cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Superheavy magnetic monopoles and the standard cosmology

The superheavy magnetic monopoles predicted to exist in grand unified theories (GUTs) are very interesting objects, both from the point of view of particle physics, as well as from astrophysics and cosmology. Astrophysical and cosmological considerations have proved to be invaluable in studying the properties of GUT monopoles. Because of the glut of monopoles predicted in the standard cosmology for the simplest GUTs (so many that the Universe should have reached a temperature of 3 K at the tender age of ≃ 10,000 yrs), the simplest GUTs and the standard cosmology are not compatible. This is a very important piece of information about physics at unification energies (E ≳ 1014 GeV) and about the earliest moments (t ≲ 10−34 s) of the Universe. In this talk I review the cosmological consequences of GUT monopoles within the context of the standard hot big bang model.
Ethidium Bromide-Resistant Mutant of Bacillus subtilis

An ethidium bromide-resistant mutant (EB8) derived from a Marburg strain of Bacillus subtilis was found to be conditionally resistant to 10 mug of ethidium bromide per ml. Expression of resistance is complete only during vegetative growth at incubation temperatures above 30 C in complex medium or minimal medium supplemented with Casamino Acids. Strain EB8 is cross-resistant to acriflavine and proflavine. The ethidium bromide resistance marker is co-transduced with hisA1 at a frequency of 6% and is located to the right of hisA1 on the B. subtilis chromosome as it is usually represented on the map. Incorporation of [5-(3)H] uridine by strain EB8 showed that ribonucleic acid synthesis in both whole cells and protoplasts is ethidium bromide-resistant.
Conditional lethal mutants of vesicular stomatitis virus: I. Phenotypic characterization of single and double mutants exhibiting host restriction and temperature sensitivity

Abstract Chemically mutagenized populations of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) were screened for two general classes of conditional lethal viruses. Host-restricted ( hr ) clones that were unable to elicit productive infections in nonpermissive HeLa or HEp-2 cells were selected from small plaques formed on mixed indicator cultures of chick embryo fibroblasts and HeLa cells. Most of these hr mutants also displayed a temperature-sensitive ( ts ) phenotype in permissive CEF cells. Evidence for the existence of spontaneous VSV hr mutants was obtained. The majority of the ts clones selected in CEF cells by conventional methods lacked the hr marker. Specific hr and ts mutants could be distinguished from wild-type virus on the basis of increased thermolability of their infectivity or diminished in vitro activity of their virion-associated transcriptase. Tests for the ability of these mutants to promote virus-specific RNA synthesis under nonpermissive conditions in cells treated with actinomycin D established the following relationships: (a) both “RNA + ” and “RNA − ” classes of mutants were found when infections were carried out in permissive cells incubated at temperatures restrictive for growth of ts phenotypes; (b) all clones possessing the hr marker failed to induce significant uridine incorporation (“RNA − ”) in nonpermissive HEp-2 cells incubated at high or low temperatures; (c) all mutants scored as “RNA − ” types when infections were carried out in nonpermissive HEp-2 cells at restrictive temperature irregardless of their phenotype for the hr and ts markers.
Short-Term Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion of 2,2′,5-Tri-, 2,2′,4,4′-Tetra-, and 3,3′,4,4′-Tetrachlorobiphenyls in Prepubertal Rats

The excretion and tissue retention of three 14C-labeled lower chlorinated biphenyls were examined in prepubertal male and female Sprague-Dawley rats following IV administration. Urine and feces were collected individually at different time intervals up to 72 h for pharmacokinetic analyses. After 72 h, different organs were removed and extracted in acetone:hexane (1:1, v/v) to determine radioactivity. Within the first 10 h after dosing, 2,2′,5-trichlorobiphenyl (PCB 18) was rapidly excreted in urine (8–18% of the administered dose), whereas only 0.6–0.8% of 2,2′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 47) and 0.3–0.8% 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77) were found in urine during this time period. The half-life of elimination was shortest for PCB 18 (37.5 to 49.2 h). The half-lives for PCB 47 and PCB 77 were 351 to 672 h and 152 to 186 h, respectively. The cumulative total excretion (urinary + fecal) of PCB 18 within 72 h was 51–62%, of PCB 77 was 22–25%, and of PCB 47 was 7–10%. No parent PCBs were detected in urine. PCB 47 accumulated preferentially in adipose tissues (subcutaneous fat > mesenteric fat); relatively high levels of PCB 47 were also found in adrenals, ovaries, lungs, liver, and skin. The highest concentration of PCB 77 was found in serum, followed by adipose tissues. Very low concentrations of PCB 18 were found in most tissues; the highest being found in serum, followed by ovaries and adrenal glands. This study suggests that prepubertal rats retain higher short-term serum levels and have lower excretion rates than adult rats.
Automatic Registration of Vertex Correspondences for 3D Facial Expression Analysis

