cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of prosody in a case of foreign accent syndrome (FAS).

Foreign accent syndrome (FAS) is a rare disorder characterized by the emergence of a perceived foreign accent following brain damage. The symptomotology, functional bases, and neural substrates of this disorder are still being elucidated. In this case study, acoustic analyses were performed on the speech of a 46‐year old monolingual female who presented with FAS of unknown aetiology. The patient had a pseudo‐accent frequently described as ‘Swedish’ or ‘Eastern European’. Stop consonant VOT, consonant burst spectra and duration, vowel durations, formant frequencies, and trajectories were analysed, along with prosodic cues for lexical stress assignment and sentence‐level intonation. Results indicated VOT values were generally preserved, while there was a strong tendency to realize the English alveolar flap as a full stop, and to produce flaps that had greater‐than‐normal closure durations. The spectral properties of the patient's vowels resembled those of normal talkers (with the possible exceptions of decr...
Rapid angle-resolved low-coherence interferometry measurements

We have developed a novel angle-resolved low coherence interferometry scheme for rapid measurement of depth-resolved angular scattering distributions. These measurements enable the determination of scatterer size via elastic scattering properties. The scheme uses spectral domain measurements where the mixed signal and reference fields are dispersed by an imaging spectrograph to achieve depth-resolved measurements upon Fourier transform of the spectral data. Angle-resolved measurements are obtained by locating the spectrograph slit in a Fourier transform plane of the scattering sample. We discuss the theoretical basis for the measurements and demonstrate the capabilities of the new technique by recording the distribution of light scattered by polystyrene microspheres. The important features of the system include the ability to detect sub-surface scattering distributions and rapid data acquisition with the entire scattering distribution recorded in 40 milliseconds. The data are used to determine the microsphere size with good accuracy. Potential application of the technique to measuring cell nuclei size in living epithelial tissues is discussed.
Lava flows are fractals

Results are presented of a preliminary investigation of the fractal nature of the plan-view shapes of lava flows in Hawaii (based on field measurements and aerial photographs), as well as in Idaho and the Galapagos Islands (using aerial photographs only). The shapes of the lava flow margins are found to be fractals: lava flow shape is scale-invariant. This observation suggests that nonlinear forces are operating in them because nonlinear systems frequently produce fractals. A'a and pahoehoe flows can be distinguished by their fractal dimensions (D). The majority of the a'a flows measured have D between 1.05 and 1.09, whereas the pahoehoe flows generally have higher D (1.14-1.23). The analysis is extended to other planetary bodies by measuring flows from orbital images of Venus, Mars, and the moon. All are fractal and have D consistent with the range of terrestrial a'a and have D consistent with the range of terrestrial a'a and pahoehoe values.
MO-EE-A2-06: Measurements and Comparison of Out-Of-Field Organ Doses From Varian Clinac IMRT Plans Using the Atom Phantom

Purpose: To quantify and analyze the unwanted out‐of‐field organdoses during different IMRT prostate treatments and make a systematical comparison of previously reported organdoses.Method and Materials: The measurement involved an ATOM Phantom, thermoluminescent dosimeters(TLD) and a Varian 2100C Clinac. The ATOM phantom was scanned using CT machine to create virtual images for treatment planning. We developed two 6‐MV prostate IMRT plans of 5‐ and 9‐field with the same dose prescriptions, constraints to organs‐at‐risk, and similar in‐field dose distributions. A total of 162 TLDs were placed in the predefined holes to measure the average organdoses of 7 different organs. The results of the two treatment plans were compared to estimate the difference of the out‐of‐field doses.Results: The measurements showed that dose decreases as the distances from the measurement point to the radiation field increases for all treatment plans. The average out‐of‐field organdoses ranged from a maximum of 30.92 cGy to the small intestines to a minimum of 4.40 cGy to the thyroid. The 9‐field IMRT plan resulted in an absorbed dose up to 30% higher than the 5‐field plan which is mainly due to the increased accumulative scatter and lower MU efficiency of the 9‐field IMRT plan. The results were also compared with other studies and the discrepancies were mainly due to the different distances from organs to treatment fields. Conclusion: A method to use TLD and the ATOM physical phantom to measure out‐of‐field organdoses for IMRT has been presented. The measurement results demonstrated that the 9‐field IMRTtreatment delivered higher photondoses than the 5‐field IMRTtreatment to the out‐of‐field organs. Findings from this study involving the prostate treatments express the need to implement the out‐of‐field dose estimation to the treatment planning in order to minimize the secondary cancer and other radiation risk.
Characterizing the potential of MEMS deformable mirrors for astronomical adaptive optics

