cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dielectric breakdown on LiF cleavage surfaces in compressed N 2 gas

This paper presents a study of electrical breakdown effects on LiF cleavage surfaces situated in compressed nitrogen gas. The object of interest is the (100) dendrite. As first reported by Gilman and stauff,1 this dendrite forms extensive surface patterns on the cleavage face of LiF crystals situated in dielectric liquids when subjected to dc positive (dominant pattern) and negative breakdown voltage. Its classification as a dislocation feature was not accepted by workers at NRL2 who found it to be grooved and channeled. However, since dislocation spike structures, known as screw pairs, were found about some dielectric breakdown paths, 3 the question of primacy was not resolved. According to the basic observations and ideas of von Hippel, 4 substantiated by the work of Cooper and Elliott5 and of Davisson, 6 and treated theoretically by Offenbacher and Callen, 7 the dielectric breakdown path is produced by the disruptive action of oriented electron avalanches which results initially in the formation of dislocation-free, plasma-containing, grooves and channels. The orientation is due to the Brillouin zone structure of the normal modes of lattice vibration. Gilman and stauff1 have proposed that dielectric breakdown is preceded by a discontinuous nucleation of dislocation loops.
Remote Measurements of Tides and River Slope Using an Airborne Lidar Instrument

AbstractTides and river slope are fundamental characteristics of estuaries, but they are usually undersampled due to deficiencies in the spatial coverage of water level measurements. This study aims to address this issue by investigating the use of airborne lidar measurements to study tidal statistics and river slope in the Columbia River estuary. Eight plane transects over a 12-h period yield at least eight independent measurements of water level at 2.5-km increments over a 65-km stretch of the estuary. These data are fit to a sinusoidal curve and the results are compared to seven in situ gauges. In situ– and lidar-based tide curves agree to within a root-mean-square error of 0.21 m, and the lidar-based river slope estimate of 1.8 × 10−5 agrees well with the in situ–based estimate of 1.4 × 10−5 (4 mm km−1 difference). Lidar-based amplitude and phase estimates are within 10% and 8°, respectively, of their in situ counterparts throughout most of the estuary. Error analysis suggests that increased measureme...
The spectrum of lacunar infarction in the elderly.

The incidence of ischemic stroke increases sharply with age. Lacunar infarcts constitute about 25% of ischemic strokes. They usually produce a recognizable clinical picture, the underlying vascular lesion is usually arteriolosclerosis, the thickening of the wall of a perforating arteriole within the brain. Following a lacunar infarct, the most important aspect of patient management is the prevention of stroke recurrence by reduction of vascular risk factors, primarily arterial hypertension.
Structural basis of cooperativity in kinesin revealed by 3D reconstruction of a two-head-bound state on microtubules

The detailed basis of walking by dimeric molecules of kinesin along microtubules has remained unclear, partly because available structural methods have been unable to capture microtubule-bound intermediates of this process. Utilizing novel electron cryomicroscopy methods, we solved structures of microtubule-attached, dimeric kinesin bound to an ATP analog. We find that under these conditions, the kinesin dimer can attach to the microtubule with either one or two motor domains, and we present sub-nanometer resolution reconstructions of both states. The former structure reveals a novel kinesin conformation that revises the current understanding of how ATP binding is coupled to forward stepping of the motor. The latter structure indicates how tension between the two motor domains keeps their cycles out of phase in order to stimulate directional motility. The methods presented here pave the way for future structural studies of a variety of challenging macromolecules that bind to microtubules and other filaments.
Optimal Length Tree-Like Refutations of Linear Feasibility in UTVPI Constraints

In this paper, we propose two algorithms for determining the optimal length tree-like refutation of linear feasibility in Unit Two Variable Per Inequality (UTVPI) constraints. Given an infeasible UTVPI constraint system (UCS), a refutation certifies its infeasibility. The problem of finding refutations in a UCS finds applications in domains such as program verification and operations research. In general, there exist several types of refutations of feasibility in constraint systems. In this paper, we focus on a specific type of refutation called a tree-like refutation. Tree-like refutations are complete, in that if a system of linear constraints is infeasible, then it must have a tree-like refutation. Associated with a refutation is its length which corresponds to the total number of constraints (including repeats) that are used to establish the infeasibility of the corresponding linear constraint system. Our goal in this paper is to find the optimal (minimum) length tree-like refutation (OTLR) of an infeasible UCS. We show that an OTLR of a UCS can be found in \(O(m \cdot n \cdot k)\) time, where m is the number of constraints, n is the number of variables in the system, and k is the length of an OTLR. We also propose a true-biased, randomized algorithm for this problem. This algorithm runs in \(O(m\cdot n \cdot \log n)\) time, and returns an OTLR with probability \((1-\frac{1}{e})\).
Chapter 6 Animal Models of Self‐Injurious Behavior: Induction, Prevention, and Recovery

