cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A series of prostaglandin F2-like compounds are produced in vivo in humans by a non-cyclooxygenase, free radical-catalyzed mechanism.

Abstract Increasing attention has focused on the role of free radicals derived from oxygen in the pathophysiology of a wide variety of disorders. One of the well-recognized targets of free radical-induced injury is peroxidation of lipids. Using a variety of approaches, we have found that a series of prostaglandin F2-like compounds are produced in vivo in humans by a non-cyclooxygenase mechanism involving free radical-catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid. Levels of these compounds in normal human plasma and urine range from 5 to 40 pg/ml and 500 to 4000 pg/mg of creatinine, respectively. In rats, their formation was found to increase as much as 200-fold in association with marked free radical-catalyzed lipid peroxidation induced by administration of CCl4 and diquat. To explore whether these prostanoids can exert biological activity, the effects of one of the compounds formed by this mechanism, 8-epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha, was examined in the kidney in the rat. Infusion of 8-epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha into a peripheral vein (5 micrograms/kg per min) or intrarenally (0.5-2.0 micrograms/kg per min) resulted in marked parallel reductions in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. That the formation of these prostanoids is catalyzed by free radicals and that they can exert potent biological activity suggest that these prostanoids may participate as pathophysiological mediators in oxidant injury. Quantification of these compounds may also provide a noninvasive approach to assess oxidant status in humans. That the formation of these prostanoids occurs independent of the catalytic activity of the cyclooxygenase enzyme suggests that there may be limitations at times regarding the reliability of the use of cyclooxygenase inhibitors to assess the role of prostaglandins in certain pathophysiological processes.
Guest editorial: 21st international meshing roundtable special issue

The committee of the 21st International Meshing Roundtable is pleased to publish this special edition of Engineering with Computers based on papers presented at the conference held on October 7–10, 2012 in San Jose, CA, USA. The International Meshing Roundtable conference series was started by Sandia National Laboratories in 1992 as a small meeting of organizations striving to establish a common focus for research and development in the field of mesh generation and closely related topics. Now the International Meshing Roundtable has become recognized as an international focal point annually attended by researchers and developers from dozens of countries around the world. The 21st International Meshing Roundtable was one of the best attended with 57 papers submitted, among which 34 papers were accepted. The committee invited ten papers from the accepted papers with the best reviews to submit their work for this special issue, and eight papers eventually appeared in this special issue. The papers in this volume present theoretical and novel ideas and algorithms with practical potential, as well as technical applications in science and engineering, geometric modeling, computer graphics, and visualization. These papers reflect the complexity and diversity of mesh generation, and we hope they will educate and inform the reader about the latest advances in this field. We would like to thank the authors who contributed to this volume, the reviewers of the papers, as well as the Engineering with Computers publishing staff. It is their efforts that made this special journal issue possible.
Simulation Analysis of a System to Defeat Maritime Improvised Explosive Devices (MIED) in a US Port

Although the risk of an attack in a US port could be considered a low-probability event, the importance ports and waterways play in domestic and global commerce demands timely and effective mitigation of the extremely high consequences associated with restrictions to port access should we face maritime improvised explosive devices (MIEDs) in our maritime transit system (MTS). In order to address the immediate response needed to defeat this threat, we used a systems engineering design methodology to define the problem, generated appropriate operational metrics, developed a series of system alternatives, and evaluated the alternatives through modeling and simulation analysis. These alternative systems, denoted as Adaptive Force Packages (AFPs), incorporate existing systems and technologies, emerging systems, and concepts under development that can be incorporated in the long term, while addressing the varying effects of port environments on sensors and neutralization assets.
Hoist Scheduling For A PCB Electroplating Facility

Abstract This paper describes a model and associated algorithm for generating maximum throughput cyclic schedules for the movements of a hoist in a PCB electroplating facility. The algorithm is enumerative in nature and involves the solution of linear programming subproblems. Computational experience with schedules for real systems is presented.
Malachite Green: Applications in Electron Microscopy

Incorporation of malachite green into a glutaraldehyde fixative results in enhanced staining of a number of cellular elements. Ribosomes and myofilaments exhibit increased electron density, but cell membranes generally are not stained. In certain tissues, lipid inclusions are uniformly and heavily stained. Other populations of lipid droplets exhibit differential affinity for malachite green, facilitating their division into subclasses. In addition to its function as a dye, malachite green has previously been reported to stabilize lipid elements soluble in aqueous glutaraldehyde. Such a component was observed in the stroma of uterine endometrium. The variety of cell components which exhibit increased contrast after preparation with malachite green suggests that this technique may find widespread application in fine structure studies.
Surgery and Radiosurgery for Acromegaly: A Review of Indications, Operative Techniques, Outcomes, and Complications

