cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do cutaneous nerves cross the midline

Standard cutaneous innervation maps show strict midline demarcation. Although authors of these maps accept variability of peripheral nerve distribution or occasionally even the midline overlap of cutaneous nerves, this concept seems to be neglected by many other anatomists. To support the statement that such transmedian overlap exists, we performed an extensive literature search and found ample evidence for all regions (head/neck, thorax/abdomen, back, perineum, and genitalia) that peripheral nerves cross the midline or communicate across the midline. This concept has substantial clinical implications, most notably in anesthesia and perineural tumor spread. This article serves as a springboard for future anatomical, clinical, and experimental research.
Flux Pinning and Activation Energies in Ba(Fe0.95 Ni0.05)2As2 and Ba(Fe0.94 Ni0.06)2As2 Bulk Superconductors

Abstract Thermally assisted flux flow (TAFF) is studied in bulk Ba(Fe 0.95 Ni 0.05 ) 2 As 2 ( T c = 20.4 K), Ba(Fe 0.94 Ni 0.06 ) 2 As 2 ( T c = 18.5 K) superconductors by transport measurements in magnetic fields up to 18 T.The onset TAFF temperature and the crossover temperature T x from TAFF to flux flow are determined. The flux pinning activation energy U is modeled as U(T,H) = U 0 (H) f(t) where f(t) is temperature function and the modified Anderson-Kim model is used to extract U 0 , which is graphed as a function of magnetic field μ 0 H near T c . Maximum pinning energies at 0 T are about 1600 K for Ni6 doped sample and at about 4800 K for Ni5 doped sample. Sub-TAFF resistive regime caused by fluctuations is observed. The upper critical fields H c2 are measured in a range of temperatures below T c to find H c2 ( T=0 ) by applying the WHH model.
Antarctica. Stirring the icy waters

Lake Vostok is a giant, freshwater lake hidden below the East Antarctic ice sheet. There is some evidence that the lake may contain ancient life. Radar data now confirms that ice melts and refreezes at the base of the ice sheet in a way that encourages circulation of the water. This has implications for the survival of life in the lake.
Scenario Analysis of the Impact on Drinking Water Intakes from Bromide in the Discharge of Treated Oil and Gas Wastewater

AbstractElevated levels of bromide have been shown to contribute to increased formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Both produced water from unconventional oil and gas wells, which are hydraulically fractured using high volumes of fluids, and produced water from conventional oil and gas wells, which are also typically hydraulically fractured but with lower volumes of fluids, can contain high levels of bromide. If these produced waters are treated in conventional commercial wastewater treatment plants, bromide may not be removed from the effluent and is discharged to receiving water bodies. Elevated bromide levels at drinking water plant intakes is a concern for public health reasons if elevated bromide levels cause elevated levels of DBPs. This study used data from commercial wastewater treatment plants and river flow data in western Pennsylvania to construct generic discharge scenarios that illustrate the potential impacts from disposal of five classes of water that were developed from flowback an...
Enamel and dentin bond strengths of a new self-etch adhesive system.

Statement of Problem: Self-etch adhesives typically are mildly acidic and therefore less effective than etch-and-rinse adhesives for bonding to enamel. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the enamel and dentin shear bond strengths of a new two-step self-etch adhesive system, OptiBond XTR (Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA, USA). Materials and Methods: The labial surfaces of 80 bovine teeth were ground to create flat, 600-grit enamel or dentin surfaces. Composite was bonded to enamel or dentin using the new two-step self-etch system or a three-step etch-and-rinse (OptiBond FL, Kerr), two-step self-etch (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray America, Houston,TX, USA), or one-step self-etch adhesive (Xeno IV, Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA). Following storage in water for 24hours, shear bond strengths were determined using a universal testing machine.The enamel and dentin data sets were subjected to separate analysis of variance and Tukey's tests. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the effects of each system on enamel.
Development of an endoluminal intestinal lengthening device using a geometric intestinal attachment approach.

Background Distraction enterogenesis may provide a novel therapy for short bowel syndrome. Previously described methods have relied on isolated intestinal segments or transmural fixation because of ineffective endoluminal attachment. We hypothesized that a novel approach of geometric coupling between a tapering device and the mesenteric curvature would allow trans-stomal distraction enterogenesis. Methods A catheter device was designed with tapering stiffness, consisting of a stiff catheter with a taper to a flexible latex tip to prevent perforation. Yorkshire pigs underwent creation of a jejunal Roux limb with device placed via jejunostomy. Intestinal attachment was achieved without a substantial decrease in bowel perfusion as measured by laser Doppler. An external clamp was secured at the stoma to provide external fixation of the device. The catheter was advanced 1 cm/day for either 7 or 14 days before explant. Results After 7 days, the distracted segment achieved a mean ± SD increase in length of 37 ± 6% versus fed, nondistracted bowel, corresponding to an absolute gain of 10.6 ± 1.7 cm (1.5 cm/day). After 14 days, the Roux limb achieved an 80 ± 2% increase in length versus fed control bowel, corresponding to an absolute gain of 16.8 ± 3.0 cm (1.2 cm/day). No perforation or stoma-related complication occurred. Conclusion We describe a novel catheter device with tapering stiffness allowing for endoluminal distraction enterogenesis via geometric coupling. This approach may allow development of clinically applicable technology for the treatment of patients with short bowel syndrome.
Measurement and Correlation of the Thermal Conductivity of Propane from 86 K to 600 K at Pressures to 70 MPa