Current high-contrast "extreme" adaptive optics (ExAO) systems are partially limited by deformable mirror technology. Mirror requirements specify thousands of actuators, all of which must be functional within the clear aperture, and which give nanometer flatness yet micron stroke when operated in closed loop.1 Micro-electrical mechanical-systems (MEMS) deformable mirrors have been shown to meet ExAO actuator yield, wavefront error, and cost considerations. This study presents the performance of Boston Micromachines' 1024-actuator continuous-facesheet MEMS deformable mirrors under tests for actuator stability, position repeatability, and practical operating stroke. To explore whether MEMS actuators are susceptible to temporal variation, a series of long-term stability experiments were conducted. Each actuator was held fixed and the motion over 40 minutes was measured. The median displacement of all the actuators tested was 0.08 nm surface, inclusive of system error. MEMS devices are also appealing for adaptive optics architectures based on open-loop correction. In experiments of actuator position repeatability, 100% of the tested actuators returned repeatedly to their starting point with a precision of < 1 nm surface. Finally, MEMS devices were tested for maximum stroke achieved under application of spatially varying one-dimensional sinusoids. Given a specified amplitude in voltage, the measured stroke was 1 μm surface at the low spatial frequencies, decreasing to 0.2 μm surface for the highest spatial frequency. Stroke varied somewhat linearly as inverse spatial frequency, with a flattening in the relation at the high spatial frequency end.
Computational Modeling of Structurally Conserved Cancer Mutations in the RET and MET Kinases: The Impact on Protein Structure, Dynamics, and Stability

Structural and biochemical characterization of protein kinases that confer oncogene addiction and harbor a large number of disease-associated mutations, including RET and MET kinases, have provided insights into molecular mechanisms associated with the protein kinase activation in human cancer. In this article, structural modeling, molecular dynamics, and free energy simulations of a structurally conserved mutational hotspot, shared by M918T in RET and M1250T in MET kinases, are undertaken to quantify the molecular mechanism of activation and the functional role of cancer mutations in altering protein kinase structure, dynamics, and stability. The mechanistic basis of the activating RET and MET cancer mutations may be driven by an appreciable free energy destabilization of the inactive kinase state in the mutational forms. According to our results, the locally enhanced mobility of the cancer mutants and a higher conformational entropy are counterbalanced by a larger enthalpy loss and result in the decreased thermodynamic stability. The computed protein stability differences between the wild-type and cancer kinase mutants are consistent with circular dichroism spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry experiments. These results support the molecular mechanism of activation, which causes a detrimental imbalance in the dynamic equilibrium shifted toward the active form of the enzyme. Furthermore, computer simulations of the inhibitor binding with the oncogenic and drug-resistant RET mutations have also provided a plausible molecular rationale for the observed differences in the inhibition profiles, which is consistent with the experimental data. Finally, structural mapping of RET and MET cancer mutations and the computed protein stability changes suggest a similar mechanism of activation, whereby the cancer mutations which display the higher oncogenic activity tend to have the greatest destabilization effect on the inactive kinase structure.
Reply to C. Edward Weber

Replies to a commentary about the nature of authority in business management. Arguments about the acceptance definition of authority; Discussion on the problem with the lack of a cohesive theory of...
Presenilin: RIP and Beyond

Over the years the presenilins (PSENs), a family of multi-transmembrane domain proteins, have been ascribed a number of diverse potential functions. Recent in vivo evidence has supported the existence of PSEN functions beyond its well-established role in regulated intramembrane proteolysis. In this review, we will briefly discuss the ability of PSEN to modulate cellular signaling pathways through γ-secretase cleavage of transmembrane proteins. Additionally, we will critically examine the proposed roles of PSEN in the regulation of β-catenin function, protein trafficking, calcium regulation, and apoptosis.
J2EE support for wireless services

We explore by design and implementation the applicability of J2EE (Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition) architecture in supporting wireless services as well as web-based services. This has been demonstrated by implementing a wireless prescription system, which provides wireless services to physicians, and web-based services to pharmacies and administrators. The goal of the wireless prescription system is to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system by reducing the overall time and cost used to create documents and retrieve information. We also present a performance evaluation of the implemented wireless prescription system using latency as the performance metric. In particular, we investigated the overheads associated with different components of the underlying J2EE architecture, which includes the Session Bean, Entity Bean, and the database. We found that the latency overheads introduced by these components account for 3.8-4.3%, 3.9-4.4%, and 91.8% of the total delay experienced inside the J2EE architecture respectively.
The interaction of nitrous oxide with germanium surfaces

