cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of allele imbalance supports atypical ductal hyperplasia lesions as direct breast cancer precursors.

It remains unclear whether hyperplastic breast lesions, especially with atypia, are cancer precursors or markers of increased cancer risk. Quantified comparisons of genomic alterations in coexisting lesions could address this question. Therefore, we examined allele imbalance (AI), also known as loss of heterozygosity (LOH), at 20 microsatellite markers on nine chromosome arms, in DNA from 106 samples microdissected from 17 randomly selected cancer-containing breast specimens: 13 simple (DH) and 45 atypical ductal hyperplastic (ADH) lesions, 30 in situ (DCIS) and 18 invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC). Data were analysed using regression models and generalized estimating equations. We found that AI increased as histology became more aberrant and varied with histology across the chromosome arms (p <0.0001). ADH had more AIs on 1q (p = 0.03) and 16q (p = 0.02) and fewer AIs on 17p (p = 0.06) and 17q (p <0.0001) than on other arms. In cancers, AIs remained high on 1q and 16q, and became frequent on 17p and 17q. Concordance between AIs in ADHs and cancers exceeded the 50% expected if the lesions were separate clones in 16/20 (80%) ADHs (p = 0.05), from 9/11 (82%) cases (p = 0.03), and involved 41/51 (80%) evaluable markers (p = 0.05). The occurrence of any AI in ADH predicted greater AI (p = 0.009) and possibly lower grade (p = 0.05) in coexisting cancers. Nevertheless, ADHs were not genetically identical to cancers or to each other. We found AIs discordant between ADHs and cancers (always on 1q and 16q), AIs unique to ADH (usually on 11q) and some genetic heterogeneity among coexisting ADHs. We conclude that ADH lesions are genetically advanced, with frequent alterations on 1q and 16q, and are often direct cancer precursors. Their global genetic characteristics predict features of cancers in the same breast. Nevertheless, the genetic heterogeneity detected suggests that hyperplasias and cancers may arise on a field at generalized increased cancer risk. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient satisfaction with physician responses during interactions prompted by pharmaceutical advertisements

Abstract The rise of pharmaceutical direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) has significantly influenced the way that physicians and patients interact. This study explores the factors associated with patients’ satisfaction during a physician visit that was prompted by DTCA. Results indicate that patients who do not receive a prescription when mentioning a DTCA drug are significantly less likely to be satisfied with their physician visit. In contrast, the receipt of a diagnosis has no significant impact on patient satisfaction. Other factors associated with patient satisfaction were whether or not the patient received the exact drug that he or she requested or a different drug, and the specific reason for denial of a prescription for the requested drug. Instead of accepting a doctor's recommendations and complying without question, patients are now unhappy with their physicians’ decisions when these decisions do not adhere to the patient's expectations, which are formed by DTCA.
The Establishment Clause and the Problem of Religious Symbols: Some Implications of Metaphor Theory for First Amendment Jurisprudence

Supreme Court efforts to protect religious freedom by guarding the “wall of separation” between church and state have been plagued with divisive 5–4 decisions and plurality opinions. We suggest that part of the problem in consistently adjudicating Establishment Clause cases arises because of the Court's weak efforts to define religious communication. The Justices tacitly define religious communication by relying on conventional symbols traditionally associated with religions institutions. Drawing from theorists of metaphor, C. S. Lewis, Janet Soskice and Earl MacCormac, we propose an alternative model of religious communication that is more sensitive to the plurality of nontraditional and traditional religions now represented in America.
Administrative decision making: staff-patient ratios (a patient classification system for a psychiatric setting).

In this article, we have described a patient classification system in use at the C.F. Menninger Memorial Hospital. It is a type of factor evaluation, in which we use critical indicators or descriptors of care as units of measurement. Each critical indicator represents a grouping of nursing activities rather than concrete time measurement of each activity. The ten critical indicators of patient care needs and nursing activities which were identified were divided into two major categories: routine and extra. Each category was then subdivided to reflect a range or variation of care levels. This type of patient classification appears to have an advantage over other classification systems when applied to psychiatric nursing. The factor evaluations are broad enough in scope to allow inclusion of patient assessment, documentation, and use of the nursing process, while providing a measurement of psychological and psychosocial needs of the patient which are frequently absent in other classification systems that rely on task measurements or acuity levels alone. Because of its practicality it has been readily accepted by nurses working on psychiatric units, and the nurse administrator's effort to put a classification system in place has been made easier.
Coarsening of particles on a planar substrate: Interface energy anisotropy and application to grain growth in thin films

Abstract Growth laws are derived for coplanar spherical caps and discs of constant height which are coarsening via surface diffusion. The analysis includes the effects of anisotropic particle/ substrate interface energies. These results are also extended to analysis of normal and secondary grain growth in thin films.
Systems kinomics for characterizing host responses to high consequence pathogens at the NIH/NIAID Integrated Research Facility-Frederick