New experimental data on the thermal conductivity of propane are reported that allow improved correlations to be developed. Previous correlations have been limited by a lack of thermal-conductivity data for the vapor at temperatures below 300 K and liquid data near the critical point. In addition, significant discrepancies were noted in the high-temperature dilute-gas thermal conductivity. The present data cover the temperature range from the triple point at 85.5 K to 600 K and the pressure range 0.1 to 70 MPa. They are estimated to have an uncertainty of 1% for measurements removed from the critical point and at pressures above 1 MPa, which increases to 3% in the critical region and 4% at low pressures (<1 MPa). These new experimental data are used together with the previously available data to develop improved correlations for the thermal conductivity of propane. The thermal-conductivity correlation for propane is estimated to have an uncertainty of about 3% at a 95% confidence level, with the exception...
An improved selected ion recording system for precise isotope ratio determination

An improved analog four-channel selected ion recording system is described, in which major modifications permit a decrease in the dwell time to 33 ms per channel, thus minimizing the mass cycling error. Synchronization with a sinusoidal sweep voltage superimposed on the normal accelerating voltage (8 kV) enables two channels to be monitored simultaneously in real time and each mass to be recorded continuously. These improvements allow measurement of ion current ratios with a precision of 0.2% over a wide dynamic range, permitting accurate determination of isotopic enrichment in biomedical assays even when this enrichment is derived from a single label. Use of the system is illustrated by the analysis of palmitate turnover in dogs (using [1--13C] palmitic acid) with an average standard deviation corresponding to the detection of 0.04% excess of [1--13C] palmitate.
Communication of Mathematical Structure and Its Relationship to Achievement.

The emphasis on the learning of a structure, which characterized many of the curricular reform movements of the 1960s, has led to the development of methodologies for investigating and examining the representation of subject matter in both instructional material and students' memories (Anderson & Bower, 1973; Frijda, 1972; Johnson, P. E., 1967, 1969; Mayer & Greeno, 1972; Shavelson, 1972, 1974; Shavelson & Geeslin, 1975; Shavelson & Stanton, 1975). The method of directed graph (digraph) analysis of instructional material operationalizes the definition of content structure as a web of concepts and their interrelations in a body of instructional material and provides an objective measure of it. When the digraph data are examined with a scaling technique, a visual representation of structure may be obtained. Geeslin and Shavelson (1975a, 1975b) demonstrated that an analysis of content structure using digraph theory could be applied to a mathematics curriculum. They compared the content structure of an introductory programmed text on probability with a representation of cognitive structure from a word-association test and concluded that the structure methodology was applicable to many aspects of research on learning mathematical structures. Using Shavelson's (1972, pp. 226-227) definition of cognitive structure as "a hypothetical construct referring to the organization (relationships) of concepts in long-term memory," Shavelson and Stanton (1975) validated this methodology as applied to the measure of representation of subject-matter structure in a student's memory. This study used these methodologies to determine the extent to which a mathematical structure-that of operational systems-could be communicated from curriculum developers to a group of teachers and from each teacher to a group of students through specially prepared instructional material. The study compared the curriculum developers' cognitive structure with that of the teachers and compared the teachers' cognitive structure with that of their students; it investigated the relations between these representations and differences in achievement.
Hemispheric object naming and interhemispheric transfer functions in reading disordered subjects

This study measured unilateral, tachistoscopic naming reaction times of normal and reading disordered children to objects representing two levels of picture vocabulary age. Results of an ANCOVA procedure on the latency data showed main effects for group and stimuli, but not visual field. The latency results suggested parallel, central picture naming operations for each group, with the reading disordered children evidencing significantly longer naming reaction times to each level of stimuli. Arc Sine transformed error data were submitted to an analysis of co-variance procedure and showed a significant stimuli x group interaction. Post hoc tests showed accelerated error rates following right hemispheric stimulation, suggesting anomalous interhemispheric transfer of visual images in the present group of reading disordered children. In addition, left hemispheric stimulations produced significantly more naming errors for the reading disordered subjects as compared to the normal children. Such findings may suggest that a group of higher-ordered processing operations may accompany reading disorders.
SU-E-T-527: Comparison of CT-On-Rails and a 3D Surface Imaging System for Image Guided Partial Breast Radiation Therapy

