cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Birefringence of flow-assembled chitosan membranes in microfluidics.

Biopolymer membrane assembly in microfluidics offers precise spatial and temporal resolution for biomolecular and cellular interactions during and after assembly. Control over molecular transport across the biofabricated membranes requires microstructural characterization. This study investigates, for the first time, the birefringence of chitosan membranes assembled with flow in a microfluidic environment, and the effects of pH and flow rate on the membrane's micro-alignment. The optical anisotropy of the formed membranes was quantified using a de Senarmont compensator for transmitted quantitative polarized light microscopy. The chitosan membranes were biofabricated within a small aperture in a microfluidic network with various flow and pH conditions of chitosan and alginate solutions. The measured optical retardance and parallelism index clearly indicate that the microstructure of the flow-assembled membrane was well organized and aligned along the direction of chitosan flow. Optical retardance increased significantly with the pH of the alginate solution, but was less sensitive to the variation of the flow rates of the polymer solutions during the biofabrication process. It was also determined that the birefringence signal dropped significantly across the membrane growth direction regardless of the molecular density in the membrane. The mechanism of the micro-alignment was discussed, which was presumably due to the molecular un-wrapping by shear flow. We envision that the current study paves a path to further understand and actively manipulate the microstructure of flow-assembled membranes for broad lab-on-a-chip applications.
Principles of Ill-Posed Inverse Problem Solution

The forward problem of electromagnetic modeling is almost always well posed. Given an earth model, we are certain that there is a single, unique solution of Maxwell's equations which describes the EM field behavior. In contrast, in the inverse problem, while we may be almost certain that there is a unique physical inverse solution, widely differing numerical geoelectric models may be found, which may cause almost exactly the same electromagnetic field behavior. Moreover, the accuracy with which we observe the electromagnetic field behavior is contaminated to some extent by noise and measurement error. However, even in the case of very accurate observations, the inversion results may have arbitrarily large differences from one another. This lack of uniqueness on the practical level makes inverse solutions difficult if not impossible in some cases. For this reason, the inverse problem as usually encountered in electromagnetic methods is said to be ill posed. In this chapter, we discuss the principles of the regularization theory, which provides the foundations for the solution of the ill-posed inverse problems. We begin our discussion with the mathematical formulations of the well-posed and ill-posed problems. We then introduce stabilizing functionals and regularizing operators and formulate the principles of Tikhonov regularization for the construction of a solution of an ill-posed inverse problem.
Response to reviewers of What is an event

Let me begin by thanking my book’s three readers for their astute, engaged and intellectually expansive reviews. I have learned from them and been prompted to think both about what the book may hav...
Bayesian classifiers of solid lesions with dynamic CT: Integrating enhancement density with washout density and delay interval

Solid lesions emerge within diverse host tissue environments, making their diagnosis a challenge on the basis of non-invasive techniques alone. Various techniques have been developed to transform images into quantifiable feature sets producing summary statistics that describe enhancement distributions of solid masses. Relying on empirical distributional summaries, conventional approaches to cancer radiomics analysis are limited by the application of regression or machine learning algorithms to correlated feature sets. Moreover, often relying on summary statistics that derive from a single scan, current analytical approaches ignore temporal patterns that describe washout across multiple scans with contrast. Motivated by the diagnosis of adrenal masses on the basis of dynamic contrast enhanced computed tomography, this article presents novel statistical methodology for formulating similarity networks that integrate the entire enhancement and washout distributions of a delineated region of interest (ROI) with the duration of the delay scan interval. Applying consensus clustering to the network, we demonstrate unsupervised learning, revealing five discrete patterns of the combination of non-contrast enhancement distribution and contrast washout. Additionally, we demonstrate how the resultant network may be used to train a supervised Bayesian classifier based on the concept of partial exchangeability. When applied to predict the true pathology-verified malignancy status of adrenal lesions in our study, classification using Bayesian predictive probabilities deriving from the similarity network yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.908 outperforming prediction with conventional regression analysis based on summary statistics of the enhancement densities, which yielded only 0.828.
The hospice referral.