3D facial range models can be created by static range scanners or real-time dynamic 3D imaging systems. One of the major obstacles for analyzing such data is lack of correspondences of features (or vertices) due to the variable number of vertices across individual models or 3D model sequences. In this paper, we present an effective approach to automatically establish vertex correspondences for feature registration, and further classify facial models to specific expressions. We describe our proposed approach as how to establish correspondences among individual models based on a 2D intermediary, which is generated using a conformal mapping and model adaptation algorithm. We also present our approach for 3D facial expression labeling, registration, tracking, and categorization. The feasibility of the approach is validated and demonstrated using our created 3D facial expression databases.
Electro-optical characteristics of a MWIR and LWIR planar hetero-structure P+n HgCdTe photodiodes limited by intrinsic carrier recombination processes

Reported is a detailed analysis of the dark current versus voltage versus temperature data of planar hetero-structure P + n mid wavelength infrared MWIR photodiodes with band gap energy E g (78K) = 0.243 eV, λ g = 5.1 μm and long wavelength infrared LWIR photodiodes with E g (78K) = 0.115 eV, λ g = 10.8 μm. The purpose of the investigations is to identify the dominant carrier recombination mechanisms and in particular to determine at what temperature and voltage is the onset of Shockley Read Hall (SRH) space charge currents. The important finding is that the currents can mostly be explained by a combination of Auger (e-e) and radiative carrier recombination processes with no evidence of SRH recombination through near mid-gap states; a lower bound estimate of the SRH lifetime for LWIR photodiode is 100 μs. Intrinsic radiative recombination is found to be the dominant carrier recombination mechanisms for the MWIR photodiode with a carrier concentration N d =10 15 cm -3 , and Auger (e-e) being dominant for the LWIR photodiode. The LWIR Auger (e-e) lifetime data is well fitted with the Beattie, Landsberg and Blakemore (BLB) formulas with a constant overlap integral F1F2= 0.15, which is in accord with recent electronic band structure calculations. From the analysis of variable area LWIR photodiodes the minority carrier conductivity mobility and diffusion length at 80K are calculated to be 350 cm 2 /V-s and 23 μm respectively. The LWIR lifetime measured by the photoconductive decay method is in agreement with the expected intrinsic Auger (e-e) lifetime ≈ 2 μs at 80K and with the lifetimes obtained from device analysis. For T ≤ 40K, trap assisted tunneling is the dominant current in reversed bias LWIR photodiodes; forward bias currents are dominated by diffusion currents of origin in the n- layer. For the MWIR photodiode deviation from diffusion limited behavior to G-R is observed at T < 80K and, the SRH lifetimes ιn0 and ιp0 are estimated to be 50 ms. Measured and calculated external quantum efficiencies at the peak responsivity wavelength λpk for both MWIR and LWIR photodiodes are ≈ 70% at 78K. For imaging in the 3-5 μm spectral band scene temperature 300K, F/3 optics, the noise equivalent temperature difference NEuT of MWIR photodiodes is calculated to be near background limited performance BLIP =12.4 mK for detector temperatures Td ≤ 150K.
The Nutrition of Paramecium aurelia, Stock 299

SYNOPSIS. Paramecium aurelia, stock 299 (symbiote-free) was cultivated in a synthetic medium consisting of amino acids, vitamins, purine and pyrimidine derivatives, fatty acids, stigmasterol, sodium acetate and salts. The medium supported the continued growth of this stock in serial subculture. Populations up to 17,000 organisms/ml were obtained in 9 or 10 days in the medium supplemented with a phospholipid. Synthetic 1-oleoyl-2-stearoyl-dl-phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl serine and cephalin were comparable in growth-promoting activity. The nutritional need for each of the components of the medium was examined. The following were determined to be essential nutrilites for P. aurelia: arginine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, folic acid, nicotinamide, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxal, riboflavin, thiamine, DL-6-thioctic acid, guanosine, uridine (or cytidine), oleic acid, stigmasterol, calcium and magnesium. Serine replaced glycine for growth in the presence of thymidine. In the absence of thymidine, comparatively high levels of folic acid were required for optimal growth. Sodium acetate did not replace DL-6-thioctic acid. Populations were reduced in the absence of the non-essential amino acids, alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid. These were restored to optimal levels by the addition of sodium acetate to the medium. Pyruvate was about as effective as acetate in this respect; glucose and certain other carbohydrates were not.
Surgical approaches to brain stem cavernous hemangiomas

any studies have shown that cavernous hemangiomas involving the brain stem have an aggressive M natural history compared with cavernous hemangiomas in other locations in the brain. Surgical removal of these lesions is now widely accepted when the lesion reaches or approaches the surface of the brain stem. When the lesion is totally confined inside the brain stem, without an easy access from a pial surface, the treatment strategy is more controversial, with many authors advocating a “wait and watch” approach. Because of the sheer volume of the tissue, the pons has the highest incidence of cavernomas, followed by the midbrain and then the medulla. The surgical approach to a posterior cavernoma depends on the pial location where the lesion manifests itself (i.e., posterior and posterolateral, lateral, anterolateral and anterior), the surrounding anatomy of the long tracts and cranial nerves, and the location of the cavernous hemangioma inside the clot (which may be difficult to discern preoperatively).
Differential response of gel-forming mucins to pathogenic middle ear bacteria.

