cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic and thermal characterization of additively manufactured pressure-fed flexures with internal fluidic channels

This paper presents the dynamic and thermal characteristics of pressure-fed flexures with the additively manufactured internal fluidic channels under various pressure and fluidic conditions. Additive manufacturing technology makes use of the mechanical design flexibility that can effectively control the material distribution in terms of stiffness and damping of the flexures. Five different fluidic channel geometries (circular, semicircular, inverse-semicircular, triangular, and inverse-triangular) with the same cross-sectional area were designed and fabricated inside of one-dimensional cantilever beams (10 mm × 24 mm ×100 mm). Stiffness, damping ratio and natural frequency of each cantilever according to varying air pressure condition from 14.7 psi (unpressurized) to 75 psi and water-filled condition were characterized, and at the same time, dynamic behaviors of each cantilever were identified by using dynamic signal analyzer. Furthermore, the thermal behavior of the channel with respect to unpressurized air, 40 psi air, and water-flowing condition was analyzed. As a result, the internal channel geometry and filled-in media in the channel have significant influences to determine the dynamic and thermal characteristics of flexures. These results can be applied to the design of flexure mechanisms that can adaptively control or compensate for their dynamic behaviors in an easy, convenient and low-cost manner.
Animal-Human Hybrids: Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake

This chapter interrogates Margaret Atwood’s double-vision of biotechnology’s future in Oryx and Crake. Atwood’s dystopian vision of corporate biotech stems from a neoliberal ordering of species similar to the organic image of Darwin’s tree of life. Biotech companies employ this arboreal model of upward, outward expansion, and pure individuation to justify patenting new species and to help manage consumers’ bodies. Atwood, however, uses the figure of hybrid-species to radically disrupt the dystopia of what I call “corporate domesticity.” For Atwood, evolution can no longer be read as a process of species divergence, but, instead, must account for prosthetic webs of lateral-gene-transfer and interspecies kinship. Echoing the microbiological work of Lynn Margulis, Atwood posits a symbiogenetic model of evolution that resists the commodification of species. In so doing, however, Atwood posits a post-apocalyptic event that complicates the novel’s genre and uncomfortably blends discourses of evolution, revolution, and genocide.
In the Shadow of Los Angeles: A Review of Local and Regional Press Coverage of the Inland Empire’s Contemporary Music Scenes, B.C. (Before Coachella)

While Southern California’s Inland Empire region receives copious press coverage for the annual Coachella Music and Arts and Stagecoach Festivals, this landscape, with its expansive deserts and sub...
REAL-WORLD EVALUATION OF PATIROMER TO IMPROVE GUIDELINE-DIRECTED MEDICAL THERAPY IN HEART FAILURE

Previous literature signals low rates of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Hyperkalemia may preclude renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) inhibitors and aldosterone antagonists (AA) prescribing. Clinical pharmacists (CP) are
Problems of Improving the Diagnostic Systems of Marine Diesel Generator Sets

The problem of transition from marine diesel-generator sets operation by the assigned useful life to that by their technical condition is considered. This Article includes a review of control and diagnostic systems of marine diesel-generator sets, establishes their features, analyzes the methods of trend control used and shows their identified shortcomings. A regression statistical model linking the temperature conditions and the load change is offered. The trends of deviations of time series of the temperature condition recorded parameters data from the statistical model in marine diesel generator sets long operation are analyzed. It is proposed to improve the methods of trend control and analysis for use in the systems of technical diagnosing of marine diesel generator sets, in order to increase their efficiency by taking into account the natural wear-and-tear.
Severe cognitive impairment in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Predictors and relationship to functional outcome.

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is common after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, compared to predictors of functional outcome, meaningful predictors of cognitive impairment are lacking. Objective Our goal was to assess which factors during hospitalization can predict severe cognitive impairment in SAH patients, especially those who might otherwise be expected to have good functional outcomes. We hypothesized that the degree of early brain injury (EBI), vasospasm, and delayed neurological deterioration (DND) would predict worse cognitive outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed SAH patient records from 2013 to 2019 to collect baseline information, clinical markers of EBI (Fisher, Hunt–Hess, and Glasgow Coma scores), vasospasm, and DND. Cognitive outcome was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and functional outcomes by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at hospital discharge. SAH patients were compared to non-neurologic hospitalized controls. Among SAH patients, logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of severe cognitive impairment defined as a MoCA score Results We screened 288 SAH and 80 control patients. Cognitive outcomes assessed via MoCA at discharge were available in 105 SAH patients. Most of these patients had good functional outcome at discharge with a mean mRS of 1.8±1.3. Approximately 56.2% of SAH patients had MoCA scores Conclusions Severe cognitive impairment is highly prevalent after SAH, even among patients with good functional outcome. Higher modified Fisher scale on admission is an independent risk factor for severe cognitive impairment. Cognitive screening is warranted in all SAH patients, regardless of functional outcome.
Polarización pública en los foros online: la violencia de género ante la sociedad nicaragüense

