cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A human organotypic microfluidic tumor model permits investigation of the interplay between patient-derived fibroblasts and breast cancer cells

Tumor-stroma interactions significantly influence cancer cell metastasis and disease progression. These interactions are partly comprised of the cross-talk between tumor and stromal fibroblasts, but the key molecular mechanisms within the cross-talk that govern cancer invasion are still unclear. Here, we adapted our previously developed microfluidic device as a 3D in vitro organotypic model to mechanistically study tumor-stroma interactions by mimicking the spatial organization of the tumor microenvironment on a chip. We cocultured breast cancer and patient-derived fibroblast cells in 3D tumor and stroma regions, respectively, and combined functional assessments, including cancer cell migration, with transcriptome profiling to unveil the molecular influence of tumor-stroma cross-talk on invasion. This led to the observation that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) enhanced invasion in 3D by inducing expression of a novel gene of interest, glycoprotein nonmetastatic B (GPNMB), in breast cancer cells, resulting in increased migration speed. Importantly, knockdown of GPNMB blunted the influence of CAF on enhanced cancer invasion. Overall, these results demonstrate the ability of our model to recapitulate patient-specific tumor microenvironments to investigate the cellular and molecular consequences of tumor-stroma interactions. SIGNIFICANCE: An organotypic model of tumor-stroma interactions on a microfluidic chip reveals that CAFs promote invasion by enhancing expression of GPNMB in breast cancer cells.
Introduction. The Future is Now: Reflections on Art, Science, Futurity

Renaissance Futurities considers the intersections between artistic rebirth, the new science, and European imperialism in the global early modern world. Charlene Villasenor Black and Mari-Tere Alvarez take as inspiration the work of prolific Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) and other polymaths, such as philosopher Giulio “Delminio” Camillo (1480–1544), physician and naturalist Francisco Hernandez de Toledo (1514–1587), and writer Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616). This concern with futurity is inspired by the Renaissance itself, a period defined by visions of the future, as well as by recent theorizing of temporality in Renaissance and queer studies. This transdisciplinary volume is at the cutting edge of the humanities, medical humanities, scientific discovery, and avant-garde artistic expression.
Direct observation of local conductive path in degraded multi-layered ceramic capacitor

Local conductive paths have been visualized, in the cross section near a degraded area of multi-layered ceramic capacitor (MLCC) just before dielectric breakdown, by scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM). We have revealed that the degraded area is limited within a specific area of a dielectric layer. The insulation resistance (IR) around the cathode was lower than that at the area closer to the anode. We have also done a numerical simulation on conductive path formation with the basis of a physical model. By these observations, we have suggested that the degradation of resistance proceeded from the cathode to the anode side.
The Intersections of Social, Behavioral, and Physical Health

Medical and behavioral health disorders commonly co-occur. This comorbidity has devastating effects on health in the form of increased illness, disability, and early mortality. It also has increased economic costs in health care and other spending. The integration of behavioral health and primary care services carries vast potential in the prevention, early intervention, and effective management of chronic diseases for patients with co-occurring behavioral and physical health problems. In this chapter, I review the epidemiology of behavioral health disorders in the United States for different groups and provide information on the comorbidity of these disorders with other health conditions. I then use an ecological systems lens to review common biological, psychological, and social factors found to be important determinates of risk and resilience for common behavioral health disorders at individual, familial, institutional, and societal levels. Finally, I review common social determinants of health and behavioral health and provide a rationale for effectively addressing these determinants through integrated care models.
The ‘Effected Object’ in Contractual Legal Language: The Semantics of ‘If You Purchase a Hebrew Slave’ (Exodus 21:2a)

This article investigates the semantics of the protasis of the manumission law of the Covenant Code (Exodus 21:2a). Despite the proposal by John Van Seters that the slave there purchased must “already” have been a slave, such a restriction of meaning goes beyond the evidence. Critical for understanding the semantic issue is the overlooked distinction between two types of verbal object: “affected” and “effected” objects. Moreover, verbs of creation and appointment are frequently ditransitive. Such verbs may also leave the affected object implicit while specifying only the effected object. This construction emphasizes the change in status undergone by the grammatical patient, as in the case of the manumission law. Attention to the contractual language of biblical law permits, in turn, a more adequate concept of the grammatical concept of effected object.
The Role of Physician-Driven Device Preference in the Cost Variation of Common Interventional Radiology Procedures.