Objective To assess the differential response of the secretory gel forming mucins (GFM) to the most common bacterial pathogens causing otitis media, Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP), nontypeable Haemophilus influenza (NTHi), and Moraxella catarrhalis (Mcat), in a culture model of human middle ear epithelium (HMEEC).
Reducing Surface Charge Nonuniformity on Individual Particles through Annealing

In the absence of molecular additives, polystyrene latex particles have been shown to be nonuniformly charged. Using the technique of rotational electrophoresis, it has been shown that the standard...
The information divide in the climate sciences

Abstract The gap between the availability of information in developed and developing countries in climate and meteorology is described and detailed. The description is based on a recent survey of scientists around the world. The information divide results from the high costs of information and lack of resources in many countries and can be compounded by language difficulties and cultural differences. This has led to the breakdown in the flow of weather and forecast data, the flow of journals to developing countries, and the flow of the results of scientific work back to these same journals from developing countries. With the increasing electronic flow of information, many countries are also limited by costly and low-bandwidth access to the Internet. Several ideas for bridging the information divide are also presented, ranging from electronic distribution of journals, to increasing capacity to deal with information, to a commitment to include all users in new strategies for delivering information. The Nati...
Mevalonate kinase: localization and variation in activity during the development of Sarcophaga bullata.

Abstract In the 6-day, third instar Sarcophaga bullata larva, mevalonate kinase is distributed in the muscle and brain complex cytosol fractions. Isolated brain complex (cerebral ganglia-ring gland) preparations contain 5·8 per cent of the total enzyme units associated with the first four anterior larval segments. The enzyme of the brain complex evidences a markedly lower specific activity than that of the muscle fraction. In contrast, kinase extracted from both male and female adult head fractions has a very high specific activity (3·18 and 3·34). Excepting a minor fraction of enzyme units in the 109,000 g pellet, this insect enzyme is a cytosol protein optimally recovered in the 23,000 g supernatant of the crude homogenate. Developmental fluctuations of enzymic activity have been determined with significant peaks in the larva at day 1 and day 4, in the pharate adult at day 8 after puparium formation, and in the adult 1 day of emergence. On a per organism calculation, the total enzyme units are twofold greater in the pharate adult at day 8 following puparium formation compared to the day 6 larva.
Modulation of endothelial prostaglandin synthesis by corticotropin releasing factor and antagonists.

Abstract Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is a hypothalamic hormone that also displays autocrine/paracrine roles at peripheral sites. High concentrations of CRF have been identified in endothelial cells and other inflammatory tissues. We investigated the effects of CRF and antagonists in the regulation of prostaglandin synthesis in bovine aortic endothelial cells, and also characterized the binding of CRF in these cells. Interleukin-1α increased prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2) synthesis in endothelial cells and this response to interleukin-1α was abolished by simultaneous exposure to CRF. The effect of CRF on interleukin-1α-induced prostaglandin synthesis was antagonised by the CRF receptor antagonist α-helical CRF-(9–41). In addition, this as well as another CRF receptor antagonist, namely [ d -Phe12]CRF-(12–41), when applied alone at low concentrations inhibited the interleukin-1α-induced prostaglandin synthesis similarly to CRF, suggesting partial agonistic action. Binding of [ 125 I ]-labeled CRF in endothelial cells was saturable and fitted a two sites model. Kd for the higher-affinity class of receptors was 0.2±0.02 nM, and Bmax 0.79±0.095 fmol/mg protein. The lower-affinity class of receptors had a Kd of 1.77±0.14 μM and Bmax 0.97±0.12 fmol/mg protein. These findings suggest a direct role for CRF in the local regulation of inflammation.
Effect of Substrate on the Diiron(III) Site in Stearoyl Acyl Carrier Protein Δ9-Desaturase as Disclosed by Cryoreduction Electron Paramagnetic Resonance/Electron Nuclear Double Resonance Spectroscopy†

The diiron center in stearoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) desaturase (DS) from castor plant Ricinus communis catalyzes the dioxygen- and NADPH-dependent introduction of a cis double bond between C9 and C10 of stearoyl-ACP. Radiolytic reduction of diferric DS at 77 K produces an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-detectable mixed-valence center (or [DSox]mv) that is trapped in the conformation of the diferric precursor and thus provides a sensitive EPR/electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) probe of the structure of the diamagnetic diiron(III) state. The cryoreduced DS shows two distinct EPR signals, suggesting the presence of two diiron(III) states: the μ-oxo (major)- and μ-hydroxo (minor)-bridged diiron centers. ENDOR studies show that in the dominant oxo-bridged diferric state each iron(III) coordinates a histidine and a water along with other ligands. Samples containing stoichiometric amounts of stearoyl-ACP show pronounced changes in the EPR and 1H ENDOR spectra of cryoreduced DS. EPR spectra of...
Implicit Theories of Relationships: Who Cares if Romantic Partners Are Less than Ideal?