This article examines the online comments section of Nicaraguan newspaper reports on gender violence, focusing specifically on articles about Law 779: The Integral Law Against Violence Towards Women (2012). The study traces contemporary public opinion regarding gender relations, crime, and the law. The comments sections reveal that many commentators do not view gender violence as a State problem, but rather they assert that it should be handled in the family unit. This belief is bolstered by State policies that advocate for restoring family peace and harmony through dialogue. The article highlights another main complaint against Law 779 in the comments: that it inaugurates a war against men. I conclude that this perspective constitutes a refusal to cede power and privilege. These representational battles reveal ceaseless anxiety over Law 779’s ruinous effects on the family. In the end, allegations about the divisiveness of the law point to a desire for the return of traditional family narratives. Law 779 embodies several decades of women’s demands for respect, autonomy, and freedom from violence. After a rapid pendulum swing in society about Law 779, public opinion reflects extreme uncertainty and instability regarding changing expectations, both legal and social, for gendered behavior.
Teaching Video NeuroImages: Wilson Disease Presenting With Catatonia

A 29-year-old man with a history of depression on fluoxetine presented with 4 months of progressive abdominal pain and hypoactive encephalopathy. On examination, he was nonresponsive, bradykinetic, spastic, and had catatonia with waxy flexibility (video 1). Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale score was 28 (table). He had new liver cirrhosis; serum ceruloplasmin was low and 24-hour urine copper was elevated. MRI revealed abnormal signal in basal ganglia and pons (figure). Two heterozygous mutations in the ATP7B gene (c.1934T > G and c.207 G > T) confirmed the diagnosis of Wilson disease. Zinc and penicillamine were initiated for copper reduction; catatonia did not respond to benzodiazepines. He was discharged home but required full care from family (nonambulatory, required help with all activities of daily living), and neurologic status was unchanged 3 months after discharge. Catatonia is a rare and underappreciated manifestation in Wilson disease1; early recognition is essential for prompt initiation of chelation therapy.2
Design of Functionalized Lobed Particles for Porous Self-Assemblies

Colloidal particles fabricated with anisotropic interactions have emerged as building blocks for designing materials with various nanotechnological applications. We used coarse-grained Langevin dynamics simulations to probe the morphologies of self-assembled structures formed by lobed particles decorated with functional groups. We tuned the interactions between the functional groups to investigate their effect on the porosity of self-assembled structures formed by lobed particles with different shapes (snowman, dumbbell, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, square planar, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral) at different temperatures. The dumbbell, trigonal planar, and square planar shaped particles, with planar geometries, form self-assembled structures including elongated chains, honeycomb sheets, and square sheets, respectively. The particles with non-planar geometries (tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral) self-assemble into random aggregate morphologies. The structures formed by trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral particles exhibit smaller and homogeneous pores compared to the structures formed by trigonal planar and square planar particles. The porosity in self-assembled structures is substantially enhanced by the functionalization of particles.
An initial ex vivo evaluation of temperature profile and thermal injury formation on the epiesophageal surface during radiofrequency ablation

INTRODUCTION Few studies have examined heat transfer and thermal injury on the epiesophageal surface during radiofrequency application, or compared the risk of esophageal thermal injury between standard and high-power, short-duration (HPSD) ablation. We studied the thermodynamics of HPSD and standard ablation at different tissue interfaces between the left atrium and esophagus, focusing on epiesophageal temperature changes and thermal injury. METHODS AND RESULTS Fresh porcine heart and esophageal sections were secured to a custom holder and submerged in a temperature-controlled, circulating water bath. During ablation, thermistors recorded temperatures at the catheter tip-atrial interface, epiesophageal-atrial interface, and esophageal lumen. Samples were ablated in triplicate with the following parameters: contact force (15/25g), power (10/20/30 W standard; 40/45/50 W HPSD), and duration (10/20/30 s standard; 5/10/15 s HPSD). Epiesophageal and endoluminal temperature rises were greater in HPSD than in standard ablation (epiesophageal: 5.9 ± 5.6 vs. 2.2 ± 2.0°C, p < .01; endoluminal: 0.7 ± 0.5 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2°C, p < .01). Six of 30 HPSD ablations and 1 of 26 standard ablations caused esophageal injury. The delay between the peak epiesophageal and endoluminal temperatures was greater in HPSD than in standard ablation (24.2 ± 22.1 vs. 13.0 ± 11.0 s, p = .023). Likewise, the peak epiesophageal surface temperature differed more from the concurrent endoluminal temperature in HPSD ablation (5.1 ± 5.3 vs. 1.7 ± 2.0°C, p < .01). CONCLUSION Endoluminal temperature underestimates epiesophageal surface temperature substantially during HPSD ablation. Visible epiesophageal injury was associated with a 2.2 ± 2.1°C rise in endoluminal temperature, corresponding to a 10.2 ± 6.5°C rise in epiesophageal temperature.
Abstract 2300: Overcoming TKI-resistance in NSCLC using SphK2 inhibitors

