cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaginal endosonography in the assessment of the anorectum

Endosonography from within the anus has been used to image the anorectum and its associated musculature. A 5.0-MHz endovaginal probe was inserted vaginally, and longitudinal and cross-sectional views of the anorectum were obtained. We were able to measure rectal length and diameter, puborectalis thickness and angle, thickness of internal and external anal sphincter, and the curvature of the anal canal. We visualized defects in the internal and external anal sphincters. Suitable images were obtained from 70 subjects. Muscle thicknesses were within previously published ranges. Twenty-five of 70 subjects (36%) had defects of the internal anal sphincter, and 19 of 65 subjects (29%) had defects of the external anal sphincter.
Algorithm for determining optimum sequestration depth of CO2 trapped by residual gas and solubility trapping mechanisms in a deep saline formation

An algorithm is proposed here for determining the optimum sequestration depth (in terms of depth corresponding to maximum net income per unit rock volume) in a saline formation for CO2 trapped by residual gas and solubility trapping mechanisms. The Peng–Robinson equation of state was used to determine the density and fugacity of sequestered CO2 and the compression energy required for CO2 injection. Geochemist’s Workbench®, a commercial geochemical software package, was used to estimate CO2 solubility in groundwater. Operational costs and CO2 emissions due to compression energy consumption were estimated. A hypothetical reference case was constructed to illustrate the proposed algorithm, assuming constant values of geothermal gradient, hydrostatic pressure gradient, sweep efficiency and initial groundwater chemistry, with a depth-dependent porosity and porosity-dependent saturation of residual gas. In general, the algorithm was illustrated successfully for the hypothetical reference case and produced the following results. The depth corresponding to maximum trapping capacity was approximately 3000 m, but the depth representing maximum net income was approximately 1300 m. CO2 emissions due to compression energy consumption per unit mass of CO2 sequestration cannot be ignored, but may be <0.15, even down to a depth of 7000 m. Both the trapping capacity and net income of CO2 sequestration decreased with geothermal gradient, but the corresponding optimum depths increased with geothermal gradient.
Critical Layer Effects on Atmospheric Solitary and Cnoidal Waves

Abstract The interactions of atmospheric cnoidal waves with a critical level are examined using a two-dimensional numerical model. A cnoidal wave system is generated by applying a bore initial condition to a shallow surface-based inversion; the system is analyzed using various profiles of stability and shear. Under neutral conditions a critical level is shown to cause wave reflection with wave growth, as indicated by the vertical velocity, when the stability is low. Increasing the ambient stability above the cnoidal wave leads to a reduction in the reflective properties of the critical level and an increase in critical level absorption. The division between wave growth and wave decay occurs near a critical level Richardson's number of 0.25 agreeing with instability theory. When a variable profile of stability is assumed, with stable regions both below and above the critical layer and weak stability at the critical level region, the cnoidal wave system again amplifies, but not as strongly. The results conf...
Harvey and Fludd: The irrational factor in the rational science of the seventeenth century.

Only a few years ago Charles Singer, referring to William Harvey's sources in the De Motu Locali Animalium, remarked: "He mentions Laurentius (once), Vesalius (once) and-save the mark-the Rosicrucian Robert Fludd (once). The last is important for the history of human error, but can have no place in the history of science." 1 Singer's statement is understandable if we insist upon evaluating the science of earlier periods from our post-Newtonian vantage point. If we do this, the "mystical-alchemist" Fludd surely seems far removed from the "experimentalist" Harvey. When the relevant texts are viewed in historical context, however, the relationship between these men becomes far less difficult to understand.2 Not only do we find that they were colleagues and friends; we also find that they were deeply
Destruction and formation of toxins by one bacterial species affect biodegradation by a second species

Two strains of Pseudomonas able to grow on phenol or p-nitrophenol (PNP) were isolated from sewage. Pseudomonas sp. PN101 mineralized and formed nitrite from PNP but did not mineralize phenol, and Pseudomonas sp. PH111 mineralized phenol but not PNP. Phenol increased the lag period before Pseudomonas sp. PN101 grew on and mineralized PNP, but this toxicity was reduced by inoculation of the medium with Pseudomonas sp. PH111. PNP inhibited growth of Pseudomonas sp. PH111 and slightly increased the length of the acclimation period for the mineralization of phenol by the bacterium. Inoculation of Pseudomonas sp. PN101 into solutions containing PNP and phenol increased the lag period prior to growth of Pseudomonas sp. PH111 on phenol and markedly lengthened the lag period for its mineralization of phenol. Coinciding with this delay in the onset of phenol degradation was the accumulation of an organic compound formed from PNP by Pseudomonas sp. PN101. This compound was not mineralized by the phenol-degrading bacterium. The data suggest that bacteria may interact during the decomposition of chemical mixtures by destroying or by forming toxins that affect the biodegradation of individual components of those mixtures.
Tertiary cytoreductive surgery in recurrent ovarian cancer: Selection criteria and survival outcome

