cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic Plate Waves in 3-D Braided Composites

Conventional composite laminates draw their strength from high-modulus fibers placed in a single direction within each of many individual plies comprising a multilayer laminate. The plies are arranged in various directions in the plane of the laminate to tailor the stiffness of the finished part. However, the material is designed so that fibers from different layers do not communicate — or cross each others’ plane. This situation leads to relatively low tensile strength normal to the plane of the plies. In practice, this construction geometry means that the laminate is susceptible to damage in impact, where plies tend to come unbonded. After impact, the overall laminate strength, particularly the in-plane compressional strength, can be seriously impaired.
A FAMILY OF PUPAL-SPECIFIC CUTICULAR PROTEIN GENES IN THE MOSQUITO ANOPHELES GAMBIAE

Abstract We have cloned and sequenced members of a cuticular protein multi-gene family from the mosquito Anopheles gambiae . Three genes ( agcp2a–c ), each approximately 1 kb in length, were found in a 17.4 kb genomic phage clone. Analysis of ten cDNAs revealed that at least four related genes are present. The open reading frame of the genes and cDNAs showed 95% sequence identity. Divergence was observed in the sequence of the 3′ ends and the number of copies of two repeated coding sequences. In situ hybridizations with a probe prepared from one of these cuticular protein genes ( agcp2b ) showed that the genes physically mapped to two loci, 26B on chromosome 2L and 37A on 3R. Transcription of these An. gambiae cuticular protein genes appears to be limited to pharate pupae and the expressed protein(s) is found in early pupae. The deduced amino acid sequence of these proteins contains a hydrophilic region with significant similarity to other cuticular proteins including the pupal-specific cuticular protein, EDG84, of Drosophila melanogaster ( Apple and Fristrom, 1991 ).
False ventricular tachycardia alarm suppression in the ICU based on the discrete wavelet transform in the ECG signal

Over the past few years, reducing the number of false positive cardiac monitor alarms (FA) in the intensive care unit (ICU) has become an issue of the utmost importance. In our work, we developed a robust methodology that, without the need for additional non-ECG waveforms, suppresses false positive ventricular tachycardia (VT) alarms without resulting in false negative alarms. Our approach is based on features extracted from the ECG signal 20 seconds prior to a triggered alarm. We applied a multi resolution wavelet transform to the ECG data 20seconds prior to the alarm trigger, extracted features from appropriately chosen scales and combined them across all available leads. These representations are presented to a L1-regularized logistic regression classifier. Results are shown in two datasets of physiological waveforms with manually assessed cardiac monitor alarms: the MIMIC II dataset, where we achieved a false alarm (FA) suppression of 21% with zero true alarm (TA) suppression; and a dataset compiled by UCSF and General Electric, where a 36% FA suppression was achieved with a zero TA suppression. The methodology described in this work could be implemented to reduce the number of false monitor alarms in other arrhythmias.
Mutation in the βA3/A1-crystallin gene impairs phagosome degradation in the retinal pigmented epithelium of the rat

Phagocytosis of the shed outer segment discs of photoreceptors is a major function of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). We demonstrate for the first time that βA3/A1-crystallin, a major structural protein of the ocular lens, is expressed in RPE cells. Further, by utilizing the Nuc1 rat, in which the βA3/A1-crystallin gene is mutated, we show that this protein is required by RPE cells for proper degradation of outer segment discs that have been internalized in phagosomes. We also demonstrate that in wild-type RPE, βA3/A1-crystallin is localized to the lysosomes. However, in the Nuc1 RPE, βA3/A1-crystallin fails to translocate to the lysosomes, perhaps because misfolding of the mutant protein masks sorting signals required for proper trafficking. The digestion of phagocytized outer segments requires a high level of lysosomal enzyme activity, and cathepsin D, the major enzyme responsible for proteolysis of the outer segments, is decreased in mutant RPE cells. Interestingly, our results also indicate a defect in the autophagy process in the Nuc1 RPE, which is probably also linked to impaired lysosomal function, because phagocytosis and autophagy might share common mechanisms in degradation of their targets. βA3/A1-crystallin is a novel lysosomal protein in RPE, essential for degradation of phagocytosed material.
Thoracic outlet syndrome in paediatrics: clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and outcome in a series of eight children.

Abstract Background/Purpose: This report reviews the clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and outcome of 8 children treated for the thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) during the last 3 years. Methods: From 1998 through 2001 31 patients were admitted to our Vascular Surgery Unit with TOS. Eight of them (25.8%) were in the paediatric age group, 8 to 16 years (mean, 13 years). No sex prevalence was found. The presenting symptoms were neurologic in 2 patients (25%) and secondary to venous flow impairment in 6 (75%). At phlebography, venous thrombosis was seen in 2 cases, and functional intermittent obstruction was seen in 4. Seven patients underwent decompressive surgical partial resection of the first rib with transaxillary or supraclavicular access. One patient was treated conservatively. Results: There were no major postoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was 2.7 days. In no patient were there signs of recurrence after a mean follow-up of 18 months (range, 3 to 36 months). Conclusions: In the authors' experience TOS in paediatric patients occurs with the same symptoms and thrombotic complications as in adults. The same surgical strategy adopted in adult patients is advisable for affected children. J Pediatr Surg 38:58-61. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Bringing New PET drugs to clinical practice - a regulatory perspective.

