cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Social Dimensions of Oral Health Among Older Adults in Urban Environments

In both developed and developing countries, population aging has attained unprecedented levels. Public health strategies to deliver services in community-based settings are key to enhancing the utilization of preventive care and reducing costs for this segment of the population. Motivated by concerns of inadequate access to oral health care by older adults in urban environments, this article presents a portfolio of systems science models that have been developed on the basis of observations from the ElderSmile preventive screening program operated in northern Manhattan, New York City, by the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Using the methodology of system dynamics, models are developed to explore how interpersonal relationships influence older adults' participation in oral health promotion. Feedback mechanisms involving word of mouth about preventive screening opportunities are represented in relation to stocks that change continuously via flows, as well as agents whose states of health care utilization change discretely using stochastic transitions. Agent-based implementations illustrate how social networks and geographic information systems are integrated into dynamic models to reflect heterogeneous and proximity-based patterns of communication and participation in the ElderSmile program. The systems science approach builds shared knowledge among an interdisciplinary research team about the dynamics of access to opportunities for oral health promotion. Using "what if" scenarios to model the effects of program enhancements and policy changes, resources may be effectively leveraged to improve access to preventive and treatment services. Furthermore, since oral health and general health are inextricably linked, the integration of services may improve outcomes and lower costs.
Lone Star Pterosaurs

The state of Texas has one of the greatest records of pterosaurs in the world, sur- passing all other US states and most countries in the number of occurrences. Uniquely, this record extends over the entire 150! million history of the Pterosauria. A review of this pterosaur record confirms at least 30 pterosaurs known from 13 occurrences, including five valid species. The holo- types of two of these species have been described before and are diagnosed and erected here as the new species Radiodactylus langstoni, gen. et sp. nov., named in honour of Dr. Wann Langston Jr, the father of Texas pterosaurology, and Alamodactylus byrdi, gen. et sp. nov.. Phylogenetic analysis of all Texas pterosaurs that can be coded for more than one character confirms that these species are distinct from others and occupy phylogenetic positions close to their original classifications. Radio- dactylus langstoni is recovered as a non-azhdarchid azhdarchoid, Quetzalcoatlus northropi as an azhdarchid, Alamodactylus byrdi as a non-pteranodontoid pteranodontian, Aetodactylus as a ptera- nodontoid, and Coloborhynchus wadleighi as an ornithocheirid. The presence of eudimorphodontid, dsungaripterid, as well as other azhdarchid and pteranodontoid pterosaurs, is also confirmed in Texas.
Interdependent Utilities, Charity, and Pareto Optimality: A Reply

In the introduction to his comment Professor Danielsen states that, although the mathematical formulation of my paper is correct, the graphic presentation and several verbal conclusions are incorrect. His stated purpose is "to amend Schall's presentation and use the [Schall] model to analyze charity and exchange relations." Nowhere in his comment does Danielsen support his opening contention that my graphic or verbal conclusions are incorrect. Danielsen's first criticism (in his Section I) relates to my use of the terms "external diseconomies," "altruism," and "charitability" instead of his adjectives "malevolent," "less benevolent," and "more benevolent toward others than toward oneself" to describe the same behavior (see Danielsen's remarks). It is not at all clear to me that my terminology is erroneous or misleading or that Danielsen's terms are in any way preferable. Danielsen does add the point that the individual's behavior can be described on the basis of the derivative of his utility function with respect to the other party's consumption; thus, a can be referred to as benevolent, indifferent, or malevolent
Erosion damage and strength degradation of zirconia-toughened alumina

The erosion wear and posterosion strength properties of Al2O3 containing 10 vol% ZrO2 were determined as a function of the kinetic energy of the impacting sharp particles. Samples were prepared with three different surface treatments to obtain different amounts of tetragonal zirconia on the surface. With all three surface treatments a transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic phase due to the impacting particles was observed. The erosive wear was independent of the initial amount of tetragonal phase at the surface and was not statistically different from that found for commercial alumina. The posterosion strength was relatively insensitive to increasing kineticenergy of the eroding particles, indicating a rising fracture resistance behavior for this zirconia-toughened alumina.
Dispersion and stability of bare hematite nanoparticles: effect of dispersion tools, nanoparticle concentration, humic acid and ionic strength

The aggregation and sedimentation of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) can significantly affect the mobility and reactivity of IONPs and subsequently influence the interaction between IONPs and environmental contaminants. Dispersing bare IONPs into a stable suspension within nanoscale range is an important step for studying the interaction of IONPs with contaminants (e.g., toxic metals). In this study, different techniques to disperse bare IONPs (vortex, bath sonication and probe ultrasonication) and the effects of important environmental factors such as dissolved organic matter and ionic strength on the stability of IONPs dispersions were investigated. Vortex minimally dispersed IONPs with hydrodynamic diameter outside the "nano-size range" (698-2400 nm). Similar to vortex, bath sonication could not disperse IONPs efficiently. Probe ultrasonication was more effective at dispersing IONPs (50% or more) with hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 120 to 140 nm with minimal changes in size and sedimentation of IONPs for a prolonged period of time. Over the course of 168 h, considerable amounts of IONPs remained dispersed in the presence and absence of low ionic strength (0.1mM of NaCl) and 100mg/L of humic acid (HA). These results indicate that IONPs can be broken down efficiently into "nanosize range" by probe ultrasonication and a degree of stability can be achieved without the use of synthetic modifiers to enhance colloidal stability. This dispersion tool could be used to develop a laboratory method to study the adsorption mechanism between dispersed bare IONPs and toxic contaminants.
Effect of current density and sulfuric acid concentration on persulfuric acid generation by boron-doped diamond film anodes