Purpose: We evaluate the feasibility of using a 3D surfaceimaging system (AlignRT) for image guidance for partial breast radiation treatments through comparison with the CT‐on‐rails image guidance currently clinically employed at our institution. Methods/Materials: Four patients receiving external beam partial breast radiation therapy with multiple image guidance datasets were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 51 fractions were studied, each with a CT‐on‐rails dataset and an AlignRT body surface contour snapshot. For each fraction, the patient was aligned to treatment isocenter with room lasers and scanned with both CT‐on‐rails and AlignRT. Image guidance shifts were calculated for both modalities by comparison to the simulation CT and the differences between the two sets of shifts were analyzed. Results: Two patients showed significant change in surgical cavity volume and shape between simulation and fraction 1. For these patients it was found that the discrepancy between CT‐on‐rails based shifts and AlignRT shifts was significant (up to 11.1 mm) indicating that use of AlignRT for image guidance of these cases would be inadvisable. The remaining two patients did not show noticeable change in surgical cavity and the discrepancy between the two sets of shifts for these patients was minimal, thus indicating that AlignRT is potentially valuable for these cases. Conclusion: AlignRT appears to be a reasonable and potentially valuable image guidance approach for partial breast radiation therapy for patients with small changes in surgical cavity between CT simulation and treatment. However, there may be potential for alignment inaccuracies when using AlignRT for patients with dramatic changes in surgical cavity.
Influence of inositol on peripheral vascular responses to cold injury.

SummaryControl animals receiving inositol injections showed no deviation from the normal vascular pattern or reactions. However, the concentration of inositol administered (1 mg/100 g of body weight) markedly increased the tendency to hemorrhage. When inositol was injected into animals prior to induction of cold injury the initial responses of frostbite controls occurred without deviation. However, the constriction phase was ameliorated, thrombi formation was inhibited, and complete stasis was eliminated.
Ca2+ Regulation of Rabbit Skeletal Muscle Thin Filament Sliding: Role of Cross-Bridge Number

We investigated how strong cross-bridge number affects sliding speed of regulated Ca2+-activated, thin filaments. First, using in vitro motility assays, sliding speed decreased nonlinearly with reduced density of heavy meromyosin (HMM) for regulated (and unregulated) F-actin at maximal Ca2+. Second, we varied the number of Ca2+-activatable troponin complexes at maximal Ca2+ using mixtures of recombinant rabbit skeletal troponin (WT sTn) and sTn containing sTnC(D27A,D63A), a mutant deficient in Ca2+ binding at both N-terminal, low affinity Ca2+-binding sites (xxsTnC-sTn). Sliding speed decreased nonlinearly as the proportion of WT sTn decreased. Speed of regulated thin filaments varied with pCa when filaments contained WT sTn but filaments containing only xxsTnC-sTn did not move. pCa50 decreased by 0.12–0.18 when either heavy meromyosin density was reduced to ∼60% or the fraction of Ca2+-activatable regulatory units was reduced to ∼33%. Third, we exchanged mixtures of sTnC and xxsTnC into single, permeabilized fibers from rabbit psoas. As the proportion of xxsTnC increased, unloaded shortening velocity decreased nonlinearly at maximal Ca2+. These data are consistent with unloaded filament sliding speed being limited by the number of cycling cross-bridges so that maximal speed is attained with a critical, low level of actomyosin interactions.
Postings on the Rise of the Rest : Tracking Online Reception to The Post-American World

This article analyzes customer reviews of Fareed Zakaria’s best-selling book, The Post-American World posted on Amazon.com. Zakaria’s book explores the emergence of a new world order in which the “rise of the rest,” particularly China and India, threatens the geopolitical dominance of the United States. Drawing on reception studies of print culture, debates over the virtual public sphere, and sponsorship of literacy, our article’s textual analysis of 281 customer reviews offers a window into audience reactions to this public intellectual’s deliberations on the beginning of a possible decentering of America in certain realms of globalization. Our analysis of consumer citizenship in Amazon.com’s reviewer space identifies three dominant frameworks or “horizons of expectations” that structured interpretations of The Post-American World: readers’ framing of the book as a tool to foster enlightened citizenship, reviewers’ affective rhetoric of nation building, and the impact of Zakaria’s status as an immigrant ...
Surface Morphology of Mechanically Heterogeneous Ultrathin Polymer Films

We studied the formation and morphology of mechanically heterogeneous ultrathin film consisting of a rubbery matrix and stiff domains deposited on silicon surface. Polystyrene (PS) was used for the...
Catalytic Synthesis of gamma-Lactams via direct annulations of enals and N-sulfonylimines.

