cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inter-connecting process investigation to resolve delamination

Delamination on the interface between mold compound to die, die paddle and inner leads study has been on-going for quite some time. This is a chronicle defect which will result in electrical continuity failure if delamination penetrates into the interface of mold compound to die surface and mold compound to inner leads e.g., delamination on inner leads or die surface to cause wire broken after thermal stress. To resolve delamination, better materials are needed such as Lead frame, die attach and mold compound. Other than that, a process optimization is also a must to achieve delamination free result. The paper portrays the phenomenon of how delamination occurred after improving the BOM e.g., less water absorption and higher adhesion mold compound. During qualification stage, no delamination occurred after thermal stress. But, on mass volume production run, the delamination occurs on inner leads by sampling check. Four “M” Men, Material, Method and Machines are thoroughly checked and compared with its qualification built and mass production run. No difference or conclusion can be observed and made. But, the delamination was there though no finding/difference was observed. However, one conclusion can be made is qualification is small volume but mass confirmation run is large volume. Based on the assumption, Delamination comparison between small volume VS. large volume was conducted to check the difference. Then, the root cause as die attach outgassing to cause contamination on package is observed. The contamination is later turn into delamination after Thermal.
Abstract 5154: Targeting the histone demethylase KDM4 subfamily as a potential therapeutic strategy in breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Epigenetic alterations, including histone modifications, play fundamental roles in breast cancer initiation and progression. We originally identified and cloned the GASC1 (gene amplified in squamous cell carcinoma 1, also known as KDM4C) gene from an amplified region at 9p24 in esophageal cancer cells; and recently demonstrated that KDM4C/GASC1 is amplified and over-expressed in breast cancer, particularly in the aggressive basal subtype. The KDM4C/GASC1 protein belongs to the KDM4 family of histone demethylases, and although KDM4 family members have a high degree of homology, they may play different roles in various types of breast cancer. The goal of this study is to analyze genomic anomalies and expression levels of KDM4 demethylases in breast cancer, and elucidate the fundamental role and mechanism of their dysregulation in promoting breast tumorigenesis. We conducted a large-scale meta-analysis of KDM4 demethylase expression across multiple available gene expression studies in breast cancer. Next, we examined KDM4 expression in a panel of non-tumorigenic and cancerous breast epithelial cell lines using quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot assays. We also assessed global methylation (H3K4, H3K9, H3K27 and H3K36) levels by Western blot in a panel of breast cancer cell lines. Finally, we tested a novel KDM4 inhibitor in breast cancer. We found that the KDM4 members show different expression patterns in subtypes of breast cancer. GASC1/KDM4C expression is high in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, basal type breast cancers. In contrast, KDM4B expression is significantly higher in ER-positive luminal-type breast cancers. Expression levels of homologs KDM4A and D are not significantly different between ER-+/- breast cancers. Our findings suggest that H3 global methylation levels vary among different breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we demonstrated that inhibition of KDM4 with a novel small molecule inhibitor increased H3K9 methylation levels and slowed KDM4-overexpressed breast cancer cell growth in vitro. In summary, our data indicate that the KDM4 histone demethylase family may contribute to the dysregulation of histone methylation status differently in breast cancer subtypes. Moreover, breast cancer cell lines with defined histone methylation levels will provide a useful model for investigating biological and functional roles of KDM4 histone demethylases, and for developing novel anticancer epi-drugs in breast cancer. Citation Format: Andreana Holowatyj, Qin Ye, Lihong Zhang, Jack Wu, Zeng-Quan Yang. Targeting the histone demethylase KDM4 subfamily as a potential therapeutic strategy in breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5154. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5154
Natural hybridization between parthenogenetic and bisexual lizards: Detection of uniparental source by skin grafting

Skin grafting evidence is used to directly identify the unisexual parent of natural hybrids produced between the bisexual species Cnemidophorus inornatus and the unisexual Cnemidophorus neomexicanus. Reciprocal grafts transplanted among three suspected hybrids between Cnemidophorus inornatus and Cnemidophorus neomexicanus are rejected as well as grafts from the hybrids to C. neomexicanus, indicating that the hybrids are each genetically different from each other and that C. neomexicanus has the ability to reject foreign grafts. Allografts among C. neomexicanus and xenografts from C. neomexicanus to the hybrids are not rejected, indicating that C. neomexicanus is genetically homogeneous and that the hybrids possess genomes genetically identical to C. neomexicanus. Electrophoretic analysis of the hybrids and their probable parents supports the evidence obtained from skin grafting that C. neomexicanus is one of the parents, and suggests that C. inornatus, rather than C. tigris, is the bisexual parent. Chromosome spreads obtained from the hybrids reveal a triploid number of 69, a number consistent with their presumed origin from unreduced diploid ova (2N =46) from C. neomexicanus and haploid sperm (N = 23) from C. inornatus. Preliminary evidence is presented of the first hybrids known between Cnemidophorus inornatus and Cnemidophorus uniparens. Histological examination of the testes suggests that these hybrids are sterile. Included is a list summarizing all known hybrids between bisexual and unisexual species of the genus Cnemidophorus.
Perceptual organization of speech signals by children with and without dyslexia