Currently, there is a paucity of information regarding the molecular pathogenesis for many high-consequence pathogens (HCPs) that pose threats to both national and international public health. In spite of this, investigations of the molecular pathogenesis for many HCPs have been limited to gross pathological changes in animal models or global analysis of gene expression. Further, questions remain regarding the ability of animal models of disease to recapitulate human molecular pathogenesis or act as predictors of therapeutic efficacy. Thus, it is likely that medical countermeasure development for HCPs will rely on identifying therapeutic targets that are uniquely modulated during HCP infection. It is also appreciated that many cellular processes can be regulated independently of changes in transcription or translation through phosphorylation events. Cellular kinases, individually or collectively (the kinome), play critical roles in regulating complex biology, underlie various malignancies, and represent high-priority drug targets. The growing interest in kinases in both basic and translational research has driven efforts to develop technologies that enable characterization of phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction. To this end, enhanced technical capabilities at the IRF-Frederick provide the unique capability for characterizing host responses to HCP insult during the course of infection and identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
Fuzzy logic connectivity in semiconductor defect clustering

In joining defects on semiconductor wafer maps into clusters, it is common for defects caused by different sources to overlap. Simple morphological image processing tends to either join too many unrelated defects together or not enough together. Expert semiconductor fabrication engineers have demonstrated that they can easily group clusters of defects from a common manufacturing problem source into a single signature. Capturing this thought process is ideally suited for fuzzy logic. A system of rules was developed to join disconnected clusters based on properties such as elongation, orientation, and distance. The clusters are evaluated on a pair-wise basis using the fuzzy rules and are joined or not joined based on a defuzzification and threshold. The system continuously re-evaluates the clusters under consideration as their fuzzy memberships change with each joining action. The fuzzy membership functions for each pair-wise feature, the techniques used to measure the features, and methods for improving the speed of the system are all developed. Examples of the process are shown using real-world semiconductor wafer maps obtained from chip manufacturers. The algorithm is utilized in the Spatial Signature Analyzer (SSA) software, a joint development project between Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) and SEMATECH.
Quantum chemical analysis of heteroarylnitrenium ions and mechanisms for their self-destruction

Singlet−triplet state-energy splittings in arylnitrenium ions are substantially reduced when the aromatic system is heterocyclic with nitrogen atoms incorporated at ring positions that would otherw...
Ceramics in ocean engineering

Abstract Ceramics, both crystalline and non-crystalline, have long been used as materials of engineering. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the possible use of ceramincs in ocean engineering. In this review, some of the more important basic concepts regarding ceramics are presented primarily for engineers with relatively limited knowledge of such materials. Those properties which are of particular importance to ocean engineering and some of the practical results of applications in ocean environment are also discussed. Conventional ceramics, glasses and glass-ceramics are separately treated.
Composite EBV negative peripheral T-cell lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the ileum: A case report and a systematic review of the literature

We report a case of an intestinal peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) with a concurrent diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBL) involving the ileum and a regional lymph node. The patient presented with an abdominal mass. The terminal ileum showed a diffuse and monotonous population of small CD3-positive T cells. The T-cell receptor γ (TCRγ) gene was rearranged by PCR while the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene was not. A separate section of the ileum showed a colliding large B-cell proliferation. The regional lymph node showed a diffuse proliferation of large centroblasts positive for CD20 and CD79a admixed with small T cells and showed a rearranged IgH receptor gene without evidence of a clonally rearranged TCRγ gene. Both the PTCL and DLBL components were negative for EBV. A review and analysis of the pertinent literature describing composite T- and B-cell lymphomas is performed and reported.
Rancière, Derrida, and Egalitarian Politics in Pseudo-Dionysius

Using the work of Jacques Ranciere, I argue for an egalitarian reading of the political hierarchy in Pseudo-Dionysius. I first analyze various historical attempts to derive a political theory from Pseudo-Dionysius in the work of Juan Miguel Garrigues, Rene Roques, and Dominic O’Meara. I then turn to Jacques Derrida's attempt to distinguish deconstruction from negative theology, and consider especially the political effects of this strategy. I argue that Derrida's attempt to undermine Psuedo-Dionysius's system from within is unsuccessful, and suggest instead that Ranciere provides the conceptual tools to identify an egalitarianism within Dionysian political theory
Gel permeation chromatography of oxygenated components of cigarette smoke condensate

Abstract Oxygenated neutral constituents of a tumor-inhibiting fraction of cigarette smoke condensate were separated from interfering phenolic compounds by a combination of silicic acid and gel chromatography. Silicic acid adsorption and Bio-Beads gel chromatography separated aliphatic from aromatic ketones, and gel chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 resolved aromatic ketones from phenols. Identifications were achieved by studying individual fractions by g.c. and g.c.—m.s.
Tumors in the pulmonary cavity of Biomphalaria glabrata: Genetic studies