Cinnamaldehydes and N-sulfonylimines undergo direct annulations to cis-disubstituted γ-lactams via the intermediacy of catalytically generated homoenolates. Critical to the success of this process was overcoming inhibition of the N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst by the electrophilic imines. The overall process proceeds with good yields and diastereoselectivites and requires no stoichiometric reagents or additives.
The Banality of Rhetoric? (Part 2): Alternate Views of Technical Communication and the Holocaust

Steven Katz's "The Ethic of Expediency" has become a reference point for discussions of ethics since its 1992 publication. Previously, this author assessed Katz's rhetorical analysis of Nazi technical communication against current research on the Holocaust and noted that scholarship suggests ideology rather than technological expediency as its motivating force. Yet implicit in the author's critique are two remaining questions, namely: What other rhetorical interpretations may be possible of the SS technical memo analyzed by Katz? And is Katz, who makes broad generalizations about Western rhetoric based on a single document, supported by examples of other Nazi technical communications? This article explores alternate interpretations of the SS memo suggested by the arguments of Rivers and Moore; presents the author's view that the Katz thesis decontextualizes the memo and that historical context argues for a primarily ideological ethos; and reviews sources for English translations of other Nazi documents.
The Effect of Noise on the Relationship Between Auditory Working Memory and Comprehension in School-Age Children.

Purpose The objectives of the current study were to examine the effect of noise (−5 dB SNR) on auditory comprehension and to examine its relationship with working memory. It was hypothesized that noise has a negative impact on information processing, auditory working memory, and comprehension. Method Children with normal hearing between the ages of 8 and 10 years were administered working memory and comprehension tasks in quiet and noise. The comprehension measure comprised 5 domains: main idea, details, reasoning, vocabulary, and understanding messages. Results Performance on auditory working memory and comprehension tasks were significantly poorer in noise than in quiet. The reasoning, details, understanding, and vocabulary subtests were particularly affected in noise (p < .05). The relationship between auditory working memory and comprehension was stronger in noise than in quiet, suggesting an increased contribution of working memory. Conclusions These data suggest that school-age children's auditory w...
Point source contamination in CMB non-Gaussianity analyses

In this paper we analyze the biasing effect of point sources, either thermal Sunyaev-Zeldovich clusters or standard radio sources, on the estimated strength of the non-Gaussianity in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). We show that the biggest contribution comes from the cross correlation of the CMB with the matter density rather than from the Poisson term which is conventionally assumed in these calculations. For the three year WMAP data, we estimate that point sources could produce a non-Gaussian signature equivalent to a bias in fNL of 0.35, 0.24, -0.097, -0.13 in the Ka, Q, V, and W bands, respectively. The level of bias we find is largely insufficient to explain the very high fNL values recently detected by Yadav and Wandelt. For Planck, we estimate the point source bispectra to contaminate the fNL estimator with a bias of 1.3, 0.34, -0.25, -0.48 at 30, 44, 70, 100 GHz, respectively. These results depend on the assumed redshift distribution of the point sources. However, given the projected Planck sensitivity of DeltafNL~=5 (95% C.L.), a good estimate of point sources' properties including their number density and redshift distribution is essential before deriving strong conclusions on primordial non-Gaussianity.
Similarity of the leading contributions to the self-energy and the thermodynamics in two- and three- dimensional Fermi liquids

We compare the self-energy and entropy of a two- and three-dimensional Fermi Liquids (FLs) using a model with a contact interaction between fermions. For a two-dimensional (2D) FL we find that there are T[sup 2] contributions to the entropy from interactions separate from those due to the collective modes. These T[sup 2] contributions arise from nonanalytic corrections to the real part of the self-energy and areanalogous to T[sup 3]lnT contributions present in the entropy of a three-dimensional (3D) FL. The difference between the 2D and 3D results arises solely from the different phase space factors.
Family and Cultural Issues in a School Swallowing and Feeding Program

Purpose This article presents a rationale for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to provide culturally competent evaluation, diagnostic, and intervention services for children with oral motor, swa...
Apoptosis Induced by the Nuclear Death Domain Protein p84N5 Is Associated with Caspase-6 and NF-κB Activation

Abstract Although the mechanisms involved in responses to extracellular or mitochondrial apoptotic signals have received considerable attention, the mechanisms utilized within the nucleus to transduce apoptotic signals are not well understood. We have characterized apoptosis induced by the nuclear death domain-containing protein p84N5. Adenovirus-mediated N5 gene transfer or transfection of p84N5 expression vectors induces apoptosis in tumor cell lines with nearly 100% efficiency as indicated by cellular morphology, DNA fragmentation, and annexin V staining. Using peptide substrates and Western blotting, we have determined that N5-induced apoptosis is initially accompanied by activation of caspase-6. Activation of caspases-3 and -9 does not peak until 3 days after the peak of caspase-6 activity. Expression of p84N5 also leads to activation of NF-κB as indicated by nuclear translocation of p65RelA and transcriptional activation of a NF-κB-dependent reporter promoter. Changes in the relative expression level of Bcl-2family proteins, including Bak and Bcl-Xs, are also observed during p84N5-induced apoptosis. Finally, we demonstrate that p84N5-induced apoptosis does not require p53 and is not inhibited by p53 coexpression. We propose that p84N5 is involved in an apoptotic pathway distinct from those triggered by death domain-containing receptors or by p53.
New observations with routine and CT-assisted arthrography in suspected internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint

A simplified arthrotomographic technique has been performed successfully in more than 200 patients with symptoms referable to the temporomandibular joint. Soft-tissue abnormalities not detected by plain film radiography were demonstrated. Anterior meniscus displacement was the most significant finding in patients with unilateral pain and limitation of opening. New arthrographic observations and research imaging methods, including CT-assisted arthrography, are described. Leakage of contrast material along the lateral condylar neck in patients with anterior meniscus displacement suggests associated tearing of the lateral capsular attachment. Our results confirm that arthrography is a useful diagnostic procedure for suspected internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint.
THE TOTAL SYNTHESIS OF (.+‐.)‐KAWAIN VIA A HETERO‐DIELS‐ALDER CYCLOADDITION

Abstract The hetero-Diels-Alder reaction between 1,3-dimethoxy-1-trimethylsilyloxybutadiene 4 , and cinnamaldehyde 5 , produces (±) kawain in 75% and 84% yield respectively when catalyzed by Eu(fod)3 or Yb(fod)3. When Ag(fod) is employed as the catalyst a unique condensation reaction occurs which produces two acyclic diastereomers in 72% yield.
Health Care Issues of Incarcerated Women.

Au regard des exigences d'un recent rapport du Tesk Force du Service National de Sante Publique, les problemes de sante des femmes en milieu carceral, sont alarmants. Elements de la situation et solutions preconisees en matiere de prevention et d'education des comportements
The Formation of Coronal Loops by Thermal Instability in Three Dimensions

Plasma loops in solar active regions have been observed in EUV and soft X-rays for decades. Their formation mechanism and properties, however, are still not fully understood. Predictions by early models, based on 1D hydrostatic equilibria with uniform plasma heating, are not consistent with high-resolution measurements. In this Letter, we demonstrate, via 3D simulations, that a class of heating models can lead to the dynamic formation of plasma loops provided the plasma is heated sufficiently to match SXT soft X-ray measurements. We show that individual flux tubes in a 3D magnetic structure tend to stand out against their neighbors. The loops have large aspect ratios and nearly uniform cross sections in the corona, similar to those observed by EIT and TRACE. The coronal EUV emission from these thermally unstable solutions is roughly consistent with EIT measurements. The solution oscillates in time through a large-amplitude, nonlinear cycle, leading to repeated brightening and fading of the loops.
Public Opinion and Foreign Policy: Elite Beliefs as a Mediating Variable

Scholars have become increasingly interested in the nature of potential linkage processes between public opinion and foreign policy. The literature on elite beliefs suggests that the beliefs decision makers hold concerning public opinion may have an important influence on this relationship. This article argues that how decision makers perceive and react to public opinion depends upon their views of the proper relationship between public opinion and foreign policy choices. A theoretical framework to analyze beliefs is suggested containing two dimensions: (1) normative beliefs relating to whether it is desirable for input from public opinion to affect foreign policy choices; and (2) practical beliefs regarding whether public support of a policy is necessary for it to be successful. To explore this issue, this article reports the findings of a qualitative content analysis of Dwight D. Eisenhower's and John Foster Dulles's public opinion beliefs. Predictions of behavior are tested in a case study of the September 1954 Chinese offshore islands crisis. The results of this analysis suggest elite beliefs regarding public opinion may provide an important intervening variable worthy of further examination.
Shear strength of horizontally curved steel I-girders — finite element analysis studies

Abstract This paper presents the results of finite element analysis (FEA) studies of four curved steel I-girder shear components tested experimentally in previous research, as well as parametric extensions of these tests. These studies focus on the influence of horizontal curvature on the maximum strength of transversely stiffened members with web slenderness D / t w approximately equal to the largest value permitted in AASHTO [AASHTO LRFD bridge design specifications. 3rd ed. In: 2005 Interim Provisions, Washington (DC): American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials; 2004], and with panel aspect ratios of d o / D = 1.5 and 3.0. These ratios are larger than previously considered in experimental tests of curved I-girders with similar or larger slenderness. The girders studied have subtended angles between their bracing locations of L b / R = 0.05 and 0.10, and web panel d o / R values ranging from 0.03 to 0.10. The FEA models incorporate the measured material stress–strain relationships and section dimensions from the physical tests, detailed modeling of the test boundary conditions, residual stresses due to flame cutting and welding, and initial geometric imperfections in the form of buckling mode shapes. The load transfer mechanisms of the test girders are investigated via elastic buckling and full nonlinear analyses. The parametric studies are performed to investigate the effects of residual stresses and geometric imperfections, the behavior of equivalent straight girders, and the influence of reduced flange size on the peak shear capacity and moment–shear interaction.
Acceptability of narratives to promote colorectal cancer screening in an online community.