This research investigated the effects of current density and sulfuric acid concentration on the rates of persulfate generation by boron-doped diamond film anodes. Also investigated was the maximum conversion of sulfate to persulfate that could be achieved from electrol- ysis of sulfuric acid. Experiments were performed in batch systems using a rotating disk electrode (RDE) and a flow- through reactor with parallel plate electrodes. Both the RDE and flow-through experiments showed that there was a linear relationship between persulfate generation rates and current density. Persulfate generation rates became current limited at sulfuric acid concentrations of 2.25 M and above; however, Faradaic efficiencies under current- limited conditions were only *60 %, and were only weakly dependent on the current density. Persulfate gen- eration rates in the flow-through reactor showed similar dependencies on current density and sulfuric acid concen- tration as those in the RDE reactor, but were 20-50 % lower. Acid catalyzed and thermal decomposition of per- sulfate limited the maximum conversion of sulfate to per- sulfate. A maximum fractional conversion of 78 % was achieved using an initial sulfuric acid concentration of 0.77 M. Surprisingly, this value was independent of the current density over the range of 100-300 mA cm -2 .
Does compliance status predict clinical status in patients undergoing endoscopic management of vesico-ureteral reflux?

Abstract Objective Previous studies of endoscopic management of vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) have had non-compliance rates around 50%. We examined success rates of patients non-compliant with a delayed follow up protocol after endoscopic injection for VUR. Materials and methods Patients undergoing Double HIT, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer endoscopic injection for VUR were enrolled in a 1-year, delayed voiding cysto-urethrogram (VCUG) study. All patients non-compliant with the VCUG were contacted and information on their clinical status was collected. Non-compliant patients were re-scheduled for a VCUG. Results 49/54 (91%) patients underwent endoscopic injection for VUR and completed the 6-week ultrasound. At 1-year 49% (24/49) were non-compliant with a VCUG; 75% (18/24) were contacted and provided clinical information. All but one patient agreed to the VCUG. Patients compliant with the 1-year VCUG showed 96% (24/25) clinical and 92% (23/25) radiologic success rates. Non-compliant patients had an 89% (16/18) clinical success rate; 5 (21%) non-compliant patients underwent VCUGs with a 100% success rate. Conclusions Long-term compliance remains an issue for patients treated endoscopically for VUR, but compliance does not predict clinical status as both groups have favorable clinical outcomes. The repeat VCUG is a barrier to long-term follow up as only 21% of patients underwent the study.
Chemical changes in a receiving stream due to oxygenation and dilution of mine tailings seep waters

Chemical changes and phase distributions for major and minor chemical constituents have been determined for High Ore Creek, Montana. The major chemical reaction is oxidation of Fe(H) to Fe(III). Subsequent Fe(III) hydrolysis provides a major portion of the suspended phase. The presence of colloidal hydrous oxides rapidly removes Cu, Pb, and As from the solution phase. The concentrations of Fe and As decrease by a factor of more than 500; Mn and Zn decrease by at least a factor of 15. The variations in the concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, HCO3−, and SO42− primarily parallel dilution factors which are in the range of two to three.
Transforming growth factor beta inhibits the phosphorylation of pRB at multiple serine/threonine sites and differentially regulates the formation of pRB family-E2F complexes in human myeloid leukemia cells.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta)1 induced dephosphorylation of pRb at multiple serine and threonine residues including Ser249/Thr252, Thr373, Ser780, and Ser807/811 in MV4-11 cells. Likewise, TGFbeta1 caused the dephosphorylation of p130, while inhibiting accumulation of p107 protein. Phosphorylated pRb was detected to bind E2F-1 and E2F-3, which appears to be a major form of pRb complexes in actively cycling cells. TGFbeta1 significantly downregulated pRb-E2F-1 and pRb-E2F-3 complexes as a result of inhibition of E2F-1 and E2F-3. In contrast, complexes of E2F-4 with pRb and with p130 were increased markedly upon TGFbeta1 treatment, whereas p107 associated E2F-4 was dramatically decreased. In agreement with these results, p130-E2F-4 DNA binding activity was dominant in TGFbeta1 treated cells, whereas p107-E2F-4 DNA binding activity was only found in proliferating cells. Our data strongly suggest that inhibition of E2Fs and differential regulation of pRb family-E2F-4 complexes are linked to TGFbeta1-induced growth inhibition. E2F-4 is switched from p107 to p130 and pRb when cells are arrested in G1 phase by TGFbeta1.
Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) Dendrimer Conjugates of “Clickable” Agonists of the A3 Adenosine Receptor and Coactivation of the P2Y14 Receptor by a Tethered Nucleotide

