cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of electrocardiographic criteria for right atrial enlargement by quantitative two-dimensional echocardiography.

Abstract Objectives. This study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of traditional electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria for right atrial enlargement and identify improved criteria, using quantitative two-dimensional echocardiography. Background. Traditional ECG criteria for right atrial enlargement, such as P pulmonale, have been increasingly criticized as insensitive and nonspecific. Quantitative two-dimensional echocardiography has been shown to be a useful method for evaluating atrial size. Methods. Hospitalized patients with mild, moderate and severe right atrial enlargement were selected from our laboratory9s data base and compared with age- and gender-correlated hospitalized control subjects. After exclusions, 100 patients with right atrial enlargement and 25 control patients remained. Planimetric measurement of right atrial volumes was accomplished by two independent observers using the single-plane method of discs algorithm. Electrocardiograms were independently evaluated for current and newly proposed right atrial enlargement criteria. Results. Fifty-two patients (52%) were in sinus rhythm, 41 were in atrial fibrillation, 5 were in atrial flutter, and 2 were in ectopic atrial rhythm. All control subjects were in sinus rhythm. The right atrial volume for the control group was 35.0 ± 7.4 ml (mean ± SD), with a narrow, roughly normal distribution. The right atrial volume for the patient group was 147.6 ± 69.1 ml (median 127.2) in a wide, skewed distribution. The difference of mean values was highly significant (p = 0.0001). Right ventricular enlargement was found to some degree in all patients with right atrial enlargement. The most powerful predictors of right atrial enlargement were a QRS axis >90 °, a P wave height in lead V2>1.5 mm and an R/S ratio >1 in lead V2in the absence of complete right bundle branch block. The combined sensitivity of these three criteria was 49%, with preservation of 100% specificity. P pulmonale detected only 6% of patients with right atrial enlargement. Conclusions. Using quantitative two-dimensional echocardiography, we found that most previously reported ECG criteria for right atrial enlargement have low predictive power. The best predictors of right atrial enlargement were a P wave height >1.5 mm in lead V2and, as new criteria, a QRS axis >90 ° and an R/S ratio >1 in lead V1in the absence of complete right bundle branch block. The combined sensitivity of these three criteria was 49%, with preservation of 100% specificity. Further studies are needed to prospectively validate these findings.
Growth Factor Control of Bone Mass

Bone formation is determined by the number and function of osteoblasts. Cell number is governed by factors that regulate the replication and differentiation of pre-osteoblasts and factors that regulate osteoblastic cell death. Cell function is controlled by signals acting on the mature osteoblast. Platelet-derived and fibroblast growth factors are bone cell mitogens. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and Wnt induce the differentiation of mesenchymal cells toward osteoblasts, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I stimulates the function of mature osteoblasts and prevents their death. The activity of BMP, Wnt, and IGF-I is modulated by extracellular antagonists or binding proteins. Changes in growth factor synthesis and activity may play a role in the pathogenesis of selected forms of osteoporosis, and alterations in the expression or binding of the extracellular antagonists can be associated with changes in bone mass. Current approaches to bone anabolic therapies for osteoporosis include the administration of a growth factor, such as IGF-I, or the neutralization of an antagonist. Ideally, the targeting of an anabolic agent should be specific to bone to preclude non-skeletal unwanted side effects. Clinical trials are needed to determine the long-term effectiveness and safety of novel anabolic agents for the management of osteoporosis.
Regulation by prostaglandin E2 of interleukin release by T lymphocytes in mucosa.

Regulation of immune cell activation in lymphocyte-bearing human tissues is a pivotal host function, and metabolites of arachidonic acid (prostaglandin E2 in particular) have been reported to serve this function at non-mucosal sites. However, it is unknown whether prostaglandin E2 is immunoregulatory for the large lymphocyte population in the lamina propria of intestine; whether low (nM) concentrations of prostaglandin E2 modulate immune responses occurring there; and whether adjacent inflammation per se abrogates prostaglandin E2's regulatory effects. To address these issues, intestine-derived lymphocytes and T hybridoma cells were assessed, T cell activation was monitored by release of independently quantitated lymphokines, and dose-response studies were performed over an 8-log prostaglandin E2 concentration range. IL-3 release by normal intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells was reduced (up to 78%) in a dose-dependent manner by prostaglandin E2, when present in as low a concentration as 10(-10) M. PGE2 also inhibited (by > or = 60%) mucosal T lymphocytes' ability to destabilize the barrier function of human epithelial monolayers. Further, with an intestine-derived T lymphocyte hybridoma cell line, a prostaglandin E2 dose-dependent reduction in IL-3 and IL-2 (90 and 95%, respectively) was found; this was true for both mitogen- and antigen-driven T cell lymphokine release. Concomitant [3H] thymidine uptake studies suggested this was not due to a prostaglandin E2-induced reduction in T cell proliferation or viability. In contrast, cells from chronically inflamed intestinal mucosa were substantially less sensitive to prostaglandin E2, e.g., high concentrations (10(-6) M) of prostaglandin E2 inhibited IL-3 release by only 41%. We conclude that prostaglandin E2 in nM concentrations is an important modulator of cytokine release from T lymphocytes derived from the gastrointestinal tract, and it may play a central role in regulation of lamina propria immunocyte populations residing there.
Magnetic field changes in the human brain due to swallowing or speaking