Hospice is a program of care and support for persons facing life-limiting illnesses. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes.
Traffic Equilibria on a Roadway Network

Blairsville and Bolivar are two small residential towns that house most of the workers at the nearby Consolidated Coal Mines. As indicated by the road map in Figure 9.1, the surrounding area has only three connecting roads because of its extremely mountainous, uninhabitable nature. Travelers between the two towns and the coal mines generally use Valley Road and Mountainside Road. Although Highbridge Road provides a shortcut from Bolivar to both Blairsville and the Consolidated Coal Mines, only vehicles lighter than 2500 pounds can use its relatively weak bridge.
Maps and Governance

Popular presentations of the use of maps by governmental organizations portray maps as documents that consolidate and communicate geographical information. This functionalist approach helps understand what maps are used for and how maps still serve a central role for government-led projects developing spatial data infrastructures. Critical perspectives, largely rooted in Michel Foucault’s work, examine how maps are used in governance. Governance both makes maps and is made by maps.
Timing and method of oral refeeding in mild acute pancreatitis: a systematic review

Background: Optimal timing and method of oral refeeding in mild acute pancreatitis (AP) is unclear. Aims: To identify the optimal timing and method of oral refeeding in patients with mild AP. Methods: PubMed and CINAHL were searched to identify randomised control trials (RCTs) for inclusion, and risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration Tool. Results: A total of 10 RCTs were included, six trials assessing timing of oral refeeding and five trials assessing method of oral refeeding. Early refeeding was associated with reduced length of hospital stay (LoHS) in five out of six trials. An immediate full caloric diet was associated with reduced LoHS in two out of five trials. There was a statistical increase in calories consumed in the group receiving immediate full caloric diets in three trials. There were no adverse events. Conclusion: Early oral refeeding can safely reduce LoHS in patients with mild AP. Refeeding with an immediate full caloric diet is safe and can increase calories consumed, ...
Human rights collectives as visual experts: the case of Syrian Archive:

This article maps the institutional context that renders eyewitness video meaningful for human rights purposes. By looking closely at the work of Syrian Archive, this article argues that human righ...
Sí, Yo Puedo (Yes, I Can) Curriculum and Empowerment Program for Immigrant Latina Women in Group Settings: Utilization of the Program at a Police Department

Immigrant Latinas experiencing incidences of interpersonal violence require services from police departments. This study builds upon a previous mixed-method study conducted at a police department between 2016 and 2017 in a Midwestern state. This study examines immigrant Latinas’ experiences with a culturally specific curriculum, Si, Yo Puedo, designed to foster self-esteem and provide education on interpersonal violence and healthy relationships. Nineteen immigrant Latinas participated in three educational groups undergoing the curriculum. Pre/post 36-item surveys inclusive of nine demographic questions and two measurement scales were used to examine differences in self-esteem and attitudes and knowledge toward interpersonal violence. Open-ended qualitative items assessed participants’ overall experiences with the Si, Yo Puedo program. No statistically significant differences between the mean pre- and post-test self-esteem scores were detected. Significant differences were noted regarding participants’ disagreements that disapprove or show better knowledge about IPV in the attitudes and knowledge toward interpersonal violence scores. Participants reported positive feelings of increased confidence and self-esteem and reports of learning about legal rights and the dynamics of interpersonal violence. Findings implicate this curriculum as a culturally competent service tool for police departments working with this population.
The Assessment of Forced Penetration: A Necessary and Further Step Toward Understanding Men's Sexual Victimization and Women's Perpetration.

A unique form of sexual victimization that often goes undiscussed and, therefore, underassessed is that of being forced to penetrate another person (i.e., forced penetration). Due to forced penetra...
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in an Adolescent Boy With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.

Abstract Background Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) related to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an emergent syndrome affecting children globally in the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The clinical presentation has similarities to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome. As knowledge of the cardiac and gastrointestinal manifestations has been emerging, little is known about the impact on the brain. Method This case describes a 14-year-old boy who developed prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms including delirium followed by impairments in executive functioning in the context of MIS-C with positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. These symptoms improved in correlation with improvements in inflammatory markers. Results Neuropsychiatric manifestations including confusion, irritability, and headaches have been reported in pediatric patients with MIS-C. Potential mechanisms include direct neurotropic effect of SARS-CoV-2, secondary effects of systemic inflammation, and/or adverse side effects of treatment. Conclusions MIS-C is a novel and poorly understood syndrome related to SARS-CoV-2 with effects on multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. As additional cases are reported and research expands, so too will our understanding of the neuropsychiatric manifestations. Better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology would aid in determining targeted interventions.
Abstract 4679: Investigating the role of cryptochrome 2 in human cancer