Perceived discrepancy between one’s ideal and actual partner has been shown to predict relationship satisfaction. The goal of two studies was to examine whether implicit theories of relationships moderate this association. In Study 1, data from 177 undergraduates in romantic relationships showed that the perception that one’s partner falls short of one’s ideal was generally linked to lower satisfaction, except under cultivation (high growth/low destiny). In Study 2, data from 61 couples showed (a) viewing one’s partner favorably was associated with more satisfaction but less so among those who were higher in growth belief; and (b) cultivation predicted increased positivity, whereas evaluation (high destiny/low growth) predicted increased hostility when discussing discrepancies in how they and their partner view the relationship. Results are discussed in terms of the controversy over idealization and authenticity in romantic relationships.
Dynamic stability of the flexural vibrations of a thin-walled beam

Abstract The stability of the free transverse vibrations of a simply supported, thin-walled elastic beam with double axes of symmetry is investigated for arbitrary initial velocity distributions. The lateral-torsional modes may be parametrically excited through the interaction of the pulsating flexural moment and the rotation of the cross section of the beam about the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis of symmetry. A criterion is presented to predict this excitation. A numerical example for a particular transverse flexural mode of vibration indicates that the critical initial velocity for lateral-torsional parametric excitation may be relatively small.
Characterization of Nanocrystalline CdSe by Size Exclusion Chromatography

High-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) is a powerful tool for probing the size and size distribution of complex materials. Here we report its application to the analysis of cadmium selenide nanocrystals produced in organic solvents. If nanocrystal-column interactions are minimized, this method provides an accurate measure of nanocrystal hydrodynamic diameter directly in solution; such information is complementary to TEM in that it can measure the thickness of various capping agents. While the resolution of single-pass HPSEC is limited to 1 nm, we show here that recycling size exclusion chromatography can be applied to assess the fine details of a sample's distribution. Finally, semiconductor nanocrystals can be made a variety of shapes whose optical characteristics are difficult to distinguish. HPSEC can be applied to the general problem of shape separations which we demonstrate with a tetrapod material.
THE EFFECT OF PROPRANOLOL ON PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN MILD ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

Fourteen male patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension have been studied with regard to plasma renin activity (PRA) after acute and prolonged /?- adrenergic blockade with propranolol. Initial PRA was determined after four weeks of placebo treatment. Before propranolol was given PRA rose in response to 10 min of 45" head-up tilt from 151.7 ng/100 ml/h to 248.7 ng/100 ml/h (p< 0.01). After acute administration of propranolol 0.22 mg/kg b.wt. i.v. and following repeated tilt for 10 min PRA only rose to 204.7 ng/100 ml/h (n.s.). Following four weeks of oral propranolol treatment at 160-320 mg daily PRA after tilt was 39.0 ng/100 ml/h. Thus a significant reduction (of PRA had taken place (p<0.005) to a level constitutial: only 15 % of the initial PRA after tilt. The reduction of blood pressure (BP) after four weeks of propranolol treatment was also significant. Diastolic BP was reduced by 19 mmHg(p< 0.001). The changes in BP and tilted PRA were not significantly correlated (r= 0.449, p< 0.10). These results indicate that propranolol causes a marked reduction of PRA in addition to its hypotensive effect. How- ever, this does not necessarily imply that there is a direct causal relationship between the effect of propranolol on PRA and its effect on BP.
CD200R surface expression as a marker of murine basophil activation

Summary Background—Basophils are increasingly recognized as playing important roles in the immune responses of allergic diseases and helminth infections. One of the main obstacles to studying basophils has been the lack of a simple and rapid assay to measure basophil activation in mice. Objective—The purpose of this study was to develop an assay to measure murine basophil activation. Methods—Mouse blood cells were stained with various combinations of positive and negative markers for basophils – sorted and then assessed for basophil purity by May-Gruunwald staining of cytospins. Once a flow cytometric strategy for staining basophils was determined, basophil surface expression of CD200R was assessed by multi-colour flow cytometry after stimulation of whole blood with anti-IgE, ionomycin or N-formyl MetLeuPhe (fMLP). Confirmation of basophil activation was assessed by concomitant staining of cells for intracellular IL-4. To test the ability of flow cytometric basophil CD200R measurements to assess for antigen-specific IgE-mediated activation of basophils, surface CD200R expression in response to in vitro stimulation with media alone, helminth antigen or ovalbumin was measured on basophils obtained from control mice, mice infected with helminths and mice sensitized to ovalbumin. Results—Using anti-IgE-FITC as a positive marker and a combination of anti-CD4-PERCP and anti-B220-PERCP as negative markers resulted in a well-separated basophil population. Additional staining with anti-CD200R-PE demonstrated that (1) basophil CD200R expression increases in response to anti-IgE, ionomycin and fMLP, (2) most CD200R-positive basophils also stain positively for IL-4 and (3) CD200R expression increases after antigen-specific activation of basophils in murine models of helminth disease and allergy. Conclusion—We developed a multi-colour flow cytometry assay that measures murine basophil activation by utilizing CD200R as an activation marker. This assay is straightforward and rapid, taking approximately half a day for obtaining blood, in vitro stimulation and flow cytometric analysis.
Microarray analysis of gene expression in mouse aorta reveals role of the calcium signaling pathway in control of atherosclerosis susceptibility

