cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pancreas and Biliary Tract

Fine needle aspiration and small tissue biopsies have become a primary modality to obtain a definitive diagnosis of a mass-like lesion of the pancreas. This chapter delineated cytologic and histologic features of common and rare pancreatic neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions. The utilities and pitfalls of commonly used diagnostic immunohistochemical (IHC) stains such as pVHL, maspin, S100P, IMP3, and DPC4, and small diagnostic IHC panels, were described. Multiple challenging and yet practical cases at the end of the chapter were used to reemphasize important points illustrated throughout the chapter.
Dysprosium-Modified Tobacco Mosaic Virus Nanoparticles for Ultra-High-Field Magnetic Resonance and Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Prostate Cancer.

The increasing prevalence of ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (UHFMRI) in biomedical research and clinical settings will improve the resolution and diagnostic accuracy of MRI scans. However, better contrast agents are needed to achieve a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio. Here, we report the synthesis of a bimodal contrast agent prepared by loading the internal cavity of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) nanoparticles with a dysprosium (Dy3+) complex and the near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) dye Cy7.5. The external surface of TMV was conjugated with an Asp-Gly-Glu-Ala (DGEA) peptide via a polyethylene glycol linker to target integrin α2β1. The resulting nanoparticle (Dy-Cy7.5-TMV-DGEA) was stable and achieved a high transverse relaxivity in ultra-high-strength magnetic fields (326 and 399 mM–1 s–1 at 7 and 9.4 T, respectively). The contrast agent was also biocompatible (low cytotoxicity) and targeted PC-3 prostate cancer cells and tumors in vitro and in vivo as confirmed by bimodal NIRF imaging and T...
A History of Qualia

The philosophers’ concept of qualia is an artifact of bad theorizing, and in particular, of failing to appreciate the distinction between the intentional object of a belief (for instance) and the cause(s) of that belief. Qualia, like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, have a history but that does not make them real. The cause of a hallucination, for instance, may not resemble the intentional object hallucinated at all, and the representation in the brain is not rendered in special subjective properties (qualia).
Combining asymmetric PCR-based enzymatic amplification with silicon photonic microring resonators for the detection of lncRNAs from low input human RNA samples

A method for quantifying biologically relevant long-non-coding RNAs by combining nucleic acid amplification via asymmetric polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with label-free PCR product detection using silicon photonic microring resonator arrays is described. This approach eliminates the need for fluorophores, which presents a limit for spectral multiplexing in conventional qPCR methods, and rather offers potential for much higher levels of plexity by spatially arraying capture probes. Here, we demonstrate the potential of this technique to detect two differentially expressed lncRNA transcripts and an internal control mRNA transcript in different commercial human tissue specimens, as well as in a glioblastoma cell line using only nanogram input amounts of total RNA. The obtained results were validated using single-plex RT-qPCR and found to be in good agreement, demonstrating the potential of this technique for lncRNA quantification applications.
Individual differences and information retrieval: implications on web design

The study investigated effects of user variables on information seeking behavior on the Web. Among other user variables, the study focused on cognitive style and online search experience, and examined how these variables influence users' search performance and choice of navigational tools on the Web. It was found that among individuals with little or no online search experience, cognitive style influenced their search performance and usage of search/navigational tools. Those with field-dependent cognitive style tended to complete search tasks by spending longer time and by following more steps than those with field-independent cognitive style. The field-dependents also tended to use Home button and embedded links more frequently than the field-independents. Among individuals with substantial online search experience, however, their cognitive style did not seem to influence any of the search performance or tool usage. Both the field-dependent and field-independents found information equally well, showing little difference in the use of search/navigational tools. Regarding jump tools, individuals with substantial online search experience tended to use the tools more frequently than those with little or no experience. Based on these findings, recommendations on Web interface were provided for facilitating the search and navigation on the Web.
Parental body mass as a determinant of egg size and egg output in an arctiid moth (Utetheisa ornatrix)

Females of the moth Utetheisa ornatrix (family Arctiidae) mate preferentially with larger males. As a consequence, females have larger sons and daughters, which have been shown to be more acceptable in courtship and more fecund, respectively. We demonstrate that mating with larger males results in accelerated oviposition by the female on the day after mating and that females are intrinsically prone to lay larger eggs in the first days after mating. Both these additional size-dependent effects have potential adaptive consequences.
COMMUNAL FORAGING BEHAVIOR AND RECRUITMENT COMMUNICATION IN Gloveria sp.