Variations in the magnetic field in the human brain caused by the processes of swallowing or speaking are measured. In both processes, motion of the pharyngeal muscles, especially the tongue and jaw, alter the susceptibility-induced magnetic field distribution at the brain slice being imaged. This leads to image warping, compromising the analysis of a time series of images, such as in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). These dynamic changes are assessed by acquiring a time series of images using a gradient-echo asymmetric-spin-echo sequence (GREASE), a technique in which two images are acquired for each excitation--one during the gradient echo, and one during the latter part of the spin echo. The NMR phase difference between the two images is a measure of the magnetic field distribution. A series of brain images, acquired with this sequence while the subject either swallows or speaks, indicated negative magnetic field changes of up to 0.087 ppm in the inferior region of the brain for both speaking and swallowing, and in some speech, additional positive changes of up to 0.056 ppm in the frontal region of the brain were indicated.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth of high-quality GaN nanocolumns

Vertically oriented gallium nitride (GaN) nanocolumns (NCs) approximately 90 ± 10 nm wide and 0.75 μm tall were grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on Al 2 O 3 (00 01) and Si(111). The dense packing of the NCs gives them the appearance of a continuous film in surface view, but cross-sectional analysis shows them to be isolated nanostructures. Low-temperature photoluminescence measurements of NCs show excitonic emission with a dominant, narrow peak centered at 3.472 eV and FWHM of 126 meV. This peak is identified as the ground state of the A free exciton as confirmed by reflection measurements. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy identifies the NC microstructure as wurtzite GaN and that the NCs are largely free of defects. The GaN NCs are subsequently utilized as a defect-free vehicle for optical studies of Si-doped GaN; and the donor state was identified through low-temperature photoluminescence experiments.
Physical Education and Academic Performance in Urban African American Girls

This study was designed to examine urban African American girls’ participation in physical education and its association with academic performance. One hundred eighty four participants completed questionnaires assessing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and learning engagement in physical education while their academic performance was based on individual grades in core academic classes. Quantitative analyses revealed that physical education played a critical role in enhancing physical activity involvement, and vigorous physical activity and learning engagement were significant predictors of academic performance. Findings suggest that besides the contribution to health promotion, African American girls’ participation in physical education may facilitate academic performance.
Activity-dependent regulation of astrocyte GAT levels during synaptogenesis.

Uptake of the neurotransmitter GABA by transporters called GATs is known to influence neuronal GABAergic tone. Here Muthukumar et al. show that the wave of synaptogenesis in Drosophila brains occurs during the second half of pupal development in an astrocyte-dependent manner. The study also shows that the upregulation of GAT during this process requires astrocytic metabotropic GABA receptors, and this pathway mediates mechanosensory-induced seizure activity in GABAergic mutants with hyperexcitable neurons.
A CONCISE TABLE FOR PATH ANALYSIS STATISTICS

A concise format for presenting path analysi statistics is demonstrated in which the path cefficients are placed in the main diagonal of amatrix, and the indirect effects are placed as off-diagonal elements. This arrangement makes it easier to compare within and among path analyses than with the currently used format, thus facilitating interpretation
Murrah Building Bombing Revisited: A Qualitative Assessment of Blast Damage and Collapse Patterns

On April 19, 1995, a truck loaded with an ammonium nitrate and fuel oil bomb caused collapse of fully half of the total floor area of the nine-story, reinforced concrete Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The extent of the collapse, which extended well beyond the zone of direct structural blast damage, prompted studies of progressive/disproportionate collapse and development of new design guidelines for important buildings. While there is no question that the collapse was the result of the loss of only four columns, there is a common belief that direct blast effects destroyed three of those columns. Firsthand observation of debris, collapse patterns, damage patterns, and thousands of photographs taken during search and rescue activities at the building suggest the possibility that only one column was destroyed by direct blast effects, while the other three buckled due to loss of lateral support provided by beams and floor diaphragms that were destroyed by the blast. While the distinction may be subtle, it has significant implications for the design of tougher buildings. Specific lessons include ductile detailing, the necessity of maintaining the integrity of a three-dimensional frame, and explicit consideration of structural fuses to protect critical elements.
3D image reconstruction and human body tracking using stereo vision and Kinect technology