The interaction of nitrous oxide with real (oxide-coated) surfaces of both n- and p-type germanium has been investigated in the range of 10–300 torr and 200–400°C. The n-type samples promoted greater decomposition than the p-type samples. In all cases studied, not a trace of oxygen resulting from the decomposition could be detected in a mass spectrometer; obviously, the oxygen was incorporated in further oxide film formation. Pretreatment of germanium with oxygen decreased the extent of its interaction with nitrous oxide. Experiments with a 34% enriched 15N14N16O clearly showed that the decomposi tion mechanism primarily consists of the rupture of the NO bond to set a nitrogen molecule free.
Another Look at Long-Chain Branching

Abstract Long-chain branching can occur during radical polymerization and is especially important for polyethylene. An improved method of calculating the effect of long-chain branching on molecular weight distribution is presented. This method uses a probability treatment. The results are more consistent with both kinetic theory and experimental data than the results of previous long-chain branching calculations. In contrast to previous calculations, the present work shows that generation cannot occur from long-chain branching alone.
Glucocorticoid-induced bone loss in dermatologic patients: an update.

Objective To raise awareness of the new treatment options and current recommendations among dermatologists treating patients with systemic corticosteroids. Data Sources MEDLINE peer-reviewed publications. Study Selection English language and clinical pertinence to corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Data Extraction Pertinent information on pathophysiologic, epidemiologic, clinical trial, cost-effectiveness, and treatment option data regarding corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Data Synthesis Comprehensive summary of published data on the pathophysiologic, epidemiologic, clinical, and treatment data and current practice guidelines regarding corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis; creation of an algorithmic management approach for patients treated with long-term oral corticosteroids. Conclusions Glucocorticoid-induced bone loss is the most predictable and debilitating complication of prolonged administration of systemic corticosteroids. Every dermatologist prescribing systemic corticosteroids must be aware of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis and ensure that every patient is receiving general measures to prevent it. Despite efficacious preventive and therapeutic options, actual implementation of these strategies remains unacceptably low. Based on currently available evidence, the first choice for prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis should be a potent oral bisphosphonate such as alendronate (70 mg/wk) or risedronate sodium (35 mg/wk). For patients with severe osteoporosis or patients with active osteoporotic fractures, the anabolic agent teriparatide (recombinant fragmented parathyroid hormone) should be considered as a first-line option for up to 2 years.
Intriguing accuracies of the exponential wave function expansions exploiting finite two-body correlation operators in calculations for many-electron systems

Abstract Following the ideas laid down by Nooijen and Nakatsuji, several authors have considered an intriguing possibility of representing the exact many-electron wave functions by the exponential cluster expansions involving two-body correlation operators. In particular, inspired by the symmetric form of the Horn–Weinstein exact energy formula, and exploiting the variational principle and numerical analysis, we have demonstrated that one can obtain nearly exact ground-state wave functions for a few many-electron systems using the exponential cluster expansion involving a finite two-body operator acting on the Hartree–Fock determinant [P. Piecuch et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 90 (2003) 113001]. After summarizing these earlier findings and making some additional comments on the nature of the exponential cluster expansions involving two-body correlation operators, we examine the following issues: (i) the improvements in the accuracy and convergence toward the full configuration interaction (CI) limit offered by cluster operators containing two-body as well as one-body components, (ii) the improvements in the accuracy resulting from the use of multi-determinantal reference states, and (iii) the potential accuracy of the exponential wave function expansions involving finite one- and two-body cluster operators in excited-state calculations. All calculations are performed for an eight electron model system, which is simple enough to allow for the exact, full CI, and other electronic structure calculations, which has fewer independent parameters in the Hamiltonian than the dimension of the corresponding full CI problem, and which enables one to examine ground and excited states with a varying degree of configurational quasi-degeneracy by simple changes in the corresponding nuclear geometry.
Disparities in activity level and nutrition between patients with chronic hepatitis C and blood donors.

Objective To compare physical activity levels and dietary choices of patients who have chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with those of blood donors (BDs). Design A prospective survey. Setting A liver disease treatment center and a blood donor center from a nonprofit health system. Patients A total of 149 subjects (93 with CHC and 56 BDs) participated. Subjects were 18 years or older and agreed to participate; those with CHC had no evidence of cirrhosis. Methods All subjects provided basic clinical information and completed a nutrition survey, which contained questions about dietary choices and their frequency, and the Human Activity Profile, which measured maximum effort (Maximum Activity Score; MAS) and daily activity (Adjusted Activity Score; AAS). Main Outcomes Measurements MAS and AAS scales and 13 indices on the nutrition survey. Independent samples t -tests, Pearson correlations, and multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed. Results No significant differences were found between BDs and patients with CHC in terms of age, gender, race, body mass index, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. Mean body mass index was 27.5, 17.8% had hyperlipidemia, and 9.6% had diabetes. BDs reported significantly more exercise per week (mean: patients with CHC=193.6 minutes/week and BDs=280.4 minutes/week; P = .039) and had a significantly greater MAS (mean: patients with CHC=77.2 and BDs=87.4, P = .0001) and AAS (mean: patients with CHC=72.58 and BDs=83.8, P = .0001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis proposed 2 models predicting AAS: the presence of CHC ( R = .445; R 2 = .198; adjusted R 2 = .184); and the presence of CHC and presence of hypertension ( R = .537; R 2 = .289; adjusted R 2 = .263). BDs consumed significantly more alcohol and starchy foods than did patients with CHC ( P = .0001 and P = .031, respectively), which may be explained by the compliance of patients with CHC to their hepatologist's recommendations regarding the minimization of alcohol consumption. Conclusions Persons with CHC participate in less activity and less vigorous physical activity than do BDs and consume less starch and alcohol. These data about activity level and dietary intake in patients with CHC are novel; few data on these topics have been published previously. Low level of activity adds a substantial risk to this overweight CHC population, many of whom have multiple components of metabolic syndrome.
Bone acid phosphatase: Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase as a marker of osteoclast function

