cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of the equilibrium melting temperature of polymer crystals : Linear and nonlinear Hoffman-Weeks extrapolations

The applicability of the Hoffman−Weeks (HW) linear extrapolation for the determination of equilibrium melting temperatures of polymers is critically reviewed. In the first paper of this series, it is shown that the linear extrapolation of observed melting temperatures cannot, in general, provide a reliable estimate of the equilibrium melting temperature. A combination of the experimentally observed undercooling dependence of the initial lamellar thickness, l* = C1/ΔT + C2, and the finite lamellar thickness dependent melting temperature depression, as described by the Gibbs−Thomson treatment, provides a venue to the general relationship between the crystallization and observed melting temperatures. It is further shown that, for a constant thickening coefficient, the observed melting temperature must vary nonlinearly with the crystallization temperature. The origin of this nonlinearity lies in the term C2, which is neglected in the classical HW treatment. The principal implications of this study in the cont...
Fresh Breeze: a multiprocessor chip architecture guided by modular programming principles

It is well-known that multiprocessor systems are vastly more difficult to program than systems that support sequential programming models. In a 1998 paper[11] this author argued that six important principles for supporting modular software construction are often violated by the architectures proposed for multiprocessor computer systems. The Fresh Breeze project concerns the architecture and design of a multiprocessor chip that can achieve superior performance while honoring these six principles.The envisioned multiprocessor chip will incorporate three ideas that are significant departures from mainstream thinking about multiprocessor architecture: (1) Simultaneous multithreading has been shown to have performance advantages relative to contemporary superscalar designs. This advantage can be exploited through use of a programming model that exposes parallelism in the form of multiple threads of computation. (2) The value of a shared address space is widely appreciated. Through the use of 64-bit pointers, the conventional distinction between "memory" and the file system can be abolished. This can provide a superior execution environment in support of program modularity and software reuse, as well as supporting multi-user data protection and security that is consistent with modular software structure. (3) No memory update; cycle-free heap. Data items are created, used, and released, but never modified once created. The allocation, release, and garbage collection of fixed-size chunks of memory will be implemented by efficient hardware mechanisms. A major benefit of this choice is that the multiprocessor cache coherence problem vanishes: any object retrieved from the memory system is immutable. In addition, it is easy to prevent the formation of pointer cycles, simplifying the design of memory management support.
Seasonal water-column dynamics of dissolved inorganic carbon stable isotopic compositions (δ13CDIC) in small hardwater lakes in Minnesota and Montana

Abstract The carbon stable isotopic value of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC) was measured over several years at different depths in the water column in six carbonate-precipitating temperate lakes. δ13CDIC behavior in three of these lakes departed from the conventional model wherein epilimnetic waters are seasonally enriched relative to all hypolimnetic waters, and in general δ13CDIC values in the water column were not readily correlated to parameters such as lake stratification, algal productivity, hydraulic residence time, or water chemistry. Additionally, the processes implicated in generating the δ13CDIC values of individual lakes differ between lakes with similar δ13CDIC compositions. Each lake thus initially appears idiosyncratic, but when the effects of carbonate mineral equilibria, microbial activity, and lake residence time are viewed in terms of the magnitude of distinct DIC pools and fluxes in stratified lakes, generalizations can be made that allow lakes to be grouped by δ13CDIC behavior. We recognize three modes in the relationship between δ13CDIC values and DIC concentration ([DIC]) of individual lakes: (A) δ13CDIC values decreasing with increasing [DIC]; (B) δ13CDIC values increasing with increasing [DIC]; (C) δ13CDIC values decreasing with increasing [DIC] but increasing again at the highest [DIC]. This approach is useful both in understanding δ13CDIC dynamics in modern hardwater lakes and in reconstructing the environmental changes recorded by sedimentary δ13C components in the lacustrine paleorecord.
Differences in Self-Reported Discrimination by Primary Type of Drug Used among New York City Drug Users

Background: Illicit drug users experience various forms of discrimination which may vary by type of drug used, as there are different levels of stigma associated with different types of drugs. Objectives: This study investigated self-report of perceived discrimination by primary type of drug used. Methods: This analysis used data from “Social Ties Associated with Risk of Transition into Injection Drug Use” (START), a cross-sectional study of recently initiated injection drug users (IDUs) and prospective study of heroin/crack/cocaine-using non-IDUs (n = 652). Using log binomial regression, the relationship between primary drug used (i.e., single drug used most often) with discrimination due to drug use was examined. Results: Heroin users were significantly more likely (Prevalence ratio (PR): 1.52 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.15−2.07)) to report discrimination due to drug use compared to cocaine users. Conclusion and Scientific Significance: More research is needed to understand the mechanism through wh...
Androgen receptor in rat liver: Hormonal and developmental regulation of the cytoplasmic receptor and its correlation with the androgen-dependent synthesis of α2u-globulin

