimensional symmetric wave patterns for finite-amplitude gravity waves on deep water are calculated from the full unapproximated water-wave equations as well as from an approximate equation due to Zakharov. These solutions are obtained as bifurcations from plane Stokes waves. The results are in good agreement with the experimental observations of Su.
Isobar mixing and Coulomb displacement energies in nuclei

Abstract It is pointed out that because of the electromagnetic mass splitting of members of a nucleon isobar multiplet (such as the Δ 33 ), admixtures of this isobar in nuclei may lead to substantial corrections in nuclear Coulomb displacement energies.
Activity in F stars

Measurements of He I 5876 A and IUE measurements of chromospheric and transition region lines in a large sample of F-type stars are presented. The data show that activity is detectable in nearly all early F-type stars and differs in several of its characteristics from that typically seen in cooler stars with slow rotation and fully developed convective zones. The onset of activity occurs near B-V = 0.28, which corresponds approximately to spectral type F0 and T(eff) = 7300 K. There is no correlation between the level of activity and the abundances of lithium and beryllium in F stars hotter than T(eff) = 6600 K. All but one of the stars in the 6600-7300 K temperature interval are active. The levels of activity in these stars are independent of Rossby number.
Microslip friction in flat belt drives

AbstractThe microslip shear model of belt mechanics is extended to fully incorporate belt inertia effects and used to analyse the steady state of a two-pulley drive. The belt is modelled as an axially moving string consisting of a tension-bearing member and a pliable elastomer envelope. Relative displacement between the tension-bearing member and the pulley surfaces shears the elastomer envelope, transferring the friction from the pulley surface to the tension-bearing member. The belt-pulley contact arcs consist of adhesion and sliding zones. Static friction exists in the adhesion zones, whereas kinetic friction exists in the sliding zones. An iteration method involving one outer and two inner loops is proposed to find the steady mechanics, including the sliding and adhesion zones, belt-pulley friction, and belt tension distribution. The outer loop iterates on the tight span tension similar to that used in published creep models. Two inner loops iterate on the tight span and driven pulley speeds respectiv...
Effects of increased intracellular pH-buffering capacity on the light response of Limulus ventral photoreceptor.

Aspects of a possible involvement of hydrogen ions in the electrophysiological responses to light of Limulus ventral photoreceptors were investigated. A I M solution of either a zwitter-ionic pH buffer or a weakly-buffering control substance was pressure injected through a micropipette into a ventral photoreceptor cell. To estimate the amount injected, 35SO4 was included in the solution. Membrane currents induced by light flashes were measured by a voltage-clamp technique. The buffer-filled micropipette passed current and a 3 M KCl filled micropipette monitored membrane voltage. The sensitivity (peak light-induced current/stimulus energy) was measured, after dark adaptation, before and after injection. Injections of buffers, pH 6.3–7.2, to intracellular concentrations of at least 40–200 mM produced only a small mean decrease in sensitivity, approximately equal to that caused by injections of control substances. Excitation, therefore, apparently is not mediated by a change in intracellular pH. Buffers with pH values 5.4–8.4 were also injected. The time to peak of the response depended on pH, being shortened by up to 20% at pH values below 7.7 and lengthened at higher pH values. The time to peak of the response appeared to be shortened by an increase in intracellular pH-buffering capacity even when there was no change in intracellular pH.
Elastic ankle exoskeletons reduce soleus muscle force but not work in human hopping.

Inspired by elastic energy storage and return in tendons of human leg muscle-tendon units (MTU), exoskeletons often place a spring in parallel with an MTU to assist the MTU. However, this might perturb the normally efficient MTU mechanics and actually increase active muscle mechanical work. This study tested the effects of elastic parallel assistance on MTU mechanics. Participants hopped with and without spring-loaded ankle exoskeletons that assisted plantar flexion. An inverse dynamics analysis, combined with in vivo ultrasound imaging of soleus fascicles and surface electromyography, was used to determine muscle-tendon mechanics and activations. Whole body net metabolic power was obtained from indirect calorimetry. When hopping with spring-loaded exoskeletons, soleus activation was reduced (30–70%) and so was the magnitude of soleus force (peak force reduced by 30%) and the average rate of soleus force generation (by 50%). Although forces were lower, average positive fascicle power remained unchanged, owing to increased fascicle excursion (+4–5 mm). Net metabolic power was reduced with exoskeleton assistance (19%). These findings highlighted that parallel assistance to a muscle with appreciable series elasticity may have some negative consequences, and that the metabolic cost associated with generating force may be more pronounced than the cost of doing work for these muscles.
A rose by any other name: Preschoolers' understanding of individual identity across name and appearance changes

