cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leukemic transformation of hematopoietic progenitors by MLL-GAS7 in the absence of Hoxa7 or Hoxa9

Differential expression of Hox genes is associated with normal hematopoiesis, whereas inappropriate maintenance of Hox gene expression, particularly Hoxa7 and Hoxa9 , is a feature of leukemias harboring mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) mutations. To understand the pathogenic roles of Hox genes in MLL leukemias, we assessed the impact of Hoxa7 or Hoxa9 nullizygosity on hematopoietic progenitor compartments and their susceptibility to MLL-induced leukemias. Selective reductions in the absolute numbers of committed progenitors, but not of hematopoietic stem cells, distinguished Hoxa7- and Hoxa9 -deficient mice. Megakaryocytic/erythroid progenitor (MEP) reductions in Hoxa7 - / -mice correlated with reticulocytosis and thrombocytopenia without anemia. Conversely, Hoxa9 - / - mice displayed marked lymphopenia and substantial reductions of common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) and lymphoid precursors, in addition to significant reductions of common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) and granulocyte/monocyte progenitors (GMPs). In retroviral transduction/transplantation assays, Hoxa7- and Hoxa9 -deficient progenitors remained susceptible to transformation by MLL-GAS7, which activates MLL through a dimerization-dependent mechanism. However, Hoxa7 - / - or Hoxa9-/- progenitors were less efficient in generating transformed blast colony-forming units (CFUs) in vitro and induced leukemias with longer disease latencies, reduced penetrance, and less mature phenotypes. Thus, Hoxa7 and Hoxa9 contribute to hematopoietic progenitor homeostasis but are not necessary for MLL-GAS7–mediated leukemogenesis, yet they appear to affect disease latency, penetrance, and phenotypes consistent with their critical roles as downstream targets of MLL fusion proteins. (Blood. 2004;103:3192-3199)
Ecosystem resistance in the face of climate change: a case study from the freshwater marshes of the Florida Everglades

Shaped by the hydrology of the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades watershed, the Florida Everglades is composed of a conglomerate of wetland ecosystems that have varying capacities to sequester and store carbon. Hydrology, which is a product of the region's precipitation and temperature patterns combined with water management policy, drives community composition and productivity. As shifts in both precipitation and air temperature are expected over the next 100 years as a consequence of climate change, CO2 dynamics in the greater Everglades are expected to change. To reduce uncertainties associated with climate change and to explore how projected changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration and climate can alter current CO2 exchange rates in Everglades freshwater marsh ecosystems, we simulated fluxes of carbon among the atmosphere, vegetation, and soil using the DAYCENT model. We explored the effects of low, moderate, and high scenarios for atmospheric CO2 (550, 850, and 950 ppm), mean annual air temperature (+1...
Gov. Al Smith confronts the Catholic question: The rhetorical legacy of the 1928 campaign

Critics and historians have applauded the way John Kennedy dealt with the “Catholic question”; in the 1960 presidential campaign while dismissing the efforts of Al Smith in dealing with the same issue in 1928. Smith's rhetoric, overshadowed by his election defeat, has received little critical attention. Through a close reading of texts, this essay seeks a grounded judgment of the intrinsic quality of Smith's rhetoric in order to ascertain the nature of his rhetorical legacy on the Catholic question. The analysis suggests that Smith's reluctance to discuss religion, his attribution of bigotry to those who brought it up, and his resulting impatience with the whole issue combined to undercut his persuasive efforts. Futhermoore, the very factors that hindered Smith continue to be relevant to current issues regarding religious discourse in the public sphere.
Adverse effects of trichothiodystrophy DNA repair and transcription gene disorder on human fetal development.

Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a rare (affected frequency of 1 in 106 in Europe) (1) autosomal recessive disorder of DNA repair and transcription (2–4). TTD has a wide spectrum of clinical features that include sulfur-deficient brittle hair, small stature, mental retardation, ichthyotic skin, unusual facial features and in some cases photosensitivity (5, 6). Laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis of TTD is based on analysis of hair samples, which show alternating dark and light banding (tiger-tail) on polarizing microscopy (7, 8), reduced sulfur content of hair shafts (7, 8), and tests of DNA repair (4). TTD is caused by mutations in a number of genes, some with known functions involved in DNA repair pathways and in transcription. Photosensitive TTD can be caused by mutations in at least three genes: XPD (ERCC2) and XPB (ERCC3) which encode the two helicase subunits of transcription factor TFIIH (9–11) and TTD-A (TFB5) which codes for the 10th subunit of TFIIH (12). TFIIH has various roles in several pathways including nucleotide excision repair (NER), basal transcription and activated transcription (13). Non-photosensitive TTD has been associated with mutations in TTDN1 (C7ORF11), a gene of unknown function on chromosome 7p14 (14, 15). Patients with defects in NER genes may have several different phenotypes in addition to TTD including xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome (CS), cerebro-ocular-facial syndrome (COFS) or combinations of XP/TTD, XP/CS and COFS/TTD (3, 4). Patients with XP have increased freckle-like pigmentation of their skin and a 1000-fold increase in risk for cancers of sun exposed tissues (skin and eyes) without hair abnormalities (3, 4). COFS has been considered as a severe form of CS and is a progressive brain and eye disorder with varying severity of several abnormalities including mental and physical retardation (3, 16). Individuals diagnosed with XP/TTD or COFS/TTD have phenotypic features of both disorders and mutations in the XPD gene; the exact risk of other abnormalities associated with these combined diagnoses is not known (10, 17). Based on our novel clinical observations, we designed a genetic epidemiologic study in order to investigate pregnancy and human fetal developmental outcomes associated with defects in TTD genes. The specific objective of this study was to compare pregnancies resulting in TTD-affected individuals to pregnancies resulting in their unaffected siblings and to population reference values with respect to abnormalities noted during their antenatal and neonatal periods. For this purpose, obligate heterozygote (carrier) mothers of TTD patients referred to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were interviewed regarding the course of the pregnancies that produced the TTD-affected and unaffected children.
ALGORITHM DEVELOPMENT FOR DERIVATION OF SECTION-RELATED MEASURES OF TRAFFIC SYSTEM PERFORMANCE USING INDUCTIVE LOOP DETECTORS

Despite the advent of new detection systems such as video, infrared, microwave, and ultrasound, inductive loop detectors (ILD) still remain the most widely used sensors for traffic information. For example, the California Department of Transportation alone has approximately 300,000 ILD installations, and that number excludes the installations that are part of local cities and agencies. By using these ILDs in "smarter" ways, useful section-related traffic system parameters can be derived, including densities and travel times. Consequently, the existing detection infrastructure can be used for application in many areas of intelligent transportation systems and, especially, in real-time dynamic systems. The process of developing feature extraction and vehicle pattern matching algorithms and the subsequent derivation of section-related measures based on conventional inductive loops are discussed. Field data collected from State Route 24 in Lafayette, Calif., were used for algorithm development and for the tes...
The incidence and impact of dextrose dose on hyperglycemia from parenteral nutrition (PN) exposure in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients.

Background: Short-term, transient hyperglycemia is associated with adverse outcomes in acutely ill populations. Because parenteral nutrition (PN) is dextrose based, we hypothesized that exposure to PN would be associated with hyperglycemia and that greater levels of dextrose infusion would be associated with higher glucose concentrations. Our objective was to examine the temporality, incidence, and dose response from dextrose load upon hyperglycemia using several serum glucose cut points in PN vs non-PN HSCT recipients. Methods: The medical records of adults admitted for initial autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) at 2 university-affiliated hospitals between September 1999 and December 2003 were used in this retrospective cohort. To minimize the impact of disease acuity on serum glucose, patients with diabetes mellitus, steroid administration, patients with recently treated infections, or patients who died during therapy were eliminated from the study. Serum glucose values w...
Hepatitis C virus recurrence in living donor liver transplant recipients.

Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) is a universal phenomenon. Recent reports have suggested an earlier and more aggressive recurrence in the living donor liver transplant (LDLT) population. The aim of this study was to compare the histological recurrence of HCV after LDLT versus deceased donor transplantation (DDT). Twenty-nine patients underwent LT for HCV-related end-stage liver disease at our institution between April 2001 and March 2003 (42 months). Twenty patients underwent DDT, and nine patients LDLT. Laboratory data were collected on a weekly to biweekly basis and HCV PCR was performed before LT and 3–4 months and yearly post-LT. Liver biopsies were performed as needed and per institutional protocol at 7 days, at 4 months, and yearly thereafter. All biopsies were evaluated by a single pathologist and scored for rejection (Banff score) and chronic hepatitis (Ishak score system). The predominant genotype in the DDT and LDLT groups was genotype 1 (DDT=70%, LDLT=79%). HCV RNA titers pre-LT and 3–4 months after LT did not differ. The incidence of rejection was higher in the DDT group (P < 0.05). There was a trend toward improved lshak stage and grade in the LDLT group at 4 and 12 months post-LT, however, this trend did not reach statistical significance. No histological difference in the recurrence or severity rate was observed at 4 or 12 months post-LT in the DDT group vs. the LDLT group.
Solid-state co-extrusion of nylon-6 gel

Abstract A partially dried nylon-6 gel has been drawn at 150°C and to draw ratio 5.7 ×, by a split billet co-extrusion technique in an Instron capillary rheometer. The gel was prepared by dissolving nylon-6 in benzyl alcohol at 165°C and cooling to gel at room temperature. On removing solvent, preorientation was introduced into the gel with the b -chain axis weakly oriented perpendicular to the gel surface. Drawing produces double orientation. One population of the crystals is oriented with chain axes in the draw direction, as in the usual uniaxial drawing. The second population has its chain axes oriented perpendicular to draw direction. From birefringence, wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering studies, a deformation mechanism for the double orientation was proposed. Thermal and mechanical properties were also studied. Annealing at 190°C produced partial reorientation of the second crystals resulting in a more complex orientation.
The Search for Human Obesity Genes