Among multimodality treatments for acromegaly, the goals of surgical intervention are to balance maximal tumor resection while preserving normal pituitary function and maintaining patient safety. The resection of growth hormone-(GH-) secreting pituitary adenomas in the hands of experienced surgeons results in hormonal remission in 50–70% of patients. Acromegalic patients often have medical comorbidities and anatomical variations complicating anesthesia and surgical management. Despite these challenges, complications such as CSF leak or new hypopituitarism following surgery remain uncommon. Over the past decade, endoscopic approaches to pituitary tumors have improved visualization and facilitated identification of additional tumor using angled telescopes. Patients with persistent acromegaly following surgery require continued medical and/or radiation-based interventions. The adjunctive use of stereotactic radiosurgery offers hormonal remission in 40–50% of patients. In this article, the current preoperative evaluation, indications for surgery, surgical approaches, role of radiosurgery, complications, and remission criteria following operative resection of GH adenomas are reviewed.
A Review of Risk and Protective Factors for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Developing Countries: An Update

Abstract Purpose To conduct a literature review of studies that examined risk and protective factors related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health in developing countries. Methods A literature search was conducted using multiple databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, JSTOR, and the Interagency Youth Working Group. Review criteria included publications that: were conducted in a low- or middle-income country; had a sample size of at least 100 young people aged 10–24 years, and used multivariate analysis. All studies that were identified were also conducted between 1990 and 2010, a 20-year time frame. The literature search and initial review yielded a total of 244 studies that met the criteria and analyzed risk and protective factors related to the following outcomes: sexual initiation, number of sexual partners, condom use, contraceptive use, pregnancy and early childbearing, human immunodeficiency virus, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual coercion. Results Most studies that were conducted on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in developing countries were largely focused in Sub-Saharan African contexts, and primarily examined factors related to sexual initiation and condom use. Most factors that examined an adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcome were also focused on the individual level, although an increasing number of studies within the past 10 years have focused on family-level factors. Few studies examined factors at the community or neighborhood level, which, to date, has largely been ignored in developing country contexts. Conclusions The review not only summarizes what is currently known in terms of risk and protective factors that relate to adolescent sexual and reproductive health in developing countries, but also highlights the gaps. Implications for future research are discussed.
Trapped xenon and the classification of chondrites

Abstract The concentrations of Ar, Kr and Xe have been determined in some carbonaceous and disequilibrium chondrites. From these results, and others reported in the literature, it is seen that the chondrites display rather constant abundance ratios for the heavy rare gases, but variable concentrations. The concentrations of trapped Xe are related to chondritic disequilibrium and can be used for classification purposes.
Shaping Metropolitan Toronto: A Study of Linear Infrastructure Subsidies, 1954–66

With the incorporation of Metropolitan Toronto in 1953, privileged linear infrastructure subsidies were granted to the upper tier Metro Toronto government and its outlying suburbs of North York, Etobicoke, and Scarborough. These discriminatory grants enabled Metro Toronto to provide a fine web of high-quality, rapid arterials and highways across its jurisdiction—accelerating suburbanization. The financing privileges granted to the outer Metro Toronto suburbs facilitated the development of an inefficient built form, realized with premature urban encroachment into undeveloped lands and building types characterized largely by land-extensive, single-family detached housing units.
THAL for THAL

In this issue of Blood , Aerbajinai and colleagues establish that thalidomide can increase fetal γ-globin gene expression in human adult erythroid cells in an ex vivo culture system. Sickle cell disease and β-thalassemias are the most common monogenic diseases of man. They are found in the “
Evidence for periodic reconnection at Uranus

The unique orientation of Uranus at the time of the Voyager 2 encounter results in a convection dominated magnetosphere. Plasma and magnetic field data from the tail magnetosheath are presented. Velocity decreases of 5-10 percemt seem to occur with a 17-hour period. At least four repetitions of this decrease are observed, in all cases when flow passes over the dayside polar cap. One possible interpretation of these features is that they are signatures of dayside reconnection. The cause of the velocity decreases would be drag on the reconnected flux tubes which are coupled via Birkeland currents to the ionosphere. The coupling efficiency for power transfer between the solar wind and Uranian magnetosphere implied by these decreases is consistent with previous determinations of this quantity.
Finite element evaluation of stresses on closed leaflets of bioprosthetic heart valves with flexible stents

Abstract The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of stent flexibility on the magnitude and distribution of stresses on the closed leaflets of a porcine bioprosthetic valve. The finite element technique which incorporated large deformation theory has been used in the analysis. Nonlinearities due to geometry, material and pressure dependent boundary conditions are included in the model. An incremental method has been employed in determining the stresses. The pressure was incremented from 0 to 21.3 kPa. Three separate stent flexibilities were considered and this was achieved by modifying the Young's modulus of the stent material. The calculated radial deflections of the tip of the stent post were in agreement with the results of other investigators. The distribution of stresses in the leaflet of a valve mounted on a flexible stent were compared to the stresses in the leaflet of a valve mounted on a rigid stent. Stent flexibility markedly reduced the stresses in the main body of the leaflet in comparison to a rigid stent, but did not affect the magnitude of stresses near commissures.
Prevention and treatment of injection-related endophthalmitis