We previously synthesized a series of potent and selective A3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists (North-methanocarba nucleoside 5′-uronamides) containing dialkyne groups on extended adenine C2 substituents. We coupled the distal alkyne of a 2-octadiynyl nucleoside by Cu(I)-catalyzed “click” chemistry to azide-derivatized G4 (fourth-generation) PAMAM dendrimers to form triazoles. A3AR activation was preserved in these multivalent conjugates, which bound with apparent Ki of 0.1−0.3 nM. They were substituted with nucleoside moieties, solely or in combination with water-solubilizing carboxylic acid groups derived from hexynoic acid. A comparison with various amide-linked dendrimers showed that triazole-linked conjugates displayed selectivity and enhanced A3AR affinity. We prepared a PAMAM dendrimer containing equiproportioned peripheral azido and amino groups for conjugation of multiple ligands. A bifunctional conjugate activated both A3 and P2Y14 receptors (via amide-linked uridine-5′-diphosphoglucuronic acid)...
Fluorescence studies on the reduction of quinone by cyanide in aqueous 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin solutions

Abstract Water-soluble 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin was used to enclose 1,4-dibenzoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, and 9,10-anthraquinone to form inclusion complexes. The inclusion complex of 1,4-dibenzoquinone was the most reactive of the three complexes in the presence of cyanide anion. The 1,4-dibenzoquinone inclusion complex reacted with cyanide anion to form a fluorescent product with stable excitation and emission maxima at 410 and 480 nm, respectively. Assuming one to one stoichiometry the formation constant for 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and 1,4-dibenzoquinone was estimated to be 4 M −1 . Formation of the inclusion complex did not enhance fluorescence yield but increased the rate of product formation in aqueous solutions. In the presence of excess cyanide the limit of detection for 1,4-dibenzoquinone was 0.006 mM with a linear range of 0.01 to 0.04 mM. For cyanide detection the linear range of the assay was 2 to 10 mM with a detection limit of 0.041 mM. Rate assays for cyanide possessed linear ranges from 0.041 to 12 mM. The reaction was used to detect cyanide in beverages, acetaminophen preparations and brass plating solutions.
Structure characterization of heat set and drawn polyamide 66 fibers by FTIR spectroscopy

Structural changes that occur during thermally induced and strain induced crystallization of polyamide 66 fibers were studied by infrared spectroscopy, density measurement and optical microscopy. Two bands at 924 and 1136 cm–1 were shown to arise from the amorphous phase and assignment of the bands at 936 and 1200 cm–1 to the crystalline phase were confirmed. We demonstrated that two different infrared spectroscopic methods could be used to determine the total crystallinity of polyamide 66 fibers. One is a calibration method in which the band ratio of 1200 and 1630 cm–1 is plotted against the crystallinity measured by density measurements. The other one is an independent infrared method. Crystallinity obtained by the independent infrared spectroscopic method showed good agreement with crystallinity observed by density measurement. Infrared dichroism was used to obtain the crystalline orientation using the band at 936 cm–1. The transition moment angle of 48° was found for the band at 936 cm–1 with respect to chain axis. Amorphous orientation was obtained using Stein’s equation.
An unusual case of uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome

Abstract Purpose To report a case of uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome in which anterior chamber paracentesis led to the diagnosis of sickle cell trait. Design Observational case report. Methods A 43-year-old Cuban pseudophakic male was seen multiple times over a 3-year period complaining of floaters and blurry vision in his left eye. He was noted to have an inferotemporally displaced posterior chamber intraocular lens and recurrent microhyphemas with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) readings between 29 and 46 mm Hg with each episode. He was diagnosed with UGH syndrome. Posterior chamber intraocular lens explantation and anterior chamber washout was performed. The aqueous fluid was submitted for cytopathologic examination. Results Postoperatively, the patient’s symptoms resolved and he had no further hemorrhages or elevated IOP readings. Cytopathology of the aspirate revealed sickled red blood cells. Conclusion Microscopic examination of aqueous fluid can be a valuable tool in diagnosing ophthalmic manifestations of systemic disease.
High Efficiency Grating Lateral Shear Interferometer

The use of dichromated gelatin for holographically recording the component single frequency gratings of a high efficiency grating lateral shear interferometer is described. Interferograms obtained using a grating lateral shear interferometer simultaneously having a diffraction efficiency of 30% in each of two shearing interferograms are presented.
System reliability allocation methodology based on three-dimensional analyses

One of the undeniable problems in the design of complex multicomponent systems is the difficulty in specifying reliability requirements of individual components in the most objective and effective manner. This paper presents a comprehensive approach for reliability allocation by comprehending functional dependency and failure criticality for each component or subsystem. It decomposes the system into three dimensions, specifically physical, functional and time, and helps identify the interrelationship between components and functions as well as single-point-failure problems. A methodology is proposed to compute overall reliability allocation index considering dependency and criticality criteria. Dependency values are calculated using the analytic hierarchy process, and the criticality values for each single-point-failure are derived from Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) document. The methodology builds an effective link between failure analysis and reliability allocation process. A case example is presented to demonstrate the proposed approach.
Quantitative gas chromatographic assay for caffeic acid moieties in tobacco.

