cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vocal Dose in Older Adults with Presbyphonia: An Analytic, Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract Purpose Older patients with age-related voice changes (presbyphonia) are considered vocal under-doers due to a reportedly low a amount and intensity of voice use (ie, low vocal dose). This low voice use may be consequential to negative effects of presbyphonia like throat discomfort, as well as anxiety and frustration from difficulty communicating. Causally speaking, vocal fold atrophy (presbylaryngis) may indicate inadequate intrinsic laryngeal muscle loading with low voice use, though research is lacking. As a first step, this study examined voice use objectively using vocal dosimetry in older adults with presbyphonia. We hypothesized participants, especially if retired, would exhibit low vocal doses, and lower than reported for other populations. Method This research used an analytic, cross-sectional design with subgroup analyses to determine feasibility of vocal dosimetry in older adults with presbyphonia. Thirteen older adults with presbyphonia (7 males) completed vocal dose monitoring using an ambulatory phonation monitor (APM). The APM measured vocal parameters over a day of monitoring, from which time, cycle, and distance doses were calculated. Data also were gathered on demographics, vocal handicap, and vocal effort. Results Descriptively, the group showed a low mean time dose as compared to published vocal dose data from other populations. Females exhibited significantly higher mean values of time dose, cycle dose, and fundamental frequency than males. Time dose for males was negatively correlated with vocal effort. Subgroup analyses failed to detect an effect of age group, but found significantly a higher mean value for time dose in employed, compared to retired, participants. Conclusions Consistent with self-report, we found older adults with presbyphonia exhibit low time doses, which were in contrast to high vocal doses published on teachers, patients with dysphonia, and even office workers. We found differences in vocal dose as a function of sex and employment status. Though a limited sample, findings suggest patients with presbyphonia may demonstrate low vocal dose, which may be a useful target in treatment.
Genome Sequence of Castor Bean

Castor bean (Ricinus communis) was the first plant species with its genome sequenced in the spurge family which also includes cassava, rubber tree, and physic nut. Castor bean is a unique plant species because the seeds are a primary source for the natural product castor oil that contains an unusual fatty acid of economic interest, as well as ricin, the world’s deadliest toxin to humans. A draft version of the castor bean genome has been produced using a conventional clone-based and paired-end sequencing approach that reached a sequence coverage of 4.6-fold. Based on the genome sequence assembly, members of the ricin gene family and key oil synthesis genes were identified in a comprehensive manner, representing an important resource for future trait improvement. Importantly, comparative genomics analysis of the castor bean genome with other dicotyledonous plant genomes supported the presence of a conserved ancient hexaploidization event shared throughout the dicot lineage.
To smoke or not to smoke: Does delay discounting affect the proximal choice to smoke?

Background: Delay discounting rate shows robust predictive validity for tobacco use behaviors and is a new therapeutic target in the treatment of tobacco use. Identifying factors that influence rel...
Interactions between the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala support complex learning and memory

One of the guiding principles of memory research in the preceding decades is multiple memory systems theory, which links specific task demands to specific anatomical structures and circuits that are thought to act orthogonally with respect to each other. We argue that this view does not capture the nature of learning and memory when any degree of complexity is introduced. In most situations, memory requires interactions between these circuits and they can act in a facilitative manner to generate adaptive behavior.
Vortex nucleation in superconductors within time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory in two and three dimensions: Role of surface defects and material inhomogeneities

We use time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory to study the nucleation of vortices in type-II superconductors in the presence of both geometric and material inhomogeneities. The superconducting Meissner state is metastable up to a critical magnetic field, known as the superheating field. For a uniform surface and homogeneous material, the superheating transition is driven by a nonlocal critical mode in which an array of vortices simultaneously penetrate the surface. In contrast, we show that even a small amount of disorder localizes the critical mode and can have a significant reduction in the effective superheating field for a particular sample. Vortices can be nucleated by either surface roughness or local variations in material parameters, such as ${T}_{c}$. Our approach uses a finite-element method to simulate a cylindrical geometry in two dimensions and a film geometry in two and three dimensions. We combine saddle-node bifurcation analysis along with a fitting procedure to evaluate the superheating field and identify the unstable mode. We demonstrate agreement with previous results for homogeneous geometries and surface roughness and extend the analysis to include variations in material properties. Finally, we show that in three dimensions, surface divots not aligned with the applied field can increase the superheating field. We discuss implications for fabrication and performance of superconducting resonant frequency cavities in particle accelerators.
Development of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Rapid Detection of Cucurbit Leaf Crumple Virus