Kinect is a recent technology used for motion detection and human body tracking designed for a video game console. In this study, we explore two different types of 3D image reconstruction methods to achieve a new method for faster and higher quality 3D images. Generating depth perception information using high quality stereo image textures is computationally heavy and inefficient. On the other hand, depth information can be obtained very fast using Kinect but the overall 3D image quality is not refined and it is low resolution. Thus, in this study we explore the combination of higher quality images on a webcam and faster computation of depth information on Kinect in order to create an efficient and enhanced 3D image reconstruction system. This high resolution system has a broad range of applications including 3D motion sensing of human body, hands tracking and finger gestures.
Efficient Generation of Poisson-Disk Sampling Patterns

Poisson-disk sampling patterns are of interest to the graphics community because their blue-noise properties are desirable in sampling patterns for rendering, illumination, and other computations. Until now, such patterns could only be generated by slow methods with poor convergence, or could only be approximated by jittering individual samples or tiling sets of samples. We present a simple and efficient randomized algorithm for generating true Poissondisk sampling patterns in a square domain, given a minimum radius R between samples. The algorithm runs in O(N log N) time for a pattern of N points. The method is based on the Voronoi diagram. Source code is available online.
Public/private‐sector collaboration in contraceptive research and development: summary and historical perspective

This summary and historical perspective relates exclusively to contraceptive research and development during the period between the early 1970s and the present. This paper covers the raison d'etre for public/private-sector collaboration in this field, provides definitions and summarizes the issues motivating and confronting both sectors, discusses and outlines a generic memorandum of understanding (MOU) that can be used to initiate collaborative research activities, and presents a time line of selected milestones in public/private-sector collaboration, many of which were initiated by the Rockefeller Foundation. Public and private-sector collaboration takes advantage of the unique strengths of both sectors and offers good opportunities for a 'win-win' situation in product development.
Diagnostic factor structure of the children's psychiatric rating scale (C.P.R.S.)

Description of symptom and behavior characteristics of hypothetical typical patients in 18 diagnostic groups were recorded on the Children's Psychiatric Rating Scale (C.P.R.S.) by five experienced child and adolescent psychiatrists. The 63 variables of the C.P.R.S. were factor analyzed to define seven primary dimensions of phenomenological differences among the 18 diagnostic categories. Combinations of C.P.R.S. rating variables to define scores on the seven factors are proposed. Analysis of the mean symptom profiles for the 18 diagnoses revealed six distinct clusters, with the several diagnoses in each cluster having generally similar profile patterns. The C. P. R. S. factors relevant for describing severity and measuring treatment responses of patients whose diagnoses fall into the six empirically defined clusters are indicated. Correspondence of the phenomenological classification of childhood diagnoses to the DSM III classification of those same diagnoses is considered.
The UThPb age of equilibrated L chondrites and a solution to the excess radiogenic Pb problem in chondrites

Abstract U, Th, and Pb analyses of whole-rock and troilite separates from seven L chondrites suggest that the excess radiogenic Pb relative to U and the large variations in Pb Pb model ages commonly observed in chondritic meteorites are largely due to terrestrial Pb contamination induced prior to analyses. Using the Pb isotopic composition of troilite separates to calculate the isotopic composition of the Pb contaminants, the whole-rock data have been corrected for pre-analysis terrestrial Pb contamination. Two approaches have been used: (1) the chondrite-troilite apparent initial Pb isotopic compositions were used to approximate the mixture of indigenous intial Pb and terrestrial Pb in the whole-rock sample, and (2) a single-stage (concordant) model was applied using the assumption that the excess radiogenic Pb in these samples was terrestrial. Data for L5 and L6 chondrites yield a4551 ± 7My age using the former correction and a4550 ± 5My age using the latter one. Corrected data for one L4 chondrite, Tennasilm, yield a4552 ± 13My age which is indistinguishable from that of the L5–L6 chondrites. However, the other L4 chondrite, Bjurbole, yields a4590 ± 6My. Th U Pb data suggest that this older age may be an artifact of the correction procedure, and that some of the discordancy of the Bjurbole data is the result of either a recent geologic disturbance to the U Th Pb system or to terrestrial U loss. Some aliquots of the L5 L6 chondrites also show small amounts of discordancy (∼ 10%) which are not easily attributable to terrestrial Pb contamination. The data from the L5–L6 chondrites and Tennasilm suggest that there are no more than∼ 15MY differences in the ages of L24–L6 chondrites.
Pathophysiology defined by altered signal transduction pathways: the role of JAK-STAT and PI3K signaling in leukemic large granular lymphocytes.

