cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
miR-214 Regulates Lactoferrin Expression and Pro-Apoptotic Function in Mammary Epithelial Cells

Lactoferrin (Lf) is an abundantly expressed protein in human milk. Lactoferrin exhibits several important biological functions, and its expression is regulated by multiple environmental factors. Cellular endogenous factors, however, have not been extensively studied with regard to lactoferrin gene expression. In this study, we showed that lactoferrin gene expression and function are directly targeted by miR-214 in HC11 and MCF7 cells. In the lactoferrin mRNA 3 prime untranslated region (UTR) of human, mouse, rat, pig, bovine, camel, and goat species, there is a conserved region that perfectly matches the seed region of miR-214. Transfection of miR-214 mimic in HEK293 cells dose-dependently inhibited the activity of pGL3-control vector containing lactoferrin mRNA 3 prime UTR downstream of the luciferase gene. In HC11 cells, miR-214 overexpression inhibited the induction of lactoferrin expression by beta -estradiol (E2) and dexamethasone-prolactin-insulin (DPI). Furthermore, in MCF7 cells, overexpression of miR-214 markedly decreased lactoferrin expression (P lt 0.05), and inhibition of endogenous miR-214 expression increased lactoferrin expression and cellular apoptotic activities (P lt 0.05). In summary, our data showed that miR-214 is directly involved in lactoferrin expression and lactoferrin mediated cancer susceptibility (proapoptotic activities) in mammary epithelial cells.
A CONSTITUTIVE MODEL FOR THERMOMECHANICAL RESPONSE OF DECOMPOSING COMPOSITES UNDER HIGH HEATING RATES

Abstract The thermomechanical response model of chemically decomposing composites is established. Mass loss due to thermochemical decomposition is modeled by the Arrhenius equation. Phenomenological shrinkage models are proposed and the pore formation due to mass loss is examined from a micro-mechanical point of view. The effect of gas pore pressure caused by decomposition on the deformation of the composite is considered based on the thermal effective stress laws for linearly poroelastic composites. The coupling between the thermochemical decomposition and thermomechanical deformation is made clear throughout the formulation. The results of laboratory tests known as free thermal expansion tests and restrained thermal growth tests are theoretically predicted by the obtained model.
Mutation in Rod PDE6 Linked to Congenital Stationary Night Blindness Impairs the Enzyme Inhibition by Its γ-Subunit†

Photoreceptor cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE6) is the effector enzyme in the vertebrate visual transduction cascade. The activity of rod PDE6 catalytic alpha- and beta-subunits is blocked in the dark by two inhibitory Pgamma-subunits. The inhibition is released upon light-stimulation of photoreceptor cells. Mutation H258N in PDE6beta has been linked to congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in a large Danish family (Rambusch pedigree) (Gal, A., Orth, U., Baehr, W., Schwinger, E., and Rosenberg, T. (1994) Nat. Genet. 7, 64-67.) We have analyzed the consequences of this mutation for PDE6 function using a Pgamma-sensitive PDE6alpha'/PDE5 chimera, Chi16. Biochemical analysis of the H257N mutant, an equivalent of PDE6betaH258N, demonstrates that this substitution does not alter the ability of chimeric PDE to dimerize or the enzyme's catalytic properties. The sensitivity of H257N to a competitive inhibitor zaprinast was also unaffected. However, the mutant displayed a significant impairment in the inhibitory interaction with Pgamma, which was apparent from a approximately 20-fold increase in the K(i) value (46 nM) and incomplete maximal inhibition. The inhibitory defect of H257N is not due to perturbation of noncatalytic cGMP binding to the PDE6alpha' GAF domains. The noncatalytic cGMP-binding characteristics of the H257N mutant were similar to those of the parent PDE6alpha'/PDE5 chimera. Since rod PDE6 in the Rambusch CSNB is a catalytic heterodimer of the wild-type PDE6alpha and mutant PDE6beta, Chi16 and H257N were coexpressed, and a heterodimeric PDE, Chi16/H257N, was isolated. It displayed two Pgamma inhibitory sites with the K(i) values of 5 and 57 nM. Our results support the hypothesis that mutation H258N in PDE6beta causes CSNB through incomplete inhibition of PDE6 activity by Pgamma, which leads to desensitization of rod photoreceptors.
Metastable ions of methane and their use in calibrating a low mass scale

The decomposition of metastable positive ions of methane formed by electron bombardment is discussed. Some new collision-induced decompositions involving the formation of H+, H2+˙ and H3+ have been found in the ion kinetic energy spectrum as well as in the mass spectrum of methane. In the latter case, the ‘metastable peaks’ occur below mass 1 on the mass scale and can be used for mass calibration in this region of the mass spectrum.
Time accuracy and the use of implicit methods