Abstract Tumors in the pulmonary cavity have been observed in over 1000 Biomphalaria glabrata in our laboratory colonies. Selection, isolated rearing, and self-fertilization demonstrated transmission of the tendency for production of the tumors. Small tumors have no apparent effect on the snails, but extensive tumors occlude the pulmonary cavity and make retraction into the shell impossible. Information on inheritance of tumors in B. glabrata, as a genetic model may help explain occurrence of some growth in other mollusks.
Marfan Syndrome: Exclusion of genetic linkage to three major collagen genes

The Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder with pleiotropic manifestations affecting skeletal, ocular and cardiovascular systems. Because the fibrillar collagens are major structural components of connective tissue, the hypothesis has long been set forth that the Marfan syndrome is a disorder of fibrillar collagen. We have investigated this hypothesis by performing linkage studies in 12 multiplex families with the Marfan syndrome, using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP's) associated with 3 genes encoding chains of fibrillar collagens. The data exclude linkage to all 3 candidate genes in 2 families and at least 1 of the candidates is excluded in 6 additional families. Each candidate was excluded in at least 3 families. In no case was strong evidence in favor of linkage of the Marfan syndrome to any of the 3 genes observed. These data speak against the hypothesis that mutations in one or more of these 3 fibrillar collagens cause the classic Marfan syndrome.
The bruhat order and iterated exponentials

Abstract A partial order on the symmetric group was recently defined by B. W. Brunson, based on a hierarchy of iterated exponentials. Several properties either proved or conjectured by Brunson strongly suggest that this partial order is equivalent to the Bruhat order. In this paper, we give a simple, explicit description of the order which disproves the conjectures and shows that, althought it is not the Bruhat order, it has a strikingly similar characterization.
Impact of premedication on neonatal intubations by pediatric and neonatal trainees

To determine if premedication and training level affect the success rates of neonatal intubations. We retrospectively reviewed a hospital-approved neonatal intubation database from 2003 to 2010. Intubation success rate was defined as the number of successful intubations divided by the total number of attempts, and then compared by trainee’s experience level and the use of premedication. Premedication regimen included anticholinergic, analgesic and muscle relaxant agents. There were 169 trainees who completed 1071 successful intubations with 2694 attempts. The median success rate was 36% by all trainees, and improved with training level from 29% for pediatric trainees to 50% for neonatal trainees (P<0.001). Premedication was used in 58% of intubation attempts. The median success rate was double with premedication (43% versus 22%, P<0.001). Neonatal endotracheal intubation is a challenge for trainees. Intubation success rates progressively improve with experience. Premedication is associated with improved success rates for all training levels.
Temperature Effects in Gas-Free Liquid Scintillators

The effects of reduction of temperature on the response of Dumont 6292 and RCA 5819 multiplier phototubes and on the light outputs of the gas-free liquid scintillators DPO, ?NPO, and PBD, dissolved in xylene, have been measured from room temperature down to -35°C. Both 6292 and 5819 phototubes exhibit a small linear decrease in response with decreasing temperature. The light outputs of the liquid scintillators when excited by alpha particles increase markedly with decreasing temperature. The measurements indicate that under proper conditions it may be possible to obtain a liquid scintillator more efficient for alpha particles than crystal anthracene. Previous data using gamma-ray excitation carried out over a limited temperature range are in agreement with the alpha particle results.
Fathers' Frames for Childrearing: Evidence Toward a “Masculine Concept of Caregiving”

In this study, employed fathers of preschool-age children were interviewed, both individually and with their spouses, to identify their communicative strategies for constructing their own performances of childrearing. Bateson's “frame” construct provided the meta-analytic basis for an interpretive analysis of the interview accounts. The analysis identified 13 frames, clustered under 3 metaframes (“childrearing as work – expression of agency,” “childrearing as work – experience of constraint,” and “childrearing as expression of pure relationship”). The content of the frames and their interrelationships in the fathers' accounts are used to advance a “masculine concept of caregiving.” The significance of articulating a “masculine concept of caregiving” for overcoming obstacles to involved fathering is examined.
TU-FF-A2-06: MVCT May Reduce Proton Range Errors in Treatment Plans for Patients with Metal Implants