Through numerous epidemiological studies, The World Health Organization (WHO) deemed disruption of circadian rhythms a probable carcinogen. Circadian rhythms regulate many physiological and cellular processes, while maintaining a ~24hr period. The molecular mechanisms by which disrupted circadian rhythms promote tumorigenesis remain unclear. Recently, our lab found that Cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) acts as an adapter to recruit c-MYC to the E3 ligase complex SKP-CULLIN-FBXL3 (SCFFBXL3) to promote degradation of c-MYC, a known proto-oncogene transcription factor. We identified five recurrent CRY2 mutations (CRY2 D347H, S436R, R460C, D467N and S532L) in a variety of human cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (referred to as CRY2 TCGA mutations). We hypothesized that these mutations may disrupt the interactions between CRY2, FBXL3, and c-MYC and thereby promote c-MYC accumulation. We performed several biochemical and functional assays in parallel to investigate the impact of these mutations on CRY2 activities. While three of the mutants tested reduce the association of CRY2 with FBXL3 as expected, we unexpectedly found that one of the CRY2 TCGA mutants abolishes interaction between CRY2, CLOCK, and BMAL1 without affecting its ability to interact with FBXL3 or c-MYC. Thus, this mutation prevents the normal function of CRY2 within the circadian clock and affects two-dimensional colony formation, which could impact cellular transformation as well. Citation Format: Alanna Chan, Katja Lamia. Investigating the role of cryptochrome 2 in human cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4679.
A Possible Lateral Gamma-Ray Burst Jet from SN 1987A

There was a bright, transient companion spot to SN 1987A with a projected distance of about 17 light-days, observed by optical speckle interferometry 1-2 months after explosion. It is shown here that the bright spot may be due to a receding ultrarelativistic jet traveling at ~53° with respect to the observer-to-SN 1987A vector, through a circumstellar medium with a density profile of ρ(r) ∝ r-2. If it had approached us along the line of sight, a very bright gamma-ray burst (GRB) would have been seen with an apparent isotropic energy of ~1054 ergs and an opening angle of a few degrees. The model provides an adequate explanation for the evolution of the spot, although there are still problems in explaining its observed color. This model implies that at least some GRBs would be seen as going through a medium with a density of ρ(r) ∝ r-2 rather than through a uniform medium, which is frequently adopted in GRB calculations. Improved analysis of the speckle data has revealed another, fainter spot on the opposite side.
Eating expectancies and reinforcement learning: a state-based test of affect regulation and expectancy models in the natural environment.

Affect regulation and expectancy-based models suggest that improvement in affect following binge-eating (BE) episodes contributes to increased eating expectancies, which then promote BE maintenance. The current pilot study utilized ecological momentary assessment to examine the prospective independent and interactive effects of eating reinforcement experiences [operationalized as reductions in negative affect (NA) following BE episodes] and eating expectancies on subsequent BE behavior among 17 women with recurrent BE. Greater reductions in momentary NA following a BE episode (i.e., greater reinforcement) predicted higher levels of eating expectancies on the following day. Further, current eating expectancies interacted with proximal reinforcement history to predict future BE episodes. Participants were more likely to report BE episodes on days that were characterized by higher eating expectancies and preceded immediately by a day during which they experienced greater reinforcement from BE. These preliminary results are consistent with affect regulation and expectancy-based models of BE, suggesting a dynamic and potentially modifiable process of reward-based learning associated with BE behavior. Level IV, multiple time series.
Identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with docetaxel, prednisone (DP) +/- bevacizumab (B) in CALGB 90401 (Alliance).

154Background: CALGB 90401 was a phase III trial of 1050 pts with mCRPC comparing DP+B versus DP alone. While this trial did not show an improvement in OS in the overall population, there were impr...
Does Pre-Procedure Neuraxial Ultrasound Using the GE Logiq® Improve Midline Placement of Combined Spinal Epidural when Compared to a Palpation Technique Performed by Experienced Anesthesiologists? A Prospective Randomized Study

Background: Neuraxial placement relies on palpation of anatomical landmarks, sometimes challenging to identify. Ultrasound (US) has helped facilitate those procedure. We wanted to assess efficacy of the US compared to landmark techniques when used by experienced obstetric anesthesiologists. Methods: We conducted a randomized prospective trial of healthy parturients requesting neuraxial labor analgesia. Positive CSF through the 27 G Pencan spinal needle at the first interspace attempted was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the number of attempts and the number of needle adjustments within a space, presence of symmetrical analgesia 2 hours after placement, and need for epidural replacement. The procedures were performed by practitioners experienced in obstetric anesthesia, including obstetric anesthesiology fellows, and attending physicians who received a video training of the US technique prior to the study [1]. Results: Forty-eight patients were randomized to either the US or landmark group. Two patients (one in each group) were excluded from the study due to delivery within 2 hours of CSE (Combined Spinal Epidural) placement. One patient in the landmark group was excluded due to a wet tap. No statistical difference was found regarding positive CSF flow on first attempt at CSE (p = 0.6). All secondary outcomes were statistically insignificant as well: number of spaces attempted (p = 0.71 95% CI –0.30 to 0.21), number of needle adjustments (p = 0.09, 95% CI –0.10 to 1.28), presence of symmetrical anesthesia at 2 hours (p = 1) and need for epidural replacement (p = 0.48). Conclusions: When placed by an experienced obstetric anesthesiology fellow or attending physician, there is no difference in the successful placement of CSE with US versus landmark technique. Key Points Summary Question: Does the use of an US machine (GE Logiq®) by experienced obstetric anesthesiology providers increase the success of neuraxial placement compared to the ‘traditional’ landmark technique. Findings: Our results did not show any statistical difference between the US and the landmark techniques when done by skilled anesthesiologists in term of the number of interspaces attempted, number of adjustments or redirections of the needle in the same interspace, the presence/absence of CSF flow upon dural puncture or the adequacy of the block 2 hours after placement. Meaning: We concluded that the use of US does not confer any benefits for neuraxial placement in this specific subgroup of practitioners.
Automated ROP Diagnostic System based on Comparisons and U-Net Segmentation

