cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diseases Affecting the Inner Blood-Retinal Barrier

The inner blood-retinal barrier (I-BRB) is affected by a surprising array of ocular diseases, often with deterioration of vision. These retinal vasculopathies can be classified1’2 within the following eight categories: stretching of the vascular wall; hypoxia; metabolic (chemical, physiologic, and pharmacologic) alterations; inflammatory processes; tapetoretinal dystrophies and retinoschisis; trauma; developmental vascular anomalies; and preretinal neovascularization. This report will provide clinical examples of diseases within each of these major pathogeneses. Frequently, the categories overlap, and may have an additive effect on disturbances of permeability. Thus, disruption of the I-BRB is often multifactorial, and a single disease affecting the retinal vasculature may be classified under more than one category. Diabetic retinopathy, for example, is such a disease, and, because of its complexity and prevalence, is discussed separately.
Third sound on disordered substrates

We are investigating the properties of third sound on disordered two-dimensional substrates that have position-dependent index of refraction values. To do this we have created a disordered array of third sound scatterers by depositing regions of CaF2 onto a glass slide. A second slide is uniformly coated with CaF2 for comparison. We present preliminary results for the third sound transmission spectra across the disordered and uniform regions. The disordered sample exhibits a frequency dependence which is not seen in the uniform sample. The possibility that this is due to Anderson localization is considered.
Cellular Immunity in Aujeszky’s Disease

The roles of cell-mediated and humoral immunity in Aujeszky’s disease (AD) in the pig are discussed, with particular reference to the responses following vaccination with the live avirulent Bartha strain of virus. Maximal lymphocyte stimulation was seen with cells from nodes draining the vaccination site on day 7, but this was much reduced by day 25. Responsive blood lymphocytes appeared on day 7 and were optimally stimulated on days 14–19. Neutralising antibody was not present on day 7 and only low titres were evident from day 14 onwards. In contrast, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) was demonstrable in some pigs on day 7 and very high titres developed by day 14 and later. It is suggested that ADCC is a very sensitive test for immunity in the pig and could be used for monitoring the immune status of herds.
Comparison of Interfaces for the Delivery of Noninvasive Respiratory Support to Low Birthweight Infants.

BACKGROUND: Bench and clinical data indicate that techniques for applying noninvasive respiratory support may vary in terms of effectiveness, application, and tolerability. We implemented a new nasal interface and flow-generation system for the delivery of noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) to replace previously used systems. Our goal was to determine whether there were significant differences in clinically relevant outcomes between our new method and conventional systems. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of preterm infants requiring noninvasive respiratory support during our initial implementation of a new nasal interface (RAM), and compared these data with a historic control group. Demographic, baseline, and clinical outcome data were collected. Clinical outcomes and comorbid conditions were compared by using the chi-square test for categorical information and the Student t test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for quantitative data, depending on normality testing when using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to determine predictive factors for the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. RESULTS: There were no significant group differences in important comorbid conditions, invasive mechanical ventilation days (P = .16), or NRS failure within the first 7 d after birth (P = .10). Although there were no significant differences in the use of CPAP or noninvasive ventilation, settings with were significantly higher (P CONCLUSIONS: The ability to apply continuous distending pressure through consistent application of NRS with the RAM cannula attached to a ventilator may improve clinical outcomes, including the duration of respiratory support and pressure-ulcer rates. The influence of this system on the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the significantly increased retinopathy of prematurity requires further study.
Indispensable cross-talk between 4-1BB and MyD88 in CD8 T cells mediates costimulatory and anti-tumor effects

T signaling within T cells augments plays a critical role in antitumor responses; MyD88 signaling enhances their survival, facilitates their transition into memory T cells and augments their effector function. In contrast, MyD88 deficiency in T cells results in reduced survival and expansion potential. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the prosurvival effects of MyD88 signaling in T cells are poorly understood. Microarray gene analysis data between TLR1-TLR2stimulated and unstimulated TCR transgenic pmel and MyD88-/-pmel CD8 T cells revealed changes in expression levels of several TNF family members. In particular, TLR-MyD88 stimulation increased 4-1BB mRNA and protein levels in pmel and in tumorspecific T cells from melanoma patients. Crosstalk between 4-1BB and MyD88 signaling was highlighted by in fact that: (1) inhibiting 4-1BBL–41BB interaction with neutralizing antibodies hampered the costimulatory effects of TLR1-TLR2 agonist, (2) 4-1BB-/or 4-1BB-/-pmel T cells did not respond to TLR1-TLR2 agonist and (3) MyD88–/– T cells barely responded to 4-1BB stimulation. Furthermore, wild type but not MyD88-deficient mice treated with agonistic anti-4-1BB antibody conjugated to a TLR1-TLR2 agonist increased numbers of tumor–reactive T cells and reversed the growth of an established B16 melanoma tumor. These studies provide novel insights regarding cross-talk between TLR-MyD88–4-1BB signaling in T cells and suggest an approach for enhancing the anticancer efficacy of 4-1BB antibody.
Opium, the United States, and the Civilizing Mission in Colonial Southeast Asia1

AbstractOpium played a critical and contradictory role in the rhetoric and practice of the civilizing mission in colonial Southeast Asia at the turn civilizing projects, while colonial governments ...
Clinical practice guidelines and the overuse of health care services: need for reform.

