cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative proteomics with siRNA screening identifies novel mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance in HER2 amplified breast cancers

HER2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in 20% to 30% of human breast cancers and which affects patient prognosis and survival. Treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer with the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) has improved patient survival, but the development of trastuzumab resistance is a major medical problem. Many of the known mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance cause changes in protein phosphorylation patterns, and therefore quantitative proteomics was used to examine phosphotyrosine signaling networks in trastuzumab-resistant cells. The model system used in this study was two pairs of trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant breast cancer cell lines. Using stable isotope labeling, phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitations, and online TiO2 chromatography utilizing a dual trap configuration, ∼1700 proteins were quantified. Comparing quantified proteins between the two cell line pairs showed only a small number of common protein ratio changes, demonstrating heterogeneity in phosphotyrosine signaling networks across different trastuzumab-resistant cancers. Proteins showing significant increases in resistant versus sensitive cells were subjected to a focused siRNA screen to evaluate their functional relevance to trastuzumab resistance. The screen revealed proteins related to the Src kinase pathway, such as CDCP1/Trask, embryonal Fyn substrate, and Paxillin. We also identify several novel proteins that increased trastuzumab sensitivity in resistant cells when targeted by siRNAs, including FAM83A and MAPK1. These proteins may present targets for the development of clinical diagnostics or therapeutic strategies to guide the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer patients who develop trastuzumab resistance.
Oxytocin and vasopressin constrict rat isolated uterine resistance arteries by activating vasopressin V1A receptors

Both oxytocin and vasopressin cause potent and long-lasting vasoconstriction of uterine arteries from several species, including humans, and the resulting tissue ischemia is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of primary dysmenorrhea. We have studied the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin in isolated resistance arteries (diameter, 90-120 microm) from non-pregnant rat uteri using two potent and selective receptor antagonists, SR 49059, a selective vasopressin V1A antagonist, and atosiban, a selective oxytocin antagonist. Uterine arteries with intact endothelium were mounted in a microvessel chamber, and pressurized to 75 mm Hg to allow the development of myogenic tone. Both vasopressin and oxytocin elicited a concentration-dependent vasoconstriction with a similar maximum effect (i.e., total vessel occlusion). The EC50 was 0.44 +/- 0.02 and 25 +/- 3.1 nM for vasopressin and oxytocin, respectively. Thus, vasopressin was 57-fold more potent than oxytocin. Schild analysis indicated that SR 49059 yielded a similar pA2 value against vasopressin-induced (pA2 = 8.96 +/- 0.60) or oxytocin-induced (pA2 = 9.06 +/- 0.23) contractions, suggesting that both agonists activated the vasopressin V1A receptor. In addition, atosiban (10(-7) M), a selective antagonist of the oxytocin receptor in the rat, did not antagonize the effect of vasopressin and oxytocin, showing that the oxytocin receptor is not involved in the response. In conclusion, these results suggest that V1A receptor stimulation is responsible for the vasoconstricting effects of both vasopressin and oxytocin in small diameter resistance arteries from the rat uterus.
Simple bladder filling with a cough stress test compared with subtracted cystometry for the diagnosis of urinary incontinence.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare the diagnostic efficacy of observing urine loss during simple bladder filling (without pressure measurement) and a cough stress test, with multichannel subtracted cystometry. STUDY DESIGN: The urodynamic records of 77 women complaining of urinary incontinence were reviewed. All women had undergone a full evaluation that included a standardized history and physical examination, urinalysis and urine culture, uroflowmetry with measurement of postvoid residual urine, a cough stress test performed during and after simple retrograde bladder filling, and multichannel subtracted cystometry. The results of simple bladder filling and the cough stress test were recorded as "urge incontinence," "stress incontinence," "mixed incontinence," or "incontinence not demonstrated." The subtracted cystometrogram was then performed, and the urodynamic diagnoses were recorded as "detrusor instability," "genuine stress incontinence," "mixed incontinence," or "incontinence not demonstrated." The records were reviewed, and the results of simple bladder filling with a cough stress test were compared with those obtained by subtracted multichannel-provocative cystometry. RESULTS: With the subtracted multichannel cystometrogram used as the "gold standard" for diagnosis, the demonstration of "urge incontinence" during simple bladder filling had a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 86.8% for the demonstration of detrusor instability during cystometry, with a positive predictive value of 83.3% and a negative predictive value of 70.2%. The demonstration of "stress incontinence" during simple bladder filling had a sensitivity of 88.1% and a specificity of 77.1% for the demonstration of "genuine" stress incontinence during cystometry; with a positive predictive value of 82% and a negative predictive value of 84.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The demonstration of urge incontinence during simple bladder filling is a reliable predictor of detrusor instability, but its absence is less reliable in excluding detrusor overactivity as a cause of urinary incontinence. Similarly, the clinical demonstration of stress incontinence during simple bladder filling is predictive of the presence of "genuine" stress incontinence during subtracted multichannel provocative cystometry. The inability to demonstrate stress incontinence during simple bladder filling is highly correlated with the absence of "genuine" stress incontinence during complex urodynamic testing. Simple bladder filling is a reliable method of diagnosing urinary incontinence. In many cases it can replace complex urodynamic testing, particularly if the proposed treatment for the condition carries a low level of risk, and is helpful in selecting patients who need more extensive evaluation.
Learned Histamine Release