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a disease affecting premature infants and may lead to childhood blindness. Due to lack of trained ophthalmologists, developing a fully automated ROP diagnostic system can significantly benefit the infants affected by ROP. Based on manually segmented features, previous work produces severity scores for ROP with excellent prediction accuracy. However, when automated segmentation employed, a significant accuracy drop is observed. In this paper, we show that U-Net segmentation, which is automated, comes at no accuracy loss.
TAKE-PAUSE: Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Virtual Reality as an Intervention in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

Background Emergency Department (ED) visits are known to be anxiety-ridden and stress-provoking experiences especially in the pediatric population. Distraction techniques have been used as a means to reduce anxiety and stress thereby facilitating care in the ED and making the visit less unpleasant. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an active and immersive distraction technique, using a mindfulness-based virtual reality (VR) program (Take-Pause), to alleviate anxiety in pediatric ED patients. Methods A prospective, randomized, single-blinded study, evaluating ED patients aged 13-17 years with a chief complaint of acute pain was conducted. Patients were randomized to either the active distraction intervention (VR group), utilizing the VR headset for 5 minutes; or to the passive distraction intervention (iPad group), playing on an iPad for 5 minutes. The primary outcome was a difference in the change in anxiety scores on the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory between the two groups. Secondary outcomes included a difference in pain scores, respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) between the groups. Results A total of 110 subjects were enrolled. At 15 minutes, the mean anxiety score for the VR group improved by 10 points vs. 6 points in the iPad group (P Conclusion Take-Pause, offering an active and immersive distraction technique, is more effective than a passive distraction approach to lower anxiety levels in adolescent ED patients.
Critical strategies for information systems development projects: perceptions of developers from the United States and Japan

This study investigated the perceptions of information systems (IS) developers from the United States and Japan with regards to the relative importance of 18 strategies that prior research has indicated are important for the successful implementation of an IS. The results of a principal components analysis revealed that the 18 IS strategies could be reduced to five components: (1) Organizational Integration, (2) Communications, (3) Characteristics of the Project Leader, (4) Characteristics of the Project Team Members, and (5) Project Development Techniques. The analysis also indicated that there were a significant difference in the perceptions of developers from the U.S. and Japan with respect to the importance of the five components. The developers from the U.S. viewed Communications as the most critical component and Project Leader Characteristics as the least important component. Conversely, developers from Japan perceived the Project Leader as the most crucial component for determining the success of an IS project. Team Member Characteristics was viewed as the least important component by developers from Japan. The results were discussed in terms of cultural differences.
The differential information hypothesis, firm size, and earnings information transfer: An empirical investigation

Abstract This study examines the effects of the sizes of the announcing and non-announcing firms on information transfers. Atiase's [Atiase RK. Predisclosure information, firm capitalization and security price behavior around earnings announcements. J Account Res 1985;23:21–36 (Spring)] differential information hypothesis suggests that, relative to small firms, more pre-announcement information is available on large firms. An implication of the differential information hypothesis is that abnormal returns of large firms around earnings disclosures are caused by new information regarding the economy and industry. Thus, earnings disclosures by large firms may contain information that is useful for other firms in the industry. Consistent with our prediction, we find that information transfers within an industry are positively related to the announcing firm's size. The differential information hypothesis also suggests that information transfer will be inversely related to the non-announcing firm's size. However, our results support the null hypothesis that information transfer is not a function of the non-announcing firm's size. Possible explanations of this finding are discussed in the paper.
Experimental and computational analysis of monkey smooth pursuit eye movements.