Objective To assess the acceptability of narratives to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among members of an online weight loss community.
Introduction of Nanotechnology in the Basic Energy Sciences

Nanotechnology is, according to some authorative sources, the new wave of the immediate future in science and technology. Many universities in the world do not have this topic taught at the college level in engineering. The objective of the current work is to prepare teaching materials in nanotechnology that could be used in a couple of lectures to be incorporated in a junior-level course of thermodynamics or other basic energy science course. The aim of preparing these modules is an effort to introduce our current undergraduate engineering students to some important concepts in nanotechnology. The modality of modules is so that many other college programs in the world can adopt these modules and incorporate in their curriculum easily; the result is that the education of our future engineers will be more complete and our engineers more competitive in the world market. The current work concentrates on the discussion and elaboration of the topics to be covered in nanotechnology in two one-hour and a-half lectures. Introductory items include the differences between nano-science and macro-science as well as atomic-level science theory. It cannot just be a survey of where nanotechnology has affected our modern lives. It should contain enough basics so that future courses/topics can build on these preliminary foundation lectures. The topics will tie in two existing lectures with nanotechnology applications. First, the principles of heat transfer relating to thermodynamics will be introduced. Second, an overview of nanotechnology will be presented. Third, students will be given an in-depth look at the various heat transfer processes. Finally, the nanotechnology applications relating to heat transfer shall be discussed, including a focus on nanofluids. This work will introduce some of the fundamental ideas regarding nanotechnology that relates to the energy sciences as it may be presented to a junior-level engineering class. This will include a discussion of some of the properties of nanoparticles, the synthesis of nanoparticles and the various materials used in fabrication, as well as the importance of nanofluids to complex thermal energy systems based on current and past research. After laying out the lesson plan integration in the current course curricula, several sample problems are presented in the appendix that would lend the students a greater grasp of the new material. An engineering upperclassman should understand the fundamentals of nanoscale engineering. Initial educational evaluation data based on a couple of lectures alone gave an average concept inventory, ([1] C.I., Foundation Coalition, 2007) score (geared for the two lectures) of 61.4% for a class of about twenty students (Spring 2007) in thermodynamics; the corresponding improvement in the average C.I. score for about ten students (Summer 2007) was from 43.7% to about 60%.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis and Other Diseases Caused by Mycobacteria

The adequate diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis depends on many events, including rapid pathogen detection, patient isolation, species identification, and drug susceptibility testing. Well trained staff, using state-of-the-art technology, are necessary in the mycobacteriology laboratory to produce timely results that are necessary for the patients' care and public health measures. Mycobacteriology laboratories still play a pivotal role in the control of tuberculosis, which is especially true in view of the spread of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. One way to optimize diagnostic efforts in spite of limited financial resources might be to sort and allocate specimens according to a system of priorities, e.g., diagnostic versus follow-up specimens. A “fast track” program for tuberculosis testing, which should be established as part of a dynamic diagnostic network, should focus on the highly infectious patient population. Collaboration between clinicians and mycobacteriologists remains the basis of dynamic diagnostic teamwork. Immediate screening of smears for acid-fast-bacilli in patients suspected of tuberculosis, followed by immediate processing of smear-positive specimens using modern mycobacteriological technology, should be given high priority. Diagnosis of disease due to nontuberculous mycobacteria can be difficult. Nontuberculous mycobacteria are commonly found in nature, and assessment as to whether a nontuberculous mycobacterium isolate is clinically significant can be a difficult task.
MATERNAL DRUG INGESTION AND LACTATION

Quantification and identification of drugs in human colostrum and breast milk have been accomplished by selective ion detection using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer-computer system. Drugs routinely administered to gravid females for acute as well as chronic indication in the pre and postpartum period were studied. Sixteen hours after the last maternal dose (30 mg q.i.d.) of phenobarbital the breast milk level was found to be 2.74 μg/ml. Oral ingestion of a short or intermediate acting barbiturate such as pentobarbital or butabarbital resulted in lower concentrations, i.e., .17 μg/ml 19 hours after ingestion and .37 μg/ml 1.5 hours after ingestion respectively. Intravenous administration of 15 mg of diazepam during labor resulted in a colostrum level of .10 μg/ml 25½ hours later. The level of diphenylhydantoin in breast milk 3 hours after a single 100 mg oral dose was 4.2 μg/ml with a decline to 1 μg/ml at 6 hours. Levels of .5 - 1.5 μg/ml were then obtained for the ensuing 18 hours. Additional drugs identified in breast milk but not quantified were secobarbital, ethosuximide, codeine, methadone, tolbutamide and caffeine. No obvious effects of the drugs were observed in these neonates, but breast milk may serve as a significant route for neonatal drug ingestion particularly when drugs are consumed daily or the drug consumed has prolonged activity.
Forbidden π-σ donor-acceptor electronic coupling in linked transition metal complexes: contrasting behavior of ruthenium(II) donors with ruthenium(III) and cobalt(III) acceptors