The regulatory framework for radioactive drugs, in particular those used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans, has been gradually established since the release of the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act in 1997. Various guidances specially tailored to accommodate special properties of PET drugs have been issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in order to ensure this valuable technology (i.e., PET molecular imaging) will continue to be available to patients and yet the safety and efficacy of PET drugs are well regulated so that public health will be protected. This article presents several key elements of this regulatory framework for PET drugs. New regulatory avenues proposed by the FDA to facilitate the research and development process to bring more new PET drugs to clinical practice, as well as to foster the opportunity of using “orphan” PET drugs in clinical practice are also discussed in this paper.
The structure of trimethylherqueinone B

Abstract By a combination of methods of chemical degradation and NMR spectroscopy, the structure of one of the trimethyl ethers of herqueinone has been assigned formula VI. The novel chemistry of this structure and certain of its degradation products includes facile opening of the oxetane ring with alkali, and cleavage of isopropyl alcohol from an 8-isobutyryl-1-naphthoic acid by alcoholic sodium hydroxide in presence of air (no reaction in absence of air). Certain of the properties of herqueinone are rather unexpected on the basis of the structure (VIII) which is indicated by the assigned structure for trimethylherqueinone B. Similar considerations apply to the structure (VII) which has been assigned by Bartonet al. for the related pigment, atrovenetin.
A note on Harold S. Diehl, randomization, and clinical trials

Harold S. Diehl and coworkers published results from a remarkable trial on the efficacy of vaccines for the common cold in 1938. The original report states that patients were assigned to treatment and control groups "at random." Diehl's study has been referred to as one of the first instances of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. No description of a formal randomization scheme is given in the 1938 report and an unpublished paper of Diehl's suggests the use of alternate assignment in the study.
Estimation of continuous-time stochastic volatility models with jumps using high-frequency data

Abstract This paper proposes a method of inference for general stochastic volatility models containing price jumps. The estimation is based on treating realized multipower variation statistics calculated from high-frequency data as their unobservable (fill-in) asymptotic limits. The paper provides easy-to-check conditions under which the error in estimation resulting from this approximation is o p ( 1 ) and additional ones under which it is o p ( 1 / T ) , where T is the number of days in the sample. Extensive Monte Carlo analysis shows that the proposed estimation method works well in finite samples, provided asymptotic approximations are used. The estimation technique is applied to the estimation of two semiparametric models.
Investigating the thermoelectric properties of p-type half-Heusler Hfx(ZrTi)1−xCoSb0.8Sn0.2 by reducing Hf concentration for power generation

Based on the fact that Hf is much more expensive than other commonly used elements in HfCoSb-based half-Heusler materials, we studied the thermoelectric properties of the p-type half-Heusler Hfx(ZrTi)1−xCoSb0.8Sn0.2 by reducing Hf concentration. A peak ZT of ∼1.0 was achieved at 700 °C with the composition of Hf0.19Zr0.76Ti0.05CoSb0.8Sn0.2 by keeping the Hf/Zr ratio at 1/4 and Hf/Ti at 4/1. This composition has much reduced cost and similar thermoelectric performance compared with our previously reported best p-type half-Heusler: Hf0.44Zr0.44Ti0.12CoSb0.8Sn0.2. Due to the decreased usage of Hf, it is more favorable for consideration in applications. In addition, a higher output power is expected because of the higher power factor even though the conversion efficiency is the same due to the same ZT.
The effect of auditory stimulus rate on [14C]2-deoxyglucose uptake in rabbit inferior colliculus

Abstract The relationship between auditory stimulus rate and level of [ 14 C]2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake was examined using the 2-DG technique developed by Sokoloff 34 as an indication of glucose uptake and neural activity. Conscious restrained albino rabbits were given one monaural tone either once per second or once per minute for 45 min, or served as unstimulated controls. Autoradiographs of the inferior colliculi from these animals were compared densitometrically. It was found that the rabbits stimulated once per second had markedly elevated levels of 2-DG uptake compared to both other groups: the rabbits stimulated once per minute and to unstimulated control rabbits. In addition, the inferior colliculus autoradiographs of the rabbits stimulated with pure tones showed a distinctive banding pattern in central nucleus different from that seen in control rabbits.
Student Perceptions of Computer Use Ethics: A Decade in Comparison

This study examines student attitudes toward software piracy and questionable computer use acceptability. The study included computer use scenarios describing situations with ethical considerations and questions that examined the role of the individuals in the scenarios. Results from the current population of students were compared with the results from prior data collection. While the findings indicated only minor differences from the previous study, the true value of this research is in the provision of a set of scenarios and other perspectives that can be used in in-class discussions of ethics, policy and law.
The Structure of Cultural Identity in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Emerging Adults