Smooth pursuit eye movements are guided by visual feedback and are surprisingly accurate despite the time delay between visual input and motor output. Previous models have reproduced the accuracy o...
The Oil Hunters: Exploration and Espionage in the Middle East – By Roger Howard

On May 26, 1908, oil gushed from well No. 1 at Masjid‐i Suleiman in southern Iran, and the race for Middle East oil was on. As Roger Howard observes in this study, even trained and experienced expe...
High resolution spectral estimates obtained using data extrapolation

Two different methods for extrapolating a given time-limited data sequence have been proposed. The first uses a linear prediction model and the second is based on a bandlimited constraint. In both cases, the extrapolated sequence is constrained to equal the initial data on the given interval and to provide an estimate of the data outside that interval. A high resolution spectral estimate which contains both gain and phase information is then computed from a Fourier Transform of the extrapolated sequence. This paper develops a closed-form expressions for these spectral estimators when the estimates are constrained to be discrete. In this case, relatively simple expressions result which can be used to compare the two methods in a straightforward manner.
Recent advances and future trends of InAs/GaSb superlattice for very long wavelength infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs)

TypeII GaSb-InAs superlattices are an alternative to HgCdTe for the strategic windows of 3-5/spl mu/m, 8-12 /spl mu/m, as well as longer wavelengths. In this talk, I will present our recent results and future trends of the InAs-GaSb photodetector with a cut-off wavelength up to 26 /spl mu/m.
Evaluation of Asphalt Mixes Workability and Compactability Using Laboratory and Accelerated Field Testing

Polymer-modified asphalt have been proven to improve mechanical characteristics of asphalt mixes, however there are concerns that mixes become drier and more difficult to compact. This study aims to develop compaction indices using routine laboratory compaction procedure to evaluate the workability and compactability of hot and warm mixes prior to laydown. Workability is reflected in the ease of blending while compactability is reflected in the mixes’ stability and resistance to densification. To quantify thresholds for the indices, laboratory and accelerated field testing were implemented. The workability index was tentatively found to be a minimum of 4.5 while the compactability indices were tentatively found to be a maximum of 0.5 and a minimum of 20. The compactability indices were capable of predicting mix resistance to permanent deformation.
Automobile prices and protection: The U.S.-Japan trade restraint

Abstract We examine the effects of the U.S.-Japan trade restraint on automobile prices and quality upgrading, for both Japanese imports and American small cars. From April 1981 to April 1984 the suggested retail price of all Japanese models increased by 15.8 percent, or 5.3 percent per year. We find that nearly the entire amount of this rise can be explained by the upgrading of individual models. This upgrading may benefit consumers who would purchase a luxury import in any case, but harms those who desire the basic imports. In addition to upgrading, we conclude that a second cost of the trade restraint has been to prevent the yen depreciation from being passed onto American consumers, in terms of lower imported auto prices. For U.S. small cars we find a 9.1 percent rise in the suggested retail price, or 3 percent per year, with a fraction of this amount due to model upgrading. If the yen depreciation had led to lower import prices without the trade restraint, then we expect that U.S. auto prices would have been lower, too.
Vision Based Path Planning for Mobile Robot Using Extrapolated Artificial Potential Field and Probabilistic Obstacle Avoidance

Mobile robots are increasingly being used to do tasks in unknown environment. The potential of robots to undertake such tasks lies on their ability to intelligently and efficiently locate and interact with objects in their environment. This paper describes a novel method to plan paths for mobile robots in a partially known environment observed by an overhead camera. The environment consists of dynamic obstacles and targets. A new methodology, Extrapolated Artificial Potential Field is proposed for real time robot path planning. The proposed Extrapolated Artificial Potential Field is capable of navigating robots situated among moving obstacles and target. An algorithm for probabilistic collision detection is introduced. The paper summarizes this approach, and discusses the results of path planning experiments using an Amigobot. The result shows that our method is effective.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Bias-voltage-controlled magnetization switch in ferromagnetic semiconductor resonant tunneling diodes

We predict that the Curie temperature of a ferromagnetic, resonant tunneling diode will decrease abruptly, by approximately a factor of 2, when the downstream chemical potential falls below the quantum-well resonance energy. This property follows from elementary quantum-transport-theory notions combined with a mean-field description of diluted, magnetic, semiconductor ferromagnetism. We illustrate this effect by solving coupled nonequilibrium Green's function, magnetic mean-field, and electrostatic Poisson equations self-consistently to predict the bias voltage and temperature dependence of the magnetization of a model system.
The correlation function of galaxy ellipticities produced by gravitational lensing