Inbred mouse strains C57BL/6J (B6) and C3H/HeJ (C3H) exhibit a marked difference in atherosclerotic lesion formation when deficient in apolipoprotein E (apoE−/−), and the arterial wall has been ide...
Physiological and biochemical characterization of a suspensionculture system for sustained exponential growth of Nicotiana silvestris

A strong approach to understanding the regulation of enzymes in metabolic pathways, such as those responsible for amino acid biosynthesis, is to follow enzyme levels throughout the growth curve of higher plant cells in suspension culture. The rise and fall of enzyme levels can be traced as a function of physiological stage of growth Subculturing, as typically carried out by low-factor dilution of stationary phase cells, yields a system suitable for the study of changes in enzyme and metabolite levels that accompany the transition from stationary-phase physiology to exponential-phase physiology. However, the short duration of exponential growth in such subculture protocols is inadequate to avoid carryover effects from previous stationary-phase physiology. Suspension cultures of Nicotiana silvestris Speg, et Comes (2N = 24) were used to demonstrate substantial carryover levels of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and protease activities. A subculture routine is described for maintaining cell populations in exponential phase indefinitely. About 10 generations of sustained exponential growth is required to approach a true balanced state of exponential growth. Such exponential phase populations consist of cells termed EE cells. EE-cell populations were similar to cells that have been in exponential phase for only a few generations (E cells), with respect to doubling time (about 40 h) and to minimal density of diluted populations able to resume growth (about 500 cells ml−1). EE cells possess a high content of soluble protein; they are smaller and more aggregated than are E cells. Upon dilution into fresh medium, EE cells resume exponential growth without a lag. In contrast to E cells, EE cells exhibit properties of balanced growth, since proportionate increases in cell number, dry weight, wet weight and packed-cell volume were observed. E cells, sampled at different elapsed times of growth, are likely to differ in metabolite, enzyme and cell properties, whereas EE cells exhibit near-constant properties.
Analytical law for size effects on thermal conductivity of nanostructures

The thermal conductivity of a nanostructure is sensitive to its dimensions. A simple analytical scaling law that predicts how conductivity changes with the dimensions of the structure, however, has not been developed. The lack of such a law is a hurdle in ``phonon engineering'' of many important applications. Here, we report an analytical scaling law for thermal conductivity of nanostructures as a function of their dimensions. We have verified the law using very large molecular dynamics simulations.
Changes in fatty acyl chains of phospholipids induced by interferon in mouse sarcoma S-180 cells

Abstract S-180 mouse sarcoma cells exhibit antiviral and antiproliferative responses to mouse β interferon. The composition of cellular phospholipids was specifically altered as a result of treatment with interferon. The unsaturated fatty acid content of all of the major phospholipids was decreased, resulting in an increase in the relative proportions of the saturated acyl side chains. These changes can be prevented by anti-interferon antibody and they are not observed with human interferon.
Existence of a strength-duration curve for spinal cord motor evoked potentials in cats.

Abstract A new technique has been developed to estimate the chronaxie of fibers carrying action potentials that are responsible for short latency motor evoked potentials (MEPs). In a 6-cat study, electrical stimuli were applied to the exposed motor cortex, and spinal cord potentials (at the vertebral level of T 9 10 and L 2 3 ) were recorded with needle electrodes using signal averaging. From a plot of MEP amplitude versus stimulus current amplitude for stimuli of 70, 100, 200 and 500 μsec duration, it was possible (by extrapolation and using the linear relationship between charge and duration) to estimate chronaxie for the first 2 prominent peaks in MEP recordings. Mean chronaxie values ranging from 190 to 337 μsec were obtained. This study describes acquisition of strength-duration curves for short latency MEP peaks, but does not address the origin of these peaks.
A Rare Case of Metastasis of Small Cell Carcinoma of Cervix to Breast

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas (SCCs) are rare and often have an aggressive natural course. A 42-year-old female presented to the hospital with vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. She was eventually diagnosed with SCC of cervix by biopsy. She was treated with chemoradiation. However, on follow-up positron emission tomography (PET) scan, fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake was noted in bilateral breasts. Biopsy of these lesions was consistent with metastatic SCC. Breast is a very unusual site for metastasis of cervical SCC and only four cases have been reported in the medical literature to date. Our case highlights the importance of considering metastatic disease when evaluating breast mass in patients with history of SCC of cervix. World J Oncol. 2015;6(1):301-303 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/wjon858w
Voltage holding properties of bend liquid crystal cells with treatments for bend alignment stabilisation

We investigated the voltage holding property of cells with additional fabrication processes for the formation of high and low pretilt angle regions within a dot for achieving a smooth splay-to-bend transition and of π-cells with a polymer network in a liquid crystal (LC) layer to stabilise a bend state. The pretilt angle could be adjusted by irradiation of deep ultraviolet (UV) light to a vertical alignment polyimide layer. The voltage holding ratio (VHR) was above 97% even with irradiation with deep UV light of 10 J/cm2. On the contrary, the VHR was decreased with increasing concentration of photoinitiator, which was added to LC mixture to form the polymer network. The VHR was 90% at the concentration of 0.3 wt%. The results indicate that the formation of the high and low pretilt angle regions within a dot is very useful from the point of reliability of the π-cell.
A Paradox of Preparation