KEY POINTS Clinical practice guidelines can enhance the delivery of evidence-based health care. Yet, after reviewing the same evidence, at about the same time and from the same sets of clinical trials, medical panels in different parts of the world have issued varying, and sometimes even conflicting
Outcomes Following Treatment of Talar Osteochondral Lesions with a Mixture of Particulate Allogenic Cartilage Extracellular Matrix and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate: A Case Control Series:

Objectives:There continues to be a general lack of consensus regarding the optimal treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). Microfracture, once considered the gold-standard, has bee...
Jupyter for Teaching Data Science

A recent evolution of cloud-based tools creates an easy and powerful way for students to access the industry standard data science tools from within a browser window. Jupyter notebooks were originally developed for sharing of scientific results and reproducible open science. However, when delivered through a cloud-based server, they have huge benefits for teaching, including removing the need to install any software locally or require any specific machine to be used by students. UC Berkeley has extensive experience teaching via Jupyter, including the popular introductory Data 8 course, small Data Science Modules in non- Data Science classes, and advanced work in the Data 100 and Data 102 ( Machine Learning) classes. There is a library of OER curricular materials to share between institutions. In addition, Multiple languages and interfaces can be served, from Jupyter in multiple languages, Rstudio, and even a Linux desktop, as well as auto-grading approaches. We are interested to share experiences across institutions utilizing this approach. The use of teaching Jupyterhubs to date, both for introductory to Data Science courses, as well as more advanced topics is growing rapidly. We would like to have a conversation about how to use Jupyterhubs and teaching Jupyter notebooks from a variety of instructors and institutions. We are also interested in how to provide these types of resources to additional educational settings who may be more resource constrained.
Application of a Novel Machine Learning Approach to SiPM-Based Neutron/Gamma Detection and Discrimination

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) have become a common component of radiation detection systems and have shown promise in distinguishing neutrons and gammas when coupled with detectors sensitive to both particle types. This work investigates the use of a novel machine learning (ML) approach to aid in this discrimination. The proposed ML algorithm performs a regression on a conventionally calculated pulse shape parameter (PSP), producing a more representative PSP while allowing for direct comparison to the traditional pulse shape discrimination (PSD) technique. This work also investigates how the proposed ML-based PSD approach can benefit different scintillator and light-sensor combinations with varying levels of traditional PSD performance, especially those based on SiPMs. A preliminary implementation of the regression method with a Hamamatsu SiPM and stilbene scintillator combination on a data set of mixed gamma and neutron pulses from 252Cf resulted in an increase in the figure of merit of approximately 100% compared to the traditional PSD technique.
The effects of methylphenidate on prepulse inhibition during attended and ignored prestimuli among boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Abstract Rationale and objectives. The present study investigated attentional modification of prepulse inhibition of startle among boys with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Two hypotheses were tested: (1) whether ADHD is associated with diminished prepulse inhibition during attended prestimuli, but not ignored prestimuli, and (2) whether methylphenidate selectively increases prepulse inhibition to attended prestimuli among boys with ADHD. Methods. Participants were 17 boys with ADHD and 14 controls. Participants completed a tone discrimination task in each of two sessions separated by 1 week. ADHD boys were administered methylphenidate (0.3 mg/kg) in one session and placebo in the other session in a randomized, double-blind fashion. During each series of 72 tones (75 dB; half 1200-Hz, half 400-Hz), participants were paid to attend to one pitch and ignore the other. Bilateral eyeblink electromyogram startle responses were recorded in response to acoustic probes (50-ms, 102-dB white noise) presented following the onset of two-thirds of tones, and during one-third of intertrial intervals. Results. Relative to controls, boys with ADHD exhibited diminished prepulse inhibition 120 ms after onset of attended but not ignored prestimuli following placebo administration. Methylphenidate selectively increased prepulse inhibition to attended prestimuli at 120 ms among boys with ADHD to a level comparable to that of controls, who did not receive methylphenidate. Conclusions. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that ADHD involves diminished selective attention and suggest that methylphenidate ameliorates the symptoms of ADHD, at least in part, by altering an early attentional mechanism.
Antenatal care for postbariatric women

Abstract Along with the dramatic increase in obesity worldwide, there has been a significant rise in bariatric procedures performed on morbidly obese, reproductive-age women. While current evidence suggests an improved metabolic profile with an overall improved obstetric outcome after bariatric surgery, these procedures are not without risk. Nutritional deficiencies and surgical complications may arise that can lead to adverse perinatal outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach to prenatal care and a high index of suspicion for recognizing complications related to these procedures is required to optimize obstetrical outcome in this patient population.
Association of RAS Mutation Location and Oncologic Outcomes After Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