Organ cultures of newborn mouse calvaria were used to test the hypothesis that tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase might serve as a biochemical marker for osteoclast function. When bone resorption was stimulated in vitro with either parathyroid hormone or 1,25(OH)2D3, there was a significant increase in both tartrate-resistant and tartrate-sensitivity acid phosphatase activity in the medium relative to cultured controls. Tartrate-resistant activity was localized histochemically primarily over the osteoclast and appeared as three distinct activity bands when electrophoresed on polyacrylamide gels. The tartrate-sensitive activity was found primarily associated with bone cells other than the osteoclast using histochemical techniques, and was resolved into five bands on polyacrylamide gels. The results obtained from biochemical assays, histochemical observations, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis suggest that bone resorption in vitro results in the release of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase from osteoclasts and tartrate-sensitive acid phosphatase from other bone cells as well as osteoclasts. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatases of bone may be suitable biochemical probes for osteoclasts function, but it will be necessary to achieve further purification in order to develop analytical methods with sufficient sensitivity and specificity (e.g., immunochemical) to ensure precise localization and quantitation.
ARGININE-RICH PROTEINS OF POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTE LYSOSOMES : ANTIMICROBIAL SPECIFICITY AND BIOCHEMICAL HETEROGENEITY

The cationic antibacterial proteins of rabbit PMN lysosomes have been resolved into at least five subfractions. Each of these showed substantial selectivity in its antibacterial action against several pathogenic bacteria, including two smooth and two rough Escherichia coli strains, three Staphylococcus aureus strains, one S. albus , three proteus species and four different cultures of streptococcus. Each of the subfractions possesses a different electrophoretic mobility. Amino acid analyses of the three most cationic components revealed high contents of arginine consistent with their relative electrophoretic mobilities and very high arginine to lysine ratios. Aromatic amino acids were present in very low concentrations in these proteins and their light absorption at 2800 A was correspondingly weak. The evidence of antibacterial specificity, along with marked differences in the arginine-lysine ratios, shows that the cationic antibacterial components of rabbit PMN lysosomes are biologically and chemically heterogeneous.
Grafting of Free Chains in the Presence of Preexisting Polymer Brushes

Experiments were conducted on the grafting of end-functionalized free chains from dilute solution to a solid bearing a preexisting polymer brush. The hypothesis was that grafting behavior would parallel the theoretical predictions made for penetration of a preexisting brush by free chains. Paralleling penetration theory, the grafting of free chains increased with concentration of the bulk solution and decreased with molecular weight of the free chains, although the decrease was less pronounced than predicted by theory. Free chains chemically identical to, but longer than, the chains in the brush did not become grafted. However, free chains longer but more flexible than the chains in the preexisting brush did become grafted. Contrary to penetration theory, which predicts an exponential decrease in penetration with grafting density of the preexisting brush, grafting of free chains (of three different molecular weights and two different chemical structures) appeared to have little to no sensitivity to densit...
Production regimes in four Eastern Boundary Current systems

High productivity (maxima ~3 g C m(sup -2)day(sup -1)) of the Eastern Boundary Currents (EBCs), i.e. the California, Peru-Humboldt, Canary and Benguela Currents, is driven by a combination of local forcing and large-scale circulation. The characteristics of the deep water brought to the surface by upwelling favorable winds depend on the large-scale circulation patterns. Here we use a new hydrographic and nutrient climatology together with satellite measurements ofthe wind vector, sea-surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll concentration, and primary production modeled from ocean color to quantify the meridional and seasonal patterns of upwelling dynamics and biological response. The unprecedented combination of data sets allows us to describe objectively the variability for small regions within each current and to characterize the governing factors for biological production. The temporal and spatial environmental variability was due in most regions to large-scale circulation, alone or in combination with offshore transport (local forcing). The observed meridional and seasonal patterns of biomass and primary production were most highlycorrelated to components representing large-scale circulation. The biomass sustained by a given nutrient concentration in the Atlantic EBCs was twice as large as that of the Pacific EBCs. This apparent greater efficiency may be due toavailability of iron, physical retention, or differences in planktonic community structure.
An operational GLS model for hydrologic regression