Abstract The purpose of this review is to organize the literature over the past 50 years on animal models for self‐injurious behavior (SIB). Of the many animal models for SIB, there are four models for inducing it which have been very productive: (1) the isolate‐rearing model in rhesus monkeys; (2) the neonate 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) lesion model in rats; (3) the administration of stimulants, e.g. amphetamine and pemoline to normal rats; and (4) the administration of the l‐type calcium channel blocker BayK8644 to mice. A model of prevention of repetitive behavior in deer mice, some of which is self‐injurious, is based upon environmental enrichment and environmental complexity. The final section of the paper reviews a 10‐year research program by the authors on training‐induced recovery from SIB. In general, the animal literature supports the neurobiological bases for induction, prevention, and recovery from SIB.
Effective Resolution of Ethical Dilemmas in Social Enterprise Organizations: A Moral Philosophy and Public Management Approach

Public service ethics can provide social enterprise organizations (SEOs) with a means of complementing business ethics. Many public service ethics scholars recognize that internal and external ethi...
Tuck Jump Assessment as an Indicator for Upper Extremity Injury.

The purpose of this study was to determine if tuck jumps can be used as a dynamic movement assessment to ascertain a previous history of upper extremity injury in an overhead throwing sport. Seventy-one youth baseball and softball athletes (28 baseball/43 softball; 12.41±2.22 yrs.; 161.98±13.65 cm; 59.17 ± 14.90 kg) were recruited to participate and were placed in either the previous injury (N=18) or no previous injury (N=53) groups. Kinematic data were collected from jumps 4 through 8 during a trial of 10 tuck jumps performed at 100 Hz using an electromagnetic tracking system (trakSTARTM, Ascension Technologies, Inc., Burlington, VT, USA) synced with the MotionMonitor® (Innovative Sports Training, Chicago, IL, USA). A logistic regression showed no significance in trunk flexion or upper leg elevation in the ability to determine upper extremity injury (χ 2 (1, N=71)=3.55, p=0.315). In conclusion, examining only trunk flexion and upper leg elevation during the tuck jump assessment (TJA) is not enough for clinicians to recognize previous upper extremity injury. Even though the body behaves as a kinetic chain, simplifying the dynamic movement assessment while not specifying the type of upper extremity injury is not favorable for the clinician to identify previous injury.
Cooperation among cancer cells: applying game theory to cancer

Cell cooperation promotes many of the hallmarks of cancer via the secretion of diffusible factors that can affect cancer cells or stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment. This cooperation cannot be explained simply as the collective action of cells for the benefit of the tumour because non-cooperative subclones can constantly invade and free-ride on the diffusible factors produced by the cooperative cells. A full understanding of cooperation among the cells of a tumour requires methods and concepts from evolutionary game theory, which has been used successfully in other areas of biology to understand similar problems but has been underutilized in cancer research. Game theory can provide insights into the stability of cooperation among cells in a tumour and into the design of potentially evolution-proof therapies that disrupt this cooperation.
Pubertal Lipid Levels Are Significantly Lower in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes Who Experienced Partial Clinical Remission.

Importance The physiologic changes in lipids during puberty in type 1 diabetes (T1D) are unclear because subjects in previous studies were not stratified by partial clinical remission status. Aim To determine the effect of partial clinical remission on lipid changes during puberty in youth with T1D. Subjects and methods A retrospective cross-sectional study of 194 subjects consisting of 71 control subjects of age 12.9 ± 1.3 years and 123 subjects with T1D stratified into remitters (n = 44; age, 13.0 ± 0.8 years) and nonremitters (n = 79; age, 11.2 ± 0.6 years). Partial clinical remission was defined as insulin-dose adjusted HbA1c of ≤9. Pubertal status was determined by Tanner staging. Results Among the pubertal cohort, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was significantly higher in the nonremitters compared with remitters (91.1 ± 25.6 vs 77.2 ± 25.8 mg/dL, P = 0.018) and with normal-weight control subjects (91.1 ± 25.6 vs 70.4 ± 22.9 mg/dL, P = 0.009) but was similar between overweight/obese control subjects and nonremitters (89.7 ± 28.9 vs 91.1± 25.6 mg/dL, P = 0.81) and between normal-weight control subjects and remitters (70.4 ± 22.9 vs 77.2 ± 25.8 mg/dL, P = 0.39). Total cholesterol was also significantly higher in nonremitters compared with remitters (167.8 ± 30.5 vs 149.8 ± 32.1 mg/dL, P = 0.012) and with normal-weight control subjects (167.8 ± 30.5 vs 143.2 ± 30.1 mg/dL, P = 0.011) but was similar between nonremitters and overweight/obese control subjects (P = 0.098) and between remitters and normal-weight control subjects (P = 0.51). Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was equally significantly higher in nonremitters compared with remitters (111.3 ± 30.1 vs 95.9 ± 29.1 mg/dL, P = 0.028) and normal-weight control subjects (111.3 ± 30.1 vs 86.2 ± 32.2 mg/dL, P = 0.028) but was similar between nonremitters and overweight/obese control subjects (P = 0.48) and between remitters vs normal-weight control subjects (P = 0.39). Conclusions Puberty-related reductions in low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein occur in remitters and normal-weight control subjects but not in nonremitters and overweight/obese control subjects.
Bridging the Gender Gap in the Society of IR: A Benchmark Study.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the evolving representation of women in the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR). Materials and Methods A retrospective review of the available gender demographic data of various SIR subgroups between 2008 and 2017 was performed. The gender makeup of the following groups was analyzed: SIR membership, SIR Executive Council members and officers, Annual Meeting invited speakers, committee chairs, Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) first and senior authors, JVIR editorial board, IR Quarterly (IRQ) authors, and active interventional radiology (IR) residents and fellows. Results From 2008 to 2017, the percentage of female representation in SIR members doubled (from 6% to 13.1%). In the same period, female representation also significantly increased in Executive Council members (0% to 20%) and officers (0% to 50%), SIR Annual Meeting presenters (5.1% to 15.4%), and JVIR first authors (10% to 14.5%) and senior authors (7.1% to 11.9%). From 2012 to 2017, there were increases in female representation among SIR committee chairs (21% to 28%) and IRQ authors (4.5% to 27%). However, the percentage of female IR residents and fellows did not significantly change between 2008 and 2017 (11% vs 16.2%; P = .51). Conclusions Women interventional radiologists are underrepresented within SIR, representing only 9.2% of active IR physicians. There has been a steady increase in female representation within most areas of SIR evaluated in this study. Although these trends are reassuring, efforts toward increasing recruitment and retention of women in IR need to improve in light of the infancy of IR as a residency program.
Feasibility and acceptability of family administration of delirium detection tools in the intensive care unit: a patient-oriented pilot study