RAS mutations are prognostic for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We investigated clinical, pathologic, and survival differences based on RAS exon for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This retrospective, single-center study included patients with R0/R1 resection of CRLM from 1992 to 2016. Patients with unresected extrahepatic disease or liver-first resection were excluded. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival were assessed and stratified by mutation status and location. Fisher’s exact test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and log-rank test were used, where appropriate. A total of 938 mCRC patients were identified with median age of 57 (range 19–91). Of the 445 patients with KRAS mutations, 407 (91%) had a mutation in exon 2, 14 (3%) exon 3, and 24 (5%) exon 4. Median OS was 71.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 66.1–76.5). Patients with KRAS mutations had worse OS compared with KRAS wild-type patients (median 55.5 vs. 91.3 months, p < 0.001). While there was no significant difference in OS based on the exon mutated (p = 0.12), 5-year OS was higher for patients with exon 4 mutations [68.8% (95% CI 0.45–0.84)] compared with those with mutations in exon 2 [45.7% (95% CI 0.40–0.51)] or exon 3 [39.1% (95% CI: 0.11–0.68)]. Patients with NRAS mutant tumors also had worse OS compared with NRAS wild-type patients (median 50.9 vs. 73.3 months, p = 0.03). NRAS and KRAS exon 3/4 mutations are present in a minority of mCRC patients. Patients with exon 4 mutant tumors may have a more favorable prognosis, although the difference in oncologic outcomes based on mutated exon appears to be smaller than previously reported.
“The Witness Is Passing By”: Femminicidio and the Politics of Representation in Italy

In this article, I narrate the story of Anfora, a personified art object considered a “witness” of gendered violence and femicide, in a political campaign organized by the feminist group Unione Don...
Stop tempting your students to cheat.

Abstract Introduction Maintaining academic integrity is paramount for educators, and even more so for health science educators, where the health of patients is potentially at stake. However, as more content and assessments are pushed into an online forum, more hurdles are being placed in the path of keeping everyone honest without requiring significant financial resources for online proctoring of every assessment. This commentary explores the suggestion of re-evaluating the need for graded course assessments as a way to uphold academic integrity. Commentary One reason pharmacy students participate in academic dishonesty is the nature of the assessments employed, with students more likely to cheat on higher stakes assessments (i.e. graded assessments). There is an established difference between learning and performance, where a learning environment encourages mistakes and graded assessments lead more to performance. While the use of retrieval practice can facilitate learning, this can be done with ungraded formative assessments without decline in summative assessment scores. Implications Transitioning formative assessments from graded to ungraded while keeping them closed-book and at an appropriate level of difficulty allows for learners to make mistakes, utilize retrieval practice, and ultimately, learn. This transition also allows the pharmacy program to spend their financial resources on proctoring summative assessments only. Making this change strikes a balance between learning and performance while still making strides to maintain academic integrity.
Magnus expansion and in-medium similarity renormalization group

We present an improved variant of the in-medium similarity renormalization group (IM-SRG) based on the Magnus expansion. In the new formulation, one solves flow equations for the anti-Hermitian operator that, upon exponentiation, yields the unitary transformation of the IM-SRG. The resulting flow equations can be solved using a first-order Euler method without any loss of accuracy, resulting in substantial memory savings and modest computational speedups. Since one obtains the unitary transformation directly, the transformation of additional operators beyond the Hamiltonian can be accomplished with little additional cost, in sharp contrast to the standard formulation of the IM-SRG. Ground state calculations of the homogeneous electron gas (HEG) and $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ nucleus are used as test beds to illustrate the efficacy of the Magnus expansion.
How does ankle mechanical stiffness change as a function of muscle activation in standing and during the late stance of walking.

Objective: Ankle joint stiffness is known to be modulated by co-contraction of the ankle muscles; however, it is unclear to what extent changes in agonist muscle activation alone affect ankle joint stiffness. This study tested the effects of varying levels of ankle muscle activation on ankle joint mechanical stiffness in standing and during the late stance phase of walking. Methods: Dorsiflexion perturbations were applied at various levels of ankle muscle activation via a robotic platform in standing and walking conditions. In standing, muscle activation was modulated by having participants perform an EMG target matching task that required varying levels of plantarflexor activation. In walking, muscle activation was modulated by changing walking speeds through metronome-based auditory feedback. Ankle stiffness was evaluated by performing a Least-squares system identification using a parametric model consisting of stiffness, damping, and inertia. The association between ankle muscle activation and joint stiffness was evaluated using correlation analyses. Linear regression models were used to determine the extent to which muscle activation contributed to ankle stiffness. An inclusive statistical approach (both classical and Bayesian analyses) was adopted to measure the statistical significance (p-value) and Bayes Factor (BF10). Results: Results indicate that plantarflexor activity was positively correlated with ankle stiffness in both standing and walking (p 1000), whereas dorsiflexor activity was negatively correlated with ankle stiffness in walking (p=0.014, BF10=5.1) but not in standing (p=0.725). Regression analyses indicated that ankle muscle activation predicted about 84% of the variation in ankle stiffness in standing and 45% in walking (p 100). Conclusion: Ankle muscle activation significantly contributes to ankle stiffness during standing and walking. Significance: The results highlight the role of muscle activation on maintaining joint stiffness and underscore the importance of accounting for muscle activation when measuring ankle stiffness in healthy as well as patient populations.
A global adaptive link position tracking controller for robot manipulators driven by induction motors