Developmental dyslexia is a condition in which children encounter difficulty learning to read in spite of adequate instruction. Although considerable effort has been expended trying to identify the source of the problem, no single solution has been agreed upon. The current study explored a new hypothesis, that developmental dyslexia may be due to faulty perceptual organization of linguistically relevant sensory input. To test that idea, sentence-length speech signals were processed to create either sine-wave or noise-vocoded analogs. Seventy children between 8 and 11 years of age, with and without dyslexia participated. Children with dyslexia were selected to have phonological awareness deficits, although those without such deficits were retained in the study. The processed sentences were presented for recognition, and measures of reading, phonological awareness, and expressive vocabulary were collected. Results showed that children with dyslexia, regardless of phonological subtype, had poorer recognition scores than children without dyslexia for both kinds of degraded sentences. Older children with dyslexia recognized the sine-wave sentences better than younger children with dyslexia, but no such effect of age was found for the vocoded materials. Recognition scores were used as predictor variables in regression analyses with reading, phonological awareness, and vocabulary measures used as dependent variables. Scores for both sorts of sentence materials were strong predictors of performance on all three dependent measures when all children were included, but only performance for the sine-wave materials explained significant proportions of variance when only children with dyslexia were included. Finally, matching young, typical readers with older children with dyslexia on reading abilities did not mitigate the group difference in recognition of vocoded sentences. Conclusions were that children with dyslexia have difficulty organizing linguistically relevant sensory input, but learn to do so for the structure preserved by sine-wave signals before they do so for other sorts of signal structure. These perceptual organization deficits could account for difficulties acquiring refined linguistic representations, including those of a phonological nature, although ramifications are different across affected children.
Photonuclear reactions above the giant resonance: Ratios of (γ, 2n) to (γ, pn) yields in 50Cr, 54Fe, 89Y and 92Mo

Abstract Yield ratios for the (γ, 2n) and (γ, pn) reactions in 50 Cr, 54 Fe, 89 Y and 92 Mo were studied to obtain information about the mechanism of photonuclear reactions occurring at energies just above the giant resonance region. The yield ratios were obtained by measuring the radioactivities of the product nuclei in samples that had been irradiated with bremsstrahlung in the 150 to 305 MeV energy range. In the case of the reactions in natural chromium and iron targets, corrections were made for the contributions from higher-order reactions involving heavier target isotopes using data from irradiations involving highly enriched 52 Cr and 56 Fe targets. The resulting (γ, 2n) to (γ, pn) yield ratios were 0.095 ± 0.025 for 50 Cr with 250 MeV bremsstrahlung, 0.10 ± 0.03 for 54 Fe at 250 MeV, 7.4 ± 1.0 for 89 Y at 150 MeV, and 0.41 ± 0.05 and 0.49 ± 0.05 for 92 Mo at 150 and 280 MeV, respectively. In the case of the 54 Fe(γ, pn) 52 Mn reaction, an isomer ratio of 0.11 ± 0.06 for the fraction of the yield populating the ground state at 250 MeV was obtained. The isomeric yield ratio and the isobaric yield ratios were compared with ratios calculated on the basis of a compound nucleus mechanism using the statistical theory. The results of the comparison indicates that a compound nucleus mechanism can account for these reactions that are important in the energy range just above the giant resonance region.
Haploid and diploid cell cultures from a haplo-diploid insect

Summary This is the first report of haploid and diploid cell culture from the haplo-diploid parasitoid wasp, Mormoniella vitripennis. Cells were cultured from haploid and diploid wasps by collecting populations of eggs from virgin females (unfertilized, haploid, parthenogenetic eggs) and mated females (mostly fertilized, diploid eggs). Eggs were surface sterilized in 70% ethanol, followed by 50% Chlorox, and rinsed in phosphate buffered saline; larvae were allowed to hatch in culture. Larval cells were dissociated and cultured at 28°C in the presence of Grace's medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum. Most cells in the HMV (predominantly haploid) and DMV (predominantly diploid) cell cultures grew in suspension in the first week, formed monolayers of fibroblasts and epithelial cells by the second week in culture, and continued to grow in monolayers and vesicle-like structures for up to three months. Chromosome analysis of HMV. cells demonstrated over 70% haploid cells, with five chromosomes (N=5). The ...
Instrumental escape conditioning and extinction as a function of UCS intensity and instructions

The effects of auditory stimulus intensity (115, 95, or 65 dB) and two degrees of task information upon a key-tapping escape task were examined. Tapping speed, the time required to make 20 key taps per trial, was dependent upon instructions during both acquisition and extinction while auditory stimulus intensity had little effect upon performance. Start speed showed no significant instructions effect but was significantly faster to the 115 dB sound intensity than to the other two intensities during both acquisition and extinction.
Corrosion of Iron Stainless Steels in Molten Nitrate Salt