Understanding of the genetic influences on obesity has increased at a tremendous rate in recent years. By some estimates, 40 to 70 percent of the variation in obesity-related phenotypes in humans is heritable. Although several single-gene mutations have been shown to cause obesity in animal models, the situation in humans is considerably more complex. The most common forms of human obesity arise from the interactions of multiple genes, environmental factors, and behavior, and this complex etiology makes the search for obesity genes especially challenging. This article discusses the strategies currently being used to search for human obesity genes and recent promising results from these efforts.
The midinfrared conductivity determined from the infrared reflectance of YBa2(Cu1−xNix)3O7−δ films

Abstract We present the midinfrared conductivity of a YBa 2 (Cu 0.94 Ni 0.06 ) 3 O 7−δ film determined from fitting the measured infrared reflectance with a two-component model. To a first approximation, the “best-fit” midinfrared band conductivity is independent of T, in agreement with the midinfrared band used previously to fit the reflectances of films with ≤ 4% Ni. For the best fits, the midinfrared band at 10K and 100K has a well defined maximum at 300 cm −1 . This feature disappears at 300K and its spectral weight is redistributed up to about 1000cm −1 . Above about 1000cm −1 , the midinfrared band is independent of temperature.
Racial Differences in Chronic Conditions and Sociodemographic Characteristics Among High-Utilizing Veterans

African-Americans are disproportionally represented among high-risk, high-utilizing patients. To inform program development for this vulnerable population, the current study describes racial variation in chronic conditions and sociodemographic characteristics among high-utilizing patients in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (VA). We identified the 5 % most costly Veterans who used inpatient or outpatient care at the VA during fiscal year 2010 (N = 237,691) based on costs of inpatient and outpatient care, pharmacy services, and VA-sponsored contract care. Patient costs and characteristics were abstracted from VA outpatient and inpatient data files. Racial differences in sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, marital support, homelessness, and health insurance status) were assessed with chi-square tests. Racial differences in 32 chronic condition diagnoses were calculated as relative risk ratios. African-Americans represented 21 % of high-utilizing Veterans. African-Americans had higher rates of homelessness (26 vs. 10 %, p < 0.001) and lower rates of supplemental health insurance (44 vs. 58 %, p < 0.001). The mean number of chronic conditions was similar across race. However, there were racial differences in the prevalence of specific chronic conditions, including a higher prevalence of HIV/AIDS (95 % confidence interval (CI) 4.86, 5.50) and schizophrenia (95 % CI 1.94, 2.07) and a lower prevalence of ischemic heart disease (95 % CI 0.57, 0.59) and bipolar disorder (95 % CI 0.78, 0.85) among African-American high-utilizing Veterans. Racial disparities among high-utilizing Veterans may differ from those found in the general population. Interventions should devote attention to social, environmental, and mental health issues in order to reduce racial disparities in this vulnerable population.
Comparative light-microscopic and immunohistochemical study of traumatic and palisaded encapsulated neuromas of the skin

The primary hyperplastic nature of palisaded encapsulated neuromas (PENs) has been recently challenged by suggesting a traumatic origin. We studied eight cases of traumatic neuroma (TN) and 12 cases of PEN by routine light-microscopic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical methods to assess evidence of previous tissue injury. Sections from the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, trichrome, elastic, reticulin, Giemsa, colloidal iron (with and without hyaluronidase), and Bielschowsky silver stains. Antibodies were applied to collagen types I, III, and IV, MAC 387, factor XIIIa, alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), Leu-7, and myelin basic protein using ABC techniques. We found that (a) in TN the individual fascicles were usually surrounded by perineurial cells, whereas in PEN the perineurial cells were observed mainly in the capsular areas and only rarely within the fascicles as evidenced by EMA antibodies; (b) histochemically TN contained considerably larger amounts of collagen (types I and III), acidic mucin, and myelin products than did PEN; and (c) neither PEN nor TN contained increased inflammatory cells or cells positive for factor XIIIa, MAC 387, or A1AT. We conclude that (a) there are substantial structural and histochemical differences between TN and PEN, (b) the changes suggest that the classic form of PEN has a different histogenesis than TN, and (c) on histologic grounds, chronic minor trauma could not be excluded as an etiologic factor for PEN.
Inhibition of tumor-associated fatty acid synthase activity antagonizes estradiol- and tamoxifen-induced agonist transactivation of estrogen receptor (ER) in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells.