Signal transduction pathways integrate a variety of microenvironmental cues to guide cell function by regulating gene transcription, cell cycle status, growth, and differentiation. It is well established that perturbation of these processes plays a key role in hematologic malignancies including lymphomas and chronic and acute lymphocytic leukemias. Altered intracellular signaling pathways have been proposed to mediate many biological properties of T cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGL), a disorder characterized by a clonal proliferation of CD8 T cells resulting in immune-mediated cytopenias, most commonly neutropenia. Since T-LGL offers a unique opportunity to study signal transduction in the pathologic clonal cytotoxic T cell (CTL) compared to normal CTL, we have investigated a potential imbalance in T-LGL pro-survival signaling to define the mechanisms underlying the semi-autonomous proliferation leading to leukemia. Increased activity of the PI3K-AKT signaling axis in T-LGL cells appears to...
Comparison of Dysphagics and Nondysphagics on Pulse Oximetry during Oral Feeding

This study was designed to determine whether significant differences in SpO2 levels existed among elderly individuals with dysphagia, and, more specifically, whether pulse oximetry can discriminate dysphagic from nondysphagic individuals. In addition, differences in SpO2 between liquid aspirators, solid aspirators, laryngeal penetrators, and normals was investigated in a sample of 181 subjects, 104 of whom were dysphagic. Results indicated that aspirators had lower SpO2 levels before, during, and after feeding compared with nonaspirators. Solid aspirators were the most compromised. No relation was found between SpO2 levels and aspiration. Pulse levels rose for all subjects from before to during feeding, declining slightly thereafter. These data were consistent with previous findings that dysphagics have compromised pulmonary systems but at variance with studies that indicated changes in pulse oximetry during aspiration.
Canalicular and nasolacrimal duct blockage: an ocular side effect associated with the antineoplastic drug S-1.

Purpose To report canalicular stenosis as a side effect of the new antineoplastic agent S-1. Design Interventional case series. Methods Three patients who received S-1 for treatment of gastrointestinal cancer at a tertiary cancer center were evaluated and treated for epiphora. Results Two patients were found to have severe canalicular stenosis and nasolacrimal duct blockage after approximately 6 months of S-1 therapy. One patient underwent dacryocystorhinostomy with silicone tube placement on one side and dacryocystorhinostomy and Pyrex glass tube placement on the other side. The other patient declined a surgical intervention. One additional patient with epiphora had punctal stenosis early in the course of S-1 therapy. His epiphora resolved after probing and irrigation and 4 weeks of topical corticosteroid therapy. Conclusions Canalicular and nasolacrimal duct blockage is a previously unreported side effect of S-1 and should be recognized and treated at its earliest possible stage so that complete closure of the canaliculi can be avoided.
Regolith Advanced Surface Systems Operations Robot (RASSOR)

Regolith is abundant on extra-terrestrial surfaces and is the source of many resources such as oxygen, hydrogen, titanium, aluminum, iron, silica and other valuable materials, which can be used to make rocket propellant, consumables for life support, radiation protection barrier shields, landing pads, blast protection berms, roads, habitats and other structures and devices. Recent data from the Moon also indicates that there are substantial deposits of water ice in permanently shadowed crater regions and possibly under an over burden of regolith. The key to being able to use this regolith and acquire the resources, is being able to manipulate it with robotic excavation and hauling machinery that can survive and operate in these very extreme extra-terrestrial surface environments.
Lumbar vertebral morphology of flying, gliding, and suspensory mammals: implications for the locomotor behavior of the subfossil lemurs Palaeopropithecus and Babakotia.

Abstract Lumbar vertebral morphology has been used as an indicator of locomotor behavior in living and fossil mammals. Rigidity within the lumbar region is thought to be important for increasing overall axial rigidity during various forms of locomotion, including bridging between supports, inverted quadrupedalism, gliding, and flying. However, distinguishing between those behaviors using bony features has been challenging. This study used osteological characters of the lumbar vertebrae to attempt to develop fine-grade functional distinctions among different mammalian species in order to make more complete inferences about how the axial skeleton affects locomotor behavior in extant mammals. These same lumbar characters were measured in two extinct species for which locomotor behaviors are well known, the sloth lemurs (Palaeopropithecus and Babakotia radofilai), in order to further evaluate their locomotor behaviors. Results from a principal components analysis of seven measurements, determined to be functionally significant from previous studies, demonstrate that inverted quadrupeds in the sample are characterized by dorsoventrally short and cranio-caudally expanded spinous processes, dorsally oriented transverse processes, and mediolaterally short and dorsoventrally high vertebral bodies compared with mammals that are relatively pronograde, vertical clingers, or gliders. Antipronograde mammals, dermopterans, and chiropterans also exhibit these traits, but not to the same extent as the inverted quadrupeds. In accordance with previous studies, our data show that the sloth lemur B. radofilai groups closely with antipronograde mammals like lorises, while Palaeopropithecus groups with extant sloths. These findings suggest that Palaeopropithecus was engaged in inverted quadrupedalism at a high frequency, while B. radofilai may have engaged in a more diverse array of locomotor and positional behaviors. The osteological features used here reflect differences in lumbar mobility and suggest that axial rigidity is advantageous for suspensory locomotion and possibly flight in bats.
Climate Consumption and Climate Pricing from 1940 to 1990