Abstract Recent Monte Carlo studies have documented the value of generalized least squares (GLS) procedures to estimate empirical relationships between streamflow statistics and physiographic basin characteristics. This paper presents a number of extensions of the GLS method that deal with realities and complexities of regional hydrologic data sets that were not addressed in the simulation studies. These extensions include: (1) a more realistic model of the underlying model errors; (2) smoothed estimates of cross correlation of flows; (3) procedures for including historical flow data; (4) diagnostic statistics describing leverage and influence for GLS regression; and (5) the formulation of a mathematical program for evaluating future gaging activities.
Comparison of near-infrared spectroscopy and other soil nitrogen availability quick tests for corn

Our ability to predict N fertilizer needs for corn (Zea mays L.) is improving, but more accurate and convenient tests are still needed. This work compared a new quick test for soil N availability using a near-infrared spectrophotometer (NIRS) with three published quick tests for predicting soil N-supplying capability (NSC) and relative corn grain yield. The other tests were the pre-sidedress nitrate test (PSNT), nitrate concentration (at-plant NO 3 ), and absorbance at 200 nm of a 0.01 M NaHCO 3 extract (UV-200 test) of 0- to 20-cm soil samples taken at planting. Soil samples taken at planting from 95 field experiments in Pennsylvania were analyzed at reflectance wavelengths from 400 nm to 2500 nm with NIRS [...]
Photolithographic Olefin Metathesis Polymerization

Patterning functional materials is a central challenge across many fields of science. The ability to lithographically fabricate micro- and nanostructures has been one of the most impactful technological breakthroughs of the last century. In part due to the complexity of the chemical processes in photoresists, there is a limited variety of materials that can currently be patterned by photolithography. We report a negative tone photoresist using a photoactivated olefin metathesis catalyst, which can be quickly prepared in a one-pot synthesis from commercially available starting materials. The resist is based on a ruthenium vinyl ether complex, widely regarded as inactive toward olefin metathesis. The combination of this photoactivated catalyst with the fidelity and functional group tolerance of ruthenium-mediated olefin metathesis enables a host of new possibilities for photopatterned materials.
Using Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts for Complications of Cirrhosis

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) decompresses the portal venous system. TIPS has been used to manage the complications of portal hypertension in cirrhosis, including variceal hemorrhage and refractory ascites. The uncoated TIPS stents are limited by stent stenosis; however, the introduction of coated stents has decreased this. With the introduction of coated stents, we must reevaluate the utility of TIPS in the management of complications of portal hypertension.
RELATIONSHIP OF CAREER MENTORING AND SOCIOECONOMIC ORIGIN TO MANAGERS' AND PROFESSIONALS' EARLY CAREER PROGRESS

This study examined the relationship of career mentoring to the promotions and compensation received by 404 early career managers and professionals working in a variety of organizations. The result...
Catalytic promotion and poisoning: All-electron local-density-functional theory of CO on Ni(001) surfaces coadsorbed with K or S.

The adsorption of CO on Ni(001) and its coadsorption with K or S as studied with our all-electron full-potential linearized-augmented-plane-wave method show that (i) K modifies the electrostatic potential in the surface layer, produces an increased occupation of the CO antibonding $2{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{*}$ states, and facilitates the dissociation of CO; (ii) in contrast, S interacts more covalently with the Ni surface and neighboring CO molecules thereby deactivating the surface and inhibiting CO dissociation.
Nurse-patient assignment models considering patient acuity metrics and nurses' perceived workload

Display Omitted Hypothesis: patient classification systems (PCS) do not accurately capture workload.Surveyed nurses' perceived workload.Tested combining PCS and perceived workload score.Proposed nurse-patient assignment optimization models for balanced workload. Patient classification systems (PCSs) are commonly used in nursing units to assess how many nursing care hours are needed to care for patients. These systems then provide staffing and nurse-patient assignment recommendations for a given patient census based on these acuity scores. Our hypothesis is that such systems do not accurately capture workload and we conduct an experiment to test this hypothesis. Specifically, we conducted a survey study to capture nurses' perception of workload in an inpatient unit. Forty five nurses from oncology and surgery units completed the survey and rated the impact of patient acuity indicators on their perceived workload using a six-point Likert scale. These ratings were used to calculate a workload score for an individual nurse given a set of patient acuity indicators. The approach offers optimization models (prescriptive analytics), which use patient acuity indicators from a commercial PCS as well as a survey-based nurse workload score. The models assign patients to nurses in a balanced manner by distributing acuity scores from the PCS and survey-based perceived workload. Numerical results suggest that the proposed nurse-patient assignment models achieve a balanced assignment and lower overall survey-based perceived workload compared to the assignment based solely on acuity scores from the PCS. This results in an improvement of perceived workload that is upwards of five percent.
Radiative reaction and quantum mechanics