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for simple, rapid and efficient detection of Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV), one of the most important begomoviruses that infects cucurbits worldwide. A set of six specific primers targeting a total 240 nt sequence regions in the DNA A of CuLCrV were designed and synthesized for detection of CuLCrV from infected leaf tissues using real-time LAMP amplification with the Genie® III system, which was further confirmed by gel electrophoresis and SYBR™ Green I DNA staining for visual observation. The optimum reaction temperature and time were determined, and no cross-reactivity was seen with other begomoviruses. The LAMP assay could amplify CuLCrV from a mixed virus assay. The sensitivity assay demonstrated that the LAMP reaction was more sensitive than conventional PCR, but less sensitive than qPCR. However, it was simpler and faster than the other assays evaluated. The LAMP assay also amplified CuLCrV-infected symptomatic and asymptomatic samples more efficiently than PCR. Successful LAMP amplification was observed in mixed virus-infected field samples. This simple, rapid, and sensitive method has the capacity to detect CuLCrV in samples collected in the field and is therefore suitable for early detection of the disease to reduce the risk of epidemics.
Massive Orofacial Hemorrhage Treated with the Micro Vascular Plug System

Background This case series describes the use of the Medtronic Micro Vascular Plug (MVP) system in the treatment of acute massive orofacial hemorrhages in patients with cancer and trauma, resulting in successful hemostasis in these emergent cases. Case Description The first case describes a patient who presented with life-threatening oropharyngeal hemorrhage after a motor vehicle accident. In the second case, a patient with oropharyngeal cancer presented with life-threatening bleeding from an ulcerated tumor. Patients were successfully treated with a combination of MVP and coils. Immediate postprocedural imaging confirmed that homeostasis was achieved. Conclusions These cases demonstrate that the MVP as an embolic device is a valuable transarterial embolic treatment option in cases of acute orofacial bleeding where rapid, effective hemostasis is required.
The influence of risk diversification on the early exercise of employee stock options by executive officers

Abstract This paper examines the exercise of employee stock options (ESOs) by executive officers. We document a positive relation between the variance of ESO returns and the remaining life of the option at exercise, and show that the strength of the relation is reduced by the extent the firm hedges the returns on the ESO. We thus provide empirical evidence of a link between an ESO's expected term and its investment risk to the executive, and document that some firms provide a hedge against option risk.
Mitigating the Transmission of COVID-19 with the Appropriate Usage of Personal Protective Protocols and Equipment in Breast Imaging and Intervention

The integration of personal protective equipment (PPE) and procedures into breast imaging and intervention practices will mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 during the pandemic. Although supply chain shortages have improved, understanding the proper use of PPE and protocols to mitigate overconsumption are important to ensure efficacious utilization of PPE. Protocols and best practices are reviewed, and guidelines and resource materials are referenced in order to support breast imaging healthcare professionals.
Directed self-oriented self-assembly of block copolymers using chemically modified surfaces

A review of the factors affecting directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers on chemical nanopatterns is presented. The review starts with the formation of chemical patterns suitable for DSA, including patterns and processes that are compatible with industrial fabrication. The critical role of thermodynamics in DSA is then presented, including the impact of chemical pattern geometry and chemistry on the final assembly. The foundation in thermodynamics is also used to explain defect generation and the results observed in DSA with density multiplication. The effect of kinetics in the DSA process is reviewed, focusing on reducing process time to levels that are acceptable for manufacturing process, and the role that kinetics can play in creating trapped defect states. Efforts to achieve sub-10-nm patterning with DSA are shown, including solvent annealing, the use of top-coats, and the synthesis of block copolymers with blocks having similar surface energies. Applications that could benefit from DSA are reviewed, focusing on bit patterned media and fin field-effect transistors. Finally, the integration of DSA on a 300-mm wafer line is presented, including a defect source analysis of DSA on the wafer line.
Brain stem vasomotor circuits involved in the genesis and entrainment of sympathetic nervous rhythms.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents experimental studies on the organization of brain stem circuits responsible for the genesis of naturally occurring (i.e., tonic) discharges in sympathetic vasoconstrictor nerves. It is shown that brain stem vasomotor networks are inherently capable of producing rhythmic activity in sympathetic nerve bundles. The more rapid periodicity in sympathetic nerve discharge is thought to be representative of the fundamental organization of an interconnected population of pontomedullary reticulospinal neurons. The baroreceptor reflexes function to entrain oscillations of sympathetic nerve activity in a 1:1 relation to the cardiac cycle so as to limit the periodicity in sympathetic discharge below the maximum output frequency of the brain stem rhythmogenic mechanism. A slower sympathetic rhythm is thought to be the representative of the fundamental organization of a brain stem oscillator, distinct from the respiratory oscillator. A common phase switching mechanism is proposed to synchronize the slow sympathetic and respiratory oscillators, presumably for coordinating cardiovascular and respiratory responses.
Making multimedia internet content accessible and usable