Abstract Purpose To analyze the impact of physician-specific equipment preference on cost variation for procedures typically performed by interventional radiologists at a tertiary care academic hospital. Materials and Methods From October 2017 to October 2019, data on all expendable items used by 9 interventional radiologists for 11 common interventional radiology procedure categories were compiled from the hospital analytics system. This search yielded a final dataset of 44,654 items used in 2,121 procedures of 11 different categories. The mean cost per case for each physician as well as the mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (CV) of the mean cost per case across physicians were calculated. The proportion of spending by item type was compared across physicians for 2 high-variation, high-volume procedures. The relationship between the mean cost per case and case volume was examined using linear regression. Results There was a high variability within each procedure, with the highest and the lowest CV for radioembolization administration (56.6%) and transjugular liver biopsy (4.9%), respectively. Variation in transarterial chemoembolization cost was mainly driven by microcatheters/microwires, while for nephrostomy, the main drivers were catheters/wires and access sets. Mean spending by physician was not significantly correlated with case volume (P =.584). Conclusions Physicians vary in their item selection even for standard procedures. While the financial impact of these differences vary across procedures, these findings suggest that standardization may offer an opportunity for cost savings.
Mapping the distribution of mercury (II) chloride in zebrafish organs by benchtop micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence: A proof of concept.

Abstract Background Mercury (Hg) is a globally ubiquitous pollutant and one of the most dangerous metal contaminants, which presents a high risk of bioaccumulation in living organisms. In this study, we mapped the distribution of Hg and other trace elements in zebrafish (Danio rerio), which were exposed to mercury (II) chloride in order to assess its toxicity, bioaccumulation and distribution in fish organs. Methods Adult zebrafish were exposed for 7 days to different concentrations of mercury (II) chloride and the elemental distribution was obtained through the micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique (μ-EDXRF). Results The results showed that Hg levels, measured in fish tissues, were indicative of bioaccumulation within some of its organs (e.g. visceral mass, gills), and that the physiological processes of accumulation were highly dose-dependent. In addition, the results showed higher concentrations of Hg in the gills. Moreover, other trace elements (e.g. Fe, Cu and Zn) levels were not altered after fish exposure to mercury(II) chloride. Conclusion The μ-EDXRF results were assessed along with the determination of some oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g. antioxidant enzymes) to understand the effects behind the Hg bioaccumulation and toxicity. These results suggest that the metabolic changes in zebrafish due to the exposure to Hg are consistent with oxidative stress.
Near infrared spectroscopy: clinical and research uses.

Background Pulse oximetry is routinely used to measure hemoglobin saturation and is currently the gold standard to assess oxygenation in patients. Due to attenuation of infrared light by skin, bone, and other organs, pulse oximetry cannot assess end-organ tissue oxygenation (StO(2)). Near infrared spectroscopy (NIS) penetrates a broad range of tissues and utilizes reflection rather than direct transmission between an emitter and receiver pair. NIS is able to measure StO(2) and assess end-organ perfusion in a variety of applications. Study design and methods A retrospective review of recent animal and human StO(2) studies was undertaken. StO(2) measurements and outcomes were assessed. Results StO(2) measurements identified visceral organ ischemia in animal hemorrhage models. These measurements were also able to guide optimization of resuscitation and end-organ oxygenation. Human studies demonstrated StO(2) changes preceded those seen in traditionally measured parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, base deficit, serum lactate, and mental status. Additionally, StO(2) thresholds identified trauma patients who required massive transfusions, developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, or experienced lower extremity compartment syndrome. StO(2) measurements also demonstrated a benefit in selecting resuscitation fluids, assessing end-organ oxygenation during blood transfusion, and quantifying the oxygen-carrying deficit secondary to the blood storage lesion. Conclusion StO(2) measurements have been used to guide resuscitation efforts in trauma patients. This technology and its applications continue to evolve and represent a novel change in patient care.
Implementing a One-Year Science-Technology-Society Course

n 1985, the Pennsylvania Department of Education rode the countercurrent of the "rising tide of mediocrity" and increased its graduation requirements in science from two years to three years during grades nine to twelve. In a suburban high school in southeast Pennsylvania, the science department of which I was a member proceeded to examine options for a course to satisfy this new requirement. The greatest impact was on eleventh-grade "terminal science students," those nonacademic students who would not be expected to take any science courses beyond eleventh grade. One of the proposals involved an interdisciplinary approach to science education that stressed the interactions of science, technology, and the society in which they occur. This approach is commonly called the science-technologysociety (STS) approach. The high school science staff seized the opportunity to become involved in this nontraditional, interdisciplinary "megatrend" (Roy 1984) in science education reform. What follows are a description of how our course was implemented and recommendations to other schools who are considering introducing the STS approach into their programs. The Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) Program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and National Science Teachers Association, identified several requirements for a successful STS implementation. Yager (1984) pointed out that all of the programs identified as "exemplary" (a term used to denote a superior program based on the requirements of the SESE project) had three things in common: they were in the planning stages for an average of three years, they enjoyed administrative support, and they maintained an ongoing preand inservice program. When our committee decided to implement the STS approach, we faced a formidable challenge: there was little opportunity for preservice programs, no funding was available, and administrative indifference kept us from proceeding until we were left with a mere three months to prepare
Explaining the Arab Uprisings: transformations in Comparative Perspective