Most of the effort directed at understanding the problems of allergy has focused on the interacting components of the immune system. The possibility that histamine may be released as a learned response has now been tested. In a classical conditioning procedure in which an immunologic challenge was paired with the presentation of an odor, guinea pigs showed a plasma histamine increase when presented with the odor alone. This suggests that the immune response can be enhanced through activity of the central nervous system.
Relationships among soil carbon distributions and biophysical factors at nested spatial scales in rain forests of northeastern Costa Rica

Forested soils in the tropics contain a large carbon pool that may respond to global environmental changes such as climate warming and land-use change. A better understanding of the distribution of tropical soil carbon (C) pools is necessary in order to manage soil C as well as to predict its potential responses to global change. The goals of this study were to quantify the relationships among soil C and environmental variables for 35 forest plots in a 140,000-ha landscape in northeastern Costa Rica, and to identify variables that can predict soil C storage at unsampled sites. The biophysical variables included indices of net primary productivity (forest floor mass, root biomass, and an index of productivity derived from satellite imagery), soil particle-size distribution and mineralogy, elevation, and slope. Soil carbon storage in these volcanic soils was relatively high, ranging from 51.1 to 138.6 Mg C ha−1 in the top 30 cm of mineral soil. The relationships among forest soil C and biotic and abiotic variables were different for low-elevation (<120 m) and high-elevation (120–800 m) sites, and elevation explained much of the variability in soil C concentrations. Soil particle-size distribution and mineralogical variables are correlated in this landscape and co-vary in predictable ways along the elevation gradient. Thus, elevation represents a weathering gradient with younger, allophanic soils at higher elevations and older soils with gibbsite, goethite, and kaolinite as dominant clay minerals in the lowlands. We propose two mechanisms of C stabilization: soil C concentrations and contents are positively correlated to the amount of noncrystalline clays (e.g. allophane, imogolite, and ferrihydrite) in the high elevation soils, and positively correlated to aluminum in organo-metal complexes in the low elevation sites. The strong correlations among soil C concentrations, contents, and elevation (mediated through effects on soil mineralogy) indicate that it is possible to predict soil C in this landscape using variables that are easily mapped in a geographic information system.
Individual differences in preschoolers’ emotion content memory: The role of emotion knowledge

This study examined the relation between preschool children's emotion knowledge and their ability to recall emotionally salient information. In total, 42 participants (ages 35-65months) viewed a brief video in which a child played with different toys and expressed one of four basic emotions (happy, sad, angry, or afraid) or a neutral expression in each of 10 vignettes. Children were tested on memory accuracy from the vignettes, and their emotion knowledge was also measured. Results indicated that preschoolers' emotion knowledge was significantly related to memory accuracy for emotion information above and beyond the effect of age or receptive language skills. Tests of a mediation model revealed that emotion knowledge fully mediated the effect of age (or general developmental level) on memory accuracy.
Earnings management by the early adopters of SFAS No. 106

Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 106 on Nonpension Postretirement Benefits (NPB) provides managers with a relatively long adoption window and choice of transition methods which can be used by affected companies to manage earnings. This paper examines whether management's choice of adoption timing is motivated by the desire to manage earnings. Fisher's [1934] exact probability analysis is used to test the hypothesis regarding profitability of a sample of 200 early and late adopters of SFAS No. 106. The results indicate that the profitability of adopting the income-reducing accounting standard (SFAS No. 106) early is significantly higher for more profitable firms than for less profitable firms.
Conceptual Application of the Discrimination Model of Clinical Supervision for Direct Care Workers in Adolescent Residential Treatment Settings

This article applies the tenets of Bernard’s in Counselor Edu Supervision 19:60–68, (1979) discrimination model of clinical supervision to the supervision needs of those who provide direct care to adolescents in residential treatment due to abuse, neglect, behavioral, or emotional problems. The article focuses on three areas (intentionality, flexibility, and professionalism) in which the model may be particularly effective in meeting the needs of youth care workers serving adolescents in residential treatment in the United States.
Opting out and opting in: understanding the complexities of women's career transitions

Purpose – This study aims to explore the reasons why women are leaving the workplace. Are they opting out of the workforce to stay at home with their children as current media reports suggest, or are the reasons more complex as the Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM) suggests? A second objective is to examine whether or not women's primary career motives change over time as predicted by the KCM. Lastly, the potential barriers or boundaries faced by women pursuing boundaryless careers will be identified.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was sent to 2,000 randomly selected women graduates of an international business school located in the USA. The response rate was 25 percent, or 497 women.Findings – The results revealed that 47 percent of the women surveyed had stopped working at some point in their career. Numerous reasons were cited for leaving. Only 35 percent of the women who stopped working cited rearing children as their sole reason for opting out. Sixty‐two percent of the women reported that their ...
Community Support for a Gold Cyanide Process Mine: Resident and Leader Differences in Rural Montana.