Abstract The cytoplasmic receptor for 5α-dihydrotestosterone has been identified in the rat liver and partially characterized. The receptor is a protein with a sedimentation coefficient of 3.5 S and binds both androgens (5α-dihydrotestosterone and testosterone) and estradiol-17β with high affinity. At saturating concentration, for every mole of estradiol there seem to be three moles of 5α-dihydrotestosterone bound to the receptor. Whereas estradiol stronly inhibits the uptake of 5α-dihydrotestosterone by the receptor, the presence of 5α-dihydrotestosterone only weakly interferes with estradiol binding. The level of the androgen receptor activity in the hepatic cytosol was found to follow closely the level of the urinary output of α-2u-globulin, an androgen-dependent protein of hepatic origin. Immature and senile male as well as female rats, which do not normally produce α2u-globulin, also lacked androgen receptor activity in their hepatic cytosol. Castration of the adult male rats results in a gradual drop of the urinary output of α2u-globulin as well as of the hepatic androgen receptor activity. Androgen treatment of immature and senile male rats does not induce α2u-globulin or any receptor activity. Administration of estradiol to adult male rates results in complete inhibition of both α2u-synthesis as well as complete loss of the cytosol androgen receptor activity in these animals. These results strongly indicate that the hepatic the hepatic androgen receptor activity. Androgen treatment of immature and senile male rats does not induce α2u-globulin or any receptor activity. Administration of estradiol to adult male rats results in complete inhibition of boty α2u-synthesis as well as complete loss of the cytosol androgen receptor activity in these animals. These results strongly indicate that the hepatic androgen receptor is an inducible protein whose synthesis is regulated by its own ligands, the androgens acting as the positive and the estradiol as the negative signals.
Determination of asperity damage parameters for constitutive models of rock discontinuities

Dilatancy and contact surface damage are important phenomena affecting the behaviour of rock joints and other geological discontinuities. Effective constitutive laws that incorporate these behaviours have recently been developed but require the specification of new material parameters that govern damage of asperity surfaces. Determination of the parameters that control damage is currently a difficulty that confronts practitioners. This brief will summarize the findings of Hutson and Dowding's investigation of joint surface asperity degradation and elaborate on the implications for application.
Inhibition and Reversal of Platelet Activation by Cytochalasin B or Colcemid

PLATELETS respond to activation by forming pseudopodia1,2 but the relationship between pseudopodia, adhesion, spreading, and aggregation is not known, although it has been suggested that the formation of pseudopodia is an essential condition for platelet aggregation3.
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis Diagnosed in Pregnancy and Managed With Whole-lung Lavage

A 29-year-old woman presented with dyspnea, fatigue, and chills during the first trimester of pregnancy. She did not respond to empiric antibiotic therapy for bronchitis and was subsequently hospitalized with worsening respiratory symptoms and hypoxemia. During this hospitalization, the patient underwent open lung biopsy and was diagnosed with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). A therapeutic trial with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor proved ineffective. Later in her pregnancy, therapeutic sequential whole-lung lavage was performed owing to her worsening dyspnea and hypoxemia. Cryptococcus neoformans grew in culture from her lavage fluid. Whole-lung lavage resulted in clinical improvement and she was treated with a course of amphotericin B for her cryptococcal lung infection. A healthy male infant was delivered at term without complications. Our case is another example of the feasibility and safety of whole-lung lavage in a symptomatic pregnant woman with PAP, and also demonstrates the need for a high index of suspicion for secondary infection in PAP.
Numerical and analytical methods to determine the current density distributions produced in human and rat models by electric and magnetic fields.

Some numerical and analytical methods used to estimate the internal electric fields and current densities produced within human and animal models by low-frequency electric and magnetic fields are surveyed. A major goal of such modeling is the design of laboratory experiments on cellular systems or animal models to produce a dosage comparable to that experienced by humans in a particular situation. Specific comparisons are made between the results of ellipsoidal approximations and finite-difference methods applied to irregularly-shaped, homogeneous, human and rat models for applied 60 Hz electric (10 kV/m) and magnetic (10−4 T) fields. For scaling purposes, the induced current densities in various parts of the body are compared for rat and human models for both types of field. In addition, the current density distribution induced in rectangular culture dishes by applied magnetic fields is also described. The extension of these methods to inhomogeneous models and localized sources may not be simple. 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Heterotrophic protists in the Central Arctic Ocean