In this paper, we present an adaptive, partial-state feedback, link position tracking controller for robot manipulators driven by induction motors. The proposed controller compensates for parametric uncertainty in the mechanical subsystem while yielding global asymptotic link position tracking. The proposed controller does not require measurement of rotor flux; furthermore, the controller does not exhibit any singularities.
Enhancing the professionalisation of student affairs through assessment

The past decades have seen an increase in the attention and focus of student affairs work in Africa. As the profession works to strengthen its reputation and value within higher education through conferences, organisations and publications, student affairs professionals can also raise the stature of the profession through work on their individual campuses. Engaging in assessment may be one such opportunity. As a way to create a common language regarding student affairs assessment, this paper provides an overview of the definitions, types and purposes of assessment. The thought is that viewing assessment as an integral, rather than ‘extra’ aspect of student affairs and incorporating these activities within their work, student affairs professionals will not only improve the effectiveness of their work with students but also can help legitimise the field as a profession.
GAMMA RAYS FROM BOMBARDMENT OF LIGHT AND INTERMEDIATE WEIGHT NUCLEI BY 16- TO 160-MeV PROTONS AND 59-MeV ALPHA PARTICLES.

Gamma rays from bombardment by protons and alpha particles, discussing production cross sections in carbon and oxygen obtained from absolute spectra
Learning Bayesian Networks is NP-Complete

Algorithms for learning Bayesian networks from data have two components: a scoring metric and a search procedure. The scoring metric computes a score reflecting the goodness-of-fit of the structure to the data. The search procedure tries to identify network structures with high scores. Heckerman et al. (1995) introduce a Bayesian metric, called the BDe metric, that computes the relative posterior probability of a network structure given data. In this paper, we show that the search problem of identifying a Bayesian network—among those where each node has at most K parents—that has a relative posterior probability greater than a given constant is NP-complete, when the BDe metric is used.
The Solution of Robust Decoupling Problem

This paper presents the concept of loop-decoupling as a means of robust input- output decoupling of MIMO systems. A class of multivariable systems may be designed with sufficient stability robustness by imposing post-compensators in order to make the modified plants diagonal, then dynamic compensators could be found, as in conventional single-input-output design, for each decoupled loop in order to achieve robust stabilization. Therefore, each loop features sufficient robustness to the gain perturbations involved in each channel between the actuator outputs and the plant inputs. A stable precompensator is then chosen for the robustly stabilized system to achieve robust input-output decoupling.
Statistics of the subgap states of s ± superconductors

There is strong support in favor of an unusual s{+-} superconducting state in the recently discovered iron-based superconductors in which the gap parameter has opposite signs in different bands. In this case, scattering between different bands by impurities has a pair-breaking effect and introduces states inside the gap. We studied the statistics of disorder-induced subgap states in s{+-} superconductors due to collective effects of impurities. Numerically solving the two-band Bogolyubov equations, we explored the behavior of the density of states and localization length. We located the mobility edge separating the localized and delocalized states for the three-dimensional case and the crossover between the weak and strong localization regimes for the two-dimensional case. We found that the widely used self-consistent T-matrix approximation is not very accurate in describing subgap states.
PEM fuel cell stack heat and mass management

PEM stacks are under evaluation as candidates for future space power technology. Results of long-term operation on a set of contemporary stacks fitted with different proton exchange membrane materials are given. Data on water balances show effects of membrane materials on stack performance.
Sirtuin 1 induces autophagy to suppress liver ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice (1115.1)

Autophagy clears dysfunctional proteins and organelles in a timely manner. Defective autophagy and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction is a key mechanism of I/R injury to the liver. Sirtuin 1 (SIR...
Ionic conductivity of Li5AlO4 and Li5GaO4 in moist air environments: Potential humidity sensors

Abstract In moist air environments, the ionic conductivity of polycrystalline Li5AlO4 and Li5GaO4 at 500°C is found to increase 2–3 orders of magnitude in nearly an exponential manner with increasing moisture content (measured for vapor pressures up to ∼ 24 torr). The conductivity rate of response with changing humidity increases with decreasing sample thickness and appears to depend upon the surface-to-volume ratio. Results suggest that these materials may be uniquely suited as humidity sensors for high temperature environments.
The first reported evidence of single electron transfer in the 1,2-addition of primary Grignard reagents to ketones

Abstract The first evidence to support the electron transfer nature of the reaction of primary Grignard reagents with aromatic ketones is presented.
Methylammonium uptake by Escherichia coli: evidence for a bacterial NH4+ transport system.