Previous studies have established that community residents and leaders differ in their support for hazardous waste facility siting in rural areas (Spies et al. 1998). We examine whether these same differences exist in rural communities that face other high-risk development decisions by analyzing resident and leader support for a proposed gold cyanide process (GCP) mine in Montana. Compared to proposed hazardous waste facilities, a much stronger predictor of both resident and leader support in the GCP mine context is recreancy, or distrust in institutions and outside interveners. However, perceived economic benefits remain key differences between residents and leaders in both the GCP mine and hazardous waste facility cases.
Electrophysiological evaluation of the time-course of dopamine uptake inhibition induced by intravenous cocaine at a reinforcing dose

Abstract Cocaine effectively inhibits dopamine (DA) uptake and this action appears to be the primary cause for increased DA transmission following systemic cocaine administration. Although this action had been reliably demonstrated in vivo with cocaine at high doses, data on the extent and the time-course of DA uptake inhibition induced by i.v. cocaine at low, reinforcing doses remain controversial. To clarify this issue, we examined how cocaine affects striatal neuronal responses to repeated iontophoretic DA applications in urethane-anesthetized rats. Because most striatal neurons during anesthesia have low, sporadic activity, DA tests were performed on cells tonically activated by continuous glutamate application. DA phasically decreased the activity of most dorsal and ventral striatal neurons; these responses in control conditions (i.v. saline) were current (dose) -dependent and remained highly stable following repeated DA applications at the same currents. DA also consistently decreased the activity of striatal neurons after i.v. cocaine (1 mg/kg); the magnitude of DA-induced inhibition slowly increased from ∼5 min, became significantly larger from ∼9 min, and peaked at 13–15 min after a single i.v. injection. Then, the difference in the DA response slowly decreased toward the pre-cocaine baseline. A similar enhancement of DA induced-inhibition was also seen after i.p. cocaine administration at a high dose (15 mg/kg). In this case, the DA response became significantly stronger at 7–9 min and remained enhanced vs. a pre-drug control up to 24–26 min after the injection. Both regimens of cocaine treatment did not result in evident changes in either onset or offset of the DA-induced inhibitions. Our data confirm that cocaine at low, reinforcing doses inhibits DA uptake, resulting in potentiation of DA-induced neuronal inhibitions, but they suggest that this effect is relatively weak and delayed from the time of i.v. injection. These slow and prolonged effects of i.v. cocaine on DA-induced neuronal responses are consistent with previous binding and our electrochemical evaluations of DA uptake, presumably reflecting the total time necessary for i.v.-delivered cocaine to reach brain microvessels, cross the blood–brain barrier, passively diffuse within brain tissue, interact with the DA transporters, and finally inhibit DA uptake.
Recent contributions to the analysis of soluble salt flotation systems

Abstract The selective separation of alkali halide salts such as KCl from NaCl by flotation in saturated brines (ionic strength ∼ 4 M) is of considerable industrial significance and has been studied by flotation chemists for many decades. Electrokinetic information coupled with the stability and prevalence of certain collector colloids in these soluble salt flotation systems suggest that the selective flotation of alkali halide minerals is due to the adsorption of oppositely charged collector colloids by heterocoagulation. Recent contributions have revealed the nature of the interparticle forces responsible for heterocoagulation of oppositely charged particles at high ionic strengths and the reasons for the deviations of the surface charge of some alkali halides from theory. Because of the progress made in interparticle force measurements at high ionic strengths by atomic force microscopy (AFM), more information is now available and results from recent AFM measurements are reported. Also extension of the simplified lattice ion hydration theory by considering partial hydration of the surface state allows for the prediction of the sign of the surface charge of all alkali halides from first principles. Thus the interactions at high ionic strengths and the deviations of the surface charge of some alkali halides may be explained by structural forces as measured by AFM and the extended lattice ion hydration theory, respectively.
Streptococcus infantarius and carcinogenesis: a new chapter in colorectal pathology

As mirrored by several topics throughout history, the causal link between infectious diseases and cancer was initially viewed with disbelief and subsequently forgotten, only to be rediscovered decades later, when it started flourishing into a vibrant multidisciplinary field [1-3]. Just a few years ago, it was estimated that over 20% of all cancers are causally linked to infectious diseases, most frequently caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites [4].
Teachers’ decisions in using basal readers

One reason for the continuing popularity of basal reading programs is that they help to reduce the countless, decisions teachers must make every day. They do not, however, eliminate teachers' decision making. Using a basal series selectively and critically requires teachers to make daily choices and frequently to overrule the basal authors' suggestions. Considering the importance of the decisions to be made with respect to basals, preservice and inservice education should provide specific guidance in evaluating and using these instructional materials, at the same time that teachers are strengthening the general knowledge base that supports prudent decision making.
Expression of FLR1 Transporter Requires Phospholipase C and Is Repressed by Mediator