Inhibition of tumor-associated fatty acid synthase activity antagonizes estradiol- and tamoxifen-induced agonist transactivation of estrogen receptor (ER) in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells
Life lessons and datacenter performance analysis

Summary form only given. Performance is critical to datacenter applications: a poorly performing application provides poor experience to end users and also wastes hardware resources (network, disk, CPU). Unfortunately, these applications are huge (serving each user request can involve hundreds to thousands of machines) and complex (many interacting components often developed and managed by different teams). Thus, these applications are notoriously hard to understand and optimize. This talk distills key insights from our experience in analyzing and optimizing datacenter applications (particularly Gmail) at Google.
5‶1 bandwidth, dual-polarized dielectric rod antenna

Dielectric rod antennas (DRAs) are commonly used as reflector feeds and nearfield probes because they exhibit single broadside beam, good polarization purity, wide bandwidth and low scattering cross section. Particularly for multiple reflector feeds, low cross-coupling and polarization purity of DRAs make them very attractive. More importantly, DRAs provide ultra-wideband (UWB) operation with a simple and easy-to-fabricate, cost-effective structure. However, the maximum achievable bandwidth is typically limited by the waveguide feed at the low end and the onset of higher-order modes of the dielectric rod at the high end of the frequency range. In the past, multi-layered DRA designs (C.-W. Liu and C.-C. Chen, “A UWB Three-Layer Dielectric Rod Antenna with Constant Gain, Pattern and Phase Center,” IEEE Transaction on Antennas and Propagation 60(10), Oct. 2012) have been utilized to increase the frequency coverage. However, this adds significantly to design and manufacturing complexity.
Platelet serotonin-2 receptor binding sites in depression and suicide☆

In order to examine the role of serotonin-2 (5HT2) receptors in depression and suicide, we determined 5HT2 receptors using 125I-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as the binding ligand in platelets obtained from 20 normal control and 23 drug-free depressed patients. Our results indicate significantly increased 125I-LSD binding sites (Bmax) in the platelets of depressed patients compared with normal control subjects. We also observed that a subgroup of depressed patients with a recent history of suicide attempts or suicidal ideation had significantly higher 5HT2 binding sites as compared with nonsuicidal depressed patients and normal controls. There were no significant differences in the apparent dissociation constant (Kd) values in the platelets of depressed patients compared with normal control subjects. To examine if the baseline 5HT2 receptors are related to either the severity of illness or treatment response, we determined the relationships of the baseline Bmax and Kd with baseline Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores and change in scores after treatment. We found no significant correlation between baseline Bmax and Kd with the baseline HDRS or BPRS scores or change in these scores after psychoactive drug treatment. These results thus indicate increased platelet 5HT2 receptors in depression, but much more so in depressed patients with suicidal ideation or attempts.
More Revisions in Realism Hobbesian Anarchy, the Tale of the Fool and International Relations Theory

Thomas Hobbes is regarded as a major intellectual precursor of realist theory. Such veneration has brought about ample reactions from various scholars who aver that the use of Hobbes'vision of anarchy as an analogy for building greater theories of international relations is problematic at best. Yet, while such critiques of the realist analogy have been abundant, they have devoted scant attention to important passages in the Leviathan (that is, the tale of the fool in Chapter 15) that would produce greater clarity about Hobbes' logic regarding the state of nature. Indeed, a careful textual analysis of the tale of the fool demonstrates that as an analogy for a state of war (that is, as an environment devoid of cooperation) Hobbes' vision of anarchy is even more problematic than what previous critiques suggest. The tale strongly re-inforces critical scholarship that embraces ample opportunities for cooperation (covenants) in a Hobbesian state of nature (that is, without a Leviathan to impose order). The prec...
Induction of HIV-1 Expression in Chronically Infected Promonocytic Cells Cocultured with Human Lung Fibroblasts

The interaction between a chronically human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected promonocytic line (U1) and a normal human embryonic lung fibroblast line (MRC-5) on HIV-1 expression was investigated. Coculture of U1 cells with MRC-5 cells induced HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activities 40- to 50-fold higher than those of parallel control cultures of U1 cells. Culture of U1 cells in the presence of media conditioned by MRC-5 cell culture supernatants resulted in a 30- to 40-fold greater HIV-1 RT activity over a 6-day period. HIV-1 RT activity, however, was not increased in the chronically infected T lymphocyte cell line (ACH-2) by either coculture with MRC-5 cells or when cultured in the MRC-5 cell culture supernatant-conditioned media. A polyclonal antibody against interleukin-6 (IL-6) blocked HIV-1 induction in the U1 cells by MRC-5 culture supernatants, indicating that IL-6 plays an important role in the HIV-1 induction. The magnitude of HIV-1 induction by the MRC-5 cell culture supernatant-conditioned media was proportional to the concentration of IL-6. In addition, the supernatants from three other normal human lung fibroblast (HLF) cell lines induced HIV-1 RT expression in U1 cells. Thus, normal unstimulated HLFs stimulate HIV-1 expression in chronically infected promonocytic cells by secreting IL-6, suggesting that the interaction of HLFs and macrophages may play an important role in the development of HIV-1 infection in the lungs.
Measurements of free radical in vitamin E-doped ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene: Dependence on materials processing and irradiation environments