Drawing on the research presented by contributors to this special issue, this article assesses the analytic opportunities that emerge when the Arab uprisings are conceptualized as moments of transf...
Influence of Lewis acid charge and proximity in Mo Mo⋯M linear chain compounds with M = Na + , Ca 2+ , Sr 2+ , and Y 3+

Abstract The syntheses, X-ray structural characterizations, and electrochemical properties of four new paddlewheel [MMo2(SNO5)4Cl](n−1)+ (Mn+ = Na+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Y3+; HSNO5 = monothiosuccinimide) compounds are described here. By changing the Mn+ cation charge and size, we demonstrate a method for easily tuning the Lewis acidity of the Mo Mo quadruple bond and the [Mo2]4+/5+ redox potential. As the charge of the Mn+ cation is increased, the distal Mo atom becomes more Lewis acidic, leading to a shorter Mo2–Cl bond distance, and the [Mo2]4+/5+ redox couple becomes less accessible. As the Mn+⋯Mo2 distance is increased, the distal Mo atom becomes less Lewis acidic, leading to a longer Mo2–Cl bond distance.
Pharmacological Evidence for a Motivational Role of κ -Opioid Systems in Ethanol Dependence

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that activation of the dynorphin/kappa (κ)-opioid system has a role in the increased consumption of ethanol in dependent animals. The effects of three opioid receptor antagonists with different effects on opioid receptors, naltrexone, nalmefene, and nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), were compared in their ability to decrease ethanol self-administration in nondependent and ethanol-dependent male Wistar rats. Nalmefene and naltrexone are both opioid receptor ligands with comparable molecular weights and pharmacokinetic profiles, but differing specificity for the three opioid receptor subtypes at low doses, while nor-BNI is a selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist. Dependence was induced in half the animals by subjecting them to a 4-week intermittent vapor exposure period in which animals were exposed to ethanol vapor for 14 h per day. Subsequent to dependence induction, nalmefene, naltrexone, and nor-BNI were tested for their ability to modulate self-administration of ethanol in vapor-exposed and control rats. The results indicated that both nalmefene and naltrexone induced a significant dose-dependent decrease in the number of lever presses for ethanol in both groups of animals. However, in ethanol-dependent animals, nalmefene was significantly more effective in suppressing ethanol intake than naltrexone. Nor-BNI selectively attenuated ethanol-dependent self-administration while leaving nondependent ethanol self-administration intact. Because naltrexone is primarily selective for the μ-opioid receptor, and nalmefene is primarily selective for the μ- and κ-opioid receptor subtypes, the fact that nalmefene demonstrates more suppression in dependent animals suggests that opioid systems distinct from the μ-regulated portion may be involved in the increased drinking seen during withdrawal in dependent animals. The results with nor-BNI confirm that κ-opioid receptor antagonism selectively decreases dependence-induced ethanol self-administration, which supports the hypothesis that dynorphin/κ-opioid systems are dysregulated in dependence and contribute to the increased drinking seen during acute withdrawal in dependent rats.
Design and Syntheses of Poly(Norbornenyldecaborane) Precursors to Boron Carbide and Boron-Carbide/Silicon-Carbide Ceramics

Poly(norbornenyldecaborane) (PND) was synthesized via ruthenium catalyzed ring opening metathesis polymerization and was found to be a good single-source polymeric boron carbide precursor. Polymer blends of PND and allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS) were also found to be excellent precursors to boron-carbide/silicon-carbide composite materials.
Performance of maximum parsimony and likelihood phylogenetics when evolution is heterogeneous

All inferences in comparative biology depend on accurate estimates of evolutionary relationships. Recent phylogenetic analyses have turned away from maximum parsimony towards the probabilistic techniques of maximum likelihood and bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (BMCMC). These probabilistic techniques represent a parametric approach to statistical phylogenetics, because their criterion for evaluating a topology--the probability of the data, given the tree--is calculated with reference to an explicit evolutionary model from which the data are assumed to be identically distributed. Maximum parsimony can be considered nonparametric, because trees are evaluated on the basis of a general metric--the minimum number of character state changes required to generate the data on a given tree--without assuming a specific distribution. The shift to parametric methods was spurred, in large part, by studies showing that although both approaches perform well most of the time, maximum parsimony is strongly biased towards recovering an incorrect tree under certain combinations of branch lengths, whereas maximum likelihood is not. All these evaluations simulated sequences by a largely homogeneous evolutionary process in which data are identically distributed. There is ample evidence, however, that real-world gene sequences evolve heterogeneously and are not identically distributed. Here we show that maximum likelihood and BMCMC can become strongly biased and statistically inconsistent when the rates at which sequence sites evolve change non-identically over time. Maximum parsimony performs substantially better than current parametric methods over a wide range of conditions tested, including moderate heterogeneity and phylogenetic problems not normally considered difficult.
Direct-To-Consumer Tobacco Marketing and Its Association With Tobacco Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract Objective We assess exposure to direct-to-consumer tobacco marketing and its association with ever having tried smoking, smoking within past 30 days (current), and smoking ≥100 cigarettes in lifetime (established) among adolescents and young adults. Methods We surveyed a U.S. telephone sample of 3,342 15- to 23-year-olds and 2,541 respondents subsequently completed a web-based survey. Among respondents completing both the telephone and web-based surveys (N = 2,541 [75%]), we assessed their exposure to direct-to-consumer tobacco marketing (receiving direct mail from tobacco companies and seeing tobacco company websites) and their associations with ever having tried smoking, current smoking, and established smoking. Results Overall, 12% of 15- to 17-year-olds and 26% of 18- to 23-year-olds were exposed to direct-to-consumer tobacco marketing. Racial/ethnic minority nonsmoking respondents were more likely to see tobacco websites than nonsmoking whites. Respondents exposed to either form of direct-to-consumer tobacco marketing were more likely to currently smoke (adjusted odds ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.3–3.8), while those exposed to both forms of marketing experienced even higher odds of currently smoking (adjusted odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1–6.6). We observed similar relationships for ever having tried smoking and established smoking. Conclusions Direct-to-consumer tobacco marketing reaches adolescent and young adult nonsmokers and is associated with smoking behavior.
Near-resonant collisional energy transfer in Sr(5s6p 1p1-rare-gas systems