Abstract Energy storage for concentrating solar power (CSP) is a major area of research that seeks to lower the levelized cost of electricity within the aggressive SunShot goals of 6¢/kW-hrth [1] , [2] , [3] . One viable approach is sensible thermal energy storage (TES), which currently utilizes molten nitrate binary salt, stored at 575 °C in the hot tank of a two tank system [4] , [5] . Increasing the temperature limit within the hot tank requires a detailed understanding of materials corrosion behavior, in addition to salt thermal stability properties. High temperature nickel based alloys are the logical choice for strength and corrosion resistance as elevated temperatures will increase corrosion kinetics, however, the cost of nickel based alloys are nearly four times more expensive than iron based steels [6] . For this reason iron based stainless steels, specifically 321SS and 347SS (nominally Fe-17Cr-9Ni), were chosen for investigation at several temperatures in nitrate salt. 316SS, an elementally similar alloy, was susceptible to stress corrosion cracking while tested at Solar Two [4] . It was suggested that alloys with stabilizing additions of niobium (347SS) or titanium (321SS) would mitigate this deleterious behavior. Flat coupon samples were immersed in binary nitrate salts at temperatures of 400, 500, 600, and 680 °C, with air sparging on all tests. Samples were nominally removed at intervals of 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 hours to acquire data on time varying weight gain information while simultaneously employing metallography to identify corrosion mechanisms occurring within the melt. Corrosion rates varied dramatically with temperature according to an Arrhenius-type behavior. 347SS and 321SS had very little oxidation for 400 and 500 °C, indicative of a protective corrosion scale and low corrosion kinetics. Data at 600 °C showed that 321SS tended toward linear oxidation behavior based on oxide spallation which was observed on the samples upon removal. Corrosion products at 500 °C had phases of iron oxide, with obvious chromium depletion as observed in energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) scans. 600 °C corrosion layers were primarily iron oxide with obvious phases of sodium ferrite on the outer surface. 680 °C marked an excessive rate of corrosion with metal loss in both alloys.
Guest column: error-correcting codes and expander graphs

The central algorithmic problem in coding theory is the construction of explicit error-correcting codes with good parameters together with fast algorithms for encoding a message and decoding a noisy received word into the correct message. Over the last decade, significant new developments have taken place on this problem using graph-based/combinatorial constructions that exploit the power of expander graphs. The role of expander graphs in theoretical computer science is by now certainly well-appreciated. Here, we will survey some of the highlights of the use of expanders in constructions of error-correcting codes.
Flow cytometric characterization of tumor-associated macrophages in experimental gliomas.

OBJECTIVE:Although microglia have been suggested to be a component of the inflammatory reaction to tumors of the central nervous system, their role in glioma biology remains unknown. One obstacle to studying the function of microglia is the inability to effectively separate them from macrophages. Be
Exponentially stable linear discrete systems

Abstract The exponential stability of linear shift-variant discrete systems is investigated. A discrete system is exponentially stable if there exists constants k > 0 and C > 0 such that the solution ‖X(n)‖→ exp (-nk)‖X(0)‖C → 0 as n → ∞. Some new sufficient conditions for exponential stability are provrn and a procedure is given to calculate a bound on the allowable variations in the system matrix such that the system remains exponentially stable.
Method of Fabrication for Encapsulated Polarizing Resonant Gratings

In this letter, we present a novel method of fabricating encapsulated resonant gratings. The fabrication method uses selective etching, conformal deposition, conventional lithography, and direct bonding techniques. Our letter includes simulation and experimental results, confirming a strong resonance unique to the TE polarization at 1550 nm with a 5 nm full-width at half-maximum.
Verruciform Xanthoma: Immunohistochemical Characterization of Xanthoma Cell Phenotypes

Background: Verruciform xanthoma (VX) is a benign lesion that primarily affects the oral cavity, most frequently the gingiva. VX lesions are characterized by xanthoma cells (lipid-laden macrophages or foam cells) found in the superficial connective tissue. To characterize these foam cells further, immunohistochemical techniques were used to investigate the presence of macrophage subpopulations in oral lesions of VX.Methods: Sixteen biopsy samples of VX lesions from the oral cavity (six from gingiva, three from palate, and seven from other mucosa) were studied. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using antibody probes to macrophage subpopulations, including RM3/1 (reparative), 25F9 (resident), and 27E10 (inflammatory). The percentage of antibody-labeled foam cells was determined by visual counts of selected fields within lesional connective tissue.Results: The proportion of VX lesions that demonstrated positive xanthoma cell reactivity with antibodies RM3/1, 25F9, and 27E10 was 100%, 88%, and 50%, r...
On the Numerical Evaluation of Electrostatic Fields in Dense Random Dispersions of Cylinders

