cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytosolic and Nuclear Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Are Regulated by Distinct Mechanisms

Abstract We have investigated the regulation and localization of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) in both cytosolic and nuclear fractions of glomerular mesangial cells. p42 MAPK was localized by both immunoblot and kinase activity in both cytosol and nucleus and was rapidly activated, in both fractions, by fetal bovine serum and TPA. Downregulation of protein kinase C (PKC) by TPA inhibited stimulation of cytosolic p42 MAPK, but unexpectedly had no effect on stimulated p42 MAPK in the nucleus. Next we studied the upstream kinase p45 MAPKK by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, Western blot analysis, and kinase specific activity. Unlike MAPK, p45 MAPKK is almost exclusively cytosolic in resting cells and kinase activity stimulated by TPA is restricted to the cytosol. Interestingly, PKC downregulation for 24 h with TPA dramatically enhanced nuclear MAPKK as assessed by all three techniques. Cytosolic stimulated MAPKK was attenuated in PKC downregulation. Collectively these results show that in mesangial cells: (i) p42 MAPK and p45 MAPKK localize in both the cytosol and the nucleus, and (ii) PKC exerts a negative effect on nuclear MAPKK activity as documented by PKC downregulation, which augments p45 MAPKK nuclear mass and activity. These results indicate that the dual regulation of these two kinases is under differential control in the cytosol and the nucleus.
Trypanosoma lewisi Infections in Normal Rats and in Rats Treated with Dexamethasone

SYNOPSIS. Administration of dexamethasone to rats infected with Trypanosoma lewisi resulted in the development of exceedingly large populations of trypanosomes which were fatal to their hosts. The elevated levels of parasitemia in treated rats early in infections were thought not to be a result of an increased reproductive rate. However, trypanosomes in treated rats 2 days postinfection did have a higher coefficient of variation in total length and a greater percentage of dividing forms than those observed from infected rats which were not given the drug. The course of infection may be markedly altered not only in intensity but also in length by this corticosteroid. It is suggested that dexamethasone administered at the levels recorded to rats infected with T. lewisi inhibits the production of ablastin and trypanocidal antibodies.
Subgenome analysis of two southern hemisphere allotriploid species in Sphagnum (Sphagnaceae)

Sphagnum ×australe s.l. and S. ×falcatulum s.l. are both cryptic species complexes of gametophytically allodiploid and allotriploid cytotypes, with the allodiploid cytotype being one parent of the respective allotriploid cytotype. Phylogenetic analyses of S. ×australe s.l. and S. ×falcatulum s.l. were undertaken using sequences from two plastid loci and cloned sequences from three nuclear loci. Subgenomes from three subgenera were detected in allotriploid S. ×australe. The haploid parent of allotriploid S. ×australe was S. fimbriatum (subg. Acutifolia). One of the two subgenomes contributed by allodiploid S. australe was associated with S. strictum (subg. Rigida); the parental species associated with the other subgenome could not be identified, either at the species level or in terms of subgenus association. It may represent an early diverging lineage of subg. Sphagnum or a previously undetected subgenus. Allotriploid S. ×falcatulum has subgenomes from two subgenera. This study confirms prior findings tha...
Evidence for a fibroblast chalone.

THE concept of a negative feedback inhibitor being involved in the control of mitosis was proposed by Weiss1 and was applied by Bullough and Laurence2 to their interpretation of experimental evidence accumulated in studying the control of epidermal mitoses. They proposed that epidermal cells (and presumably many other cell types) would contain or release a specific and endogenous mitotic inhibitor which they termed a “chalone”. Their definition of this term included the reversibility of the mitotic inhibition as well as its total cell specificity2. Their experience indicated that the epidermal chalone was neither species specific nor cytotoxic2,3. Specific endogenous mitotic inhibitors have been claimed for a number of other cells including lymphocytes4–6 and granulocytes7.
Normal and accessory fissures of the lung: evaluation with contiguous volumetric thin-section multidetector CT.