Abstract The total quenching cross sections for strontium (5s6p 1 p 1 ) collisions with the rare gases are determined by pulsed laser, time-resolved fluorescence measurements to be 80, 40, 73, 101, 140 A 2 for He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe, respectively. For collisions with Kr, all of the near-resonant states, 4d5p 3 F, 5s6p 3 P and 4d5p 1 D 2 , are observed to be excited. The cross sections are interpreted in terms of a curve crossing mechanism. The product branching can be explained in terms of strong coupling of the initial state with the near-resonant states, weighted by energy gap considerations.
Two photon decay of the π0 meson in the MIT bag model

Abstract Using the wave packet method the width of π 0 →2γ is computed in the MIT bag model. It is found that m π approaching zero produces a good approximation. The result shows that Γ(π 0 →2γ) is proportional to m π 3 / F π 2 . This result is consistent with PCAC.
Organizational achievement, aggression and creativity: Some suggestions toward an integrated theory

This paper develops the hypothesis that hierarchical structure and external control in organizations are antecedent variables leading to low achievement, low creativity, and high aggression. An intervening variable of belief systems is postulated and a consistency motivational hypothesis is suggested. Data supportive of the hypothesis is reviewed and implications are suggested.
Democracy, Institutional Change, and Stabilisation Policy in Hungary

CONVENTIONAL WISDOM HOLDS that new democracies encounter special difficulties undertaking macroeconomic stabilisation. Democratisation generates a surge of popular participation that thwarts attempts by newly elected governments to enact policies inflicting high costs on politically vital constituencies. Budget cuts, monetary contraction and price liberalisation antagonise consumers and public sector employees; wage constraints erode the real income of blue-collar workers; currency devaluations threaten non-tradable goods producers; trade liberalisation imperils import substituting industries. These effects give rise to 'distributional coalitions' seeking to mitigate the socioeconomic fallout of austerity programmes. Such coalitions enjoy important advantages over the supporters of stabilisation policy. The costs of economic austerity are immediate, certain and concentrated; the benefits long-term, uncertain and diffuse. The 'losers' are therefore better organised and more vocal than the 'winners'. Facing such an alignment of societal forces, fledgling democracies are unable to resist pressure to water down stabilisation programmes. Trade unions and other previously repressed groups seize upon the opportunities of democratisation to press their claims on new leaders, who respond with budgetary concessions and generous wage settlements that raise inflationary expectations and make stabilisation even more difficult than before the political transition.2 Societal opposition helped to defeat stabilisation programmes launched by several of Latin America's new democracies in the 1980s, despite efforts by government leaders to soften their distributional impact via 'heterodox' experiments (e.g., Peru's Garcia Plan, Brazil's Cruzado Plan, Argentina's Austral Plan).3 Political obstacles to stabilisation are presumably even greater in Eastern Europe, where the social costs of economic transformation are exceptionally high.4 Advocates of 'shock therapy' strategies in the East argued that post-communist leaders would be unable to sustain policies imposing heavy burdens on the population. Successor governments could best circumvent populist resistance by concentrating the costs of economic stabilisation in the briefest possible interval.5 The electoral triumphs of former communists in Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and other countries appeared to validate these pessimistic appraisals, demonstrating broad discontent with incumbent governments that enacted unpopular economic programmes in the early 1990s. This article challenges the conventional wisdom regarding the perils of stabilisation
Long Term Dynamics of Water-Entry Cavity