The correlation of galaxy ellipticities produced by gravitational lensing is calculated as a function of the power spectrum of density fluctuations in the universe by generalizing an analytical method developed by Gunn (1967). The method is applied to a model where identical objects with spherically symmetric density profiles are randomly laid down in space, and to the cold dark matter model. The possibility of detecting this correlation is discussed. Although an ellipticity correlation can also be caused by an intrinsic alignment of the axes of galaxies belonging to a cluster or a supercluster, a method is suggested by which one type of correlation can be distinguished from another. The advantage of this ellipticity correlation is that it is one of the few astronomical observations that can directly probe large-scale mass fluctuations in the universe.
Fyn-mediated Phosphorylation of NR2B Tyr-1336 Controls Calpain-mediated NR2B Cleavage in Neurons and Heterologous Systems

Cleavage of the intracellular carboxyl terminus of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor 2 subunit (NR2) by calpain regulates NMDA receptor function and localization. Here, we show that Fyn-mediated phosphorylation of NR2B controls calpain-mediated NR2B cleavage. In cultured neurons, calpain-mediated NR2B cleavage is significantly attenuated by blocking NR2B phosphorylation of Tyr-1336, but not Tyr-1472, via inhibition of Src family kinase activity or decreasing Fyn levels by small interfering RNA. In HEK cells, mutation of Tyr-1336 eliminates the potentiating effect of Fyn on calpain-mediated NR2B cleavage. The potentiation of NR2B cleavage by Fyn is limited to cell surface receptors and is associated with calpain translocation to plasma membranes during NMDA receptor activation. Finally, reducing full-length NR2B by calpain does not decrease extrasynaptic NMDA receptor function, and truncated NR1/2B receptors similar to those generated by calpain have electrophysiological properties matching those of wild-type receptors. Thus, the Fyn-controlled regulation of NMDA receptor cleavage by calpain may play critical roles in controlling NMDA receptor properties during synaptic plasticity and excitotoxicity.
Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale Without an Implant: Initial Clinical Experience

Background— Currently available catheter techniques for closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) rely on the placement of an implantable closure device. The objective of the Paradigm I study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of transcatheter closure of PFO using radiofrequency energy without an implanted device in patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Methods and Results— Thirty patients were enrolled (15 females; mean age 48 years). Mean PFO size was 8.5±2.7 mm. Technical success (ie, successful application of radiofrequency energy) was achieved in 27 patients. The remaining 3 patients received an implantable closure device. All 30 patients were free from serious procedure-related adverse events. No recurrent strokes, deaths, or perforations occurred as a result of the procedure. The mean follow-up was 6 months, and 13 (43%) of the 30 patients experienced PFO closure after the first procedure. Nine of the patients whose PFOs remained patent after the first procedure elect...
Self-consistent field theory of directed self-assembly on chemically prepatterned surfaces

We use self-consistent field theory to investigate the self-assembly of AB diblock copolymers on chemically patterned substrates. The striped substrates consist of attractive domains alternating with neutral ones. Using our simulations, we observe the formation of different self-assembled morphologies in the polymer film and compute their formation free energy for various pattern widths and wetting conditions. We found that perpendicular lamellae are best formed when the A-attractive stripes have a width near half the natural lamellar period in bulk, but lamellar structures with wide bases are also formed in wide stripes. We also computed the formation energy of isolated dislocations and found that the energy cost is ≈ 50-110kT for ±15nm deviations from optimal commensurability conditions.
Diallel Analysis of Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Its Association with Forage Yield among Nine Historically Recognized Alfalfa Germplasms

Designing effective breeding strategies to integrate selection for carbon isotope discrimination (A), as a means to improve alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) water-use efficiency (WUE), will depend upon the association between Δ and forage yield. The current study was conducted to determine responses in Δ affiliated with significant yield responses that were previously observed among 36 diallel hybrids of nine alfalfa germplasms (commonly referred to as African, Chilean, Flemish, Indian, Ladak, M. falcata, M. varia, Peruvian, and Turkistan). The influence of additive and nonadditive gene action on Δ, and the behavior of A across harvests was also determined. Forage yield and A of the germplasms and their half-diallel hybrids were evaluated near Las Cruces, NM, during May, June, and July in each of 2 yr in seeded plots that were flood irrigated every 14 d. Values for A of hybrids did not significantly exceed those of the most extreme parents in any harvest. Variation for A among crosses was attributed primarily to general combining ability (GCA) effects. The magnitude of parental per se and GCA effects, and their ability to predict hybrid A varied substantially between the first harvest and later harvests. Variety effects for Δ in Ladak, M. varia, and M. falcata became increasingly negative as the growing season progressed, while those for African, Chilean, Flemish, Indian, Peruvian, and Turkistan increased. Results suggest that fundamental differences in stomatal conductance exist between subspecies sativa and falcata.
Attribution of responsibility by Spanish and English speakers: How native language affects our social judgments