The caterpillars of Gloveria sp. mark trails with a pheromone they deposit by dragging the ventral surface of the tip of the abdomen along branch pathways as they move between their communal nest and distance feeding sites. The threshold sensitivity of the caterpillar for an extract prepared from the secretory site was approximately 0.5 × 10−3 caterpillar equivalents/cm of trail. Bioassays show that Gloveria follows neither authentic trails of Malacosoma americanum nor artificial trails prepared from 5β-cholestane-3-one, a chemical previously reported to elicit trail following from other social caterpillars. Although our observations show that fed caterpillars mark heavily as they return to their nest, we found no evidence that individual caterpillars are able to recruit hungry nestmates to new food finds. In this species, recruitment to food occurs only after many caterpillars have reinforced a trail to a newly discovered food source. In contrast, hungry caterpillars of the confamilial species M. americanum, tested under identical conditions, responded strongly to the postprandial trails of individual caterpillars and rapidly abandoned depleted sites in favor of new food finds. We postulate that the difference in the efficiency with which these two species recruit nestmates to food evolved in response to differences in the spatial distribution of their food supplies.
Elementary Properties of the Chord-Tangent Group Law on a Cubic Curve

In this chapter we illustrate how, by using simple analytic geometry, a large number of numerical calculations are possible with the group law on a cubic curve. The cubic curves in x and y will be in normal form, that is, without x 2 y, xy 2, or y 3 terms. In this form the entire curve lies in the affine x, y-plane with the exception of 0:0:1 which is to be zero in the group law. The lines through O are exactly the vertical lines in the x, y-plane, and all other lines used are of the form y = λx + β. We use the definition of P + Q as given in §5 of the Introduction.
Diffuse periostitis as the primary presenting radiological finding in an AML patient with disease relapse.

Abstract Acute myelogenous leukemia is a hematologic malignancy defined by the presence of myeloid blasts causing bone marrow infiltration. Evaluation and workup of acute myelogenous leukemia is based on comprehensive medical history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and bone marrow sampling. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the study of choice in the evaluation of this disease including the initial evaluation, treatment follow-up, and complications. Herein, we report a case of relapse of the acute myelogenic leukemia in an adult patient who presented with diffuse periostitis in his lower extremities diagnosed on MR imaging and confirmed on Technetium bone scan, which also showed periostitis along the bilateral humeri. To our knowledge, this was not previously reported in the English literature.
Islam, The Holy Qur'an, and Medical Decision-Making: The Experience of Middle Eastern Muslim Families with Children Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation in the United States.

Some Arabic-speaking Muslim family members of children requiring bone marrow transplantation receive medical care for their children in the United States. Muslim family members’ use of Islam in the...
Global VSWIR Imaging Spectroscopy and the 2017 Decadal Survey

On the 5th of January 2018, an unedited prepublication version of the 2017 Decadal Survey was released titled, “Thriving on Our Changing Planet A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space.” This 700 page document that was developed over more than two years with broad input from the Earth science and applications communities. Five targeted observables are indicated as observing system priorities in this early release version. One of these is surface biology and geology. In this category, a set of science and applications targets are identified including: ground/water temperature, snow reflectivity, active geologic processes, vegetation traits and algal biomass. The candidate measurement approach is described as, “Hyperspectral imagery in the visible and shortwave infrared, multi- or hyperspectral imagery in the thermal IR.” This paper reviews some of the key new science and applications objectives, and outlines some measurement approaches that could be used to address this guidance in the area of global visible to short wavelength infrared imaging spectroscopy.
Establishing the HIV reservoir: HIV-susceptible cells and the signals that recruit them

HIV-1 infected individuals require lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART). If ART is discontinued, HIV rebounds from a reservoir of cells containing latent provirus—persistence of this reservoir is the most significant roadblock to curing people infected with HIV. The HIV reservoir is formed rapidly following infection and remains relatively stable throughout the lifetime of an infected individual on ART: this reservoir persistence likely stems from a central memory phenotype of host T cells. Transmitted HIV binds and enters cellular targets via the co-receptor, CCR5, which is primarily expressed on effector memory CD4 T cells. How does HIV rapidly establish a central memory reservoir? Abortive HIV infection of lymphoid CD4 T cells activates IFI16, which can form inflammasomes, triggering pyroptosis. IFI16 also can activate STING to produce type 1 interferon and the CCL2 chemokine. Thus, an early innate immune response to HIV sets up a zone of inflammation. CCL2 attracts cells expressing the receptor CCR2. Strikingly, CCR2 delineates a population of lymphoid CD4 T which co-express CCR5 and markers of central memory (CCR7 & CD62L)—precisely the same type of cells that make up the viral reservoir. We found that these lymphoid CCR2+ T cells migrate in response to CCL2 and are susceptible to infection with R5- or X4-tropic strains of HIV. We propose that CCL2 produced early in HIV infection lures CCR2+ central memory T cells to the site of inflammation. Here these cells can become productively infected and produce virus, or become latently infected and contribute to the stable reservoir. These findings raise the possibility that inflammation contributes to seeding of the latent reservoir, and might be reduced by antagonists of CCL2/CCR2.
Excluded Belonging: A Blended Book Review of the Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges Are Failing Disadvantaged Students (Jack, 2019): The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges Are Failing Disadvantaged Students, by Anthony Abraham Jack, Cambridge, Massachusetts, London, England, Harvard University Press, 2019, ISBN: 978-0-674-97689-4

After teaching as an adjunct professor for about three years at a medium-sized, private university in southern California, I noticed a puzzling experience from semester to semester: many students o...
Item analysis of emotional exhaustion in pharmacy practice faculty.