Purpose:Treatment planning calculations for proton therapy require accurate knowledge of radiological pathlength, or range, to the distal edge of the target volume. Traditionally, the range is calculated using kilovoltage (kV) computed tomography(CT)images. Metal implants such as hip prostheses can cause severe streak artifacts that lead to large uncertainties in proton range. The purposes of this study were to quantify streak‐related range errors and to determine if they could be avoided by using artifact‐free megavoltage (MV) CTimages in treatment planning.Method and Materials:Protontreatment plans were constructed for a simple heterogeneous phantom and for a prostate‐cancer patient with a metal hip prosthesis using corrected and uncorrected kVCT images, uncorrected MVCT images, and a combination of registered MVCT and kVCT images (the hybrid approach). By examining the differences in the apparent required ranges calculated by the treatment planning system, the range errors associated with the streak artifacts were estimated. Results: In the phantom, the implant‐related range uncertainty was estimated at <3 mm for both the corrected kVCT‐based plan and the uncorrected MVCT‐based plan. In the patient plan based on uncorrected kVCT images, streak‐induced range errors of 5 to 12 mm were observed. Manually correcting the streaks reduced the range errors by about half. The hybrid planning approach yielded the best overall result because the kVCT images provided good delineation of soft tissues and the streak‐free MVCT images provided smaller range uncertainties; subjective artifact corrections were not needed. Conclusion: The hybrid kVCT/MVCT planning approach allowed for good delineation of anatomic structures and resulted in smaller range errors relative to the kVCT‐based planning approach. This was accomplished using existing radiotherapy systems and therefore may provide a practical method to manage range errors in patients with prostheses who will receive proton therapy.
Delayed Development of Adult-Generated Granule Cells in Dentate Gyrus

A substantial fraction of adult-generated granule cells in the dentate gyrus survive and integrate into the existing neuronal network. These newborn neurons must navigate the environment of the adult brain, a setting that is presumably less optimized for neuronal maturation compared with that in the developing brain. We used EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) expression in newborn granule cells to compare the maturation of adult-generated granule cells to those generated in neonates. Labeled newborn granule cells had indistinguishable physiological properties in adults and neonates, indicating they were at the same functional stage. However, the maturation of adult-generated granule cells was slower than neonatal-generated granule cells. Depolarizing GABAergic network activity and transcription factor activation were reduced in adults relative to neonates, suggesting a role for neural activity in the maturation of newborn granule cells. Consistent with this idea, maturation was altered in mice lacking the GABA synthetic enzyme GAD65 (glutamic acid decarboxylase 65). Together, these results provide evidence that activity-dependent processes in the local environment influence the maturation of newborn granule cells.
Hymenolepis microstoma: Ultrastructural localization of adenyl cyclase in the tegument

Abstract Peroxidase and phosphatase activities have been reported to be localized in the tegument of adult hymenolepidid tapeworms. In order to localize adenyl cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1) activity in the tegument of mature and gravid sections of Hymenolepis microstoma , 5-adenyl-imidodiphosphate was used as a substrate, and lead was used as a capturing agent. Results indicate that adenyl cyclase activity is present in the crypts between the microtriches of the mature sections and that activity is absent from the gravid sections.
The Adenoviral E4orf6 Protein Induces Atypical Apoptosis in Response to DNA Damage

Adenoviral proteins interact with host-cell proteins to either exploit or inhibit cellular functions for the purpose of viral propagation. E4orf6, the 34-kDa gene product of the E4 gene, interacts with the double-strand break repair (DSBR) protein DNA-dependent protein kinase and cooperates with binding partner E1B-55K to degrade MRE11, preventing viral DNA concatemer formation. We previously demonstrated that E4orf6 radiosensitizes human tumor cells through the inhibition of DSBR, notably in the absence of E1B-55K. Here, we report that E4orf6 prolongs the signaling of DNA damage by inhibiting the activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), the phosphatase responsible for dephosphorylating γH2AX. The inhibition of PP2A occurs without significant disruption of the DNA re-ligation rate. Prolonged signaling of DNA damage in the presence of E4orf6 initiates caspase-dependent and independent cell death. This is accompanied by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) hyperactivation and the translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from the mitochondria to the nucleus. Knockdown of AIF by shRNA rescues the radiosensitization induced by E4orf6. Taken together, these data suggest that E4orf6 disrupts cellular DSBR signaling by inhibiting PP2A, leading to prolonged H2AX phosphorylation, hyperactivation of PARP, and AIF translocation to the nucleus. The function of E4orf6 as an inhibitor of PP2A and activator of PARP in the absence of other adenoviral gene products is of importance in delineating the adenovirus-host cell interplay.
Argonne applications for the IBM Blue Gene/Q, Mira

A varied collection of scientific and engineering codes has been adapted and enhanced to take advantage of the IBM Blue Gene®/Q architecture and thus enable research that was previously out of reach. Computational research teams from a number of disciplines collaborated with the staff of the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility to assess which of Blue Gene/Q's many novel features could be exploited for each application to equip it to tackle existing problem classes with greater fidelity and in some cases to address new phenomena. The quad floating-point units and the five-dimensional torus interconnect are among the features that were demonstrated to be effective for a number of important applications. Furthermore, data obtained from the hardware counters provided insights that were valuable in guiding the code modifications. Hardware features and programming techniques that were effective across multiple codes are documented as well. First, we have confirmed that there is no significant code rewrite needed to run today's production codes with good performance on Mira, an IBM Blue Gene/Q supercomputer. Performance improvements are already demonstrated, even though our measurements are all on pre-production software and hardware. The application domains included biology, materials science, combustion, chemistry, nuclear physics, and industrial-scale design of nuclear reactors, jet engines, and the efficiency of transportation systems.
Women and Technology: Reversing the Trends of Attrition and Obtaining a Balance