In 2020, 228,820 lung cancer cases and 135,720 deaths have been anticipated. NSCLC is currently treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) such as Erolitinib (ER; second generation) and Osimertinib (OR; third generation). However, patients often develop resistance to these drugs overtime. This acquired resistance to TKIs is due to a secondary T790M mutation in the kinase domain which could be responsible for inducing Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT is a vital process in development of metastasis and occurs, by downregulation of E-cadherin, and upregulation of proteins like N-cadherin and vimentin. Therefore, it is imperative to find other molecularly targeted therapies to combat TKI resistance. Sphingosine kinase (SphK) is a type of lipid kinase that phosphorylates sphingosine to sphingosine-phosphates. There are two functional SphK isoforms (SphK1 and SphK2) that have been identified and characterized in mammalian cells. As a member of the SphK family, SphK2 activity can be stimulated by a series of cytokines such as EGF and VEGF, and acts as an oncogenic enzyme in tumor cells. Overexpression of SphK2 has been demonstrated in many cancer types and is closely related with cancer progression and the poor survival of patients. Currently minimal studies have been done on lung cancer and SphK2. This study investigated the roles of SphK2 in OR-resistant wild-type EGFR H2170 and H358, EGFR-mutated and TKI-sensitive H3255 cells (L858R mutation), and EGFR mutated TKI-resistant H1975 cells (L858R and T790M mutation). The modulation of EMT biomarkers was determined by qPCR. Key EMT regulators such as vimentin and N-cadherin were upregulated by 2.5 and 1.5-fold, respectively, while E-cadherin was downregulated by 1.5-fold. Immunofluorescence studies with Vimentin showed that H1975OR cells were elongated and have a mesenchymal phenotype compared to the H3255OR and their respective parental counterparts. MTT studies done using inhibitors of SphK2 in NSCLC OR-resistant cells showed a 3.0-fold decrease in cell viability in comparison to a 2.0-fold decrease in their parental counterparts. In wound closure assays at 24 hours the wound closure was 1.5-fold less in cells treated with SphK2 inhibitor as compared to parental cells treated with SphK2 inhibitors. Currently studies are being done to determine expression of SphK2 in late and early stage NSCLC tumors. In conclusion SphK2 was found to be a crucial positive regulator of different modes of cell migration and a key biomarker in combating TKI-resistance in NSCLC. Citation Format: Nabiha Haleema Khan, Neelu Puri. Overcoming TKI-resistance in NSCLC using SphK2 inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2300.
Earth-rotaton-rate Sensitivity

The physical principles of a chip-based Brillouin laser gyroscope are reviewed. The device can resolve sinusoidal rotations with amplitude as low as 5 degrees/hour and is also used to detect the Earth’s rotation.
Micromobility Station Placement Optimization for a Rural Setting

Micromobility is an evolving form of transportation modality that uses small human- or electric-powered vehicles to move people short distances. Planners expected that bike sharing, the first form of micromobility, would reduce traffic congestion, cut travel cost, reduce pollution, enable connectivity with other modes of transport, and promote public health. However, micromobility options also brought new challenges such as the difficulty of placement decisions to encourage adoption and to minimize conflict with other transport modes. Sound deployment decisions depend on the unique environmental characteristics and demographics of a location. Most studies analyzed deployments in high-density urban areas. This research determines the best locations for 5 new bike-sharing stations in Fargo, North Dakota, a small urban area in the rural United States. The workflow combines a geographic information system (GIS), level of traffic stress (LTS) ratings, and location-allocation optimization models. The spatial analysis considered 18 candidate station locations and eliminated those that fell within the 700-meter isochrone walking distance of the 11 existing stations. This case study demonstrates a scalable workflow that planners can repeat to achieve sustainable micromobility deployments by considering the land use, population density, activity points, and characteristics of the available pathways in their unique setting.
Second-order constitutive theory of fluids

A fully second-order continuum theory of fluids is developed. The conventional balance equations of mass, linear momentum, energy and entropy are used. Constitutive equations are assumed to depend on density, temperature and velocity, and their derivatives up to second order. The principle of equipresence is used along with the Coleman–Noll procedure to derive restrictions on the constitutive equations by utilizing the second law. The entropy flux is not assumed to be equal to the heat flux over the temperature. We obtain explicit results for all constitutive quantities up to quadratic nonlinearity so as to satisfy the Clausius–Duhem inequality. Our results are shown to be consistent but more general than other published results.
TH‐AB‐201‐09: Effect of X‐Ray Beam Quality On Fluoroscope Reported Reference Plane Air Kerma When Measured by DAP Meters: TG190 Protocol Implications for Interventional Fluoroscopes