A paradox occurs as students acquire today's content knowledge and think that they are prepared for "tomorrow." However, their future reliance on "yesterday's" knowledge can present the challenge of either using irrelevant ideas or acquiring new information. The degree to which students overcome tomorrow's challenge of knowledge obsolescence depends in part on higher education's teaching them how they learn what they learn. In our experience, we have developed the Analysis of Learning Project to help students understand better how to learn how they learn. We describe this tool, its use, and the challenges of its implementation.
Feature extraction and unsupervised classification of neural population reward signals for reinforcement based BMI

New reinforcement based paradigms for building adaptive decoders for Brain-Machine Interfaces involve using feedback directly from the brain. In this work, we investigated neuromodulation in the Nucleus Accumbens (reward center) during a multi-target reaching task and investigated how to extract a reinforcing or non-reinforcing signal that could be used to adapt a BMI decoder. One of the challenges in brain-driven adaptation is how to translate biological neuromodulation into a single binary signal from the distributed representation of the neural population, which may encode many aspects of reward. To extract these signals, feature analysis and clustering were used to identify timing and coding properties of a user's neuromodulation related to reward perception. First, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of reward related neural signals was used to extract variance in the firing and the optimum time correlation between the neural signal and the reward phase of the task. Next, k-means clustering was used to separate data into two classes.
Cytologic diagnosis of syphilitic pleuritis: a case report.

We report on a case of a 68-yr-old man with secondary syphilis diagnosed by biopsy of skin lesions, who concomitantly suffered from left lower lobe pneumonia with associated pleuritis. Cytologic examination of the pleural fluid was diagnostic of syphilis, not only by the characteristic cytomorphology but also by demonstration of spirochetes by the May-Grunwald-Giemsa (MGG) and Steiner staining methods. This suggests that the pneumonia was also syphilitic. The patient was seropositive for HIV-1, but this probably did not contribute to the thoracic manifestations of syphilis, as there was no evidence of immunodeficiency by the CD4/CD8 T lymphocyte count. This is the second reported demonstration of Treponema pallidum in a pleural fluid, and the first diagnosed by cytopathologic examination. Diagn. Cytopathol. 16:35–38, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Communicating forecast uncertainty: public perception of weather forecast uncertainty

The general public understands that there is uncertainty inherent in deterministic forecasts as well as understanding some of the factors that increase uncertainty. This was determined in an online survey of 1340 residents of Washington and Oregon, USA. Understanding was probed using questions that asked participants what they expected to observe when given a deterministic forecast with a specified lead time, for a particular weather parameter, during a particular time of year. It was also probed by asking participants to estimate the number of observations, out of 100, that they expected to fall within specified ranges around the deterministic forecast. Almost all respondents (99.99%) anticipated some uncertainty in the deterministic forecast. Furthermore, their answers suggested that they expected greater uncertainty for longer lead times when the forecasted value deviated from climatic norms. Perhaps most noteworthy was that they expected specific forecast biases (e.g. over-forecasting of extremes), most of which were not borne out by an analysis of local National Weather Service verification data. In summary, users had well-formed uncertainty expectations suggesting that they are prepared to understand explicit uncertainty forecasts for a wide range of parameters. Indeed, explicit uncertainty estimates may be necessary to overcome some of the anticipated forecast biases that may be affecting the usefulness of existing weather forecasts. Despite the fact that these bias expectations are largely unjustified, they could lead to adjustment of forecasts that could in turn have serious negative consequences for users, especially with respect to extreme weather warnings. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
An ERIM Perspective On BRDF Measurement Technology

Bidirectional Reflection Distribution Function (BRDF) facilities at ERIM have been employed since the late 1960s to characterize the spatial, polarization, and spectral content of the scatter from target/background materials. This paper explores the "lessons learned" over the years, concentrating on the characterization of calibration standards, the expected variation of BRDF of materials, and the utility of BRDF data in the prediction of material/complex object radiative transfer. Expected and unusual material characteristics as a function of wavelength and polarization will be reviewed, as well as the procedures that have been used to provide accurate and repeatable BRDF data. The laboratory equipment that has been used will be briefly discussed, emphasizing the necessary characteristics and functions of the hardware needed to gather valid BRDF data. Finally, the utility/assessment/requirement of BRDF data to support modeling activities will be presented from the "ERIM" image/sensor information exploitation standpoint.
Complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization of pineapple mealybug wilt-associated virus-1

Pineapple mealybug wilt-associated virus-1 (PMWaV-1; family Closteroviridae, genus Ampelovirus) belongs to a complex of mealybug-transmissible viruses found in pineapple worldwide. In this study, the complete genome of PMWaV-1 was sequenced and found to be 13.1 kb in length, making it the smallest in the family. The genome encoded seven open reading frames (ORFs) and was unusual for an ampelovirus due to the lack of an intergenic region between the RdRp and p6 ORFs, an ORF encoding a relatively small coat protein (CP), and the absence of an ORF encoding a coat protein duplicate (CPd). Phylogenetic analyses placed PMWaV-1, plum bark necrosis stem pitting-associated virus and some grapevine leafroll-associated viruses in a distinct clade within the genus Ampelovirus.
Microscopic description of tunneling systems in a structural model glass.