Abstract This paper studies trends in US climate consumption and climate compensating differentials. Three findings emerge. First, the population has shifted so that the consumption of warmer winter climate has risen for both working families and more dramatically for senior citizens. Second, there has been a rise in rental capitalization. Third, earnings capitalization has declined. Between 1960 and 1990, the relative price of climate has increased for senior citizens and fallen for working families.
Detection of telomerase activity in prostatic fluid specimens

We report here the extended use of the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay for the detection of telomerase activity in fresh prostatic fluid obtained from anesthetized patients. Telomerase activity was detected in pellet extract and/or supernatant fluid of specimens obtained from 25 of 30 prostate cancer (PCa) patients (83%), whereas no activity was similarly detectable in specimens taken from 8 of 9 patients (89%) without clinical evidence of PCa. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the TRAP assay for PCa in this pilot study was 96%. We found a strong correlation between telomerase activity in prostatic fluid specimens and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) values. Telomerase activity was found in 84% of specimens from patients with PSA values >4 ng/ml, whereas in specimens from patients with PSA values 4. In prostatic fluid from PCa patients with Gleason scores of </=4, telomerase activity was detected 50% of the time. The PPV was 92% when a Gleason score of 4 was used as the lower limit. This pilot study raises the possibility of utilizing telomerase activity as an aid in PCa detection.
Pigs, Politics and Social Change in Vanuatu

Pigs have long held great symbolic import for the people of Vanuatu, a sprawling archipelago 1,000 miles northeast of Australia. In most of the indigenous, small-scale communities which comprised traditional Vanuatu society, pig ownership and pig killing conveyed status, wealth, and informal power. Such rituals were the sole measure of social standing and political rank. In this study, I show how the cultural valuation of an animal, in this case the pig, can evolve as a society undergoes socio-economic development, and also how it can be used to foster nationalistic, partisan. and other political ends. I show how competing nationalist leaders used pig symbolism in their struggle to create a unified national identit_v,for-varying island groups, and how even today, local leaders derive their legitimacy through the manipulation of traditional animal rites.
Trajectories of Social Support and Well-Being Across the First Two Years of Widowhood

The death of a spouse can be one of the most challenging events an older adult can face, yet many exhibit resilience. The present study examined the trajectories of structural and functional social support components, depression, and life satisfaction across the first two years of widowhood. The majority of structural and functional support trajectories exhibited stability across the first two years postloss. However, emotional support and support provided by family members did display a slight decline across time. Depression showed a linear pattern across time (e.g., decline in depressive symptomology) and life satisfaction demonstrated evidence of a one-year anniversary effect.
Skyrmion strings and the anomalous Hall effect in CrO2.

Topological (or singularity point) defects are thought to play a crucial role in the phase transitions of 3D spin systems, as they do in such 2D systems as the $XY$ model. In double-exchange ferromagnets the conduction electrons are strongly coupled with core spins through Hund's rule, and, in the presence of a nontrivial spin texture, acquire a Berry phase contribution to the anomalous Hall effect. We combine Hall effect and magnetization data on ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ with a thermodynamical scaling hypothesis to confirm that the critical behavior of the topological-spin-defect density is consistent with that of the heat capacity. This analysis is the first experimental confirmation of the topological character of critical fluctuations.
Motor pool organization of the external gastrocnemius muscle in the turtle, Pseudemys (Trachemys) scripta elegans

The spinal cord of the adult turtle, Pseudemys (Trachemys) scripta elegans, is now considered a promising model for the study of the segmental motor system in the generalized tetrapod. To facilitate such studies we have examined the location, soma geometry, soma size, and number of motoneurons innervating the external gastrocnemius (EG) muscle in this species, as this muscle is ideally suited to the study of interrelations between the neuronal and muscular components of the segmental motor system. Motoneurons were retrogradely labeled following application of horseradish peroxidase to the EG muscle nerve. In both horizontal and transverse planes, labeled motoneurons innervating the EG muscle were concentrated in the S1 lumbosacral segment, and extended rostrally and caudally as far as the exists of the D10 and S2 spinal nerves, respectively. In the transverse plane, motoneurons were arranged in a longitudinal column which occupied the dorsolateral quadrant of the ventral horn. EG motoneurons are fusiform in shape and present their largest dimension in the transverse plane with their long axis oriented in the ventromedial to dorsolateral plane. The soma diameters of EG motoneurons were normally distributed, reflecting the absence of separate fusimotor innervation in reptilian species. In individual turtles, there was a two- to threefold range in soma diameter while soma surface area extended over a seven- to tenfold range. Based on cell counts from five animals, the EG motor pool was composed of approximately 75 motoneurons. Taken together, the results of this study provide valuable information for interpreting the results of future studies on the segmental motor system of this species under both normal and pathophysiological conditions.
Multilayered confinement of iPP/TPOSS and nylon 6/APOSS blends

