cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiological, environmental, and mineralogical controls on Mg and Sr concentrations in Nautilus

Describing the chemical ontogeny of 36 specimens of Nautilus allowed the identification, as well as the determination of the relative effects, of the controls on Mg and Sr concentration in skeletal aragonite. The previously documented trend that aragonite contains higher concentrations of Sr than Mg persists within skeletal structures of Nautilus . This relationship suggests that neither physiological nor environmental controls overwhelm the mineralogical control. Significant differences in Mg and Sr concentrations of nacreous shell, prismatic shell, and septal nacre suggest that these structures may form from extracellular fluids with differing elemental concentrations. Many specimens exhibit greater variability of Mg and Sr concentrations in juvenile portions of the skeleton than in more mature portions. This suggests that either the physiochemical system matures during ontogeny and achieves increasing control over skeletal chemistry or the organism adjusts to the new conditions and behavioral maturation stabilizes elemental concentrations by reducing stress. The decreased growth rate that Nautilus experiences as it approaches maturity does not effect Mg or Sr concentrations. Differences in combined Mg and Sr concentrations among species of Nautilus indicate that extracellular fluids that produce each skeletal structure are chemically distinct, with the exception of the fluids that produced septal aragnite of N. belauensis and N. scrobiculatus , and exemplify phyletic control of trace element concentration at the species level. Although significant chemical separation exists among species of Nautilus , sufficient variation and overlap persists in elemental concentrations to make a classification based solely on these two elements ineffective. Significant chemical differences between two sympatric species of Nautilus demonstrate that physiological systems, and not environmental variables, primarily control elemental concentrations in skeletal aragonite.
The Effect of [CNO/FE] on Evolution of Extremely Metal Poor Red Giants

Evolutionary tracks have been computed up to the core He flash for stars of varying [CNO/Fe] for values of mass and [Fe/H] appropriate for the most metal poor globular clusters (GC) and dwarf spheroidal galaxies (DSG). The results include the facts that (1) the location of the red giant branch (RGB) in the H-R diagram depends only on Fe, (2) CNO determines the structure of the deep interior including the core mass and luminosity at flash, (3) the behavior of the base of the convective envelope depends on both.
Soft decision decoding of RAID stripe for higher endurance of flash memory based solid state drives

RAID schemes have been in use for hard disk drives to provide improved performance or fault tolerance. RAID schemes, particularly RAID 2 and higher comprise of striping and adding parity. For solid state drives (SSDs), to combat die failures, schemes like RAID 5 and RAID 6 are effective. The idea is to have block level striping with distributed parity to provide data recovery in case of single or multiple die failures. In this work, we analyze the RAID 5 case used in SSDs when there is no die failure. For this case, the distributed parity information can be used to either combat higher raw bit error rate (RBER) or to improve the uncorrectable bit error rate (UBER). The algorithm we propose can be used with BCH or LDPC codes. With LDPC codes, it uses soft information on RAID 5 parity in order to recover from multiple error correcting code (ECC) fatals in a RAID stripe. The entire stripe data is read and then decoding is performed using the RAID parity to try recovery. We used simulations in order to characterize the RBER gains. First, modeling of the RBER distribution of the dies was performed using the log-normal distribution. Using this model, a performance evaluation for ECC schemes like LDPC codes and BCH codes was performed. We show that if LDPC codes are used, RAID 5 theoretically offers an RBER capability which is 3 times that of the error correcting code RBER capability. However, it is not possible to realize this RBER benefit completely since it has SSD performance downside. In order to meet the Quality of Service (QoS) specification, a realizable RBER gain is by a factor of 1.3 to 2 instead of 3. Further, these gains can only be realized if an LDPC code is used as an error correcting code, algebraic codes like BCH codes will provide limited gains. If no RBER benefit is permitted by a particular configuration of solid state drive, this scheme can be used to provide UBER gain by 3 orders of magnitude.
Gajdusek, Daniel Carleton (1923–Present)

This article has no abstract. Keywords: Gajdusek, Daniel Carleton (mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases) ; Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD)
Miniature origami-like folded MEMS TIMU

In this paper, we report implementation of a folded MEMS concept, demonstrating a prototype of Timing and Inertial Measurement Unit (TIMU) in < 50 mm3 volume. The approach is based on assembling high aspect-ratio single-axis sensors into a 3-D configuration, or folding it into a 3-D prismatic shape, like a silicon origami. The fabrication process permits a significant reduction in size preserving functionality without compromising sensor performance. Fabricated TIMU prototypes feature 3 toroidal ring gyroscopes, 3 accelerometers, and a resonator, thus allowing for miniature self-contained 6-DOF inertial and timing system. Initial characterization confirmed the potential of folded MEMS approach for implementation of low-noise inertial sensors, demonstrating VRW of 0.078 m/s/√h and bias instability of <0.2 mg for accelerometers, ARW of 0.78 °/√h, and bias instability of <17 °/√h for gyroscopes.
Proarrhythmia: Classification, Incidence, Risk Factors, Monitoring, Prevention and Management

Ever since the introduction of antiarrhythmic drugs, the paradoxical precipitation of arrhythmias by these drugs have been recognized. In 1986, a symposium chaired by Horowitz and Zipes formally examined the definition, classification and clinical features of proarrhythmia [1]. Subsequent studies have provided the basis for revision of the definition and the clinical recognition of proarrhythmia. This brief review will discuss the definition, classification, risk factors, prevention and management of proarrhythmia.
Formal and Informal Corruption Environments and Multinational Enterprise Social Irresponsibility