Abstract Objectives. Studies of tertiary cytoreductive surgery (TCS) in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer are limited, and appropriate patient selection remains a clinical challenge. We sought to evaluate the impact of TCS on survival and to determine predictors of optimal tertiary resection. Methods. Between January 1997 and July 2004, 47 women with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer underwent TCS at two institutions. All patients received initial platinum and taxane-based chemotherapy following primary cytoreductive surgery. Clinico-pathologic factors and survival were retrospectively abstracted from medical records. Optimal TCS was defined as microscopic residual disease. Results. Thirty of 47 (64%) patients underwent optimal TCS. Size of tumor implants p =0.03). After controlling for age, time to progression and optimal TCS, only the presence of diffuse disease at tertiary exploration remained a significant poor predictor of survival. However, in a cohort of patients with limited disease implants, multivariate analysis indicated that optimal TCS retained prognostic significance as a positive predictor of survival. Twelve patients (26%) experienced severe postoperative complications, including six with pulmonary embolism, four with fistulae and two with postoperative myocardial infarctions. Conclusions. Size of disease implants on preoperative imaging may guide the selection of candidates for TCS. In those patients with limited disease implants at laparotomy, optimal TCS is associated with improved survival.
Bloch- und Néel-Wände in dünnen ferromagnetischen Schichten

In dunnen ferromagnetischen Schichten erzeugen Domanenwande ein Streufeld. Dies fuhrt dazu, das die Struktur und Energie solcher Wande gegenuber Wanden im unendlich ausgedehnten Material erheblich beeinflust werden.Neel hat bereits gefunden, das in dunnen Schichten zwei verschiedene Wandtypen existieren mussen. Das Neelsche Verfahren zur Abschatzung der Streufeldenergie wird in dieser Arbeit durch ein konsequentes Variationsverfahren ersetzt und daraus die Energie und Struktur einer 180°-Wand in einer dunnen Schicht mit einachsiger magnetischer Anisotropie berechnet.
Thermal Stability Of Beryllium Mirrors

Beryllium mirrors have shown excellent stability over a wide range of thermal conditions. Experiments were conducted using flat mirrors which remained flat from room temperature down to 89 degrees K. LUPI interferometer measurements confirmed calculated data. The surface was monitored during the thermal cycle from room temperature to 89°K. The results have good agreement with calculation. For a spherical mirror, the radius of curvature changes as predicted. For an elliptical mirror, the radius of curvature at the vertex changed but eccentricity remained the same.
Heat transfer in packed beds—a reevaluation

Data for heat transfer from packed beds are reexamined in the light of new insights. Much of the data includes a length effect, resulting from a higher BidpϵR(1-ϵ)=0.27.
Implantation and recovery of temporary metallic stents in canine coronary arteries

AbstractObjectives. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of implanting and retrieving a heat-activated recoverable temporary stent and to determine its effect on the angiographic, ...
Chronological changes in toxicity of and heavy metals in sediments of two Chesapeake Bay tributaries

Abstract Sediments are storage compartments for many toxicants and act as indicators of pollution. The objective of this research was to study the chronological changes in the toxicity and heavy metals concentrations in the sediments of Wicomico River (WR) and Pocomoke River (PR)—two Chesapeake Bay tributaries. The sediments were collected from four sites in both the rivers; sediment and porewater were separated and analyzed for toxicity using the marine luminescent bacteria— Vibrio fischeri (Microtox®). The most toxic site from each river was used for studying the chronological changes in toxicity and heavy metals concentrations. A mean sedimentation rate (7.5 cm/yr) was used for calculating the time scale. The sediments were collected at a depth of 23.0 cm and divided into three 10-yr periods. The sediment collected from the depth corresponding to the years 1965–1975 was the least toxic and contained the lowest amount of metals in both the rivers. The toxicity and heavy metal concentrations from this depth were used as the baseline data. Five heavy metals—all EPA priority pollutant—zinc, lead, copper, cadmium and arsenic were identified and measured both in the sediment and porewater. The results show an increase in both the toxicity and input of metals over the next 20 yr compared to the baseline data for both the rivers. The increases in toxicity and heavy metals concentrations appear to be related to increase in industrial and agricultural activity around WR and PR, respectively.
Rendering biological iridescences with RGB-based renderers

Brilliant iridescent colors occur on many biological objects. Current RGB-based graphics renderers are not sufficient to simulate such phenomena. This is because biological iridescences are caused by interference or diffraction, which requires wavelength information to describe. In this article, we propose an iridescent shading process that allows to render biological iridescences with RGB-based renderers. The key ideas are to construct spectra from colors and to use a wavelength-dependent model to describe iridescences. A novel model for iridescent illumination due to multilayer interference is developed based on analytic calculation and numerical simulation, and is simplified for practical rendering. The iridescent shading process is implemented using RenderMan embedded in Maya. Iridescent Morpho butterflies and ground beetles are rendered as examples to test the proposed techniques.
Molecular imaging of proteolytic activity in cancer