Abstract A method has been developed for the quantitative determination of caffeic acid moieties in tobacco by gas-liquid chromatography. Caffeic acid esters are precipitated with lead acetate, recovered, and subjected to a transesterification reaction to produce the n -butyl ester of caffeic acid. After silylation of the n -butyl ester of caffeic acid the derivative, bis (trimethylsilyl) caffeoyl n -butyrate, is suitable for gas chromatography on 12% SE-30. Anthracene and pyrene were used as internal standards. Results for chlorogenic acid in tobacco samples obtained by a paper chromatographic-spectrophotometric method are comparable with results obtained by gas chromatography.
Activation of a Cryptic Splice Donor in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1

The human immunodeficiency virus type-1 regulatory protein Rev is absolutely required for the production of viral structural proteins. Splice sites have been seen to function ascis-acting repressor sequendes (CRS) and inhibit expression of the Rev-dependent RNAs. In order to analyze the role of a splice donor in Rev dependence, the wild-type 5′ splice donor of HIV-1 was mutated in the context of othergag sequences. Following transient transfection, RNA expression by RT-PCR was analyzed. The unspliced RNA produced by the mutant construct still required Rev for the cytoplasmic accumulation of the RNA. Despite deletion of the wild-type 5′ splice donor and thetat splice acceptor was used. A cryptic splice donor was identified by PCR and subsequent cloning of the spliced RNA. The cryptic site is 5/9 to the consensus sequence and located immediately downstream of the initiation codon (ATG) for Gag. Analysis of the RNA product containing the cryptic splice donor revealed that the Rev was required for the cytoplasmic accumulation of unspliced RNA, while spliced RNA was Rev independent. Transfection of a wild-type construct also demonstrated usage of the cryptic splice donor. These results indicate that a cryptic splice donor can be activated when the wild-type splice donor is inactivated and that the cryptic splice donor may retain Rev regulation. The findings also suggest the potential for cryptic splice sites to serve as CRS in the determining the Rev dependence of viral RNAs.
Coherent Communication of Continuous Quantum Variables with Linear Optics

We provide experimental proposals for coherent communication with linear optics. The first proposal suggests a linear-optical scheme for coherent superdense coding. The second proposal gives a linear-optical coherent teleportation scheme.
Input Distortions in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit: Evidence From Building Size

Abstract The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit subsidizes the non-land construction costs of low-income housing units. Because land costs are not subsidized, it may incentivize developers to produce buildings with too much capital from the viewpoint of optimal production. Using data on construction in Los Angeles County between 1993 and 2007, this paper estimates how the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit subsidy affects the size of newly constructed apartment buildings. Holding land area constant, I find the average subsidized building includes 25 to 29% more square footage than unsubsidized buildings constructed in the same year and zip code. The effect is primarily driven by subsidized buildings including more, instead of larger, housing units. Consistent with theoretical predictions, the effects are strongest in locations with low market rent. This input distortion is one reason that housing subsidies that fund the construction of low-income housing may be less cost-effective than subsidies given directly to tenants.
Short-range order and precipitation in Fe-rich Fe-Cr alloys: Atomistic off-lattice Monte Carlo simulations

Short-range order (SRO) in Fe-rich Fe-Cr alloys is investigated by means of atomistic off-lattice Monte Carlo simulations in the semi-grand-canonical ensemble using classical interatomic potentials. The SRO parameter defined by Cowley [Phys. Rev. 77, 669 (1950)] is used to quantify the degree of ordering. In agreement with experiments a strong ordering tendency in the Cr distribution at low Cr concentrations $(\ensuremath{\lesssim}5%)$ is observed, as manifested in negative values of the SRO parameters. For intermediate Cr concentrations $(5%\ensuremath{\lesssim}{c}_{\mathrm{Cr}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}15%)$, the SRO parameter for the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase goes through a minimum, but at the solubility limit, the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-phase still displays a rather strong SRO. In thermodynamic equilibrium for concentrations within the two-phase region the SRO parameter measured over the entire sample therefore comprises the contributions from both the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ phases. If both of these contributions are taken into account, it is possible to quantitatively reproduce the experimental results and interpret their physical implications. It is thereby shown that the inversion of the SRO observed experimentally is due to the formation of stable (supercritical) ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ precipitates. It is not related to the loss of SRO in the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase or to the presence of unstable (subcritical) Cr precipitates in the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase.
Calculated electron excitation cross sections for the alkalis