The present study was designed to examine the structure of cultural identity in the United States, both across variables and across persons. An ethnically diverse sample of 349 emerging-adult university students completed measures of orientation toward American and heritage cultural practices, acculturation strategies, individualism-collectivism, independence-interdependence, ethnic identity, and familism. Across variables, results of factor-analytic procedures yielded three dimensions of cultural identity: American-culture identity, heritage-culture identity, and biculturalism. This factor structure was consistent across the three largest ethnic groups in the sample (Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics). Ethnic differences emerged in the associations of these cultural identity factors to familial ethnic socialization, acculturative stress, and perceived ethnic discrimination. Across persons, cluster-analytic procedures revealed two groups of participants–those who endorsed American-culture identity highly and ...
Graviresponsiveness and columella cell structure in primary and secondary roots of Ricinus communis

In order to determine what structural changes are associated with the onset of graviresponsiveness by plant roots, we have monitored the quantitative ultrastructures of columella (i.e., graviperceptive) cells in primary and secondary roots of Ricinus communis. The relative volumes of cellular components in lateral (i.e., minimally graviresponsive) roots were not significantly different from those of primary roots. The relative volumes of cellular components in secondary roots growing laterally were not significantly different from those of graviresponsive secondary roots. Therefore, the onset of graviresponsiveness by secondary roots of R. communis is not correlated with changes in organellar concentrations in columella cells. These results are discussed relative to a model for the differential graviresponsiveness of plant roots.
Syntheses of (−)-Tatarinoid A, (±)-Tatarinoid B, and (−)-Tatarinoid C

The syntheses of (−)-Tatarinoid A, (±)-Tatarinoid B, and (−)-Tatarinoid C in one to three steps are described herein. (−)-Tatarinoid A and (−)-Tatarinoid C are both constructed in three steps from 1-bromo-2,4,5-trimethoxybenzene in overall yields of 63% and 74%, respectively. The addition of (1-methoxyethyl)triphenylphosphonium ylide to 2,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde provides (±)-Tatarinoid B in one step in 97% yield.
Regional distribution of brain blood flow during maximal exertion in splenectomized ponies.

Abstract It has been reported in exercising ponies that O 2 supply to all regions of the brain increased primarily due to a large increment in Ca O 2 and it was implied that this may reflect a generalized increase in brain metabolism during strenous exercise. Splenectomy ameliorates the rise in Ca O 2 observed with exercise in ponies. Thus, the objective of the present study was to examine changes in regional brain blood flow and O 2 supply of splenectomized ponies with sub-maximal and maximal exercise and to compare these data with previous observations in normal ponies. It was reasoned that in the absence of a marked rise in Ca O 2 , the brain blood flow of splenectomized ponies would have to increase markedly if brain metabolism also increased with severe exercise. Regional brain blood flow was studied using 15 μm diameter radionuclide labeled microspheres injected into the left atrium during rest (control) and sub-maximal as well as maximal exertion on a treadmill. It was observed that despite marked arterial hypocapnia and acute systemic hypertension which developed during exercise, blood flow as well as O 2 supply in the cerebral cortex, caudate nuclei, cerebral white matter, cerebellar white matter, thalamus-hypothalamus, mid-brain, pons and medulla were not different from control values. In the cerebellar cortex, however, blood flow and O 2 supply increased with both work intensities. Thus, it was concluded that in exercising ponies, metabolic O 2 requirement increased in the cerebellar cortex but was most likely not different from control (rest) in other regions of the brain.
A “d” Limiter to Beware of

Have you been using dBASE II as a management tool in your library? It's a popular database management tool for PC users because you can easily
Parallel Ordering Using Edge Contraction

Abstract Computing a fill-reducing ordering of a sparse matrix is a central problem in the solution of sparse linear systems using direct methods. In recent years, there has been significant research in developing a sparse direct solver suitable for message-passing multiprocessors. However, computing the ordering step in parallel remains a challenge and there are very few methods available. This paper describes a new scheme called parallel contracted ordering which is a combination of a new parallel nested dissection heuristic and any serial ordering method. The new nested dissection heuristic called Shrink-Split ND (SSND) is based on parallel graph contraction. For a system with N unknowns, the complexity of SSND is O (( N / P )log P ) using P processors in a hypercube; the overall complexity is O ( N / P )log N ) when the serial ordering method chosen is graph exploration P based nested dissection. We provide extensive empirical results on the quality of the ordering. We also report on the parallel performance of a preliminary implementation on three different message passing multiprocessors.
Investigation of plant wound hormones

Laurie, linolenic, and linoleic acids have been shown to cause a considerable growth response in the Wehnelt bean test. The action of these acids is enhanced in the presence of coenzyme A, cytochrome C, and ascorbic acid. The growth response to lemon peel infusion and pressed orange oil is attributed in part to the presence of these substances.
Large cell carcinoma of the lung : Results of resection for a cure