Women's Studies An inter-disciplinary journal Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t713654228 Women and Technology: Reversing the Trends of Attrition and Obtaining a Balance Gondy Leroy a; Kristin M. Tolle b; Linda Perkins c a Assistant Professor, School of Information Systems and Technology, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California, USA b Program Manager for Biomedical Computing, External Research @ Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington, USA c University Associate Professor and Director of Applied Women's Studies, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California, USA
Ozone Effects on Alpha-1-Proteinase Inhibitor in Vivo: Blood Plasma Inhibitory Activity Is Unchanged

The possible oxidative inactivation of human blood plasma alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha-1-PI) by inhaled ozone was assessed. Eleven male volunteers (non-smokers) were exposed to 0.5 ppm ozone for four hours on two consecutive days and ten control subjects were exposed to air under the same conditions. Blood plasma samples, drawn before and after treatment, were assayed for total alpha-1-PI, total protein and elastase inhibitory activity. The amount of active alpha-1-PI in plasma samples was quantitated by titrating porcine pancreatic elastase with increasing amounts of plasma. The importance of constructing titration curves for determinations of this type was demonstrated. No differences were noted in the ratios of total alpha-1-PI/total protein or elastase inhibitory activity/total alpha-1-PI in the plasma from ozone exposed individuals relative to controls. Although inhaled ozone did not result in any significant decrease in the activity of blood plasma alpha-1-PI, these findings do not preclude the possibility of oxidative inactivation of a alpha-1-PI in the lung.
Application Of Digital Fluoroscopic Image Data In Radiation Dosimetry

A dual energy imaging technique was developed in a digital fluoroscopic unit and a method for calculating the thickness of bone and effective soft tissue was developed using the image data obtained from tissue equivalent phantom material. The thicknesses were then combined by using their densities and a single weighting factor was obtained at each pixel location and was used for modifying the attenuation and scattering property of the Cobalt 60 gamma radiation, for heterogeneity correction in clinical dosimetry. A sector integration algorithm was developed and used for dose calculation in an irregularly shaped radiation field used for treatment of lung cancer. The calculated doses after heterogeneity correction were compared with measured values in phantom using film densitometry. The performance parameters of the imaging system such as the dynamic range, linearity, spectral property and the geometrical distortion were evaluated and discussed,
The emergency joint: arthrocentesis and synovial fluid analysis.

Arthrocentesis and the subsequent evaluation of synovial fluid is often the definitive diagnostic procedure for the patient presenting with a joint effusion or intrasynovial hemorrhage. The difficulty of performing arthrocentesis varies with the joint in question, but those joints most frequently involved are easily entered. The indications and contraindications for this procedure are discussed. Effusion-producing pathologic processes often yield fluids of a characteristic nature permitting their classification into categories of noninflammatory (Group I), inflammatory (Group II), septic (Group III), and hemorrhagic. This categorization of the effusion may permit specific diagnosis or the narrowing of the differential diagnosis. Criteria are established on the basis of joint fluid features to differentiate septic arthritis, which requires inpatient treatment, from those entities for which the patient may reasonably be treated as an outpatient.
The application of structure-based assessment to support safety and chemistry diligence to manage genotoxic impurities in active pharmaceutical ingredients during drug development

Starting materials and intermediates used to synthesize pharmaceuticals are reactive in nature and may be present as impurities in the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used for preclinical safety studies and clinical trials. Furthermore, starting materials and intermediates may be known or suspected mutagens and/or carcinogens. Therefore, during drug development due diligence need be applied from two perspectives (1) to understand potential mutagenic and carcinogenic risks associated with compounds used for synthesis and (2) to understand the capability of synthetic processes to control genotoxic impurities in the API. Recently, a task force comprised of experts from pharmaceutical industry proposed guidance, with recommendations for classification, testing, qualification and assessing risk of genotoxic impurities. In our experience the proposed structure-based classification, has differentiated 75% of starting materials and intermediates as mutagenic and non-mutagenic with high concordance (92%) when compared with Ames results. Structure-based assessment has been used to identify genotoxic hazards, and prompted evaluation of fate of genotoxic impurities in API. These two assessments (safety and chemistry) culminate in identification of genotoxic impurities known or suspected to exceed acceptable levels in API, thereby triggering actions needed to assure appropriate control and measurement methods are in place. Hypothetical case studies are presented demonstrating this multi-disciplinary approach.
A Comparison of Fluorescence Inner-Filter Effects for Different Cell Configurations