Abstract A series of isotactic polypropylene and nylon 6 blends with silsesquioxane (POSS) additives were produced, then layered to nanometer thicknesses to test the effects of confinement upon polymer property modification. POSS is shown to be a poor filler, lacking solubility and favorable interaction with the polymer matrices. It was initially hypothesized that under extreme confinement and orientation, such as in melt-spun fibers, or confined within 2D nanoscale layers, that POSS would undergo forced-assembly into elongated, rebar-like reinforcement structures, or even act as crosslinking molecules for the polymer chains. The current results, however, show POSS existing as large, phase separated aggregates, in order to minimize interactions with the polymer matrix; the aggregates behave as debonded hard particles upon tensile deformation. POSS has been previously shown to enhance the properties of polymer matrices in which the POSS molecules have been grafted to, or copolymerized within the chain, but this is not the case for these POSS blends. In comparison to results from the iPP/DBS/TPOSS system, in which POSS is unable to directly interact with the polymer matrix, and the nylon 6/APOSS system, in which POSS can potentially form hydrogen bonds with the polymer matrix, the results are similar and reveal that POSS blends are largely incompatible with the polymer matrix. Small improvements in blend properties can be made via functionalization of the POSS cage, in order to enhance interactions, but these improvements are quite limited. Even under extreme confinement conditions, where significant deviations from bulk behavior occurs, such as within melt-spun fibers or nanoscale layers, POSS was unable to be forcibly-assemble into reinforcing structures with the polymer matrix.
Evaluation of several air cleaners for reducing indoor radon progeny

Abstract Over the past several years, studies have been made of the effectiveness of several kinds of air cleaners in removing radon decay products from indoor air using a recently developed automated, semi-continuous measurement system that can determine the activity-weighted size distributions in occupied homes. Measurements of activity-weighted size distributions and radon concentrations were made every 90 min in a home with a high air exchange rate. A week-long series of measurements was made for the home with no cleaner operating and a similar set of measurements were made for each of the air cleaners. Two different types of air cleaners were tested in this study; filtration units (two different designs from two different manufacturers) and two ion generator/fan systems (identical design NO-RAD systems, but from two different manufacturers). From the measured distributions and a dosimetric model, the effect of the air cleaners on the dose to lung can be estimated. It was found that the filtration units resulted in a median reduction in exposure of 15% and 36% for the two units and corresponding dose reductions of 32% and 53%. The two NO-RAD systems produced 37% and 10% reductions in the median exposure, but the reductions in the median dose were 49% and 46%. Examination of the components of the NO-RAD system operating separately resulted in the fan causing a small dose reduction and the ionizer producing a small dose increase. However, very few size distributions were measured for these separate component studies and a more detailed study of the separate effects of the NO-RAD components is needed.
Phorbol esters affect skeletal muscle glucose transport in a fiber type-specific manner.

Recent evidence has shown that activation of lipid-sensitive protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms leads to skeletal muscle insulin resistance. However, earlier studies demonstrated that phorbol esters i...
The hidden energetics of ligand binding and activation in a glutamate receptor.

Binding of a neurotransmitter to the ligand-binding domain of glutamate receptors results in conformational changes and opening of the channel. The relationship between ligand binding and activation is not clear, and now the energetics of ligand binding are dissected using computational methods.
Genetics of human gastrointestinal sensation

Purpose The objective was to review the genetics of human visceral pain with particular emphasis on pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Background The biomarkers most commonly employed in identifying visceral hypersensitivity are sensation ratings and thresholds or brain imaging during viscus (e.g., rectal) distension. Genetic studies suggest that variation in the control of candidate genes involved in ion channel function, neurotransmitter synthesis, reuptake or receptor functions, and inflammatory disease susceptibility loci may impact variations in prevalence of the symptom phenotype of abdominal pain or IBS, or quantitative traits (intermediate phenotypes) of rectal sensation. The candidate genes include SLC6A4, CNR1, and TNFSF15 reflecting serotonin reuptake, cannabinoid receptors, and inflammatory-barrier functions. However, other than TNFSF15, the other candidate genes are only univariately associated with pain, IBS symptom complex, or quantitative traits of sensation. These data have generated hypotheses and present opportunities for study of mechanisms and treatment of visceral pain in humans, which remains an unmet clinical need in patients with IBS and functional abdominal pain.
Enzymatic activity of the soybean ecto-apyrase GS52 is essential for stimulation of nodulation