Abstract Objective: The effectiveness of surgical resection of large cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung remains poorly defined because of the histology's relatively low frequency, the tendency for presentation with high-stage disease, and the failure in most published series to separate large cell carcinomas from the other variants of non–small cell lung carcinoma. To define the effectiveness of surgical treatment of large cell carcinoma, we reviewed the Mayo Clinic experience over a 5-year period. Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed the Mayo Clinic experience with 61 patients with large cell carcinoma and 17 patients with adenocarcinoma with focal mucin production who came to surgical resection during the 5-year period of January 1, 1982, through December 31, 1986. Results: One-hundred percent 5-year follow-up was obtained. For the 61 patients with large cell carcinoma, the overall 5-year survival was 37%. Five-year survival for those with stage I tumors was 58% (n = 31), stage II 33% (n = 6), stage IIIA 15% (n = 20), stage IIIB 0% (n = 2), and stage IV 0% (n = 2). No significant differences in survival were detected between the 61 patients with large cell carcinoma and the 17 patients with solid adenocarcinoma with mucin production. Conclusions: Our results suggest that there is a subset of patients with large cell carcinoma of the lung who can undergo resection with a reasonable expectation of long-term survival and that this survival is, stage for stage, comparable to or only slightly less than that achieved with other non–small cell lung carcinomas. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999; 117:599-604)
Theoretical Calculation of Atomic Spectra Using Digital Computers

For an arbitrary electron configuration l1n1l2n2l3n3⋯, analytical expressions are derived for the energy-matrix coefficients of the electrostatic-interaction parameters Fk(li,lj) and Gk(li,lj) and of the spin–orbit parameters ζ(li). A computer program is described which calculates decimal values of these coefficients for any configuration with less than five open subshells, starting from only a table of the terms, parents, and coefficients of fractional parentage for each open subshell lini. Given also a set of values of the parameters, the program evaluates and diagonalizes the energy matrices to obtain the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the states belonging to this configuration. If so specified, the program does the above for two configurations of opposite parity, differences eigenvalues to obtain wavelengths for dipole transitions, and from the eigenvectors computes line strengths and (given an absolute value for the reduced dipole matrix element) transition probabilities.
Is VGI participation? From vernal pools to video games

This paper examines the relationship between public participatory GIS (PPGIS) and volunteered geographic information (VGI). A brief review of the history of PPGIS reveals similarities between the two but also provides examples of how these two areas have developed in ways that cause the boundaries between them to be unclear at times. As evidence for advancing this conversation, 2 case studies are presented: volunteers mapping vernal pools and park design in Second Life. These case studies demonstrate both the intertwined nature of some aspects of VGI and PPGIS, while also showing some aspects of divergence.
Crustal melts below 400 °C

We propose that the internally zoned, Li-bearing Tin Mountain pegmatite in the Harney Peak granite-pegmatite system of the Black Hills, South Dakota, crystallized from fluid-rich, compositionally complex melts at ∼400–350 °C. The low crystallization temperatures resulted from the combined fluxing effects of Li, B, P, H 2 O, and carbonate anions. The presence of hydrous silicate melts at temperatures of ∼350 °C is revealed by microthermometric data on primary fluid inclusions cogenetic with crystallized-melt inclusions. Mineral assemblages of the crystallized-melt inclusions and chemistry of bulk-fluid leachates indicate that the melts and fluids contained significant amounts of Li and Na as carbonates and/or borates that acted as powerful fluxes. The low temperatures give a new perspective on the stability of silicate melts in the crust.
Deblurring visual evoked potentials using commercially available software

Visual evoked potentials are useful clinical tools to study visual pathways of the brain. Although the temporal resolution is unsurpassed by other brain imaging technologies, the spatial resolution is diminished or blurred by the low conductance of the electrical signals through the skull. Methods have been proposed to improve the spatial resolution by downwardly projecting the electrical signals measured on the scalp to the surface of the cerebral cortex through the inverse solution of the equations governing static current flow. We describe the adaptation and combination of commercially available engineering software programs to solve this inverse problem and report the results of a sample run of the system. Before deblurring, the visual evoked potentials appeared to be diffusely localized over the posterior scalp. After deblurring, the visual evoked potentials were only found at the electrodes closest to the visual cortex, as would be predicted by our current knowledge of neuroanatomy.
Structural Studies of Human Autoantibodies CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF A THYROID PEROXIDASE AUTOANTIBODY FAB

The three-dimensional structure of the Fab of TR1.9, a high-affinity IgG1, kappa human autoantibody to thyroid peroxidase, was determined crystallographically to a resolution of 2.0 A. The combining site was found to be relatively flat, like other antibodies to large proteins. Sequence differences from the most closely related germline genes mainly occur at positions occupied by residues with outward-pointing side chains. An increased deformability of the second and third complementarity-determining regions of the heavy chain may result from the replacement of two germline asparagines and the presence of several glycines, and may allow "induced fit" in the binding to antigen. Four exposed charged residues, resulting from the use of a particular D (diversity) and J (joining) segments in the assembly of the heavy chain, may contribute to the high affinity of antigen binding. The crystal structure of TR1.9 Fab is the first for a human IgG high-affinity autoantibody.
On visual similarity based 2D drawing retrieval