In budding yeast, phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (Plc1p encoded by PLC1 gene) is important for function of kinetochores. Deletion of PLC1 results in benomyl sensitivity, alterations in chromatin structure of centromeres, mitotic delay, and a higher frequency of chromosome loss. Here we intended to utilize benomyl sensitivity as a phenotype that would allow us to identify genes that are important for kinetochore function and are downstream of Plc1p. However, our screen identified SIN4, encoding a component of the Mediator complex of RNA polymerase II. Deletion of SIN4 gene (sin4Δ) does not suppress benomyl sensitivity of plc1Δ cells by improving the function of kinetochores. Instead, benomyl sensitivity of plc1Δ cells is caused by a defect in expression of FLR1, and the suppression of benomyl sensitivity in plc1Δ sin4Δ cells occurs by derepression of FLR1 transcription. FLR1 encodes a plasma membrane transporter that mediates resistance to benomyl. Several other mutations in the Mediator complex also result in significant derepression of FLR1 and greatly increased resistance to benomyl. Thus, benomyl sensitivity is not a phenotype exclusively associated with mitotic spindle defect. These results demonstrate that in addition to promoter-specific transcription factors that are components of the pleiotropic drug resistance network, expression of the membrane transporters can be regulated by Plc1p, a component of a signal transduction pathway, and by Mediator, a general transcription factor. The results thus suggest another layer of complexity in regulation of pleiotropic drug resistance.
A proposal for an integrated memory acquisition mechanism

Volatile memory forensics has become increasingly prominent in forensic analysis and incident response. Unfortunately there is currently no forensically sound method of acquiring an image of a system's memory without attaching specialized hardware. This paper proposes the addition of a memory acquisition mechanism to the operating system, thereby removing the need to load an external program. The method minimizes the acquisition's impact on the system's state, as well as making it more difficult for malicious programs to avoid detection or interfere with the memory dump. The risks of allowing a full memory capture and some considerations on how this method would interact with rootkits are also discussed.
The Distribution of Magnetic Moment in the Ni-Cu Alloy System

We report neutron measurements of the magnetic disorder scattering cross section for ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{0.8}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{0.2}$. These indicate that the magnetic moment disturbance produced by Cu in Ni is essentially limited to first-neighbor effects.
Femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy of energetic materials

A novel single-shot femtosecond spectroscopy technique permits real-time examination of irreversible decomposition in energetic solids. In a single laser shot, measurements at 400 different temporal delays are recorded to cover a total temporal range of more than 10 ps in 30 fs steps. This is accomplished by using two crossed echelon optics to separate a single probe pulse into 400 spatially and temporally separate probe pulses. Dielectric breakdown of silica glass and of 1,3,3-trinitroazetidine (TNAZ) was observed to occur on the time scale of the 50-fs pump pulse duration.
Changes in interstitial water salinity of a Mississippi tidal marsh

The salinity of interstitial water (i.e., the salinity of the free soil water) was examined at 11 equidistant stations along a transect on a Mississippi tidal marsh dominated byJuncus roemerianus andSpartina cynosuroides. Changes in the nearby surface water (e.g., bay water) were reflected in the changes in interstitial water salinity. The salinity of interstitial water was usually higher, varying between 2.5 and 15.8‰ from February 1975 through January 1976, than the salinity of the nearby surface water which ranged from 0.0 to 11.5‰. Following a long period of high salinity in the bay and sound (exceeding 14‰), the salinity of the interstitial water increased to a maximum of 16.8‰ in October. The salinity increased as the distance of the sampling station from the source of the flood water increased. Mean interstitial wate salinity across the marsh studied was within 10‰ which did not seem to influence the marsh plant zonation occurring on the marsh.
In vitro formation of amyloid fibrils from two synthetic peptides of different lengths homologous to Alzheimer's disease β-protein

Two synthetic peptides corresponding to the reported 28-residue sequence of Alzheimer's Disease β -protein (SP28) and to residues 12–28 (SP17) were used to form fibrils in vitro. Synthetic fibrils bound Congo Red and closely resembled amyloid fibrils isolated from leptomeninges and senile plaques of Alzheimer's brain by electron microscopy. A polyclonal antiserum to SP28 specifically decorated both synthetic and native amyloid by colloidal gold immunoelectron microscopy. Amyloid fibrils isolated from tissue were insoluble on SDS-Polyacrylamide gels, and tended to aggregate while synthetic amyloid fibrils were completely solubilized, releasing only monomers of SP28 and SP17. Anti-SP28 immunostained cerebrovascular and plaque core amyloid, but not neurofibrillary tangles, in tissue section. Western blot analysis showed that anti-SP28 reacted with a 4 kDa band released from amyloid core enriched preparations and leptomeninges. By contrast, a 16 kDa band corresponding to the tetramer of β-protein was not recognized. These data suggest that as little as a 17 residue sequence of β -protein may be required to form fibrils and that the complete sequence of the 4 kDa β -protein may be important in determining insolubility and the formation of intermediate size polymers.
Platinum(IV) cisplatin derivative trans, cis, cis-bis(heptanoato)amine(cyclohexylamine)dichloridoplatinum(IV) has an enhanced therapeutic index compared to cisplatin for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) the most common type. Platinum (Pt) anticancer agents, such as cisplatin, remain a mainstay in the clinic; however, these agents are not tumor-specific and, thus, the patient experiences negative side-effects. We here prepare trans, cis, cis-bis(heptanoato)amine(cyclohexylamine)dichloridoplatinum(IV) and demonstrate that it is greater than 50-fold more toxic toward NSCLC cells than is cisplatin. Furthermore, it has a much improved therapeutic index. This Pt(IV) complex binds to DNA in a manner similar to that of cisplatin, and can be incorporated into mesoporous silica nanoparticles for fine-controlled release and the targeting of tumors.
The rational homotopy Lie algebra of classifying spaces for formal two-stage spaces