Distribution, general composition and activity of heterotrophic protists, as well as the distribution of bacteria, were assessed in the upper water column of the central Arctic Ocean during the Arctic Ocean Section, July–September 1994. Bacterial biomass varied from 5 to > 25 mg C 1−1, with the highest values occurring in the Chukchi Sea. Protist biomass was highest (5–107 mg Cl−1) in the upper 50 m of the water column. Higher integrated (0–50 m) protist biomass values (average 910±250 mg C m−2, range 580–1370 mg C m−2) were found in the Chukchi Sea, compared to the central Arctic Ocean (average 480±320 mg C m−2, range 120–1120 mg C m−2). Heterotrophic dinoflagellates were more abundant than ciliates in the >20 μm size class at all stations. In the central Arctic Ocean, the <20 μm size class was numerically composed of dinoflagellates (16%), choanoflagellates (4%) and other flagellates (80%). Choanoflagellates were slightly more abundant in the Chukchi Sea (9% of cell numbers), but were a large component of the flagellate assemblage (55% of cell numbers) at only one station, in the Nansen Basin. Bacterivory estimated via uptake of added fluorescently labeled bacteria ranged from 1·2 × 103 to 46 × 103 bacteria ml−1 day−1; the highest rate was found at the station with a high choanoflagellate abundance. Observation of food vacuole contents showed that all size classes and taxonomic types of protists ingested phytoplankton. Choanoflagellates, and monads as small as 1·5 μm in size, ingested picoplanktonic eukaryotic phytoplankton, which were abundant (103−104 cells ml−1) in the upper 50 m. Larger protists ingested cryptomonads and diatoms, as well as pico-autotrophs. Clearance rates of 10–100 μm sized ciliates and dinoflagellates, based on the uptake of 1–5 μm fluorescent microspheres, were similar to rates reported for herbivorous protists in temperate waters. In terms of ecosystem carbon flow, we infer that phagotrophic protists in the Arctic Ocean are important consumers of phytoplankton and bacteria, and may represent a significant food resource for zooplankton.
Internships: Theory and Practice. Charles H. Sides and Ann Mrvica. Amityville, NY: Baywood, 2007. 166 pp

The pages of Technical Communication Quarterly are devoted to exploring literacy activities and knowledge production in 21st-century organizations and to suggesting what technical communication edu...
Loss of MeCP2 function is associated with distinct gene expression changes in the striatum.

Abstract Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmental regression beginning 6–18 months after birth, followed by a lifetime of intellectual disability, stereotyped behaviors, and motor deficits. RTT is caused by mutations in the gene encoding MeCP2, a methyl-CpG binding protein believed to modulate gene transcription. Gene expression studies of individual brain regions have reported that Mecp2 loss-of-function leads to both activation and repression of its gene targets in mice. Conditional deletion of MeCP2 from different brain regions has revealed unique insights into the role of these structures in mediating particular RTT-like phenotypes. However, the function of MeCP2 in the striatum, a major brain region involved in motor control and executive cognitive functions, has yet to be studied. Here, we characterized the gene expression changes in the striatum of Mecp2 mutant mice. We found a number of differentially expressed genes in the striatum of both constitutive Mecp2-null mice and mice lacking MeCP2 only from forebrain GABAergic neurons. These changes only occurred when MeCP2 expression levels had reached mature levels and RTT-like symptoms were manifest, supporting a role for MeCP2 in maintaining proper brain function. Many of the gene expression changes identified in the striatum have not previously been shown to change in the hypothalamus or cerebellum. Bioinformatic analysis of differentially expressed genes in striatum as well as hypothalamus and cerebellum revealed that loss of MeCP2 does not affect the global landscape of gene expression. Additionally, we uncovered a number of differentially expressed genes in the liver of Mecp2-null mice suggesting an important role for MeCP2 in non-neuronal tissues. Collectively, our data suggest that the differential expression of genes following loss of MeCP2 occurs in a tissue- or cell-type specific manner and thus MeCP2 function should be understood in a cellular context.
The Counseling Profession's Commitment to Diversity‐Sensitive Counseling: A Critical Reassessment

The authors pose questions in this article that are intended to stimulate more effective strategies to ensure gender, racial, and ethnic diversity in the counseling profession. The first question addresses the implications of between-group versus within-group differences for the counseling process. The second question examines the need to expand the dialogue across all minorities. The third question asks who should conduct multicultural research. Various constituencies, including clients, practitioners, counselor educators, scholars, and researchers are affected. Inconsistencies are noted between the strategies now being used to achieve diversity and the philosophical foundations of the counseling profession itself. Seven recommendations are made.
Nuclear calcium and the regulation of the nuclear pore complex