Abstract Energy-dependent concentrative uptake of 14CH3NH3+ by cells of Escherichia coli provides preliminary evidence for one or more transport systems for NH4+ uptake. NH4+, but not glutamic acid, inhibited the uptake of 14CH3NH3+. Varying the pH for the uptake assays exposed two apparent systems: one maximally functioning at pH 7 that was strongly inhibited by cyanide or by the uncoupler m -chlorophenyl carbonylcyanide hydrazone and another maximally functioning at pH 9 and resistant to cyanide or m -chlorophenyl carbonylcyanide hydrazone. Kinetic analysis showed considerable experimental variability from day to day. Often simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics were not followed, but NH4+ was reproducibly a stronger inhibitor of uptake of 14CH3NH3+ than was nonradioactive CH3NH3+.
Effect of shoreline irregularities on streamwise dispersion in estuaries and other embayments

Abstract Irregularities in the shoreline of an embayment act as a trap for water properties such as an introduced pollutant. The exchange of water between the trap and the main body may lead to an effective longitudinal dispersion of these properties. A mathematical model for this problem is developed, in which the exchange process between the trap and main body can be parameterized by the geometry of the system as well as by an exchange rate coefficient. In effect, the trap system behaves as a localized source-and-sink of substance for the main body of water. The model enables us to discuss the moments of the substance distribution. It is shown that, depending upon the values of parameters chosen, the presence of a trap may enhance or suppress the rate of dispersion in the main stream. This study suggests that the entrapment phenomenon may be a process of practical importance in longitudinal dispersion of substance in estuaries and coastal waters.
Increasing black students' utilization of mental health services.

Patterns of utilization of college mental health services are similor to those of community services, in that both are under-used by black people, who are seen mainly at crisis points. The senior author, a black psychiatric social worker, discusses the reasons for this, and describes methods that significantly increased black student participation in a pilot program of mental health services at a city college.
Isomer specific analysis of selected chlorodibenzofurans

Abstract Two-dimensional gas chromatography has been used to provide full chromatographic resolution of three chlorodibenzofuran isomers. The materials studied were: 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran, 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran and 1,2,3,7,8,9-hexachlorodibenzofuran. The materials were detected using medium resolution mass spectrometry.
Living With Stigma: Women’s Experiences of Prostitution and Substance Use

Interpretive phenomenology was used to analyze interviews with 14 women who were recruited from a Midwestern program that provides prostitution-specific services. The participants described day-to-day experiences living with labeling, violence, and discrimination that were directed at them because of their involvement in prostitution and substance use. They also discussed their perceptions of being altered permanently by their activities as well as the ways in which they resist internalizing the negative messages that were directed at them. In this article, the construct of stigma is used to characterize these experiences. This article details the women’s experience of living with stigma and presents implications for direct practice and policy.
Isolated Elevation in Troponin T After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Is Associated With Higher Long-Term Mortality

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate whether, in patients with normal post-procedure CK-MB, an isolated elevation in cardiac troponin T (cTnT) predicts long-term survival. BACKGROUND Cardiac troponin T is a sensitive and specific marker of myonecrosis. There is little known about the incidence and prognostic significance of an isolated elevation of cTnT without a rise in creatine kinase (CK)-MB following PCI. METHODS We evaluated the outcomes of 1,949 patients from the Mayo Clinic registry who had normal pre-procedure cTnT and CK-MB, required nonemergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and had normal CK-MB after the procedure. RESULTS An elevation in cTnT (cTnT+) was observed in 383 patients (19.6%) (median 0.04 ng/ml, interquartile range 0.03 to 0.06 ng/ml). The TnT+ status was associated with adverse clinical and angiographic characteristics, and multivessel PCI. Over the median follow-up duration of 26 months, mortality (p < 0.001) and the combined rate of death and myocardial infarction (p = 0.004) were significantly higher in cTnT+ patients. Estimated 3-year survival for those with and without cTnT elevation was 86.9% and 93.2%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, an elevation in cTnT after PCI was an independent predictor of increased long-term mortality. A doubling in the post-PCI cTnT was associated with a partial hazard ratio of 1.20 (95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.40; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS An isolated minor elevation in cTnT after PCI provides long-term prognostic information regarding mortality and myocardial infarction.
X-ray scattering study of the thermal roughening of Ag(110).