Electron excitation cross sections for lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium have been calculated by means of the Born, Bethe, and Ochkur approximations. Herman-Skillman Hartree-Fock-Slater wavefunctions are used to describe the bound electrons.
Effect of film thickness on the gas-permeation characteristics of glassy polymer membranes

Films made from three glassy polymerspolysulfone, poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), and a commercial polyimide known as Matrimidwere prepared in thicknesses ranging from 0.4 μm to 60 μm, and their permeabilities to oxygen, nitrogen, and methane were monitored for more than a year. These films exhibited substantial decreases in permeability with time, because of volume relaxation that is due to physical aging, which is a reversible process. The observed permeability coefficients were originally greater than the literature values for thick, or so-called “bulk” films, but eventually decreased well below these values. The rate of the aging effect becomes greater the thinner the film. The implications of this observation for practical membrane gas separation processes and the selection of membrane materials based on thick film data are discussed.
A lead-associated nuclear protein which increases in maturing brain and in differentiating neuroblastoma 2A cells exposed to cyclic AMP-elevating agents.

Abstract The lead-associated nuclear protein, p32/6.3, increases significantly in the postnatally developing rat cerebral cortex (Egle and Shelton, J. Biol. Chem., 261 (1986) 2294–2298). In the present study, this increase has been identified with late development of the cerebral cortex or forebrain because p32/6.3 reached adult levels 10 to 14 days after birth in guinea pig (a precocial animal) and after hatching in chicken. Comparison with other developmental processes indicates that p32/6.3 reaches adult levels just before or during the period of synapse maturation. Thus p32/6.3 may prove useful as a biochemical indicator of nuclear maturation in this period. The developmental regulation of p32/6.3 was further studied in mouse neuroblastoma 2a (Nb2a) cells. In vitro induction of differentiation of Nb2a cells by serum withdrawal from the culture medium increased p32/6.3, implicating p32/6.3 with differentiating neurons. This association was further strengthened when treatment of the Nb2a cells for 24 h with dibutyryl cAMP (1–5 mM), papaverine (5–12.5 μg/ml) or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX; 50–250 μM) increased the abundance of p32/6.3 1.5- to 3-fold more than serum withdrawal alone. 8-Bromo-cAMP (2–4 mM), N6-benzoyl cAMP (4 mM) and forskolin (10 μM) also increased the abundance of p32/6.3 in Nb2a cells, arguing that cAMP is involved in p32/6.3 regulation. These results, in conjunction with the postnatal increase of p32/6.3 in cerebral cortex, suggest a relationship between p32/6.3 levels and neuronal maturation.
Cochlear blood flow measured by averaged laser Doppler flowmetry (ALDF).

This report describes a new approach to estimate the hydromechanical properties of a vascular system. Averaged laser Doppler flowmetry (ALDF) was developed by averaging the flux signal of a laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF) synchronized to the heart cycle. The usefulness of this method was verified by manipulation of the cochlear microvasculature. Twelve pigmented guinea pigs under pentobarbital/fentanyl anesthesia were used. The cochlea was surgically exposed and the LDF probe placed on the bony surface of the first turn to monitor cochlear blood flow (CBF). The LDF flux signal (0.2 s time constant) was sampled by an A/D board at 2 kHz for 255 ms and averaged with synchronization to the heart beat. The mean blood flow, peak to peak amplitude, and time (phase) delay of pulsatile flow were measured from the averaged signal. According to a transmission line model of the vascular system, under a given perfusion pressure, mean flow reflects resistance while amplitude and time delay of the pulsatile flow are related to the reactance component of the impedance of the vascular system. During the formation of photochemically-induced thrombosis in the cochlear microvasculature, there was a dramatic mean flux decrease (90.1 ± 3.4% from baseline (BL), N = 6). Additionally, a time-dependent decrease in amplitude and time delay of pulsatile flow were indicated by ALDF. These results suggest a large increase in vascular resistance and significant decrease in compliance. After application of 2% sodium nitroprusside (NP) to the round window membrane, mean flux increased by 78.3 ±17.6% BL; amplitude and time delay of pulsate blood flow increased by 81.0 ± 14.6% (N = 6) and 11.5 ± 3.2 ms (N = 6), respectively. These changes can be interpreted as lowered resistance and increased compliance consistent with vasodilatation by NP. ALDF is a new method which derives additional information from the LDF signal. The new information provided by ALDF can be of importance in assessment of basic cochlear microcirculation and interpretation of peripheral vascular diseases in the cochlea and other organs.
Three-dimensional mantle convection simulations with a low-viscosity asthenosphere and the relationship between heat flow and the horizontal length scale of convection