The early detection of both primary tumors and metastatic disease continue to be significant challenges in the diagnosis and staging of cancer. The growing recognition of the role of proteinases and proteolytic cascades in both the growth and metastasis of tumors has led to the development not only of therapeutic strategies using proteinase inhibitors, but also of methods to detect and image tumors in vivo via tumor-associated proteolytic activities. These imaging strategies derive from the enhanced sensitivity afforded by amplification that can be obtained by enzymatic processing to increase the efficacy of imaging "contrast agents" coupled with the inherent substrate specificity and selectivity of proteinases. This review describes key proteinases important in cancer progression, the strategies that have been devised to detect and image proteolytic activity in vivo, and the potential for this kind of functional imaging to serve as a marker for targeted therapy. The intent is to draw attention to the developing methods of molecular imaging to facilitate not only cancer diagnosis, but also for devising strategies for individualized targeted therapy and non-invasive monitoring of therapeutic efficacy.
Calibration of light-scattering photometers VII. Calibration by means of colloidal dispersions of Mie scatterers

The possibility of utilizing dilute polymer latex dispersions for calibration of light-scattering photometers has been explored. For this purpose, Mie angular scattering functions for spherical particles of known size distribution and refractive index must be computed. It has been demonstrated that the computed intensities are too sensitive to the small, but finite, polydispersity of so-called monodisperse latex dispersions, and to slight variations of the mean particle size. Because of this sensitivity, the calibration method based on the use of Mie scatterers is impractical and unreliable.
Bowenoid dysplasia of the vulva

The histologic findings of five patients with clinically typical Bowenoid dysplasia (BD) allowed the authors to classify the vulvar and perineal biopsies of 18 patients under 40 years as BD and the vulvar biopsies of six patients under 40 years as squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS). The two best criteria for BD are cellular uniformity and absence of pilosebaceous involvement. Vesicular chromatin is a less constant feature of BD. Clinically, patients with BD were younger than those with CIS, more frequently had elevated and multiple lesions and other developed BD with pregnancy. Histologic features therefore discriminate between clinical BD and CIS, but the authors emphasize that both clinical and pathologic features are necessary for proper diagnosis. Follow-up of BD has been benign, with one exception. Spontaneous regression occasionally occurred. One patient with CIS developed microinvasive carcinoma. Patients with BD were regarded at lesser risk for invasive carcinoma than patients with CIS; they are therefore amenable to conservative therapy.
ELECTROCONVULSIVE SEIZURE: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE VALIDITY OF CALCULATING THE CYTOPLASMIC FREE [NAD+]/[NADH] [H+] RATIO FROM SUBSTRATE CONCENTRATIONS OF BRAIN

— This study is an investigation into the applicability of redox calculations to brain. At six intervals following electroconvulsive scizure, multiple metabolites were measured in freeze-blown brain from unanesthetized rats. From substrate ratios, the time course of the rapid changes in the cytoplasmic free [NAD+]/ [NADH] [H+] ratio was calculated from the reactions of lactate dehydrogenase [EC 1.1.1.27], malate dehydrogenase [EC 1.1.1.37] and glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase [EC 1.1.1.8], The pattern of the redox ratios in the control animals was also compared with the same ratios determined in freeze-clamped liver, a relatively homogeneous tissue. Though some evidence for effects of compartmentation are present in the results from brain, these effects are relatively minor. There was found to be very good agreement in the direction and magnitude of change of the redox ratios calculated from lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase, and even from glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase at points of low flux. In spite of rapid changes of metabolites, the reaction catalyzed by glutamateoxaloacetate transaminase remained very near its equilibrium position at all time periods. From the results it has been concluded that in spite of the obvious structural heterogeneity of brain, meaningful calculations of the cytoplamic redox state in brain are possible.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism presenting as renal osteodystrophy.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (pseudo HPT) is the prototype of a group of diseases with end organ unresponsiveness to parathyroid hormone (PTH). Patients with the classic form of this disease have both renal and osseous resistance to PTH. We describe a rare variant of pseudo HPT with classic renal unresponsiveness to PTH but normal skeletal responsiveness to this hormone. The latter patients develop mentabolic bone disease in response to depressed calcium and elevated PTH levels. Skeletal abnormalities are histologically and radiologically indistinguishable from renal osteodystrophy and these patients frequently present in childhood with symptoms relating to slipped capital femoral epiphyses. The latter radiologic findings, in the face of normal renal function or the classic somatic features of the syndrome, are highly suggestive of pseudo HPT with normal skeletal responsiveness to PTH.
Hydrolysis of higher fatty acid esters of p-nitrophenol by rat liver and kidney lysosomes.