The purpose of this study was to use volumetric, 1.25 mm collimation MDCT read as softcopy and using a 2D and 3D viewer tool, to establish the frequency of normal and accessory fissures, the continuity of the fissures, whether the fissures are visible as a thin line, a hypovascular region, or both, and also to establish the interobserver agreement of readers. 150 consecutive MDCT examinations were retrospectively assessed. Interobserver agreement for each of these fissures was evaluated using the Kappa statistic. All subjects had a right and a left major fissure. 96.7% of subjects also had a right minor fissure. 40% had an accessory fissure, the most common, the left minor in 16% of subjects. Most of the three usual fissures were continuous, whereas fewer than half of accessory fissures were continuous. The majority (54–100%) of normal and accessory fissures were visualized as a thin line. There was substantial to excellent interobserver agreement on the presence or absence of fissures their continuity (k = 0.96), and fair to excellent agreement on fissure morphology (k = 0.37–1.0). The prevalence of fissures on MDCT, equivalent to autopsy studies, visualizing fissures as a thin line and high interobserver agreement is probably due to the high sensitivity of MDCT, secondary to thin-section volumetric imaging.
Health disparities analysis of critically ill pediatric trauma patients in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Background Injury is the leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in the US. The associated costs exceed $20 billion annually. This study examined disparities in disadvantaged populations of critically injured pediatric patients admitted to a level 1 pediatric trauma center. Study Design A retrospective study was conducted of all trauma patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at a level 1 pediatric trauma hospital from 2005 to 2009. Results Data on 324 patients were analyzed; 45% of patients were Caucasian, 33% were African American, 12% were Hispanic, and 10% were other. There was no difference in age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), or Injury Severity Score (ISS) across ethnic groups. The mortality rate was 12%. A higher percentage of Caucasians were commercially insured and from the highest income quartile than non-Caucasians (p Conclusions Significant disparities in socioeconomic status exist in severely injured pediatric patients treated in the PICU. Disparities were associated with adverse outcomes. These results should inform community and public health efforts to identify the areas and populations at highest risk for violence-related injuries.
Eigenvalue variations for the Neumann problem

The formula for the first variation of Neumann eigenvalues of the Laplacian under domain perturbation in a Riemannian manifold is calculated.
Stereoscopic interpretation of low-dose breast tomosynthesis projection images.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate stereoscopic perception of low-dose breast tomosynthesis projection images. In this Institutional Review Board exempt study, craniocaudal breast tomosynthesis cases (N = 47), consisting of 23 biopsy-proven malignant mass cases and 24 normal cases, were retrospectively reviewed. A stereoscopic pair comprised of two projection images that were ±4° apart from the zero angle projection was displayed on a Planar PL2010M stereoscopic display (Planar Systems, Inc., Beaverton, OR, USA). An experienced breast imager verified the truth for each case stereoscopically. A two-phase blinded observer study was conducted. In the first phase, two experienced breast imagers rated their ability to perceive 3D information using a scale of 1–3 and described the most suspicious lesion using the BI-RADS® descriptors. In the second phase, four experienced breast imagers were asked to make a binary decision on whether they saw a mass for which they would initiate a diagnostic workup or not and also report the location of the mass and provide a confidence score in the range of 0–100. The sensitivity and the specificity of the lesion detection task were evaluated. The results from our study suggest that radiologists who can perceive stereo can reliably interpret breast tomosynthesis projection images using stereoscopic viewing.
A complex case of jejunoileocolic atresias

Abstract The case of a patient with all four morphological types of jejunoileal atresia, along with a colonic atresia, is presented here.
Repair of Recurrent Cleft Palate With Free Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap

A 6-year-old girl presented with a large recalcitrant oronasal fistula after bilateral cleft lip and palate repair and numerous secondary attempts at fistula closure. Incomplete palmar arches precluded a free radial forearm flap. A free vastus lateralis muscle flap was successfully transferred. No fistula recurrence was observed at 18 months. There was no perceived thigh weakness. The surgical scar healed inconspicuously. Free flaps should no longer be considered the last resort for treatment of recalcitrant fistulas after cleft palate repair. A free vastus lateralis muscle flap is an excellent alternative, and possibly a superior option, to other previously described free flaps.
‘Green’ synthesis of important pharmaceutical building blocks: enzymatic access to enantiomerically pure α-chloroalcohols

Abstract Thirty one recombinant ketoreductase enzymes were screened for the reduction of six α-chloroketones, the precursors of pharmaceutically valuable α-chloroalcohols. Several highly active and enantioselective ketoreductases were found and their applications to the synthesis of both enantiomers of these α-chloroalcohols were demonstrated on a preparative scale. This offers a convenient, ‘green’ access to this type of important pharmaceutical building blocks.
Attorney-client trust among convicted criminal defendants: preliminary examination of the attorney-client trust scale.

The current study describes the development of the Attorney–Client Trust Scale (ACTS), a measure designed to assess a client's trust in his or her attorney. A sample of 307 male inmates completed the ACTS and provided information about their most recent case and attorney. Low ACTS scores were associated with having a court-appointed attorney, going to trial, and receiving a lengthy prison sentence. High ACTS scores were related to satisfaction with sentences and attorneys. In addition, findings suggest that perceptions about attorneys' interpersonal skills were as important as perceptions about legal skills in forming opinions about overall lawyering ability. It is recommended that attorneys employ a well rounded assortment of interpersonal skills to foster their clients' trust and to make better use of the limited amount of time they have to spend with clients. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcripts encoded by a homoeo box gene are restricted to dorsal tissues of Drosophila embryos.