In eukaryotic cells the nucleus and its contents are separated from the cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope. Macromolecules, as well as smaller molecules and ions, can cross the nuclear envelope through the nuclear pore complex. Molecules greater than approx. 60 kDa and containing a nuclear localization signal are actively transported across the nuclear membranes, but there has been little evidence for regulatory mechanisms for smaller molecules and ions. Recently, diffusion across the nuclear envelope has been observed to be regulated by nuclear cisternal Ca2+ concentrations. Following depletion of Ca2+ from the nuclear store by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or Ca2+ chelators, a fluorescent 10 kDa marker molecule was no longer able to enter the nucleus. Distinct conformational states of the nuclear pore complexes depended on the Ca2+ filling state of the nuclear envelope, supporting the assumption that a switch in the conformation of the nuclear pore complex may control the transport of intermediate-sized molecules across the nuclear envelope. Thus nuclear Ca2+ stores may regulate the conformational state of the nuclear pore complex, and thereby passive diffusion of molecules between the cytosol and the nucleoplasm. The physiological significance of this finding is currently unknown.
Tracking recovery of vestibular function in individuals with blast-induced head trauma using vestibular-visual-cognitive interaction tests.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:: Traumatic brain injury secondary to blast exposure is a significant international concern and a growing rehabilitation issue. Our objective was to determine whether a novel battery of vestibular-visual-cognitive interaction tests provides objective data to document functioning, and the changes in functioning associated with vestibular physical therapy (VPT) treatment, in individuals with blast-induced balance disorder. METHODS:: Eighty-two individuals with blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury were evaluated at baseline using a set of vestibular-visual-cognitive tests. Testing was repeated at 4-week intervals after beginning VPT. The tests included static visual acuity, perception time, target acquisition, target following (TF), dynamic visual acuity (DVA), and gaze stabilization tests. The VPT program consisted of exercise procedures that targeted the vestibulo-ocular reflex, cervico-ocular reflex, and depth perception. Somatosensory balance exercises, dynamic gait, and aerobic function exercises were also included. Participants attended VPT twice weekly for 1-hour appointments and were instructed to perform the exercises at home on other days. Mean test values were determined and compared with normative values previously collected in our laboratory from individuals without vestibular dysfunction. RESULTS:: Mean participant pre-VPT measures for perception time and target acquisition were similar to normative values, and there was no significant change in these measures. Initially, TF and DVA scores were below normative levels but returned to normative levels after 8 weeks of VPT. Gaze stabilization scores were below normative levels pre-VPT but improved by the time of the week 8 evaluation. CONCLUSIONS:: This battery of vestibular-visual-cognitive tests seems to be reasonable to establish initial status and to evaluate participant progress associated with participation in VPT. Our data suggest meaningful improvement in TF and DVA after 8 weeks of treatment. A treatment period of 12 weeks or longer may be required for gaze stabilization scores to return to normative values. Language: en
Indirect effects of species interactions on habitat provisioning

Species that shelter in a biogenic habitat can influence their refugia and, in turn, play an essential role in shaping local patterns of biodiversity. Here we explore a positive feedback loop between the provisioning rate of habitat-forming branching corals and their associated fishes and show how interactions between two groups of fish—the planktivorous damselfish and predatory hawkfish—altered the feedback. A field experiment confirmed that skeletal growth of branching coral (genus Pocillopora) increased substantially with increasing numbers (biomass) of resident fishes, likely because they greatly increased the interstitial concentrations of nutrients. Because there is a positive relationship between colony size and number (biomass) of associated fishes (primarily damselfishes in the Family Pomacentridae), a structure–function feedback loop exists in which increasing numbers of damselfish enhance coral growth and larger corals host greater abundances (and species richness) of fish. However, interactions between damselfishes and arc-eye hawkfish, Paracirrhites arcatus, a largely solitary resident, can disrupt this positive feedback loop. Field surveys revealed a marked pattern of fish occupancy related to coral size: Pocillopora colonies of sufficient size to host fish (>40 cm circumference) had either groups of damselfish or an arc-eye hawkfish; only larger colonies (>75 cm) were occupied by both the damselfish and hawkfish. Subsequent short- and long-term experiments revealed that on intermediate-sized Pocillopora colonies, arc-eye hawkfish prevented the establishment of damselfish by suppressing their recruitment. The demographic consequences to the host coral were substantial; in a 1-year-long experiment, intermediate-size Pocillopora occupied by hawkfish grew at half the rate of corals that hosted groups of damselfish. These findings indicate that: (1) species which occupy a biogenic habitat can enhance the provisioning rate of their habitat; (2) such positive feedbacks between community structure and ecosystem function can be disrupted by a strong interactor; (3) even substantial consequences on ecosystem processes that arise can be difficult to discern.
Size-resolved source apportionment of carbonaceous particulate matter in urban and rural sites in central California

Abstract Very little is currently known about the relationship between exposure to different sources of ambient ultrafine particles (PM0.1) and human health effects. If human health effects are enhanced by PM0.1’s ability to cross cell membranes, then more information is needed describing the sources of ultrafine particles that are deposited in the human respiratory system. The current study presents results for the source apportionment of airborne particulate matter in six size fractions smaller than 1.8 μm particle diameter including ultrafine particles (PM0.1) in one of the most polluted air basins in the United States. Size-resolved source apportionment results are presented at an urban site and rural site in central California’s heavily polluted San Joaquin Valley during the winter and summer months using a molecular marker chemical mass balance (MM–CMB) method. Respiratory deposition calculations for the size-resolved source apportionment results are carried out with the Multiple Path Particle Dosimetry Model ( MPPD v 2.0), including calculations for ultrafine (PM0.1) source deposition. Diesel engines accounted for the majority of PM0.1 and PM1.8 EC at both the urban and rural sampling locations during both summer and winter seasons. Meat cooking accounted for 33–67% and diesel engines accounted for 15–21% of the PM0.1 OC at Fresno. Meat cooking accounted for 22–26% of the PM0.1 OC at the rural Westside location, while diesel engines accounted for 8–9%. Wood burning contributions to PM0.1 OC increased to as much as 12% of PM0.1 OC during the wintertime. The modest contribution of wood smoke reflects the success of emissions control programs over the past decade. In contrast to PM0.1, PM1.8 OC had a higher fraction of unidentified source contributions (68–85%) suggesting that this material is composed of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) or primary organic aerosol (POA) that has been processed by atmospheric chemical reactions. Meat cooking was the largest identified source of PM1.8 organic carbon (OC) at the Fresno site (12–13%) while diesel engines were the largest identified PM1.8 OC source at the rural site (5–8%). Wood burning contributions to PM1.8 OC increased during the wintertime at both sites (6–9%) but were relatively small during the summertime (∼1%). As expected, diesel engines were the dominant source of PM0.1 EC respiratory deposition at both the urban and rural site in both summer and winter (0.01–0.03 μg PM0.1 EC deposited per m3 air inhaled). Meat cooking accounted for 0.01–0.025 μg PM0.1 OC deposited per m3 air inhaled while diesel fuel accounted for 0.005–0.013 μg PM0.1 OC deposited per m3 air inhaled. Minor contributions from wood burning, motor oil, and gasoline fuel were calculated at levels
Improving the Environmental Profile of Wood Panels via Co-Production of Ethanol and Acetic Acid