Abstract Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), doped with vitamin E (α-tocopherol (α-T)), was irradiated with gamma rays in nitrogen (N2) or air, and the resulting free radicals were detected in air using an electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. Two groups of samples were investigated. In one group, samples were prepared from blends of α-T (20 wt%) and UHMWPE powder (PPE-α-T) and, in the other, from compression molded blocks (CMPE-α-T). The CMPE-α-T blocks contained 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, 10.0%, 15.0%, 20.0% and 25.0% α-T by weight. When irradiation was performed in air, the ESR spectrum of powder samples showed the presence of only vitamin E radical (tocopheroxyl, α-T-O ), and there was no detectable signal due to PE radicals (alkyl/allyl). Most likely, all PE radicals were quenched by vitamin E during irradiation in air. However, when irradiation was performed in N2, composite ESR spectra showed the presence of both PE and α-T-O radicals. Compared to the control (PPE, 0% α-T) PE radicals in PPE-20% α-T were found to be significantly reduced or quenched by α-T. The presence of α-T in powder samples, however, did not affect the long-term (71 days in this study) oxidation behavior of the PE radicals. Compression molded samples, with and without α-T, produced identical ESR spectra irrespective of their irradiation environment N2 or air. However, radical concentration, measured immediately after irradiation, was found to be an order of magnitude less in CMPE-α-T than in the control (CMPE-0% α-T). They also evidenced identical structural changes in the respective ESR spectra during subsequent oxidation for 24 days in open air. These observations suggest that α-T can effectively quench a significant fraction of PE radicals during irradiation, but has no measurable effect on subsequent reactions. No significant difference was found in the ESR spectra of samples containing different α-T concentration.
Translation of the edited mRNA for cytochrome b in trypanosome mitochondria

The type of RNA editing found in the kinetoplast-mitochondria of trypanosomes and related protozoa, involving uridylate insertions and deletions, creates translatable messenger RNAs (mRNAs) out of nonsense pre-edited RNAs by correcting encoded defects that vary from simple frameshifts to large "cryptic" regions. However, any evidence for translation of these mRNAs in the kinetoplast has been missing for decades. We identified a kinetoplast-encoded protein, apocytochrome b, whose mRNA is edited in the 5' region. The determined amino-terminal sequence of the protein coincides with the predicted sequence derived from the edited region, demonstrating that the cognate apocytochrome b mRNA is translated into a functional protein. This finding represents the first direct evidence for a functional translation system in the kinetoplasts.
Traumatic granuloma of the tongue.

Abstract This article presents two cases of a lesion reported only once previously in the literature. Clinically, traumatic granuloma of the tongue appears as anything from a tender nodule on the lateral border of the tongue to ulceration simulating in appearance squamous-cell carcinoma. It is, however, a completely benign lesion and should be treated as such.
Exploiting parallel computing with limited program changes using a network of microcomputers

Network computing and multiprocessor computers are two discernible trends in parallel processing. The computational behavior of an iterative distributed process in which some subtasks are completed later than others because of an imbalance in computational requirements is of significant interest. The effects of asynchronus processing was studied. A small existing program was converted to perform finite element analysis by distributing substructure analysis over a network of four Apple IIe microcomputers connected to a shared disk, simulating a parallel computer. The substructure analysis uses an iterative, fully stressed, structural resizing procedure. A framework of beams divided into three substructures is used as the finite element model. The effects of asynchronous processing on the convergence of the design variables are determined by not resizing particular substructures on various iterations.
Failure to Quit: Reflections of an Optimistic Historian

ZINN, Howard. Failure to Quit: Reflections of an Optimistic Historian. Monroe, Maine. Common Courage Press, 1993, 164 p.
Strain transfer in an induced-strain actuator

Smart material actuator systems are being increasingly used in active vibration control, micro-motion as well as macro-motion applications. Viability of such macro-motion system depends upon how the induced strain in the smart material is transferred to the metal sub-structure. This paper presents results of experimental and theoretical investigations of the induced strain transfer from a piezoceramic material to the metal sub-structure through a bonding layer. The factors selected for the analysis in obtaining optimum strain transfer include the type of the sub- structure material, type of bonding material, thickness of bonding layer, and the thickness of the piezoceramic material. Taguchi method is used to experimentally investigate the individual effects of all these factors. A finite difference based numerical scheme has been developed to study such configurations. Results indicate that the finite difference and analytical methods agree well in determining the effect of parameters on induced strain transfer. Both experimental and theoretical results agree well within the scope of the Taguchi study in determining the effect of parameters. Results show that the type of substructure material and the thickness of piezoceramic play important roles in determining the effectiveness of strain transfer.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Thermal management of microelectronics with electrostatic fluid accelerators