[1] Numerical mantle convection simulations show that depth-dependent viscosity can increase the flow wavelength. A recent analysis demonstrates that flow channelization into a low-viscosity region lowers lateral dissipation. This allows long wavelength flow to more efficiently cool the interior mantle. We present three-dimensional, mixed heating mantle convection simulations with a thin low-viscosity channel for a range of aspect ratios to test the implications of the theoretical analysis. For reasonable viscosity contrasts between lithosphere, asthenosphere and bulk mantle we find that very large aspect ratios can develop. Velocity profiles quantify the degree of channelization for variable aspect ratios. Internal temperatures are found to decrease with increasing aspect ratio and both surface heat flux and velocity are found to increase with aspect ratio. Our results are consistent with the idea that the asthenosphere channels lateral mantle flow which, in turn, stabilizes long wavelength convection cells and makes long wavelength flow energetically favorable.
A Study of Mach Wave Radiation in an Axisymmetric Jet Using Active Control

Mach wave radiation is one of the better understood sources of jet noise. However, the exact conditions of its onset are difficult to determine and the literature to date typically explores Mach wave radiation well above its onset conditions. In order to determine the conditions for the onset of Mach wave radiation and to explore its behavior during onset and beyond, three ideallyexpanded jets with Mach numbers Mj = 0.9, 1.3, and 1.65 and stagnation temperature ratios ranging over To/T∞ = 1.0 2.5 (acoustic Mach number 0.83 to 2.10) were used. Data are collected using a far-field microphone array, schlieren imaging, and streamwise two-component PIV. Using arc filament plasma actuators to force the jet provides an unprecedented tool for detailed examination of Mach wave radiation. The response of the jet to various forcing parameters (combinations of one azimuthal mode m = 0, 1 & 3 and one Strouhal number StDF = 0.09 – 3.0) is explored. Phase-averaged schlieren images clearly show the onset and evolution of Mach wave radiation in response to both changes in the jet operating conditions and forcing parameters. It is observed that Mach wave radiation is initiated as a coalescing of the near-field hydrodynamic pressure fluctuations in the immediate vicinity of the large-scale structures. As the jet exit velocity increases, the hydrodynamic pressure fluctuations coalesce, first into a curved wavefront, then flatten into the conical wavefronts commonly associated with Mach wave radiation. The results show that the largest and most coherent structures (e.g. forcing with m = 0 and StDF ~ 0.3) produce the strongest Mach wave radiation. Conversely, Mach wave radiation is weakest when the structures are the least coherent (e.g. forcing with m = 3 and StDF > 1.5).
Correlation of framework Raman bands of zeolites with structure

A correlation is developed between the ring sizes and average T-O-T angles present in zeolites, with the prominent oxygen-bending frequency observed in the Raman spectra of these materials. Based on this correlation, predictions are made about the structure of a synthetic, magadiite-type aluminosilicate mineral.
Robotic surgery and resident training

Background Robotic technology promises to have an important future in surgery, but few residency programs incorporate robotics into surgical training. We sought to compare the speed and accuracy with which junior residents could perform laparoscopic tasks using both a robotic surgical device (Zeus MicroWrist) and conventional laparoscopic instruments. Methods Twelve residents performed exercises of progressive difficulty in an inanimate model using both the robot and conventional laparoscopy. Analysis of variance statistical analysis was used to compare task time and suturing accuracy scores. Results Grasping and suturing exercises were performed significantly faster with conventional laparoscopic instruments than with the robot. However, no difference in task time was noted for intracorporeal knot tying. Accuracy scores for suturing were higher for the robot. Conclusions Junior residents can be instructed easily and quickly in both robotic and conventional advanced laparoscopic skills. The utility of robotic surgical devices in resident training requires further investigation.
Abstract 2204: A functional genomics approach using high-throughput RNAi identifies TNK1 as a putative oncogene in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease that kills more than 30,000 people in the United States each year. Pancreatic cancer often presents as an advanced, therapy resistant cancer that is refractory to many forms of chemotherapy. Current therapeutics to treat pancreatic cancer include gemcitabine, yet the one-year survival of pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine is about 18%, representing a significant but modest advancement in the quality of life. In order to improve gemcitabine response in pancreatic cancer cells, we utilized high-throughput RNAi (HT-RNAi) to identify genes that when silenced would sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine. This screen also identified genes that represent “Achilles Heel” targets, which when silenced, results in a decrease in pancreatic cancer cell viability. A HT-RNAi assay was developed to monitor the growth inhibition of BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells transfected with siRNA and treated with gemcitabine. For screening, BxPC3 cells were transfected with siRNA from several two siRNA libraries including kinases (574 kinases) and druggable-genome targets (∼7000 genes). Twenty-four hours after siRNA transfection, an EC30 dose of gemcitabine was added and growth was assessed after 72 hours of drug exposure. Results from the screen showed that silencing the TNK1 resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability and also modestly increased sensitivity to gemcitabine. These results were consistent with previous HT-RNAi screens performed on MIA PaCa-2 cells. To confirm TNK1 as a potential target, a panel of pancreatic cancer cells were transfected with one of four different TNK1 siRNA and then treated with a range of gemcitabine doses to evaluate gemcitabine sensitivity following knockdown of TNK1. The TNK1 protein has previously been identified as a putative inhibitor of Ras and an inhibitor of TNFα-induced translocation of NFkB. We were able to confirm this in pancreatic cancer cells by demonstrating an increase in p-MEK 1/2 as well as an increase in NFkB gene targets in TNK1 siRNA-treated cells. Furthermore, we have characterized TNK1 expression in a panel of pancreatic cell lines. Although previous studies suggest that TNK1 may serve as a tumor suppressor, here, we suggest that TNK1 also demonstrates oncogenic properties in pancreatic cancer cells. The role that TNK1 plays in pathways such as K-ras and NFkB indicate it is likely to be an important factor in the development and/or progression of pancreatic cancer. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2204.
Secondary sex characteristics of girls 12 to 17 years of age: the U.S. Health Examination Survey