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth. In the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis, root nodules are the sites of bacterial nitrogen fixation, in which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a form that plants can utilize. While recent studies suggested an important role for the soybean (Glycine max) ecto-apyrase GS52 in rhizobial root hair infection and root nodule formation, precisely how this protein impacts the nodulation process remains undetermined. In this study, the biochemical characteristics of the GS52 enzyme were investigated. Computer modeling of the GS52 apyrase structure identified key amino acid residues important for catalytic activity, which were subsequently mutagenized. Although the GS52 enzyme exhibited broad substrate specificity, its activity on pyrimidine nucleotides and diphosphate nucleotides was significantly higher than on ATP. This result was corroborated by structural modeling of GS52, which predicted a low specificity for the adenine base within the substrate-binding pocket of the enzyme. The wild-type enzyme and its inactive mutant forms were expressed in soybean roots in order to evaluate the importance of GS52 enzymatic activity for nodulation. The results indicated a clear correlation between GS52 enzymatic activity and nodule number. Altogether, our study indicates that the catalytic activity of the GS52 apyrase, likely acting on extracellular nucleotides, is critical for rhizobial infection and nodulation.
Altered accumulation of α-Amino isobutyric acid by myopathic hamster heart

Abstract Transport of α-Amino isobutyric acid by normal and myopathic hamster heart is a saturable process which is independent of the Na+ gradient and of metabolic energy. The Km for the myopathic carrier is about three times as large as that of normal heart. This finding supports a relationship between genetic myopathy and alteration of cellular membranes.
Thermal Transport Measurements of Nanowire-Substrate Interfaces

An AFM based method for characterization of thermal transport properties of electrically conductive individual nanowires and nanowire-substrate interfaces has been developed. Nanostructures are located by topographic imaging in regular tapping mode and are then subsequently probed by an AFM cantilever tip, with a conductive coating thus establishing electrical contact at different positions on the nanowire followed by current-voltage data acquisition. This experimental approach can be implemented for a system with nanostructures in contact with the surface and, in the other case, suspended between electrodes. These configurations allow for characterization of both thermal conductivity and nano-interface thermal resistance. This work presents the technique along with the subsequent measurements of nano-interface thermal resistance of nanowire-substrate junction using the aforesaid technique.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OIL ABSORPTION AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF CALENDERED AND NONCALENDERED POLYESTER AND POLYPROPYLENE MELTBLOWN MATERIAL

Oil absorption capacity of meltblown polyester and polypropylene materials were determined with both coconut and safflower oils before and after material calendering. Fiber diameters, fiber surface characteristics, and percentage of total area heat pressed by calendering were determined by scanning electron microscopy. Noncalendered polypropylene (NC-PP) and noncalendered polyester consistently absorbed more oil than the calendered materials; NC-PP absorbed 635% of the material's weight in oil compared to 366% for the calendered polypropylene. Smaller average fiber diameters and greater material thickness provided a significantly larger surface area for the NC-PP material. This, combined with larger interfiber spacing, was responsible for the increased oil absorption by the NC-PP material.
Inorganic nitrogen in anthracite from eastern Pennsylvania, USA

Abstract Up to 20% of the total nitrogen content of anthracite-rank coal from eastern Pennsylvania occurs in authigenic NH 4 -rich illite. This enrichment is due to the concurrence of two independent reactions in the coal and surrounding organic-rich shale during late-stage organic maturation and diagenesis ( T > 200°C): (1) the release of N from organic matter by devolatilization reactions; and (2) the formation of illite from kaolinite. Our estimates of inorganically bound N are conservative because minerals in fractures, which can be volumetrically important, were removed prior to analysis. Inorganic N estimates using X-ray diffraction analysis are similar to those obtained by elemental analysis of combusted material. The occurrence of inorganically bound N in organic-rich rocks has important implications for geochemical characterizations of high-rank coal (N content and isotopic composition) and laboratory investigations of the kinetics of N loss from organic material during thermal maturation. In addition, because NH 4 -rich illite authigenesis is temporally linked to coalification, the radiometric age of this mineral can theoretically be used to determine the absolute age of coalification in this region. For detailed characterization of high-rank coal, we recommend that mineral matter be isolated by low-temperature ashing and analyzed by X-ray diffraction or CHN elemental analysis for inorganically bound N.
Abstract 4040: Age-related effects following exposure of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to etoposide .