Abstract Introduction The primary objective of this study was to identify the single question on the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Educator Survey (MBI-ES) that correlated with high emotional exhaustion (EE) among pharmacy practice faculty. Methods We analyzed data collected from the electronic administration of the MBI-ES to faculty at United States (US) colleges and schools of pharmacy in 2014. For our primary outcome, we used Spearman's rho correlation (rs) to identify a single question on the MBI-ES that was highly correlated with high EE (one of three subscales of MBI-ES). We calculated likelihood ratio statistics for each level of the item with the largest rs with total EE, then converted those to adjusted predicted probabilities of high EE. De-identified data were collected via Qualtrics version 60949 (Provo, Utah) and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 22.0 (Armonk, NY). Results The single item, “I feel emotionally drained from my work” (rs = 0.833, p = 0.01), was most correlated with high EE score on the MBI-ES. Faculty who reported “I feel emotionally drained from my work” once per week and few times per week had 62.8% and 93% chance of having high EE, respectively. Conclusion The single item that was most highly correlated with EE may be used for further evaluation of faculty who may be at risk for burnout. Interventions for reducing burnout among pharmacy practice faculty are critically needed for sustaining our pool of faculty.
Young, Black, successful, and homeless: examining the unique academic challenges of Black students who experienced homelessness

Youth homelessness is a growing crisis impacting urban high schools across the United States. Black youth, in particular, are disproportionately affected. While the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistan...
Human-specific Microglial Siglec-11 Transcript Variant has the Potential to affect Polysialic Acid-Mediated Brain Functions at a Distance.

CD33-related Siglecs are often found on innate immune cells and modulate their reactivity by recognition of sialic acid-based "self-associated molecular patterns" and signaling via intracellular tyrosine-based cytosolic motifs. Previous studies have shown that Siglec-11 specifically binds to the brain-enriched polysialic acid (polySia/PSA) and that its microglial expression in the brain is unique to humans. Furthermore, human microglial Siglec-11 exists as an alternate splice form missing the exon encoding the last (fifth) Ig-like C2-set domain of the extracellular portion of the protein, but little is known about the functional consequences of this variation. Here, we report that the recombinant soluble human microglial form of Siglec-11 (hSiglec-11(4D)-Fc) binds endogenous and immobilized polySia better than the tissue macrophage form (hSiglec-11(5D)-Fc) or the chimpanzee form (cSiglec-11(5D)-Fc). The Siglec-11 protein is also prone to aggregation, potentially influencing its ligand-binding ability. Additionally, Siglec-11 protein can be secreted in both intact and proteolytically cleaved forms. The microglial splice variant has reduced proteolytic release and enhanced incorporation into exosomes, a process that appears to be regulated by palmitoylation of cysteines in the cytosolic tail. Taken together, these data demonstrate that human brain specific microglial hSiglec-11(4D) has different molecular properties and can be released on exosomes and/or as proteolytic products, with the potential to affect polySia-mediated brain functions at a distance.
Unearthing the Boreal Soil Resistome Associated with Permafrost Thaw

ABSTRACT Understanding the distribution and mobility of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in soil bacteria from diverse ecological niches is critical in assessing their impacts on the global spread of antibiotic resistance. In permafrost associated soils, climate and human driven forces augment near-surface thaw altering the overlying active layer. Physiochemical changes shift bacterial community composition and metabolic functioning, however, it is unknown if permafrost thaw will affect ARGs comprising the boreal soil resistome. To assess how thaw shifts the resistome, we performed susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing on soil isolates from a disturbance-induced thaw gradient in Interior Alaska. We found resistance was widespread in the Alaskan isolates, with 87% of the 90 isolates resistant to at least one of the five antibiotics. We also observed positive trends in both the proportion of resistant isolates and the abundance of ARGs with permafrost thaw. However, the number of ARGs per genome and types of genes present were shown to cluster more strongly by bacterial taxa rather than thaw emphasizing the evolutionary origins of resistance and the role vertical gene transfer has in shaping the predominantly chromosomally encoded ARGs. The observed higher proportion of plasmid-borne and distinct ARGs in our isolates compared to RefSoil+ suggests local conditions affect the composition of the resistome along with selection for ARG mobility. Overall taxonomy and geography shape the resistome, suggesting that as microbial communities shift in response to permafrost thaw so will the ARGs in the boreal active layer. IMPORTANCE As antibiotic resistance continues to emerge and rapidly spread in clinical settings, it is imperative to generate studies that build insight into the ecology of environmental resistance genes that pose a threat to human health. This study provides insight into the occurrence of diverse ARGs found in Alaskan soil bacteria which is suggestive of the potential to compromise health. The observed differences in ARG abundance with increasing permafrost thaw suggest the role of soil disturbance in driving the distribution of resistant determinants and the predominant taxa that shape the resistome. Moreover, the high-quality whole genome assemblies generated in this study are an extensive resource for microbial researchers interested in permafrost thaw and will provide a steppingstone for future research into ARG mobility and transmission risks.
Disparities in Utilization of Ambulatory Cholecystectomy: Results From Three States.