One of the major achievements of early cognitive development is the ability to understand that an object's individual identity can remain stable while various properties of the object change. Previous research has indicated that preschoolers determine individual identity using properties such as proper name and appearance. These results contrast with recent theory and research showing preschoolers' ability to go beyond variable/external properties in their judgments concerning category membership. Previous results may also be due in part to the methodologies employed. We therefore conducted three experiments investigating the effect of changes in proper name or appearance on children's judgments of individual identity of animals, using an alternative methodology based on the theory of psychological essentialism. Pictures of familiar animals (e.g. dogs) that were given specific behavioural (primarily) properties chosen to be both stable in nature and highly individuating were shown to 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds and adults. Name or appearance was then altered and participants judged whether the animal's behaviour had also changed. Judgments of stability in behaviour were taken to correspond to judgments of stability in individual identity. By age 4 most children consistently judged that stable properties were unaffected by changes in name and appearance, suggesting that preschoolers may possess a better understanding of individual identity than previously thought. These results are discussed in terms of the relation of identity understanding to conceptual development.
Religion and fertility in the United States: the importance of marriage patterns and Hispanic origin.

The marital fertility of white Catholic wives in the United States was higher than that of non-Catholic wives in 1977–1981, but when Hispanics were excluded, the differential disappeared; therefore, the Catholic-non-Catholic differential in recent years was due entirely to the higher fertility of Hispanic Catholics. The Total Fertility Rates (TFR) of Catholics were slightly lower in 1977–1981 than those for white Protestants, primarily because Catholic women tend to marry later than Protestant women. This finding was confirmed by multivariate analysis of data on children ever born. We examine some additional data and various theories to speculate on whether these patterns will last.
Numerical study of high speed evaporating sprays

Abstract Large eddy simulations of high speed evaporating sprays are conducted to study spray interactions with the gas flow and turbulence generated by the spray. The spray is simulated with a Lagrangian droplet method and a stochastic breakup model together with non-equilibrium, finite-rate heat and mass transfer models. The Lagrangian spray/droplet field is fully coupled with the Eulerian gas flow through mass, momentum and energy coupling terms. The interaction of spray induced gas flow and turbulence with the droplets is studied for different gas chamber densities and temperatures as well as different nozzle sizes and injection pressures. Our results indicate that although the droplet transport and evaporation are both important to the generated gas flow and its interactions with the spray, the major source of momentum transfer to the gas is the high speed vapor generated by evaporation. It is shown that sprays injected from larger nozzles generate more perturbations in the gas due to increase in evaporation rate by higher entrained gas. However, the liquid spray penetration remains unchanged with the variation in injection pressure due to competing effects of evaporation and vapor convection. While the liquid penetration is not significantly affected by the injection pressure, the evaporated vapor penetrates more and mixes better at higher injection pressures due to higher induced gas velocity and turbulence.
Effect of uni-axial loading on the nanostructure of silica aerogels

Abstract Aerogels are unique materials offering a combination of remarkable properties that make them useful in a wide range of applications. However, aerogel materials can be difficult to work with because they are fragile. The intent of the work presented here was to study the relationship between axial loading and pore structure in aerogel material. Silica aerogel samples with a bulk density of 0.1 g/mL were compressed by uni-axial force loads from 1 to 5 kN which resulted in stress levels up to 23 MPa. The resulting change in the pore distribution was observed using nitrogen desorption analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Uncompressed aerogel samples exhibit peak pore volume at diameters of about 20 nm. As the aerogels are subjected to increased loading, the location of the peak volume moves to smaller diameters with a reduced volume of pores occurring above this diameter. The peak diameter, the average pore diameter and pore volume all decrease and scale with increasing maximum stress while the surface area of the aerogel samples remains unaffected at about 520 m 2 /g. When combined with data from the literature, the relation between maximum pore diameter and applied stress suggests a failure mechanism dominated by bending induced fracture.
Queer Tales of Morality: The Press, Same‐Sex Marriage, and Hegemonic Framing