Background Family-administered delirium detection tools may serve as valuable diagnostic adjuncts because family caregivers may be better able than providers to detect changes in patient cognition and behaviour from pre-illness levels of functioning. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of family-administered tools to detect delirium in critically ill patients. Methods In this single-centre pilot tool validation study conducted in August and September 2017, eligible family caregivers used the Family Confusion Assessment Method (FAM-CAM) and the Sour Seven questionnaire to detect delirium during the patient's intensive care unit (ICU) stay. We calculated descriptive statistics for all study variables. Patients and family caregivers were involved as research partners throughout the study. A patient-orient research approach was taken, engaging patients and family caregivers as full partners. Results Of 141 patients admitted to the ICU, 75 were eligible, of whom 53 were approached; 21 patients (40%), 23/38 family caregivers (60%) and 17/38 dyads (i.e., patient and family caregiver enrolled together) (45%) consented to participate. The most common reason for nonenrolment was refusal by the family, who commonly reported feeling overwhelmed. The completion rate for the FAM-CAM and Sour Seven questionnaire was 74% (17/23). Among 13 dyads, family caregivers detected delirium in 5 patients (38%) using the FAM-CAM, and delirium or possible delirium in 8 patients (62%) using the Sour Seven questionnaire, whereas trained research assistants detected delirium in 8 patients (62%) using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit 7 and the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (κ coefficient for agreement between the former and the FAM-CAM and Sour Seven questionnaire 0.62 and 0.85, respectively). Interpretation Administration of the FAM-CAM and Sour Seven questionnaire by family caregivers to detect delirium in the ICU is feasible and acceptable, although, as with most family engagement strategies, it was not desired by all. Results from this pilot study support a definitive study with a larger sample to enable calculation of inferential statistics, but additional recruitment strategies are necessary to improve the response rate. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, no. NCT03379129.
ABO blood group and procoagulant factors: the hypercoagulation hypothesis ABO and Procoagulant Factors

The correlation between procoagulant levels—factor VIII (FVIII), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and fibrinogen—and risk of thrombosis has been well documented in adult populations. We hypothesize that interaction of passively transferred isoagglutinins in premature neonates with a compromised immune system may trigger an immune response that can target the immature gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this study is to evaluate if there are procoagulant level differences in preterm newborns stratified by ABO blood group. VWF, FVIII, and fibrinogen levels were analyzed in neonates ≤32 weeks and/or birthweight ≤1500 g over the first 6 weeks of life. Demographic, blood type, and transfusion data were collected. Elevations in vWF and FVIII were found to be statistically significant in the third week of life in non-O neonates vs. type O neonates. FVIII was also found to be significantly elevated in week 1. Transfused neonates also showed elevations between weeks 0 and 3. There appears to be a time-dependent variation in procoagulant factor levels in preterm newborns. Although the clinical significance remains unclear, prothrombotic factors vWF and FVIII are significantly higher in non-O blood-type preterm neonates in the third week of life.
Staircase problem continued

In the May 2010 issue of Learning and Teaching Mathematics (No. 8) I reported on a variety of solutions offered by teachers to the "Staircase" problem ("Let Me Count The Ways", p. 56). The problem entails finding the sum 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + ... + n by finding the area of a staircase figure that has a base of n squares as shown in Figure 1.
An automated tissue-to-diagnosis pipeline using intraoperative stimulated Raman histology and deep learning.

We recently developed and validated a bedside tissue-to-diagnosis pipeline using stimulated Raman histology (SRH), a label-free optical imaging method, and deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) ...
Lead immobilization by phosphate in the presence of iron oxides: Adsorption versus precipitation.