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy of the correction factor (CF) determined using the AAPM-TG190 protocol and applied to measurements made across a full spectrum of x-ray beam qualities on interventional c-arm fluoroscopes. Methods: The x-ray beam area was measured to allow for the calculation of the air-kerma-area-product (Pk,a). Air kerma was measured using a calibrated ionization chamber centered in the x-ray beam free-in-air. Manual technique factors were set with vendor service support. Data were collected on 10 fluoroscopic systems at 55 kVp to 125 kVp in 10-kVp increments and also at 100 kVp. At each available combination of kVp and spectral filter (copper) thickness, three measurements were taken. A CF for each beam quality was determined by dividing the measured Pk,a by the Pk,a reported by the fluoroscope. Two normalized correction factors (NCFs) were defined to determine the potential error in using a single CF across a spectrum of beam qualities. The first normalized the CF at a given beam quality to the CF at 100 kVp without filtration (NCF[100,0]) and another normalized to the CF at 100 kVp with 0.1 mm copper (NCF[100,0.1]). Results: The accuracy of the CF varied depending on whether it was determined using spectral filtration, which was apparent in comparisons of NCF(100,0) with NCF(100,0.1). In general, the CF was dependent on beam quality, an effect that was most pronounced at low kVps with spectral filtration. Conclusion: For interventional fluoroscopes employing spectral filtration, better accuracy is achieved when copper is used to establish the CF. Additionally, a CF determined at 100 ± 10 kVp may not be optimal for pediatric applications, in which the beam quality typically consists of low kVps and large amounts of copper filtration. The accuracy of the CF can be improved for pediatric applications by using a more clinically relevant beam quality.
Balancing power consumption and reliability in the embedded systems software design

We propose a new approach, namely Optimized Embedded Signature Monitoring (OESM) to perform on-line control-flow fault detection. The underlined advantage of this approach is the ability to perform a profiling algorithm that analyses the control-flow graph of user program in order to optimize the number of checkpoints (i.e., signatures) to be inserted along with the application code. By optimization, we mean to find, for a given application, the best trade-off between the minimum number of signatures to be inserted in the code, for the maximum fault detection coverage, with the minimum impact in terms of power increase. The embedded signatures are checked at runtime by the processor against compilation-time pre-computed values every time the processor reaches these signature points.
The magnetic and structural properties of pulsed laser deposited epitaxial CoFe/sub 2/O/sub 4/ and CoFe/sub 2/O/sub 4//CoFe/sub 2/ bilayer films

In this paper reported the results of our investigation of the temperature dependence of magnetization and magnetic anisotropy of single crystalline CoFe/sub 2/O/sub 4/ films and CoFe/sub 2/O/sub 4//CoFe/sub 2/ bilayers, determined by vibrating sample magnetometry and torque magnetometry, respectively; and the related structure and microstructure as determined by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy.
Atom-Probe Field Ion Microscopy: Field Ion Emission, and Surfaces and Interfaces at Atomic Resolution

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Field ion emission 3. Instrumentations and techniques 4. Applications to surface science Selected topics in applications References Index.
On the Accuracy of Some Past and Present Forecasts

The topic of this paper has been inspired by something of particular interest to Michael Mussa, something to which he made major and important contributions while at the IMF. The biannual World Economic Outlook, published since the 1980s under the auspices of the Research Department, has, as its purpose, the provision of "analysis and projections . . . Copyright 2005, International Monetary Fund
Reporting standards for literature searches and report inclusion criteria: making research syntheses more transparent and easy to replicate

A complete description of the literature search, including the criteria used for the inclusion of reports after they have been located, used in a research synthesis or meta-analysis is critical if subsequent researchers are to accurately evaluate and reproduce a synthesis' methods and results. Based on previous guidelines and new suggestions, we present a set of focused and detailed standards for reporting the methods used in a literature search. The guidelines cover five search strategies: reference database searches, journal and bibliography searches, searches of the reference lists of reports, citation searches, and direct contact searches. First, we bring together all the unique recommendations made in existing guidelines for research synthesis. Second, we identify gaps in reporting standards for search strategies. Third, we address these gaps by providing new reporting recommendations. Our hope is to facilitate successful evaluation and replication of research synthesis results.
Regulation of Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases

The sections in this article are: 1 Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases 1.1 Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis 1.2 Rheumatoid Arthritis, Collagen-Induced Arthritis, and Streptococcal Cell Wall-Induced Arthritis 1.3 Type I Diabetes and Spontaneous Diabetes in the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse 2 Factors Regulating Autoimmune Diseases 2.1 Genetic Predisposition 2.2 Factors Shaping the T-Cell Repertoire 2.3 Gender 2.4 Stress Effects on Autoimmune Disease 3 The Multifactorial Nature of Autoimmune Disease 4 Conclusions
A mass transport model for hydrogen generation during lithium-lead/water interactions

A mass transport chemical reaction model is presented for predicting (with the use of experimental data) the rate of hydrogen generation in the interaction of lithium-lead alloy (Li/sub 17/Pb/sub 83/) with water. The model is used to determine diffusion-rate constants for the lithium-lead/water interaction. The results from the model indicate that the chemical reaction can be represented by a linear rate law after the initial moments of the reaction (>10 s). However, the early stage of the chemical reaction does not follow a linear rate law. The results also indicate that for initial liquid-metal temperatures below 590 degrees C, the activation energy is not a function of the initial liquid-metal temperature. >
Folate absorption in women with a history of neural tube defect–affected pregnancy