Some of the approximations used to make implicit methods more efficient and practical for the solution of the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations are addressed. In particular, approximate factorizations, diagonalizations, and linearization approximations are reviewed and categorized. A subiteration correction scheme commonly in use at present is introduced, improved, demonstrated, and analyzed. This scheme is used to produce a second-order accurate, more robust implicit method for unsteady flow computations. The subiteration approach can be employed to recover time accuracy without increasing computational time (in most cases producing substantial savings).
Detection of high incidence of K- ras oncogenes during human colon tumorigenesis

RNAse A mismatch cleavage analysis of 66 primary human colon tumors reveals a high incidence of K-ras genes with mutations at position 12. No apparent correlation was found between the presence of mutant oncogenes and the degree of invasiveness of the tumours but evidence for ras mutational activation in premalignant tissue was obtained.
A domain decomposition approach for non-conformal couplings between finite and boundary elements for unbounded electromagnetic problems in R3

This paper presents a symmetric FEM-BEM formulation for solving unbounded three-dimensional electromagnetic problems. The approach is based on domain decomposition method that decomposes original problem into FEM and BEM domains. Two domains communicate through Robin transmission condition enforced on the interface between these two domains. The meshes on the interface are non-matching (non-conformal), thus two domains can be modularly treated. The resulting system matrix is symmetric and free of internal resonances. To accelerate the convergence of iterative solvers, three Schwarz type preconditioners are proposed. An ad hoc proof of convergence for the proposed Robin interface between FEM and BEM is also included for spherical outer boundaries. The efficiency and performance of the proposed approach with three different preconditioners are demonstrated through a few numerical examples.
It's Perot Stupid! The Legacy of the 1992 Perot Movement in the Major-Party System, 1994–2000

By any standard, the 2000 presidential election was close. It was close in the Electoral College, where Bush prevailed by the slimmest majority (271–266), and it was close in the national popular vote, where Gore edged Bush by about 540,000 votes in an electorate of more than 100 million. Needless to say, the 2000 election was also astonishingly close in individual states like Florida, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Oregon.
Parallel Architecture For The Efficient Use Of Memory Subsystems In Image Processing

Currently there exist many parallel computer architecture for image processing applications. The main goal of these architecture is to carry out image processing work in a highly parallel manner so that the processing time is short. In most of these architectures the processing elements are used very efficiently, but not the memory subsystems. Thus although the processing is done in parallel to ensure better response time, the available bandwidth is limited, in most cases, by the memory I/O operations. This paper introduces an MIMD (multiple instruction multiple data stream) type of parallel multimicroprocessor architecture for image processing. Our proposed architecture is one in which both the processors and the memory subsystems are kept as busy as possible in order to obtain faster response time and proper utilization of the hardware. The proposed architecture consists of an array of Processing Elements (PEs), a System Control Unit, and the main memory of the system. Each PE contains two Central Processing Unit (CPU), one is responsible for execution and the other is responsible for all memory operations. The overall response time of a task is faster because we divide the actual execution and the memory operation into two separate entities and carry them out concurrently. This is an improvement over the conventional architecture.
Irradiated Jets and Outflows in the Pelican Nebula

We report the discovery of new Herbig-Haro objects in the Pelican Nebula (IC 4050). HH 555 is a bipolar jet emerging from the tip of a major elephant trunk protruding into the Pelican Nebula from the adjacent molecular cloud. Both beams of HH 555 bend toward the west, indicating deflection by a side wind. A chain of three nearly equally spaced bow shocks, HH 563, HH 564, and HH 565, trace a bent flow bursting out of the southern rim of the Pelican molecular cloud, possibly driven by the moderate-luminosity Class I protostar IRAS 20489+4406. Object HH 570 is a highly collimated jet emerging from a compact cloud located about 15' southeast of the Pelican molecular cloud. A parallel outflow, possibly driven by IRAS 20496+4354, powers the bright bow shock HH 569. These observations demonstrate that vigorous star formation is still occurring within the clouds that surround the evolved North America/Pelican Nebula complex.
Theoretical study of factors controlling rates of cyclization of radical intermediates from diallylamine and diallylammonium monomers in radical polymerizations.

The radical cyclization reactions of models for the growing radical chains formed from N,N-diallylamine (1), N-methyl-N,N-diallylamine (2), N,N-diallylammonium (3), N-methyl-N,N-diallylammonium (4) and N,N-dimethyl-N,N-diallylammonium (5) have been investigated computationally by DFT theory, using the B3LYP functional. Models formed by hydrogen atom addition to dienes 1−5 undergo five-membered ring cyclization reactions with activation energies predicted to be 7.2, 5.0, 8.6, 6.4, and 6.2 kcal/mol, respectively. Methyl substitution on nitrogen decreases the barrier to cyclization. One methyl has a larger effect on the cyclization rate than the second methyl. This rate enhancement is attributed to a decrease in gauche interactions in the transition state as compared to the initial structure and to different destabilizing effects when an H is replaced by a methyl group. These predicted rate effects are in agreement with the experimental data on polymerization efficiencies.
A hole-size bound for incomplete t-wise balanced designs