The framing contest of claims makers in the same-sex marriage debate offers the opportunity to examine the role of power and the cultural context in framing. Content and frame analyses of stories from daily papers and wire services, and textual analysis of marriage in stories published in the states with anti-same-sex marriage ballot initiatives reveal that although same-sex marriage-friendly frames appear more often than traditional-marriage frames, it is the latter that set the parameters of the debate. Coverage does little to challenge hegemonic heteronormative definitions of marriage, and it is the study's mixed-methods approach that reveals the complexities of the ideological characterization of the debate.
Sonographic grading of fetal intracardiac echogenic foci in a population at low risk of aneuploidy.

Purpose We screened pregnant women at low risk of a fetal chromosomal abnormality for the presence of fetal intracardiac echogenic foci (ICEF) and graded those foci by using sonographic gain reduction. Our objectives were to determine the interobserver reliability of the technique and the association of ICEF, by grade, with fetal aneuploidy. Methods Pregnant women who were 18–35 years old, at low risk for fetal chromosomal abnormalities, and referred for targeted sonography at 16–24 weeks' menstrual age were eligible to participate. All patients whose fetuses had ICEF were offered fetal chromosomal analysis. The presence of ICEF was ascertained by an apical 4-chamber view of the fetal heart and graded independently by 2 examiners blinded to each other's assessment. Grading was based on the difference in echogenicity of the ICEF and the thoracic spine as the ultrasound gain was reduced; in grade 1, the ICEF image was lost before that of the thoracic spine; in grade 2, the ICEF and thoracic spine images disappeared at the same gain setting; and in grade 3, the thoracic spine image was lost before that of the ICEF. Results During the 6-month study period, 383 eligible women were examined, and ICEF were seen in 35 fetuses (9.1%): 25 (71.4%) in the left ventricle, 1 (2.9%) in the right ventricle, and 9 (25.7%) in both ventricles. ICEF grading was successfully performed in all 33 of the women with fetal ICEF who elected to participate. Twenty-one (63.6%) had grade 1, 9 (27.3%) had grade 2, and 3 (9.1%) had grade 3 ICEF. Interobserver agreement was noted in 27 (90.0%) of 30 available paired second-trimester observations (kappa = 0.8), indicating excellent agreement. Two fetuses (6.1%) with grade 1 ICEF but no other risk factors for aneuploidy had chromosomal abnormalities, as compared with 1 fetus (0.3%) in the control group, which had no ICEF (p = 0.02). Conclusions Sonographic grading of ICEF is feasible and reliable. The presence of fetal ICEF in a population otherwise at low risk for aneuploidy seems to warrant the performance of fetal chromosomal analysis. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 31:31–38, 2003
Computer-aided molecular design (CAMD) with force-torque feedback

This paper presents a new method for computer-aided molecular design (CAMD) and molecular assembly. A lab-built 5-DOF (degree of freedom) haptic device and the driving computational engine have been developed to provide force-torque feedback to the users for computer-aided molecular design (CAMD). An energy minimization method is proposed for finding collision-free molecular configurations in real-time for molecular docking and assembly. The proposed haptic force-torque feedback provides the users an intuitive tool for understanding the interactions among molecules. The presented techniques can be used in the computer-aided molecular design to provide the scientists or the designers a real-time intuitive guide for manipulating the ligand and understanding of the ligand's behavior towards the binding site of a receptor. Computer implementation and illustrative examples are also presented in this paper.
Short, Strong Hydrogen Bonds in the Gas Phase and in Solution: Theoretical Exploration of pKa Matching and Environmental Effects on the Strengths of Hydrogen Bonds and Their Potential Roles in Enzymatic Catalysis