Abstract Esterases, acting on higher fatty acid esters of p-nitrophenol, are shown to be concentrated in the lysosomes of rat liver and kidney by the amount of enzyme sedimented with light mitochondria, by the purification of lysosomes, and by the preparation of Triton WR 1339-filled liver lysosomes. Most of the esterase of liver lysosomes is associated with the lysosomal membrane, whereas a major portion of the kidney lysosomal esterase can be solubilized by freezing and thawing. The pH optimum of the lysosomal esterase of both tissues is between 3.6 and 4. The Km of liver lysosomal esterase for p-nitrophenyl myristate is 0.001 m . The lysosomal esterase is activated by Triton X-100, inhibited by citrate, phthalate, NaCl, EDTA, protamine sulfate, Hg++, iodoacetate, NaF, deoxycholate, and taurocholate. The esterase is unaffected by 10−4 m DFP, bovine serum albumin, Triton WR 1339, and most divalent cations. The microsomal esterase of both tissues is powerfully inhibited by 10−4 m DFP. The relative rates of hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl esters containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the fatty acid were determined. The lysosomal esterases are least active on p-nitrophenyl caprylate and more active on higher fatty acid esters. The microsomal esterase is most active on p-nitrophenyl caprylate and has very little activity on higher fatty acid esters. The properties of lysosomal acid esterase and acid lipase are discussed.
Puncture proof retractable device

The purpose of this project is to develop a puncture proof surgical retraction device to aid in surgery, particularly abdominal/thoracic surgery. The client, Dr. Adam D Fox of the division of trauma surgery and critical care at Rutgers University School of Medicine asked for a surgical device to prevent common workplace needle stick injuries that occur during suturing due to the close proximity of assisting surgeon's hands to the suture needle. An additional requirement of the glove is to maintain maximum manual dexterity and increase retraction ability of the assisting surgeon as part of an ideal design. Existing solutions for puncture resistance, increased manual retraction, and sterilization techniques were researched and side-by-side comparisons were used to determine the optimal solution. The proposed reusable design utilizes a puncture-resistant SuperFabric® glove coated in latex with a webbed hand design between the second and fifth digits of the hand. This design best allows for adequate puncture prevention from the four suture needles commonly used in surgery while increasing manual retraction by means of increased surface area. Additionally, material selection and design allows for easily accessible sterilization techniques and conforms to the applicable FDA & OSHA standards for surgical gloves. Extensive testing and research was done to verify the optimal choices of design morphology and the client is overall very pleased with the design. Further testing and evaluation will be completed in the spring semester to verify the validity of the design before final device construction and delivery to the client.
Circadian organization of tau mutant hamsters: Aftereffects and splitting

Homozygous tau mutant (tau(ss)) hamsters show an extremely short (20 h) circadian period (tau) that is attributable to altered enzymatic activity of casein kinase 1epsilon. It has been proposed that coupling of constituent circadian oscillators is strengthened in tau(ss) hamsters, explaining their tendency to show strong resetting after prolonged exposure to constant darkness. To evaluate further the circadian organization of tau(ss) hamsters, the authors assessed the extent of shortening of period as an aftereffect of exposure to light:dark cycles whose period (T) is 91% of tau and the ability of constant light to induce splitting. They find that tau(ss) hamsters show aftereffects comparable to wild types, indicating that normal CK1epsilon activity is not required for T cycles to shorten tau. This finding also contradicts the proposal that circadian period is homeostatically conserved. However, the authors find that tau(ss) hamsters rarely show splitting in constant light. Furthermore, LL does not induce lengthening of tau or reduction of activity duration (alpha) in these mutants. The authors' findings support the conclusion that the tau mutation alters the coupling between constituent circadian oscillators.
An approach to high availability for cloud servers with snapshot mechanism

Virtualization technologies enable the execution of multiple virtual machine instances (VMs) with different operating systems (OSs) on the same physical host. Each VM instance functions independently as an isolated system with its own physical resources, OS and applications. Due to significant cost saving and efficiency, the virtualization model has been increasingly adapted by enterprises and service providers as their main computing and service delivery infrastructure, running critical internal business and external customer facing applications. To minimize down time due to unexpected VM crashes, a high availability or backup system is usually built into the infrastructure. There are many high availability technology options available such as replication, mirroring and fail over clustering. Most of these solutions are usually designed based on the traditional computing model, they are costly to implement, complicated and tedious to maintain, especially in a virtualized environment, and they often require additional expensive hardware and software components. In this paper, we introduce a simple, flexible, scalable, extensible, efficient and cost effective system which utilizes the current VM infrastructure and common utilities to provide a high availability solution in the virtualization environment. Our smart adaptive snapshot replication technique provides a smooth and reliable mechanism for cost-performance, wherein the amount of resources allocated for high availability solution can be adjusted based on available resources, utilization and customer requirements.
Connected braided Hopf algebras