Background The risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) is significantly reduced by supplemental folic acid. NTD risk may be associated with impaired absorption of polyglutamyl folate, the primary form of naturally occurring food folate, and of folic acid in supplements or fortified food. Stable-isotope methods provide the specificity needed to test this hypothesis. Objective We determined whether women who had an NTD-affected pregnancy had a reduced ability compared with control women to absorb polyglutamyl folate relative to folic acid. Design Healthy, nonpregnant women with a history of an NTD-affected pregnancy (cases; n = 11) and control women (n = 11) were administered an oral dose containing a mixture of [(2)H]pteroylpentaglutamate ([(2)H(2)]PteGlu(5); 233 nmol) and [(13)C]pteroylmonoglutamate ([(13)C(5)]PteGlu(1); 567 nmol) after a 30-d saturation protocol (2 mg unlabeled folic acid/d). Relative extents of absorption were evaluated by urinary excretion of (2)H(2)- and (13)C(5)-labeled folates 48 h postdose. Results During the first 24 h postdose, cases excreted less (f1.gif" BORDER="0"> +/- SD) [(2)H(2)]PteGlu(5) (21 +/- 12% compared with 37 +/- 19%; P = 0.01) and [(13)C(5)]PteGlu(1) (17 +/- 8% compared with 31 +/- 14%; P = 0.007) than did controls. No significant differences between cases and controls were detected in the percentage of [(2)H(2)]PteGlu(5) or [(13)C(5)]PteGlu(1) excreted during the second 24 h postdose or when the data were averaged over 48 h. However, excretion of the [(2)H(2)]folates tended to be lower in cases than in controls over the 48-h period (33 +/- 13% compared with 45 +/- 26%; P = 0.21). A similar trend (P = 0.29) for lower excretion of [(13)C(5)]folates in cases was also observed (31 +/- 16% compared with 39 +/- 17%). The ratio of urinary [(2)H(2)]folates to [(13)C(5)]folates did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Conclusion These data suggest the need for a larger-scale study using stable-isotope methods to further investigate this hypothesis.
Fluorescent image-tracking velocimetry algorithms for quantitative flow analysis in artificial organ devices

A Fluorescent Image Tracking Velocimetry (FITV) system has been developed to produce two-dimensional velocity maps of flow fields. This system is capable of measurements at flow boundaries, such as the blood-biomaterial interfaces in artificial cardiac organs (in-vitro only). Three pulse-coding schemes--a single-pulse code, a dash-dot pulse code, and a constant- frequency pulse code--and associated image analysis algorithms have been developed and tested. These algorithms were applied to analyze flow in three types of artificial cardiac organs: the Novacor Left Ventricular Assist System, the Nimbus AxiPump, and the Hattler Intravenous Membrane Oxygenator. Results are presented and discussed in terms of image recognition. Despite the drawback of time-direction ambiguity, a constant-frequency pulse with a hybrid of constant-frequency and single-pulse analyses was found to provide optimum results for these applications.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Carbamazepine treatment of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Abstract Purpose Evaluate the efficacy of carbamazepine in the treatment of idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). Method The response of five patients with IGE, who experienced primarily generalized tonic–clonic seizures which were refractory to multiple antiepileptic drugs, is reported. Results Carbamazepine controlled multiple seizure types and did not induce or increase the frequency of myoclonic or absence seizures in these patients. Many family members also responded favorably to carbamazepine. Conclusion Carbamazepine can be used with caution as an alternative treatment option for refractory IGE, especially in cases in which the main seizure type is generalized tonic–clonic.
Progress in fieldable laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

In recent years there has been great progress in the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technology field. Significant advances have been made both in fundamental and applied research as well as in data processing/chemometrics. Improvements in components, most notably lasers/optics and spectrometers are enabling the development of new devices that are suitable for field use. These new commercial devices recently released to the marketplace, as well as ones currently under development, are bringing the potential of LIBS for CBRNE threat analysis into real-world applications.
Study of resonant structure in the π−η system from the reaction π−p → p π−pη at 2.26 GeV/c

Abstract Enhancements in the π - η mass spectrum from the reaction π -p→ π -p η at 2.26 GeV/ c appear to be consistent with production of the π v (1016) and the A 2 L (1270) mesons. We present evidence that favors J P = 2 + for the A 2 L .
807 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MATERNAL COLONIZATION WITH GROUP STREPTOCOCCI (GBS) AND PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES (PROM)

807 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MATERNAL COLONIZATION WITH GROUP STREPTOCOCCI (GBS) AND PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES (PROM)
Systematic Study of Oxo, Peroxo, and Superoxo Isomers of 3d-Metal Dioxides and Their Anions

The electronic and geometrical structures of the ground and excited states of the 3d-metal dioxides ScO2, TiO2, VO2, CrO2, MnO2, FeO2, CoO2, NiO2, CuO2, and ZnO2 along with their singly charged negative ions have been calculated using the density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation for the exchange-correlation potential. We have considered oxo, peroxo, and superoxo isomers in both neutral and anionic series. The ground states of all 3d-metal dioxides and their anions possess oxo forms, except for copper dioxide, which prefers a superoxo form. All the dioxides have a large number of isomers closely spaced in total energy. The champion, FeO2-, possesses five isomers within an energy range of 0.35 eV. The energy gap between oxo, peroxo, and superoxo isomers decreases along the series from TiO2 to ZnO2. ScO2 has peroxo and superoxo isomers which are close in total energy to its oxo ground state. The electron affinities are computed for all types of isomers and are compared to available e...
p73 can suppress the proliferation of cells that express mutant p53.

Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene is the most common genetic alteration in human cancer. p73, a member of the p53 family, has been found to exhibit activity similar to that of p53, including the ability to induce growth arrest and apoptosis. p53 and p73 have a high percentage of similarity at several domains, including the DNA binding domain. This domain in p53 is the location of missense mutations in many human cancers. Mutant p53, which cannot suppress cell proliferation, has been found to have a dominant-negative activity that inactivates wild-type p53. To determine the effects of mutant p53 on wild-type p73, we have established cell lines expressing both mutant p53 and wild-type p73 in a dual-inducible system. This system expresses mutant p53 in a tetracycline-repressible system and p73β in an ecdysone-inducible system in a p53-null lung carcinoma parental cell line. We have found that wild-type p73β, in the presence of mutant p53, retains the ability to transactivate p21 and suppresses cell growth through induction of both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, in cell lines expressing wild-type p53 and wild-type p73β, we have found that these proteins cooperate to additively transactivate p21 and suppress cell proliferation.
Rifaximin for maintenance therapy in antibiotic-dependent pouchitis

Pouchitis is the most common long-term complication of in patients with restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Patients often develop antibiotic-dependent form of pouchitis requiring long-term antibiotic therapy for remission maintenance. Rifaximin, an oral, non-systemic, broad-spectrum antibiotic with a favorable safety profile, may be a promising candidate agent for maintenance therapy. This historical cohort open-label study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of rifaximin in maintaining symptomatic and endoscopic remission in patients with antibiotic-dependent pouchitis. Adult patients with antibiotic-dependent pouchitis received a 2-week course of various antibiotics for induction of remission. Patients in remission then began maintenance therapy with rifaximin 200 mg/day (to 1800 mg/day) for up to 24 months. Pouchitis Disease Activity Index symptom scores were assessed every 1–3 months to evaluate efficacy. Fifty-one patients began maintenance therapy with rifaximin (median dose 200 mg/day); 33 (65%) maintained remission through 3 months (primary endpoint). Of these 33 patients, 26 (79%) successfully continued maintenance for 6 months after beginning maintenance, 19 (58%) successfully continued for 12 months, and two (6%) successfully continued for 24 months. Only one patient reported an adverse event (transient facial rash). Patients' response to rifaximin as a maintenance therapy appears to be favorable in this open-labeled trial of antibiotic-dependent pouchitis. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials with a longer follow-up are warranted.
Genetic analysis of murine strains C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ to confirm the map position of Ath-1, a gene determining atherosclerosis susceptibility

Previous results suggested that strains C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ differed in a single gene for atherosclerosis susceptibility, calledAth-1. Based on data from recombinant inbred strainsAth-1 was tentatively assigned to chromosome 1 linked toAlp-2. In this report, a cross between C57BL/6 and C3H/HeJ was carried out in order to test whether the tentative map position was correct. Parental strains and F1 and F2 progeny were examined. Susceptible alleles ofAth-1, found in C57BL/6, are associated with relatively low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in animals fed an atherogenic diet; resistant alleles ofAth-1 are associated with relatively high levels of HDL-cholesterol. F1 progeny have HDL levels that are intermediate between these of the two parental strains. Among the F2 progeny,Alp-2 andAth-1 cosegregated, providing confirmatory evidence thatAth-1 is linked toAlp-2 on chromosome 1. Three mice recombinant forAlp-2 andAth-1 were found among the 60 chromosomes tested, giving an estimated map distance between these two genes of 5.0±2.8 (SE) cM. The phenotypic characteristics ofAth-1 resemble a genetic trait in humans, hyperalphalipoproteinemia, which is characterized by elevated levels of HDL-cholesterol, reduced risk of heart disease, and increased longevity.
Effective Electroelastic Properties of a Piezocomposite with Viscoelastic and Dielectric Relaxing Matrix

We use the correspondence principle of linear viscoelasticity and the Mori-Tanaka averaging method to determine the effective electroviscoelastic moduli of a piezocomposite made of piezoceramic (PZ...
Opposite effects of the δ- and μ-opioid receptor agonists on ventilation in conscious adult dogs