An incomplete t-wise balanced design of index λ is a triple (X,H,ℬ) where X is a υ–element set, H is a subset of X called the hole, and B is a collection of subsets of X called blocks, such that, every t-element subset of X is either in H or in exactly λ blocks, but not both. If H is a hole in an incomplete t-wise balanced design of order υ and index λ, then |H| ≤ υ/2 if t is odd and |H| ≤ (υ − 1)/2 if t is even. In particular, this result establishes the validity of Kramer's conjecture that the maximal size of a block in a Steiner t-wise balanced design is at most υ/2 if t is odd and at most (υ−1)/2 when t is even. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Combin Designs 9: 269–284, 2001
Hormones, Reproductive Behavior, and Speciation

A research plan is outlined which combines two ordinarily separate lines of investigation, namely, the reciprocal interaction between hormones and behavior and the role of behavior in the evolution and maintenance of species, bringing both to bear on outstanding questions in behavioral and evolutionary biology. This integrative approach to animal behavior, which spans three levelsμphysiology, behavior, and evolutionμshould not only yield answers to specific questions within each level of analysis, but, by taking into account the adaptive value of each in nature, also demonstrate interrelationships between the leve.
Design of a high-performance Auger spectrometer for the STEM

Abstract The design of an Auger spectrometer which can be used in a dedicated STEM is discussed. It utilizes the parallelizing properties of the post-specimen field of the VG HB5 high-excitation objective lens. Correction of aberrations up to the fourth order has been achieved by balancing the spectrometer aberrations with those of the pre-spectrometer deflection and transport optics. The performance of the spectrometer is expected to be better than other designs for the same optical conditions. In addition, some considerations of the general problem of high-efficiency collection of electrons emitted from a sample immersed in a magnetic field is discussed.
A Bootstrap Based Neyman-Pearson Test for Identifying Variable Importance

Selection of most informative features that leads to a small loss on future data are arguably one of the most important steps in classification, data analysis and model selection. Several feature selection (FS) algorithms are available; however, due to noise present in any data set, FS algorithms are typically accompanied by an appropriate cross-validation scheme. In this brief, we propose a statistical hypothesis test derived from the Neyman-Pearson lemma for determining if a feature is statistically relevant. The proposed approach can be applied as a wrapper to any FS algorithm, regardless of the FS criteria used by that algorithm, to determine whether a feature belongs in the relevant set. Perhaps more importantly, this procedure efficiently determines the number of relevant features given an initial starting point. We provide freely available software implementations of the proposed methodology.
Excited state absorption and the 4p-electron levels of Cu+ in alkali halide hosts

Abstract The transient absorption of Cu+ ion from 3Eg(d9s) in four different alkali halide crystals has been observed. The results show that the triplet state of d9p is located in the same region as the singlet state. The d-hole, p-electron interaction is therefore much weaker than in the free ion.
Effects of Retinoic Acid (Vitamin A) on Tumor Necrosis Factor Cytolytic Action

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a monokine produced primarily by macrophages. TNF has a number of activities including direct lysis of certain transformed cells and induction of antiviral activity. One of the protoypical transformed cell lines used for studying TNF cytolysis is murine L-929 cells. Because of the lysis, TNF has not been shown to have antiviral activity in these cells. Since retinoic acid (RA) induces a normal phenotype in the L-929 cells, we sought to determine if their conversion to a normal phenotype would 1) render them insensitive to the cytolytic effect and 2) allow for the development of an antiviral state. We present evidence that both the cis- and trans- forms of RA and to a lesser extent, the RA precursor beta-carotene, can inhibit recombinant human TNF cytolytic activity in mouse L-929 cells. However, blockage of the cytolytic activity does not allow development of an antiviral state.
Effect of positive and negative affective stimuli and beverage cues on measures of craving in non treatment-seeking alcoholics

Rationale Laboratory paradigms are useful for investigating mechanisms of human alcohol cue reactivity in a highly controlled environment. A number of studies have examined the effects of beverage exposure or negative affective stimuli on cue reactivity independently, but only a few have reported on interaction effects between beverage cue and affective stimuli, and none have evaluated the effects of positive stimuli on beverage cue reactivity.
Interleukin-6 activity in dogs with juvenile polyarteritis syndrome: effect of corticosteroids

Abstract Juvenile polyarteritis syndrome (JPS) is an idiopathic febrile disease in dogs. Elevated serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have been reported in human patients with vasculitis. We investigated whether these cytokines are also elevated in serum of dogs with JPS using sensitive bio-assays. Increased levels of IL-6 activity were detected in the serum of 12 acutely ill dogs, whereas the IL-6 activity decreased to low or undetectable levels during convalescence. Treatment of 5 acute JPS dogs with prednisone resulted in a rapid clinical improvement accompanied by a decrease of IL-6 activity. Withdrawal of prednisone treatment caused reappearance of clinical symptoms and high serum IL-6 activity within a few days. TNF activity could not be detected in the samples of normal dogs, convalescent JPS, or acute JPS dogs. These studies support a role for IL-6 in the pathogenesis of JPS.
Component Terminal Dynamics in Poly(ethylene oxide)/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends

The rheological response of high molecular weight tracer chains of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), separately blended with low molecular weight PEO/PMMA matrices of varying composition, were obtained over a 120 deg temperature window. Monomer friction factors, ζ, for each component as a function of temperature and matrix composition were extracted by various means, all of which yielded consistent results. The tracer diffusivities of low molecular weight PEO chains in some of the same blends were obtained by forced Rayleigh scattering, and the resulting friction factors agree well with those obtained using rheology. The overall results show that the mobilities of both PMMA and PEO are strongly composition-dependent in PMMA-rich blends, their monomeric friction factors dropping precipitously upon addition of small amounts of PEO. The composition dependence of the PMMA ζ is strong over a wide composition range, whereas that of PEO is only significant at high PMMA content blen...
Emotional indicators in human figure drawings of sexually victimized and nonabused children

A study was conducted to compare the presence of Koppitz' Emotional Indicators (EIs) and EI Categories in human figures drawn (HFDs) by alleged sexual abuse victims (ASA Vs) and nonabused children. We collected drawings from 65 ASA Vs and 64 comparison (presumably nonabused) subjects. No statistically significant differences in the presence of individual EIs were observed. Alleged sexual abuse victims tended to draw some indicators more often: "legs pressed together," "big hands," and "genitals." It also was observed that more "normal" children than expected drew some indicators, which suggests the possible need for revision of the definition of some indicators, specifically "omission of body." The ASA Vs more often scored an EI from the anxiety category (p = .05) than did comparison children. No significant differences in other categories were demonstrated. It was concluded that drawings from ASA Vs demonstrated anxiety more often than did drawings from comparison children, while specific indicators did not differ between groups. Language: en
Prosthetic radial head stem pull-out as a mode of failure: a biomechanical study.

Purpose Press-fit cementless radial head implant longevity relies on adequate bone ingrowth. Failed implant osseointegration remains a clinical concern and has been shown to lead to prosthetic failure. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that implants with sufficient initial press-fit stability would be less likely to fail due to implant pull-out, as demonstrated by an increasing amount of energy required to remove the prosthesis from the canal.
Identification of a 150-kDa membrane component which is modulated by parathyroid hormone.

Monoclonal antibodies have been produced against primary bone cells obtained from the collagenase digestion of mouse cranial bone. Antibodies were selected on the basis of their immunoglobulin class and those which were identified as IgG were further screened for their ability to inhibit cAMP accumulation in response to sub-maximal doses of the 1–34 amino-terminal peptide of bovine parathyroid hormone, bPTH(1–34). Nine hybridoma clones were subsequently characterized as inhibitory with respect to parathyroid hormone (PTH) responses in intact mouse cranial bone and which also identified a variety of membrane components from detergent extracts of surface-labeled primary bone cells. Five of these antibodies immunoprecipitated a membrane component with Mr of 80000 that appeared to be a major component of the extract susceptible to surface-labeling with 125I. All nine monoclonal antibodies were shown to bind to a suspended-cell preparation of primary bone cells with 2–3 orders of magnitude greater binding than that of control antibodies. Using this assay, one clone, designated 3G12 IgG, was observed to exhibit desensitization effects at the binding level with a time course and dose dependency for PTH pre-incubation that was similar to the establishment of the refractory state in other systems. In addition. the desensitization effect occurred at 37°C but not at 4°C. This antibody was shown to bind saturably to both intact mouse cranial bone and primary bone cells with an apparent affinity constant (Ka) in the range of 109 M. Inhibition of bone cAMP accumulation in response to 2.5 nM bPTH(1–34) was directly correlated to the binding of 3G12 IgG to intact mouse calvariae. A maximum inhibition of approximately 85% was observed. 3G12 IgG immunoprecipitated a single membrane component, Mr 150000, from NP-40 detergent extracts of 125I-labeled primary mouse bone cells. The molecular mass of this component was also 150000 daltons when run on polyacrylamide gel slabs under non-reducing conditions. Control and PTH-pre-treated bone cells were surface-labeled, detergent-solubilized and immunoprecipitated with 3G12 IgG in order to investigate further the desensitization effect at the molecular level. Incubation of bone cells with 1 μg/ml bPTH(1–34) for 45 min at 37°C caused an increased susceptibility to surface-labeling with 125I that was approximately three-fold higher in specific activity than that of control cells. Under conditions of quantitative immunoprecipitation, 3G12 IgG precipitated less of the 150-kDa membrane component from the PTH pre-treated bone cell extract, indicating a decreased availability of this membrane component under conditions of desensitization. We propose that the 150-kDa protein from mouse bone cells may be the PTH receptor, a component of the receptor or a membrane protein which is directly involved in the PTH responsiveness of these cells.
Reactions of carbon disulfide and carbon dioxide adducts (η-C5H5)(CO)2FeCX2− with organoiron electrophiles