Abstract Background Inpatient cholecystectomy is associated with higher cost and morbidity relative to ambulatory cholecystectomy, yet the latter may be underutilized by minority and underinsured patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of race, income, and insurance status on receipt of and outcomes following ambulatory cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods Retrospective observational cohort study of patients 18-89 undergoing cholecystectomy for benign indications in Florida, Iowa, and New York, 2011-2014 using administrative databases. The primary outcome of interest was odds of having ambulatory cholecystectomy; secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative complications, and 30-day unplanned admissions following ambulatory cholecystectomy. Results Among 321,335 cholecystectomies, 190,734 (59.4%) were ambulatory and 130,601 (40.6%) were inpatient. Adjusting for age, sex, insurance, income, residential location, and comorbidities, the odds of undergoing ambulatory versus inpatient cholecystectomy were significantly lower in black (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.69, 0.73], P Conclusions Racial and ethnic minorities and the underinsured have a higher likelihood of receiving inpatient as compared to ambulatory cholecystectomy. The higher incidence of postoperative complications in these patients may be associated with unequal access to ambulatory surgery.
when sound becomes an image: picturing oṃ in jainism

What happens when a sound becomes an image? This article provides one answer to this question by examining visual representations of the sacred syllable oṃ in Jain ritual culture. Oṃ rose to promin...
The effect of a simulated diabetic wound environment on keratinocyte migration

Chronic wounds, such as foot ulcers, are a common complication of diabetes. The environment in such wounds is a major factor in the failure of cellular processes that normally repair damaged skin to form a scar. It has been suggested that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may be used to promote the healing of chronic wounds. However, it is not known whether MSCs will be effective in the diabetic environment. This study aimed to set up an in vitro system to investigate the effect of MSCs on keratinocyte migration under a simulated diabetic wound environment, including hypoxia (1% O 2 in the gas phase), infection (emulated by 1µg/ml bacterial endotoxin), and high glucose (25mM) medium. Because serum interferes with MSC-derived products, the effect of serum concentration of keratinocyte proliferation was investigated, and it was found that 1% v/v serum could be used with no adverse effects on keratinocyte proliferation. Keratinocytes were then grown to confluence, and a scratch was used to create a model wound. The effect of these diabetic conditions in conjunction with MSC-derived products on keratinocyte migration in the scratch assay is being measured.
Article III: Cases & Controversies - Teaching the Already v. Nike Case

Nike is the market leader selling athletic shoes worldwide. Already markets its products to a smaller segment of the athletic shoe market. These two companies battled at the intersection of the intellectual property, federal court jurisdiction and constitutional law. These slides help teach the Already v. Nike Supreme Court case. These slides cover issues such as Article III cases & controversies, intellectual property rights in trademarks and patents as well as mootness and standing doctrines.
Designing Ultra-large Instruction Issue Windows

To continue historical rates of improvement, future high-performance processors are likely to exploit more instruction-level parallelism. The best way to find much of that parallelism is by implementing an out-of-order issue core with an ultra-large issue window. However, there are serious challenges in building large issue windows that can hold hundreds or thousands of instructions, including how to build them, how to fill them, and how to empty them efficiently. In this paper, we describe some of the solutions proposed by other researchers that address the limitations currently constraining issue window sizes. We also describe the solutions being incorporated into the University of Texas TRIPS processor, which will contain a 1024-instruction window in each processor core.
Use of a four parameter logistic equation and parameter sharing to evaluate animal responses to graded levels of nitrogen or amino acids.

This chapter discusses the use of a four parameter logistic equation and parameter sharing to evaluate animal responses to graded levels of nitrogen or amino acids. The chapter provides the diminishing returns and dose-response relationships, the diminishing returns and protein quality, and the response of rats to each indispensable amino acid. A desirable feature of the statistical approach to define a linear-plateau relationship is that a single nutrient level is defined as the requirement to maximize growth. The change in limiting amino acid also explains the change in relative values of proteins from maintenance to maximum gain. Amino acids used with different efficiencies, can evoke a different diminishing returns response when fed to rats. A series of crystalline amino acid diets were used to examine the response of rats to each indispensable amino acid when limiting. Because of the curvilinear nature of the dose-response relationship, amino acid requirements should be estimated taking into account the decreasing efficiency associated with diminishing returns.
Microchip-Embedded Capacitors for Implantable Neural Stimulators