La relacion entre lenguaje y pensamiento ha recibido gran atencion en el campo de la linguistica. Cada vez mas investigadores han demostrado de manera empirica que nuestra lengua materna puede afectar la forma en que conceptualizamos el mundo que nos rodea. El presente estudio pidio a dos grupos de participantes leer la misma historia y juzgar la atribucion de la responsabilidad de un personaje de la historia que pudo haber causado un accidente. Un grupo de participantes eran hablantes nativos de espanol y leyeron la version en espanol del texto y el otro grupo, hablantes nativos de ingles que leyeron la version en ingles del texto. Los resultados mostraron que la lengua materna de los participantes era un indicador sutil, pero significativo de la atribucion de la responsabilidad. Este hallazgo apoya la hipotesis de la relatividad linguistica que establece que la lengua materna afecta la forma en que uno conceptualiza el mundo.
Russian Wheat Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) Population Development and Plant Damage on Resistant and Susceptible Wheat

The resistant wheat plant introductions PI 137739 and PI 262660 and the susceptible wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar ‘Stephens’ were used to determine the effects of varying Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kuvdjumov), population densities (0, 10, and 40 aphids per plant) on plant growth and aphid population development. Aphid population development and plant growth were evaluated by destructively sampling plants and aphids at 1, 5, 10, and 15 d after infestation. Plant parameters measured included height, dry weight, and damage. D. noxia feeding damage was determined by counting the number of leaves that were rolled and were chlorotic. The numbers oflive and dead aphids were counted to measure D. noxia population development. D. noxia densities on susceptible ‘Stephens’ wheat were greater than on the resistant accessions at 5, 10, and 15 dafter infestation. The impact of aphid feeding was less on PI 137739 and PI 262660 than on ‘Stephens’ wheat. When the initial D. noxia density was 40 aphids per plant, the total number of aphids produced was higher at days 5 and 10 than the other aphid density, and the reproductive rates were lower on all dates. Plants intially infested with 10 aphids supported larger populations on day 15, because of lower mortality, higher aphid reproductive rates, and fewer dying plants.
Identification of a Mammalian Melanosomal Matrix Glycoprotein

Antiserum raised in rabbits against the Triton X-100 insoluble fraction of melanosomes from mouse melanoma cells specifically decorates the internal matrix of melanosomes in immunoelectron microscopy. In metabolic labeling studies, the antiserum recognizes a protein of 94 kDa, which is processed to a band of 53 kDa. Whereas the precursor is relatively soluble in buffers containing Triton X-100, the processed protein requires the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate for effective solubilization, as would be expected for a melanosomal matrix constituent. Tunicamycin reduces the Mr of the nascent protein to 75 kDa, but deoxymannojirimycin and swainsonine have no effect, suggesting that following initial glycosylation in the endoplasmic reticulum, the protein is not subject to processing by glycosidases in the Golgi apparatus or may bypass it entirely. Subcellular fractionation followed by immunoblotting confirms that the protein is present in the melanosome-rich, large granule fraction. Expression of the protein is regulated differently from that of the tyrosinase-related protein family. Conditions that greatly stimulate expression of tyrosinase-related proteins do not affect matrix protein expression, nor is the protein immunologically related to the tyrosinase-related protein family. Our results suggest that we have identified an authentic component of the mammalian melanosomal matrix, and that its characteristics lend support to a bipartite pathway for melanosomal biogenesis.
International Cultural Diversity and the Design of Management Accounting Systems

This article uses Geert Hofstede’s taxonomy of work‐related cultural values to examine the relationship between international cultural diversity and the practice of management accounting. The discussion is presented in two parts. First, is a discussion of the relationship between international cultural diversity and the design of cost management systems. Second, management control systems are implicated into the discussion.
Effect of an anabolic agent (nilevar) on nitrogen and mineral metabolism in two patients with rheumatoid disease.

An androgenic steroid, chemically modified to have less masculinizing activity per unit anabolic activity, was studied in two patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In one patient, the anabolic steroid reversed both the nitrogen loss secondary to disease activity and the nitrogen loss secondary to corticosteroid treatment. In the other patient the effectiveness of the anabolic agent in promoting calcium retention was demonstrated. Un steroide androgenic, chimicamente modificate pro reducer su activitate masculinisante in proportion a su activitate anabolic, esseva studiate in duo patientes con arthritis rheumatoide. In un patiente, le steroide anabolic reverteva tanto le perdita de nitrogeno secundari a1 activitate del morbo como etiam le perdita de nitrogeno secundari a1 tractamento con corticosteroide. In le altere patiente le agente anabolic se provava efficace in promover le retention de calcium.
The Civic Importance of Chemistry

Justus von Liebig. The Chemical Gatekeeper. WILLIAM H. BROCK. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1997. xiv, 374 pp., illus. $79.95. ISBN 0-521-56224-4.
Advancing global education: patterns of potential human progress