Abstract Reactions of FpCS2−K+ (1) and FpCO2−Na+ (and Li+) (2) (Fp = η5-C5H5)(CO)2Fe) with organoiron electrophiles FpX (X = I, OSO2CF3, HgCl), (η5-C5H5)L(CO)FeI (L = P(OPh3), PPh3), and (η5-C5H5)(CO)Fe(CH3CN)2+PF6− are contrasted. Treatment of the CS2 adduct 1 with the bis-acetonitrile salt gives the η(η1-C: η2-S,S′)-CS2 complex FpC (S)SF e(CO)Cp, (4). Photolysis of the known η(η1-C: η1-S)-CS2 compound FpC(S)SFp (3) only generates traces of 4, in contrast. Treating the CO2 adduct 2 with the iron electrophiles Cp(L)(CO)FeI affords Fp2, with only trace amounts of FpFe(CO)(L)Cp (for L = PPh3 and P(OPh)3) evident. No η(η1-C: η1-O) bimetallocarboxylate intermediates FpC(O)OFe(L)(CO)Cp are detected. In contrast, Fp−Na+ upon treatment with (η5-C5H5)L(CO)FeI gives 1/1 mixtures of Fp2 and FpFe(CO)(L)Cp (for L = PPh3 and P(OPh)3). The bisacetonitrile electrophile and 2 afford initially the mixed dimer FpFe(CH3CN)(CO)-Cp, which degrades to Fp2 at room temperature. Organic carboxylates RCO2−M+ (R = Ph, CH2Ph, and t-Bu; M+ = Li+, Na+, K+) do not react with (η5-C5H5)(CO)Fe(CH3CN)2+; and photolysis of Fp(acetate) produces only Fp2, not an (η2-O,O′) acetate complex (η5-C5H5)(CO)Fe OC(O) CH3.
Salvage permanent perineal radioactive-seed implantation for treating recurrence of localized prostate adenocarcinoma after external beam radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE To assess our experience with salvage permanent perineal radioactive-seed implantation (SPPI) as a possible therapeutic option for recurrent prostate adenocarcinoma, as salvage therapies for recurrences after definitive external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate are associated with significant morbidity and biochemical failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analysed on patients who had SPPI for localized recurrent prostate adenocarcinoma from 1996 to 2007 after primary treatment with EBRT. Excluded were patients who had other primary treatment or had no follow-up. Primary outcomes were time to biochemical relapse-free survival, using the Phoenix definition of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir +2 ng/mL, and cancer-specific survival. Secondary outcomes were the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the International Index of Erectile Function-5 score (IIEF-5), and complications based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 3). RESULTS In all, 37 patients had SPPI during this period; after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 remained for analysis. At the time of salvage therapy, the median time to the diagnosis of local recurrence was 49 months, the median PSA level was 3.36 ng/mL, the median PSA doubling time was 20 months, and all patients were clinically re-staged at ≤T2 with negative transrectal ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The original Gleason score was ≤6 in nine patients, 7 in eight and ≥8 in three (not recorded in two). The median follow-up after SPPI was 30 months; the cancer-free survival was 96% (one death) and biochemical relapse-free survival was 88% (three patients). The PSA level was higher than the levels before SPPI at 3 months in all three failures, but lower in all 21 patients considered relapse-free. Complications included one urethral stricture, one grade 3 rectal haemorrhage and five grade 2 gross haematuria that resolved with conservative management. Insufficient data were available to assess the IPSS or IIEF-5 scores. CONCLUSION With a short-term follow-up SPPI appears to provide excellent prostate cancer control with an acceptable rate of complications for patients with local recurrence of prostate cancer after EBRT. An extended follow-up is necessary to determine the long-term durability and safety of SPPI.
On inferences of bond character from bond length; the important role of nonbonded interactions

Abstract Although experimental molecular structure is one of the oldest and most frequently applied diagnostic tools in studies of the nature of chemical bonds, it is concluded that its application to all but the grossest details of bonds such as carbon-carbon bonds remains entirely speculative. The concept of bond length is discussed to emphasize the need for careful consideration of ambiguities associated with the natural indeterminacy of atomic positions. A theoretical basis is given to the empirical Schomaker-Stevenson rule relating bond length to electronegativity. The divergent views of Pauling and Walsh on hybridization, ionic character, and bond strength are reconciled to some extent with the aid of a simple model. It is shown that structural effects commonly attributed to conjugation, hyperconjugation, hybridization, and partial ionic character can be rationalized to a remarkable extent in terms of nonbonded interactions. It is suggested that these factors are not fundamentally as distinct from each other as they are often assumed to be, and that much more serious attention should be given to the role of nonbonded interactions.
AN EVALUATION OF PRECIPITATION GAGE DENSITY IN A MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN

: Inter-station analysis was employed to evaluate the adequacy of the precipitation network in topographically complex West Virginia. A 25-year period was determined as the minimum lingth of record needed for relatively stable and fairly accurate estimates of long-term (50-year) precipitation and in frequency analysis. Data from the 83 National Weather Service stations with 25-year records were adjusted for consistency and evaluated separately by zones east (31 stations) and west (52 stations) of the Appalachian divide. Correlation coefficients (r) and average standard errors of estimate were computed for all station pairs within 50 miles distance and 1000 feet elevation difference of each other. The third polynomial equation of inter-station distance eliminated using elevation and land slope as the criteria in network design in this mountainous terrain. A network with (r) = 0.9 estimates annual precipitation with accuracy as great as 5 percent, but requires about 250 additional gages (i.e., about 200 percent of the present density).
Negative muons as solid state probes

Abstract It is shown that the use of negative muons as solid state probes is complicated by the de-excitation scheme of muonic atoms. A comparison with some recent radiation damage experiments suggest that the μ− atom (at least in silicon) is displaced to an interstitial position.
Risk of injury to restrained children from passenger air bags.

The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of children's exposure to passenger air bag (PAB) deployments and to determine the relative risk of both minor and more serious nonfatal injuries to restrained children exposed to PABs in frontal impact collisions. Data were collected from 1 December 1998 to 30 November 2001 from a large-scale, child-specific crash surveillance system based on insurance claims, a telephone survey, and on-site crash investigations. Vehicles qualifying for inclusion were State Farm-insured, model year 1990 or newer, and involved in a crash with at least one child occupant h 15 years of age. Qualifying crashes were limited to those that occurred in 15 states and the District of Columbia. A stratified cluster sample was designed in order to select vehicles (the unit of sampling) for the conduction of a telephone survey with the driver. For cases in which child occupants were seriously injured or killed, in-depth crash investigations were performed. The prevalence of...
A computer vision-based approach to grade simulated cataract surgeries

To increase the timeliness, objectivity, and efficiency in evaluating ophthalmology residents' learning of cataract surgery, an automatic analysis system for cataract surgery videos is developed to assess performance, particularly in the capsulorhexis step on the Kitaro simulator. We utilize computer vision technologies to measure performance of this critical step including duration, size, centrality, circularity, as well as motion stability during the capsulorhexis procedure. Consequently, a grading mechanism is established based on either linear regression or non-linear classification via Support Vector Machine of those computed measures. Comparisons of expert graders to the computer vision-based approach have demonstrated the accuracy and consistency of the computerized technique.
Universal rights, systemic violations, and cultural relativism in Morocco

In Universal Rights, Systemic Violations, and Cultural Relativism in Morocco, Osire Glacier gives readers a useful analysis of the contradictions inherent in Morocco's approach to defining and upho...
Competing interest groups and union members' voting

Objective. This study is designed to assess the impact of support for union and social interest groups on labor union members' voting. Methods. Descriptive and logit analyses of members' support for senatorial and gubernatorial candidates in the 1994 Pennsylvania elections examine the relationship between support for the union and support for the Christian Coalition and National Rifle Association. Results. The results indicate that union members who are more supportive of labor's political goals are more likely to support union-endorsed candidates. But union members differ considerably in their support for union political goals vis-a-vis the Christian Coalition and National Rifle Association. Conclusions. Unions were a potentially pivotal force in the 1994 Pennsylvania elections. If they had been better able to educate their members about the importance of voting their economic self-interest, then the election outcomes might have been reversed.
An efficient algorithm for one-step planar compliant motion planning with uncertainty

Uncertainty in the execution of robot motion plans must be accounted for in the geometric computations from which plans are obtained, especially in the case where position sensing is inaccurate. We give anO(n 2 logn) algorithm to find a single commanded motion direction that will guarantee a successful motion in the plane from a specified start to a specified goal whenever such a one-step motion is possible. The plans account for uncertainty in the start position and in robot control, and anticipate that the robot may stick on or slide along obstacle surfaces with which it comes in contact. This bound improves on the best previous bound by a quadratic factor, and is achieved in part by a new analysis of the geometric complexity of the backprojection of the goal as a function of commanded motion direction.
Computer modeling studies of the molecular product and ferric ion yields in the radiolysis of water and aqueous solutions with high energy electrons

Abstract Radiation chemical yields have been modeled for two systems: (1) ferric ion yields in irradiated, acidic ferrous sulfate and (2) H 2 and H 2 O 2 yields in irradiated neutral and acidic aqueous solutions, some containing H 2 O 2 added before irradiation. These modeling efforts are significant because one model, employing fitting parameters from modeling kinetic data obtained in pulse radiolysis studies, has been able to predict accurately a significant number of final chemical yields with little or no adjustment in fitting parameters. Thus, the model has now been tested with a variety of experimental data taken with high energy electrons and has met all tests put to it, including previously difficult-to-model molecular yield data.
A botanical containing freeze dried açai pulp promotes healthy aging and reduces oxidative damage in sod1 knockdown flies

Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), a critical enzyme against oxidative stress, is implicated in aging and degenerative diseases. We previously showed that a nutraceutical containing freeze-dried acai pulp promotes survival of flies fed a high-fat diet or sod1 knockdown flies fed a standard diet. Here, we investigated the effect of acai supplementation initiated at the early or late young adulthood on lifespan, physiological function, and oxidative damage in sod1 knockdown flies. We found that Acai supplementation extended lifespan even when started at the age of 10 days, which is the time shortly before the mortality rate of flies accelerated. Life-long acai supplementation increased lifetime reproductive output in sod1 knockdown flies. Our molecular studies indicate that acai supplementation reduced the protein levels of genes involved in oxidative stress response, cellular growth, and nutrient metabolism. Acai supplementation also affected the protein levels of ribosomal proteins. In addition, acai supplementation decreased the transcript levels of genes involved in oxidative stress response and gluconeogenesis, while increasing the transcript levels of mitochondrial biogenesis genes. Moreover, acai supplementation reduced the level of 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts, a lipid peroxidation marker. Our findings suggest that acai supplementation promotes healthy aging in sod1-deficient flies partly through reducing oxidative damage, and modulating nutrient metabolism and oxidative stress response pathways. Our findings provide a foundation to further evaluate the viability of using acai as an effective dietary intervention to promote healthy aging and alleviate symptoms of diseases with a high level of oxidative stress.
Coronary revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass in high-risk patients: a route to the future

Previous reports have demonstrated that reoperative coronary revascularization, advanced age, female sex, and impaired left ventricular dysfunction are independent predictors of operative mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). CABG without cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump CABG) has been proposed as a potential therapeutic alternative in these high-risk patient groups. Despite the substantial learning curve associated with off-pump CABG, early outcomes of off-pump CABG in high-risk patients are better than those associated with the conventional on-pump CABG approach. These results suggest that off-pump CABG is a safe alternative to on-pump CABG in high-risk patients. Randomized prospective studies are needed to validate the results of these initial retrospective reports and to demonstrate the long-term benefits of this approach.
The relationship between cooling rate, grain size and the mechanical behavior of B2 FeAl alloys

Abstract The effects of cooling rate on the room temperature mechanical behavior of B2 FeAl alloys has been examined. Increases in cooling rate result in large increases in the yield strength for both stoichiometric Fe-50 Al and iron-rich Fe-40Al. This increase in strength is accompanied by a decrease in plastic elongation for Fe-40Al alloys that display up to 5% plastic strain when slowly cooled but were essentially brittle when oil quenched. Hall-Petch analysis of mechanical tests performed over a wide range of grain sizes indicates that these cooling-rate effects are primarily related to increases in the basic lattice resistance to flow and not strongly associated with grain boundary strengthening. These changes in mechanical behavior can be attributed to the large number of thermal vacancies that can be retained when these materials are quenched from high temperatures. The addition of boron to these alloys does not have a systematic effect on the relationship between cooling rate and mechanical behavior.
Tacky but refined: a "slick" technique for dressings that hold better

For decades benzoin has been used to enhance the "stickiness" of the skin for improved adherence complementing the protective and functional aspects of well-constructed surgical bandages/dressings. The fully adherent and longer-lasting pressure dressing is both aesthetically pleasing to the patient (and surgeon) and, at the same time, functions to decrease seroma or hematoma formation, enhances antisepsis by blocking transient bacterial contamination, and inhibits traumatic sabotage of surgical wounds due to patient overactivity or inadvertent collision with a door jam, car door, table leg, or grandchild, etc. Also, when the bandage looks good, the patient realizes the operation was a success (at least aesthetically). Although simple, our additional steps of deoiling the skin with acetone, followed by multiple compress/release cycles of gauze to the Mastisol area reaps benefits to the patient and surgeon both in function (adherence) and in the production of a truly "dressy" beautiful and long-lasting dressing. In this way, the dressing "bed" is not only more receptive to one's aesthetically pleasing bandage, but is more tacky, yet refined. This same technique can be utilized prior to application of adhesive strips to healing wounds after sutures have been removed, allowing them to "stay on" longer with potentially better cosmesis and less spreading of the scar.
Investigation of the Kinetics of Tungsten Chemical Mechanical Polishing in Potassium Iodate‐Based Slurries: I. Role of Alumina and Potassium lodate

We investigated aspects of the kinetics of tungsten chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) in iodate‐based slurries. Specifically, we performed experiments in which we measured the tungsten polish rate and process temperature as a function of alumina concentration, potassium iodate concentration, platen temperature, polish pressure, polish rotation rate, and pad type. We found that the polish rate data fit a multiterm regression model better than the empirical Preston equation. Polish rate was found to vary with all of the factors investigated. Process temperature varied with all of the factors except potassium iodate concentration. These results, in combination with an energy balance on the entire process, indicate the change in temperature due to alumina concentration is mostly due to energy input from increased shaft work. This implies that the chemical and physical interactions between the alumina and tungsten surfaces are complex and play an important role in the mechanism of tungsten removal during CMP. © 1999 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Implementation of topographically constrained connectivity for a large-scale biologically realistic model of the hippocampus