Miniaturization of microchips for implantation in the human body (e.g., microchip for the artificial retina to restore sight to people blinded by retina photoreceptors degeneration) requires the integration of high-capacitance (≥ 10 μF) energy-storage capacitors into the microchip. These capacitors would be based on high-dielectric constant layers, preferably made of materials that are bioinert (not affected by human body fluids) and are biocompatible (do not elicit adverse reactions in the human body). This chapter focuses on reviewing the work being done at Argonne National Laboratory (Materials Science Division and Center for Nanoscale Materials) to develop high-capacitance microchip-embedded capacitors based on novel high-K dielectric layers (TiAlOx or TiO2/Al2O3 superlattices). The microchip-embedded capacitor provides energy storage and electromagnetic signal coupling needed for neural stimulations. Advances in neural prostheses such as artificial retinas and cochlear implants require miniaturization of device size to minimize tissue damage and improve device/tissue interfaces in the human body. Therefore, development of microchip-embedded capacitors is critical to achieve full-implantable biomedical device miniaturization.
Methamphetamine-associated cleavage of the synaptic adhesion molecule intercellular adhesion molecule-5.

Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive psychostimulant that, used in excess, may be neurotoxic. Although the mechanisms that underlie its addictive potential are not completely understood, in animal models matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors can reduce behavioral correlates of addiction. In addition, evidence from genome-wide association studies suggests that polymorphisms in synaptic cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs), known MMP substrates, are linked to addictive potential in humans. In the present study, we examined the ability of MA to stimulate cleavage of intercellular adhesion molecule-5 (ICAM-5), a synaptic CAM expressed on dendritic spines in the telencephalon. Previous studies have shown that shedding of ICAM-5 is associated with maturation of dendritic spines, and that MMP-dependent shedding occurs with long term potentiation. Herein, we show that MA stimulates ectodomain cleavage of ICAM-5 in vitro, and that this is abrogated by a broad spectrum MMP inhibitor. We also show that an acute dose of MA, administered in vivo, is associated with cleavage of ICAM-5 in murine hippocampus and striatum. This occurs within 6 h and is accompanied by an increase in MMP-9 protein. In related experiments, we examined the potential consequences of ICAM-5 shedding. We demonstrate that the ICAM-5 ectodomain can interact with β(1) integrins, and that it can stimulate β(1) integrin-dependent phosphorylation of cofilin, an event that has previously been linked to MMP-dependent spine maturation. Together these data support an emerging appreciation of MMPs as effectors of synaptic plasticity and suggest a mechanism by which MA may influence the same.
Guided waves and negative refraction

This paper presents an analysis of a wedge-type structure comprised of RF metamaterials. The composition of the wedge is presumed to be created by unit cells arranged in rows of progressively longer lengths. At frequencies near the resonance of the unit cells, it is well known that the wedge may exhibit the type of negative refraction associated with negative index materials. The purpose of the paper is to view negative refraction from the standpoint of each unit cell contributing to a phase shift that exceeds 180 Degrees and discuss how that phase shift can lead to negative refraction. For each row of unit cells, the last cell is considered to act as a radiator.
Cloning of the nucleic acid-binding domain of the rat HnRNP C-type protein

Abstract A cDNA encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain of the hnRNP C-type protein has been cloned by DNA-affinity screening of pituitary-derived expression libraries. An analysis revealed sequence identity with the human C-type cDNA and demonstrated the presence of a peptide sequence contained within the single-stranded DNA-binding protein, UP2, which was absent from the human cDNA. Structural analysis of the protein encoded by the rat cDNA demonstrated a net charge of + 15 with 14.56% and 6.33% lysines and arginines, respectively, and an amino acid sequence that is consistent with an extensive helix-loop-helix-turn-helix structure.
Micro-scale and meso-scale architectural cues cooperate and compete to direct aligned tissue formation

Tissue and biomaterial microenvironments provide architectural cues that direct important cell behaviors including cell shape, alignment, migration, and resulting tissue formation. These architectural features may be presented to cells across multiple length scales, from nanometers to millimeters in size. In this study, we examined how architectural cues at two distinctly different length scales, "micro-scale" cues on the order of ∼1-2 μm, and "meso-scale" cues several orders of magnitude larger (>100 μm), interact to direct aligned neo-tissue formation. Utilizing a micro-photopatterning (μPP) model system to precisely arrange cell-adhesive patterns, we examined the effects of substrate architecture at these length scales on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) organization, gene expression, and fibrillar collagen deposition. Both micro- and meso-scale architectures directed cell alignment and resulting tissue organization, and when combined, meso cues could enhance or compete against micro-scale cues. As meso boundary aspect ratios were increased, meso-scale cues overrode micro-scale cues and controlled tissue alignment, with a characteristic critical width (∼500 μm) similar to boundary dimensions that exist in vivo in highly aligned tissues. Meso-scale cues acted via both lateral confinement (in a cell-density-dependent manner) and by permitting end-to-end cell arrangements that yielded greater fibrillar collagen deposition. Despite large differences in fibrillar collagen content and organization between μPP architectural conditions, these changes did not correspond with changes in gene expression of key matrix or tendon-related genes. These findings highlight the complex interplay between geometric cues at multiple length scales and may have implications for tissue engineering strategies, where scaffold designs that incorporate cues at multiple length scales could improve neo-tissue organization and resulting functional outcomes.
Dopamine release in rat striatum after administration ofl-DOPA as studied with in vivo electrochemistry