Data from the United States Health Examination Survey, Cycle III, were used to describe secondary sexual characteristics and their relationship to skeletal age in a representative sample of adolescent males aged 12 to 17 years. This survey utilized a national probability sample of youths selected to represent the U.S. population with respect to age, race, sex, geographic region, and socioeconomic status. Good concordance was found between Tanner stages for public hair and for genitalia. Sexual characteristics developed similarly for white and black boys, and socioeconomic status did not influence this development. Skeletal age and serum urate levels were closely related to development of pubic hair and genitalia. These data permit the physician to compare the development of individual patients with a representative sample of contemporaneous U.S. boys.
Disability in depression and back pain: Evaluation of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO DAS II) in a primary care setting

The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO DAS II) is a new measure of disability based on the ICIDH-2 model of functioning and disability. This study evaluates the measurement properties of the WHO DAS II in two disorders commonly encountered in the primary care setting. Seventy-three patients with depression and 76 patients with back pain were interviewed at baseline and after 3 months of usual primary care. Internal validity, convergent validity, and responsiveness to change of the WHO DAS II were evaluated. The WHO DAS II had excellent internal validity and convergent validity in the primary care setting. The responsiveness to change of the WHO DAS II was comparable to that of the SF-36. The WHO DAS II appears to be a useful health status instrument for measuring the disability associated with both physical and mental disorders in the primary care setting. This instrument facilitates the use of the ICIDH-2 as a framework for evaluating activity limitations and participation.
Towards the mass customization of housing: the grammar of Siza's houses at Malagueira

The goal of the described research is an interactive computer system for the design of customized mass housing. Shape grammars are the formalism proposed to systematize the design rules required for such a system. A shape grammar for Alvaro Siza's patio houses at Malagueira, a 1200-unit development still being designed and constructed today, is presented. The grammar is based on the corpus of thirty-five houses designed between 1977 and 1996. The generation of houses in the grammar proceeds by the recursive dissection of rectangles locating four different functional zones (patio, living, services, and sleeping) and the key placement of the staircase. The schematic generations of two existing houses and the detailed generation of a novel one illustrate the grammar.
Finite amplitude wave propagation in solid and liquid He 4

The amplitude response (i.e., relation between input and output amplitudes of a wave transmitted through a medium) of 10-MHz longitudinal wave is investigated in hcp and bcc solid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ as well as normal fluid and superfluid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$. In all four phases the acoustic saturation in the amplitude response curve was observed. The results are well described by an equation for amplitude loss based on second-harmonic generation. The nonlinear parameter $\ensuremath{\beta}$ of these phases was evaluated. It is found that the magnitude $\ensuremath{\beta}$ in solid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ is comparable to that of classical solids. Dislocation contributions to the amplitude response were also investigated and were ruled out as a significant source of the observed effects. It is concluded, therefore, that the large nonlinear amplitude response, which leads to saturation observed in solid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ should be attributed to the unusually large compressibility, i.e., small elastic constants (second order), which, in turn, induces in solid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ much larger strain amplitudes for a given applied stress than in ordinary solids.
Structural and electrostatic effects on binding of trivalent cations to double-stranded and single-stranded poly[d (AT)].

We have measured the thermal melting profile for poly[d(AT)] · poly[d(TA)] as a function of concentration of three trivalent cations: spermidine, me8spermidine, and hexammine cobalt(III). Using McGhee's (1976) theory of DNA melting in the presence of ligands, we have estimated association constants Kh, Kc and binding site sizes nh, nc for binding to double-helical (h) and single-stranded (c) polynucleotide. The results are as follows: Text Table Text. Cation Kh (M−1) nh (bp) Kc (M−1) nc (bases) Spermidine 9 × 105 2.2 1.3 × 104 4.5 Me8spermidine 2 × 105 1.4 7 × 103 3 Hexammine cobalt(III) 1.1 × 105 1.5 6 × 102 6 The binding parameters for spermidine and hexammine cobalt(III) to double helical molecules agree fairly well with direct equilibrium dialysis measurements, and are in reasonable accord with predictions of counterion condensation theory. However, despite their identical charges, the three ligands bind to single-stranded DNA with quite different affinities. Estimates of the charge spacing of single-stranded DNA suggest that poly[d(AT)] is less elongated in the presence of spermidine and hexammine cobalt (III) than it is when complexed with me8spermidine.
The role of imatinib plasma level testing in gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