We present the results of a high-resolution x-ray scattering study of the thermal roughening of Ag(110). Using scattering from the bulk forbidden (11\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}0) surface peak as a probe, we obtain direct information about thermal variations in the height-height correlation function. Specifically, we find that the surface undergoes a roughening transition at ${T}_{R}$=(450\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}25)\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Above ${T}_{R}$, the rough phase is characterized by logarithmically divergent height fluctuations.
Finite element analysis to predict the cyclic hysteretic behavior and failure of end-plate connections

Abstract In this paper, the development of a computer program to analyze the moment-rotation behavior of end-plate connections subjected to seismic loading is presented. A three-dimensional finite element procedure has been developed for the analysis. Only half of a symmetric section, including both the tension and compression portions of the connection have been modeled. Idealized bilinear stress-strain curves have been considered for the end-plate (A36) and bolt (A325) materials. The inelastic behavior of the materials has been modeled using incremental plasticity theory described by the von Mises yield criterion and Mroz's kinematic hardening model. The computer program developed has the capability of applying pretention loads to bolts in the connection model. It can also evaluate the boundary conditions at the back of the end-plate to account for the end-plate separation and computes the relative end-plate rotation. The program also identifies fractured elements and redistributes the strain energy from these fractured elements to the unfractured continuum before the external load is incremented. Failure of the connection is identified in the program when unstable crack growth occurs or when the connection experiences a loss in moment capacity. The results predicted by the automated analysis procedure were verified by comparison with experimental results obtained for three connection geometries in which only the end-plate thickness was varied. Based on the comparison of analytical and experimental results it was concluded that the finite element computer program gave sufficiently accurate results.
Chief Residency in Radiology: A Primer for Success

Listening is important not only because it is necessary to know what others think but because it gives people the sense that their new leader values who they are as individuals and their departmental culture.. . .The great leaders are not the ones who have never made mistakes. They are the ones who seize every mistake they make as an opportunity to learn and improve. —Richard B. Gunderman, MD, PhD [1]
Chitin synthesis in Spodoptera frugiperda wing imaginal discs. II. Selective action of chlorfluazuron on wheat germ agglutinin binding and cuticle ultrastructure

The action of the chitin synthesis inhibitor, chlorfluazuron, was investigated in Spodoptera frugiperda wing imaginal discs cultured in vitro. Electron microscopy and cytochemical labeling with a lectin, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), were used to monitor morphogenesis, as well as the presence and localization of chitin and non-polymerized N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc). Chlorfluazuron (CFA) selectively inhibited 20- hydroxyecdysone–stimulated chitin synthesis and procuticle deposition in imaginal discs, without otherwise affecting their morphogenesis. Tracheole migration, evagination, exocytosis, and endocytosis in the epithelial cells, and the presence of non-polymerized GlcNAc in the extracellular matrix, were observed in both CFA-treated and control wing discs. On the other hand, CFA prevented the appearance of WGA-labeled chitin in newly formed procuticle, while the deposition of proteinaceous cuticulin and epicuticle was unaffected. A brief treatment with CFA resulted in WGA labeling of non-polymerized GlcNAc, but not chitin in the procuticle region. The lack of chitin in CFA treated wing discs was correlated with the appearance of an amorphous, non-lamellar procuticle region. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.1
Male breast cancer: An update in diagnosis, treatment and molecular profiling

Significant advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of female breast cancer, resulting in a decline in incidence and a global improvement in clinical outcome. The statistics for male breast cancer (MBC) stand in sharp contrast—over the past several decades, there has been a steady rise in the incidence of this disease, and clinical outcome has improved at a much slower pace. In the current review, the clinicopathologic features of MBC are described in detail. An emphasis is placed on molecular profiling of MBC, which may identify candidate biomarkers and putative targets for pharmacologic intervention. The current role of cytotoxic chemotherapy and endocrine therapy (including tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors and GnRH analogues) is defined in the context of currently available studies. Furthermore, the potential role of targeted agents, including HER2-directed therapies, PARP inhibitors, and angiogenesis inhibitors, is delineated.
A reconfigurable augmentative communication device

In this demonstration we present a highly reconfigurable augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. The people in need of these devices often have a wide range of disabilities, and the setup required to start a person using an AAC system is often time consuming and labor intensive. Our device streamlines the setup process, allowing caregivers to quickly configure the interface to best suit the user's needs. Setup times compared to previous AAC devices are reduced from hours to minutes. This allows the caregiver to maximize the effectiveness of the device for the end user. It also makes it possible for the device to be adapted over time as the user's needs change.
Peripheral angiotensin II is not the cause of sodium appetite in the rat