Abstract The metal-to-metal charge transfer (MM′CT) spectroscopy is compared to the variations in Ru(NH3)53+,2+ half-wave potentials for several complexes of the type LM(CNRu(NH3)5) in which L=polypyridyl or tetraazamacrocyclic ligand and MRu, Fe, Co, Rh or Cr. In general, there are bigger variations in Eobs 1 2 than expected on the basis of a simple analysis of MM′CT spectra. The exception appears to occur for the complexes with MCo, for which the value of Eobs 1 2 appears to be very close to that expected in the absence of any electron delocalization through the mixing of MM′CT excited state character into the ground state wavefunction. These observations are consistent with symmetry selection rules, which constrain the mixing of σ and π type orbitals in rigid linear systems. The implications for electron transfer processes are discussed.
Involvement of S2 episomal sequences in the generation of NCS4 deletion mutation in maize mitochondria.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and the abnormal-growth, nonchromosomal stripe (NCS) phenotypes are cytoplasmically determined traits in plants. Mitochondrial DNA rearrangements involving short repeats appear to be responsible for the production of CMS reversions to fertility and NCS mutations. NCS4, a new mutant of maize CMS-S, exhibits both abnormal growth and male fertility. This mutant is unique because both mutations occurred within the same plant. Free S1 and S2 episomes normally found in CMS-S mitochondria have been lost from NCS4 plants. An S2 sequence has recombined aberrantly with a ribosomal protein coding region, rps3/rpl16. One end of the S2 sequence and the 5′ end of the rps3/rpl16 transcription unit are absent from the NCS4 recombinant genome. Loss of mitochondrial ribosomal protein function is lethal; therefore, NCS4 plants are heteroplasmic for the rps3 deletion. Loss of S sequences from CMS-S mitochondria is not lethal and plants regain pollen function. Thus, although NCS4 plants have very abnormal plant phenotypes, they are male-fertile. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Improved outcome of adult blunt splenic injury: a cohort analysis.

Background. The purpose of this study was to review our 15-year experience in the treatment of blunt splenic injury in adults. Our hypothesis was that the implementation of a change in practice, with stress on splenic preservation and splenic artery embolization for the management of splenic injury, would result in improved splenic salvage rates without negatively affecting mortality rates. Methods. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on all consecutive adults with blunt splenic injury who were admitted to a Level One Trauma Center. The cohorts were defined by 2 separate 7.5-year periods (1991-1998 and 1998-2005). Results. Six hundred twenty-five patients with blunt splenic trauma were identified; 403 patients who were treated from 1998 to 2005 were compared with 222 patients whose cases had been reviewed previously (1991 to 1998). The present cohort differed in age (35 vs 40 years; P <.001) and injury severity score (27 vs 21; P <.0001). Nonoperative treatment was implemented in 136 patients (61 %) in the initial cohort and 344 patients (85%) in the present cohort. The frequency of splenic artery embolization increased from 2.7% to 22.6% (P <.001). The success of nonoperative management increased from 77% to 96% (P <.001); the splenic salvage rate for all patients improved from 57% to 88% (P <.0001). Hospital mortality rates decreased from 12% to 6% (P <.001), and the mean hospital length of stay decreased from 15 to 9 days (P <.001). Conclusion. These results demonstrate that the success of nonoperative management and the splenic preservation for blunt injury has improved over time. This improvement correlated with a greater use of splenic artery embolization.
Infratemporal approach for skull base lesions

Tumors of the infratemporal fossa constitute a diverse group of pathology with similar surgical considerations. Access to the infratemporal fossa is possible through a variety of surgical approaches including anterior, lateral, and inferior approaches. Fisch has provided excellent descriptions of the lateral approach and his works stress the need for facial nerve and internal carotid identification and preservation. Many technological enhancements have furnished the modern skull base team with sophisticated tools for preoperative assessment and intraoperative assistance, improving the outcome and reducing operative morbidity. These have included the use of preoperative balloon occlusion, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) three-dimensional computed tomography and MRI reconstructions, intraoperative nerve monitoring and navigational systems, and safe and reliable reconstructive and anesthesia methods. Proper interpretation of preoperative studies and translation to careful selection of technique require surgical experience and maturity. Various aspects of infratemporal surgery, based on the author's experience with 93 patients, are discussed in this article. The lateral approaches are broadly classified into preauricular and postauricular approaches. Indications, advantages, and descriptions of each technique are presented with regard to avoidance of complications. The need for internal carotid artery exposure and/or reconstruction and facial nerve transposition determines preference of preauricular or postauricular exposure. Management of the eustachian tube, middle ear, and temporomandibular joint is an important additional consideration. The management of the temporalis muscle may also vary. Intracranial extensions of infratemporal fossa tumors can be quite varied, and precise calculation is necessary to determine appropriate craniotomy exposure. The need for a dural/mucosal barrier is paramount, and therefore appropriate planning and assiduous attention to closure are important. Injuries to important neurovascular structures are best avoided by careful identification of these structures and appropriate surgical manipulations.
Structural and Biochemical Characterization of a New Zincin Protease, NleC, an Enteropathogenic Escherichia Coli Type III Secretion System Effector Responsible for Cleaving NFκB Subunit Rela