Many engineering applications involve the motion of objects crossing a fluid interface. The dynamics of this process are often complicated due to the interplay of surface tension, gravity, and inertia. Nevertheless, a simple analysis using potential flow theory works well to predict the interfacial profile of the air cavity formed during an impact. Most current theories however, cannot predict the behavior of the air cavity after pinch off occurs. We therefore investigated the long term dynamics of water entry in both experiment and theory. It was found that shortly after pinch off the cavity dynamics become governed primarily by thermodynamic gas relations. The internal pressure slowly rises due to the cavity volume decreasing while the ambient liquid pressure quickly increases as a result of the descent of the projectile. This effect is incorporated into our model to correctly predict the cavity geometry.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
SU‐E‐I‐66: Quality Assurance Program for Functional MRI

Purpose: To develop and implement an automatic algorithm for quantitatively analyzing image quality parameters in functional MRI (fMRI) studies. The image quality parameters include signal stability over time, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and ghost levels. Methods: A set of images (9 slices, 512 images per slice over a time of 8′32′) in fMRI was acquired from a spherical quality assurance (QA) phantom using a gradient‐echo echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence at 3T. For a given slice, the center of phantom was determined automatically by calculating the center of the “mass”, followed by an automatic edge‐detection algorithm to outline the phantom edge. The signal intensity in the central region of the phantom was displayed as a function of time to assess the signal stability. After a mask for the phantom was determined, the mask was shifted by 1/2 of the FOV along the phase‐encoding direction, producing a mask for the EPI ghost. The ghost mask was sub‐divided into four equal quadrants, and the average and maximum ghost intensities were evaluated in each quadrant. Ghost levels within the four quadrants were compared to infer specific root causes of the ghosts. Finally, a background noise region was automatically determined. The standard deviation and mean intensity in the noise region were used to evaluate the SNR and ghost percentage according to the ACR recommendations. Results: The above algorithm was successfully implemented in an open‐course JAVA script. The signal stability and ghost level in fMRI QA scans were automatically visualized without user intervention. Further, ghost characteristics in the four quadrants provided valuable information to reveal the causes of the ghosts, including B0‐eddy currents, linear eddy currents, and cross‐term eddy currents. Conclusion: We have developed and implemented an automated algorithm for QA analysis in fMRI studies. This algorithm is open‐source, and can be downloaded through a website.
Exploring the performance implications of memory safety primitives in many-core processors executing multi-threaded workloads

Security is a vital consideration for today's processor architectures, both at the software and hardware layers. However, security schemes are known to incur significant performance overheads. For example, buffer overflow protection schemes perform software checks for bounds on program data structures, and incur performance overheads that are up to several orders of magnitude. To mitigate these overheads, prior works focus on either changing the security scheme itself, or selectively apply the security scheme to minimize program vulnerabilities. Most of these works also focus primarily on single core processors, with no prior work done in the context of multicore processors. In this paper, we show how increasing thread counts can help hide the latency overheads of security schemes. We also analyze the architectural implications in the context of multucores, and the insights and challenges associated with applying these security schemes on mutithreaded workloads.
44 ODOR PERCEPTION IN CHILDREN IN RELATION TO NASAL OBSTRUCTION

To determine whether nasal obstruction results in impaired nasal function, we assessed olfaction in 48 children, 22 of whom had moderate or severe nasal obstruction due mainly to adenoid hypertrophy. Olfactory detection thresholds were established by a single-staircase procedure employing varying concentrations of phenyl ethyl alcohol, a rose-like odorant. Nasal obstruction ratings were calculated from clinical estimates of mouth breathing and hyponasality, scored respectively on a four-point scale and averaged. Relationships found were as follows: Odor perception is involved in orientation, self-protection, alimentation, and the receipt of pleasure--all functions bearing on the quality of life and of seeming importance developmentally. Impairment of odor perception appears closely related to the degree of nasal obstruction, and is a factor that deserves consideration in decisions regarding therapeutic intervention.
Social Justice in Technologies of Prenatal Care: Toward a User Centered Approach to Technical Communication in Home Pregnancy Testing

This article explores two questions increasingly posed by technical communications scholars: "What implicit moral or ethical assumptions exist in the contexts of health and medical communication? If we are aware of these assumptions, what practices can technical communicators engage in to promote social justice in these contexts?". In the specific instance of home pregnancy test packaging and instructions, the lack of attention to social justice concerns is evidenced when comparing this system-centered technical communication to user-centered online health forums wherein users discuss their lived experiences with the tests, expressing frustration to outright fear. Here, a case study of three brands of home pregnancy tests' packaging offers findings that the technical communication of home pregnancy tests violates an ethic of care to the user. This article proposes that the health and medical communication be brought into alignment with the user-centered, participatory models of online health forums in order to promote social justice in the context of the home pregnancy test.
NEUROPATHY, M COMPONENTS, AND AMYLOID