Although multimedia content containing streaming media is now widely used on the World Wide Web, there exist considerable difficulties for blind users to access such content, due to its dynamic changes, keyboard inoperability, and audio interference with the speech from assistive software. In particular, the third problem of audio interference is serious for blind users, since multimedia content often contains streaming media such as video and music which continuously play sounds, and thus they cannot hear the speech, which is masked by the loud media. In this paper, we propose a new accessible browser that can directly manipulate such multimedia content. In order to control Flash contents, our browser relies on a transcoding HTTP proxy to inject special scripts into the Flash content and then manipulates the embedded streaming media and sound objects via the injected scripts. By using our browser, users can easily turn the volume up or down, play, stop, or pause the streaming media with shortcut keys. Since the users do not need to focus on buttons or sliders for these operations, they can immediately stop or fade out the intrusive media when listening to speech from assistive software.
Implementation complexity of bit permutation instructions

Several bit permutation instructions, including GRP, OMFLIP, CROSS, and BFLY, have been proposed recently for efficiently performing arbitrary bit permutations. Previous work has shown that these instructions can accelerate a variety of applications such as block ciphers and sorting algorithms. In this paper, we compare the implementation complexity of these instructions in terms of delay. We use logical effort, a process technology independent method, to estimate the delay of the bit permutation functional units. Our results show that for 64-bit operations, the BFLY instruction is the fastest among these bit permutation instructions; the OMFLIP instruction is next; and the GRP instruction is the slowest.
Human life support during interplanetary travel and domicile. IV - Mars expedition technology trade study

Results of trading processing technologies in a closed-loop configuration, in terms of power and weight for the Mars Expedition Mission, are presented. The technologies were traded and compared to a baseline set for functional elements that include CO2 removal, H2O electrolysis, potable H2O cleanup, and hygiene H2O cleanup. These technologies were selected from those being considered for Space Station Freedom and represent only chemical/physical technologies. Attention is given to the technology trade calculation scheme, technology data and selection, the generic modular flow schematic, and life support system specifications.
Relationship between refractivity turbulence intensity from MST radar observations and synoptic-scale vorticity

[1] The relationship between the refractivity turbulence structure constant (Cn2) and the synoptic-scale relative vorticity (ζ) is investigated using observations made with the VHF radar at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, over the years 2001–2004. During November–April the frequency distributions of the correlation coefficients for Cn2 and ζ, Cn2 and wind speed, the turbulent kinetic energy (σt2) and ζ, and Cn2 and σt2, show a close relationship between Cn2 and ζ. Large increases of Cn2 occur at about 9–14 km during times of cyclone passages, as expected since Cn2 depends strongly on static stability (in dry air), the static stability increases above the tropopause, and the height of the tropopause falls during cyclone passages. The analysis was repeated using distance from the tropopause as the vertical coordinate in order to remove this simple dependence on static stability, and it is found the strong relationship between Cn2 and ζ persists in the tropopause-relative coordinates. When the values of Cn2 are averaged into bins based on ζ, the changes in ζ explain over 90% of the variance of mean Cn2. A regression model for Cn2 by altitude as a function of ζ is developed. The correlation patterns found at Vandenberg AFB are corroborated with the large sets of 50 MHz radar data from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, and the Middle and Upper Atmosphere radar near Shigaraki, Japan. Although the three sites are located at similar latitudes, they are in very different topographic and climatic regions, suggesting the results found here are fairly general for midlatitude conditions.
Distributions of organic carbon and related parameters in a Louisiana sugarcane soil

Abstract Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important component of the global carbon budget. The aim of this study was to assess the spatial variability of SOC and nitrogen (N) in a long-term study of continuous sugarcane cropping in Louisiana. Soil core sampling along two transects of different residue management practices (1.8 m spacing and 1 m depth) was carried out; one where the residue was burned after harvest, and the other where the residue was left. The soil cores were sectioned in 10 cm increments and analyzed for SOC and N, pH, bulk density and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Significant correlations were observed between CEC and SOC. For individual soil depths, semivariogram analysis indicated that there was a lack of spatial variation for all properties measured. Semivariograms for the entire data set indicated extensive spatial structure for SOC, N and CEC. For the burned area, greatest spatial structure was observed for SOC and CEC. Vertical distribution results indicated that the no-burn area stored significantly more SOC and N than the burned. This finding was inconsistent with measurements made one year later (2013) where SOC and N results indicated no significant differences between the burn and no-burn areas. Results from a control area under bermudagrass indicated higher SOC and N near the soil surface compared to both the burn and no-burn. Based on two years of data, the influence of no-burn management of sugarcane residue on carbon stock in the soil profile is inconclusive.
Use of urinary estriol determinations in high-risk pregnancy in the community hospital☆