Abstract Optimal thermal management is critical in modern consumer electronics. Typically, a thermal management scheme for an electronic system involves several physical principles. In many cases, it is highly desirable to enhance heat transfer at the solid-air interface while maintaining small size of the thermal management solution. The enhancement of heat transfer at the solid-air interface can be achieved by several physical principles. One principle that is getting increased attention of thermal management design engineers is electrostatic fluid acceleration. This paper discusses recent breakthroughs in state-of-the-art of electrostatic fluid accelerators (EFAs). The paper compares and contrasts EFAs’ design and performance metrics to those of other airside cooling technologies used in small form factor applications. Since the energy efficiency, flow rate, and acoustic emissions are highly influenced by the scale of the airside cooling devices, the paper also presents the analysis of fundamental effect of scaling laws on heat transfer performance. The presented review and analysis helps drawing conclusions regarding achievable comparative performance and practicality of using different design approaches and physical principles for different applications.
Fast, Accurate RF Propagation Modeling and Simulation Tool for Highly Cluttered Environments

As the network centric warfare and distributed operations paradigms unfold, there is a growing need for robust wireless network deployment tools. These tools must take into consideration the terrain of the operating theater, and facilitate modeling of end to end network performance based on accurate RF propagation predictions. It is well known that statistical models can not provide accurate, site specific predictions of radio channel behavior. In this paper an event-driven wave propagation simulation is proposed as a computationally efficient technique for predicting critical propagation characteristics of RF signals in cluttered environments. Convincing validation and simulator performance studies confirm the suitability of this method for indoor and urban area RF channel modeling. By integrating our RF propagation prediction tool, RCSIM, with popular packet-level network simulators, we are able to construct an end to end network analysis tool for wireless networks operating in built-up urban areas.
A comparison of the relative energies of isomeric intermediates formed in electrophilic, radical, and nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions

Abstract The relative energetics of isomeric σ-complex intermediates formed in electrophilic, free radical, and nucleophilic attack of Cl, H, and Me on PhCl and PhMe are compared for all positions: o, m, p, and ipso. The results are presented as ΔH, computed by the MINDO/3 method, for the appropriate isodesmic reaction with benzene. For the chlorobenzene intermediates, there is a marked increase in the relative preference for the ipso-position as the reactions change from electrophilic to free radical to nucleophilic. For toluene intermediates, the order of stability-p > o > m > ipso-is seen in all reactions except for one case, free radical methylation. In general, the free radical intermediates show the smallest range of energy differences. Comparison of predictions from these calculations with experimental results (largely partial rate factors and product ratios) shows some qualitative agreement.
Evaluating the use of models of visual attention to predict graphical passwords

In this work, we evaluate the use computational models of visual attention to predict graphical passwords. We compare the performance of three models: the Itti-Koch-Niebur model, Graph-Based Visual Saliency (GBVS), and the Image Signature. The visual attention maps generated by the models are compared to ground truth user password location selections. Although the Itti-Koch-Niebur model and GBVS have previously been applied individually to the challenge of predicting graphical passwords, this is, to our knowledge, both the first work to evaluate the image signature, and to compare the performance of different models of visual attention. This work demonstrates that, although all three models show potential for predicting graphical passwords, GBVS exhibits the overall best performance.
Sex differences in salt sensitivity to nitric oxide dependent vasodilation in healthy young adults

Dietary sodium and blood pressure regulation differs between normotensive men and women, an effect which may involve endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis...
Exploring nanoscale hydrophobic hydration

In this lecture, aspects of the hydration of hydrophobic interfaces that are emergent nanoscale properties of the interface chemical structure are discussed. General results inferred from systematic computational studies are emphasized, with a central theme focusing on the separate roles of surface topography and surface chemistry. The roles of surface curvature, polarity, and chemical heterogeneity, as well as the important role of solvent thermodynamic state are considered. The potential importance of understanding evolved natural biological interfaces on the same basis as model synthetic surfaces is pointed out, and progress in this direction is discussed.
Impact of young age on prognosis for head and neck cancer: a matched-pair analysis.

Background. The purpose of this study was to review outcomes of young patients (age <40 years) treated with definitive radiotherapy alone for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, and larynx, and to compare these results with an older matched patient cohort. Methods. Since 1983, 30 previously untreated young patients underwent definitive radiotherapy at the University of Florida and were matched with an older group of patients (age >45 years) with respect to primary site, stage of disease, and sex. Results. There was no difference in cause-specific survival, locoregional control, or long-term complications between the two groups; however, there was a significant difference in overall survival favoring young patients (p = .0174). Older patients had twice as many second malignancies. Conclusion. Young age does not confer a worse prognosis in patients treated with definitive radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and larynx. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: XXX–XXX, 2005
Detection of Ozone on Ganymede

An absorption band at 260 nanometers on the trailing hemisphere of Ganymede, identified as the Hartley band of ozone (O3), was measured with the Hubble Space Telescope. The column abundance of ozone, 4.5 × 1016 per square centimeter, can be produced by ion impacts or by photochemical equilibrium with previously detected molecular oxygen (O2). An estimated number density ratio of [O3]/[O2] ≈ 10−4 to 10−3 requires an atmospheric density orders of magnitude higher than upper limits from spacecraft occultation experiments. Apparently, this O2-O3 “atmosphere” is trapped in Ganymede9s surface ice, an inference consistent with the shift and broadening of the band compared with the gas-phase O3 band.
Hamlet as process: a novel approach to using literature in teaching psychiatry.