Abstract In conventional fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence intensity at high fluorophore concentration is often not proportional to fluorophore concentration, owing to primary and secondary absorption (inner-filter effects). In this paper, fluorescence calibration curves for anthracene solutions were obtained using a conventional right angle cell, a frontal reflection cell, a short pass cell, and a total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) cell for comparing the observed primary inner-filter effects. Measurements were also made of a two-component mixture using the nonfluorescent 9-nitrofluorene with anthracene for comparing primary and secondary inner-filter effects. A conventional right angle cell exhibited the widest linear dynamic range and lowest detectable anthracene concentration, whereas the TIRF cell provided the best linearity at high concentrations. The TIRF cell was determined to have significant potential for quantitative analysis of highly concentrated and/or turbid solutions.
Transfer function synthesis using current conveyors

Abstract A procedure for synthesizing active networks due to Hilberman (1968) is revisited in view of recent interest in current conveyors. It is seen that Hilberman's work provides a general procedure for designing RC current conveyor networks to have a specified voltage transfer function, An example is considered in which the current conveyors are implemented using the AD844.
Tight Coupling of Laser Scanner and Inertial Measurements for a Fully Autonomous Relative Navigation Solution

The paper describes a fully autonomous relative navigation solution for urban environments (indoor and outdoor). The navigation solution is derived by combining measurements from a two-dimensional (2D) laser scanner with measurements from inertial sensors. This derivation relies on the availability of structures (lines and surfaces) within the scan range (80 m depth, typically). Navigation herein is performed in completely unknown environments. No map information is assumed to be available a priori. Indoor and outdoor live data test results are used to demonstrate performance characteristics of the laser/inertial integrated navigation. Relative positioning at the cm-level is demonstrated for indoor scenarios where well-defined features and good feature geometry are available. Test data from challenging urban environments show position errors at the meter-level after approximately 200 m of travel (between 0.6% and 0.8% of distance traveled).
Holographic diffusers for LCD cockpit displays

We have developed holographic diffusers that provide achromatic forward scattering with low backscatter and absorption, even at large scattering angles. The angular scattering pattern may be highly asymmetric in the azimuth and elevation directions, and may also be skewed away from the incident beam. Volume phase holographic diffusers recorded in dichromated gelatin exhibit particularly low backscatter and absorption, and also exhibit the unique property that the output lobe in some configurations does not move with the input ray angle. These diffuser properties allow the fabrication of efficient, uniform backlights for LCD displays in aircraft cockpits.
The Effect of Firing Temperature on the Elemental Characterization of Pottery

Abstract Neutron-activation analysis (NAA) of clay test tiles fired to temperatures from 100 ° to 1100 °C shows that with the possible exception of bromine, no volatilization of 34 elements occurs. Thus, there is little reason to consider firing temperature a potential confounding factor in ceramic compositional studies.
Identification and Characterization of Three cDNAs That Encode Putative Novel Hyaluronan-Binding Proteins, Including an Endothelial Cell-Specific Hyaluronan Receptor

The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) and HA-binding proteins (HABPs) serve important structural and regulatory functions during development and in maintaining adult tissue homeostasis. Here we have identified and partially characterized the sequence and expression pattern of three putative novel HABPs. DNA sequence analysis revealed that two of the novel HABPs, WF-HABP and BM-HABP, form a unique HA-binding subfamily, whereas the third protein, OE-HABP, is more closely related to the LINK subfamily of HABPs. Northern blotting experiments revealed that the expression of BM-HABP was highly restricted, with substantial expression detected only in human fetal liver. In contrast, WF-HABP and OE-HABP mRNAs were detected in a number of tissues, with particularly prominent expression in highly vascularized tissues such as the heart, placenta, and lung. Additional studies showed that OE-HABP was expressed by cultured human endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and differentiated monocytes. However, only endothelial cells expressed WF-HABP mRNA, and its expression was regulated by growth state, being most prominent in quiescent endothelial cells. We further characterized the expression of WF-HABP in vivo and found that its expression colocalized with CD31-positive cells and was prominently expressed in microvessels in the human aorta and in atherectomy samples. Our data suggest that WF-HABP is an endothelial cell-specific HA receptor and that it may serve a unique function in these cells. The WF-HABP gene was localized to chromosome 3p21.31 and the OE-HABP gene to 15q25.2–25.3.
Reliability study of through-silicon via (TSV) copper filled interconnects

Abstract Through-silicon vias (TSVs) have been extensively studied because of their ability to achieve chip stacking for enhanced system performance. The fabrication process is becoming somewhat mature. However, reliability issues need to be addressed in order for an eventual transition from laboratory to production. In our laboratory, vias with tapered sidewalls are formed through a modified Bosch process using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). Vias are lined with silicon dioxide using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) followed by sputter deposited titanium barrier and copper seed layers before filling with a reverse pulse copper electroplating process. Following attachment of the process wafer to a carrier wafer, the process wafer is thinned from the backside by a combination of mechanical methods and reactive ion etching (RIE). Fabricated vias are subjected to thermal cycling with temperatures ranging from − 25 °C to 125 °C. For via chains, erratic changes in resistance upon temperature cycling indicated a problem with the wire bonds used to connect the sample to the test fixture. Test methods were modified to avoid wire bonding and form the basis of reliability studies presented in this paper. TSVs are shown to be stable with small increases in measured resistance for 200 cycles. In addition, small changes in resistance are observed when vias are held at elevated temperatures for extended periods of time.
Severe short stature and endogenous growth hormone resistance in twin brothers without growth hormone gene mutations.