Abstract Twenty-four-hour urinary estriol assays were done in 199 “high-risk” pregnancies. Records were reviewed to evaluate the validity and usefulness of the test in a community hospital. The correlation between estriol level obtained within 7 days of delivery and fetal survival was similar to that reported by others. Past 33 weeks of gestation, no fetal loss occurred if estriol was above 16 mg. per 24 hours, and no infants survived when estriol levels were less than 4.9 mg. per 24 hours. In 143 cases, estriol assays were helpful in clinical management. The most frequent use of the test was in allowing a pregnancy to progress to term. In 17 cases the decision to intervene was based on test results. Estriol determinations can be useful in the management of high-risk patients in a community hospital; however, it is susceptible to faulty use or misinterpretation.
Paraxial expansion of a static magnetic field in a ring accelerator

In the paraxial approximation, trajectories of beam particles in a ring accelerator are computed expanded in powers of lateral displacements and slopes from a closed reference orbit. To do this, one needs first the expanded expressions of the magnetic field and potentials producing the particle motion. This is derived here in a most general form.
Transcriptional Profiling of γδ T Cells

Evolutionarily well-conserved, γδ T cells may have been precursors to modern B and αβ T cells ([1][1]). γδ T cells are distinct from αβ T cells, in part, by the genes that encode their TCRs, their ability to recognize Ag in the absence of classical MHC Ag presentation, and their role in
Impact of endovascular treatment on relationships between vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists

Currently available endovascular techniques include PTA and the use of lytic agents, caval filters, and intravascular occluding devices, such as coils. To date, these endovascular treatments can be applied to some, but not all, patients who have a valid rial thromboembolism, iliofemoral venous thrombosis, arteriovenous malformations, and some visceral artery aneurysms. Some of these lesions can now be treated effectively with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), catheter-directed lytic drugs and aspiration, intracaval filters, or coil embolization. All these techniques have in common the use of endovascular pathways accessed from remote sites to treat the offending vascular lesion, usually under fluoroscopic guidance. Because these endovascular techniques have proven to be a simpler, safer way to treat some vascular disease patients, they have been embraced and used increasingly by vascular surgeons and others. In some cases, these catheterbased treatments have been used directly by the vascular surgeon; in other circumstances management has been by referral to a collaborating interventional radiologist or other interventional specialist. Because these endovascular techniques are increasingly gaining acceptance and because their less invasive nature renders them attractive to referring physicians and patients alike, it is reasonable to ask how they have affected and will affect the practices of vascular surgery and interventional radiology. The purposes of the present article are to examine some of the effects endovascular technology has already had on vascular disease management, to speculate on its future impact, and to Endovascular treatments are those administered through and within blood vessels. These treatments are catheter guidewire-based and use fluoroscopic or ultrasonic imaging modalities for localization and control within the vascular system. These endovascular treatments include local drug delivery systems and, more importantly, a variety of new technologies that permit mechanical correction of mural and intraluminal pathological lesions within the vascular system. Access to the vascular tree for these endovascular manipulative treatments can be gained via percutaneous puncture utilizing Seldinger wire-cathetersheath technology or, less commonly, by open exposure and arteriotomy or venotomy. Because of innovations in endovascular technology, the treatment of arterial and venous disease has changed over the last 20 years and will change even more dramatically in the years to come. Catheter guidewire-based techniques have already made significant contributions to the manipulative and surgical management of aortoiliac, femoropopliteal, tibial, and renal artery lesions, arteGefasschirurgie (1998) 3:199–204 © Springer-Verlag 1998 EDITORIAL
Intergovernmental Grants: A Formal Model of Interrelated National and Subnational Political Decisions

Intergovernmental grants are based on the interrelated choices of: (i) the national government deciding whether to offer the grant; (ii) the national government determining grant conditions; (iii) the subnational government deciding whether to accept the grant; and (iv) the subnational government determining policy, including spending levels, upon grant receipt. Empirically and theoretically, scholars often study these decisions separately, leading to an incomplete understanding of grant-related behavior. This article develops a noncooperative game theoretic model that simultaneously captures all four of these decisions. This approach helps to better explain puzzles surrounding intergovernmental grants, including the 'flypaper effect,' asymmetric responses of recipient governments to grant increases and decreases, the grant-acceptance decisions of subnational governments, and tradeoffs between the size of grants and the strings that are attached. Copyright 2007, Oxford University Press.
Reducing barriers to interprofessional training: Promoting interprofessional cultural competence