In Drosophila elaboration of positional identity along the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral embryonic body axes involves early zygotic gene functions that are expressed in response to maternal cues present in the unfertilized egg. Zygotic loci that are required for the specification of positional identity along the anterior-posterior body axis have been described in detail. Less is known about the zygotic loci responsible for differentiation of the dorsal-ventral pattern; however, several genes that might be involved have been identified. Zerknullt (zen) is an example of a zygotic gene required for correct differentiation of dorsally derived embryonic tissues. On the basis of homoeo box cross homology, we have now isolated a gene, called S60, that derives from the zen region of the Antennapedia complex (ANT-C). Transcripts encoded by S60 transiently accumulate in the dorsal-most tissues of developing embryos. This pattern of expression suggests that S60 corresponds to zen. Since S60 contains a homoeo box, it is possible that differentiation of the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral embryonic patterns involves similar molecular mechanisms.
Intermediate species profiles in low-pressure methane/oxygen flames inhibited by 2-H heptafluoropropane: comparison of experimental data with kinetic modeling

Abstract Experimental profiles of the intermediate species H, OH, CH, CF, CF 2 , and CHF are obtained in a 10 torr premixed flat flame of methane/oxygen in a 1:2 molar ratio, inhibited by a 4% mole fraction of 2-H heptafluoropropane (HFP, CF 3 CHFCF 3 ). These data are compared to calculations using a recently published kinetic mechanism describing the consumption of this fire suppression agent. The profiles in the flame inhibited by HFP are compared to previously published data for flames containing CHF 3 and CH 2 F 2 under the same conditions of stoichiometry and flux of fluorine atoms. The species profiles relative to the flames containing the fluoromethanes are accurately predicted and atmospheric pressure flame speeds are fairly well predicted by the kinetic mechanism. Under equal fluorine loadings, profiles of temperature and of H and OH mole fraction are virtually identical between the flames containing HFP and CHF 3 . The flame inhibited by HFP, however, has approximately twice as much CH∗ emission as the flame containing CHF 3 . The kinetic model predicts that thermal decomposition, rather than H atom abstraction, is the primary destruction mechanism for HFP under the conditions studied.
SU‐C‐17A‐02: Sirius MRI Markers for Prostate Post‐Implant Assessment: MR Protocol Development

Purpose: Currently, CT is used to visualize prostate brachytherapy sources, at the expense of accurate structure contouring. MRI is superior to CT for anatomical delineation, but the sources appear as voids on MRI images. Previously we have developed Sirius MRI markers (C4 Imaging) to replace spacers to assist source localization on MRI images. Here we develop an MRI pulse sequence protocol that enhances the signal of these markers to enable MRI-only post-implant prostate dosimetric analysis. Methods: To simulate a clinical scenario, a CIRS multi-modality prostate phantom was implanted with 66 markers and 86 sources. The implanted phantom was imaged on both 1.5T and 3.0T GE scanners under various conditions, different pulse sequences (2D fast spin echo [FSE], 3D balanced steadystate free precession [bSSFP] and 3D fast spoiled gradient echo [FSPGR]), as well as varying amount of padding to simulate various patient sizes and associated signal fall-off from the surface coil elements. Standard FSE sequences from the current clinical protocols were also evaluated. Marker visibility, marker size, intra-marker distance, total scan time and artifacts were evaluated for various combinations of echo time, repetition time, flip angle, number of excitations, bandwidth, slice thickness and spacing, fieldof- view, frequency/phase encoding steps and frequency direction. Results: We have developed a 3D FSPGR pulse sequence that enhances marker signal and ensures the integrity of the marker shape while maintaining reasonable scan time. For patients contraindicated for 3.0T, we have also developed a similar sequence for 1.5T scanners. Signal fall-off with distance from prostate to coil can be compensated mainly by decreasing bandwidth. The markers are not visible using standard FSE sequences. FSPGR sequences are more robust for consistent marker visualization as compared to bSSFP sequences. Conclusion: The developed MRI pulse sequence protocol for Sirius MRI markers assists source localization to enable MRIonly post-implant prostate dosimetric analysis. S.J. Frank is a co-founder of C4 Imaging (manufactures the MRI markers).
Genomic organization and precise physical location of protein phosphatase 2A regulatory subunit A beta isoform gene on chromosome band 11q23.

Abstract Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) holoenzyme plays a critical role in cell-cycle control and growth-factor signaling, and is implicated in tumorigenesis. Because the protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit A beta isoform gene (PPP2R1B) maps within the critical region of hereditary paraganglioma (PGL1) on chromosomal band 11q23, we characterized its genomic structure and evaluated it as a candidate gene for PGL1. PPP2R1B has 15 exons spanning approx. 27 kb genomic distance. We placed the exons on genomic EcoRI fragments and identified their flanking intronic sequences. The gene was oriented from telomere to centromere. Splice acceptor and donor sites of all introns conformed to the GT/AG rule. Northern analysis with a cDNA probe identified 2.5 kb and 5.0 kb transcript sizes. We identified an ATG initiation codon in a favorable context and mapped two transcription start sites 15 bp and 66 bp upstream of it. We also mapped a 3′-polyadenylation site 504 bp downstream of the TGA stop codon, consistent with the 2.5 kb transcript size. We did not detect germ-line mutations by single-stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis or major rearrangements by Southern analysis in a set of PGL1 patients. In conclusion, we precisely mapped and characterized the structure of PPP2R1B and evaluated it as a candidate gene for PGL1.
Localization interference between components in an auditory scene