Growth failure in children with high growth hormone (GH) levels, low insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, and accelerated linear growth in response to exogenous GH is presumed to result from biologically inactive GH. A molecular diagnosis has only been made in two such patients. We analyzed the presentations and the GH-1 genes of twin Egyptian brothers with this phenotype. At 8 yr of age, the boys’ heights were −4 SD. Their IGF-1 levels were 64 and 60 ng/mL, baseline GH levels were 2.1 and 11.7 mU/L, and growth hormone binding protein levels were normal. Twin B attained a peak GH level of 30.6 mU/L after l-dopa stimulation (Twin A was not tested). After 1 yr of exogenous GH, their growth velocities were >11 cm/year (>97%). Analysis of their GH-1 exons and introns revealed no mutations, but five polymorphisms were identified that have not been previously reported. The GH-1 DNA sequence was transfected into human cells and the resulting GH-1 transcripts were analyzed. Wildtype GH-1 mRNAs were observed, demonstrating that the polymorphisms do not affect transcript processing. Therefore, although no evidence of GH-1 gene mutations or abnormal GH-1 mRNA processing was found, the subjects’ excellent response to exogenous GH supports a trial of GH in children with severe short stature, low IGF-1 levels and normal GH responses to stimulation testing.
Experimental and computational investigation of unsymmetrical cyanine dyes: understanding torsionally responsive fluorogenic dyes.

Unsymmetrical cyanine dyes are widely used in biomolecular detection due to their fluorogenic behavior, whereby fluorescence quantum yields can be very low in fluid solution but are significantly enhanced in conformationally restricted environments. Herein we describe a series of fluorinated analogues of the dye thiazole orange that exhibit improved fluorescence quantum yields and photostabilities. In addition, computational studies on these dyes revealed that twisting about the monomethine bridge beyond an interplanar angle of 60° leads to a dark state that decays nonradiatively to the ground state, accounting for the observed fluorogenic behavior. The effects of position and number of fluorine substituents correlate with both observed quantum yield and calculated activation energy for twisting beyond this critical angle.
Acute exposure to air pollution triggers atrial fibrillation.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the association of air pollution with the onset of atrial fibrillation (AF).Background: Air pollution in general and more specifically particulate matter h...
Where the division lies: Common ingroup identity moderates the cross-race facial-recognition effect

This research investigated the hypothesis that better recognition for own-race than other-race faces is a result of social categorization rather than perceptual expertise. More specifically, we explored how the salience of race or university group boundaries would affect recall of faces. Using a modified facial recognition paradigm, on each trial eight Black and White faces were spatially organized either by race or university affiliation to induce categorization primarily based on one of these dimensions. When grouped by race, participants had superior recall for own-race faces and university affiliation had no effect. When grouped by university, participants had superior recall for own-university faces and race had no effect. Using identical stimuli across conditions, recall was superior for ingroup targets on the experimentally induced dimension of categorization, supportive of a social categorization based explanation of the cross-race effect.
Deoxynivalenol and 15-monoacetyl deoxynivalenol production by Fusarium graminearum R6576 in liquid media