The need to train health professionals who can work across disciplines is essential for effective, competent, and culturally sensitive health care delivery. By its very nature, the provision of health service requires communication and coordination between practitioners. However, preparation for interdisciplinary practice within the health care setting is rare. The authors argue that the primary reason students are not trained across disciplines is related to the diverse cultural structures that guide and moderate health education environments. It is further argued that this profession specific "cultural frame" must be addressed if there is any hope of having interprofessional education accepted as a valued and fully integrated dimension of our curriculum. Each health discipline possess its own professional culture that shapes the educational experience; determines curriculum content, core values, customs, dress, salience of symbols, the meaning, attribution, and etiology of symptoms; as well as defines what constitutes health, wellness and treatment success. Most importantly, professional culture defines the means for distributing power; determines how training should proceed within the clinical setting; and the level and nature of inter-profession communication, resolution of conflicts and management of relationships between team members and constituents. It might be said that one factor limiting interdisciplinary training is profession-centrism. If we are to achieve effective and fully integrated interdisciplinary education, we must decrease profession-centrism by crafting curriculum that promotes interprofessional cultural competence. The article explores how to promote interprofessional cultural competence within the health education setting.
Parotid Saliva Enzymes in Down's Syndrome

The parotid saliva in persons with Down's syndrome was analyzed for three enzymes: acid phosphatase, nonspecific esterase, and amylase. The results have shown a statistically significant elevation of esterase activity in persons with Down's syndrome whereas no statistical differences were observed with the other enzymes. The current investigation has provided further insight into salivary gland metabolism and may have yielded some information pertaining to the genetic control of the processes regulating the electrolyte concentration of human saliva.
New Approach to Diagnosing Properties of Protoplanetary Disks

In this paper we suggest that subjecting the observationally derived properties of protoplanetary disks to the evolutionary interpretation yields new insights into the working of those disks, and offers valuable constraints on their models. We propose that the global properties of individual disks, such as their accretion rates and disk masses, sorted by the mass of the central star, can be indexed by the age of the star to simulate the evolution of a single disk. Using data from published surveys of T Tauri stars, we show that accretion rate data, and disk mass data for the lowest mass stars, form well-defined evolutionary tracks. The higher mass stars show a definitive negative correlation between accretion rates and star ages. We use the time-dependent alpha-disk model of the viscous protoplanetary disk to link the theory to observations. The data are consistent with the standard theoretical paradigm, but not with the layered accretion model. The best fits to the data are obtained for the standard models that start with disks that are about one-third of the mass of the central star and have their angular momenta, j, and alpha-coefficients linked by the relationship j varies as Solar mass(exp 3/2)alpha(exp 1/3). The proportionality constant in this relationship, when derived from the accretion rate data, differs from the constant derived from the disk mass data. We argue that the accretion rate data are more reliable. Taking into account typical values of the specific angular momentum of disk-forming matter, we obtain alpha is greater than or equal to 10(exp -2). A complete time-dependent standard disk model, built on the parameters determined from the best-fit procedure, is presented. Such a model constitutes a good point of departure for various theoretical studies aimed at the issue of formation of planetary systems and the character of protoplanetary disks.
Mutations at a Zn(II) finger motif in the yeast elF-2β gene alter ribosomal start-site selection during the scanning process

Summary We have genetically reverted HIS4 initiator codon mutants in yeast and identified three unlinked genes, sui1, sui2 , and SUI3 ( su ppressors of i nitiator codon mutants), which when mutated confer the ability to initiate at HIS4 despite the absence of an AUG start codon. Molecular and biochemical characterization shows that SUI3 encodes the β-subunit of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor elF-2. SUI3 suppressor genes contain single base changes at a Zn(II) finger motif. This motif is present in a cDNA sequence encoding the human elF-2β gene product. Mutations in SUI3 suppressor alleles change amino acids that are conserved in the yeast and human motifs. Protein sequence analysis shows that a mutant β-subunit allows initiation at a UUG codon in the absence of an AUG start codon at HIS4 . Taken together, these data implicate a nucleic acid—binding domain of elF-2 as an important component of the "scanning" ribosome that participates in recognition of a start codon.
A convenient and adaptable package of computer programs for DNA and protein sequence management, analysis and homology determination

Abstract We describe the further development of a widely used package of DNA/protein sequence analysis programs (1). Important revisions have been made based on user experience, and new features, multi-user capability, and a set of large scale homology programs have been added. The programs are very user friendly, economical of time and memory, and extremely transportable. They are written in a version of FORTRAN which will compile, with a few defined changes, as FORTRAN 66, FORTRAN 77, FORTRAN IV, FORTRAN IV+, and others. They are running on a variety of microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes, in both single user and multi-user configurations.
Sesquiterpene lactones from Calea septuplinervia

Abstract Chemical analysis of Calea septuplinervia afforded two known flavonoids, acacetin and apigenin 7,4′-dimethyl ether, as well as the known eudesmanolide telekin. The new sesquiterpene lactone septuplinolide was shown to be a 7,8β-lactonized eudesmanolide.
Differential myeloma cell responsiveness to interferon-alpha correlates with differential induction of p19 (INK4d) and cyclin D2 expression