The oriented strand board (OSB) biorefinery is an emerging technology that could improve the building, transportation, and chemical sectors environmental profiles. By adding a hot water extraction stage to conventional OSB panel manufacturing, hemicellulose polysaccharides can be extracted from wood strands and converted to renewably sourced ethanol and acetic acid. Replacing fossil-based gasoline and acetic acid has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, among other possible impacts. At the same time, hemicellulose extraction could improve the environmental profile of OSB panels by reducing the level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during manufacturing. In this study, the life cycle significance of such GHG, VOC, and other emission reductions was investigated. A process model was developed based on a mix of laboratory and industrial-level mass and energy flow data. Using these data a life cycle assessment (LCA) model was built. Sensitive process parameters were identified and used to develop a target production scenario for the OSB biorefinery. The findings suggest that the OSB biorefinerys deployment could substantially improve human and ecosystem health via reduction of select VOCs compared to conventionally produced OSB, gasoline, and acetic acid. Technological advancements are needed, however, to achieve desirable GHG reductions.
Reconstructing the Federal Judiciary: The Chase Impeachment and the Constitution

Only the United States supreme court justice has ever been impeached. In January 1804, the House of Representatives began a formal inquiry into the official conduct of Associate Justice Samuel Chase and approved eight articles of impeachment in November of that same year. The Senate held a trial of the justice in February 1805, which concluded with his acquittal on March 1. On the final article of impeachment, Chase escaped removal by four votes.
Employer-supported child care: Assessing the need and potential support

Three hundred and fifty randomly-selected employees of a large state-supported university were surveyed about the effects of their own and others' child care problems on their work, and about their need for and willingness to support an on-site child care center. Almost half of the respondents reported that their work had been disrupted by child care problems of other employees. A high proportion of employees with children said their work had recently been disrupted by their own child care problems and that many of these disruptions could have been avoided had an on-site center been available. Men were as likely as women to be late, miss work, and leave work early to care for children. Employee support for on-site child care was strong, as indexed by widespread willingness, among all categories of employees, to make a financial contribution to a center. These data suggest that employers should not consider company-sponsored day care as a “special-interest” benefit.
Prediction of Heart Failure and Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Outpatients with Coronary Artery Disease Using Mitral E/A Ratio in Conjunction with E-Wave Deceleration Time: The Heart and Soul Study

Background Deceleration time (DT) of early mitral inflow (E) is a marker of diastolic left ventricular (LV) chamber stiffness that is routinely measured during the quantitation of LV diastolic function with Doppler echocardiography. Shortened DT after myocardial infarction predicts worse cardiovascular outcome. Recent studies have shown that indexing DT to peak E-wave velocity (pE) augments its prognostic power in a population with a high prevalence of coronary risk factors and in patients with hypertension during antihypertensive treatment. However, in ambulatory subjects with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), it is not known whether DT predicts cardiovascular events and whether DT/pE improves its prognostic power. Methods The ability of DT and DT/pE to predict heart failure (HF) hospitalizations and other major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) was studied prospectively in 926 ambulatory patients with stable CAD enrolled in the Heart and Soul Study. Unadjusted and multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for HF and other MACEs. Results During a mean of 6.3 ± 2.0 years, there were 124 hospitalizations for HF and 198 other MACEs. Relative to participants with mitral E/A ratios in the normal range (0.75 n = 604), those with E/A ratios ≥ 1.5 ( n = 107) had an increased risk for HF (HR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.52–4.25, P P = 1.00), while those with E/A ratios ≤ 0.75 ( n = 215) were not at increased risk for either outcome. Among patients with normal E/A ratios, lower DT/pE predicted HF (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.23–0.97, P = .04 per point increase in ln{msec/[cm/sec]}), while DT alone did not. However, in this group with normal E/A ratios, neither DT/pE nor DT alone was predictive of other MACEs. In patients with E/A ratios ≤ 0.75 ( n = 215) and those with E/A ratios ≥ 1.5 ( n = 107), neither DT nor DT/pE predicted either end point. Conclusions In ambulatory patients with stable CAD, restrictive filling (E/A ratio ≥ 1.5) is a powerful predictor of HF. Among those with normal mitral E/A ratios (0.75–1.5), only DT/pE predicts HF, while neither DT nor DT/pE predicts other MACEs. This suggests that mitral E/A ratio has significant prognostic value in patients with CAD, and in those with normal mitral E/A ratios, the normalization of DT to pE augments its prognostic power.
RANKL Stimulates Inducible Nitric-oxide Synthase Expression and Nitric Oxide Production in Developing Osteoclasts AN AUTOCRINE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISM TRIGGERED BY RANKL-INDUCED INTERFERON-β VIA NF-κB THAT RESTRAINS OSTEOCLASTOGENESIS AND BONE RESORPTION