The time-course of changes in dopamine (DA) release induced by systemic administration of L-DOPA was studied in the rat striatum using electrochemistry in vivo. Recordings were obtained from anesthetized animals in which carbon past microelectrodes were implanted stereotaxically into the striatum. Chronoamperometric measurements were made by applying 0.8 V for 1 sec, with an interval of 5 min between measurements; in some experiments, the potential was scanned every 5 min from 0 to 1.0 V. Administration of L-DOPA (50 mg/kg) after pretreatment with an inhibitor of peripheral aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) produced a large rise in chronoamperometric currents, lasting for about 6 h. Different approaches were used to determined whether DOPA, DA or DA metabolites (all of which are oxidized at the potential chosen) were responsible for these DOPA-induced increases. (1) Rats were killed at different times after L-DOPA administration, and their striatal were analyzed biochemically for DOPA, DA, and DA metabolites. Comparison of time-courses indicated that the rise in chronoamperometric responses correlated with elevations in striatal 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels rather than with those of DOPA or DA, suggesting that DA metabolites contribute significantly to the increases in chronoamperometric responses observed after administration of L-DOPA. (2) Administration of L-DOPA after pretreatment with an inhibitor of central AAAD, a treatment that results in large increases in striatal DOPA levels but abolishes L-DO DA, suggesting that DA metabolites contribute significantly to the increases in chronoamperometric responses observed after administration of L-DOPA. (2) Administration of L-DOPA after pretreatment with an inhibitor of central AAAD, a treatment that results in large increases in striatal DOPA levels but abolishes L-DO DA, suggesting that DA metabolites contribute significantly to the increases in chronoamperometric responses observed after administration of L-DOPA. (2) Administration of L-DOPA after pretreatment with an inhibitor of central AAAD, a treatment that results in large increases in striatal DOPA levels but abolishes L-DOPA-induced formation of DA and DA metabolites (measured biochemically), failed to increase chronoamperometric responses. This finding indicates that exogenous L-DOPA entering the striatum is not detected with this technique and that it must be decarboxylated to produce the elevations of currents. (3) In animals pretreated with an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase to abolish formation of DOPAC and HVA, L-DOPA administration produced only a small and short lasting increase in chronomaperometric responses, despite sustained and large increases in striatal DA concentrations. By using the potential-scanning technique we showed that these increase in electrochemical responses occur at a potential at which DA but not methylated catechols are oxidized...
Composites of bacterial cellulose and paper made with a rotating disk bioreactor

Suspended solids in the nutrient medium for Acetobacter xylinium in a rotating disk bioreactor become incorporated into the gelatinous mat of bacterial cellulose as it forms. Embedding fibers of ordinary cellulose creates composites with enhanced strength and the toughness of bacterial cellulose. Purified cellulose and elongated fibers from paper are incorporated differently than are spherical particles such as silica gel. About 90% of the final cellulose can come from scrap paper, and dried composite sheets were much stronger than plain bacterial cellulose per unit area.
Multidimensional inverse scattering problems

Summary form only given, as follows. An overview of the author's results is given. The inverse problems for obstacle, geophysical and potential scattering are considered. The basic method for proving uniqueness theorems in one- and multi-dimensional inverse problems is discussed and illustrated by numerous examples. The method is based on property C for pairs of differential operators. Property C stands for completeness of the sets of products of solutions to homogeneous differential equations. To prove a uniqueness theorem in the inverse scattering problem one assumes that there are two operators which generate the same scattering data. This assumption allows one to derive an orthogonality relation from which, via property C, the uniqueness theorem follows. New results are discussed. These include property C for ordinary differential equations, inversion of I-function (impedance function), inversion of incomplete scattering data (for example, the phase shift of s-wave without the knowledge of bound states and norming constants but assuming a priori that the potential has compact support, etc). Analytical solution of the ground-penetrating radar problem is outlined. Open problems are formulated.
Effects of Thermal Exposure and Test Temperature on Structure Evolution and Hardness/Viscosity of an Iron-Based Metallic Glass