Intravitreal injections are the fastest growing cause of endophthalmitis and can result in severe vision loss. The prevention, diagnosis and management of such infections remain unclear and at times controversial. We searched Pubmed for keywords "prophylaxis," "endophthalmitis," "intravitreal injection." We focused on studies published in the last 2 years as well as other recent studies with particular attention to data on the incidence, microbiology, prevention, and treatment of injection-related endophthalmitis. Over 20 relevant studies were found. With povidone–iodine preparation, the per–injection endophthalmitis rate is low at about 0.03%. Antibiotics do not appear to be beneficial for prevention of post–injection endophthalmitis. The best timing of vitrectomy is unclear. Antibiotic prophylaxis is probably not needed when giving intravitreal injections. More data is needed to help determine the proper treatment for post-injection endophthalmitis.
Cellular mechanisms for the slow phase of the frank—starling response

Following a step increase in sarcomere length, isometric cardiac muscle tension increases instantaneously by the Frank-Starling mechanism. In isolated papillary muscle and myocytes, there is an additional significant rise in developed tension over the following 15 min due to an unknown mechanism. This slow change in tension could not be explained by mechanical heterogeneity of the muscle preparations or by an increase in myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+. The slow change in tension was not dependent on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ loading assessed with rapid cooling contractures, and was not significantly altered by sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ depletion (ryanodine) or inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ reuptake (cyclopiazonic acid). We used the Luo-Rudy ionic model of the ventricular myocyte together with a model of the length-dependent myofilament activation by Ca2+ to examine the effects of step changes in the parameters of sarcolemmal ion fluxes as possible mechanisms for the slow change in stress. The slow increase in tension was simulated by step changes in the Na+-K+ pump or Na+ leak currents, suggesting that the slow change in stress may be caused by length induced changes in Na+ fluxes. The model also predicted a slow increase in the magnitude of the initial repolarization during phase 1 of the action potential. The combination of experimental and computational models used in this investigation represents a valuable technique in elucidating the cellular mechanisms of fundamental processes in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling.
Silicon-integrated electrostatic energy harvesters

Electrostatic-based power generation is an attractive alternative to piezoelectric and electromagnetic techniques, as it can be integrated in mainstream silicon technologies while providing higher power densities through miniaturization. However, at present, the power output of reported electrostatic micro-generators does not meet the communication and computation requirements of wireless sensor nodes. This paper presents an overview of electrostatic vibration-based energy harvesting. The challenges in designing the MEMS-based energy harvester are discussed together with the control and interface circuits to guide the transfer of charge/energy to a reservoir unit.
Trait Stability and Continuity in Childhood: Relating Sociability and Hostility to the Five-Factor Model of Personality.

Abstract We investigated the continuity of personality constructs in the Oregon Youth Substance Use Project, a cohort-sequential study encompassing development from early childhood to adolescence with five annual or biennial assessments. Sociability and hostility, assessed by teachers’ ratings of children’s behaviors at each assessment, were related to the traits comprising the Five-Factor model assessed by teachers’ ratings at the fifth assessment. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that sociability and hostility were reliably measured at each assessment, and these constructs were relatively stable over time (mean rank-order stability coefficients over intervals of 1–5 years were .50 and .43, respectively). Sociability was most strongly associated (positively) with extraversion, and hostility was most strongly associated (negatively) with conscientiousness and emotional stability. No differences were found for younger versus older children. Implications for measuring childhood personality traits using teachers’ reports of early childhood behavior are discussed.
Impact of Perceived Consensus on Stereotypes About Obese People: A New Approach for Reducing Bias.

In 3 experiments, the authors tested the effect of perceived social consensus on attitudes toward obese people. Participants completed self-report measures of attitudes toward obese people prior to and after manipulated consensus feedback depicting attitudes of others. In Study 1 (N=60), participants decreased negative and increased positive stereotypes after learning that others held more favorable attitudes toward obese people. In Study 2 (N=55), participants improved attitudes when they learned about favorable attitudes of obese people from an in-group versus an out-group source. In Study 3 (N=200), a consensus approach was compared with other stigma reduction methods. Social consensus feedback influenced participants' attitudes and beliefs about causes of obesity. Providing information about the uncontrollable causes of obesity and supposed scientific prevalence of traits also improved attitudes.
New Treatments for Men with Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer: Can We Move from Small Steps to Giant Leaps?