Abstract As a commonly used corrosion inhibitor, phosphate (PO4) has a complicated effect on the fate and transport of lead (Pb) in drinking water systems. While the formation of pyromorphite has been recognized to be the major driving force of the Pb immobilization mechanism, the role of adsorption on iron oxides is still not clear. This study aims to clarify the contributions of adsorption and precipitation to Pb removal in a system containing both iron oxides and PO4. A combination of batch experiments, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and electron spectroscopy was employed to distinguish the adsorbed and precipitated Pb species. The results indicated that the adsorption of Pb on iron oxides still occurred even when the solution was supersaturated to pyromorphite (i.e., 5 mg/L P with 0.1–30 mg/L Pb in 0.01 M NaCl solution at neutral pH). In the tap water containing 0.92 mg/L P and 1 mg/L Pb, adsorption on iron oxides contributed more (62–67%) than precipitation (33–38%) in terms of Pb removal. Surprisingly, the pre-formed pyromorphite is transformed to adsorbed species after mixing with iron oxides in water for 24 h. The illustration of this transformation is important to understand the immobilization mechanisms and transport behaviors of Pb in drinking water systems after the utilization of PO4.
Strategies for small business: Surviving and thriving in the era of COVID-19

The upheaval caused by the spread of COVID-19 is having a devastating effect on small businesses. A review of the data on COVID-19’s impact on micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises suggests t...
Selection of Screening Tool for Sleep-Disordered Breathing or Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pediatric Patients in the Perianesthesia Setting.

Abstract Purpose This study was undertaken to select an appropriate tool to predict risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among pediatric patients in the preoperative setting. Design/Methods A retrospective chart review and a survey of nursing staff to compare two tools that were determined to be valid in assessing risk of OSA and postanesthesia complications in pediatric patients aged 6 months to 18 years was conducted. About 300 pediatric patients presenting for elective surgery were screened for OSA using STBUR (Snoring, Trouble Breathing during sleep, struggling to Breathe during Sleep, and waking UnRefreshed) and ST(1)OP-BANG (Snoring, Tonsillar hypertrophy, sleep Obstruction, BMI, Age, Neuromuscular disorders, and Genetic/congenital deformities) concurrently. Six preoperative nurses were then surveyed to compare ease of use and time to complete the screening tools. Findings The STBUR tool was found to predict complications in 37.5% patients versus 22.7% patients with the pediatric ST(1)OP-BANG. Nursing staff found that although both tools were quick and easy to use, the STBUR tool was easier for parents to answer. Conclusions Use of a screening tool to help predict risk of OSA and postanesthetic complications also helps to dictate anesthesia technique, nursing staffing requirements, and plans of care for postoperative management of pediatric patients.
Efficacy and safety of vancomycin loading doses in critically ill patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Background:While vancomycin loading doses may facilitate earlier pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic target attainment, the impact of loading doses on clinical outcomes remains understudied. Critically...
500-P: Determinants of Exercise-Induced Increase in Insulin Sensitivity

Exercise training enhances insulin sensitivity (Si) in humans. However, it is to be determined which phenotypic and muscle molecular changes underwrite this change in Si. We sought to understand the mechanisms behind increased Si following 12 weeks of high intensity aerobicinterval (HIIT), resistance (RT), or combined (CT) exercise training in 30 young and 24 old humans. Measurements included Si estimated from a two-stage hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, and a host of independent variables including VO2 peak, muscle mitochondrial respiration, Liver FWF (Fat-Water-Fraction), visceral and subcutaneous fat, and gene expression from muscle biopsies. We performed a univariate and multivariate analysis of Si vs. phenotypic changes induced by training. After adjusting for age, sex and exercise group, VO2max was positively associated with an increase in Si from pre to post exercise (p=0.032). Interestingly, within the RT group alone, positive association between VO2max and Si (p=0.05) and negative association between liver FWF and Si (p=0.034) were observed. Within the HIIT group, there was a positive association between muscular strength and Si (p=0.04). Separate multivariate models assessed the effect of muscle gene expression changes on Si while adjusting for age, training type, response to training, VO2max, and mitochondrial function. Enrichment Analysis of genes associated with Si showed upregulation of genes in Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) and Lysine metabolism, although the latter was specifically upregulated with HIIT. Products of lysine metabolism, such as alpha-aminoadipic acid have been implicated in development of insulin resistance and BCAA are involved in signaling of insulin response. A strong positive association of Si with both BCAA (FDR 0) and lysine metabolism (FDR 0.008) following HIIT and a weaker correlation between Si and BCAA metabolism (FDR 0.002) following RT indicates the role of muscle AA metabolism as a common factor contributing to enhanced Si following exercise training. Disclosure A. Prabha kumar: None. S. Dasari: None. M. W. Pataky: None. J. Crook: None. C. T. Ball: None. K. Klaus: None. I. R. Lanza: None. M. M. Robinson: Stock/Shareholder; Self; GE Healthcare. K. Nair: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (R01AG09531)
Making Open Source Project Health Transparent

We explore the Community Health Analytics for Open Source Software project and how it plays an integral role in the automation of key measures to make the state of open source readily observable.
Referrals for Cryptorchidism: Analyzing for Quality from a Pre-COVID Dataset.