Abstract Of eighty-seven patients with non-hereditary systemic amyloidosis, ten had evidence of peripheral neuropathy. There was median-nerve neuropathy due to infiltration of the flexor retinaculum with amyloid in six patients. Two patients had diffuse sensorimotor neuropathy and two patients had sensory loss without evidence of motor impairment—three of these cases had amyloid deposition demonstrated by nerve biopsy. Neurological manifestations in all ten patients preceded other evidence of amyloidosis by 6 months-4 years (mean, 1·5 years). Neuropathy occurred in six of thirty-eight patients with primary amyloidosis and four of fourteen with amyloidosis associated with malignant B-cell dyscrasias; and all patients with neuropathy had either a serum-M-component or Bence-Jones proteinuria. In contrast, neuropathy was not noted in any of the fifty-six patients in this series who had no evidence of a monoclonal gammopathy (thirty-five with secondary and twenty-one with primary amyloidosis).
Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of novel single-walled carbon nanotubes-hemoglobin composite microbelts--towards the development of sensitive and mediator-free biosensor.

Abstract Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and hemoglobin (Hb) were co-electrospun to generate SWNTs–Hb microbelts, a novel composite material combining the advantages of excellent electron transfer property of SWNTs, electrocatalytic capability of redox Hb proteins, and highly porous structure of microbelts. FT-IR spectra confirmed that Hb in the microbelts kept its native conformational structure and Raman spectra demonstrated the successful incorporation of SWNTs in the microbelts. The direct electrochemistry of SWNTs–Hb composite microbelts was investigated and its application for electrocatalytic reductions and sensitive detections of three compounds, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), nitrite, and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) was also conducted. The SWNTs–Hb composite microbelts based amperometric biosensor showed fast responses to the analytes with excellent detection limits of 2.41 μM for TCA, 0.30 μM for nitrite, and 0.22 μM for H 2 O 2 (S/N = 3), and superior apparent Michaelis–Menten constants of 0.24, 0.491 and 0.070 mM for TCA, nitrite and H 2 O 2 , respectively. Its application for spiked tap water was also demonstrated. The comparison of the SWNTs–Hb composite microbelts modified electrode with other reported electrodes in the literature indicates that the incorporation of SWNTs into Hb microbelts can significantly enhance the direct electrochemistry of Hb and the SWNTs–Hb microbelts based biosensor has great potential application in the mediator-free detection of various analytes.
Expression of a specific mouse germ cell nuclear antigen (GCNA1) by early embryonic testicular teratoma cells in 129/Sv-Sl/+ mice

Spontaneous testicular teratomas which develop at a high rate in 129/Sv-Sl/+ mice are thought to be derived from germ cells. The teratomas present initially as groups of atypical germ-like cells within seminiferous cords of the 15.5 days post coitum (dpc) embryonic testes. These pluripotent teratoma stem cells are capable of differentiating into many kinds of tissues in adult mice. In this immunohistochemical study, we have examined the testes of 129/Sv-Sl/+ mice to determine whether the teratoma cells which developed in these gonads retain the nuclear antigen GCNA1. GCNA1 is a 110 kDa mouse Germ Cell Nuclear Antigen recognized by a rat monoclonal antibody 10D9G11. GCNA1 is expressed in mouse germ cells after they migrate into the genital ridge (11.5 dpc), throughout embryonic development until postnatally germ cells arrive at the diplotene/dictyate stage of the first meiotic division, when it is no longer expressed. Early foci (16.5 dpc) of teratoma stem cells in 129/Sv-Sl/+ mice strongly express GCNA1, but down regulate GCNA1 expression by 19.5 dpc. The loss of GCNA1 expression from teratoma stem cells late in embryonic development is in contrast to embryonic gonocytes which retain GCNA1 expression throughout fetal development. All postnatal undifferentiated and differentiated teratoma cells did not appear to express GCNA1. The expression of the germ cell specific nuclear antigen GCNA1 in early teratoma stem cells further demonstrated that the testicular teratomas originate from early germ cells. The stronger reaction of monoclonal antibody 10D9G11 to GCNA1 within early teratoma cells compared to normal germ cells makes GCNA1 useful in identifying early embryonic tumor foci.
Electromagnetic Decay of the Y 0 * ( 1520 )

The decay of the ${{Y}_{0}}^{*}(1520)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}+\ensuremath{\gamma}$ has been discovered in the reaction ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}+\mathrm{neutrals}$. The angular distribution and polarization of the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ are consistent with a pure electric dipole transition. The cross section yields a partial width for the decay of 0.15\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 MeV.
Androgen-receptor coregulators mediate the suppressive effect of androgen signals on vitamin D receptor activity.