We present a quantitative method which systematically finds tunneling systems in glasses and hence allows a microscopic check of the standard tunneling model. We apply this method to a two-component model amorphous alloy. The major assumptions of the standard tunneling model are qualitatively verified. Small quantitative differences in the distribution of the tunneling matrix elements explain why the experimental temperature dependence of the specific heat is superlinear and the thermal conductivity is subquadratic. Connections to the soft-potential model and recent strong-coupling models are discussed.
Engineering a data dependence test

Many papers have been written dealing with the science of data dependence tests, particularly for dependence of arrays in loops; the techniques typically reduce the dependence problem to an algebraic problem, then solve the algebraic problem by an algorithm which has some desired blend of efficiency, generality or precision. While a sound theoretical basis is necessary for dependence-based tools, these papers often leave out many implementation details. This paper addresses the engineering aspects of data dependence testing, particularly focusing on details that are necessary in any competent implementation of a data dependence test.
Evidence for244Pu fission tracks in hibonites from Murchison carbonaceous chondrite

Abstract We have developed a technique for revealing nuclear tracks in the mineral hibonite (CaAl12O19), found in the refractory inclusions from carbonaceous chondrites. The tracks in hibonitesfrom Murchison carbonaous chondrite are dominated by fission tracks from244Pu (constituting more than 90% of the total). The measured uranium contents in these crystals range from 1.2 to 62 ppb. We deduce that the average value for the244Pu/238U ratio in most of the Murchison hibonites at the time of track retention is0.022 ± 0.011.
A systemic approach toward optimization of the hot embossing of poly-L-lactic acid for biomedical applications.

Poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a popular biodegradable polymer that is used extensively for many biological applications. A limitation of using PLLA is the difficulty in forming the polymer in complex shapes and forms for applications that include drug delivery and tissue engineering. This study focuses on PLLA replication using hot embossing technology. In this study hot embossing process parameters were identified, replication quality was examined, and crystallinity of PLLA was analyzed. The replication quality of micropillars and microreservoirs was examined using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, with good replication obtained using a hot embossing pressure of 18 MPa at a temperature of 85°C and holding time of 120 s. The material properties were examined using differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy that indicated no substantial crystallinity or structural changes during hot embossing of PLLA. The study presented in this article concludes with the assessment that hot embossing technology could be used as a viable micromanufacturing process for the fabrication of inexpensive PLLA-based microdevices, with possible applications to controlled drug delivery, growth factors pathways, or other therapeutic applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Sediment capture in flood plains of the Mississippi River: A case study in Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana

Abstract. To plan restoration of the Mississippi River Delta, it is imperative to know how much sediment the Mississippi River currently provides. Recent research has demonstrated that between Tarbert Landing and St Francisville on the Mississippi, as much as 67 million metric tons (Mt) per year is lost from river transport, of which ~16 Mt is muddy suspended sediment. So where does this sediment go? Two pathways for loss have been proposed: riverbed storage, and overbank deposition in regions that lack manmade levees. Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, on the unleveed Mississippi River east bank near St Francisville, Louisiana, consists of undisturbed bottomland forest that is inundated most years by river flooding. To determine fluvial sediment accumulation rates (SAR) from flooding, pushcores 40–50 cm long were collected then dated by Pb-210 and Cs-137 geochronology. Preliminary data suggests that muddy sediment accumulation is 10–13% of muddy suspended sediment lost from river transport along this river reach.
A reassignments of the EPR spectrum attributed to the radical cation of 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane☆

Abstract The EPR spectrum of γ-irradiated 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane has been reinvestigated. Previous evidence for the radical cation Me 3 C −− CMe + 3 has been critically examined and it is concluded that a more satisfactory analysis can be made on the basis of the three neutral radicals − CH 2 CMe 2 CMe 3 , − CMe 2 CMe 3 and − CMe 3 .
Size Effects on Nonequilibrium Laser Heating of Metal Films

Picosecond and sub-picosecond lasers have become important tools in the fabrication and study of microstructures. When the laser pulse duration becomes comparable with or less than the characteristic time of energy exchange among microscopic energy carriers, the excited carriers are no longer in thermal equilibrium with the other carriers, creating a nonequilibrium heating situation. The presence of interfaces in metals provides additional scattering processes for electrons, which in turn affects the nonequilibrium heating process. This work studies size effects, due to both surface scattering and grain-boundary scattering, on the thermal conductivity and the energy exchange between electrons and the material lattice
Selectivity of organ response to cadmium injury and various protective measures