Abstract Objective To identify risk factors associated with an inaccurate diagnosis, delayed referral, and/or inappropriate ultrasound in consecutive referrals for an undescended testicle (UDT). Methods This study was approved by the institutional review board. Data was prospectively collected for all children referred to University of Oklahoma's pediatric urology service from August 2019 to February 2020. The data was imported into SAS vs 9.4 for analysis. We categorized the “quality” of referral by a point system using 3 factors (no previous ultrasound, ≤18 months, correct location). An optimal referral had an accurate testicular examination, was referred by 18 months of age, and no diagnostic ultrasound. Results We collected 75 referrals. Thirty-nine (52.0%) had confirmed UDT, requiring surgery. Twenty-seven (69.2%) had an accurate initial examination. Forty-one (54.7%) were outside the optimal age. Thirty-four were considered low quality (0-1 qualities) and 41 were high quality (2-3 qualities). Seven (9.3%) were optimal (3/3 qualities). Referrals that needed intervention were statistically more likely to be higher quality. Conclusion Increased quality of UDT referrals directly correlated with the likelihood for treatment. This study reveals a need for more education on UDT referral in the community. By improving referring provider knowledge and skills, we can minimize unnecessary referrals.
Impact of high-deductible health plans on health care utilization and costs.

Background. High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are of high interest to employers, policy makers, and insurers because of potential benefits and risks of this fundamentally new coverage model. Objective. To investigate the impact of HDHPs on health care utilization and costs in a heterogeneous group of enrollees from a variety of individual and employer-based health plans. Data. Claims and member data from a major insurer and zip code-level census data. Study Design. Retrospective difference-in-differences analyses were used to examine the impact of HDHP plans. This analytical approach compared changes in utilization and expenditures over time (2007 versus 2005) across the two comparison groups (HDHP switchers versus matched PPO controls). Results. In two-part models, HDHP enrollment was associated with reduced emergency room use, increases in prescription medication use, and no change in overall outpatient expenditures. The impact of HDHPs on utilization differed by subgroup. Chronicallyill enrollees and those whoclearlyhad a choice ofplans were more likelyto increase utilization in specific categories after switching to an HDHP plan. Conclusions. Whether HDHPs are associated with lower costs is far from settled. Various subgroups of enrollees may choose HDHPs for different reasons and react differently to plan incentives.
A converse to a theorem of Steinhaus

A result of H. Steinhaus states that any Lebesgue measurable set $X\subset R$ with positive Lebesgue measure has a property that its difference set contains an open interval around zero. In this note we will prove a statement, which, in a sense, complements it.
Calibration and comparison of the NASA Lewis free-piston Stirling engine model predictions with RE-1000 test data

A free-piston Stirling engine performance code is being upgraded and validated at the NASA Lewis Research Center under an interagency agreement between the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NASA Lewis. Many modifications were made to the free-piston code in an attempt to decrease the calibration effort. A procedure was developed that made the code calibration process more systematic. Engine-specific calibration parameters are often used to bring predictions and experimental data into better agreement. The code was calibrated to a matrix of six experimental data points. Predictions of the calibrated free-piston code are compared with RE-1000 free-piston Stirling engine sensitivity test data taken at NASA Lewis. Resonable agreement was obtained between the code predictions and the experimental data over a wide range of engine operating conditions.
Cellular, Molecular and Clinical Characterization of Patients with Hermansky–Pudlak Syndrome Type 5

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a disorder of lysosome-related organelles such as melanosomes and platelet dense granules. Seven genes are now associated with HPS in humans. An accurate diagnosis of each HPS subtype has important prognostic and treatment implications. Here we describe the cellular, molecular, and clinical aspects of the recently identified HPS-5 subtype. We first analyzed the genomic organization and the RNA expression pattern of HPS5, located on chromosome 11p14, and demonstrated tissue-specific expression of at least three alternatively spliced HPS5 mRNA transcripts, coding for HPS5A and HPS5B proteins, that differ at their 5'-ends. Genetic screening of 15 unassigned HPS patients yielded six new HPS5 mutations in four patients. Clinically, our HPS-5 patients exhibited iris transillumination, variable hair and skin pigmentation, and absent platelet dense bodies, but not pulmonary fibrosis or granulomatous colitis. In two patients with homozygous missense mutations, hemizygosity was ruled out by gene-dosage multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and immunocytochemical analyses of their fibroblasts supported the HPS-5 diagnosis. Specifically, LAMP-3 distribution was restricted to the perinuclear region in HPS-5 fibroblasts, in contrast to the normal LAMP-3 distribution, which extended to the periphery. This specific intracellular vesicle distribution in fibroblasts, in combination with the clinical features, will improve the characterization of the HPS-5 subtype.
Synthesis, characterization and radiolytic properties of bis(oxalato)borate containing ionic liquids

Abstract Previously unreported bis(oxalato)borate (BOB) ionic liquids (ILs) containing imidazolium, pyridinium, and pyrrolidinium cations were prepared from the corresponding halide salts by reaction with sodium bis(oxalato)borate (NaBOB), and their properties are reported. Pulse radiolysis experiments revealed that the BOB anion scavenges solvated electrons with rate constants of ∼3×10 8 M −1 s −1 in the ionic liquid C 4 mpyrr NTf 2 and 2.8×10 7 M −1 s −1 in water. This reactivity indicates that BOB ILs may be too sensitive to be used as neat solvents for nuclear separations processes in high radiation fields but may still be useful for preventing criticality while processing relatively “cold” fissile actinides.
The Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis as a model skin. II: differentiation and physiological roles

The Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis forms one of the principal barrier epithelia of the animal. Differentiation of the epidermis begins in mid embryogenesis and involves apical-basal polarization of the cytoskeletal and secretory systems as well as cellular junction formation. Secretion of the external cuticle layers is one of the major developmental and physiological specializations of the epidermal epithelium. The four post-embryonic larval stages are separated by periodic moults, in which the epidermis generates a new cuticle with stage-specific characteristics. The differentiated epidermis also plays key roles in endocrine signaling, fat storage, and ionic homeostasis. The epidermis is intimately associated with the development and function of the nervous system, and may have glial-like roles in modulating neuronal function. The epidermis provides passive and active defenses against skin-penetrating pathogens and can repair small wounds. Finally, age-dependent deterioration of the epidermis is a prominent feature of aging and may affect organismal aging and lifespan.
Inhibited phospholipid translocation across interdigitated phosphatidylglycerol vesicle membranes

Abstract This study evaluates the ability of atropine, a well-known anticholinergic agent, to alter the rate of phospholipid translocation or ‘flip-flop’ across phosphatidylglycerol vesicle membranes. Atropine does not effect the inward translocation of PG-NBD, a fluorescently labeled phosphatidylglycerol probe, across fluid-phase 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) membranes. A combination of fluorescence methods and atomic force microscopy was used to show that atropine induces dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) vesicles to become fully interdigitated. Phospholipid translocation across these interdigitated membranes is significantly inhibited, most likely because of an increase in membrane rigidity.
Dehydrofluorination of Hydrofluorocarbons by Titanium Alkylidynes via Sequential C−H/C−F Bond Activation Reactions. A Synthetic, Structural, and Mechanistic Study of 1,2-CH Bond Addition and β-Fluoride Elimination

The neopentylidene-neopentyl complex (PNP)Ti═CHtBu(CH2tBu) (1; (PNP− = N[2-P(CHMe2)2-4-methylphenyl]2) extrudes neopentane in neat fluorobenzene under mild conditions (25 °C) to generate the transient titanium alkylidyne (PNP)Ti≡CtBu (A), which subsequently undergoes regioselective 1,2-CH bond addition of a fluorobenzene across the Ti≡C linkage to generate (PNP)Ti═CHtBu(o-FC6H4) (2). Kinetic and mechanistic studies suggest that the C−H activation process is pseudo-first-order in titanium, with the α-hydrogen abstraction being the rate-determining step and the post-rate-determining step being the C−H bond activation of fluorobenzene. At 100 °C complex 2 does not equilibrate back to A and the preference for C−H activation in benzene versus fluorobenzene is 2:3, respectively. Compound 1 also reacts readily, and in most cases cleanly, with a series of hydrofluoroarenes (HArF), to form a family of alkylidene-arylfluoride derivatives of the type (PNP)Ti═CHtBu(ArF). Thermolysis of the latter compounds generates ...
Iodine vapor phase growth of GaN: dependence of epitaxial growth rate on process parameters

Abstract High quality GaN epitaxial films have been grown on sapphire using iodine vapor phase growth (IVPG). The growth mechanism has been investigated to determine the effect of pressure, flow rate, and V–III ratio on the crystalline quality of GaN epi-layers. A major distinction between this process and conventional hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) is the replacement of HCl gas by iodine as a reactant. Ammonia is the source of nitrogen, and forming gas or hydrogen is used as carrier gas. C-plane sapphire wafers with pre-deposited 1 μm MOCVD films were used as substrates. Growth conditions were investigated in the range of pressure between 1 and 0.1 atmosphere, while maintaining the same temperature gradient and mass flow rates for the reactant gases. Within these parameters, it was found that the fastest growth rate for GaN layers is obtained at vapor pressures close to equilibrium. The data indicates crystal quality is also optimized under these conditions. Crystal quality was determined from the FWHM of X-ray rocking curves and room temperature photoluminescence (PL). The crystal quality was found to improve under conditions where the ambient pressure and supersaturation approach equilibrium.
How Important is Steady State Cosmology to Classical and Quantum Electrodynamics

IN a recent article on cosmology and electrodynamics, Hoyle and Narlikar1 have argued that the direct action electrodynamics of Wheeler and Feynman2 may be used as evidence that the steady state model of cosmology is the correct form of cosmology in the physical universe (see also ref. 3). They base their argument on the fact that conventional Maxwell–Lorentz electrodynamics, being basically inconsistent because of the presence of self-energy infinities, can be supplanted only by the Wheeler–Feynman electrodynamics (the justification of the complete absorber assumption coming automatically out of the steady state model of cosmology). This argument would apparently establish a strong connexion between local electrodynamics and steady state cosmology were it not for the fact that a third and more consistent form of electrodynamics exists (in which the Lorentz–Dirac equation can be derived from a variational principle, without any infinite self-interactions, and without recourse to any cosmological assumptions about complete absorption).
BREAKING THE IDOL OF THE MARRIAGE PLOT IN YEAST AND VILLETTE