We compute the center and nilpotency of the graded Lie algebra π∗(ΩBaut1(X))⊗Q for a large class of formal spaces X. The latter calculation determines the rational homotopical nilpotency of the space of self-equivalences aut1(X) for these X. Our results apply, in particular, when X is a complex or symplectic flag manifold.
Appraisals of pain from controlled stimuli: relevance to quantitative sensory testing.

OBJECTIVE Sensory testing has been advocated for the diagnosis, prognosis, and outcome evaluation of pain patients, but responses to controlled stimuli have not been well correlated to clinical pain. As an initial step for improving the clinical relevance of sensory testing, this investigation compared appraisals of and responses to controlled pain stimuli. DESIGN A prospective within subjects design was used. METHODS Heat, ischaemic, and delayed-onset muscle pain were induced in the upper extremity of 44 participants (47.7% women) during four experimental sessions. RESULTS The threat of heat and ischaemic pain was higher than delayed-onset muscle pain (F(2,86) = 5.30, p<.01, eta(2) = .11). Threat, challenge, predictability, and controllability were related to heat pain most consistently. The affective-sensory ratios of ischaemic and delayed-onset muscle pain resembled those of clinical pain and were higher than heat pain (F(2,84) = 11.64, p<.01, eta(2) = .22). Delayed-onset muscle pain meaningfully affected daily activities, which correlated to delayed-onset muscle pain ratings (rs = .60-.68, ps <.001). CONCLUSIONS Heat stimuli may be well suited for instructional manipulations of appraisals to improve the clinical relevance of quantitative sensory testing and delayed-onset muscle pain's effects on daily activities are clinically relevant.
A framework for GPU 3d model reconstruction using structure-from-motion

We propose a framework for three-dimensional (3D) model reconstruction using structure-from-motion (SfM). Our primary application is scanning forest canopies for ecological research (as shown in Figure 1) using photos taken from a radio-controlled helicopter, although the methods apply to any series of photographs taken along a path with the camera pointing perpendicular to the path.
31P nuclear magnetic resonance of metabolic changes associated with cyanide intoxication in the perfused rat liver

Abstract Metabolic changes associated with cyanide intoxication were observed for the first time in perfused rat liver using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at 60.7 MHz. Well-oxygenated control livers showed strong ATP peaks and little discernable internal orthophosphate (Pi). Perfusion with 2 mM cyanide eliminated the observable ATP peaks and caused internal Pi to increase. Despite clear evidence for ATP hydrolysis, resonances from cytoplasmic ADP were conspicuously absent. Resumption of perfusion with cyanide-free buffer caused a dramatic return of the ATP peaks with a concomitant fall in internal Pi. These metabolic changes are consistent with reversible binding of cyanide to mitochondrial cytochromes and their observation by 31P NMR indicates the potential of this method for studying metabolism in whole, perfused rat liver under physiologic conditions.
Cavernous sinus and leptomeningeal metastases arising from a squamous cell carcinoma of the face: case report.

Objective and importance Invasion of trigeminal and facial perineural spaces is a recognized complication of cutaneous malignancies. Centripetal spread along the trigeminal nerve axis and into the cavernous sinus and the gasserian ganglion is rare. Metastasis to the leptomeninges and cauda equina has not been reported. We report a unique case of perineural spread and central dissemination from an epithelial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) associated with a tumor biomarker. Clinical presentation After excision of multiple cutaneous SCCs and basal cell carcinomas of the head and neck, a 70-year-old male patient developed successive, right-side, V1 and V2 trigeminal neuropathies and complete right cavernous sinus syndrome during a 5-year period. Concurrently, the right face became paralyzed. Left facial paresis developed during the latter half of this period. Two months before admission, subacute left lower-extremity radicular weakness resulted in falls. Serial magnetic resonance imaging scans obtained in the previous 4 years were unrevealing. At the time of admission, enhancing masses were found in the 1) right cavernous sinus and dura, foramina ovale and rotundum, and Meckel's cave, 2) right subtemporal region and orbital rectus muscles, and 3) cauda equina. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis demonstrated mild pleocytosis and rare carcinoma cells. Intervention Biopsy of the right cavernous sinus mass confirmed moderately differentiated, metastatic SCC. Immunohistochemical staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression and genomic amplification. Conclusion The indolent progression of cranial nerve palsy among patients with resected cutaneous SCCs of the head and neck must raise clinical suspicion of perineural spread, even in the absence of radiological changes. Biomarkers predicting aggressive SCC behavior, illustrated here by epidermal growth factor receptor amplification and central invasion, have the potential to guide early therapy.
Relative translucency of six all-ceramic systems. Part I: Core materials