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional signaling molecule and a key vasculoprotective and potential osteoprotective factor. NO regulates normal bone remodeling and pathological bone loss in part through affecting the recruitment, formation, and activity of bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Using murine RAW 264.7 and primary bone marrow cells or osteoclasts formed from them by receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) differentiation, we found that inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO generation were stimulated by interferon (IFN)-gamma or lipopolysaccharide, but not by interleukin-1 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Surprisingly, iNOS expression and NO release were also triggered by RANKL. This response was time- and dose-dependent, required NF-kappaB activation and new protein synthesis, and was specifically blocked by the RANKL decoy receptor osteoprotegerin. Preventing RANKL-induced NO (via iNOS-selective inhibition or use of marrow cells from iNOS-/- mice) increased osteoclast formation and bone pit resorption, indicating that such NO normally restrains RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis. Additional studies suggested that RANKL-induced NO inhibition of osteoclast formation does not occur via NO activation of a cGMP pathway. Because IFN-beta is also a RANKL-induced autocrine negative feedback inhibitor that limits osteoclastogenesis, we investigated whether IFN-beta is involved in this novel RANKL/iNOS/NO autoregulatory pathway. IFN-beta was induced by RANKL and stimulated iNOS expression and NO release, and a neutralizing antibody to IFN-beta inhibited iNOS/NO elevation in response to RANKL, thereby enhancing osteoclast formation. Thus, RANKL-induced IFN-beta triggers iNOS/NO as an important negative feedback signal during osteoclastogenesis. Specifically targeting this novel autoregulatory pathway may provide new therapeutic approaches to combat various osteolytic bone diseases.
Chemical and strontium isotopic investigations of ultramafic inclusions and basalt, Bandera Crater, New Mexico

Abstract A new locality for lherzolite inclusions in basalt has been found in a cinder eruption of Bandera Crater, New Mexico. Red-spinel lherzolites had 87 Sr 88 Sr ratios of 0.7045–0.7055, green-spinel lherzolites 0.7023–0.7040 and basalt 0.7028–0.7034. The red spinel lherzolites apparently have no genetic relationship to the basalt.
Violence Exposure and Health-Related Risk among African American Adolescent Female Detainees: A Strategy for Reducing Recidivism.

Juvenile crime and violent victimization continue to be significant social problems, in that adolescents, females in particular, are likely to participate in health-related risk behaviors as a result of having been victimized or exposed to a violent environment. Specifically, abuse, neglect, sexual molestation, poverty, and witnessing violence are well-known risk factors for the development of trauma-related psychopathology and poor outcomes relative to delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, and HIV risk behaviors. HIV infection is a common public health concern, disproportionately affecting adolescent African American female detainees. This unique population has a serious history of violence exposure, which subsequently tends to lead to engaging in risky sexual behaviors, mental health problems, and substance abuse. Also, as a result of little to no intervention, this population is recidivating at an alarming rate—a problem that may further exacerbate the expression of health-related risk behaviors among A...
On the Geometry and Burning Intensity of Bunsen Flames

Abstract The geometry and burning intensity of two-dimensional and axisymmetric Bunsen flames are studied by adopting the local stretch, scalar field formulation. Equations governing the geometry of the flame front are derived for both the linear and nonlinear responses to flame stretch. Critical point analysis is employedto examine the flame behavior for various system parameters, such as the Lewis number, Arrhenius number and convective strength. Physical phenomena described include opening of the flame tip and the possible existence of inverted Bunsen flames. The predicted characteristics of the open tip Bunsen flame agree well with previous experimental observation. The use of the local Karlovitz number in assessing the nonlinear effect of stretch is proposed.
Attitudes of Fundamentalists toward Nonmarital Sex

This study assessed the attitudes of fundamentalists and nonfundamentalists toward nonmarital sex. Subjects were 151 college students. Fundamentalists were significantly less accepting of both premarital and extramarital sexual relations than nonfundamentalists. A sex difference was also evident regardless of religious indication; males showed more approval than females for both types of nonmarital sex. Implications are discussed.
Is the detonation “Dead Zone” really dead?