A large amount of 2D drawings have been produced in engineering fields. To reuse and share the available drawings efficiently, we propose two methods in this paper, namely 2.5D spherical harmonics transformation and 2D shape histogram, to retrieve 2D drawings by measuring their shape similarity. The first approach represents a drawing as a spherical function by transforming it from a 2D space into a 3D space. Then a fast spherical harmonics transformation is employed to get a rotation invariant descriptor. The second statistics-based approach represents the shape of a 2D drawing using a distance distribution between two randomly sampled points. To allow users to interactively emphasize certain local shapes that they are interested in, we have adopted a flexible sampling strategy by specifying a bias sampling density upon these local shapes. The two proposed methods have many valuable properties, including transform invariance, efficiency, and robustness. In addition, their insensitivity to noise allows for the user's causal input, thus supporting a freehand sketch-based retrieval user interface. Experiments show that a better performance can be achieved by combining them together using weights.
Investor protection and optimal contracts under risk aversion and costly state verification

We present a model of firm finance that encompasses imperfect investor protection, risk aversion and costly state verification. We characterize optimal contracts and study the conditions under which standard debt is optimal. Under suitable assumptions about the structure of the problem, standard debt contracts (SDCs) are optimal if and only if investor protection is sufficiently low. On the other hand, low investor protection results in higher funding costs and bankruptcy probabilities. In our setting, this implies that when SDCs are optimal, lowering investor protection reduces the entrepreneur’s welfare. Numerical examples show that moderate changes in investor protection can have large effects on the terms of the contract and on the entrepreneur’s welfare. Finally, we study the role of leverage and consider the welfare consequences of suboptimally implementing standard debt contracts.
Cystic fibrosis newborn screening: using experience to optimize the screening algorithm

Newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) offers the opportunity for early diagnosis and improved outcomes in patients with CF and has been universally available in the state of Massachusetts since 1999 using an immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT)-DNA algorithm. Ideally, CF NBS is incorporated as part of an integrated NBS system that allows for comprehensive and coordinated education, laboratory screening, clinical follow-up, and evaluation so that evidence-based data can be used to maximize quality improvements and optimize the screening algorithm. The New England Newborn Screening Program (NENSP) retrospectively analyzed Massachusetts's CF newborn screening data that yielded decisions to eliminate a screen-positive category, maintain the IRT cutoff value that prompts the second tier DNA testing, and communicate CF relative risk to primary care providers (PCPs) based on categorization of positive CF NBS results.
Multiple nuclear localization signals function in the nuclear import of the transcription factor Nrf2.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mediates the transcriptional response of cells to oxidative stress and is translocated into the nucleus following, or concomitant with, its activation by electrophiles or reactive oxygen species. The mechanism of its translocation into the nucleus is not entirely elucidated. Here we have identified two novel nuclear localization signal (NLS) motifs in murine Nrf2, one located near the N-terminal region (amino acid residues 42–53) and the other (residues 587–593) located near the C-terminal region. Imaging of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Nrf2 revealed that mutation(s) in any of these sequences resulted in decreased nuclear fluorescence intensity compared with the wild-type Nrf2 when Nrf2 activation was induced with the electrophile tert-butylhydroquinone. The mutations also impaired Nrf2-induced transactivation of antioxidant response element-driven reporter gene expression to the same extent as the Nrf2 construct bearing mutation in a previously identified bipartite NLS that maps at residues 494–511. When linked to GFP or to GFP-PEPCK-C each of the novel NLS motifs was sufficient to drive nuclear translocation of the fusion proteins. Co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that importins α5 and β1 associate with Nrf2, an interaction that was blocked by the nuclear import inhibitor SN50. SN50 also blocked tert-butylhydroquinone-induced nuclear fluorescence of GFP-Nrf2 in cells transfected with wild-type GFP-Nrf2. Overall these results reveal that multiple NLS motifs in Nrf2 function in its nuclear translocation in response to pro-oxidant stimuli and that the importin α-β heterodimer nuclear import receptor system plays a critical role in the import process.
Third Millennium B.C. Tin Processing Debris From Goltepe (Anatolia)

Ceramic remains of fragmentary vessels, believed to be smelting crucibles based on microscopic field investigation, were analyzed using a variety of techniques in order identify the metal being processed and to reconstruct the ancient processing, especially ranges of composition, temperature, atmosphere, and the constraints on processing which each of these processing variables would have imposed. The identification of the metal being processed in the crucible surface residues and the slags provide data to resolve a dispute over the nature of the ancient metallurgical processing at Goltepe; gold and iron have been suggested as alternate metals but were not found. Intensive study of the ceramic and slag microstructure, composition and thermal history was required to establish the processing constraints which will be used to aid future replicative smelting experiments at the site.
Distinct Element Simulation of Laser Assisted Machining of Silicon Nitride Ceramics: Surface/Subsurface Cracks and Damage

This paper applies distinct element method (DEM) to simulate the material removal process of laser assisted machining of silicon nitride ceramics and show the formation and propagation of surface/sub-surface cracks and damage. A synthetic specimen is created using particle clusters to approximate the granular microstructure of β-type silicon nitride ceramics. The effect of temperature on machining is considered by its influence on the material properties. In addition, some other parameters such as rake angle, depth of cut, local damping coefficient and cluster size are also considered in a parametric study. It shows that all these parameters influence surface/sub-surface cracks and chip formation of silicon nitride ceramics in laser assisted machining.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Quantifying the impact of immediate reconstruction in postmastectomy radiation: a large, dose-volume histogram-based analysis.