Abstract We prove a braided version of Kostant–Cartier–Milnor–Moore theorem: The category of connected τ-cocommutative ( τ 2 = id ) braided Hopf algebras over a field of zero characteristic is equivalent via the enveloping construction to the category of generalized Lie algebras. This statement includes an embedding of any generalized Lie algebra into its universal enveloping algebra, the isomorphism H ≅ U ( Prim H ) , and primitive generation results. The embedding theorem may be derived from the Poincare–Birkhoff–Witt theorem for quadratic algebras of Koszul type (Remark C). We also provide a direct proof that uses neither Koszul cohomologies nor the algebraic deformation theory. We consider the primitive generation problem for subalgebras, biideals and homomorphic images of connected braided Hopf algebras in much more general context, when the braiding is not necessary involutive, and even it is not necessary invertible.
Effects of Trace Metals, Oxygen and Light on the Glucose-Glycine Browning Reaction

THE reaction of amino-acids and sugars to form brown-coloured products (Maillard reaction) has attracted the attention of many investigators1. Although such variables as the type of sugar and of amino-acid, concentration of reactants, pH, temperature, and catalytic effects of buffers have been recognized and controlled in model experiments, results of different workers are still difficult to reconcile.
Nonlinear utility models arising from unmodelled small world intercorrelations

Savage's axioms show the rationality of maximizing expected utility when all uncertainties are explicitly modelled. But individuals actually make decisions in bounded contexts called small worlds. Savage's axioms do not imply the optimality of maximizing expected utility in small worlds unless lotteries in different small worlds are probabilistically independent. Relaxing this independence assumption causes Savage's axioms to imply the optimality of maximizing a nonlinear utility model which includes, as special cases, the Chew weighted linear utility model, the Bell elation/disappointment model and the Allais mean/variance model in utility-independent small worlds.
Enhanced radiation late effects and cellular radiation sensitivity in an ATM heterozygous breast cancer patient

We observed severe late effects in a patient treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer. Radiation survival studies of patient fibroblasts show an enhanced cellular radiation sensitivity (Do = 0.95 Gy). Genetic analysis reveals that the patient is heterozygous for a mutated ATM gene. Protein truncation test (PTT) and sequence analysis identified a truncation within the leucine zipper domain, corresponding to a fragment previously reported to exhibit dominant negative function. These findings demonstrate that ATM heterozygosity may be associated with enhanced clinical radiation sensitivity and suggest a clinical relevance to this truncation that results in a dominant negative-acting protein.
Visualization of the architecture of poly(α-lipoic acid) using atomic force microscopy

Abstract The architecture of thermally polymerized poly(α-lipoic acid) after enzyme-catalyzed amplification was investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Branched structures were observed, in contrast with the proposed interlocking, polycatenane structures.
Comparative Analysis of Outcomes and Costs Following Open Radical Cystectomy Versus Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy: Results From the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Abstract Background Although robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) was first reported in 2003 and has gained popularity, comparisons with open radical cystectomy (ORC) are limited to reports from high-volume referral centers. Objective To compare population-based perioperative outcomes and costs of ORC and RARC. Design, setting, and participants A retrospective observational cohort study using the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample to characterize 2009 RARC compared with ORC use and outcomes. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Propensity score methods were used to compare inpatient morbidity and mortality, lengths of stay, and costs. Results and limitations We identified 1444 ORCs and 224 RARCs. Women were less likely to undergo RARC than ORC (9.8% compared with 15.5%, p =0.048), and 95.7% of RARCs and 73.9% of ORCs were performed at teaching hospitals ( p p =0.035) and fewer deaths (0% and 2.5%, p p =0.046); however, there was no difference in length of stay. RARC compared with ORC was $3797 more costly ( p =0.023). Limitations include retrospective design, absence of tumor characteristics, and lack of outcomes beyond hospital discharge. Conclusions RARC is associated with lower parenteral nutrition use and fewer inpatient complications and deaths. However, lengths of stay are similar, and the robotic approach is significantly more costly.
Backward Shifts on Banach SpacesC(X)

Abstract J. R. Holub conjectured that the Banach spaceC(X) of real valued continuous functions does not admit a backward shift, ifXis a compact Hausdorff space with an infinite connected component. Here the conjecture is settled by proving that for arbitrary infinite compact Hausdorff spacesX,C(X) does not admit a backward shift.
A Note to His Doctor

My friend, old and passing, said, “There is more to life than staying alive. Don’t rescue me too much.” On his farm, twelve miles out by rough gravel roads, he is done with plowing, spraying, harvesting. But he is not done watching the sun sink below the windbreak or listening to the nighthawks above his fields. Don’t make him move to town. There is more to tragedy than dying.
Abstract 3377: The effect of E-cadherin loss on melanoma formation and metastasis in a conditional mouse model