We consider the interface boundary value problem which arises in the evaluation of electrostatic fields in composite materials consisting of dense random dispersions of cylinders in a uniform background. This is a well-studied problem from the viewpoint of homogenization and effective medium theory, but one for which accurate numerical simulations have been difficult to obtain. Size effects, in particular, have been neglected due to the expense of solving the field equation in the presence of large numbers of close-to-touching inclusions. Such features require very fine discretizations, even with the use of adaptive gridding, and cause the linear systems which arise to be highly ill-conditioned. In this paper, we present a new integral equation method for the solution of the interface problem which uses a recently developed method of images to resolve the close-to-touching interactions and the fast multipole method to compute far field interactions. Only minutes of workstation time are needed to solve the field equation with thousands of inclusions, allowing us to carry out large-scale statistical studies of the effective conductivity of random two-phase materials at a variety of volume fractions and contrast ratios.
Distributional, morphological and genetic consequences of dispersal for temporary pond water mites

Summary 1. To determine the consequences of dispersal and gene flow for temporary pond water mites (Hydrachnida), we compared distributional, genetic and morphological characters in the closely related species Arrenurus angustilimbatus and A. rufopyriformis. The former has larvae that parasitise and disperse on adult mosquitoes, whereas larvae of the latter forego any association with hosts. 2. Allometrically adjusted egg size and gonopore size were found to be useful characters for distinguishing between females of the two species. 3. Arrenurus angustilimbatus possesses a broader and more continuous geographic distribution than its ‘direct developing’ counterpart. Allozyme heterozygosity was higher and population differentiation lower in A. angustilimbatus. In addition, populations of A. rufopyriformis were morphologically divergent, whereas populations of A. angustilimbatus were not. Isolation by distance analyses on both genetic and morphological characters indicated that the results were not biased by different sampling regimes for the two species. 4. These results demonstrate the importance of mosquito parasitism for maintaining ecological and genetic linkages between A. angustilimbatus populations. More broadly, we hypothesise that insect-mediated dispersal has contributed to the ecological and evolutionary success of water mites, because the Hydrachnida lack other obvious adaptations for dispersing in space or time.
Effects of bacterial toxins on endothelial tight junction in vitro: A mechanism-based investigation

ABSTRACT Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), principal cell wall components of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively, play a central role in altering the blood-brain barrier and facilitate bacterial infection of the host brain. Despite the significance of bacterial toxins in disease pathogenesis, mechanisms by which toxins impair the barrier are not yet known. This study, using an in vitro cell culture model, showed that LPS and LTA interacted with the endothelial cells and disrupted the tight junction between the cells that increased the barrier's permeability. Both toxins increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA that is indicative of an increase in intracellular NO release, disrupted architecture of the tight junction proteins, suppressed zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin (OCL) and junctional adhesive molecules (JAM) mRNA levels, and increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) mRNA levels. Anti-CD14 antibodies blocked the increase in TNFalpha and IL-1beta mRNA levels but did not affect either changes in the tight junction or iNOS, ZO-1, OCL, and JAM mRNA levels in endothelial cells and astrocytes. Although both toxins did not cross the endothelial barrier, the abluminal neurons exhibited high inflammatory activity characterized by a sequential increase in TNFalpha, IL-1beta, external receptor kinase (ERK), and RelA-p50 that induced inflammation, followed by an increase in anti-inflammatory/apoptotic factors including IL-10 and cysteine-aspartic acid protease-8 (CASPASE-8), which resolve inflammation and induce apoptosis. Anti-CD14 antibodies in luminal buffer blocked the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of the toxins in neurons. Thus, the CD14-TLR cascade that participates in the inflammatory effects of toxins may not participate in the toxin-induced barrier disruption in vitro. Since the toxins did not cross the endothelial barrier, induction of inflammation in neurons was due to a release of proinflammatory cytokines in the abluminal fluid.
Enzymatic Flow Injection Determination of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Abstract γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) was determined by using flow injection analysis with a column of GABAse immobilized on glass beads. The NADPH produced was monitored fluorometrically. At a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min, peak heights were linear in the range 1-500 μM, and samples could be injected every minute. Nearly 100 % recovery of GABA was observed when GABA was added to infusions of green tea. ∗Permanent address: National Research Institute of Vegetables, Ornamental Plants and Tea, 2769 Kanaya, Shizuoka 428 JAPAN
Technique of external fixation ofgrossly unstable or open tibial shaft fractures in children

Abstract External fixation is the fixation technique of choice for severe open fractures of the tibia in children. Inaddition, many unstable closed fractures of the tibia are best treated with external fixation. Unilateral half-pin frames provide excellent stability and are relatively easy to apply.The use of fluoroscopy during pin placement and diligent wound and pin care after surgery minimize complications.
Glass transition behavior of latex interpenetrating polymer networks based on methacrylic/acrylic pairs