According to the principles of quantum mechanics, the classical Lorentz-Dirac equations of the electron should follow from quantum electrodynamics in the classical limit. We show this is indeed true for the special case in which the charge does not radiate, provided the momentum operators in the Dirac theory are identified, in the classical limit, with the effective momenta of the Lorentz-Dirac equations.
Does the ΔF508-CFTR mutation induce a proinflammatory response in human airway epithelial cells?

In the clinical setting, mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene enhance the inflammatory response in the lung to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infection. However, studies on human airway epithelial cells in vitro have produced conflicting results regarding the effect of mutations in CFTR on the inflammatory response to P. aeruginosa, and there are no comprehensive studies evaluating the effect of P. aeruginosa on the inflammatory response in airway epithelial cells with the ΔF508/ΔF508 genotype and their matched CF cell line rescued with wild-type (wt)-CFTR. CFBE41o- cells (ΔF508/ΔF508) and CFBE41o- cells complemented with wt-CFTR (CFBE-wt-CFTR) have been used extensively as an experimental model to study CF. Thus the goal of this study was to examine the effect of P. aeruginosa on gene expression and cytokine/chemokine production in this pair of cells. P. aeruginosa elicited a more robust increase in cytokine and chemokine expression (e.g., IL-8, CXCL1, CXCL2 and TNF-α) in CFBE-wt-CFTR cells compared with CFBE-ΔF508-CFTR cells. These results demonstrate that CFBE41o- cells complemented with wt-CFTR mount a more robust inflammatory response to P. aeruginosa than CFBE41o-ΔF508/ΔF508-CFTR cells. Taken together with other published studies, our data demonstrate that there is no compelling evidence to support the view that mutations in CFTR induce a hyperinflammatory response in human airway epithelial cells in vivo. Although the lungs of patients with CF have abundant levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, because the lung is populated by immune cells and epithelial cells there is no way to know, a priori, whether airway epithelial cells in the CF lung in vivo are hyperinflammatory in response to P. aeruginosa compared with non-CF lung epithelial cells. Thus studies on human airway epithelial cell lines and primary cells in vitro that propose to examine the effect of mutations in CFTR on the inflammatory response to P. aeruginosa have uncertain clinical significance with regard to CF.
Use of synthetic imagery in target detection model improvement

Perception tests have been performed by Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) addressing the process of searching an image with the intent of detecting a target of military importance. The imagery used in the experiments was generated using NVESD's Paint-the-Night (PTN) thermal image simulation. The use of PTN simulation permits the same scene and target to be viewed with different sensor characteristics (such as resolution, noise and sampling). This allows the isolation of single variables in an experimental environment and the evaluations of their effect on probability of detection. Typical first and second generation FLIR sensor effects were applied to each of 100 synthetic images resulting in an experimental data set with identical thermal signatures and sensor fields of view. Experimental results are presented and the advantages of using synthetic imagery to evaluate differences in sensor resolution, noise, and other characteristics are discussed.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Thermal Modeling and Experimental Investigation for Laser Assisted Milling of Silicon Nitride Ceramics

This study is motivated by the fact that temperature control is very important for the success of laser assisted milling. A transient three-dimensional thermal model is developed using finite element analysis for laser assisted milling (LAMill) of silicon nitride ceramics, and then validated through a series of experiments of laser assisted face milling. This study aims to explore the thermal characteristics in LAMill of silicon nitride ceramics and thus provide guidelines on parameter selection for future operations. In addition, heat generation associated with machining is considered, and the effects of laser power, feed, and cutting speed on temperature are investigated. Simulation results show that heat generation associated with machining can be neglected. Laser power is one critical parameter for successful operation of LAMill. Moreover, both feed and cutting speed can affect the operating temperatures by varying feed rate; however, once feed rate is fixed, they have a little impact on the operating temperatures.
Information organization in flexible automation systems