Abstract Statement of Problem. All-ceramic restorations have been advocated for superior esthetics. Various materials have been used to improve ceramic core strength, but it is unclear whether they affect the opacity of all-ceramic systems. Purpose. This study compared the translucency of 6 all-ceramic system core materials at clinically appropriate thicknesses. Material and Methods. Disc specimens 13 mm in diameter and 0.49 ± 0.01 mm in thickness were fabricated from the following materials (n = 5 per group): IPS Empress dentin, IPS Empress 2 dentin, In-Ceram Alumina core, In-Ceram Spinell core, In-Ceram Zirconia core, and Procera AllCeram core. Empress and Empress 2 dentin specimens also were fabricated and tested at a thickness of 0.77 ± 0.02 mm (the manufacturer's recommended core thickness is 0.8 mm). A high-noble metal-ceramic alloy (Porc. 52 SF) served as the control, and Vitadur Alpha opaque dentin was used as a standard. Sample reflectance (ratio of the intensity of reflected light to that of the incident light) was measured with an integrating sphere attached to a spectrophotometer across the visible spectrum (380 to 700 nm); 0-degree illumination and diffuse viewing geometry were used. Contrast ratios were calculated from the luminous reflectance (Y) of the specimens with a black (Yb) and a white (Yw) backing to give Yb/Yw with CIE illuminant D65 and a 2-degree observer function (0.0 = transparent, 1.0 = opaque). One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple-comparison test were used to analyze the data ( P Results. Contrast ratios in order of most translucent to most opaque were as follows: Vitadur Alpha 0.60 ± 0.03, Empress (0.5 mm) 0.64 ± 0.01, In-Ceram Spinell 0.67 ± 0.02, Empress 2 (0.5 mm) 0.68 ± 0.02, Empress (0.8 mm) 0.72 ± 0.01, Procera 0.72 ± 0.01, Empress 2 (0.8 mm) 0.74 ± 0.01, In-Ceram Alumina 0.87 ± 0.01, In-Ceram Zirconia 1.00 ± 0.01, and 52 SF alloy 1.00 ± 0.00. Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, there was a range of ceramic core translucency at clinically relevant core thicknesses. In order of decreasing translucency, the ranges were Vitadur Alpha dentin (standard) > In-Ceram Spinell > Empress, Procera, Empress 2 > In-Ceram Alumina > In-Ceram Zirconia, 52 SF alloy. (J Prosthet Dent 2002;88:4-9.)
Extrusion of humidity-resistant starch foam sheets

An annular die is used to extrude cylindrical starch foams which are then sliced to yield foam sheets suitable for cushioning protection and insulation of shipping containers. Although starch foams, as a possible replacement of petroleum-based foams, have been prepared in the past, their sensitivity to humidity remained a problem. Extensive research in the last few years has been focused on resolving the collapse of the foam at high humidity, improve the cushioning protection, and develop an economical foaming process. However, these issues are still problematic and need to be resolved before such biobased foams can gain entry into the marketplace. In this study, a Box–Behnken statistical design of experiment was used to optimize the properties of foams extruded with various additives. It was found that the density, cell structure, and the rate of water penetration of these foams were affected by the feed rates (e.g., foam composition) of the water, talc, and poly(hydroxy ether) (PHE). The use of PHE was found to be extremely effective to minimize the water sensitivity and it significantly increased the water penetration time of the foam sheets. These starch foams efficiently absorb impacts and recover its physical shape quickly to provide multiple cushion protection for moderately delicate products. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Collision Cross Sections of Iodide Salt Cluster Ions in Air via Differential Mobility Analysis-Mass Spectrometry

To date, most collision cross section (CCS) predictions have invoked gas molecule impingement-reemission rules in which specular and elastic scattering of spherical gas molecules from rigid polyatomic surfaces are assumed. Although such predictions have been shown to agree well with CCSs measured in helium bath gas, a number of studies reveal that these predictions do not agree with CCSs for ions in diatomic gases, namely, air and molecular nitrogen. To further examine the validity of specular-elastic versus diffuse-inelastic scattering models, we measured the CCSs of positively charged metal iodide cluster ions of the form [MI]n[M+]z, where M = Na, K, Rb, or Cs, n = 1 – 25, and z = 1 – 2. Measurements were made in air via differential mobility analysis mass spectrometry (DMA-MS). The CCSs measured are compared with specular-elastic as well as diffuse-inelastic scattering model predictions with candidate ion structures determined from density functional theory. It is found that predictions from diffuse-inelastic collision models agree well (within 5 %) with measurements from sodium iodide cluster ions, while specular-elastic collision model predictions are in better agreement with cesium iodide cluster ion measurements. The agreement with diffuse-inelastic and specular-elastic predictions decreases and increases, respectively, with increasing cation mass. However, even when diffuse-inelastic cluster ion predictions disagree with measurements, the disagreement is of a near-constant factor for all ions, indicating that a simple linear rescaling collapses predictions to measurements. Conversely, rescaling cannot be used to collapse specular-elastic predictions to measurements; hence, although the precise impingement reemission rules remain ambiguous, they are not specular-elastic.
Prolonged training does not result in a greater extent of interlimb transfer following visuomotor adaptation.