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN's) of poly(alkyl methacrylates) and poly(alkyl acrylates) have been synthesized in latex form. Dynamic mechanical spectroscopy studies on these materials revealed extraordinarily broad glass transition regions, illustrating the semicompatible nature of these materials. In a true synergistic effect, the value of tan δ remains high and nearly constant over a broad temperature range for select compositions, emphasizing their potential value in noise and vibration damping applications. Compositionally identical latex IPN pairs were prepared by slow and rapid addition of monomer. The mechanical behavior of the resulting materials was similar and can be explained in terms of the core-shell model. A 50/50 isomeric homologous series of compositions was examined. After taking into account the relative difference between the glass transition temperatures of the methacrylic/acrylic pair, no substantial change in compatibility was noted throughout the series. Because the acrylic monomer II is roughly equally solvated by both the previously formed methacrylic polymer I and the nascent acrylic polymer II, extensive polymer I/polymer II mixing is encouraged, and sharp phase separation discouraged in these materials.
Renal immunocytochemical distribution and pharmacological properties of the dual angiotensin II/AVP receptor.

Abstract We have recently characterized a novel angiotensin II/vasopressin (Ang II/AVP) dual receptor coupled to adenylate cyclase and responding with equal sensitivity to Ang II and AVP. To gain insight into putative renal physiological roles of the dual Ang II/AVP receptor, we determined its pharmacological binding properties and renal immunocytochemical distribution. The effective displacement of [ 3 H]AVP by [1-deamino-Val 14 ,d-Arg 8 ]-vasopressin (DVDAVP), a specific antidiuretic AVP analogue, supports a V 2 -type AVP receptor characteristic of the Ang II/AVP receptor. Displacement of 125 I–Ang II by losartan but not by PD 123319 defines the Ang II/AVP receptor as a novel AT 1 receptor isoform coupled to adenylate cyclase, in contrast to prototype Ca 2+ -mobilizing AT 1 receptors. Neither Ang II nor AVP displace each other, corroborating the predicted discrete binding domains for Ang II and AVP but presenting an enigma for the dissection of putative Ang II–and AVP-specific hierarchical roles of the dual Ang II/AVP receptor. The renal cytolocalization of the Ang II/AVP receptor to the outer medullary thick ascending limb tubules and inner medullary collecting ducts is consistent with the well-established AVP stimulation of sodium and water reabsorption in these tubules. These data suggest that the Ang II/AVP receptor might provide the molecular basis for the observed similar stimulatory effects of Ang II and AVP on renal tubular sodium and fluid reabsorption at physiological hormone concentrations.
Progressive retinal degeneration and accumulation of autofluorescent lipopigments in Progranulin deficient mice

Prior investigations have shown that patients with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) develop neurodegeneration characterized by vision loss, motor dysfunction, seizures, and often early death. Neuropathological analysis of patients with NCL shows accumulation of intracellular autofluorescent storage material, lipopigment, throughout neurons in the central nervous system including in the retina. A recent study of a sibling pair with adult onset NCL and retinal degeneration showed linkage to the region of the progranulin (GRN) locus and a homozygous mutation was demonstrated in GRN. In particular, the sibling pair with a mutation in GRN developed retinal degeneration and optic atrophy. This locus for this form of adult onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis was designated neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis-11 (CLN11). Based on these clinical observations, we wished to determine whether Grn-null mice develop accumulation of autofluorescent particles and retinal degeneration. Retinas of both wild-type and Progranulin deficient mice were examined by immunostaining and autofluorescence. Accumulation of autofluorescent material was present in Progranulin deficient mice at 12 months. Degeneration of multiple classes of neurons including photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells was noted in mice at 12 and 18 months. Our data shows that Grn(-/-) mice develop degenerative pathology similar to features of human CLN11.
On the Assessment of Default Risk in Commercial Mortgage Lending

This paper takes an initial step toward the development of an empirically-based model of default risk assessment in the commercial mortgage market. A review of existing empirical studies of residential mortgage and commercial loan default provides evidence for appropriate model specification and estimation. A simple default risk model for commercial mortgages is then developed based upon the generalized default risk models of Jackson and Kaserman [1980] and Vandell [1981]. The model is then examined for its ability to successfully handle a variety of situations and used to test the validity of traditional ratio analysis “rules-of-thumb” employed in commercial lending. Ratio tests are found generally to be inconsistent with an objective of constraining default risk below some maximum. Finally, a modified ratio analysis consistent with the model and with a constrained default risk strategy is introduced.
High sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) remains highly stable in long-term archived human serum.