In order to understand how memory works in the brain, the hippocampus is highly studied because of its role in the encoding of long-term memories. We have identified four characteristics that would contribute to the encoding process: the morphology of the neurons, their biophysics, synaptic plasticity, and the topography connecting the input to and the neurons within the hippocampus. To investigate how long-term memory is encoded, we are constructing a large-scale biologically realistic model of the rat hippocampus. This work focuses on how topography contributes to the output of the hippocampus. Generally, the brain is structured with topography such that the synaptic connections formed by an input neuron population are organized spatially across the receiving population. The first step in our model was to construct how entorhinal cortex inputs connect to the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. We have derived realistic constraints from topographical data to connect the two cell populations. The details on how these constraints were applied are presented. We demonstrate that the spatial connectivity has a major impact on the output of the simulation, and the results emphasize the importance of carefully defining spatial connectivity in neural network models of the brain in order to generate relevant spatiotemporal patterns.
Childhood melanoma survival.

BACKGROUND Melanoma in childhood is uncommon. Some believe that melanoma among children is associated with a better prognosis than among adults. METHODS The authors reviewed their institutional experience with melanoma in 40 patients younger than 18 years treated between 1950 and 1984. All slides were reviewed by a single dermatopathologist who was blinded to clinical outcomes. Long term follow-up was available for all but three patients. RESULTS There were 26 girls and 14 boys. The median age at diagnosis was 15 years (range, 3–17 years). Eleven patients (28%) were younger than 12 years. Fifteen patients (38%) had melanoma arise in a congenital nevus (2 had bathing trunk nevi). The most common site was the extremity (n = 23), followed by the trunk (n = 10) and the head and neck (n = 7). Seventeen patients (43%) initially were considered to have benign lesions, and 23 patients (57%) were diagnosed correctly with melanoma at initial presentation. Only 21 of 37 evaluable patients (57%) were alive at last follow-up, with a median follow-up of 18 years (range, 2–48 years). Fifteen patients (41%) died of their disease, with a median survival of 12 months (range, 6–60 months). One patient died of breast carcinoma 14 years after treatment for melanoma. Disease free survival was 57% at 5 and 10 years. Of the 15 patients who died of disease, 12 were female (P = 0.09) and 10 had melanoma arising in a congenital nevus (P < 0.05). Five-year overall survival was 78% for patients who presented with localized disease (n = 23) and 30% for patients who presented with regional metastasis (n = 16, P < 0.001). There were no survivors among those who presented with systemic disease (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS Children with melanoma are at significant risk of dying of their disease. Survival is similar to that seen among adults and depends on stage at presentation. The survival advantage observed for adult females is not seen among children. Cancer 1999;85:750–4. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Environmental requirements of three threatened plants on limestone glades in Southern Missouri

Abstract Information on critical area required to ensure the long-term survival of plant populations is lacking for the development of conservation policy. Here we examine the relative importance of critical area and environmental factors to the distribution of a threatened perennial Penstemon cobaea , biennial Stenosiphon linifolius , and annual Centarium texense on limestone glades in southern Missouri. Two of three plants show a glade-size dependent distribution: P. cobaea colonised large and S. linifolius small glades. C. texense successfully colonised glades of all sizes. Environmental requirements of populations of the three species differed, but overlap in range was evident. Diffuse competition may account for the observed patterns in distribution but further study is required. In the interim, we suggest that a useful approach for developing a conservation policy for natural plant communities is the intensive study of a few plant species with contrasting life-history strategies.
Linking calcification by exotic snails to stream inorganic carbon cycling

Biotic calcification is rarely considered in freshwater C budgets, despite calculations suggesting that calcifying animals can alter inorganic C cycling. Most studies that have quantified biocalcification in aquatic ecosystems have not directly linked CO(2) fluxes from biocalcification with whole-ecosystem rates of inorganic C cycling. The freshwater snail, Melanoides tuberculata, has achieved a high abundance and 37.4 g biomass m(-2) after invading Kelly Warm Springs in Grand Teton National Park. This high biomass suggests that introduced populations of Melanoides may alter ecosystem processes. We measured Melanoides growth rates and biomass to calculate the production of biomass, shell mass, and CO(2). We compared Melanoides biomass and inorganic C production with ecosystem C pools and fluxes, as well as with published rates of CO(2) production by other calcifying organisms. Melanoides calcification in Kelly Warm Springs produced 12.1 mmol CO(2) m(-2) day(-1) during summer months. We measured high rates of gross primary productivity and respiration in Kelly Warm Springs (-378 and 533 mmol CO(2) m(-2) day(-1), respectively); CO(2) produced from biocalcification increased net CO(2) production in Kelly Warm Springs from 155 to 167 mmol CO(2) m(-2) day(-1). This rate of CO(2) production via biocalcification is within the published range of calcification by animals. But these CO(2) fluxes are small when compared to ecosystem C fluxes from stream metabolism. The influence of animals is relative to ecosystem processes, and should always be compared with ecosystem fluxes to quantify the importance of a specific animal in its environment.