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Melanoma claims the lives of thousands of individuals each year despite the development of novel therapeutic agents. The vast majority of these deaths are due to cancer metastasis and prognosis in each case is often difficult to determine. This lack of effective therapy and prognostic indicators emphasize the need for a better understanding of the genetic and phenotypic changes in melanoma formation and progression. One such change may be the loss of E-cadherin, an important molecule in cell-cell adhesion. E-cadherin is downregulated with melanoma disease progression, suggesting that it may function to restrict melanoma invasion and metastasis. Though changes in E-cadherin expression have been suggested to be important in cancer progression in in vitro studies, few have investigated this change functionally in vivo. In order to characterize the role of E-cadherin in melanoma formation and metastasis, we have utilized a well-characterized conditional mouse model combining the Braf V600E mutation with Pten tumor suppressor loss. This model allows us to specifically and reproducibly induce melanoma in mice in a spatially and temporally restricted model. We have combined this model with conditional E-cadherin inactivation in order to evaluate the role of E-cadherin loss on changes in cell morphology and signaling in addition to melanoma formation, progression and metastasis. Loss of E-cadherin significantly decreases survival of mice in the Braf/Pten tumor model and alters the expression of markers of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). These findings functionally delineate the role of E-cadherin loss in melanoma formation and progression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3377. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3377
SENSOR BASED "VIRTUAL BUMPERS" FOR COLLISION AVOIDANCE : CONFIGURATION ISSUES

Most collision avoidance strategies for highway vehicles have primarily been based on control of 1 degree-of-freedom (1 DOF). Such collision avoidance strategies typically use RADAR or other range sensors as a means to servo on the distance between the controlled vehicle and the vehicle in front. However, for large inertia vehicles such as trucks, such strategies which involve engine/transmission or brake control, may likely prove inadequate for avoiding collisions with vehicles on either side or with animals. A 2 DOF strategy involving both steering and speed control conceptually offers significant advantages over 1 DOF strategies. A 2 DOF strategy is introduced that is based on the concept of a virtual bumper. As the name implies, the approach is based on surrounding the perimeter of the vehicle with a sensor-based computer controlled `bumper'. As the bumper's boundary is `deflected,' (i.e. the vehicle's `personal space' is invaded) a virtual force proportional to the amount of deflection is generated. The vehicle controller responds to this virtual force in such a way as to return the bumper to its non-deflected state. Information on the road geometry can also be used to generate a virtual force field to keep the vehicle in its lane. A number of vehicle mounted RADAR units measure the range and range rate between the sensors (mounted and oriented to cover the field around the vehicle) and the obstacle. Using this sensory information and an impedance based control algorithm, the vehicle will attempt to always move away from the obstacle in a controlled manner using both steering and speed control. By integrating local lane/shoulder information and sensor provided data on incursions into the vehicle's personal space, appropriate trajectory displacements are generated based on the virtual force summation. In this paper, we discuss a number of issues that need to be addressed in developing such virtual bumpers.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Disaggregating and Explaining Corporate Political Activity: Domestic and Foreign Corporations in National Politics

Corporate political activity is usually operationalized and analyzed as financial contributions to candidates or political parties through political action committees (PACs). Very little attention has been paid to other dimensions, such as lobbying, in a systematic way. On a theoretical level we address the issue of how to conceive of PAC contributions, lobbying, and other corporate activities, such as charitable giving, in terms of the strategic behavior of corporations and the implications of “foreignness” for the different types of corporate political activity. On an empirical level we examine the political activities of Fortune 500 firms, along with an oversampling of U.S. affiliates of large foreign investors for the 1987–88 election cycle.
Participation of a dialyzable cofactor in the relaxing factor system of muscle. I. Studies with single glycerinated fibres.

Abstract Granules sedimented in 2 h at 35,000 × g do not account for the relaxing activity of a crude muscle extract on the ATP-induced tension of glycerinated single muscle fibres. Large amounts of granules, however, are able to produce maximal relaxation. The combination of the granules and the 35,000 × g supernatant, or its dialysate, reproduces the relaxation brought about by an equivalent amount of crude extract. This suggests the participation of a dialyzable cofactor in the mechanism of relaxation. The cofactor is not replaceable by phosphoenolpyruvate or creatine phosphate, even in the presence of the appropriate kinases. Carnosine inhibits relaxing activity.
Nondegenerate two-photon absorption in GaSb

Abstract The nonlinear optical absorption of n -type GaSb at 77 K was investigated using time-resolved pump–probe techniques. By holding the pump wavelength constant and varying the probe wavelength, the nondegenerate two-photon absorption spectrum was measured for parallel and perpendicular polarization orientations between the pump and probe beams. The nondegenerate two-photon absorption coefficients, which were measured to be as large as 140 cm/GW, are found to be 2–3 times smaller for the perpendicularly polarized case than in the parallel polarization case. A Kramers–Kronig transformation allowed the determination of the dispersion of the nondegenerate nonlinear refractive index, which was found to be as large as 2×10 −3 cm 2 /GW.
The Challenging Dynamics of Global North-South Peacebuilding Partnerships: Practitioner Stories From the Field