Abstract Learning a visumotor adaptation task with one arm typically facilitates subsequent performance with the other. The extent of transfer across the arms, however, is generally much smaller than that across different conditions within the same arm. This may be attributed to a possibility that intralimb transfer involves both algorithmic and instance–reliant learning, whereas interlimb transfer only involves algorithmic learning. Here, we investigated whether prolonged training with one arm could facilitate subsequent performance with the other arm to a greater extent, by examining the effect of varying lengths of practice trials on the extent of interlimb transfer. We had 18 subjects adapt to a 30° visuomotor rotation with the left arm first (training), then with the right arm (transfer). During the training session, the subjects reached toward multiple targets for 160, 320 or 400 trials; during the transfer session, all subjects performed the same task for 160 trials. Our results revealed substantial initial transfer from the left to the right arm in all three conditions. However, neither the amount of initial transfer nor the rate of adaptation during the transfer session was significantly different across the conditions, indicating that the extent of transfer was similar regardless of the length of initial training. Our findings suggest that interlimb transfer of visuomotor adaptation may only occur through algorithmic learning, which is effector independent, and that prolonged training may only have beneficial effects when instance–reliant learning, which is effector dependent, is also involved in the learning process.
Distribution of fatty acid binding proteins in tissues and plasma of Gallus domesticus

1. Fatty acid binding activity associated with a 14,000-15,000 mol. wt protein was observed in the cytosolic fraction of liver, duodenum, myocardium, adipose, pectoral and gastrocnemius muscles of chickens. 2. Polyclonal antisera prepared against chicken liver fatty acid binding protein affinity for only liver FABP and a 14,000 mol. wt fatty acid binding protein in the intestine. 3. A fatty acid binding protein was not detected in chicken plasma.
DoD technology for commercialization: Sharing the wealth means spreading the word

The fortunes of information transfer and technology are inextricably bound. The extent to which technology transfer is accomplished depends largely on the effectiveness, selectivity, and efficiency with which information is transferred. This article reviews DoD agents that bring about the transfer of its information; in doing so, they contribute to the transfer of DoD’s technology to state and local governments and to the private sector. It emphasizes the role played by the Defense Technical Information Center.
Current management of the acute scrotum

Pediatric surgeons and urologists are often asked to evaluate boys with acute scrotal pain and inflammation. Although there are myriad etiologies for this syndrome, testicular torsion should be at the top of the list. It is the one diagnosis that must be made accurately and rapidly if there is any hope for testicular salvage. The purpose of this article is to update/review the appropriate evaluation and management of the acute scrotum and to guide the clinician in distinguishing testicular torsion from the other conditions that commonly mimic this surgical emergency.
One-dimensional exciton migration: the role of trap efficiency

Abstract The role of trap efficiency in one-dimensional incoherent exciton migration is modelled. In the experimental systems that we simulate, a typical exciton hops 10 8 to 10 9 times on the time scale of interest. We model this as a continuous diffusion process with appropriate boundary conditions. A Monte Carlo average over a random distribution of chain lengths is performed. The results demonstrate that traps that are quite inefficient as judged from the relative rates of hopping and trapping can yield decay curves which are indistinguishable from the perfectly efficient results, depending on the trap concentration. The results are explained through use of scaling arguments.
In vivo diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance microscopy of rat spinal cord: effect of ischemia and intrathecal hyperbaric 5% lidocaine.

Background and Objectives. Pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying persistent neurologic deficits after continuous spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric 5% lidocaine are still not well understood. It has been suggested that high-dose intrathecal lidocaine induces irreversible conduction block and even ischemia in white matter tracts by breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier. In this study, we use diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance microscopy to characterize the effect of intrathecal hyperbaric 5% lidocaine in rat spinal cord. The parameter measured with DWM, is an “apparent diffusion coefficient,” (ADC), which can be used to exclude the presence of ischemia. Methods. Female Fischer CDF rats were used. Group 1 (n = 5) was exposed to ischemia, group 2 (n = 7) was exposed to intrathecal 5% hyperbaric lidocaine, and group 3 (n = 5) was exposed to intrathecal 7.5% glucose. Diffusion-weighted MR images in group 1 were acquired before and after ischemia induced by cardiac arrest and in groups 2 and 3 rats prior to and during perfusion of the spinal catheter with either 5% hyperbaric lidocaine or 7.5% glucose. Results. Ischemia decreased the ADC by 40% in gray matter and by 30% in white matter of spinal cord. Continuous intrathecal anesthesia with hyperbaric 5% lidocaine did not affect the spinal cord ADC. Further, 7.5% intrathecal glucose had no effect on ADCs in gray or white matter of spinal cord. Conclusions. Ischemia reduced the ADC in both spinal cord white and gray matter. Hyperbaric 5% lidocaine did not affect the spinal cord ADC during the first 1.5 hours. We suggest that 5% hyperbaric lidocaine does not induce irreversible neurologic deficits by causing spinal cord ischemia.
Upper extremity strength and range of motion and their relationship to function in breast cancer survivors