Purpose To assess the impact of immediate breast reconstruction on postmastectomy radiation (PMRT) using dose-volume histogram (DVH) data. Methods and Materials Two hundred forty-seven women underwent PMRT at our center, 196 with implant reconstruction and 51 without reconstruction. Patients with reconstruction were treated with tangential photons, and patients without reconstruction were treated with en-face electron fields and customized bolus. Twenty percent of patients received internal mammary node (IMN) treatment. The DVH data were compared between groups. Ipsilateral lung parameters included V20 (% volume receiving 20 Gy), V40 (% volume receiving 40 Gy), mean dose, and maximum dose. Heart parameters included V25 (% volume receiving 25 Gy), mean dose, and maximum dose. IMN coverage was assessed when applicable. Chest wall coverage was assessed in patients with reconstruction. Propensity-matched analysis adjusted for potential confounders of laterality and IMN treatment. Results Reconstruction was associated with lower lung V20, mean dose, and maximum dose compared with no reconstruction (all P P P =NS). Ninety percent of patients with reconstruction had excellent chest wall coverage (D95 >98%). IMN coverage was superior in patients with reconstruction (D95 >92.0 vs 75.7%, P P P >.05). Among IMN-treated patients, only lower lung V20 in those without reconstruction persisted ( P =.022), and mean and maximum heart doses were higher than in patients without reconstruction ( P =.006, P =.015, respectively). Conclusions Implant reconstruction does not compromise the technical quality of PMRT when the IMNs are untreated. Treatment technique, not reconstruction, is the primary determinant of target coverage and normal tissue doses.
Observation of Single Compton-Electron Tracks in Superfluid Helium-4 and Trace Detection of Metastable Helium Molecules by Laser-Induced-Fluorescence Imaging

We use laser-induced fluorescence enhanced by a cycling transition to image metastable helium molecules in liquid helium-4. We demonstrate that the method achieves sufficient sensitivity to image the trail of helium molecules that forms along the track of a single high-energy electron created by Compton scattering of a 511 keV gamma ray in liquid helium. The experiments show that a liquid helium detector with optical readout can function as an electron-tracking Compton camera when combined with conventional gamma-ray detectors. The demonstrated sensitivity for imaging helium molecules could also find application in the spectroscopy and imaging of neutrons, detection of electronic and nuclear recoil events, and investigation of superfluid or normal-fluid flow in liquid helium using the molecules as passive tracer particles.
Endocrine disorders associated with inappropriately high aromatase expression

Aromatase P450 (P450arom) is responsible for conversion of C19 steroids to estrogens in a number of human tissues, such as the placenta, gonads, adipose tissue, skin and the brain. Aromatase expression in human tissues is regulated by use of alternative promoters in the placenta (promoter I.1), adipose tissue (promoters I.4, I.3 and II) and gonads (promoter II). Aromatase expression is absent in the disease-free adult liver, adrenal and uterine tissues. Excessive or inappropriate aromatase expression in adipose fibroblasts and endometriosis-derived stromal cells, as well as in testicular, hepatic, adrenal and uterine tumors, is associated with abnormally high circulating estrogen levels and/or with increased local estrogen concentrations in these tissues. Whether systemically delivered or locally produced, elevated estrogen levels will in turn promote the growth of hormone-responsive tissues. We recently studied aromatase expression in testicular tumor and adipose tissue samples from prepubertal boys with gynecomastia, in hepatocellular cancer and adrenocortical tumor samples from adult men with gynecomastia, in breast adipose tissue samples proximal to breast tumors, and in endometrial cancer, leiomyoma and endometriosis tissues. Excessive aromatase activity and P450arom transcript levels were found in these tissue samples or in cultured cells derived from these tissues. In these neoplastic or non-neoplastic tissues or cells, the regulation of aromatase expression was studied in terms of alternative promoter use, both in vivo and in response to various hormonal stimuli. Our results were suggestive of a common metabolic abnormality associated with activation of a cyclic AMP-dependent signalling pathway that gives rise to transcriptional transactivation of aromatase expression via promoters I.3 and II in all of the above tissues. This article describes the common pathophysiological and molecular features of excessive aromatase expression in these disease states.
Dynamics of the Southern Tsuchiya Jet