Abstract This paper explores the Dead Zone (DZ) phenomenon in solid High Explosives (HEs), whereby weaker regions of a detonation shock fail to trigger prompt reaction, leaving behind them isolated pockets of substantially unburned explosive. A key unanswered question is the extent to which DZs react in the following flow, and whether they contribute a significant amount of energy on timescales relevant to system deconsolidation. This paper comprises two parts. The first surveys the DZ phenomenon and discusses (1) the multiple contexts in which it arises, (2) what is observed and believed about it, and (3) how it may be broadly categorized. This general perspective sets the stage for the second part, which examines in detail one particular DZ variant called transverse initiation. This case was not chosen because it is the most common or important, but because it is the most amenable to inquiry. (DZ quantification is quite difficult, and the presented experiment is apparently the first conceived to quantify DZs of any type.) The technique uses a modified Cylinder Expansion (CYLEX) test, wherein a faster HE core (PBX 9501, 95 wt% HMX) is surrounded by a slower HE annulus (PBX 9502, 95 wt% TATB). The fast HE drives detonation in the slow HE faster than the latter would naturally propagate; however, in doing so a largely unreacted initiation layer is left in the slow HE adjacent to the fast HE. Combining the usual CYLEX diagnostics with detonation front curvature measurements and invoking a novel analysis based on the Gurney and Taylor methods, the energy release vs time (and distance) is inferred. The result is a ∼0.3 μs induction time (~3 mm induction lag), after which the energy release rises in ∼2 μs (15 mm) to half its asymptotic value: ∼86% of the energy released by a PBX 9502 detonation.
Anatrophic nephrolithotomy for removal of staghorn or branched renal calculi

Abstract Forty anatrophic nephrolithotomies were performed in 38 patients between November, 1965, and December, 1977, to remove staghorn or branched renal calculi. Thirty-six (95 per cent) of the patients' preoperative urine cultures were infected, and postoperatively 35 of the cultures (88 per cent) were sterile. Magnesium ammonium phosphate calculi were present in the majority of patients (67 per cent). In 6 patients (15 per cent) transient nephrocutaneous fistulas developed. Thirty-six of the 40 renal units (90 per cent) had improved or stable intravenous pyelograms postoperatively. The patients had been followed for an average of twenty months (four to one hundred and twelve months). In 6 patients (15 per cent) recurrent renal calculi developed, and 3 patients (8 per cent) had residual calculi during this time period.
Methodical approach to improve defect detection sensitivity on lithography process using DUV inspection system

Adoption of immersion technology to push printing resolution with existing wavelength (193nm) brings to many concerns about defect controls on lithography process. Along with aggressive design rule shrinkage k1 factor of lithography process is close to 0.3 and this low k1 factor process results in very tight process window. Narrow process window easily induces various types of pattern failure with lithography process variation. Therefore requirements of sensitive defect detection on lithography step are grown with the adoption of immersion and low k1 regime processing. Similar to lithography resolution enhancement with shorter wavelength the inspection tool also is required to move forward to shorter wavelength to improve defect sensitivity through resolution improvement and scattering cross section increase. Therefore the main wavelength regime on high end defect inspection system is already shifted to DUV. In this paper, we would like to report improvement of defect detection sensitivity on lithography process inspection through step by step trace of the defect formation and shape. Throughout the process flows till final etch and cleaning process from lithography the SEM non-visible defects or buried defects on lithography step are turned into line open or line thinning which are killer defects and has low defect signal on cleaning step. Also the benefits of DUV inspection system on lithography layer application is discussed through wafer noise suppression from Anti Reflection Coating (ARC) and larger defect signal from effective defect size increasing.
Pathological, Immunohistochemical and Cytogenetic Features of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma With Clear Cell Features

Purpose: Papillary renal cell carcinoma is characterized histologically by tumors with cells arranged in a papillary pattern. Typically the cells have a chromophilic appearance but areas may show cells with clear cytoplasm, similar to those in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: We re-reviewed the histological slides of 148 patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma who underwent nephrectomy for the presence of clear cells. Results were correlated with other pathological features, immunohistochemical expression of 22 protein markers, cytogenetic analysis and overall survival.Results: Papillary renal cell carcinoma with clear cells was identified in 57 patients (39%). Clear cells were associated with higher T classification and grade, vascular invasion and type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma. On immunohistochemistry these tumors revealed higher expression of epithelial vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 than papillary renal cell carcinoma without clear cells. All papillary...
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus/Human Herpesvirus 8 Envelope Glycoprotein gB Induces the Integrin-Dependent Focal Adhesion Kinase-Src-Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Rho GTPase Signal Pathways and Cytoskeletal Rearrangements