The management of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has markedly advanced over the past 10 years. Imatinib has exceptional activity in controlling gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) due to inhibition of the constitutively active conformation of KIT and PDGFRA which is found in the majority of patients with GIST. Although some patients may experience prolonged disease control while on imatinib, most patients will develop imatinib resistance within 2–3 years on therapy. A recent retrospective analysis demonstrated a relationship between imatinib plasma levels and progression-free survival in patients with advanced GIST. Plasma imatinib levels in this study were unrelated to the daily administered dose of imatinib. A prospective trial is underway in order to evaluate whether modification of imatinib dose to achieve a target imatinib plasma level will impact patient outcome when compared to standard imatinib dosing in GIST (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01031628). This review will explore the current available data on the relationship between imatinib plasma levels, response to treatment, and other prognositic factors as well as discuss the implications of this data for possible future therapeutic approaches.
The mechanisms and mechanics of archenteron elongation during sea urchin gastrulation

Continued elongation of the archenteron during sea urchin gastrulation has long been thought to occur as a result of contraction of filopodia which are extended by secondary mesenchyme cells from the tip of the gut rudiment to the blastocoel roof. Here we present four lines of evidence which strongly suggest that forces generated within the archenteron itself can cause it to elongate. First, computer simulations based on the theory of solid mechanics show that filopodial pulling alone results in deformations not seen in vivo, and that observed shape changes can only be obtained by assuming that the archenteron is much less stiff than the rest of the embryo. Second, our transverse tissue sections of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and similar sections of Lytechinus pictus reveal a marked decrease in the number of cells comprising the circumference of the archenteron during its elongation, demonstrating that the cells in the archenteron repack to form a longer, narrower array. Third, morphometric analysis of Nomarski DIC micrographs indicates no significant increase in the length/width ratios of cells in the archenteron due to filopodial pulling. Finally, L. pictus and S. purpuratus exogastrulae induced by treatment with 10 mM LiCl show complete gut extension accompanied by cell repacking without the action of secondary mesenchyme cells. These results strongly suggest that, in addition to any passive lengthening which may occur, the gut rudiment itself possesses an inherent capacity to elongate independent of filopodial pulling. On the basis of these findings, we propose that in at least some species, active cell rearrangement in the wall of the archenteron is the major contributing factor in the elongation of the gut rudiment, while the filopodia may primarily serve to guide the archenteron to the site of stomadeum formation.
Interpersonal Violence and Suicidal Behavior in Midlife African American Women

Little research has focused on suicidal behavior of midlife women (Stillion & McDowell, 1996). There have been even less studies conducted on African American women in midlife. The lack of attention to suicide and suicidal behaviors in the midlife years seems incomprehensible, because the midlife years are the peak years for African American and White female suicide (Nisbet, 1996; Stillion & McDowell, 1996). Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States (National Center for Health Statistics, 1994). Men complete suicide more often than women (Ginsberg, 1992); however, women attempt suicide more often than men (Canetto & Sakinofsky, 1998). Among White and African American males and females, African American females have the lowest suicide rate (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1994). In addition, suicide is two times more common among White American women than among African American women (Department of Health and Human Services, 1992). Even though completed suicide is more common among White women, suicidal behavior is not. Suicidal behavior refers to thoughts about killing oneself (ideation) and engaging in acts that could end one's life (suicidal attempts). Studies have shown the frequencies of suicide attempts are virtually the same between African American and White American women (Nisbet, 1996). Studies have also shown that women of both races who have histories of
Large velocity discontinuities in the solar wind

Explorer 34 measurement of discontinuities in velocity of solar wind and in direction of solar magnetic field
Body temperature and behaviour of golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) in a thermal gradient.

Golden hamsters and thirteen-lined ground squirrels were maintained individually in a thermal gradient (14°C to 33°C) for several weeks under a 14L: 10D light-dark cycle. Animals of both species showed robust daily rhythms of body temperature and locomotor activity with acrophases consistent with the habits of the species (diurnal acrophases in the diurnal squirrels and nocturnal acrophases in the nocturnal hamsters). Hamsters showed a robust daily rhythm of temperature selection 180° out of phase with the rhythms of body temperature and locomotor activity. Squirrels did not show a daily rhythm of temperature selection. These results raise the hypothesis that a daily rhythm of temperature selection is exhibited by nocturnal but not by diurnal endotherms.
Grignard reagent-mediated conversion of an acyl nitroso-anthracene cycloadduct to a nitrone.

An intramolecular hetero-Diels−Alder cycloadduct of an acyl nitroso compound and a 9,10-dimethyl anthracene derivative was prepared as a potential nitroxyl (HNO) donor. This compound did not release HNO under any of the conditions tested. Treatment of this cycloadduct with excess MeMgCl resulted in the formation of a nitrone, whose structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. A mechanism where MeMgCl acts as a nucleophile, strong base, and Lewis acid possibly explains the formation of this product.