Abstract Background The stability of biomarkers in stored biomedical samples is crucial, especially when storage is for extended periods of time. High-sensitivity CRP (Hs-CRP) is a biomarker of low grade inflammation that is extensively used to identify and study cardiovascular and/or inflammatory processes in clinical care and large epidemiologic studies. Therefore, assessing Hs-CRP stability in archived samples at a given temperature is important to ensure precision of measurements over time and the validity of studies using archived samples. Methods We evaluated the stability of Hs-CRP in 30 randomly selected human serum samples by measuring Hs-CRP concentrations in freshly collected sample [Hs-CRP (0)] and in the same set of samples after 7–11 years of storage at − 80 °C [Hs-CRP (LT)]. Results Hs-CRP did not significantly change up to 11 years of storage at − 80 °C as shown by a negligible median difference between Hs-CRP (0) and Hs-CRP (LT), delta(Hs-CRP (0)–Hs-CRP (LT)) = − 0.01, p = 0.45. There was a good concordance and agreement between Hs-CRP (0) and Hs-CRP (LT) as measured respectively by Lin's coefficient of correlation (ρC = 0.98) and Bland–Altman analysis (mean difference = − 0.02, 95% CI [− 0.04–0.0045] p = 0.107). In addition, the data also suggest that the time elapsed between collection and Hs-CRP measurement does not affect Hs-CRP stability over time when samples are kept under the appropriate conditions. Conclusions Long-term storage at − 80 °C for up to 11 years did not significantly affect the stability of serum Hs-CRP. Given the cost and time for collecting fresh samples, this observation represents an important finding for biomedical research and clinical care.
Predictive factors for the development of brain metastasis in advanced unresectable metastatic melanoma.

BACKGROUND Melanoma that metastasizes to distant sites is associated with a grave prognosis. The objectives of the study were (1) to identify predictive factors for the development of brain metastases from the time of diagnosis of stage III/IV disease, (2) to identify predictive factors for the development of central nervous system (CNS) metastases from the time of diagnosis of primary melanoma, and (3) to assess whether the incidence of brain metastasis is more frequent in patients who had no tumor response to systemic therapy for stage III/IV disease compared with those who had partial or complete response. PATIENTS AND METHODS We collected and retrospectively analyzed information of 740 patients with advanced metastatic melanoma treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center over 15 years. Three hundred and twenty-nine patients had CNS metastases. The characteristics of these patients in terms of median age, sex, primary site, Breslow thickness, stage at first visit, baseline serum parameters, and response to systemic therapy were compared with those of patients who did not develop CNS metastasis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the cause-specific hazard function for CNS metastasis and deaths without CNS metastasis. RESULTS We identified that M-stage [stage M1b vs. stage III or M1a, hazard ratio (HR)=2.64; stage M1c vs. stage III or M1a, HR=2.13, P 3 and/or BR> 4 mm vs. CL≤2 and/or BR 3 and/or BR>4 mm vs. CL≤2 and/or BR<2 mm HR=1.54, P=0.024) can independently predict time to death without CNS metastasis from primaries. CONCLUSION We identified the predictive factors associated with the development of CNS metastasis in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma.
The influence of physical property variations on liquid-phase mass transfer for various laminar flows

Abstract The combined effect of density, diffusivity and viscosity variations and of the velocity at the interface upon the rate of mass transfer from a rigid surface has been investigated by a perturbation method. The analysis does not consider natural convection, and is restricted to systems of high Schmidt number (lower limit estimated at Sc = 100), for which the velocity profile in the diffusion boundary layer is linear. The diffusion equations for three diverse flow geometries, the rotating disk, the flat plate and the falling liquid film, are identical in form at high Schmidt numbers; the effect of the particular geometry is represented by a single parameter, which is characteristic of the limiting slope of the velocity profile near the surface. Application to three typical binary systems indicated that these phencmena can alter the Sherwood number by as much as 30 per cent from its value in the absence of property variations and interfacial velocity. The corrections for variable properties and interfacial velocity may be applicable to a much wider class of solid boundary flows than the three cases considered, and to liquid-liquid systems for which the interface is rigid.
A Structure-Preserving Model and Sufficient Condition for Frequency Synchronization of Lossless Droop Inverter-Based AC Networks

This paper presents a new method for analysis of frequency synchronization of lossless power networks whose sources are frequency-droop controlled inverters. Unlike most existing approaches, our method focuses on the interaction between inverters and the network to provide new physical insight into how those interactions create frequency synchronization. We introduce two structure-preserving models of such a network (one bus-oriented and one line-oriented), and show that frequency synchronization corresponds to convergence to an equilibrium of these models. We derive a necessary condition for existence of such equilibria, and determine a simple test for their local stability. Finally, we introduce a sufficient condition for frequency synchronization of such networks, and show that it consists of a set of local criteria which can each be determined from local measurements.
‘Good for Them, or What?’ The Arts and Pupils with SEN

Melanie Peter, Advisory Teacher with Norfolk Local Education Authority, explores the value of arts experiences for pupils with special educational needs (SEN), and places the arts firmly in the current educational context. She believes that the arts are ‘therapeutic’ as distinct from ‘therapy’ and recognises their unique contribution to the curriculum.
Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to rubella retinopathy