Overexpression of androgen receptors (AR) in PC-3 cell, and treatment of 5α-dihydrotestosterone in LNCaP cells lead to the suppression of VDR transactivation. Competition for shared coregulators between AR and VDR is one possible mechanism to explain the suppressive effect of androgen-AR signals on VDR activity. Among the AR coregulators we tested, ARA54, ARA70, supervillin, and gelsolin were found to enhance VDR transactivation. Further characterization of the interaction between ARA54 or ARA70 and VDR demonstrated a direct interaction between VDR and ARA70, but no association between ARA54 and VDR. The LXXLL motif of ARA70 is essential for interaction with VDR and partially responsible for its function as a coactivator of VDR. The suppression of VDR transactivation by AR signal was restored by overexpression of ARA70, but not ARA54. Together, ARA70 and ARA54 modulate VDR transactivation, and the competition for ARA70 mediates the suppressive effect of androgen-AR on VDR transactivation.
Time-resolved beam profiler for pulsed lasers

A high-speed imaging device based on a streak camera has been demonstrated, which provides multiple images from non-repeatable transient events of time scale >= 1 ns. It can be employed for pulsed laser beam diagnostics, measuring laser beam spatial and temporal structure on a single-pulse basis. The system currently has angular resolution of 16 X 16 pixels, with a time resolution of 250 ps. The laser beam width is sized to fill the input optic, and the image is dissected by a square array of optical fibers. At the other end of the fiber optic image converter, the 256 fibers form a line array, which is input to the slit of a streak camera. The streak camera sweeps the input line across the output phosphor screen so that position is directly proportional to time. The resulting 2-D image (fiber position vs. time) at the phosphor is read by an intensified (SIT) vidicon TV tube, and the image is digitized and stored. A computer subsequently decodes the image, unscrambling the linear pixels into an angle-angle image at each time. We are left with a series of snapshots, each one depicting the laser beam spatial profile (intensity cross-section) at succeeding moments in time. The system can currently record several hundred images over a span of 25 to 400 ns. This detector can study lasers of pulse width >= 1 ns and with a visible wavelength (200 - 900 nm). Candidate lasers include doubled Nd:YAG, excimer, ruby, nitrogen, metal vapor, and Ti:Sapphire. The system could also be simply configured as an 8 X 8 element wavefront sensor to record the cross-sectional distribution of phase, as well as amplitude. Finally, suggestions for system improvement are detailed, and the ultimate limitations of the method in terms of spatial and temporal resolution are discussed.
Heavy quark production by a quasi-classical color field in proton–nucleus collisions

We calculate the inclusive heavy quark production cross section for proton–nucleus collisions at high energies. We perform calculation in a quasi-classical approximation (McLerran–Venugopalan model) neglecting all low-x evolution effects. The derived expression for the differential cross section can be applied for studying the heavy quark production in the central rapidity region at RHIC.  2004 Elsevier B.V.
Supply and demand explanations and their ceteris paribusclauses

This paper argues that supply and demand explantions are causal explanations and that it is helpful to recognize this fact explicity, for then one can appreciate that the variables impounded in the ceteris paribusclauses attached to supply and demand curves are other causes. One can then specify clearly the conditions of membership in a ceteris pairbusclause: 1) include all those factors that within the given time period significantly affect the amount supplied or demanded but; 2) do not include any factors that themselves within the given time period significantly depend on the price of the particular commodity or service. Note the vague word ‘significantly’. If one insists on the general interdependencies established in general equilibrium analyses, one must reject partial equilibrium analyses altogether, but to do so would rule out work that may be enlightening and useful. Such theoretical purism is also indefensible, since general equilibrium analyse rely on similar causal approximations. This analyse...
Web usage data mining agent

When a user logs in to a website, behind the scenes the user leaves his/her impressions, usage patterns and also access patterns in the web servers log file. A web usage mining agent can analyze these web logs to help web developers to improve the organization and presentation of their websites. They can help system administrators in improving the system performance. Web logs provide invaluable help in creating adaptive web sites and also in analyzing the network traffic analysis. This paper presents the design and implementation of a Web usage mining agent for digging in to the web log files.
Trunk extension strength and muscle activity in standing and kneeling postures.

Study design A split-plot experimental design was used to evaluate the influence of posture, trunk angle, and rotational velocity on peak torque output and myoelectric activity during maximal trunk extension maneuvers. Objectives To determine whether the kneeling posture alters extension torque capabilities in isometric and isokinetic exercises as compared with standing. Also, to ascertain whether recruitment of trunk muscles is modified by such a postural change. Summary of background data Factors such as workplace geometry may force workers to adopt awkward or unusual postures in the performance of manual tasks. An understanding of the limitations placed on strength in unconventional working postures is crucial to the proper design of jobs. Methods Twenty-one healthy male subjects (mean age = 36 years +/- 7 SD) performed 12 trunk extension exertions in standing and kneeling postures. Isometric tests were performed at 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 67.5 degrees of trunk flexion. Isokinetic tests were done at three velocities: 30 degrees/sec, 60 degrees/sec, and 90 degrees/sec. Electromyographic data were collected from eight trunk muscles to assess muscle recruitment under each condition. A priori orthogonal contrasts were specified for analysis of both torque and electromyographic data. Results The kneeling posture was associated with a 15% decrease in peak torque output when contrasted with standing: however, no concomitant change in trunk muscle activity was evident. Trunk hyperflexion (isometric tests) and increasing rotational velocity (isokinetic tests) were associated with reduced torque in both postures. Trunk muscle activity was primarily affected by changes in trunk angle and velocity of contraction. Conclusions A reduced extensor capability exists in the kneeling posture, despite equivalent trunk muscle activity. The similar activation patterns in both postures suggest that the strength deficit does not result from alterations in trunk muscle function. Rather, it may be the consequence of a reduced capability to rotate the pelvis in the kneeling posture, due to a disruption of the biomechanical linkage of the leg structures.
Several identities for the characteristic polynomial of a combinatorial geometry