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has been used as therapy for the treatment of a variety of viral diseases and malignancies including multiple myeloma. The effectiveness of interferon-alpha in treating multiple myeloma, however, has been somewhat variable, and the mechanism(s) accounting for this is not well understood. As a means to examine the basis for the differential effectiveness of this cytokine, we have analyzed IFN-alpha-mediated modulation of the cell cycle in two human myeloma cell lines. These two cell lines, ANBL-6 and KAS-6/1, display dramatically different outcomes in response to this cytokine. Although IFN-alpha inhibited the growth of ANBL-6 cells by blocking cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S phase, IFN-alpha stimulated cell cycle progression in KAS-6/1 cells. Moreover, the effects of IFN-alpha on cell cycle progression correlated with the phosphorylation status of the retinoblastoma protein. Of interest, IFN-alpha increased cyclin D2 expression and cyclin-dependent kinase activity in the KAS-6/1 cells but not in the ANBL-6 cells. To determine whether the differential effects of IFN-alpha on myeloma cell cycle progression could also result from differences in the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, we examined the effects of IFN-alpha on the induction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors with broad regulatory function (p21 and p27) and those with specificity for G1-associated cyclin-cyclin-dependent kinase complexes (p15, p16, p18, and p19). Although we failed to detect an effect of IFN-alpha on expression levels of p21, p15, p16, or p18, IFN-alpha treatment of the ANBL-6 cell line resulted in induction of p19 expression, whereas it was without effect on the KAS-6/1 cell line. These results suggest that heterogeneity in IFN-alpha-mediated growth effects in myeloma cells correlates with differential induction of cyclin D2 and p19(INK4d) expression.
A reaction model for plasma coating of nanoparticles by amorphous carbon layers

A detailed chemical kinetics scheme of the reactions occurring in a CH4∕H2 plasma, namely, electron-neutral, ion-neutral, and neutral-neutral reactions, is implemented for the prediction of the species fluxes toward the surface of a submicron particle in a low-pressure environment. Surface reactions at the particle surface are also accounted for. Kinetic theory is applied in the collisionless region within a distance of one mean free path away from the particle, while continuum theory is implemented to solve for species transport in the outer region where reactive-diffusive phenomena occur. These regions are bounded by appropriate boundary conditions. The self-consistent electric field is obtained by solving the Poisson’s equation in the continuum region. The charged and neutral species distributions are calculated and the growth rate of the amorphous carbon layer at the particle surface, as well as particle charging, are predicted. The predicted growth rate is within the range of experimental data from l...
Bicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: The Clinical Outcomes

Replacement of the patellofemoral and medial tibiofemoral joints has been performed since the 1980s. Bicompartmental replacement was modified. Two different designs were developed: one custom implant and one with multiple predetermined sizes. The surgical technique and instruments are unique and training is helpful. There are no clinical reports for the custom design as of yet. The standard implant has several reports in the literature with only fair to good results and has subsequently been withdrawn from the market. Bicompartmental arthroplasty remains a questionable area of knee surgery. At present, the two separate implant technique is the best choice.
Demonstration of hypoperfusion surrounding intracerebral hematoma in humans

We undertook this study to determine whether ischemic regions are present that may contribute to poor outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in humans. Hypoperfusion around an ICH has not been reported in humans. Brain computed tomography (CT) and 99m Tc-HMPAO brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) perfusion studies were carried out 51 ± 12 hours after supratentorial ICH in seven patients selected from a referral hospital over an 8-month period. The widest diameters of the hematoma on CT and of reduced perfusion on SPECT were measured and compared. The diameters of reduced perfusion were measured at the 40% and 20% reduced count levels compared with the contralateral side. Reduced perfusion in and around the hematoma was seen in all seven cases. The diameters of ICH on CT (mean, 53 ± 12 mm) were comparable to the diameters of 40% reduction of counts (mean, 61 ± 14 mm) measured by SPECT. The mean diameter of brain demonstrating 20% reduction in counts was 76±19 mm, which was 43% greater than the hematoma diameter on CT ( p = .004). In conclusion, substantial regions of reduced perfusion surround ICH in humans, which might contribute to poor outcome and be amenable to anti-ischemic therapy.
Biogeochemical silica mass balances in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior

Silica budgets for Lake Michigan and Lake Superior differ in several respects. Mass balance calculations for both lakes agree with previous studies in that permanent burial of biogenic silica in sediments may be only about 5% of the biogenic silica produced by diatoms. Because dissolution rates are large, good estimates of permanent burial of diatoms can not be obtained indirectly from the internal cycle of silica (silica uptake by diatoms and subsequent dissolution) but must be obtained from the sediment stratigraphy. The annual net production of biogenic silica in Lake Michigan requires 71% of the winter maximum silica reservoir which must be maintained primarily by internal cycling in this large lake whereas the comparable silica demand in Lake Superior is only 8.3%. The greater silica demand in Lake Michigan is the result of phosphorus enrichment which has increased diatom production. It is hypothesized that steady-state silica dynamics in Lake Michigan were disrupted by increased diatom production between 1955 and 1970 and that a new steady state based on silica-limited diatom production developed after 1970. Mass balance calculations for Lake Michigan show in contrast with previous work that the hypothesized water column silica depletion of 3.0 g · m−3 could have occurred even though 90% or more of the biogenic silica production is recycled.
T lymphocyte responses in HIV-1 infection: implications for vaccine development

Substantial progress has been made over the past year in understanding the cellular immune response in HIV pathogenesis. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes play a critical role in establishing the level of viremia and virus-specific Th cell responses appear to affect the in vivo efficacy of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Together, these new data provide important insights to refocus efforts aimed at immunotherapeutic interventions and vaccine development.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: Reply to “On the Difficulty of Averaging Faces”

Pittenger (PS, 1991, 2, 351-353) criticizes three characteristics of our technique of mathematically averaging faces to produce an attractive composite face (Langlois & Roggman, 1990). He claims that our procedure compromises the "... ability to recover either morphologically normal faces or mental prototypes of faces" and compromises "the ability to recover optimum structure" of faces. The problems he cites are: (1) averaging the gray values of a matrix of the whole face rather than averaging spatial locations of anatomically defined features; (2) using two-dimensional rather than three-dimensional representations of faces; and (3) using a "mean" as a measure of central tendency rather than using a true "optimum value" or some other measure of central tendency.
Towards a reconceptualization of the temporoparietal junction in stimulus-driven attention.

Adaptive behavior requires orienting attention to unexpected but potentially important stimuli in our environment. Consider, for example, a man driving a car when a light appears on the dashboard. This event is unexpected, leading the man to detect and orient to the warning light. The man then
Relationships between electronic game play, obesity, and psychosocial functioning in young men.

Abstract Most estimates suggest that American youth are spending a large amount of time playing video and computer games, spurring researchers to examine the impact this media has on various aspects of health and psychosocial functioning. The current study investigated relationships between frequency of electronic game play and obesity, the social/emotional context of electronic game play, and academic performance among 219 college-aged males. Current game players reported a weekly average of 9.73 hours of game play, with almost 10% of current players reporting an average of 35 hours of play per week. Results indicated that frequency of play was not significantly related to body mass index or grade point average. However, there was a significant positive correlation between frequency of play and self-reported frequency of playing when bored, lonely, or stressed. As opposed to the general conception of electronic gaming as detrimental to functioning, the results suggest that gaming among college-aged men m...
Approximate infrared emissivity calculations for NO at elevated temperatures

Abstract Analytical expressions are derived for the spectral and total emissivities of diatomic gases at elevated temperatures. Our analytical formulae reproduce the numerical results obtained for NO by Breene with acceptable precision.
Investigation of asphalt concrete rutting mechanisms by X-ray computed tomography imaging and micromechanical finite element modeling

This paper systematically investigates the changes in asphalt concrete (AC) microstructure caused by full-scale accelerated pavement testing with a heavy vehicle simulator (HVS), using X-ray computed tomography images taken before and after HVS rutting tests. A viscoelastic micromechanical finite element modeling was also used to investigate effects of bitumen mastic and aggregate skeleton properties on shear resistance. The primary purpose was to determine the reasons behind the earlier failure of the rubberized gap graded AC mix used in the test compared to the polymer modified dense graded mix also included in the experiment. Shear related deformation appears to control the long term rutting performance of the test sections while densification was primarily an initial contributor at the very early stages of trafficking. A high concentration of aggregate interlock in the polymer modified mix, as a result of the dense gradation and larger aggregate sizes, appears to have resulted in greater dissipation of shear stresses and therefore greater shear resistance. The lack of this interlocking effect for the rubberized gap graded mix is proposed to have caused the earlier failure on HVS test sections.
Controlling nanoparticle delivery in magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia for cancer treatment: Experimental study in agarose gel

In magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia for cancer treatment, controlling the heat distribution and temperature elevations is an immense challenge in clinical applications. In this study we evaluate magnetic nanofluid transport and heat distribution induced by commercially available magnetic nanoparticles injected into the extracellular space of biological tissue using agarose gel with porous structures similar to human tissue. The nanofluid distribution in the gel is examined via digital images of the nanofluid spreading in the gel. A radio-frequency electromagnetic field is applied to the gel following the nanofluid injection and the initial rates of temperature rise at various locations are measured to obtain the specific absorption rate (SAR) distribution. By adjusting the gel concentration and injection flow rate, the results have demonstrated that a relatively low injection rate leads to a spherically shaped nanofluid distribution in the gels which is desirable for controlling temperature elevations. The SAR distribution shows that the nanoparticle distribution in the gel is not uniform with a high concentration of the nanoparticles close to the injection site. We believe that the experimental study is the first step towards providing guidance for designing better treatment protocol for future clinical applications.
Angle-of-incidence dependence in angle-resolved photoemission from chemisorbed molecules: c(2 × 2)O, c(2 × 2)5, and CO on Ni(100)