High-temperature microhardness testing on drop-cast ingots of fully amorphous Fe48Mo14Cr15Y2C15B6 was performed in order to determine the behavior and structure evolution of this Fe-bulk metallic glass under a variety of different test conditions. The effects of changes in test temperature on the microhardness/strength were determined over the temperature range from room temperature to 620 °C. Although high (e.g., >12 GPa) microhardness was exhibited at room temperature, significant hardness reductions were exhibited near T g . In addition, the effect of exposure time (up to 300 minutes) at elevated temperature on the evolution of microhardness/strength was also evaluated for selected temperatures between 25 °C and 620 °C. The microhardness results were complemented with X-ray diffraction (XRD), conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and an in-situ heating TEM study in order to evaluate any structural evolution that could explain the large differences in hardness evolution under different test conditions.
Mesoscale Processes and Severe Convective Weather

Severe convective weather events—tornadoes, hailstorms, high winds, flash floods—are inherently mesoscale phenomena. While the large-scale flow establishes environmental conditions favorable for severe weather, processes on the mesoscale initiate such storms, affect their evolution, and influence their environment. A rich variety of mesocale processes are involved in severe weather, ranging from environmental preconditioning to storm initiation to feedback of convection on the environment. In the space available, it is not possible to treat all of these processes in detail. Rather, we will introduce several general classifications of mesoscale processes relating to severe weather and give illustrative examples. Although processes on the mesoscale are often intimately linked with those on smaller and larger scales, we will exclude from discussion those that obviously lie outside the mesoscale domain (e.g., baroclinic waves on the synoptic scale or charge separation in clouds on the microscale).
Multiscale algorithms for joint detection and compression in SAR imagery

We present a novel content-adaptive multiresolution SAR image formation processing algorithm that incorporates dynamic, on-line detection algorithms into the image formation process. The idea is to vary image resolution locally depending on scene content, focusing the SAR imagery to fine resolution only in regions where the scene reflectivity varies rapidly, while forming the rest of the image at coarser resolution or with reduced fidelity. Our `decision-directed' SAR image formation algorithm may have applications in systems where on-board processing or datalink constraints limits the area coverage rates or resolution. We present examples of this multiresolution SAR processing on SAR imagery and show that compression rates on the order of 70:1 or more (i.e., 0.45 bits/pixel starting from 32 bits/complex sample, 16 bits/I, 16 bits/Q), can be obtained while still preserving coherent target signatures and with minor degradation in perceptual image quality.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Graphical Basis Partitions

A partition of an integer n is graphical if it is the degree sequence of a simple, undirected graph. It is an open question whether the fraction of partitions of n which are graphical approaches 0 as n approaches infinity. A partition π is basic if the number of dots in its Ferrers graph is minimum among all partitions with the same rank vector as π.
Modular educational game system: A customizable framework for learning

There have been very popular educational games (EGs) that have been introduced over the years. Many people can fondly remember games such as Math Blaster™, Reader Rabbit™, or Carmen Sandiego™. However, despite their popularity, these games all had a limitation: their limited ability to be specifically tailored for individual teachers' lesson plans. Therefore, the goal of the project was to produce a system that would be able both entertain students as these other games have as well as offer an intuitive, easily customizable way for teachers to create a wide variety of problems tailored to their lesson plans.
Knowing difference: Internationalizing a women-and-literature course

Abstract Internationalizing a course on women and literature involves knowing and accepting difference. Achieving a global perspective requires more than adding literature by international women writers. My revision of such a course is grounded in the transformative power of literature, in a feminist analysis of ideology, in the varied ways of knowing, and in the strategy of connected teaching, which decenters authority and validates students' ability to know.
Surface enhanced raman scattering monitoring of chain alignment in freely suspended nanomembranes

The molecular chain reorganization in freely standing membranes with encapsulated gold nanoparticles was studied with surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in the course of their elastic deformations. The efficient SERS was enabled by optimizing the design of gold nanoparticle forming chainlike aggregates, thus creating an exceptional ability to conduct in situ monitoring. Small deformations resulted in the radial orientation of side phenyl rings of polymer backbones while larger deflections led to the polymer chains bridging adjacent nanoparticles within one-dimensional aggregates.
2010 Annual Convention

The 29th Annual Convention of the Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nursing (ARIN) was held on March 14e17 in Tampa, FL, at the Marriott Waterside. This year’s convention theme was Achieving Success through Knowledge and Networking. Typical of early spring in the South, we had some torrential rains, some blowing winds, and some great Florida sunshined occasionally all in the same hour or two. More than a few of the attendees left sporting bright red sunburns (TIPdminimum SPF 15, don’t leave home without it!). The Imaging Nurse Review Course (formerly known as certification preparation) was presented on March 12e13 by master faculty Kathy Scheffer, MN, RN, CRN, and Ellen Lash, RN, C, CRN. The preconvention program was well attended with almost 50 participants, several of whom sat for the CRN exam at the end of the convention on March 17th. Chris Cavanaugh, BSN, RN, CRNI, presented the PICC Fundamentals workshop on Saturday, March 13. Having decreased the length of the convention and eliminating the joint daywithAVIR, theARINPlanning Committee did a wonderful job compiling a wide variety of topics and presenters inclusive of all members of the Interventional Radiology (IR) team. Physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, and radiology technologists spoke on an array of subjects, from patient safety in the IR setting to the ‘‘business’’ of IR and collaborative practice opportunities that encourage the IR service to be an identifiable option for the health care consumer. OnSunday,K. LynnWieck, PhD,RN, gave the opening address entitled ‘‘Keys to a Successful Workplace:
Response of shade trees to root collar drenches of inhibitors flurprimidol and paclobutrazol