In this paper we explore a research problem of Greene: to find inequalities for the Mobius function which become equalities in the presence of modularity. We replace these inequalities with identities and give combinatorial interpretations for the difference.
SU-GG-T-555: Commissioning of a Treatment Planning System with Proton Therapy Capability

Purpose: To describe the commissioning process of a treatment planning system with proton therapy capability. Method and Materials: Simple proton beam arrangements can deliver very precise and highly conformal dose distributions to complex targets and simultaneously conformally avoid critical structures in the vicinity of the target. But protontreatment planning is quite challenging and less forgiving to errors, so commissioning a proton therapytreatment planning system presents its own challenges. Recently, we commissioned a new treatment planning system (Odysey™‐4.01). This treatment planning system has both proton and photon planning capability. We will present the process and results of our experience with commissioning the proton‐planning component of this system. Results: In the non‐dosimetric part of commissioning, various tools and features of the treatment planning system were tested for specifications and were found to be within specs. The fidelity of the data and image transfer from CT to the treatment planning system and from treatment planning system to the treatment rooms was checked and found to be accurate. The treatment devices (compensator boluses and apertures) created by the planning system were checked for accuracy. In the dosimetric commissioning we compared depth dose profiles and beam profiles generated by the treatment planning system with the measured data for regular fields. Dose distributions generated by patch and match field arrangements, and for small stereotactic radio‐surgery (SRS) fields were verified by direct measurements in a phantom. The dose monitor units from treatment planning and hand calculations agreed within 2% for fields larger than 5 cm. Smaller fields needed portal specific calibration.Conclusion: All tests performed as part of commissioning were within specifications. For patch and match fields, dosimetric verification of the plan generated dose distributions is highly recommended.
Heating, Moistening, and Rainfall over the Western Pacific Warm Pool during TOGA COARE

Abstract Rawinsonde, surface, and satellite data collected from the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere (TOGA) Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) are used to investigate the distributions of beating, moistening, precipitation, and evaporation over the western Pacific warm pool. The behavior of the atmosphere and the response of the ocean surface before, during, and after the passages of westerly wind bursts are examined. The tropospheric vertical wind shear associated with tropical low-frequency oscillations strongly modulated convective beating and moistening. Heavy precipitation usually fell 1 to 3 weeks prior to the peak westerly wind bursts. SSTs reached their maximum during the undisturbed phase of the intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs), gradually decreased as convection intensified, and reached their minimum during the periods of peak westerly winds when deep convection was generally suppressed over the intensive flux array (IFA). Surface latent heat fluxes were positively correlated w...
Marriage and family periodical indexes

Such questions as, Where can I find information on dual-career couples? What is the McMaster Family Assessment Device? What were families like in the nineteenth century? and, What causes child abuse? are commonly heard in libraries throughout the land. As these questions attest, a major area of inquiry and research in both public and academic libraries is that of marriage and family studies, which includes child development, counseling and therapy, social services, and certain branches of sociology. It is essential that reference librarians be familiar with the major periodical indexes that address this area, so that they can guide patrons in using them. In this comparative review of periodical indexes that are most useful for finding articles on marriage and family topics, I shall concentrate on what I consider the six most relevant titles. In alphabetical order, these are Inventory of Marriage and Family Literature, Psychological Abstracts (PA), Sage Family Studies Abstracts (SFSA), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Social Sciences Index (SSI) , and Sociological Abstracts (SA). 1 These indexes are held by most large academic libraries and some public libraries, and are widely considered basic sources for researchers.
Phase Stability and Transformation in Titania Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solutions Dominated by Surface Energy

The surface free energy of small particles in an aqueous solution consists of the electrostatic energy of charged surfaces and the interfacial energy. For nanoparticles in an aqueous solution, the two terms can be modified by solution chemistry and be manipulated to control phase stability and transformation kinetics. Here we show that the phase stability of titania (TiO2) nanoparticles strongly depends on the solution pH. At small sizes, rutile is stabilized relative to anatase in very acidic solutions, whereas in very basic solutions anatase is stabilized relative to rutile and brookite. Rutile is the stable phase at large particle sizes regardless of pH. These results indicate that the activity of potential determining ions (protons or hydroxyl groups) is a factor that can determine the phase stability of nanoparticulate titania in aqueous solutions at pH values far from the point of zero charge of titania. The phase transformation proceeds via a dissolution−precipitation mechanism under hydrothermal c...