Some past studies suggest that when sound elements are heard as one object, the spatial cues in the component elements are integrated to determine perceived location, and that this integration is reduced when the elements are perceived in separate objects. The current study explored how object localization depends on the spatial, spectral, and temporal configurations of sound elements in an auditory scene. Localization results are interpreted in light of results from a series of previous experiments studying perceptual grouping of the same stimuli, e.g., Shinn-Cunningham et al. [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 104, 12223–12227 (2007)]. The current results suggest that the integration (pulling) of spatial information across spectrally interleaved elements is obligatory when these elements are simultaneous, even though past results show that these simultaneous sound elements are not grouped strongly into a single perceptual object. In contrast, perceptually distinct objects repel (push) each other spatially with a strength that decreases as the temporal separation between competing objects increases. These results show that the perceived location of an attended object is not easily predicted by knowledge of how sound elements contribute to the perceived spectro-temporal content of that object.
Development of procedures to identify red clover resistant to Sclerotinia trifoliorum

Sclerotinia crown and stem rot is a destructive disease on red clover. In this study we investigated appropriate procedures for producing and storing ascospores in the laboratory and compared the reaction of selected red clover germplasm, when inoculated with either ascospores or mycelium. The two methods produced fairly similar results, although there were exceptions. The procedures described to produce, store and inoculate with ascospores, will provide an opportunity to select germplasm resistant toSclerolinia trifaliorum ascospores as inoculum.
Chlorine dioxide reactivity with proteins

Abstract Studies were conducted to evaluate chlorine dioxide reactivity with proteins and the role of these reactions in the inactivation of the bacterial virus f2 with chlorine dioxide. The effect of chlorine dioxide on the ability of f2 to specifically attach to its host Escherichia coli K13 was compared to the inactivation of virus during the initial seconds of contact time. At pH 7.2 and and 5°C, the virus was rapidly inactivated with 0.6 mg l −1 of chlorine dioxide. Approximately 2 log units of inactivation were observed within 30 s. The loss of protein specific attachment function nearly paralleled intact virus inactivation with 1.2 log units of attachment inhibition occurring within 30 s. The inactivation of virus and the inhibition of specific attachment both increased with increasing pH and increasing disinfectant concentration. Inactivation of f2 was hypothesized to occur as the result of chlorine dioxide reacting with discrete chemical moieties in the viral protein. Cysteine, tyrosine and tryptophan reacted with chlorine dioxide within a time frame that could affect viral inactivation. In denatured f2 capsid protein monomers, these amino acids were almost totally degraded within 2 min by chlorine dioxide. Only tyrosine reacted with chlorine dioxide following treatment of the intact virion with disinfectant. Even though the degradation of tyrosine residues occurred at a much slower rate than the rate of virus inactivation, the protein component of f2 virus appeared to be the site of the lethal lesion produced by chlorine dioxide. These tyrosine reactions with chlorine dioxide appeared to alter the virus such that specific attachment was inhibited.
DEEPEN: A negation detection system for clinical text incorporating dependency relation into NegEx.

In Electronic Health Records (EHRs), much of valuable information regarding patients’ conditions is embedded in free text format. Natural language processing (NLP) techniques have been developed to extract clinical information from free text. One challenge faced in clinical NLP is that the meaning of clinical entities is heavily affected by modifiers such as negation. A negation detection algorithm, NegEx, applies a simplistic approach that has been shown to be powerful in clinical NLP. However, due to the failure to consider the contextual relationship between words within a sentence, NegEx fails to correctly capture the negation status of concepts in complex sentences. Incorrect negation assignment could cause inaccurate diagnosis of patients’ condition or contaminated study cohorts. We developed a negation algorithm called DEEPEN to decrease NegEx’s false positives by taking into account the dependency relationship between negation words and concepts within a sentence using Stanford dependency parser. The system was developed and tested using EHR data from Indiana University (IU) and it was further evaluated on Mayo Clinic dataset to assess its generalizability. The evaluation results demonstrate DEEPEN, which incorporates dependency parsing into NegEx, can reduce the number of incorrect negation assignment for patients with positive findings, and therefore improve the identification of patients with the target clinical findings in EHRs.
Transient electrophoresis of a dielectric sphere

Abstract The transient response of a charged sphere to a step change in the applied electric field is determined for the case when the double layer is thin. The dynamic equations and boundary conditions governing motion of the sphere are rigorously derived from the momentum conservation equations and a constitutive equation based on a slip coefficient is proposed as a model for the stress on the particle surface. The solution of these equations is shown to be O( κ −1 ) in the double layer thickness and the singularity in the surface stress found in the O( κ 0 ) solution at t = 0 is removed in this analysis.
Martensite in NiAl oxidation-resistant coatings