In thismonth’s issue of European Urology, Sridhar et al. bring us up to date on the rapidly evolving landscape of approved and emerging treatments for men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) [1]. After >6 yr with no approvals or positive trials since the demonstration of improved survival with docetaxel, we now have the novel androgen synthesis inhibitor abiraterone acetate, the second-generation antiandrogen enzalutamide, an immunomodulatory cellular therapy (sipuleucel-T, where available), a novel taxane in cabazitaxel, and two bone-targeting agents in radium 223 and denosumab. This wealth of agents that have incrementally improved survival comewith a price.We still do not knowhowbest to use the agents, which patients benefit the most (or least), and whether society can (or should) afford the agents in the absence of curing the disease. We have made important steps for men with CRPC as of 2013, but the giant leap for mankind—notably, the ability to eradicate or prevent metastatic disease with systemic therapy—is still elusive This editorial will lay out five principles for the next 5–10 yr (summarized in Table 1) that may help to guide drug development for men with advanced, potentially lethal prostate cancer (PCa).
The effect of antibacterial compounds on glucosyltransferase activity from Streptococcus mutans.

Abstract The effect of several plaque-inhibiting and/or antibacterial compounds on glucan synthesis by glucosyltransferases purified from the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans strain 6715 was determined. Drugs were tested at concentrations of 0.2–2.0 mM at pH values between 6.5 and 6.8. Bis-biguanides, quaternary ammonium salts and aliphatic amines were found to be potent inhibitors of enzyme activity. The strong anionic detergent, sodium lauryl sulphate and the phenol derivative, hexylresorcinol, also caused significant inhibition. Basic nitrogen compounds lacking a functional hydrophobic group were less inhibitory or stimulated enzyme activity. Both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions appear to be occurring between the cationic test-agents and the glucosyltransferases, with hydrophobic interaction being more important for enzyme inhibition.
Effects of nitrogen and potassium fertilization on the susceptibility of tomatoes to post-harvest proliferation of Salmonella enterica

Fresh fruits and vegetables are increasingly recognized as vehicles of salmonellosis. Pre- and post-harvest environmental conditions, and physiological, and genetic factors are thought to contribute to the ability of human pathogens to persist in the production environment, attach to, colonize and proliferate in and on raw produce. How field production conditions affect the post-harvest food safety outcomes is not entirely understood. This study tested how varying nitrogen and potassium fertilization levels affected the "susceptibility" of tomatoes to Salmonella infections following the harvest of fruits. Two tomato varieties grown over three seasons under high, medium, and low levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilization in two locations were inoculated with seven strains of Salmonella. Even though the main effects of nitrogen and potassium fertilization on the susceptibility of tomatoes to infections with Salmonella enterica were not statistically significant overall, differences in nitrogen concentrations in plant tissues correlated with the susceptibility of partially ripe tomatoes (cv. Solar Fire) to Salmonella. Tomato maturity and the season in which tomatoes were produced had the strongest effect on the ability of Salmonella to multiply in tomatoes. Tomato phenolics, accumulation of which is known to correlate with rates of the N fertilization, did not inhibit growth of Salmonella in vitro.
Association Between Prehospital Time Intervals and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction System Performance

Background—Among individuals experiencing an ST segment–elevation myocardial infarction, current guidelines recommend that the interval from first medical contact to percutaneous coronary intervent...
The assessment of DNA damage and repair in rat nasal epithelial cells

A methodology for the isolation and culture of rat nasal turbinates was developed with the aim of studying chemically-induced genotoxic effects in the nasal epithelium. DNA damage, as assessed by alkaline elution, and unscheduled DNA synthesis, as measured by quantitative autoradiography, were observed in the cells of the respiratory and olfactory epithelium as a result of in vitro treatment with methyl methanesulfonate. The capacity of nasal epithelium to metabolize the promutagen dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) was demonstrated by the induction of both DNA strand breakage and the induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis. Although a response was observed in all of the epithelia examined, differences in response to DMN were observed that were not attributable to the differences in the cell types present (e.g., respiratory versus olfactory epithelium). The respiratory epithelial cells of the maxilloturbinate were found to be resistant to the induction of DNA damage at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mM DMN, whereas the respiratory epithelial cells of the nasoturbinates were susceptible. In contrast, the response of the olfactory epithelium was similar to the response observed in the cells of the nasoturbinates. These techniques should prove valuable in assessing chemically-induced DNA damage and repair in this target tissue.
Solution to a functional equation and its application to stable and stable-type distributions

Abstract The main result of the paper completely characterizes all continuous complex-valued functions ϕ ( t ) with domain R + or R satisfying ϕ(t)=(ϕ(a 1 t)) γ 1 =(ϕ(a 2 t)) γ 2 , where a 1 ≠1, a 2 ≠1, γ 1 ,γ 2 are positive numbers with irrational log a 1 / log a 2 .
Multi-focus and multi-level techniques for visualization and analysis of networks with thematic data