Short, strong hydrogen bonds are common in charged systems in the gas phase, but the importance of such bonding in enzymatic catalysis has been the subject of considerable controversy. Confusion has arisen about the relationship among bond strength, the “low-barrier” or “no-barrier” nature of the hydrogen bonding, the role of pKa matching, the covalent or electrostatic nature of the bonding, and the role of solvation on the strengths of these types of hydrogen bonds. We have attempted to strip away the “Alice in Wonderland” quality of the definitions in this field by defining, through high-level calculations, when short-strong hydrogen bonds do and do not occur. The strengths and geometries of several types of hydrogen bonds involving anions have been investigated by ab initio quantum mechanical calculations. For a series of enols hydrogen-bonded to enolates, the strengths of the short, strong gas-phase hydrogen bonds are linearly related to the differences between the proton affinities (PA) of the two an...
Effects of Sexual Assaults on Men: Physical, Mental and Sexual Consequences

Research addressing the sexual assault of men is a fairly recent development in the medical, health care, psychological and sociological literature. Research in both community and institutionalized populations has focused on documenting the existence of this phenomenon and establishing prevalence or incidence rates, however, understandings of effects on male victims lag behind those regarding women. Only recently have the consequences of sexual assault victimization for men been thoroughly addressed. This review summarizes the research literature concerning the physical, mental health, and sexual consequences of sexual assault victimization for men. The literature suggests a range of possible/occasional consequences, but no well-established patterns of injuries, psychological/emotional reactions or sexual responses/adjustments for male sexual assault victims.
General solution for propagation, radiation and scattering in arbitrary 3D inhomogeneous structures

A versatile technique for obtaining the full-wave characteristics of structures composed of conductors and dielectrics is described. It involves the replacement of the dielectric regions by an equivalent interlocking array of thin-wall sections, to which appropriate surface impedances are then attributed. Through the use of a two-dimensional rooftop current representation and line-function testing of the electric field, matrix equations appropriate for propagation, radiation, and scattering problems are generated and solved. The focus is on the physical principles, and the usefulness of the approach is demonstrated by solving a wide variety of practical problems. >
Perianal Eosinophilic Granuloma Resembling Condyloma Latum

Abstract: A 21/2-year-old boy with eosinophilic granuloma confined to the frontoparietal bones developed a rectal fissure that progressed to a perianal plaque resembling condyloma latum. Biopsy confirmed the presence of many Langerhans cells, and therefore a diagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma involving the skin was made. Although rare, eosinophilic granuloma can be associated with cutaneous lesions, sometimes isolated and mundane in appearance. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of perianal lesions.
Integration of Genomic Data Enables Selective Discovery of Breast Cancer Drivers

Identifying driver genes in cancer remains a crucial bottleneck in therapeutic development and basic understanding of the disease. We developed Helios, an algorithm that integrates genomic data from primary tumors with data from functional RNAi screens to pinpoint driver genes within large recurrently amplified regions of DNA. Applying Helios to breast cancer data identified a set of candidate drivers highly enriched with known drivers (p < 10(-14)). Nine of ten top-scoring Helios genes are known drivers of breast cancer, and in vitro validation of 12 candidates predicted by Helios found ten conferred enhanced anchorage-independent growth, demonstrating Helios's exquisite sensitivity and specificity. We extensively characterized RSF-1, a driver identified by Helios whose amplification correlates with poor prognosis, and found increased tumorigenesis and metastasis in mouse models. We have demonstrated a powerful approach for identifying driver genes and how it can yield important insights into cancer.
Three-dimensional simulations of turbulent spectra in the local interstellar medium

Three-dimensional time dependent numerical simulations of compressible magnetohydrodynamic fluids describing super-Alfv´ enic, supersonic and strongly magne- tized space and laboratory plasmas show a nonlinear relax- ation towards a state of near incompressibility. The latter is characterized essentially by a subsonic turbulent Mach number. This transition is mediated dynamically by dis- parate spectral energy dissipation rates in compressible mag- netosonic and shear Alfv´ enic modes. Nonlinear cascades lead to super-Alfvturbulent motions decaying to a sub- Alfvregime that couples weakly with (magneto)acoustic cascades. Consequently, the supersonic plasma motion is transformed into highly subsonic motion and density fluctu- ations experience a passive convection. This model provides a self-consistent explaination of the ubiquitous nature of in- compressible magnetoplasma fluctuations in the solar wind and the interstellar medium.
A two-dimensional millimeter wave phase scanned lens utilizing analog electromagnetic crystal (EMXT) waveguide phase shifters