Critical dynamics arise when Northern-based outsiders partner with local insiders in the Global South. This article investigates how power asymmetry, funding challenges, and other crucial dynamics ...
Screening vegetable oil alcohol esters as fuel lubricity enhancers

Methyl and ethyl monoalkyl esters of various vegetable oils were produced for determining the effects of type of alcohol and fatty acid profile of the vegetable oil on the lubricity of the ester. Four methyl esters and six ethyl esters were analyzed for wear properties using the American Society for Testing and Materials method D 6079, Evaluating Lubricity of Diesel Fuels by the High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig. Ethyl esters showed noticeable improvement compared to methyl esters in the wear properties of each ester tested. No correlation was found between lubricity improvement and fatty acid profile of the ester, except that esters of castor oil had improved lubricity over other oils with similar carbon chain-length (C18) fatty acids.
PKK Suppresses Tumor Growth and Is Decreased in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin

Non-melanoma skin cancer represents the most common cancer in the United States. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is a subtype of NMSC that shows a greater potential for invasion and metastasis. The current study identifies the protein kinase C–associated kinase (PKK), which is also known as the receptor-interacting protein kinase 4, as a suppressor of tumor growth in SCC of the skin. We show that expression of PKK is decreased in human SCC of the skin compared with normal skin. Further, suppression of PKK in human keratinocytes leads to increased cell proliferation. The use of RNA interference to reduce PKK expression in keratinocytes leads to an increase in S phase and in proteins that promote cell cycle progression. Consistent with the results obtained from cell culture, there is a marked increased tumorigenesis after PKK knockdown in a xenotransplant model and in soft agar assays. The loss of tumor suppression involves the NF-κB and p63 pathways. NF-κB is inhibited through inhibition of inhibitor of NF-κB kinase function and there is increased nuclear TP63 activity after PKK knockdown. This study opens new avenues both in the discovery of disease pathogenesis and for potential treatments.
Trends of superconducting transition temperatures in ternary alloys of lead, bismuth, and group 3A elements

The transition temperatures of lead-bismuth alloys doped with gallium or indium are measured using the inductance technique. The effects of varying the doping element, adjusting the amount of the doping element, and altering thee/a ratio are studied.
The sensitizing effect of acute nicotine on amphetamine-stimulated behavior and dopamine efflux requires activation of β2 subunit-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors

Nicotine has been demonstrated to enhance the subsequent use of illicit drugs in animals and humans. We previously demonstrated in female, Holtzman rats that one low dose of nicotine will potentiate locomotor activity and dopamine (DA) efflux in response to a subsequent low dose of d-amphetamine (AMPH) given 1-4 h later. In the present study, we show this also occurs in male rats and characterize the receptors required for the rapid sensitizing effect of nicotine on AMPH-stimulated locomotor behavior and AMPH-induced DA efflux. Pretreatment of male, Holtzman rats with a low dose (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) of nicotine 2-4 h before a challenge with AMPH (0.32 mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced locomotor behavior as compared to saline pretreatment. Dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE), a relatively selective antagonist at β2 subunit-containing (β2∗) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), but not methyllycaconitine (MLA), a relatively selective antagonist at α7 nAChRs, blocked the sensitizing effect of nicotine on AMPH-stimulated locomotor activity. Pretreatment with varenicline, a partial agonist selective for β2∗ nAChRs, blocked the sensitizing effect of nicotine on AMPH-stimulated locomotor behavior. Nicotine pretreatment sensitized AMPH-induced DA overflow in slices from ventral (nucleus accumbens, NAc), but not dorsal striatum as compared to saline-pretreated rats. Nicotine sensitization of the DA overflow was blocked by DHβE. Pretreatment with the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (+)-MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.) 30 min before nicotine blocked sensitization of both locomotion and DA overflow in response to AMPH challenge. These results demonstrate that activation of the β2∗ nAChRs and NMDA receptors are required for the rapid sensitizing effect of nicotine on AMPH actions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Trends in neuropharmacology: in memory of Erminio Costa'.
Phonological and orthographic processing: Their roles in reading prediction

Ninety-six children were administered an orthographic test as preschoolers and two measures of nonphonemic phonological awareness (syllable segmentation, rhyme detection) in midkindergarten. The power of the three measures to predict reading at grades 1, 3, and 7 was examined. With earlier reading level, preschool verbal IQ and age, and verbal memory controlled, both phonological measures added significant variance to grade 1 word reading, and syllable segmentation also contributed to reading comprehension, but neither measure accounted for variance in reading at grades 3 and 7. The orthographic measure contributed significant variance to grade 1 word reading, and also to reading vocabulary and reading comprehension at grades 3 and 7, with the proportion of variance in reading comprehension increasing with grade level. When early (grade 1) and late (grade 7) poor readers were compared, late poor readers were significantly higher than early poor readers on a first grade phonological test, but significantly lower on a seventh grade orthographic measure. Evidence suggested that a late reading comprehension deficit may be due to poor orthographic processing skills in some children, but to a phonological and general verbal deficit in others.
Near-surface monitoring for the ZERT shallow CO2 injection project