Martensitic transformation in NiAl oxidation- resistant coatings on Ni superalloys heated for 300 hr at 1093 C
Chiral-logarithmic corrections to the S and T parameters in Higgsless models

Recently, Higgsless models have proven to be viable alternatives to the standard model (SM) and supersymmetric models in describing the breaking of the electroweak symmetry. Whether extra dimensional in nature or their deconstructed counterparts, the physical spectrum of these models typically consists of towers of massive vector gauge bosons which carry the same quantum numbers as the SM $W$ and $Z$. In this paper, we calculate the one-loop, chiral-logarithmic corrections to the $S$ and $T$ parameters from the lightest (i.e. SM) and the next-to-lightest gauge bosons using a novel application of the pinch technique. We perform our calculation using generic Feynman rules with generic couplings such that our results can be applied to various models. To demonstrate how to use our results, we calculate the leading chiral-logarithmic corrections to the $S$ and $T$ parameters in the deconstructed three-site Higgsless model. As we point out, however, our results are not exclusive to Higgsless models and may, in fact, be used to calculate the one-loop corrections from additional gauge bosons in models with fundamental (or composite) Higgs bosons.
Cerebral blood flow velocity in relation to intraventricular hemorrhage in the premature newborn infant

The relation of IVH to blood flow velocity in the anterior cerebral arteries has been studied in the premature newborn infant. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of IVH on cerebral blood flow velocity, measured by a noninvasive Doppler technique, and to assess the reliability of this technique in the diagnosis of the hemorrhage. Thirty-two premature newborn infants with IVH were identified by real-time ultrasound scanning; IVH was present in the first 24 hours of life in approximately 50%, progressed postnatally in approximately, 20%, and was severe in approximately 50%. Cerebral blood flow velocity, determined daily in the first five days of life, was compared to the time of occurrence of IVH and to simultaneous measurements of systemic blood pressure and blood gases. No consistent relationship between timing or severity, of IVH and cerebral blood flow velocity could be discerned. We conclude that cerebral blood flow velocity in the anterior cerebral arteries is not likely to be affected by IVH and that the noninvasive Doppler technique for measurement of this velocity is not reliable for diagnosis of the lesion.
Systematic Variability in the Mineralogy of the Low Temperature Ash of Some North American Coals

Abstract The mineralogy of coal ash is systematically distributed in recognizable patterns which are in turn a response to the basic depositional and early diagenetic geologic processes of the area. In general, the main control over the basic mineralogy of the ash appears to be the relative influence of the marine environment of the coal-forming swamp. Systematic changes in ash composition can be observed as one proceeds eastward from the Mid-Continent Coal Basin through the Illinois and Dunkard Basins to the Pocahontas Basin of southern West Virginia as the coal-forming environment becomes less influenced by marine conditions. The fresh-water coals of the western fields have ash compositions which compare closely with the lower Pottsville coals of the Pocahontas Basin. Systematic variability also exists on a within-a-mine basis where non-random patterns of sulfur and ash appear to reflect both de-positional and post-depositional processes.
Parton transport via transverse and longitudinal scattering in dense media

The effect of multiple scatterings on the propagation of hard partonic jets in a dense nuclear medium is studied in the framework of deep-inelastic scattering (DIS) off a large nucleus. Power counting arguments based on the Glauber improved soft collinear effective theory are used to identify the class of leading power corrections to the process of a single parton traversing the extended medium without emission. It turns out that the effect of longitudinal drag and diffusion (often referred to as straggling) is as important as transverse scattering, when relying solely on power counting arguments. With the inclusion of momentum exchanges in both transverse and longitudinal directions between the traversing hard parton and the constituents of the medium, we derive a differential equation for the time (or distance) evolution of the hard parton momentum distribution. Keeping up to the second order in a momentum gradient expansion, this equation describes in-medium evolution of hard jets which experience longitudinal drag and diffusion plus the transverse broadening caused by multiple scatterings from the medium.
Direct visualization and three-dimensional reconstruction of structures formed by electrophotographic toner

Abstract Materials or objects fabricated with solid particles, such as in additive manufacturing, can assume interior structures influenced by the arrangement of the particles. These structures will result in various porosities and directly impact the performance of the products constructed. It is difficult to image and visualize particle structures from dense powder samples. We have determined particle positions in three-dimensions within toner powders. With these particle positions, a visualization of the particle structure can be reconstructed. The determination of particle positions involves imaging with a confocal laser scanning microscope to capture a stack of cross-sectional images of florescent particles and analyzing the resulting images. The feasibility of imaging sedimented particulate samples by using micron-sized poly-dispersed electrophotographic printing particles has been demonstrated. The XYZ co-ordinates and radii for these particles (which are assumed to be spherical) have been calculated in several selected sampling volumes. Consequently, a size distribution for the particles has also been obtained. The three-dimensional reconstruction of these particles illustrates a highly porous structure. This methodology of three-dimensional particle mapping and visualization can potentially lead to much needed materials and structural analyses for fine particles.
Nanoelectromechanical tunneling switches based on self-assembled molecular layers