The impact upper extremity impairments (UE) have on UE function in breast cancer survivors (BCS) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between upper extremity active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM), and strength with self-reported function in BCS. BCS (n = 24) completed the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Pennsylvania Shoulder Score (PSS). AROM and PROM of shoulder flexion, extension, external rotation (ER) at 0° and 90° of abduction, and internal rotation (IR) at 90° of abduction were measured using a digital inclinometer. Strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer for scapular abduction and upward rotation, scapular depression and adduction, flexion, IR, ER, scaption, and horizontal adduction. All constructs of AROM, PROM, and strength were correlated with the DASH and PSS. DASH was moderately to highly correlated with 2 of 5 AROM, 2 of 5 PROM, and 6 of 7 shoulder strength measures. PSS was moderately to highly correlated with 2 of 5 AROM, 2 of 5 PROM, and 4 of 7 shoulder strength measures. Regression analysis showed that AROM explained 40% of the DASH scores and strength explained 20% of scores on the PSS. This study characterizes the impact that shoulder motion, flexibility, and strength losses have on shoulder function in BCS. Deficits in AROM and shoulder strength explained the greatest proportion of shoulder disability. Future clinical trials should consider incorporating AROM and strengthening techniques to improve shoulder use after breast cancer treatments.
Timed atomic commitment

Timed atomic commitment is defined, protocols to implement it in a realistic operating environment are devised, and its usefulness is shown through an example. In a large class of hard-real-time control applications, components execute concurrently on distributed nodes and must coordinate, under timing constraints, to perform the control task. As such, they perform a type of atomic commitment. Traditional atomic commitment differs, however, because there are no timing constraints; agreement is eventual. The authors define timed atomic commitment (TAC), which requires the processes to be functionally consistent, but allows the outcome to include an exceptional state, indicating that timing constraints have been violated. Centralized and decentralized protocols to implement TAC are presented. Programming constructs for TAC are introduced, and their use is illustrated in a coordinating robots example. >
VERTICILLIUM DAHLIAE TOXINS INDUCE CHANGES IN EXPRESSION OF A PUTATIVE HISTONE H2B AND A PUMILIO/PUF RNA-BINDING PROTEIN IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA

To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of plant defence response to Verticillium dahliae, we identified the genes whose expression patterns were altered during early response to V. dahliae toxins (VD-toxins) in Arabidopsis seedlings using the mRNA differential display approach. Four true positive bands (DD1, DD2, DD3 and DD4) were confirmed from the 30 differentially displayed bands. The deduced nucleotide sequence of the DD1 and DD2 clones showed strong homology with genes encoding a putative histone H2B and a pumilio /Puf RNA-binding protein, respectively. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR assays suggested that the expression pattern of genes of DD1 and DD2 in two ecotypes of Arabidopsis were clearly different. The results indicate that the putative histone H2B and pumilio /Puf RNA-binding protein encoded by DD1 and DD2 genes may be involved in regulation of the defence responses against VD-toxins in Arabidopsis and the pumilio/Puf RNA-binding protein plays a more important role in the defence responses.
Using generational garbage collection to implement cache-conscious data placement

The cost of accessing main memory is increasing. Machine designers have tried to mitigate the consequences of the processor and memory technology trends underlying this increasing gap with a variety of techniques to reduce or tolerate memory latency. These techniques, unfortunately, are only occasionally successful for pointer-manipulating programs. Recent research has demonstrated the value of a complementary approach, in which pointer-based data structures are reorganized to improve cache locality.This paper studies a technique for using a generational garbage collector to reorganize data structures to produce a cache-conscious data layout, in which objects with high temporal affinity are placed next to each other, so that they are likely to reside in the same cache block. The paper explains how to collect, with low overhead, real-time profiling information about data access patterns in object-oriented languages, and describes a new copying algorithm that utilizes this information to produce a cache-conscious object layout.Preliminary results show that this technique reduces cache miss rates by 21--42%, and improves program performance by 14--37% over Cheney's algorithm. We also compare our layouts against those produced by the Wilson-Lam-Moher algorithm, which attempts to improve program locality at the page level. Our cache-conscious object layouts reduces cache miss rates by 20--41% and improves program performance by 18--31% over their algorithm, indicating that improving locality at the page level is not necessarily beneficial at the cache level.
Alternaria Alternata Infection of Skin in A 6-Year-Old Boy with Aplastic Anemia

Although Alternaria is a very common soil saprophyte and plant pathogen fungus, human infections are rare. A 6-year-old boy with aplastic anemia presented with generalized erythematous papules. Skin biopsies revealed granulomas with fungal elements and grew Alternaria alternata. The lesions disappeared following 7 weeks of antifungal treatment.