A novel type of waveguide phase shifter utilizing tunable electromagnetic crystal (EMXT) surfaces is incorporated in a 16-element two-dimensional (2-D) millimeter wave (38 GHz) phase-scanned lens. EMXT surfaces integrating semiconductor varactors are used as the sidewalls of a waveguide to provide a tunable impedance boundary for the waveguide. The EMXT waveguides are used as 360/spl deg/ analog phase shifters as well as radiating elements to realize electronic beam scanning with microseconds of response time. The four-by-four array achieved +/-30/spl deg/ of beam scanning in both the E and H planes. The electrical and mechanical design, top-level array calibration, and scan performance of the 16-element proof-of-concept 2-D space fed phased array lens are described. The waveguide phase shifter insertion loss performance and plans for further improving insertion loss are discussed. The average insertion loss is expected to be less than 2.0 dB at an operating frequency of 38 GHz for GaAs substrate-based EMXT surfaces with planar Schottky diode tuning elements. This new type of EMXT waveguide array may provide a low-cost and high performance alternative to a conventional phased array.
The impact of complex chronic diseases on care utilization among assisted living residents.

Abstract Purpose Many residents of assisted living (AL) have chronic diseases that are difficult to manage, including congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). We estimated the amount and intensity of care delivered by the staff for residents with these conditions. Methods We performed a secondary data analysis from the Maryland Assisted Living (MDAL) Study (399 residents, 29 facilities). In-person assessments included measures of cognition, function, depression, and general medical health. Diagnosis of CHF, COPD, and DM, as well as current medications was abstracted from AL medical charts. Measures of care utilization were operationalized at the resident level as: 1) minutes per day of direct care (caregiver activity scale [CAS]), 2) subjective staff ratings of care burden, and 3) assigned AL “level of care” (based on state regulatory criteria). Results In best fit regression models, CHF and DM were not significant predictors of the evaluated care utilization measures; however, COPD was independently associated with increased minutes per day of direct care – 34% of the variance in the caregiver activity scale was explained by degree of functional dependency, cognitive impairment, age, and presence of COPD. Functional dependency, depressive symptoms, and age explained almost a quarter (23%) of the variance of staff care burden rating. For the AL level of care intensity rating, degree of functional dependency, level of cognition, and age were significant correlates, together explaining about 28% of the variance. Conclusion The presence of COPD was a significant predictor of time per day of direct care. However, CHF and DM were not correlates of care utilization measures. Functional and cognitive impairment was associated with measures of care utilization, reiterating the importance of these characteristics in the utilization and intensity of care consumed by AL residents. Further study of this population could reveal other forms and amounts of care utilization.
Micromachine technology development and its applications

We have been developing micromachine technologies under a Japanese national project. In this paper, our automotive and non-automotive applications of the micromachine technology is discussed, and our micromachine technology development under the project is described.
Nursing intervention and smoking cessation: meta-analysis update.

Objective The study objective was to determine through meta-analysis the effects of nursing-delivered smoking-cessation interventions. Results Thirty-four studies met inclusion criteria in this updated meta-analysis. Twenty-six studies compared a nursing intervention with a control or usual care group of adults and found interventions of high and low intensity to modestly increase the odds of quitting (1.36, 95% confidence interval 1.22-1.51). The study results demonstrated heterogeneity; using a random effects model did not make a difference. There was evidence that interventions were most effective for hospital inpatients with cardiovascular disease than for patients with other conditions (odds ratio 2.14, confidence interval 1.39-3.31). Interventions in nonhospitalized adults were beneficial as well; no effect was found for additive intervention components. Counseling during health-screening programs or as part of multifactorial secondary preventions programs was found to be the least effective. The challenge will be to incorporate smoking-cessation interventions into evidence-based nursing practice.