AbstractPsychiatrists have made many forays into literature for the purposes of theory building, clinical understanding, and teaching. Given how fascinating and fruitful such inquiries can be, one wonders why they have had a mostly episodic place in teaching. I submit that at least some limitations resulted from an emphasis on what I would loosely call “content” and, related to it, on comprehensive “formulations” of a single literary character. This paper argues instead for a shift in focus onto “process” and situations created by particular interactions between the characters. Rather than pursue “the psychology of the individual characters; what they are like, what makes them what they are, what intentions, often apparently not conscious, seem to motivate their actions and attitudes” (Silberger 1973), I would look instead at what characters do (what they say, what they appear to emote and think) in response to each others” speech and imputed feelings and designs. The give-and-take entailed in the collisi...
Local Procedural Approaches for Axillary Hyperhidrosis

When medical options for axillary hyperhidrosis have failed, botulinum toxin is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated, although temporary, treatment option. For long-lasting or permanent efficacy, some patients turn to local procedures, such as superficial liposuction or manual curettage, or more invasive local surgery. Newer, minimally invasive treatments have become available, such as microwave energy thermolysis.
HECT ubiquitin ligases link viral and cellular PPXY motifs to the vacuolar protein-sorting pathway

Many enveloped viruses exploit the class E vacuolar protein-sorting (VPS) pathway to bud from cells, and use peptide motifs to recruit specific class E VPS factors. Homologous to E6AP COOH terminus (HECT) ubiquitin ligases have been implicated as cofactors for PPXY motif–dependent budding, but precisely which members of this family are responsible, and how they access the VPS pathway is unclear. Here, we show that PPXY-dependent viral budding is unusually sensitive to inhibitory fragments derived from specific HECT ubiquitin ligases, namely WWP1 and WWP2. We also show that WWP1, WWP2, or Itch ubiquitin ligase recruitment promotes PPXY-dependent virion release, and that this function requires that the HECT ubiquitin ligase domain be catalytically active. Finally, we show that several mammalian HECT ubiquitin ligases, including WWP1, WWP2, and Itch are recruited to class E compartments induced by dominant negative forms of the class E VPS ATPase, VPS4. These data indicate that specific HECT ubiquitin ligases can link PPXY motifs to the VPS pathway to induce viral budding.
Metallopolymer formation from the interaction of a hydrolyzed dithiolane-carboxylate ligand with Ag(I)

On reaction with Ag(I), phenyl 1,3-dithiolane-2-carboxylate undergoes hydrolysis and assembles into a metal–organic coordination polymer. Crystals of the polymer were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The metallopolymer exists as a sheet-like structure consisting of twisted strands. An additional structural feature is an apparent Ag–Ag interaction (3.0679 A) supported by the thiolane sulfur atoms. Carboxyl and triflate oxygen atoms are also key donors to the Ag(I) centers.
Influence of piperonyl butoxide on the toxicity of organophosphate insecticides to three species of freshwater benthic invertebrates

Abstract Toxicity tests were conducted with amphipods (Hyalella azteca), chironomids (Chironomus tentans) and oligochaetes (Lumbriculus variegatus) exposed to a series of organophosphate insecticides in the absence or presence of piperonyl butoxide (PBO), an inhibitor of cytochrome(s) P450. Piperonyl butoxide effectively reduced the toxicity to H. azteca and C. tentans of three organophosphates (diazinon, chlorpyrifos, azinphos-methyl) which undergo metabolic activation by cytochrome(s) P450. Coadministration of PBO with another organophosphate (dichlorvos) which is not activated by cytochrome(s) P450, did not reduce the toxicity to the two species. Lumbriculus variegatus was relatively insensitive to the organophosphates, and PBO did not reduce their toxicity to the oligochaete. These data indicate that both H. azteca and C. tentans possess cytochrome P450-mediated MOs capable of metabolizing organic xenobiotics. However, the degree to which L. variegatus might be capable of the oxidative metabolism of organic xenobiotics is uncertain.
Discordant contrasts of P- and S-wave speeds across the 660-km discontinuity beneath Tibet: A case for hydrous remnant of sub-continental lithosphere