We studied ventilation and ventilatory pattern in adult unanesthetized dogs after intracisternal administration of morphiceptin analogue (MA) (Tyr-Pro-NMePhe-D-Pro-NH2) and morphine sulfate (MS) which are mu-receptor opioid agonists and after D-Ala-D-Leu-enkephalin (DADLE), a preferential delta-receptor opioid agonist. DADLE induced a prolongation in expiratory time, Te, and a reduction in instantaneous minute ventilation, Vt/Ttot, which lasted for about 2 h and was dose dependent. In contrast, MA and MS induced a striking decrease in Te and tidal volume with a net increase in Vt/Ttot. Both MA and DADLE increased the number of sighs per unit time while morphine did not. Naloxone increased Vt/Ttot when used after both DADLE or MA but larger doses were required for an observable effect after DADLE than after MA. These data suggest that in the unanesthetized dog: (1) the effect of intracisternal opioids on ventilation and ventilatory pattern is not uniform and (2) the opioid mu-receptor subsystem may involve different neuronal pathways from those of the opioid delta-receptor subsystem to modulate breathing.
Avian Abundance Patterns in Relation to the Distribution of Small Urban Greenspaces

AbstractSmall urban greenspaces, such as neighborhood parks and private gardens, have often been overlooked or considered unlikely habitat sources owing to their small size, even though they may still provide important nesting and food resources for common songbirds. The objective of this study was to determine the role of small greenspaces, comprising a variety of land-use types, by assessing the distribution and abundance of four common songbird species. Point count data collected by the Baltimore Ecosystem Study were analyzed for four common urban songbirds: American robin (Turdus migratorius), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), and European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Vacant land, small parks, and residential land cover within a 200 m radius for each point count location were calculated as a proxy for private lawns and gardens,. Abundance modeling was conducted to determine which land-cover types best predicted the abundance values of each species and the di...
Craniodental morphology and relationships of the supposed Eocene dermopteran Plagiomene (Mammalia)

ABSTRACT Members of the early Cenozoic family Plagiomenidae possess highly derived cheekteeth that phenetically resemble those of extant colugos (Galeopithecidae, Dermoptera), although the two groups notably differ in details of cusp morphology and in the form of the anterior teeth. Whether these dental resemblances should be considered as evidence of close, shared ancestry or merely as a set of interesting convergences is difficult to evaluate, in part because heretofore no other portions of the plagiomenid skeleton have been available for testing phylogenetic hypotheses. In this report we analyze the basicranial morphology of a skull referable to the nominotypical genus Plagiomene from the early Eocene Willwood Formation of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming. Plagiomene exhibits one of the most highly derived basicranial regions found in Eutheria. No known mammal shares the combination of derived traits exhibited by Plagiomene, although there are points of resemblance to Talpidae, Macroscelidea, and (to a lesse...
Factors contributing to the corrosion of the aluminum metal on semiconductor devices packaged in plastics

Abstract Using a test structure with an evaporated aluminum metallization pattern on the surface of a phosphorus “doped” oxide layer of a silicon semiconductor chip, the rate of corrosion of the aluminum metallization in a d.c. electric field at 85°C and 85% relative humidity was studied. The test structure was attached to a metal frame and molded in a variety of epoxy and silicone plastics. The relative contribution of the nature of the plastic encapsulant used, the presence of phosphorus in the silicon oxide layer and the strength of the electric field on the corrosion of the aluminum metallization was investigated. Under the above conditions it was established that in the presence of phosphoric acid extracted from the phosphorus-doped oxide layer corrosion occurs exclusively at the cathode. The rate is dependent upon the applied d.c. voltage. In the absence of phosphorus in the oxide layer and other ionic contaminants in the moisture on the surface of the device (pH 6–8) the rate of aluminum corrosion is low and occurs principally at the anode. The type of plastic encapsulant used influences the rate of moisture penetration to the device surface but once there the rate of corrosion under high temperature and bias is similar for all plastics if the acidity of the surface layer is high. It is shown that moisture penetration is diffusion-controlled and does not correlate with adhesion of the plastic to the external leads. On the basis of observations of the conditions favoring cathodic or anodic corrosion of the aluminum on semiconductor devices together with aluminum electrodes in various electrolytes, the electrochemical and chemical reactions occurring at the electrodes between the aluminum and the electrolytes are postulated.
Tense, Temporal Context, and Syntactic Ambiguity Resolution.

Abstract During sentence comprehension, events denoted by verbs must be related to other events already established in the discourse. This often requires the tense of a verb to be evaluated in relation to specific temporal properties of the discourse. We investigated the time course of this process by examining whether the usual bias to initially interpret a participial verb in a reduced relative clause as a past-tense verb in a main clause would be reduced or eliminated when the temporal properties of the discourse are inconsistent with a past-tense interpretation. In Experiment 1, the subjects completed fragments such as The student spotted when they appeared in contexts containing events occurring in the future or events occurring in the past. The fragments were typically completed as main clauses (e.g. The student spotted - the proctor in the past contexts, and as relative clauses (e.g. The student spotted by the proctor in the future contexts. In Experiments 2 and 3, the subjects read target sentence...
A condition-based algorithm for solving polyhedral feasibility problems

It is known that Polyhedral Feasibility Problems can be solved via interior-point methods whose real number complexity is polynomial in the dimension of the problem and the logarithm of a condition number of the problem instance. A limitation of these results is that they do not apply to ill-posed instances, for which the condition number is infinite. We propose an algorithm for solving polyhedral feasibility problems in homogeneous form that is applicable to all problem instances, and whose real number complexity is polynomial in the dimension of the problem instance and in the logarithm of an “extended condition number” that is always finite.
Errors of Measurement and Standard Setting in Mastery Testing