Activation of the renin-angiotensin system has been shown to arouse both water and sodium intake in the rat. The following experiments examine the contributions of the peripheral and central renin-angiotensin systems to the expression of sodium appetite in the adrenal-intact rat. Firstly, we find that, unlike intracerebroventricular angiotensin II, intravenous administration of the hormone at dipsogenic doses does not arouse sodium intake in the sodium replete rat when given alone or in combination with systemic mineralocorticoid pretreatment. Secondly, in the sodium depleted rat, we find that interference with central, but not peripheral, angiotensin II action suppresses sodium appetite. Together, these data confirm recent evidence which demonstrates that it is angiotensin II of cerebral origin, not angiotensin II of renal origin, that is necessary for the expression of sodium appetite.
Identification of Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 2 as a Coactivator for Estrogen Receptor α

In an attempt to isolate cofactors capable of influencing estrogen receptor α (ERα) transcriptional activity, we used yeast two-hybrid screening and identified protein arginine methyltransferase 2 (PRMT2) as a new ERα-binding protein. PRMT2 interacted directly with three ERα regions including AF-1, DNA binding domain, and hormone binding domain in a ligand-independent fashion. The ERα-interacting region on PRMT2 has been mapped to a region encompassing amino acids 133–275. PRMT2 also binds to ERβ, PR, TRβ, RARα, PPARγ, and RXRα in a ligand-independent manner. PRMT2 enhanced both ERα AF-1 and AF-2 transcriptional activity, and the potential methyltransferase activity of PRMT2 appeared pivotal for its coactivator function. In addition, PRMT2 enhanced PR, PPARγ, and RARα-mediated transactivation. Although PRMT2 was found to interact with two other coactivators, the steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-interacting protein (PRIP), no synergistic enhancement of ERα transcriptional activity was observed when PRMT2 was coexpressed with either PRIP or SRC-1. In this respect PRMT2 differs from coactivators PRMT1 and CARM1 (coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase). These results suggest that PRMT2 is a novel ERα coactivator.
Experimental comparison of opposed and concurrent flame spread in a forced convective microgravity environment

Abstract Flame spread experiments in both concurrent and opposed flow have been carried out in a 5.18-s drop tower with a thin cellulose fuel. Flame spread rate and flame length have been measured over a range of 0–30 cm/s forced flow (in both directions), 3.6–14.7 psia, and oxygen mole fractions 0.24–0.85 in nitrogen. Results are presented for each of the three variables independently to elucidate their individual effects, with special emphasis on pressure/oxygen combinations that result in earth-equivalent oxygen partial pressures (normoxic conditions). Correlations using all three variables combined into a single parameter to predict flame spread rate are presented. The correlations are used to demonstrate that opposed flow flames in typical spacecraft ventilation flows (5–20 cm/s) spread faster than concurrent flow flames under otherwise similar conditions (pressure, oxygen concentration) in nearly all spacecraft atmospheres. This indicates that in the event of an actual fire aboard a spacecraft, the fire is likely to grow most quickly in the opposed mode as the upstream flame spreads faster and the downstream flame is inhibited by the vitiated atmosphere produced by the upstream flame. Additionally, an interesting phenomenon was observed at intermediate values of concurrent forced flow velocity where flow/flame interactions produced a recirculation downstream of the flame, which allowed an opposed flow leading edge to form there.
Protein extracts from early embryonic hearts initiate cardiac endothelial cytodifferentiation.

Prior to the formation of multiple chambers, the embryonic heart consists of two epithelial tubes, one within the other. As development proceeds, portions of the inner epithelium, i.e., the endothelium, undergo a morphological transformation into a migrating mesenchymal cell population. Our results show that this transformation is affected by proteins secreted by the outer epithelium, i.e., the myocardium, into the extracellular matrix between these two tissues. This conclusion is based on tissue autoradiographic studies of whole embryo cultures with 3H-amino acids. Continuous labeling conditions generated an apparent gradient of proteins extending away from the myocardium and contacting the endothelium just prior to the formation of mesenchyme, i.e., activation of the transformation sequence. Pulse/chase studies confirmed this directional movement of matrix protein. By performing sequential extractions of preactivation staged embryonic hearts with EDTA and testicular hyaluronidase followed by ammonium sulfate precipitation we obtained an enriched preparation of cardiac extracellular matrix. This fraction was capable of eliciting several of the events characteristic of endothelial activation in vitro. These events included: (i) cell-cell separation, (ii) lateral cell mobility, and (iii) hypertrophy and polarization of intracellular PAS staining (Golgi apparati). The biological activity of the extract was sensitive to heat denaturation: a homogenate of the remaining extracted tissue would not substitute for the matrix extract. Morphologically the extracted hearts appeared intact, however, the extracellular matrix space was significantly diminished. No more than 6% of the total lactic dehydrogenase activity, a cytosolic enzyme, was found in the extract. Preliminary electrophoretic characterization of the extract (metabolically labeled with 14C-amino acids) indicated that it may contain as many as 35 proteins or subunits. The relationship of ECM to endothelial differentiation in cardiac morphogenesis is discussed as a model for other developmental systems.
The development of peripheral nerve fibers in altered surroundings

The following statements hold for embryos ofRana operated upon in a stage when the medullary folds are closed and the tail bud is barely visible.
A comparison of the effects of two inhibitors on brain cholinesterase.