Abstract As part of a collaborative effort operated by the Zero Emission Research and Technology Center (ZERT), a series of two shallow releases of CO2 was performed at a test site in Bozeman, MT. The purpose of the experiment was to simulate possible leakage scenarios from a carbon capture and storage operation in order to further develop and verify monitoring technologies used to characterize and quantify the release of CO2. The project included collaboration with several research groups and organizations. Presented here are the results of soil–gas monitoring conducted by researchers from the National Energy Technology Laboratory, including CO2 flux measurement, soil–gas analysis, perfluorocarbon tracer monitoring, and soil resistivity measurements. Together, these methods proved to be effective in detecting and characterizing leakage in the near-surface.
Test-retest reliability, repeatability, and sensitivity of an automated deformation-controlled indentation on pressure pain threshold measurement.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to construct a computerized deformation-controlled indentation system and compare its test-retest reliability, repeatability, and sensitivity with a manual algometer for pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurements. Methods Pressure pain threshold measurements were made on 16 healthy subjects for 2 sessions on bilateral erector spinae muscles at L1, L3, and L5 spinal levels, consisting of 5 repeated trials each using computerized algometry on one side and manual algometry on the other side. Mean, SD, coefficient of variation, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated for both manual and computerized PPT measurements. Effects of session, level, method, and side on PPT measurements were evaluated using analysis of variance. Results Manual PPT measurements were significantly larger than computerized PPT measurements ( P = .017), and session 2 was significantly larger than session 1 ( P = .021). Coefficient of variation, intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change of the manual and computerized PPT measurements were 10.3%, 0.91, 0.19 kg/cm 2 , and 0.54 kg/cm 2 and 15.6%, 0.87, 0.26 kg/cm 2 , and 0.73 kg/cm 2 , respectively. Conclusions Although computerized algometry offers the benefits of eliminating the effects of operator reaction time, operator anticipation, alignment error, and variation in indentation rate on PPT measurements, these results indicate that manual algometry using load-controlled strategy may be better than computerized deformation-controlled algometry in terms of test-retest reliability, repeatability, and sensitivity. Constant load-controlled indentation protocol may be more favorable for PPT measurements. Future computerized instrumentation for PPT measurements should adopt a load-controlled mechanism.
The accretion rate of extraterrestrial 3He based on oceanic 230Th flux and the relation to Os isotope variation over the past 200,000 years in an Indian Ocean core

Abstract In the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean, the flux of extraterrestrial 3 He, a proxy of interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), has been relatively constant over the past 200 ka. The flux is equal to (1.1±0.4)×10 −12 cm 3 STP cm −2 ka −1 , a value obtained using the xs 230 Th profiling method. Variations in mass accumulation rates (MARs) derived assuming a constant extraterrestrial 3 He flux have a 40-ka periodicity similar to that observed in the δ 18 O-derived MARs. This frequency is similar to that of the Earth's obliquity. Measured 187 Os/ 188 Os ratios are less radiogenic than present-day seawater (0.49–0.98), reflecting the mixing of Os derived from extraterrestrial, terrigenous and hydrogenous sources. When coupled with He data measured on the same samples, Os isotope data yield important information about the terrigenous component supplied to the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean. The amount of Os in the sample derived from the extraterrestrial component can be deduced with the help of the helium systematics. Once corrected for the extraterrestrial component of Os, Os isotope signatures, in conjunction with the 4 He concentrations, suggest a supply of terrigenous material from Indonesian ultramafic and Himalayan crustal sources that clearly varies through time.
Genomic analysis of Fusarium verticillioides

Fusarium verticillioides (teleomorph Gibberella moniliformis) can be either an endophyte of maize, causing no visible disease, or a pathogen-causing disease of ears, stalks, roots and seedlings. At any stage, this fungus can synthesize fumonisins, a family of mycotoxins structurally similar to the sphingolipid sphinganine. Ingestion of fumonisin-contaminated maize has been associated with a number of animal diseases, including cancer in rodents, and exposure has been correlated with human oesophageal cancer in some regions of the world, and some evidence suggests that fumonisins are a risk factor for neural tube defects. A primary goal of the authors' laboratory is to eliminate fumonisin contamination of maize and maize products. Understanding how and why these toxins are made and the F. verticillioides-maize disease process will allow one to develop novel strategies to limit tissue destruction (rot) and fumonisin production. To meet this goal, genomic sequence data, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and microarrays are being used to identify F. verticillioides genes involved in the biosynthesis of toxins and plant pathogenesis. This paper describes the current status of F. verticillioides genomic resources and three approaches being used to mine microarray data from a wild-type strain cultured in liquid fumonisin production medium for 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120h. Taken together, these approaches demonstrate the power of microarray technology to provide information on different biological processes.