Abstract Felxible Automation Systems ( FAS ) are comprised of three major sybsystems: the workstations, material handling, and computer control. Much effort and research have been devoted to the first two and to system control, the loading and scheduling of the system. Little effort has been expended, however, on the information requirements of FASS , although their control is information intensive. Every move of every axis of every device must be coordinated, monitored, and controlled. Information must be stored and transmitted to the needed device at the appropriate time. The status of the system must be continuously surveyed, updated, and verified. Hierarchical systems have been suggested for the control of FMSS , and this has implications for their structure, which in turn influences computing and communication requirements, system performance, reliability, and failure recovery. This paper discusses storage and data flow requirements as a function of the system's manufacturing mission. Two control architectures, centralized and two-level distributed, are considered, and the computing, storage, and communications requirements calculated for each. Analysis of results indicates that there is a break-even point between centralized and decentralized systems that is a function of the manufacturing mission but independent of FAS size and operating environment.
THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ENSLAVED AFRICANS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS TO THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAS

Mr. Penaloza's attitude mirrors centuries of exploitation. Physically, he was born in the twentieth century, but his&4rue genesis is in the fourteenth century. He, however, lacks awareness of his historical condition. The Afromestizo of San Nicolas are historical clones. In this respect, they are no different from most of the people of African descent in the Americas. They are the product of an environment they had little or no voice in shaping.San Nicolas has a population of approximately 4,500 people. Most, if not all, are classified as Afromestizos, persons of mixed blood (African and Indian) in which the African strain is dominant. The notion of African historical contributions to the Americas (or almost anywhere else for that matter) has continually been maligned. After all, many people see no such contributions, and those who do generally think them insignificant. Both views are, of course, wrong. The African has made significant contributions to the development of the New World-contributions that in no small way help
Methane storage in porous metal−organic frameworks: current records and future perspectives

Porous metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) are a novel family of physisorptive materials exhibiting great potential for methane storage applications. Several MOF compounds have been reported to exhibit high methane uptake at room temperature and modest pressure, with a few even surpassing the target for material-based, adsorbed methane storage set by U.S. Department of Energy. Here we briefly review the rapid research progress in recent years on methane storage in MOFs and highlight the current record holders. We also discuss the current understanding of the methane storage mechanism in these fascinating materials and outline the future directions in this field. © 2010 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 10: 200–204; 2010: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.201000004
Senescence-associated decline in the intranuclear accumulation of hOGG1-α and impaired 8-oxo-dG repair activity in senescing normal human oral keratinocytes in vivo

We determined the mitochondrial membrane status, presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxidative DNA adduct formation in normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOK) during senescence. The senescent cells showed accumulation of intracellular ROS and 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), a major oxidative DNA adduct. Exposure of cells to H2O2 induced 8-oxo-dG accumulation in cellular DNA, which was rapidly removed in replicating NHOK. However, the 8-oxo-dG removal activity was almost completely abolished in the senescing culture. Both replicating and senescing NHOK expressed readily detectable 8-oxo-dG DNA glycosylase (hOGG1), the enzyme responsible for glycosidic cleavage of 8-oxo-dG. After exposure to H2O2, however, the intranuclear level of the hOGG1-alpha isoform was decreased in senescing but not in replicating NHOK. These results indicated that senescing NHOK accumulated oxidative DNA lesions in part due to increased level of endogenous ROS and impaired intranuclear translocation of hOGG1 enzyme upon exposure to oxidative stress.
Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for the clinical clarification of normal, abnormal and equivocal electrocardiographic stress tests

Abstract Sixty-five patients were studied with stress electrocardiography and thallium-201 relative myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. Results were correlated with selective coronary angiography. Scintigraphy was more sensitive (85 versus 67 percent), more specific (89 versus 63 percent) and significantly more accurate (87 versus 65 percent) than stress electrocardiography for the diagnosis of significant coronary arterial lesions in patients with isoelectric S-T segments at rest. Stress scintigraphy helped clarify the equivocal stress test due to left bundle branch block, left ventricular hypertrophy, drugs, hyperventilation and other conditions and was more accurate than the stress electrocardiogram (89 versus 53 percent) even in the presence of a depressed S-T segment at rest. Thallium-201 scintigraphy is a safe and simple noninvasive method for identifying abnormal myocardial perfusion, stress-induced ischemia and, indirectly, significant coronary arterial lesions.
A RAPID ASSESSMENT MODEL FOR UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIAL COST OF CARBON

The "social cost of carbon" (SCC) is the present value of the stream of future damages from one additional unit of carbon emissions in a particular year. This paper develops a rapid assessment model for the SCC. The model includes the essential ingredients for calculating the SCC at the global scale and is designed to be transparent and easy to use and modify. Our goal is to provide a tool to help analysts and decision-makers quickly explore the implications of various modeling assumptions for the SCC. We use the model to conduct sensitivity analyses over some of the key input parameters, and we compare estimates of the SCC under certainty and uncertainty in a Monte Carlo analysis. We find that, due to the combined effects of uncertainty and risk aversion, the certainty-equivalent SCC can be substantially larger than the expected value of the SCC. In our Monte Carlo simulation, the certainty-equivalent SCC is more than four times larger than the expected value of the SCC, and we show that this result depends crucially on how the uncertain preference parameters are handled. We also compare the approximate present value of benefits estimated using the SCC to the exact value of compensating variation in the initial period for a wide range of hypothetical emission reduction policies.
Transforming Rhetoric Through Feminist Reconstruction: A Response to the Gender Diversity Perspective