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe a patient for whom photodynamic therapy was used to treat subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to rubella retinopathy. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 36-year-old man with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to rubella retinopathy was treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin. Outcome was followed up with subsequent fundus examinations, fluorescein angiography, and evaluations of best-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Two treatments of photodynamic therapy using verteporfin resulted in involution of the neovascular membrane, resolution of subretinal hemorrhage, and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity from 20/200 to 20/60 2 months after the second treatment. Owing to recurrence of active choroidal neovascularization, the patient required two more treatments of photodynamic therapy in the next 6 months, after which his best-corrected visual acuity was restored to 20/60. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy may be an effective treatment for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to rubella retinopathy.
Fluorogenic PCR-Based Quantitative Detection of a Murine Pathogen, Helicobacter hepaticus

Helicobacter hepaticus infection in mice is being used as an animal model for elucidating the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal and biliary diseases in humans. H. hepaticus, which forms a spreading film on selective agar, is not amenable to routine quantitative counts of organisms in tissues using a CFU method. In this study, a fluorogenic PCR-based assay was developed to quantitatively detect H. hepaticus in mouse ceca and feces using the ABI Prism 7700 sequence detection system. A pair of primers and a probe for this assay were generated from the H. hepaticus cdtB gene (encoding subunit B of the H. hepaticus cytolethal distending toxin). Using this assay, the sensitivity for detection of H. hepaticus chromosomal DNA prepared from pure culture was 20 fg, which is equivalent to approximately 14 copies of the H. hepaticus genome based on an estimated genome size of ≈1.3 Mb determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. H. hepaticus present in feces and cecal samples from H. hepaticus-infected mice was readily quantified. The selected PCR primers and probe did not generate fluorescent signals from eight other helicobacters (H. canis, H. cineadi, H. felis, H. mustelae, H. nemestrinae, H. pullorum, H. pylori, and H. rodentium). A fluorescent signal was detected from 20 ng of H. bilis DNA but with much lower sensitivity (106-fold) than from H. hepaticus DNA. Therefore, this assay can be used with high sensitivity and specificity to quantify H. hepaticus in experimentally infected mouse models as well as in naturally infected mice.
CALCIUM RETENTION OF YOUNG ADULT MALES AS AFFECTED BY LEVEL OF PROTEIN AND OF CALCIUM INTAKE

The effect of protein intake (47, 95, and 142 g) on calcium retention, calcium absorption, and urinary calcium of 33 young adult males was determined at calcium intakes of 500, 800, and 1400 mg daily. Magnesium intake was 400 (27 subjects) or 490 mg (six subjects). The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio was 1.0 (1400 mg calcium intake), 0.8 (800 mg calcium intake), and 0.6 (500 mg calcium intake). When consuming the 47-g protein intake, the subjects were consistently in calcium balance and the amount of calcium retained was unaffected by the calcium intake. At the 95-g protein intake, none of the subjects were in calcium balance when 500 mg calcium was given, but they did achieve balance when 800 mg was given. When 142-g protein was ingested, no subject was in balance at either the 500- or 800-mg calcium intake and only three of 15 subjects were in balance at the 1400-mg intake. Calcium absorption was not affected by dietary protein at an intake of 500 mg calcium, but significantly more calcium was absorbed at medium or high protein intakes than at low when 800 or 1400 mg calcium was given, the maximal protein effect having been reached at the 95-g protein level. Urinary calcium was significantly affected by protein intake. All subjects, regardless of level of calcium intake, excreted less calcium when given the low protein diet than when given the medium, and all except two subjects excreted less when given the medium than when given the high protein diet.
Seismoelectric imaging of shallow targets

We have undertaken a series of controlled field experiments to develop seismoelectric experimental methods for near-surface applications and to improve our understanding of seismoelectric phenomena. In a set of off-line geometry surveys (source separated from the receiver line), we place seismic sources and electrode array receivers on opposite sides of a man-made target (two sand-filled trenches) to record separately two previously documented seismoelectric modes: (1) the electromagnetic interface response signal created at the target and (2) the coseismic electric fields located within a compressional seismic wave. With the seismic source point in the center of a linear electrode array, we identify the previously undocumented seismoelectric direct field, and the Lorentz field of the metal hammer plate moving in the earth's magnetic field. We place the seismic source in the center of a circular array of electrodes (radial and circumferential orientations) to analyze the source-related direct and Lorentz fields and to establish that these fields can be understood in terms of simple analytical models. Using an off-line geometry, we create a multifold, 2D image of our trenches as dipping layers, and we also produce a complementary synthetic image through numerical modeling. These images demonstrate that off-line geometry (e.g., crosswell) surveys offer a particularly promising application of the seismoelectric method because they effectively separate the interface response signal from the (generally much stronger) coseismic and source-related fields.
Trade-Offs Between Informativeness and Speed of Message Delivery in Augmentative and Alternative Communication