In the present paper various routes of administration (i.m., i.v. and i.c.v.) of physostigmine are compared and the effect of two drugs producing inhibition of cholinesterase, physostigmine and metrifonate, on the activity of cholinesterase in the brain of the rat and on levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and choline (Ch). After intramuscular administration of physostigmine (500 micrograms/kg), the activity of cholinesterase in brain was maximally inhibited (76%) at 5 min and recovered to 50% at 40 min. At 5 min, areas of the brain such as the striatum and medulla oblongata showed 49 and 67% inhibition, respectively. Levels of physostigmine in brain peaked at 5 min (1.28 nmol/g). With the exception of the cerebellum, there was a direct correlation between the concentration of physostigmine and inhibition of cholinesterase in a given area. With the intravenous route of administration (100 micrograms/kg), the activity of cholinesterase in brain was maximally inhibited (67%) at 3 min and recovered to 50% at 12 min. At 60 min, the activity of cholinesterase was 90% of control. Levels of physostigmine in brain peaked at 2 min (0.47 nmol/g). At 15 min, with intraventricular administration (4 micrograms), the activity of cholinesterase was 73% and 31% inhibited in the hippocampus and striatum, respectively. Other areas of brain showed intermediate values of inhibition. Levels of acetylcholine were increased 18 and 22% above control in the striatum and hippocampus, respectively and did not change in the medulla. After intramuscular administration of metrifonate (80 mg/kg), the activity of cholinesterase decreased to 26% at 30 min, recovered to 50% at 180 min and returned to 74% at 360 min. Levels of acetylcholine increased by 45% at 45 min, then returned to normal by 120 min. When metrifonate (2.5 mg) was given intraventricularly the activity of cholinesterase decreased in the left side injected at 30 min to 20% in hippocampus; 22% in the medulla; 50% in the cerebellum; 58% in the striatum and 72% in cortex. Levels of acetylcholine increased maximally at 45 min in hippocampus and cortex and peaked in the striatum at 60 min. The greatest increases were seen in the hippocampus and cortex with 60 and 55%, respectively. The results of this study reveal some major differences between the effects of the two substances in brain. Four major conclusions are apparent from this study. First, based on these results, it is concluded that metrifonate is more likely to produce a therapeutic effect in humans.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Analysis of Unsteady Aerodynamics for Elastic Bodies in Supersonic Flow

The harmonic potential panel method (HPP, also known as HGM) developed for nonplanar wings in supersonic flight is generalized in its capability to include flexible bodies performing bending oscillations. Three different coordinate systems (namely, the wind-fixed, body-fixed, and pseudo-wind-fixed) are first investigated. It is shown that the singularity at the apex is removed in the last two coordinate systems. The present HPP method is based on the formulation of a line-doublet paneling scheme, which is general for axisymmetric bodies of arbitrary shapes, allows for slope discontinuity, and is valid in the full frequency range. Because of the harmonic gradient model, the number of elements required is least affected by the given Mach number and reduced frequency. To validate the present HPP method, the computed results in various limits are verified with slenderbody theory, piston theory, measured stability derivatives, and steady velocities, as calculated by other methods for different body shapes.
Circulation around a thin zonal island

Author Posting. © Cambridge University Press, 2001. This article is posted here by permission of Cambridge University Press for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Journal of Fluid Mechanics 437 (2001): 301-323, doi:10.1017/S0022112001004402.
Acculturation and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Latina Adolescents Transitioning to Young Adulthood

Latinas in the United States are at a disproportionate risk for STDs and sexual risk behaviors. Among Latinas, acculturation has been found to be one of the most important predictors of these behaviors. Therefore, this study examined the longitudinal association between Latina adolescents' level of acculturation and multiple sexual risk outcomes, including self-report STD diagnosis, four or more life-time sex partners, regret of sexual initiation after alcohol use, and lack of condom use during young adulthood. Based on the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), this study includes a nationally representative sample of 1,073 Latina adolescents (ages 11-20 at Wave 1) transitioning into young adulthood (ages 18-27 at Wave 3). Our findings indicate that more acculturated Latinas who spoke English at home were more likely to have STDs and to exhibit sexual risk behaviors than Latinas who were foreign-born and did not use English at home. Interventions that aim to promote sexual and reproductive health among young Latinas should take into consideration their different levels of acculturation. This approach holds greater potential for reducing health disparities among Latinas.
Radiation Hardening of CMOS Technologies - AN Overview

The current status of four technologies for manufacturing radiation-hardened complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor integrated circuits is presented. The technologies include both aluminum-gate and silicon-gate CMOS structures formed on bulk-silicon and on silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) substrates. The hardness levels achieved on large-scale integrated circuits fabricated in each of these technologies is given. In addition some historical background is included.