Abstract The Tsuchiya jets (TJs) are narrow eastward currents, located a few degrees on either side of the equator at depths from 200 to 500 m in the Pacific Ocean. In this study, non-eddy-resolving, oceanic general circulation models (OGCMs) are used to investigate the dynamics of the southern TJ. Most solutions are found in a rectangular basin extending 100° zonally and from 40°S to 10°N. They are forced by idealized zonal and meridional winds representing the trades and the southerly winds near the South American coast, by a prescribed interocean circulation (IOC) that enters the basin through the southern boundary and exits through the western boundary from 2° to 6°N (the model’s Indonesian passages), and by surface heating that warms the ocean in the Tropics. A suite of solutions is presented to isolate effects of each forcing and mixing process. A few solutions are also found to a global OGCM driven by realistic forcings. Solutions forced by all of the aforementioned processes and with minimal diffu...
A model of the lunar surface

Abstract As a working hypothesis it is proposed that the lunar subsurface is smooth and firm with little or no dust and that it has an overlying cloud of 0.06 mm thickness consisting of ionized accreted interplanetary particles spaced at 8 microns with radius 0.8 microns.
Anniversary issue of JCHIMP

This is the fourth quarterly publication of the Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives (JCHIMP), www.JCHIMP.org. It could be looked at as the journal’s first birthday. It has the largest number of published manuscripts to date. The theme of this issue is case reports; it includes a perspective on case reports as well as numerous interesting cases that have been submitted by residents and faculty. (Published: 26 January 2012) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2011, 1 : 15885 - DOI: 10.3402/jchimp.v1i4.15885
Effects of inbreeding on phenotypic plasticity in cultivated Phlox

Inbreeding is known to increase developmental instability in outbreeding plants, and it has been argued that phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental variation might be similarly affected. To investigate whether phenotypic plasticity is altered by inbreeding, an outcrossed group and three successive generations of inbred cultivated Phlox drummondii were grown in six different treatments (Control, Low Water, Low Nutrient, Early and Late Leaf Removal, and Small Pots). Twelve plant characters were measured to determine the effects of the treatments and inbreeding. For those characters where inbreeding level by treatment interaction was indicated, the amounts and patterns of plasticity were examined to determine the source of the interaction. Despite substantial evidence for inbreeding depression of plant vigor and fecundity, there was no indication of an increase in the amount of phenotypic plasticity with progressive inbreeding. There was also no evidence that inbreeding systematically disrupts the pattern of plastic response to the environment.
The conflict of Osler’s concept of “typhoid spine”

See related article, “Typhoid spine,” by William Osler, available at [www.cmaj.ca/100/pdfs/typhoid_spine.pdf][1] The Canadian clinician William Osler (1849–1919) wrote the article on “typhoid spine” during the last year of his life while Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford University.[
Mortality, Predation, and Tag Visibility of Fish Marked with Visible Implant Elastomer Tags

Abstract We evaluated tag-induced mortality (7 d), predation, and tag visibility (365 d) for age-0 largemouth bass (LMB) Micropterus salmoides (27–112 mm total length [TL]), age-0 channel catfish (CCF) Ictalurus punctatus (42–101 mm TL), and adult blacktail shiners (BTS) Cyprinella venusta (34–98 mm TL) tagged with three visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags. Tagging mortality after 7 d was 14.7% for age-0 LMB and 29.5% for BTS, whereas there was almost no mortality for CCF. Mortality for tagged age-0 LMB and BTS was size dependent; the smallest size-groups exhibited the greatest mortality rates. Visible implant elastomer tags did not significantly increase predation of recently tagged fish by adult LMB, flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris, or white bass Morone chrysops. Tag visibility (which reflects tag shedding and loss of visibility due to tissue thickening over the tag) varied greatly by species and tag location. In LMB, tag visibility decreased to 5% or less within 90 d for VIE tags in the dorsal he...
Detoxification of Crotalus atrox venom by photooxidation in the presence of methylene blue

Abstract Photooxidation of crude Crotalus atrox venom by visible light in the presence of traces of methylene blue resulted in a detoxification of the venom. The detoxified venom when injected in the rabbits gave rise to antibodies which protected mice against the action of the native venom. Changes occurring in the properties of the venom following photooxidation are described.
Improving Dispersion of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in a Polymer Matrix Using Specific Interactions

A novel approach is presented to improve the dispersion of oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in a copolymer matrix by tuning hydrogen-bonding interactions to enhance dispersion. Nanocomposites of single-walled carbon nanotubes and copolymers of styrene and vinyl phenol (PSVPh) with varying vinyl phenol content were produced and examined. The dispersion of the SWNT in the polymer matrix is quantified by optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is also used to investigate preferred interactions between the SWNTs and the copolymers via the shift in the D* Raman band of the SWNTs in the composites. All composites show regions of SWNT aggregates; however, the aggregate size varies with composition of the PSVPh copolymer and the amount of SWNT oxidation. Optimal dispersion of the SWNT is observed in PSVPh with 20% vinyl phenol and oxidized nanotubes, which correlates with spectroscopic evidence that indicates that this system also incorporates the most interactions between SWN...
Web-accessible cervigram automatic segmentation tool