Root collars of white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) and black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) were drenched in April with wettable powder formulations containing 2, 4, or 12 g of flurprimidol {α-(1-methylethyl)-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-pyrimidinemethanol} or paclobutrazol [(2RS, 3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-pentan-3-ol)] to determine shoot growth inhibition and the soil location of residual activity. By the end of the first growing season, black walnut shoots were inhibited by all doses of flurprimidol or paclobutrazol. Growth inhibition of black walnut was dramatic (<50% the growth of control) during the second season with a linear positive response to increasing flurprimidol doses. White ash growth was inhibited by flurprimidol but not paclobutrazol. Flurprimidol activity was concentrated within 10 cm of the treated root collar 1 1/2 years after treatment, which is evidence that the root collar and adjacent roots were the major avenues to the vascular system.
Grain size dependence of fracture toughness for fine grained alumina

The fracture toughness of a series of fully dense polycrystalline alumina samples prepared by electrical field assisted sintering with grain sizes varying from ∼290 nm to ∼3.3 μm was measured using the surface crack in flexure method. Fracture toughness values for different grain sizes were statistically analyzed based on the Weibull distribution. It was found that the fracture toughness in fine grained alumina is independent of grain size. The characteristic fracture toughness calculated from the Weibull distribution is 3.37 MPa m1/2.
Understanding and improving the Wang-Landau algorithm.

We present a mathematical analysis of the Wang-Landau algorithm, prove its convergence, and identify sources of errors and strategies for optimization. In particular, we found the histogram increases uniformly with small fluctuations after a stage of initial accumulation, and the statistical error is found to scale as $\sqrt{\mathrm{ln}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}f}$ with the modification factor $f$. This has implications for strategies for obtaining fast convergence.
Loss of alleles in a haploid population with varying environment

Abstract The evolution of populations may be affected by a number of factors. The basic forces of migration, mutation, and selection are self-explanatory. However, finite populations are also known to be subject to the fundamental undirected force of genetic drift—the random fluctuation of gene frequencies. It is this random effect which will be investigated via the consideration of discrete stochastic models.
Risk factors for foot fracture among individuals aged 45 years and older

A case-control study undertaken among members of five Northern California Kaiser Permanente medical centers sought to identify risk factors for foot fractures among persons aged 45 years and older. Foot fracture cases (n=920) and frequency matched controls (n=2366) were interviewed between October 1996 and May 2001 using a standardized questionnaire. Foot fractures occurred most often while walking or climbing stairs. While 60% of foot fractures resulted from falls, 20% were attributed to other causes, such as hitting the foot or tripping on sidewalks and curbs. Having a self-reported history of physician-diagnosed diabetes [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.10–1.91] or cataracts (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.07–1.83), having a self-reported foot problem (OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.06–1.78 for two or more foot problem versus no foot problems), having difficulty walking in minimum light (OR=1.86, 95% CI=1.14–3.05) and having had a prior fracture (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.05–1.37) were associated with increased risk. Putative protective factors for osteoporotic fractures, such as menopausal hormone therapy use, thiazide or water pill use, high calcium intake, and high body mass index were not associated with foot fracture risk. These findings suggest that risk factors for foot fractures among older people differ in part from risk factors for other fracture sites generally considered to be osteoporotic, such as the hip, vertebrae, and forearm.
HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS IN BREAST CANCER PROGRESSION- a suitable case for treatment?

Heat shock proteins (HSP) and heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), key factors in the heat shock response (HSR) have been implicated in the etiology of breast cancer. At least two members of the HSP family, Hsp27 and Hsp70 undergo significant increases in cellular concentration during the transformation of mammary cells. These changes result in HSP-mediated inhibition of tumour cell inactivation through blockade of the apoptosis and replicative senescence pathways. The increases in HSP thus mediate two of the common hallmarks of cancer and favour cell birth over cell death. In addition, Hsp90 plays a role in facilitating transformation by stabilising the mutated and over-expressed oncoproteins found in breast tumours, and permitting the activation of growth stimulatory and transforming pathways in the absence of growth factors. HSF1 appears to play a similar role as a facilitator of transformation in mammary carcinoma. Induction of some facets of the HSR in breast cancer cells therefore leads to growth stimulation and inhibits cell death. Pharmacological targeting of HSP and HSF1 is therefore indicated and in the case of Hsp90, inhibitory drugs are undergoing clinical trial for treatment of breast carcinoma and other cancers.