Vol. 2, by Janet R. Dickson, Barry B. Hughes, and Mohammod T. Irfan, Boulder and Oxford, New Delhi, Paradigm, 2010, 333 pp. (electronic version: http://www.ifs.du.edu/documents/index.aspx), US$49.9...
Acetylcholinesterase activity in the sexually dimorphic area of the gerbil brain: Sex differences and influences of adult gonadal steroids

The morphology of the medial preoptic area-anterior hypothalamus (MPOA-AH) of gerbils is sexually dimorphic and influenced by adult gonadal hormones. This research shows that the distribution of (MPOA-AH) cells that synthesize acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the activity of AChE within the MPOA-AH are also sexually dimorphic and hormone sensitive. Adult male and female gerbils were gonadectomized, gonadectomized and implanted subcutaneously with testosterone (T), or sham operated 4-8 weeks before sacrifice. Coronal sections through the sexually dimorphic area (SDA) of the MPOA-AH were stained for AChE. Planimeter measurements of camera lucida drawings showed that the total volume of the SDA is similar in the two sexes, but the proportion of the SDA that stains darkly and/or stands out clearly from the surround (dark volume) is larger in males. Optical density readings also indicated that AChE staining is darker in the male SDA. Gonadectomy decreases staining intensity in both sexes and reduces total SDA volume. Dark volume decreases more than 50%. Testosterone treatment reverses all effects of gonadectomy, although hormonal influences are smaller in females than in males. There were no sex differences or hormonal influences on AChE staining lateral to the SDA. The pars compacta of the male SDA was essentially devoid of AChE, indicating that this cell group is distinct from the rest of the SDA. It also shrinks after castration unless the males receive T. Histochemical changes in the SDA may be related to hormonal control of scent marking, a form of communication in this species.
Temperature integration model and measurement point selection for thermally induced machine tool errors

Abstract This paper proposes a new method to characterize and predict thermally induced errors in machine tools. The thermal error model predicts positioning errors between the tool and workpiece that are caused by deformations in the machine structure due to heat flow from both internal and external sources. These thermally induced errors can account for as much as 70% of the dimensional errors on a machined workpiece. If thermal errors can be predicted, they can be removed in real time by the machine controller. The success of performing the prediction relies on the thermal error model being both accurate and easy to implement. In this paper, a new thermal error model is presented which capitalizes on the notion that thermally induced errors are related to the integral of the temperature field and captures that integral via the Gaussian integration technique. This approach therefore creates a simple linear model with analytical foundations, where the number and location of the sensors are selected as the Gaussian integration points along an assumed polynomial temperature profile. Advantages to this approach over many of the alternative approaches include the fact that warm-up and cool-down situations can be represented by the same model as steady-state conditions. Also, since the model is based on the analytical solution for thermally induced errors, less training data are required than other methods. Furthermore, the optimum number and location of temperature measurements are predetermined and do not require additional measurements, while some alternative approaches require a large number of measurements from many sensors to determine the subset of optimum sensor locations. Test results on a spindle show that between 93–96% of the thermally induced axial errors are predicted for a variety of spindle duty cycles.
Childhood Sexual Abuse, Dissociation, and Adult Self-Destructive Behavior

ABSTRACT Female college students reporting a history of childhood sexual abuse (N = 175) and not reporting a history of childhood sexual abuse (N = 266) were compared on indices of six self-destructive behaviors, including drug use, alcohol abuse, binge eating, self-mutilation, risky sex, and suicidality. The samples were also compared on two measures of dissociation, the Trauma Symptom Checklist dissociation subscale and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. The CSA group had significantly higher mean scores on all the indices of self-destructive behavior except self-mutilation (where the mean difference approached significance), and on both measures of dissociation. One or both dissociation measures were related significantly to each index of self-destructive behavior except binge eating. Multiple regression mediation analyses provided support for the hypothesis that dissociation mediates the relationships between CSA and both drug use and alcohol abuse. Dissociation also explained significant variability...
Stress Management in the Difficult Patient Encounter

Patient care and management can present a significant source of stress for the practicing dentist. This article presents the various facets and underpinnings of stress, followed by an overview of the physiologic phenomena attending the classic stress response, with an examination of the interplay between the psychologic components of stress and its influences on the development or exacerbation of somatic disorders. In addition, the characteristics that can be attributed to the patient and the practitioner that give rise to difficult encounters are explored, with an eye toward proper professional management. Further, the motivations of select patient personae are examined, including discussions regarding the angry patient, the anxious or demanding patient, and the noncompliant and addicted patient. The article offers suggestions for management of such patients, with short- and long-term stress management techniques.