Uterine cervix image analysis is of great importance to the study of uterine cervix cancer, which is among the leading cancers affecting women worldwide. In this paper, we describe our proof-of-concept, Web-accessible system for automated segmentation of significant tissue regions in uterine cervix images, which also demonstrates our research efforts toward promoting collaboration between engineers and physicians for medical image analysis projects. Our design and implementation unifies the merits of two commonly used languages, MATLAB and Java. It circumvents the heavy workload of recoding the sophisticated segmentation algorithms originally developed in MATLAB into Java while allowing remote users who are not experienced programmers and algorithms developers to apply those processing methods to their own cervicographic images and evaluate the algorithms. Several other practical issues of the systems are also discussed, such as the compression of images and the format of the segmentation results.
Specific interactions between phosphorus compounds and carbon dioxide: Ab initio approach

Abstract The optimized structures of several complexes of phosphorus containing compounds and CO2 in the gas phase were determined theoretically. The Gaussian 03 computer software package was used to perform the ab initio computations, including Hartree–Fock (HF/6-31+G(d)) and density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31 + G(d)). At the same level of calculation, the binding energy between CO2 and phosphorus containing compounds was calculated. The binding energies for CO2–trialkyl phosphate complexes increased with the number of alkyl groups attached to the phosphorus. Harmonic infrared frequencies were calculated for the CO2 bending mode (ν2) in the various complexes. The appearance of a second peak in the CO2 bending mode (ν2) at lower wavenumber verified the strong interaction between CO2 and phosphorus containing compounds. The results of the ab initio computations were in good agreement with data previously reported.
Effect of Instruction in Appropriate Rubato Usage on the Onset Timings and Perceived Musicianship of Musical Performances

The purpose of this study was to investigate how instruction in the use of specific rhythmic nuances influences the performed timings of a musical performance. Volunteer participants were asked to learn and musically perform an excerpt from Mozart's Concerto for Horn and Orchestra, No. 2. They did this using computer software titled Instant Pleasure. As the title of the software implies, no prior musical training is required to perform a piece of music using this program. The only element that the operator controlled was the rhythmic onset of each pitch. Pitches, amplitude, and all other musical variables were controlled by the computer. When the participants had generated a performance of the concerto with which they were pleased, they recorded it using the same software. Participants were then taught the rhythmic tendencies that have been identified in the finest performances of this excerpt and practiced them until they believed they were prepared to make a second recording which served as a posttest. ...
Simultaneous fluorometric analysis of five lipid classes on thin-layer chromatograms.

Abstract Cholesteryl ester, triglyceride, free fatty acid, sterol, and phosphatidyl choline were separated on thin-layer chromatograms and estimated fluorometrically by means of a recording TLC scanner after spraying with Rhodamine 6G. Quantitation was effected by comparing the fluorescence of each sample spot with that of several concentrations of a similar fraction from a standard lipid mixture separated on the same chromatogram. One linear relationship existed for concentrations of standards over the range of 0.0 to 3.0 μg and another line from 3.0 to 130 μg. The accuracy of the method with standard lipids was ± 0.2 μg at the 99.8% confidence level, and the precision of analyses of biological lipid extracts was ± 0.2 μg from the mean value at the 99.5% confidence level.
A high yield method for isolating rat islets of Langerhans using differential sensitivity to freezing

Abstract Conventional methods of isolating islets of Langerhans rely upon the differential sensitivity of the pancreatic acinar tissue vs islets to enzymatic dissociation by crude collagenase, however, the yield of intact islets obtainable with this technique is quite low. Higher yields of islets can be obtained with pharmacological or surgical methods which either destroy acinar cells or cause them to release their zymogen granules. However, because of the requirement to pretreat the donor, these methods cannot be scaled-up for potential clinical use. To overcome the limitations of the conventional isolation procedures, we exploited the differential sensitivity of acinar cells and islet cells to freezing damage. Using this approach we are able to isolate >2500 islets from the pancreas of a single rat. Basically, we rapidly mince pancreatic tissue, subject the tissue to a short collagenase digestion, briefly freeze the tissue at −30 °C in the presence of glycerol, and immediately thaw it. Subsequent enzyme treatment digests the residual acinar tissue, collagen, DNA, and proteins. Preliminary results indicate that the islets are morphologically indistinguishable from islets isolated using conventional digestion techniques.
Institutional Legacy as the Driver of Port Development Strategy The Case of the Port of Gulfport

Numerous East and Gulf Coast ports are undergoing expansions based on the prospect of increased cargo from the expansion of the Panama Canal. The Port of Gulfport in Mississippi is one of these port projects. This commentary explores how and why Mississippi decided to make a huge public investment in port infrastructure. An historical approach is used to explore the factors that led to the investment decisions. The need for economic development and competition from neighboring ports were found to be legacy factors driving the decision-making. The lessons from the case include the need for effective public relations, to understand market forces that impact port success, and to consider how seaports influence economic development in the metropolitan region and state in which they are located.