Information-rich data sets bring several challenges in the areas of visualization and analysis, even when associated with node-link network visualizations. This paper presents an integration of multi-focus and multi-level techniques that enable interactive, multi-step comparisons in node-link networks. We describe NetEx, a visualization tool that enables users to simultaneously explore different parts of a network and its thematic data, such as time series or conditional probability tables. NetEx, implemented as a Cytoscape plug-in, has been applied to the analysis of electrical power networks, Bayesian networks, and the Enron e-mail repository. In this paper we briefly discuss visualization and analysis of the Enron social network, but focus on data from an electrical power network. Specifically, we demonstrate how NetEx supports the analytical task of electrical power system fault diagnosis. Results from a user study with 25 subjects suggest that NetEx enables more accurate isolation of complex faults compared to an especially designed software tool.
Endothelial function in pigs transgenic for human complement regulating factor.

Background. Expression of human complement regulating factor (hCRF) in porcine organs prevents hyperacute rejection of these organs after xenotransplantation to nonhuman primates. Experiments were designed to characterize endothelial and smooth muscle function of arteries from pigs transgenic for hCD46. Methods. Arterial blood from outbred pigs transgenic for hCD46 expression and nontransgenic animals of the same lineage was analyzed for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), and nitric oxide. Aortic endothelial cells were prepared for measurement of mRNA or activity for nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Rings cut from femoral and pulmonary arteries were suspended in organ chambers for measurement of isometric tension. Results. CNP was significantly greater, ACE was similar, and nitric oxide was significantly less in plasma from transgenic compared with nontransgenic pigs. Neither mRNA nor activity of NOS differed between the groups. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to bradykinin and acetylcholine but not the calcium ionophore were shifted significantly to the left in femoral and pulmonary arteries from hCD46 transgenic pigs compared with nontransgenic pigs. The ACE-inhibitor captopril augmented relaxations similarly in both groups, but N G -monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) did not inhibit relaxations in rings from transgenic pigs. Conclusions. Data suggest that expression of hCD46 on endothelium of pigs selectively augments endothelium-dependent relaxations to bradykinin by increased release of endothelium-derived factors other than nitric oxide. There does not seem to be any change in activity of ACE or NOS with expression of the human protein. Increased relaxations to bradykinin may be beneficial in lowering vascular resistance when transgenic organs are used for xenotransplantation.
The Athlete's Shoulder

Throughout the ages, instability has been noted to be the underlying problem in shoulder dysfunction of the young, overhand-throwing athlete. Impingement and rotator cuff tears are progressive symptoms of this instability. The classic theory of impingement describes a mechanism for "outside impingement," which is most often seen in the older, nonathletic population. The mechanism for "inside impingement" in the younger, athletic population is a pinching of the cuff undersurface on the posterosuperior glenoid labrum. In this younger group, the first treatment of choice is rehabilitation. If that fails, the surgical procedure with successful outcome is the ACLR coupled with a progressive rehabilitation program.
The Robert E. Hopkins Center for Optical Design and Engineering

In 1929, a grant from Eastman Kodak and Bausch and Lomb established The Institute of Optics as the nation's first academic institution devoted to training optical scientists and engineers. The mission was 'to study light in all its phases', and the curriculum was designed to educate students in the fundamentals of optical science and build essential skills in applied optics and optical engineering. Indeed, our historic strength has been a balance between optical science and engineering--we have alumni who are carrying out prize-winning research in optical physics, alumni who are innovative optical engineers, and still other alumni who are leaders in the business community. Faculty who are top-notch optical engineers are an important resource to optical physics research groups -- likewise, teaching and modeling excellent optical science provides a strong underpinning for students on the applied/engineering end of the spectrum. This model -an undergraduate and graduate program that balances fundamental optics, applied optics, and optical engineering- has served us well. The impressive and diverse range of opportunities for our BS graduates has withstood economic cycles, and the students graduate with a healthy dose of practical experience. Undergraduate advisors, with considerable initiative from the program coordinator, are very aggressive in pointing students toward summer research and engineering opportunities. The vast majority of our undergraduate students graduate with at least one summer of experience in a company or a research laboratory. For example, 95% of the class of 2008 spent the summer of 2007 at companies and/or research laboratories: These include Zygo, NRL, Bausch and Lomb, The University of Rochester(The Institute of Optics, Medical Center, and Laboratory for Laser Energetics), QED, ARL Night Vision laboratories, JPL, Kollsman, OptiMax, Northrup Grumman, and at least two other companies. It is an impressive list, and bodes well for the career preparation for these students. While this extracurricular experience is truly world-class, an integrated design experience defined within our academic program is increasingly necessary for those going on to professional careers in engineering. This paper describes the philosophy behind a revision to our undergraduate curriculum that integrates a design experience and describes the engineering laboratory that has been established to make it a reality. The laboratory and design center has been named in honor of Robert E. Hopkins, former director and professor, co-founder of Tropel corporation, and a lifelong devotee to engineering innovation.
Glancing angle XAFS and X-ray reflectivity study of Cu thermal vibration amplitudes at the CuAl2O3 interface