We propose nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches that operate via electromechanical modulation of tunneling current through several-nanometer-thick switching gaps. In such a device, direct contact between electrodes is avoided by utilizing self-assembled molecular layers to define the switching gap. Electrostatic compression of the molecular layer reduces the tunneling gap leading to an exponential increase in the tunneling current, turning on the switch. With removal of an applied voltage, the compressed layer provides the elastic restoring force necessary to overcome the surface adhesive forces, turning off the switch. Thus, the proposed tunneling NEM switch may enable low-voltage operation while simultaneously mitigating device failure due to stiction. This principle is experimentally investigated using a prototype two-terminal tunneling NEM switch with a switching gap formed by a fluorinated decanethiol layer. In this device, the presence of the molecular film promotes repeatable switching. A comparison of the switch operation with a theoretical model indicates electrostatic compression of the molecular switching gap.
Relation Between Thermal Properties of Butter and Its Hardness

Abstract The heat capacity of commercial and experimental butter as a function of temperature was measured in an electrical input calorimeter. Hardness of the samples was measured either as sectility and viscosity at 10 C, or as lubricity value at 22 C. Plots of the heat capacity curves of commercial butter showed major phase changes centering at −24, −11, 5, 12, 20, and 30 C. Curves for experimental butter were similar, except that the peak at −24 C was missing. Comparison to curves for butteroil showed that the changes at −24 and −11 C were associated with the aqueous phase of butter. The change at −11 C represents the melting of a salt solution, the exact melting point being related to the salt content of the butter. Summer butter contained more liquid fat between −8 and 12 C, and was less sectile and less viscous Liquid fat contents at 10 C were 41% in the summer and 35% in the winter. Printing reduced butter hardness, but did not affect the liquid fat content. Experimental butter made according to the winter method or by vat processing of the cream was softer, and had higher liquid fat contents, especially at 20 C.
What Is the Current State-of-the-Art Imaging for Detection and Staging of Cholangiocarcinoma?

Cholangiocarcinoma is an adenocarcinoma that arises from the bile duct epithelium and is the second most common primary hepatobiliary cancer, after hepatocellular cancer, with approximately 2,500 cases annually in the U.S. However, cholangiocarcinoma remains a relatively rare disease, accounting for <2% of all human malignancies. Although the entire biliary tree is potentially at risk, tumors involving the biliary confluence or the right or left hepatic ducts (hilar cholangiocarcinoma) are most common and account for 40%-60% of all cases. Most patients present with advanced disease that is not amenable to surgical treatment. The median survival time for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma without involvement of the hilum varies among centers from 18-30 months. The median survival time for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is slightly less, varying from 12-24 months. Despite the overall poor prognosis, survival after surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma has improved during the past 10-15 years. This review highlights the imaging features of cholangiocarcinoma, with particular emphasis on the imaging techniques that can best assess tumor resectability and guide the surgeon regarding the potential extent of resection required in operable candidates.
Probing gravitation, dark energy, and acceleration

The acceleration of the expansion of the universe arises from unknown physical processes involving either new fields in high energy physics or modifications of gravitation theory. It is crucial for our understanding to characterize the properties of the dark energy or gravity through cosmological observations and compare and distinguish between them. In fact, close consistencies exist between a dark energy equation of state function w(z) and changes to the framework of the Friedmann cosmological equations as well as direct spacetime geometry quantities involving the acceleration, such as ''geometric dark energy'' from the Ricci scalar. We investigate these interrelationships, including for the case of super acceleration or phantom energy where the fate of the universe may be more gentle than the Big Rip.
Enhancing TCP Performance in Hybrid Networks with Fixed Senders and Mobile Receivers

Transmission control protocol (TCP) plays an important role in defining a network's performance. Its use in wireless networks has exposed several inadequacies in its operation. We propose an improvement over TCP for communication between fixed host (FH) senders and wireless, mobile host (MH) receivers that are interlinked by base stations (BS). We believe that this is becoming the main infrastructure supporting most mobile Internet traffic. Our new scheme is called TCP-ECN (explicit congestion notification). It aims to address the challenges of high bit error rate in wireless links and long disconnections due to mobility. It keeps the modification in BS and MH minimal without requiring any changes to FH. The BS uses one bit (ECN bit) to enable the MH in distinguishing between congestion and wireless losses, and thus, suppressing unnecessary duplicate acknowledgments (dupACK) due to wireless losses. In addition, zero window acknowledgment and triplicate dupACK schemes are adopted as part of the handoff procedure in BS. Both simulation and network test-bed results show that TCP-ECN performs significantly better than TCP-Reno and Snoop in the face of high wireless loss, high or low congestion loss, and mobility. Performance improvement is more significant when more wireless receivers are supported. We believe this work is significant to wireless carriers and vendors when designing protocols and devices that support mobile Internet access.
Regulation of Temporal Identity Transitions in Drosophila Neuroblasts