Abstract Using high-resolution, triplicate shear-waveforms recorded by broadband seismic arrays, we show that a corresponding anomaly of high S -wave speed ( V S ) is absent where an anomaly of high P -wave speed ( V P ) was recently recognized in the transition zone of the mantle (TZ) beneath central Tibet. A likely cause of the discrepancy between anomalies in V P and V S is a minor amount of water in nominally anhydrous polymorphs of olivine. Prior to thickening by continent-continent collision, the Tibetan mantle was part of a mantle wedge which has been hydrated during past episodes of subduction. Hydration of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) provides a natural mechanism to facilitate ductile deformation, so rapid thickening of the SCLM, which would have been hindered by advection of cold materials, can take place. Convective instability would then lead to removal and sinking of thickened, cold SCLM, leaving a remnant in the TZ detectable only in V P . This interpretation not only is consistent with previous reconstruction of the SCLM in Tibet based on several types of independent data, but also provides a new pathway for water to enter and be stored in the TZ.
Some remarks on the nonlinear graviton

We give a new description of unprimed spinors for the nonlinear graviton and use this to prove that the nonlinear graviton is an anti-self-dual solution to Einstein's equations. We also provide a proof of the stability of the normal bundles to the projective lines in curved projective twistor space.
R & M of Socketed ICs

This study shows that sockets can be reliable enough in a relatively benign environment for the short-term. Criteria for failure-free performance include 1) operation in a controlled, non-vibration environment, 2) gold-plated, machined sockets, 3) either gold or tin-plated IC leads. Accelerated testing is required to estimate long-term reliability. Numerous federal and commercial systems use socketed integrated circuits (ICs) satisfactorily. Maintainability of circuit boards, ease of equipment upgrading, and simplifying transition from development to production are some of the advantages of sockets.
Comment on ``Toward a Statistical Thermodynamics of Steady States''

A Comment on the Letter by Mark E. Tuckerman, Christopher J. Mundy, and Michael L. Klein, Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 2042 (1997). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Effects of thoracic epidural anaesthesia on the coagulation system

Abstract The coronary arterial bed is diffusely and heavily innervated by the sympathetic nervous system. The anatomical arrangements of both the vagal and the sympathetic at the level of the cardiac plexus and below are also sufficiently complex to make clear distinctions between these nerves difficult. At the level of the coronary artery, however, the situation seems clearer. The normal arterial smooth muscle responds to sympathetic stimulation with vasodilation; however, the atherosclerotic coronary bed responds with vasoconstriction. The exact aetiology of this response is either a reflection of the loss of endothelial cell integrity and hence vasodilatory capacity or the release of mediators which are not normally found at sympathetic terminals. The latter response is probably related to the release of serotonin. The source for the serotonin is thought to follow its non-specific uptake at platelet activation sites. These sites are typically found at areas of high turbulence and constriction in the coronary bed. The successful ablation of this sympathetic constriction is accomplished most thoroughly with the use of thoracic epidural blockade or anaesthesia (TEA). There is extensive experience in both animals and humans with the use of TEA around the time of myocardial ischaemia. In animals the use of TEA is capable of decreasing the incidence and type of ventricular arrythmias following an ischaemic insult. In humans the use of TEA can reduce in most patients and totally supplant in many the need for anti-ischaemic medications during unstable anginal episodes. Further the outcome of these patients may be improved when compared with cohorts not receiving TEA. The use of TEA for cardiac surgery is associated with an improvement in pulmonary and myocardial function following surgery. While the release of catecholamines is reduced during surgery, glucocorticoid response remains unimpaired. The incidence of ischaemia is reduced by 50% in the post-operative period following TEA activation. Finally, patients receiving TEA resume normal body temperatures more rapidly and are extubated more quickly than their conventionally treated counterparts. While there is much we do not know about the use of TEA during cardiac surgery, we do know that the risk of neuraxial haematoma formation is not excessively high. As of this writing almost 4000 patients world wide have received TEA during cardiopulmonary bypass and there are no reports of haematoma formation. This suggests that the previously postulated mechanisms for haematoma formation may be in error.
The NIST 2008 Metrics for machine translation challenge--overview, methodology, metrics, and results

This paper discusses the evaluation of automated metrics developed for the purpose of evaluating machine translation (MT) technology. A general discussion of the usefulness of automated metrics is offered. The NIST MetricsMATR evaluation of MT metrology is described, including its objectives, protocols, participants, and test data. The methodology employed to evaluate the submitted metrics is reviewed. A summary is provided for the general classes of evaluated metrics. Overall results of this evaluation are presented, primarily by means of correlation statistics, showing the degree of agreement between the automated metric scores and the scores of human judgments. Metrics are analyzed at the sentence, document, and system level with results conditioned by various properties of the test data. This paper concludes with some perspective on the improvements that should be incorporated into future evaluations of metrics for MT evaluation.
Forgiveness and Religious Faith in Roman Catholic Married Couples

Roman Catholic couples (130 couples, ages 24–84), at three churches in a suburban town in the southern U.S., completed a section of the Family Forgiveness Scale and the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire. The factor structure and loadings of forgiveness items differed from those previously reported. Levels of faith and forgiveness were similar between husbands and wives. Faith was correlated with most forgiveness dimensions, and faith and some aspects of forgiveness were related to duration of marriage.