Nineteenth-century Protestant culture generally held marriage in high esteem, and the notion that marriage was “made in heaven” often explicitly undergirds the conventional resolution of domestic fiction. Despite many indications of a harmonious relationship between human love and religious faith, a countervailing cultural trend reveals a deep conflict between the two. Victorian Protestants worried that passionate love for another mortal creature might lead to heretical extremes, that human love might slip into idolatry, the worship of false and material gods. Jane Eyre memorably confesses that she has “made an idol” of Rochester, although she, of course, looks back upon this transgression from the vantage of marital happiness (274). In this essay, I focus on works in which misgivings about idolatrous love arise with more disruptive force. The marriage plots of Charles Kingsley's Yeast: A Problem (1851) and Charlotte Bronte's Villette (1853) both abruptly collapse, bringing into sharp focus a Protestant religious anxiety that subverts the conventional device with which Victorian domestic novels achieve closure.
Directional Growth of the Urediospore Germ Tubes and Stomatal Penetration

IT is well established that the germ tubes of urediospores of rust fungi penetrate host tissue exclusively through stomata. The factors affecting their growth towards stomata are not known. Our observation of a directional growth of urediospore germ tubes of Puccinia antirrhini and other species of rust fungi on surface of leaves of Antirrhinum majus may have some bearing on this problem.
Long-term oxidation behavior of spinel-coated ferritic stainless steel for solid oxide fuel cell interconnect applications

Abstract Long-term electrical resistance tests were performed to evaluate the performance of AISI 441 ferritic stainless steel coated with a Mn–Co spinel protection layer as a candidate material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell interconnect applications. The tests indicated that, while uncoated AISI 441 shows a substantial increase in area-specific electrical resistance (ASR), spinel-coated AISI 441 exhibits much lower ASR values. The spinel coatings reduced the oxide scale growth rate and blocked outward diffusion of Cr from the oxide scale that grew between the coating and the steel substrate during the long-term tests. The oxide scale consisted of a chromia layer containing discrete regions of Mn–Cr spinel distributed throughout the layer. The presence of Ti in the chromia scale matrix and/or the presence of regions of Mn–Cr spinel within the scale may have increased the scale electrical conductivity, which would explain the fact that the observed ASR in the tests was lower than would be expected if the scale consisted of pure chromia.
Using X-ray excited UV fluorescence for biological crystal location

We demonstrate a direct single-step method to locate a biological crystal using X-ray excited NUV fluorescence. Our technique is an extension of UV-excited NUV fluorescence from biological crystals, reported previously. Our technique has a unique capability of tracking the location of a biological crystal during crystallographic data collection. Published by Elsevier B.V.
P-technique factor analyses of individuals' thought- and mood-sampling data

In a previously reported study, thought and mood samples were collected at random intervals over a 3-day period from subjects moving through their routine daily environments. Subjects rated their immediate thought and mood experiences on 42 variables, producing a series of rating vectors that were then subjected to group (chain-P) factor analysis. In the present study, data for 27 subjects from the original group were reanalyzed using P-technique factor analyses to determine whether the previously described group factor structures were representative of the thinking patterns of individuals from the group. Six stable factors similar to the chain-P group analysis (Aggressive/Bad Mood, Pleasant/Sexual, Clear Thought, Daydreaming/Past Sexual, Duration, and Self-Critical) appeared in at least 20 of the 27 individual P-technique analyses. However, there were also important idiosyncratic variable pattern differences in factors produced by the individual subjects that were not evident in the group results.
IRAK-M plays a central role in differential regulation of acute and chronic alcohol exposure on LPS-induced inflammation in human monocytes

Impaired host defense is linked to alcohol abuse due to alterations in inflammatory mediator production. We hypothesized that in human monocytes, acute alcohol induces hyporesponsiveness to LPS leading to decreased production of the proinflammatory cytokine, TNFa whereas chronic alcohol increases TNFa by sensitization to LPS. Human adherence-isolated blood monocytes were exposed to 25 mM alcohol for 7 days (chronic) and then treated with LPS (100ng/ml) for 18 hrs. For acute or short-term treatment, cells were exposed to LPS and 25 mM alcohol for 18 hrs. TNFa levels were analyzed by ELISA and IRAK-M mRNA and protein determined by real-time PCR and western blotting respectively. Our results show that acute alcohol decreases LPS-induced TNFa production (p ! 0.001) compared to LPS treatment alone. Concomitantly, LPS-induced IRAK-M, a negative regulator of inflammation, is increased after acute alcohol exposure. In contrast, chronic alcohol increases LPS-induced TNFa (p ! 0.001) with simultaneously decreased IRAK-M expression in these cells. Signaling molecules downstream to TLR4/ IRAK-M were also investigated to determine their regulation by acute and chronic alcohol exposure in monocytes. Acute alcohol decreases IRAK-1 and IKK activity, NFkB DNA binding and NFkB-driven reporter activity after LPS stimulation but chronic alcohol increases IRAK-1 and IKK kinase activities, NFkB DNA binding and NFkB-reporter activity. Inhibition of IRAK-M in acute-alcohol exposed monocytes using siRNA restores the LPS-induced TNFa whereas over-expression of IRAK-M in chronic alcohol macrophages prevents the increase in TNFa production. Addition of inhibitors of alcohol metabolism did not alter LPS signaling and TNFa production during chronic alcohol exposure. In summary, increased IRAK-M by acute alcohol leads to hyporesponsiveness of monocytes to LPS and reduced TNFa. In contrast, chronic alcohol sensitizes monocytes to LPS through decreased IRAK-M expression and results in increased TNFa production. Our data indicate that IRAK-M plays a central role in the differential regulation of LPS signaling by different lengths of alcohol exposure in monocytes.
Economic risk, returns and input use under ridge and conventional tillage in the northern Corn Belt, USA