Temporal patterning is an important aspect of embryonic development, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Drosophila neuroblasts are an excellent model for studying temporal identity: they sequentially express four genes (hunchback --> Kruppel --> pdm1 --> castor) whose temporal regulation is essential for generating neuronal diversity. Here we show that hunchback --> Kruppel timing is regulated transcriptionally and requires neuroblast cytokinesis, consistent with asymmetric partitioning of transcriptional regulators during neuroblast division or feedback signaling from the neuroblast progeny. Surprisingly, Kruppel --> pdm1 --> castor timing occurs normally in isolated or G(2)-arrested neuroblasts, and thus involves a neuroblast-intrinsic timer. Finally, we find that Hunchback potently regulates the neuroblast temporal identity timer: prolonged Hunchback expression keeps the neuroblast "young" for multiple divisions, and subsequent downregulation allows resumption of Kruppel --> pdm1 --> castor expression and the normal neuroblast lineage. We conclude that two distinct "timers" regulate neuroblast gene expression: a hunchback --> Kruppel timer requiring cytokinesis, and a Kruppel --> pdm1 --> castor timer which is cell cycle independent.
Code generation by coagulation

This paper describes a new approach to code-generation. The central tenet is that there must be a more intimate coupling between register allocation and instruction selection than exists in present-day technology. This is achieved by generating code in very small regions and gradually coalescing the part of the program that is "compiled".
Effects of coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch on solder attached GaAs MMICs

The reliability effects of a GaAs solder attachment to a variety of different materials with a diverse range of coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) are examined. Failure mechanisms included fractures or cracks through the devices, as well as cracking of the corners. GaAs devices are placed under tensile stress with materials such as Kovar experienced severe cracking and corner fracture through long-term reliability screening. Devices placed under compressive stress, on the other hand, did not degrade through life testing unless the CTE mismatch was greater than or equal to 16.5 ppm/ degrees C. From this evaluation, the CTE range at which GaAs can be reliably attached and expected to operate without failures through 1000 cycles of MIL-STD thermal cycling was defined. >
BACTERIAL ANTIGENS CROSS-REACTIVE WITH THE CAPSULAR POLYSACCHARIDE OF HÆMOPHILUS INFLUENZÆ TYPE b

Abstract With the use of agar plates containing anti Hœmophilus influenzœ type b serum, a halo of precipitation was observed surrounding some bacterial colonies isolated from the pharynx and rectum of humans and rabbits. This halo of precipitation was shown to be due to polysaccharides cross-reactive with the type-b polysaccharide of H. influenzœ . The demonstration of several different species of bacteria in normal individuals possessing cross-reacting antigens may provide an explanation for the development of the "natural" immunity to H. influenzœ type b observed in most adults. This technique of using antiserum agar may permit the demonstration of cross-reacting antigens to other pathogenic bacteria in mixed bacterial cultures.
Cognitive Function and Oral Health Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background. Both oral health problems and cognitive impairment are relatively common among older adults. Poorer oral health appears to contribute to a decline in quality of life and to be related to various medical conditions. Little is known about the relationship of cognitive function to oral health among community-dwelling older adults. Methods. The sample included 1984 dentate community-dwelling older adults 60 years old or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2002) who completed both the study cognitive measure and dental examination. Weighted descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Results. Multivariate analyses showed that cognitive function was associated with oral health. Individuals with lower cognitive scores had a higher number of decayed and missing teeth and a higher proportion of periodontitis sites. The predicted number of decayed teeth increased by 0.01 with each 1-point decrease in the Digit Symbol Substitution Test score; the number of missing teeth increased by 0.02; and the percentage of sites with periodontal disease increased by 0.02. In addition, individuals' sociodemographic characteristics, health behavior, and regular dental checkups were significantly associated with oral health. Conclusions. This study suggests that community-dwelling elders with lower cognitive function scores have greater deterioration of oral health. This study provides a preliminary knowledge base for the development of early intervention strategies to address oral health problems among older adults.
Uncertainty, Expectations, and Foundations of the Theory of Planning

Presents information on a study which outlined some fundamental theoretical concepts which form an important part of the basis of any general theory of planning. Distinction between risk and uncertainty in modern decision theory; Foundations of planning theory; Conclusions.
Update on reproductive safety of current and emerging disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis

For physicians who care for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) during the conception period and pregnancy raises important safety considerations. All DMTs have potential adverse effects on fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and breastfed infants. Although physicians are reluctant to prescribe DMTs to MS patients who are contemplating having a family or are already pregnant, treatment can be warranted in those who have active disease. This review assembles the most current information on the reproductive safety of approved and emerging DMTs drawn from the literature and information supplied by the manufacturers.
Transient analysis of Cosserat rod with inextensibility and unshearability constraints using the least-squares finite element model