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to be one of the populations that support hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) development within the bone marrow microenvironment. High dose myelosuppressive or ablative chemotherapy regimens that are utilized prior to bone marrow transplantation have the potential to damage MSCs, consistent with damage which we have previously reported for more differentiated stromal and osteoblast cells. As with more differentiated progenitor cells, interactions between MSCs and HSCs are vital to hematopoietic homeostasis with alterations of these interactions having the potential to hamper hematopoietic reconstitution following treatment. In the current study we begin to investigate age associated differences in the vulnerability of the microenvironment to stress utilizing primary human MSCs from passages 6 to 10, characterized functionally by adipocytic and osteogenic differentiation and surface expression profiling (CD105+CD44+CD166+CD45−). We have shown that treatment of MSCs with 25μM etoposide for 24 hours in-vitro causes the occurrence of dsDNA breaks that recover within 48 hours following treatment. In addition, chemotherapy induced stress was followed by an induction of p21. Homologous recombination associated transcripts (XRCC2, XRCC3, Rad51) were reduced following etoposide treatment relative to non-homologous end joining associated transcripts (Ku70, Ku80, DNA-PK), and the magnitude of these differences was augmented with age in-vitro. Pro-apoptotic transcripts Puma and Noxa and the anti-apoptosis associated Bcl-XL showed induction with treatment while Bcl-2 decreased, suggesting the wide range of genes that are responsive to chemotherapy exposure. These results provide insight into the damage responses of MSCs to etoposide and how DNA repair capabilities following chemotherapy could be influenced by patient age. A more mechanistic understanding of the recovery pathways that are altered with age may be valuable for innovative approaches to the treatment of elderly patients for whom escalated chemotherapy is required in an effort to optimize microenvironment supported immune system recovery. Citation Format: Ian Hare, Marieta Gencheva, Laura Gibson. Age-related effects following exposure of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to etoposide . [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4040. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4040
First Report of Laurel Wilt Caused by Raffaelea lauricola on Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) in the United States

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) is an economically important evergreen tree of the family Lauraceae. It is native to Asia Minor and the Balkans and was introduced into the United States for its ornamental and culinary uses (4). In September 2013, a 6-m-tall bay laurel in Gainesville, FL, attracted our attention because it had wilted leaves, discolored sapwood, and ambrosia beetle entrance holes, all symptoms of laurel wilt. In addition, the tree was growing close to an avocado that succumbed to the disease months earlier. In an effort to determine whether the laurel wilt pathogen (Raffaelea lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Agaveya) was, indeed, involved in the decline of the tree of current interest, discolored sapwood was sectioned into 5-mm2 pieces, surface disinfested for 30 s in a 4% sodium hypochlorite solution, and plated onto CSMA media (1,2). Within 7 to 14 days, cream-colored, adpressed fungal growth typical of R. lauricola grew from the sapwood pieces (2). DNA was extracted from an isolate of a ...
Content analysis study of librarian blogs: Professional development and other uses

A content analysis of leading librarian blogs shows how blogs are used for professional development, political advocacy for libraries, research and other information dissemination uses. An examination of blog posts, comments, and blogger responses to reader comments show major areas of interaction. Unstructured interviews with librarian bloggers illuminate how these bloggers view the role of their blogs now and into the future.
LORENTZ SELF-FORCE OF AN ELLIPSE CURRENT LOOP MODEL

In this work, the Lorentz self-force of an ellipse current loop model is derived. We are motivated by the fact that it has been reported in the literature that coronal mass ejection morphology can resemble an ellipse in the field of view of coronagraph images. Deriving the Lorentz self-force using an ellipse geometry has the advantage of being able to be solved analytically, as opposed to other more complex geometries. The derived ellipse model is compared with the local curvature approximation, where the Lorentz self-force at the ellipse major/minor axis is compared with the Lorentz self-force of a torus with curvature equal to the local curvature at the ellipses major/minor axis. It is found that the local curvature approximation is valid for moderate values of eccentricity.
OUTSIDE BASED STRATEGIC PLANNING AND SMALL FIRMS' PERFORMANCE

There is a general agreement in the strategic planning literature that some small firms, due to their lack of adequate in‐house resources, often rely on outside‐based assistance as surrogate for strategic planning practices. This study reports the findings of an empirical investigation of the effectiveness of outside‐based strategic planning on a group of small firms’ performance. The results indicate that firms which utilized outside experts did not outperform firms which did not use outsiders. Implications for managers of small firms are then discussed.
A perspective on collaborative research for emerging technologies and design

A perspective is given using student projects on how university research can be an important resource for the highly advanced and sophisticated photomask industry. The collaborative and cross-discipline nature of innovation in the IC industry naturally leads to win-win relationships. Specific examples are given of successful collaborative research projects from the University of California consortium "Integrated Modeling Process and Computation for Technology" (IMPACT). The examples include research on lithography and inspection, devices, statistical characterization, and Design-for-Manufacturing frameworks for multiple-patterning and EUV. The paper concludes with a perspective on future opportunities, challenges and plans. The technical details of the student projects were published but not presented in connection with Photomask Japan 2011 (SPIE Proc. 8081).
Residence Time Distributions in Staged Spouted Beds

A novel design of a multi-staged, continuous flow spouted bed, suitable for counter-current, cross-current, and fed-batch gas-solid contacting is developed. Single and three-stage conter-flow units are studied, the residence time distributions (RTD's) of the solids therein are measured and two compartmental models are developed to fit this family of RTD's. The first (two-parameter) model is satisfactory for the single stage units, and three-stage units at high gas flow rates. The second (three-parameter) model describes each stage as two CSTVs in parallel with a PFV in series. It provides better agreement with experimental data in the three-stage case.