Ridge tillage (RT) has been proposed as an economically viable conservation tillage alternative for row crop production; however the long-term economic viability of RT in the northern Corn Belt of the USA is largely unknown. Economic returns, risk and input use were compared for RT and conventional tillage (CT) in a corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation with high, medium and low nitrogen treatments. The analysis was based on 10 years of experimental data from Brookings, SD on a Barnes clay loam (US soil taxonomy: fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid Calcic Hapludoll; FAO classification: Chernozem). Economic returns were significantly higher at the highest nitrogen treatment levels. Highest average net returns to land and management were $ 78 per hectare for RT at the high nitrogen treatment level (RT-H) followed by $ 59 per hectare for CT at the high nitrogen treatment level (CT-H). Risk, measured as the standard deviation of net returns, was the lowest for CT at the medium nitrogen treatment level (CT-M) followed by RT-H and CT-H. However, net returns were substantially lower under CT-M at $ 32 per hectare. Average yields and average operating costs were not significantly different for RT-H and CT-H. Reduced equipment operating costs for CT-H were offset by increased herbicide costs for RT-H. Equipment ownership costs were significantly lower for RT-H than CT-H. There were no significant differences in fertilizer use for RT and CT. Pesticide use was significantly higher for RT-H than CT-H. Fuel use was 18-22% lower and labor use was 24-27% lower for RT-H than CT-H. Despite continued low adoption rates for RT in the northern Corn Belt, our analysis shows that RT is an economically viable alternative to CT.
Coping and adaptation following acute spinal cord injury: a theoretical analysis.

Coping and adaptation theory is used to synthesise existing data concerning psychological recovery from acute spinal cord injury. Psychological reactions to spinal cord trauma are similar to those of mourning and other situations of severe loss. Each reaction plays a specific role in fostering or hindering recovery depending upon when it occurs. Premorbid personality and the influence of significant others play a central role in coping with injury. These factors partly explain why some patients cope better than others to equally serious disability. A critique of research methodologies and suggestions for new studies are provided.
RFID and Operations Management: Technology, Value, and Incentives

As RFID technology matures and organizations seek to deploy it in their business operations, a basic objective in the endeavor is that of extracting business value from the technology. This paper examines three dimensions of the value proposition of RFID and attempts to identify areas for further investigation. The first dimension consists of the generic architecture of RFID implementations and the drivers of value that can result from its components. The second consists of measurement issues associated with quantification of value. Since the complete benefits of RFID will only result when multiple independent organizations deploy the technology and coordinate the resulting information flows, the third dimension addresses incentives for achieving that diffusion. The collection of issues identified through this exercise offers an initial roadmap to view ongoing research and recognize additional problems for further investigation.
A Critical Review Of Fiber Optic Connectors

Connector and fiber manufacturers have succeeded, to a remarkable degree, in solving their common problem of transferring optical energy from one optical waveguide to another in a reasonably efficient manner. Fiber optic cables and connectors have been on the market for over 10 years during which time the loss in connecting two fibers has gone from greater than 5 dB to less than 1 dB. Concurrently, fiber manufacturers have reduced their core/ cladding diameter variations from +6 microns to 2 microns in 50/125 micron core/clad diameter fibers. Improvements in core/clad concentricity, ovality, and numerical aperture variations have also been made. For a time, a finger pointing exercise went on between connector and fiber manufacturers as to who was responsible for the greatest part of con-nector losses (the separation of losses into intrinsic and extrinsic parts). Both parties had to work together to improve their own product as well as the interface, resulting in better products for the users.
Urinary Stone Formation After Spinal Cord Injury: Risk and Risk Factors

Presumably because of immobilization and susceptibility to urinary tract infection, persons after spinal cord injury (SCI) are at increased risk for urinary stones. Analyzing data from the Model SCI Care Systems, a series of studies has been conducted to document the incidence and recurrence rate of kidney and bladder stones and to identify potential contributing factors, with an emphasis on environmental exposures. This article reviews these reports in comparison with general population data and discusses the plausibility of these findings in light of current knowledge about causal pathways to stone formation. The need for an effective prevention program is also addressed.
Chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum: A case report

Chondrosarcoma arising in the nasal septum has been previously described only 11 times. In this report, another case occurring in an 89-year-old man is discussed. The rarity of such a tumor arising in previously normal cartilage is emphasized. Prognostic factors and surgical treatment are discussed.