Abstract Results from polarization- and temperature-dependent glancing angle XAFS and X-ray reflectivity studies on the Cu/Al 2 O 3 thin film system indicate that Cu thermal vibration amplitudes are larger along the perpendicular than those parallel to the interface. The anisotropy was found to increase with temperature and decrease with depth in the Cu film. The kinetics leading to greater thermal disorder at the interface are found to be similar to those at the Cu surface.
"What's in a name?" The indiscriminate use of the "Quality of life" label, and the need to bring about clarity in conceptualizations.

‘‘Rose is a rose is a rose’’ wrote Gertrude Stein, and the sentence presumably expresses ‘‘the fact that simply using the name of a thing already invokes the imagery and emotions associated with it’’ (Wikipedia, consulted May 5, 2006). Apparently, that phenomenon does not apply to entities less concrete than a rose, such as quality of life. This ubiquitous term appears to evoke very divergent imageries in the scholarly community. In a previous issue of this journal, Moons et al. (2006) present no less than eight conceptualizations of quality of life (QOL), and they offer to serve as guides for the perplexed by presenting a ‘‘critical appraisal of the value of the various quality of life conceptualizations’’, based on an analysis of how these conceptualizations address six ‘‘conceptual problems inherent to the notion of quality of life’’. This certainly is a worthwhile undertaking: QOL has become a very fashionable concept, and scholars interested in furthering their careers do well to mention the term in grant proposals, as part of quasi-philosophical comments on the status of their field of expertise, and in research papers on everything from hospital infectious disease prevalence to curriculum changes in schools of nursing. Unfortunately, when it comes to research, many investigators do not bother to consider whether QOL is a construct they need to measure, and if so, what they mean with it. It appears that typically they grab off the shelf the first instrument they see with ‘‘QOL’’ on the label or that is reputed to measure QOL.
Inside the Data Spectacle

This paper focuses first on the scopophilic aspects of large scale data visualization—the fantasy of command and control through seeing—and places these in relation to key sites and conventions inside the tech industry. John Caldwell’s notion of “industrial reflexivity” provides a framework to explain the charismatic power and performative effects that attend representations of data as a visual spectacle. Drawing on twelve months of personal experience working for a large technology company, and observations from a number of relevant showcases, conferences, and events, I take a “production studies” approach to understand the forms of common sense produced in industry settings. I then offer two examples of data work understood as a new kind of “below the line” labor.
An achromatic refractive laser beam reshaper

Methods will be described for achromatizing a previously described highly efficient refractive laser beam reshaper which allow a propagating, collimated, diffraction limited flat-top laser beam to be generated over a 200 nm spectral interval. Although the beam reshaper utilizes two aspheric lenses, the achromatizers detailed in this paper use only conventional spherical refracting elements. This allows a practical and cost effective path to upgrade such a beam reshaper to broad wavelength operation.
Measurement of creatine kinase reaction rate in human brain using magnetization transfer image‐selected in vivo spectroscopy (MT‐ISIS) and a volume 31P/1H radiofrequency coil in a clinical 3‐T MRI system

High-energy phosphate metabolism, which allows the synthesis and regeneration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is a vital process for neuronal survival and activity. In particular, creatine kinase (CK) serves as an energy reservoir for the rapid buffering of ATP levels. Altered CK enzyme activity, reflecting compromised high-energy phosphate metabolism or mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain, can be assessed using magnetization transfer (MT) MRS. MT 31P MRS has been used to measure the forward CK reaction rate in animal and human brain, employing a surface radiofrequency coil. However, long acquisition times and excessive radiofrequency irradiation prevent these methods from being used routinely for clinical evaluations. In this article, a new MT 31P MRS method is presented, which can be practically used to measure the CK forward reaction rate constant in a clinical MRI system employing a volume head 31P coil for spatial localization, without contamination from the scalp muscle, and an acquisition time of 30 min. Other advantages associated with the method include radiofrequency homogeneity within the regions of interest of the brain using a volume coil with image-selected in vivo spectroscopy localization, and reduction of the specific absorption rate using nonadiabatic radiofrequency pulses for MT saturation. The mean value of kf was measured as 0.320 ± 0.075 s−1 from 10 healthy volunteers with an age range of 18–40 years. These values are consistent with those obtained using earlier methods, and the technique may be used routinely to evaluate energetic processes in the brain on a clinical MRI system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer is influenced by ovarian hormone's effect on breast cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have recently attracted great interest because of their emerging role in initiation, progression and metastasis, combined with their intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. CSCs and its interaction with hormones in breast cancer are currently being investigated with the aim of uncovering the molecular mechanisms by which they evade conventional treatment regimens. In this review, we discuss recent experimental data and new perspectives in the area of steroid hormones and their cross-talk with breast CSCs. We have covered literature associated with biomarkers, hormone receptors and hormone responsive signaling pathways in breast CSC. In addition, we also discuss the role of miRNAs in hormone mediated regulation of breast CSCs.
Why Improving Preservice Teacher Educational Technology Preparation Must Go beyond the College's Walls