Utilizing the virulence machine termed the Type III Secretion System (T3SS), pathogenic -proteobacteria, such as enteropathogen O157:H7 Escherichia coli, inject virulent effector proteins into host cells. These effectors subvert host cell physiology, conveying a selective advantage to the bacterium. With x-ray crystallography, we determined the structure of the Sakai strain O157:H7 E. coli effector NleC, revealing a unique member of the Zincin zinc protease family. NleC is known to abrogate the inflammatory response of host cells by targeting NFκB subunits. While the presence of a zinc-coordinating aspartate places NleC in the Aspzincin subfamily, the active site sequence is unique, placing the phylogenetically distinct NleC in a new class of Aspzincins. The electrostatic surface potential of NleC reveals a strongly negative face cradling the catalytic zinc, which may mediate recognition of the positively charged NFκB subunits that are substrates of NleC. In order to begin characterizing the specificity of NleC, we verified the cleavage site of RelA as within the DNA-binding loop, which was contested in the literature. As with other Zincin family members, there are several subsites visible on NleC's surface, which likely bind residues near the scissile bond of the target and provide specificity. To tease apart the contributions to specificity between global binding and local recognition of the cleavage site, we are pursuing systematic mutagenesis of the RelA DNA-binding loop. This information will be used to define additional potential targets mediating NleC's role in O157:H7 E. coli virulence. Additionally, because T3SS effectors are necessarily partially unfolded during secretion into the host, we are investigating whether the stability of NleC differs from other Zincins by utilizing thermal degradation and atomic force microscopy pulling experiments.
Global bifurcations in Rayleigh-Be´nard convection: experiments, empirical maps and numerical bifurcation analysis

Abstract We use nonlinear signal processing techniques, based on artificial neural networks, to construct an empirical mapping from experimental Rayleigh-Benard convection data in the quasiperiodic regime. The data, in the form of a one-parameter sequence of Poincare sections in the interior of a mode-locked region (resonance horn), are indicative of a complicated interplay of local and global bifurcations with respect to the experimentally varied Rayleigh number. The dynamic phenomena apparent in the data include period doublings, complex intermittent behavior, secondary Hopf bifurcations, and chaotic dynamics. We use the fitted map to reconstruct the experimental dynamics and to explore the associated local and global bifurcation structures in phase space. Using numerical bifurcation techniques we locate the stable and unstable periodic solutions, calculate eigenvalues, approximate invariant manifolds of saddle type solutions and identify bifurcation points. This approach constitutes a promising data post-processing procedure for investigating phase space and parameter space of real experimental systems; it allows us to infer phase space structures which the experiments can only probe with limited measurement precision and only at a discrete number of operating parameter settings.
Wilms Tumor Gene (WT1) and p53 expression in endometrial carcinomas: a study of 130 cases using a tissue microarray.

Abstract Objective . With the exception of ovarian serous carcinoma, Wilms tumor suppressor gene ( WT1 ) expression in common gynecologic carcinomas has not been described in detail. We studied a large number of endometrial carcinomas to determine the range of tumors that express WT1; this could have prognostic and therapeutic significance. Methods . We studied the immunohistochemical expression of WT1 and p53 in 130 primary human endometrial carcinomas of various histological subtypes, grades, and stages using a tissue microarray. The clinical data were retrieved from the medical records. Results . WT1 was expressed in a wide variety of endometrial cancers and was most marked in malignant mixed Mullerian tumors (MMMTs) (70% positive). WT1 expression was significantly correlated with high histological grade, and there was a trend toward a worse clinical outcome for patients whose tumors expressed WT1. An association between expression of WT1 and p53 and between these and outcome was noted in a univariate analysis, but only stage and p53 status remained prognostically significant independent variables. Conclusion . WT1 is expressed in appreciable numbers of endometrial cancers, particularly MMMTs. These findings support further investigation of WT1 as a possible therapeutic target in gynecologic malignancies.
Placental biogenic amine transporters: cloning and expression

During intrauterine development, catecholamine turnover (production and clearance rates) is higher than under any other circumstances. This is mediated in large part by placental clearance of circulating catecholamines via a cocaine-sensitive, neuronal transporter-dependent mechanism. In order to confirm the molecular mechanisms for placental transport, we screened an ovine placental cDNA library for biogenic amine transporters. We report here the identification of two biogenic amine transporters with sequences very similar to their neuronal counterparts. One is an ovine serotonin transporter (oSERT) with > 90% homology to the human neuronal SERT. Expression studies confirm transport and competitive binding affinities consistent with a SERT transporter. We have also isolated a partial sequence for the ovine norepinephrine transporter (oNET). These results confirm the placental expression of plasma membrane biogenic amine transporters. We suggest the exaggerated fetal vulnerability to uptake inhibitors, like cocaine, may be due to blockade of placental biogenic amine transport.