Abstract In this study, time-dependent fully discretized least-squares finite element model is developed for the transient response of Cosserat rod having inextensibility and unshearability constraints to simulate a surgical thread in space. Starting from the kinematics of the rod for large deformation, the linear and angular momentum equations along with constraint conditions for the sake of completeness are derived. Then, the α-family of time derivarive approximation is used to reduce the governing equations of motion to obtain a semi-discretized system of equations, which are then fully discretized using the least-squares approach to obtain the non-linear finite element equations. Newton׳s method is utilized to solve the non-linear finite element equations. Dynamic response due to impulse force and time-dependent follower force at the free end of the rod is presented as numerical examples.
MRI findings of posttraumatic intrahepatic vascular shunts.

Purpose To describe the features of posttraumatic intrahepatic vascular shunts (PIVS) as seen on MRI. Materials and Methods A search was performed for patients with MRI features compatible with PIVS in the Abdominal MRI databases between January 2002 and March 2008. This study was approved by our institutional review board. All patients were imaged using a protocol that included noncontrast T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, and postgadolinium gradient-echo images. Results Eleven patients (eight men, three women; mean age 55.36 years; range 43–77 years) were identified with PIVS. The following imaging features were observed: dilation of afferent and efferent vessels (five patients), transient hepatic parenchymal blush in a watershed distribution (11 patients), and early opacification of efferent vessels (11 patients). Conclusion Patients with PIVS exhibit features that are distinctive for this entity and include: dilatation of efferent and afferent vessels, transient parenchymal blush, and early opacification of efferent vessels. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:617–620. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Crystal structures of diphosphinated group 6 Fischer alkoxy carbenes

The crystal structures of four diphosphinated Group 6 Fischer alkoxy carbenes with the compositions fac-(dppe)(CO)3M–C(OR′)(R) (R = Me, R′ = Et, M = Cr, 1; R = Ph, R′ = Me, M = Cr, 2; R = Me, R′ = Me, M = W, 3; R/OR′ = 3-methyl-2-oxacyclopentylidenyl, M = Cr, 4) have been determined at 243 K. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with a = 11.2243(11) A, b = 18.5998(18) A, c = 15.1260(15) A, β = 107.056(4)○, V = 3019.0(5) A3, and Z = 4. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with a = 11.8102(9) A, b = 18.3152(14) A, c = 15.0262(12) A, β = 93.753(3)○, V = 3243.3(4) A3, and Z = 4. Compound 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with a = 11.3458(6) A, b = 18.5772(9) A, c = 15.3883(8) A, β = 108.576(6)○, V = 3074.5(3) A3, and Z = 4. Compound 4 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pna21 with a = 22.6509(14) A, b = 9.8118(6) A, c = 13.7507(8) A, V = 3056.0(3) A3, and Z = 4. Steric repulsions with the dppe ligand favor a conformation with the alkoxy moiety directed toward the dppe backbone, in an E geometry, in 1–4.
De Minimis Risk: A Proposal for a New Category of Research Risk

In response to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently posted advance notice of proposed rulemaking, “Human Subjects Research Protections: Enhancing Protections for Research Sub...
Fortschritte in der Theorie der Flüssigkeiten

Es werden Theorien und Modelle besprochen, mit deren Hilfe Flussigkeitseigenschaften berechnet werden konnen. Nicht diskutiert werden Methoden, welche Cluster-Integrale oder radiale Verteilungsfunktionen zu Hilfe nehmen. Die der Zelltheorie sowie der Tunneltheorie und der signifikanten Strukturtheorie zugrundeliegenden Prinzipien werden behandelt und die Vorteile jeder der drei Theorien untersucht, indem theoretische und experimentelle Werte des Drucks, des Molvolumens, der Kompressibilitat und der Uberschus-Entropien realer Flussigkeiten verglichen werden. — Die thermodynamischen Eigenschaften einer zweidimensionalen Flussigkeit aus „harten Scheiben” und einer dreidimensionalen Flussigkeit aus „harten Kugeln” werden ebenfalls berechnet. — Es ergibt sich, das die signifikante Strukturtheorie in allen Fallen die besten Resultate liefert.
Fuzzy semantics and fuzzy constraint networks

After reviewing the notion of crisp constraint networks and their relationship to semantics in classical logic, the authors define fuzzy constraint networks and their relationship to fuzzy logic. Then they introduce Khayyam, a fuzzy constrained-based programming language which implements much of Zadeh's PRUF formalism. In Khayyam, any sentence in the first-order fuzzy predicate calculus is a well-formed constrained statement. Finally, using Khayyam to address an equipment selection application, the expressive power of constraint-based languages is illustrated. >
Consumer Culture and the Culture of poverty: Implications for Marketingtheory and Practice

This paper explores the influence of the larger material culture on consumers living within the culture of poverty so that the scholarly community mightbetter understand the actual as well as poten...