A number of studies have estimated the dependabil ity of domain-referenced mastery tests for a fixed cut off score. Other studies have estimated the dependa bility of judgments about the cutoff score. Each of these two types of dependability introduces error. Brennan and Lockwood (1980) analyzed the two kinds of errors together but assumed that the two sources of error were uncorrelated. This paper extends that analy sis of the total error in estimates of the difference be tween the domain score and the cutoff score to allow for covariance between the two types of error.
Some rheological properties of solutions and blends of hydrogenated polybutadiene

This article describes work with model polymers to explore the effects of long branches on polyethylene melt rheology. Dynamic moduli were measured at two or more temperatures on melts, blends, and solutions of linear (L) and star (B) hydrogenated polybutadiene (HPB). Enhancement factor Γ and temperature coefficient (flow activation energy Ea) were determined from viscosity data and correlated with arm molecular weight Mb and volume fraction of the star component Φ. As in other species, Γ for a given branch point functionality is roughly an exponential function of Φ11/6Mb in entangled melts and solutions. In contrast with other species, however, (Ea)B and (Ea)L are different; (Ea)B – (Ea)L is directly proportional to ΦMb, and the degree of thermorheological complexity varies primarily with (Ea)B – (Ea)L. In blends with linear HPB of comparable viscosity, Γ for the star component remains essentially constant, and (Ea)B – (Ea)L is directly proportional to the volume fraction of the star component.
Efficiency in cloning and sequencing using the single-stranded bacteriophage M13

Abstract A number of approaches to sequence DNA by the chain termination method are based on cloning into M13 phage vectors and the use of a universal primer. In this paper we investigate some of the factors which influence the speed and efficiency of these approaches. A modification of the template preparation, sequencing reaction, and gel system was used to obtain more reliable and clearer ladder gels. Redundancy and deficiency of shotgun DNA sequencing were reduced by a mapping technique and the use of synthetic primers. The mapping and cloning technique was used to organize the data entry so that the computer time necessary to reconstruct the sequence out of overlaps was reduced.
On the multigrid solution of finite element equations with isoparametric elements

It has been shown that the multigrid method as applied to finite element systems can produce a solution to the equations inO(N) arithmetical operations whereN is the number of unknowns. This result was obtained under the assumption that there was no approximation of the boundary. It is shown here that this result holds also in the case that the boundary is approximated and isoparametric elements are used.
Extensions of counterion condensation theory. I. Alternative geometries and finite salt concentration.

The counterion condensation theory originally proposed by Manning is extended to take account of both finite counterion concentration (m(C)) and the actual structure of the array of discrete changes. Counterion condensation is treated here as a binding isotherm problem, in which the unknown free volume is replaced by an unknown local binding constant beta', which is expected to vary with m(C) and polyion structure. The relation between the condensed fraction of counterion charge, r, beta' and m(C) is obtained from the relevant grand partition function via the maximum term method. In the case of the single polyion in a large salt reservoir, the result is practically identical to Manning's equation. In order to determine the values of beta' and r at arbitrary m(C), a second relation between r, beta' and m(C) is required. We propose an alternative auxiliary relation that is equivalent to previous assumptions near m(C) = 0, but which yields qualitatively correct and quantitatively useful results at finite m(C). Simple expressions for r vs. m(C) and beta' vs. m(C) are obtained by simultaneously solving the binding isotherm and auxiliary equations. Then r and beta' are evaluated for five different linear arrays of infinite extent with different geometries: (1) a straight line of charges with uniform axial spacing; (2) two parallel lines of in-phase uniformly spaced charges; (3) a single-helix of discrete charges with uniform axial spacing; (4) a double-helix of discrete charges with uniform axial spacing of pairs of charges; (5) a cylindrical array of many parallel charged lines, chosen to simulate a uniformly charged cylinder. In all cases, the computed binding isotherms exhibit qualitatively correct behavior. As m(C) approaches zero, r approaches the Manning limit, r = 1-1/(L(B)/b) where b is the average axial spacing of electronic charges in the array and L(B) is the Bjerrum length. However, beta' varies with polyion geometry, even in the zero salt limit, and matches the Manning value only in the case of a single straight charged line. With increasing m(C), r declines significantly below its limiting value whenever lambda(b) > or approximately equal 0.3, where lambda is the Debye screening parameter. In the case of cylindrical arrays containing either 2 or 100 parallel charged lines, r also decreases, whenever lambda(d) > or approximately equal 2.0, where d is the diameter of the array. In the case of two parallel charged lines, each with axial charge spacing b=3.4 A, which are separated by d = 200 A, r exhibits a plateau value, 0.76, characteristic of the two combined lines, when lambda(d) or approximately equal 2.0 and the lines become effectively screened from one another. beta' behaves in a roughly similar fashion. In the case of a cylindrical array of charged lines with the diameter and linear charge density of DNA, the r-values predicted by the present theory agree fairly well with those predicted by non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann theory up to 0.15 M uni-univalent salt.