To prepare new teachers to use technology within their programs of preparation, schools, colleges, and departments of education (SCDEs) can develop and require coursework in which students learn ho...
ESPRIT And Uniform Linear Arrays

AbstractA¢â‚¬â€?ESPRIT is a recently developed and patented technique for high-resolution estimation of signal parameters. It exploits an invariance structure designed into the sensor array to achieve a reduction in computational requirements of many orders of magnitude over previous techniques such as MUSIC, Burg's MEM, and Capon's ML, and in addition achieves performance improvement as measured by parameter estimate error variance. It is also manifestly more robust with respect to sensor errors (e.g. gain, phase, and location errors) than other methods as well. Whereas ESPRIT only requires that the sensor array possess a single invariance best visualized by considering two identical but other-wise arbitrary arrays of sensors displaced (but not rotated) with respect to each other, many arrays currently in use in various applications are uniform linear arrays of identical sensor elements. Phased array radars are commonplace in high-resolution direction finding systems, and uniform tapped delay lines (i.e., constant rate A/D converters) are the rule rather than the exception in digital signal processing systems. Such arrays possess many invariances, and are amenable to other types of analysis, which is one of the main reasons such structures are so prevalent. Recent developments in high-resolution algorithms of the signal/noise subspace genre including total least squares (TLS) ESPRIT applied to uniform linear arrays are summarized. ESPRIT is also shown to be a generalization of the root-MUSIC algorithm (applicable only to the case of uniform linear arrays of omni-directional sensors and unimodular cisoids). Comparisons with various estimator bounds, including CramerRao bounds, are presented.
Supported Employment Services to Students with Severe Disabilities: Emphasis Patterns Across Stakeholders

This study compiles final reports of 12 Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services demonstration grant projects to examine services for individuals with severe disabilities and patterns of emphasis across key stakeholders. The reports identified a total of 639 project purposes, activities, outcomes, and barriers. These components were analyzed using a social systems framework consisting of four levels: student and family, program, organizational, and community. Results showed a consistently greater emphasis on the program level and a lesser emphasis on other levels, particularly at the community level. This pattern differed from project purposes which showed a more equal balance across the levels. In conjunction with the nature of the barriers projects experienced, this pattern of emphasis suggests that collaboration, both within and external to the projects, remains a significant issue. Collaboration and person-centered planning strategies may assist in involving stakeholders at all levels.
Systema Naturae. Classification of living things.

Original classification of living organisms containing four kingdoms (Monera, Protista, Vegetabilia and Animalia), 60 phyla and 254 classes, is presented. The classification is based on latest available information.
Channeling and the periodic Lorentz gas

Abstract Properties of the periodic Lorentz gas, which describes particle motion in a lattice of hard spheres, are related to experiments on channeling in crystals. Extensive theoretical knowledge of the Lorentz gas can be applied to make predictions about diffusion and radiation in channeling experiments.
Discriminating factors in panic disorder with and without agoraphobia

Some individuals with recurrent panic attacks develop agoraphobia, while others maintain a Panic Disorder without avoidance behavior. One hypothesis is that more severe and frequent panic and anxiety symptoms lead to phobic avoidance, while Goldstein and Chambless (1978) argue that low self-sufficiency, a hysterical thought style, and fear of the symptoms of anxiety lead to phobic avoidance. Comparisons were made between 20 subjects having Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia and twenty subjects who met criteria for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia. There were overall few differences found between the two patient groups, with no significant differences on measures of the severity and frequency of panic and anxiety symptoms. The Agoraphobia Cognitions Questionnaire discriminated significantly between the two groups (p< .05), while the Body Sensations Questionnaire showed a trend towards significance, providing some limited support for the cognitive — behavioral model. A post hoc analysis revealed that the one item contributing significantly to a discriminant equation was “I am going to act foolish.” If replicated, these differences would suggest the importance of cognitive variables in the prevention and treatment of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia and would indicate that interpersonal fears may play a more important role in agoraphobia than is generally considered.
Combining image degradations in a recognition task