In this response to Condit's essay, the tenets of her gender diversity perspective are outlined and addressed. The authors conclude that although Condit's tenets concerning gender are visionary, those concerning rhetoric constitute a defense of a traditional conception of rhetoric, unchanged by gender and feminism. They then outline the tenets of their feminist-reconstructionist perspective, one which focuses on the reconstruction of rhetoric through a feminist lens.
Visualization of Cathode Activity for Fe-Rich and Cu-Rich Intermetallic Particles via Cathodic Corrosion from Dioxygen Reduction at Aluminum Alloy 2024-T3

A wall-jet flow cell was used to study reduction at AA2024-T3. In buffered -saturated solution the current density was 2% of the diffusion-limited value and relatively stable with time. In unbuffered solution the current density was 25-50% of the diffusion-limited value. The higher currents under unbuffered conditions are attributed to production of via reduction at the intermetallic particles (IPs) at AA2024-T3. Trenching was observed around both Cu-rich and Fe-rich IPs. This cathodic corrosion was observed in the absence of chloride and when the alloy was held potentiostatically at open-circuit potential demonstrating that both types of IPs can act as cathodes toward reduction under these conditions. © 2003 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Obtaining Information Assurance (IA) accreditation for systems initially deployed without ia considerations

The Government desires all DoD systems to achieve Network Centric capabilities, to be able to make rapid decisions and information sharing across the battle space. This will allow situational awareness throughout the battle space through secure critical intelligence information sharing. Use of the information domain via effective Information Assurance (IA) has been identified as an area that must be addressed and improved. Information Assurance accreditation becomes especially challenging when systems have already been deployed without any IA considerations. This paper discusses the process and the work involved when a system (of a small, tactical nature and has a certain Mission Assurance Category- MAC assigned to it) that has already been developed and deployed needs to work toward IA accreditation. The various steps that need to be taken toward the Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACAP) accreditation for a system in this category are covered in this paper. General information about the Army Regulations, DoD Directive 8500.2, Army Regulation - AR 25-2, AR 380-5, and the Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGS) for the OS, Application, Database (DB) Networking and Access Control STIGS will be covered.
Postbuckling Behavior of Axially Compressed Graphite-Epoxy Cylindrical Panels With Circular Holes

The results of an experimental and analytical study of the effects of circular holes on the postbuckling behavior of graphite-epoxy cylindrical panels loaded in axial compression are presented. The STAGSC-1 general shell analysis computer code is used to determine the buckling and postbuckling response of the panels. The loaded, curved ends of the specimens were clamped by fixtures and the unloaded, straight edges were simply supported by knife-edge restraints. The panels are loaded by uniform end shortening to several times the end shortening at buckling. The unstable equilibrium path of the postbuckling response is obtained analytically by using a method based on controlling an equilibrium-path-arc-length parameter instead of the traditional load parameter. The effects of hole diameter, panel radius, and panel thickness on postbuckling response are considered in the study. Experimental results are compared with the analytical results and the failure characteristics of the graphite-epoxy panels are described.
The safety of etretinate as long-term therapy for psoriasis: Results of the Etretinate Follow-up Study

Abstract Background: Etretinate is an aromatic retinoid given orally to treat severe psoriasis, a chronic disease that often requires long-term therapy. Objective: We assessed the safety of long-term therapy with etretinate for psoriasis. Methods: This 5-year prospective study of a cohort of 956 patients with psoriasis treated with etretinate assessed the frequency of adverse events in relation to total use and in relation to the frequency of these events in control populations. Results: Our data do not provide evidence for an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease in association with long-term etretinate use. Although some patients reported that joint problems improved with the use of etretinate, a greater number associated the use of etretinate with joint problems. Conclusion: With proper patient selection and monitoring, long-term etretinate therapy (up to 4 years) does not appear to be accompanied by a substantial increased risk of major adverse effects.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for malignancy

The superiority of the minimally invasive approach to adrenal resections has been well documented for benign pathology. With technical advances and increased experience, surgeons have successfully performed laparoscopic adrenalectomies for metastatic and primary malignancies of the adrenal gland. The technique of laparoscopic adrenalectomy as it pertains to malignant lesions is presented. A review of the literature demonstrates the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for metastatic colorectal, lung, and renal tumors. For primary adrenal malignancies, radical resections can be effectively performed laparoscopically; however, continued long-term follow-up is needed to establish the minimally invasive technique as the preferred approach.