This study was set up to investigate the lethality of cadmium and with the use of radioactive cadmium to determine whether cysteine causes any alterations in distribution of cadmium that might alter its toxicity. Comparisons were made with BAL selenium and zinc as well as with various other amino acids. After subcutaneous administration of cadmium chloride (.012 mM/kg) the testes of CD-1 mice undergo total destruction although only .1% of the dose administered (.07 mcg cadmium) reaches the gonads. In terms of concentration the testes is vulnerable to as little as .15 mcg of cadmium per gm wet weight of tissue; liver and kidney which attain concentration levels 45-90 times greater show no microscopic evidence of damage. Cysteine prevents cadmium from injuring the testes but enhances the lethality of cadmium 5-fold; greatly increased quantities of the metal are directed to the kidney selectively destroying the proximal convoluted tubules. BAL selenium and zinc which also protect the testes from cadmium neither increase the distribution of cadmium to the kidney nor enhance the toxicity of cadmium. Other than cysteine none of the 13 other amino acids tested protects the testes or increases cadmium toxicity. In contrast to the kidney the testis is protected in the face of the increase in cadmium level caused by both cysteine and selenium.
The sex education debates

The sex education debates, by Nancy Kendall, Chicago, The University of Chicago Press, 2013, 243 pp., $30.00 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-226-92228-7 Several themes emerged in Nancy Kendall's book, The ...
11-MeV PROTON INELASTIC SCATTERING FROM EVEN--EVEN MEDIUM-WEIGHT NUCLEI.

The analysis of inelastic scattering of 11-MeV protons from quadrupole and octupole collective levels of 14 even-even nuclei between $^{48}\mathrm{Ti}$ and $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$ is reported. The distorted-wave Born approximation is used to calculate the cross sections using the collective-model generalization of the optical model for inelastic scattering. The analysis is performed using both real and complex form factors for the model. A satisfactory description of all the data is obtained when a contribution due to compound-nucleus decay for most of the octupole levels and a few of the quadrupole levels is included.
Effects of Cutting on Juice Leakage, Microbiological Stability and Bitter Substances of Peeled Citrus☆

The effects of cutting on selected storage characteristics (juice leakage, microbiological stability, and bitter substances) of peeled citrus were examined. Peels of Valencia and Hamlin orange and Marsh white grapefruit were infused with water and removed manually from the fruit. The remaining segments were cut radially or cross-sectionally to create halves, quarters, sections, rings, or chunks. Juice leakage of cut segments was initially rapid, but became constant. Juice leakage increased proportionally with cut surface area, but was not affected by storage temperature (2, 4, or 8 °C). Total aerobic plate counts of peeled whole fruits and segment chunks stored at 4, 8, or 21 °C did not differ (P>0.05), but yeast and mold counts were greater for chunks. Limonin concentration of peeled whole grapefruits and grapefruit segment chunks stored at 4 °C increased during storage (< 2 mg/kg initially to 5 and 9 mg/kg at 1 week for peeled whole fruits and chunks, respectively). In contrast, soluble naringin concentration of both peeled whole fruits and segment chunks decreased from 600 mg/kg to 370 mg/kg as a result of crystallization under similar storage conditions.
Impact of duty hour restrictions on otolaryngology training : Divergent resident and faculty perspectives

Objectives: In 2003, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) passed a controversial mandate limiting resident work hours. We sought to examine the impact of these restrictions on otolaryngology programs and to explore faculty and resident perspectives. Methods: Faculty and residents of all 102 ACGME-accredited otolaryngology residency programs were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. Results: The study population consisted of 460 respondents: 275 residents and 185 faculty (including 41 program directors) representing 57 otolaryngology programs. Sixty-five percent of programs implemented at least one change specifically to comply with duty-hour restrictions. Strategies included tracking work hours electronically (35.7%), utilization of "home call" (33.1%), and hiring additional healthcare professionals (23.1%). When asked if the restrictions have had a negative effect on patient care, 61% of respondents said no, but a surprising 33% said yes. Sixty-nine percent of faculty felt that the restrictions have actually had a negative effect on resident training compared with only 31% of residents (P <.001). Thirty-nine percent of participants felt resident workload was excessive before the restrictions. Opinions on whether duty-hour limits had fostered improvements in resident education, research, or examination scores varied, but most agreed that resident mental health had improved (67%). Conclusions: Otolaryngology programs have successfully restricted resident duty hours through significant infrastructural changes. Of concern, the majority of residents surveyed appeared to be in favor of the ACGME restrictions, whereas most program directors and faculty were opposed. Further studies are needed to establish whether limited work hours will enhance or hinder the residency training experience.
Thin film growth with selective etching: Multiple regrowth model for diamond films

Abstract The kinetics of diamond thin-film growth is explored based on a previously proposed multiple-regrowth mechanism. In this theory surface relaxation occurs only through rapid deposition and removal of atoms. Atom removal occurs through selective etching by hydrogen. In this article, the effect of hydrogen etching is simulated using a lattice gas that does not allow particle migration along the surface. The model includes a (kinetically induced) lattice symmetry-breaking. Resulting growth morphologies depend on the hydrogen to carbon atom ratio and include low-density dendritic columnar, faceted-single-crystal (on ordered substrate), and polycrystal (on disordered substrate). Kinetically induced vacancies are found to be present, consistent with a theory of defect-induced-stabilization of diamond.