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8; Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) envelope glycoprotein gB possesses an RGD motif, interacts with alpha 3 beta 1 integrin, and uses it as one of the entry receptors. HHV-8 induces the integrin-dependent focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a critical step in the outside-in signaling pathways necessary for the subsequent phosphorylation of other cellular kinases, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and other functions. As an initial step toward deciphering the role of HHV-8 gB-integrin interaction in infection, signal pathways induced by gB were examined. A truncated form of gB without the transmembrane and carboxyl domains (gB Delta TM), a gB Delta TM mutant form (gB Delta TM-RGA) with an RGD-to-RGA mutation, and inhibitors of cellular kinases were used. HHV-8 gB Delta TM, but not gB Delta TM-RGA, induced FAK phosphorylation in target cells, which was in part dependent on the presence of alpha 3 beta 1 integrin. FAK was critical for the subsequent phosphorylation of Src by gB Delta TM, and Src induction was essential for the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K). HHV-8 gB Delta TM-induced PI-3K was essential for the induction of RhoA and Cdc42 Rho GTPases that was accompanied by the cytoskeletal rearrangements. These gB-induced morphological changes were inhibited by the PI-3K inhibitors. Ezrin, one of the essential elements required to cross-link the actin cytoskeleton with the plasma membrane and to induce the morphological changes, was induced by the Rho GTPases. Inhibition of cellular tyrosine kinases by the brief treatment of cells with 4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone (genistein) blocked the entry of HHV-8 into target cells. These findings suggest that, independently of other viral glycoproteins and via its RGD motif, HHV-8 gB induces integrin-dependent pre-existing FAK-Src-PI-3K-Rho GTPase kinases. Since these signal pathways play vital roles in host cell endocytosis and movement of particulate materials in the cytoplasm, the early stages of HHV-8 gB interaction with host cells may provide a very conducive environment for the successful infection of target cells.
Murine Cirrhosis Induces Hepatocyte Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and Alterations in Survival Signaling Pathways

Hepatocytes that reside in a chronically-injured liver have altered growth responses compared to hepatocytes in normal liver. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is upregulated in the cirrhotic liver, and cirrhotic hepatocytes, unlike normal hepatocytes exposed to this cytokine, exhibit decreased apoptosis. In fetal hepatocytes, TGFβ also induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and signaling changes in cell survival pathways. Here, chronic murine liver injury was induced by twice-weekly carbon tetrachloride administration for 8 weeks. Normal liver-derived hepatocytes (NLDH) and cirrhotic liver-derived hepatocytes (CLDH) were examined for EMT and the small mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K/Akt), and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were investigated. Immunofluorescence imaging of cirrhotic livers demonstrated increased vimentin expression, which was confirmed by immunoblot analysis. In vitro, CLDH exhibited increased vimentin and type 1 collagen expression within cellular extensions consistent with EMT. Treatment with TGFβ augmented the EMT response in CLDH. In contrast, untreated NLDH did not display features of EMT but responded to TGFβ with increased vimentin expression and EMT characteristics. In response to PI3K/Akt inhibition, CLDH had decreased basal and insulin-stimulated p-Akt expression and decreased apoptosis compared to NLDH. In both NLDH and CLDH, vimentin expression was dependent on PI3K/Akt activity. CLDH demonstrated increased basal p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase expression that was independent of Smad and PI3K/Akt signaling. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway produced a marked increase in CLDH apoptosis. Conclusion: CLDH have increased vimentin and type 1 collagen expression and morphologic features consistent with EMT. In addition, compared to NLDH, the cellular signaling phenotype of CLDH changes from a MAPK-independent pathway to a MAPK-dependent cell survival pathway. These findings may have clinical implications for chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in the cirrhotic liver. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
A two-dimensional model of the plasmasphere : refilling time constants

Abstract A two-dimensional model of the plasmasphere has been developed to study the temporal evolution of plasma density in the equatorial plane of the magnetosphere. This model includes the supply and loss of hydrogen ions due to ionosphere-magneto-sphere coupling as well as the effects of E × B convection. A parametric model describing the required coupling fluxes has been developed which utilizes empirical models of the neutral atmosphere, the ionosphere and the saturated plasmasphere. The plasmaspheric model has been used to examine the time it takes for the plasmasphere to refill after it has been depleted by a magnetic storm. The time it takes for the plasmasphere to reach 90% of its equilibrium level ranges from 3 days at L = 3 during solar minimum to as high as 100 days at L = 5 during solar maximum. Refilling is also dependent on the month of the year, with refilling requiring a longer period of time at solar maximum during June than during December for L > 3.2.
A community development approach to the prevention of institutional and societal child maltreatment

The Community/Institutional Development (CID) system addresses the needs of children placed in out-of-home care facilities. The major purpose of the system is to prevent the occurrence of institutional and societal child maltreatment. It features community/institutional collaboration in the review of institutionalized children's care, and the development of programs to prevent child maltreatment. This would represent a genuine collaboration between institutions and their communities, assessing the contributions of both to the quality of child care. At this time the CID system is a pilot project in the state of Kansas. There are a total of eight public and private child care institutions involved. The project is endorsed by the Office of the Governor, the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services and the Kansas Chapter of the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Preliminary impressions indicate that the CID concept is practical, feasible and cost effective. It could also be adapted to the needs of other age groups. The concept is outlined.