Six experiments are reported that investigate the effect on form recognition performance of combining three kinds of stimulus degradations: local area averaging of intensities, low-pass spatial frequency filtering, and random dot visual interference. The effects are shown to be more complicated than previously reported in simple demonstrations. The complexity of the results suggests that models based on single stimulus attributes such as energy or spatial frequency spectrum probably cannot account for the data. Eclectic theories that invoke combinations of redundant processes may be necessary for describing visual recognition phenomena, even within the limited domain examined in this study.
Sensitivity of hurricane surge to morphological parameters of coastal wetlands

Given the history and future risk of storm surge in the United States, functional storm protection techniques are needed to protect vital sectors of the economy and coastal communities. It is widely hypothesized that coastal wetlands offer protection from storm surge and wave action, though the extent of this protection is unknown due to the complexities of flow through vegetation. Here we present the sensitivity of storm-surge numerical modeling results to various coastal wetlands characteristics. An idealized grid domain and 400-km2 marsh feature were used to evaluate the effects of marsh characteristics on hurricane surge, including the effects of bottom friction, elevation, and continuity (the ratio of healthy marsh to open water area within the total wetland area). Through coupled hydrodynamic and wave model simulations, it is confirmed that increased bottom friction reduces storm-surge levels for most storms. However, increases in depth associated with marsh elevation loss generally results in a reduction of surge. As marsh continuity is decreased, coastal surge increases as a result of enhanced surge conveyance into and out of the marsh. Storm surge is parameterized in terms of marsh morphology, namely marsh elevation, frictional characteristics, and degree of segmentation, which will assist in the justification for and optimization of marsh restoration in terms of storm protection.
Number matters: control of mammalian mitochondrial DNA copy number

Regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis is essential for proper cellular functioning. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion and the resulting mitochondrial malfunction have been implicated in cancer, neurodegeneration, diabetes, aging, and many other human diseases. Although it is known that the dynamics of the mammalian mitochondrial genome are not linked with that of the nuclear genome, very little is known about the mechanism of mtDNA propagation. Nevertheless, our understanding of the mode of mtDNA replication has advanced in recent years, though not without some controversies. This review summarizes our current knowledge of mtDNA copy number control in mammalian cells, while focusing on both mtDNA replication and turnover. Although mtDNA copy number is seemingly in excess, we reason that mtDNA copy number control is an important aspect of mitochondrial genetics and biogenesis and is essential for normal cellular function.
Recoupling Russia to Europe: Staying the course

(2003). Recoupling Russia to Europe: Staying the course. The International Spectator: Vol. 38, No. 3, pp. 79-97.
pKa of Acetate in Water: A Computational Study

Several computational methods including the conductor-like polarizable continuum model, CPCM with both UAKS and UAHF cavities, Cramer and Truhlar's generalized Born solvation model, SM5.4(AM1), SM5.4(PM3), and SM5.43R(mPW1PW91/6-31+G(d)), and mixed QM/MM-Ewald simulations were used to calculate the pKa values of acetate and bicarbonate anions in aqueous solution. This work provided a critical and comprehensive assessment of the quality of these theoretical models in the calculation of aqueous solvation free energies for the singly charged acetate and bicarbonate ions, as well as the doubly charged acetate dianion and carbonate dianion. It was shown that QM/MM-Ewald simulations could give an accurate and consistent evaluation of the pKa values of acetate and bicarbonate based on both the relative and absolute pKa formulas, while other methods could yield satisfactory results only for certain calculations. However, this does not mean that the current QM/MM-Ewald protocol is superior to other methods. The us...
The use of underpotential deposition to measure the surface area of metals

Abstract A study was made of the possibility of utilizing underpotential deposition of lead on silver as a method of measuring the catalytic surface area of the silver. It was found that the technique was suitable for measurements when the catalyst was blocked with a variety of coatings. However, this method was not suitable for studying the poisoning of the surface by additives in solution.
DEPRESSION OF GASTRIC SECRETION BY THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY-LIKE FRACTION OF PREGNANCY URINE1,2

THIS INVESTIGATION was prompted by the following observations: a), the acidity of the gastric contents tends to be reduced in women during pregnancy and rises during the puerperium (i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6); b), the reduced acidity is not apparently due to enterogastric regurgitation (6); c), ‘peptic’ ulcer is rare in pregnant women and, when it has been present previously, relief from symptoms occurs during pregnancy (review of the literature, 7). These observations raised the question of the cause of the reduced acidity of the gastric contents during pregnancy in women. The possibility that those hormones which are produced in excess during pregnancy might be concerned had to be considered. Estrone was suspected by Winkelstein (8), but has apparently been ruled out by the observations of Atkinson and Ivy (9) on dogs and man (using 10,000 R.U. daily) and of Schiff, Felson, Graff, and Meyer (10) on human subjects, although the daily dose (10,000 R.U.) used was only about one-fifth to one-sixth the maximal daily ...