Growth and toxigenesis by Fusarium graminearum R6576, were compared in four liquid media. Parameters monitored during the fermentation were deoxynivalenol (DON) and 15-acetyl deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) production, fungal mass, carbohydrate utilization, and pH. Factors which were varied included basal medium composition, corn steep liquor (CSL) concentration, sucrose concentration and ammonium tartrate concentration. Growth in modified Fries medium resulted in only low levels of DON (0.25 mg/L) and 15-ADON (0.25 mg/L) after 20 days. Addition of 4% CSL to modified Fries medium raised the 20 day DON yield to 16.5 mg/l. Increasing the sucrose concentration in modified Fries medium amended with 4% CSL resulted in increased mycelial dry weight but decreased levels of DON. Concentrations of ammonium tartrate greater than 1% in modified Fries amended with 4% CSL greatly reduced DON yield. Use of glucose-yeast extract-peptone (GYEP) for toxin production resulted in higher yields of 15-ADON (14.0 mg/L) than DON (5.5 mg/L) after 20 days. However, supplementation of GYEP with 4% CSL resulted primarily in DON production (4.5 mg/L) after 20 days. In general, qualitative and quantitative production of DON and 15-ADON by Fusarium graminearum R6576 were dependent on the composition of the complex liquid medium.
Left ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiogram: prognostic implications from a 10-year cohort study of older subjects: a report from the Bronx Longitudinal Aging Study.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to report on the prevalence, incidence and prognosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on the electrocardiogram (ECG) in a cohort of ambulatory older men and women. DESIGN A prospective, longitudinal study of 10 years duration with ECGs obtained at baseline and on an annual basis. SETTING AND PATIENTS A community-based cohort study consisting of 459 subjects (aged 75-85, mean age 79 years). MEASUREMENTS Baseline and follow up ECGs were interpreted using the Minnesota Code. Prevalence and incidence of LVH and ECG were determined as well as regression of ECG LVH. Clinical event rates measured were incidence of total mortality, myocardial infarction (MI, fatal and non-fatal), cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular disease (fatal and non-fatal), stroke (fatal and non-fatal), all-cause dementia, and multi-infarct dementia. Differences in event rates between groups (those subjects with and without LVH) were compared as tests between proportions. A Cox Proportional Hazards Regression Analysis was performed to compare the relative independent predictive values of different competing factors, including age, gender, serum cholesterol, digitalis use, body mass, index, Blessed Dementia Scale, cigarette smoking, LVH at baseline, LVH ar baseline (persisting), new LVH, new LVH (persisting), new LVH (regressed), previous MI by history of ECG, hypertension by history, and cardiomegaly by X-ray (cardiothoracic ratio > or = 50%). RESULTS At baseline, 9.2% of subjects (n = 42) had LVH on ECG and a mortality rate of 11.7/100 persons years versus 4.9/100 persons years for subjects without baseline LVH (P < .0001), and MI rate of 7.5/100 persons years with LVH versus 2.6/100 persons years without LVH (P < .0001), and a cardiovascular mortality rate of 7.2/100 persons years without LVH versus 2.7/100 person years without LVH. Subjects who developed new LVH on ECG (n = 39) had a mortality rate of 14.4/100 person-years compared with 4.4/100 person-years for those without LVH (P < .0001), a cardiovascular mortality rate of 11.1/100 person years versus 2.0/100 person years without LVH (P < .0001), and an MI rate of 6.1/100 person years versus 2.0/100 person years without LVH (P < .01). Subjects in whom the ECG LVH pattern disappeared over time had fewer cardiovascular mortal and morbid events than those with persistent LVH. According to the regression analyses, persistent LVH from baseline was an independent predictor of MI, overall cardiovascular disease, and total mortality. Newly developing LVH with subsequent regression was an independent predictor of overall cardiovascular disease and death. CONCLUSIONS An increased prevalence and incidence of LVH on ECG, irrespective cause, is associated with a poor prognosis in very old men and women. Regression of ECG LVH in older people, irrespective of cause, may confer improvement in risk for cardiovascular disease.
Stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and respiration of temperate deciduous tree seedlings grown outdoors at an elevated concentration of carbon dioxide

Seedlings of temperate deciduous tree species were grown outdoors at ambient and at an elevated concentration of carbon dioxide to examine how aspects of their gas exchange would be altered by growth at elevated carbon dioxide concentration. Leaf conductances to water vapour and net carbon dioxide exchange rates were determined periodically near midday. Whole-plant carbon dioxide efflux rates in darkness were also determined. The stomatal conductance of leaves of plants grown and measured at 700 cm3 m−3 carbon dioxide did not differ from that of plants grown and measured at 350 cm3 m−3 in Malus domestica, Quercus prinus and Quercus robur at any measurement time. In Acer saccharinum, lower conductances occurred for plants grown and measured at elevated carbon dioxide concentration only at measurement temperatures above 33°C. Photo-synthetic adjustment to elevated carbon dioxide concentration was evident only in Q. robur. All species examined had lower rates of dark respiration per unit of mass when grown and measured at elevated carbon dioxide concentration.
A Megawatt-Scale Power Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation Setup for Motor Drives

We report on the application of a 5-MW variable voltage source (VVS) amplifier converter for utilization in power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) experiments with megawatt-scale motor drives. In particular, a commercial 2.5-MW variable speed motor drive (VSD) with active front end was connected to a virtual power system using the VVS for integrating the drive with a simulated power system. An illustrative example is given, whereby a 4-MW gas turbine generator system, including various loads, is simulated and interfaced with the VSD hardware in the lab through the VVS using current feedback to the simulation. Mechanical loading is applied to the motor via an identical 2.5-MW dynamometer connected to the same shaft. This paper first describes the PHIL facility, illustrates the challenges of powering a motor drive from a controlled voltage source converter at the multimegawatt scale, and provides experimental results from dynamic simulations. While certain challenges remain with the accuracy of the interface, it is concluded that PHIL simulations at the megawatt power level are possible and may prove useful for validating models of drive systems in the future.