This report is the second in a series of investigations designed to develop a working model identifying the effects of trade-offs between selected conversational maxims on public attitudes toward augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system users and their communication. In the current study, tradeoffs between the informativeness of a prestored message and its speed of delivery were examined. A total of 96 salesclerks participated. Sixteen scripted, videotaped conversational conditions, involving an AAC customer and a clerk at a checkout counter, were used to manipulate message informativeness and speed of message delivery. Following each assigned viewing, participants completed a questionnaire designed to assess their attitudes toward the AAC user and his or her communication. The conditions involving (a) the quickly delivered message with excessive information, (b) the slowly delivered message with adequate information preceded by a "floorholder," and (c) the slowly delivered message with ade...
Protein turnover and macromolecular synthesis during growth and gametic differentiation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Abstract Initiation of DNA replication in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii requires the synthesis of a protein and is inhibited by both actinomycin D and chloramphenicol when added a short time before the normal initiation of DNA. Protein turnover occurs in synchronized cultures of this alga during the dark period and during gametic differentiation. Protein turnover occurs in the arginine-less mutants of C. reinhardtii in the light only if NH + 4 is absent from the culture medium. C. reinhardtii possesses a relaxed control of RNA synthesis during amino acid starvation. Under these conditions both tRNA and rRNA are synthesized. After prolonged periods of starvation, tRNA may be synthesized preferentially over rRNA. However, when the alga grows in a non-synchronous culture there is a tight control of RNA synthesis during an energy “step-down”.
Experimental study of three-scalar mixing in a turbulent coaxial jet

In the present study we investigate three-scalar mixing in a turbulent coaxial jet. In this flow a centre jet and an annular flow, consisting of acetone-doped air and ethylene respectively, are mixed with the co-flow air. A unique aspect of this study compared to previous studies of three-scalar mixing is that two of the scalars (the centre jet and air) are separated by the third (annular flow); therefore, this flow better approximates the mixing process in a non-premixed turbulent reactive flow. Planar laser-induced fluorescence and Rayleigh scattering are employed to measure the mass fractions of the acetone-doped air and ethylene. The results show that the most unique aspects of the three-scalar mixing occur in the near field of the flow. The mixing process in this part of the flow are analysed in detail using the scalar means, variances, correlation coefficient, joint probability density function (JPDF), conditional diffusion, conditional dissipation rates and conditional cross-dissipation rate. The diffusion velocity streamlines in scalar space representing the conditional diffusion generally converge quickly to a manifold along which they continue at a lower rate. A widely used mixing model, interaction through exchange with mean, does not exhibit such a trend. The approach to the manifold is generally in the direction of the ethylene mass fraction. The difference in the magnitudes of the diffusion velocity components for the two scalars cannot be accounted for by the difference in their dissipation time scales. The mixing processes during the approach to the manifold, therefore, cannot be modelled by using different dissipation time scales alone. While the three scalars in this flow have similar distances in scalar space, mixing between two of the scalars can occur only through the third, forcing a detour of the manifold (mixing path) in scalar space. This mixing path presents a challenging test for mixing models since most mixing models use only scalar-space variables and do not take into account the spatial (physical-space) scalar structure. The scalar JPDF and the conditional dissipation rates obtained in the present study have similarities to those of mixture fraction and temperature in turbulent flames. The results in the present study provide a basis for understanding and modelling multiscalar mixing in reactive flows.
Irreversible nitrate fluxes due to turbulent mixing in a coastal upwelling system

[1] Detailed and repeated measurements of nitrate across the Oregon shelf, made coincident with turbulence measurements, reveal the importance of cross-isopycnal mixing via turbulence in providing nitrate to the upper water column. Spatial distributions of vertical gradients and turbulent fluxes in the Oregon coastal ocean reveal variability that could not have been resolved with traditional sampling approaches. Nitrate-rich near-bottom waters are drawn up the shelf during upwelling and back down the shelf during downwelling. Continuous turbulent mixing in the bottom boundary layer increases nitrate on intermediate isopycnals by several μM toward the shelf. This increased nitrate is consistent with measured turbulent flux of nitrate of O(0.1 μmol m−2 s−1) for a period of 3 days, roughly the timescale for changes in the wind and hence to the upwelling circulation. Our flux estimates are consistent with high-biomass, nutrient-replete, incubation-based primary productivity estimates in this area and suggest that turbulent vertical nitrate transport plays a significant role in supporting the high productivity seen here. Offshore of 30 m depth, we estimate the irreversible transport of nitrate from nitrate-rich near-bottom waters to be about 25% of the rate at which it is provided by upwelling. The total irreversible transport is greater by some unknown amount when we consider the transport inshore of 30 m depth. We suggest that the onshore transport of offshore water, whether deep water during upwelling or surface water during relaxation, forces the juxtaposition of strong gradients and mixing regimes such that turbulent vertical fluxes are consistently elevated in the shoreward reaches of the coastal ocean.