Abstract We have measured the angular distribution of photoemitted electrons from c(2 × 2)O, c(2 × 2)S, and CO adsorbed on a Ni(100) substrate for various independently set angles of incidence of unpolarized light at 21.2 eV. We have found that these systems have very different dependence on angle of incidence, depending upon which components of the vector potential of the light ( A ) are responsible for emission. Because the incident and reflected light combine to form a standing wave at a metal surface, the phase relationships between components of A parallel and perpendicular to the surface play an important role in determining the effective orientation and magnitude of A at the emission site. We compare our measurements with macroscopic A fields, calculated via the Fresnel relations, which lead to a general understanding of the effects. We further propose a method for expediting photoemission calculations by projecting out components of A which preserve their phase relationships.
Short-Term but Not Long-Term Loss of Patency of Venous Reconstruction During Pancreatic Resection Is Associated with Decreased Survival

Pancreatic surgery with vascular reconstruction is increasingly performed to offer the benefits of surgical resection to patients with locally advanced disease. The short- and long-term patency rates and the clinical significance of thrombosis of such reconstructions are unknown. We reviewed pancreatectomies requiring venous reconstruction from 1994 to 2011. We sought to identify predictors of acute (within 30 days) and late thrombosis. We compared survival of patients with thrombosis to patients with patent reconstructions. Of 203 pancreatectomies requiring venous reconstruction, acute thrombosis occurred in nine (4.4 %) cases and was associated with increased perioperative mortality (22.2 versus 4.6 %, p = 0.023). Even when nonfatal, acute thrombosis was associated with decreased median survival (7.1 versus 15.9 months, p = 0.011) and increased hazard of death (hazard ratio 8.6, confidence interval 3.7–19.9, p < 0.001). A late loss of patency was seen in 31.2 % of cases at a median of 9.5 months. Later loss of patency was not associated with decreased median survival or increased hazard of death. Acute thrombosis of the portal venous reconstructions after pancreatectomy is associated with increased perioperative mortality and, even when nonfatal, is associated with decreased survival. Late loss of patency occurs in one-third of patients but does not affect survival.
Diversity and Community Similarity of Arthropods in Response to the Restoration of Former Pine Plantations

Abstract Ecological restoration is becoming an increasingly important tool in humanity's attempt to manage, conserve, and repair the world's ecosystems. In the current study, the objective was to compare the effects of two restoration methods on arthropod biodiversity and community composition in two former pine plantations; these treatments included both intensive restoration effort (= cleared) and moderate restoration effort (= thinned). For the cleared treatment, vegetation was clear-cut to the soil surface, and all vegetation was removed from the plots, while the thinned treatment consisted of reducing the Pinus elliotii (Slash Pine) density to that of a native ecosystem and removing of all exotic plants from the plots as well. Arthropods were sampled by employing pitfall traps, sticky traps, and sweep netting and identified to family and morphospecies; species richness, diversity, and community similarity were compared between treatments and sites. Experimental treatments quickly reached or exceeded ...
Dynamic Micropattern Geometry atop Shape Memory Polymers

Substrates micropatterned with cell adhesion proteins have been used to investigate how protein density and geometry affect cell behaviors such as cell migration, growth, and differentiation. Existing technologies are limited in that they typically feature protein micropatterns that are static and unable to change while cells are attached. Here we micropatterned shape memory polymer (SMP) substrates that were capable of transitioning from a stretched state to a contracted state to control the width of patterned lines presented to attached cells. We found that micropattern geometry changed as the SMP substrate transitioned to its unstretched shape. Cells attached to dynamic patterns balled up and contracted their nuclei. The results suggest that micropatterned SMP cell culture substrates can be used to study the temporal aspects of cell mechanobiology.
Logic synthesis with nanowire crossbar: reality check and standard cell-based integration

Nanowire crossbar is one of the most promising circuit solutions for nanoelectronics. We show nanowire crossbars do not scale well in terms of logic density and speed. We consequently propose a crossbar cell design based on judicious use of silicon nanowire crossbars with microscale pitches and small dimensions. The crossbar cell is compatible with the conventional MOSFET fabrication and standard cell-based integration. We evaluate logic circuits using crossbar cells and show that they can improve density by more than fourfold over the traditional MOSFET circuits with the same process technology, while achieving close performance and over threefold power reduction.