Using an institutional theory framework we theorize, hypothesize, and empirically show that higher levels of formal and informal corruption environments found in a firm's operating portfolio are related to higher levels of corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR). Failing to consider corruption's informal dimension leads to potentially false perceptions about a multinational enterprise's (MNE) operating environment, particularly when the formal dimension is low but the informal corruption dimension is high, as is the case in about one third of our sample. Including the informal corruption environment component provides additional explanatory power over the formal corruption environment alone in predicting CSiR and yields a superior understanding of both the formal and informal dimensions of the corruption institutional environment's influence on corporate social irresponsibility levels of MNEs. Managerial implications and future research directions are discussed.
Health Status and Activities of Daily Living and Walking in Older People With Intellectual Disabilities

This study's aim was to describe the association between health status and activities of daily living (ADLs) in older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Health status and level of independence associated with ADLs and walking were surveyed in a cohort of 1,371 adults over age 40 years from two regions of upstate New York using the Rochester Health Status Survey. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between number of organ system disorders (OSDs) and level of independence in eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking. Increasing numbers of comorbidities correlated with impairments in ADLs and walking, which were independent of increasing age. The severity of I/DD was correlated with impairments in some ADLs regardless of the number of OSDs and across age groups. The study's findings mirror patterns reported in the general population of older adults; health status, and not older age, is a predictor of functional impairment.
Fourier continuum finite elements for large deformation problems

Abstract A procedure to analyze axisymmetric solids undergoing large nonaxisymmetric deformation is presented. The plane of axisymmetry is modeled by isoparametric quadrilateral finite elements with dependence in the circumferential direction determined by a continuous Fourier series. Although the Fourier harmonics are coupled for such analyses, the size of the resulting model can be much smaller than it would be if brick elements were to be used. This model reduction can significantly decrease the amount of computational effort needed for analyzing this class of problems. Different schemes for solving the coupled nonlinear equations are evaluated by analyzing two structures subjected to different loadings and exhibiting various amounts of geometric nonlinearity. The coupled systems of linear simultaneous equations occurring at each Newton-Raphson iteration are solved by both direct and indirect solution schemes. Several types of Gauss-Seidel and conjugate gradient iterations are shown to be quite efficient and robust. The effectiveness of these indirect solution techniques are a result of using the uncoupled stiffness matrices to precondition the coupled systems of linear simultaneous equations. The continuous Fourier series approach also provides a very simple, efficient, and reliable way to conduct adaptive refinement in the circumferential direction.
A bistable symmetrical photomultiplier gate using integrated circuits

Abstract A bistable symmetrical gate for photomultiplier types RCA 4522 and RCA 8575 is presented. Six dynodes are directly employed in the gating in a symmetrical fashion, tending to cancel the gating transient. Gate duration of 0.5 μsec to ∞, and repetition rates to 100 kHz are available. The effectiveness of the on-off gating was not measured, but a limit of greater than 1000:1 can be stated. The rise-time is 20 nsec; the gain is low by 8% immediately upon turn-on and reaches its dc value in about 0.3 μsec.
The overlap of two independently determined geminal representations for the OH bond

Abstract Electronic wavefunctions for 1 A 1 H 2 O and 1 Σ + HO − have recently been calculated independently according to the separated electron pair formalism. Each of the calculations yields a geminal representation for the OH bond. Upon comparing these representations at the equilibrium geometries by means of the overlap criterion, it is found that the bond descriptions are remarkably similar.
Management of patients with diabetes in hospital

Abstract The prevalence of diabetes in the inpatient population is 3–4 times greater than that in the general population. Approximately one in six inpatient beds is occupied by a patient with diabetes. Diabetes is associated with an increased length of stay, increased morbidity and mortality. Patients' experience of inpatient diabetes care is relatively poor. There is overwhelming evidence that improved glycaemic control reduces morbidity and mortality not only in those with diabetes but also in patients with stress hyperglycaemia. To achieve this often requires the use of insulin but this in itself is associated with significant morbidity and mortality when incorrectly used. All staff involved in managing patient's glycaemic control should be trained and competent in the use of insulin.
Gender-Specific Criteria and Performance of the Exercise Electrocardiogram

Background Significant gender differences have been found in performance of the exercise ECG for the identification of coronary artery disease. However, identical exercise ECG ST segment criteria have been used in men and women, which might contribute to the lower accuracy of these methods in women than in men. Methods and Results To assess the effect of gender-specific test partitions on relative performance of standard and heart rate–adjusted ST segment depression criteria in men and women, the exercise ECGs of 143 women and 477 men were examined. Non–gender-specific test partitions, selected to have matched specificities of 96% for each test method, were determined in all 283 normal subjects, and gender-specific test partitions with identical specificity were determined separately in the 52 normal women and 231 normal men; sensitivity of these criteria was then examined in the 91 women and 246 men with coronary disease. Standard ST segment depression criteria (0.1 mV of additional horizontal or downslo...
Soot aggregates, superaggregates and gel-like networks in laminar diffusion flames

We show that soot formed in laminar diffusion flames of heavily sooting fuels evolves through four distinct growth stages which give rise to four distinct aggregate fractal morphologies. Each successive stage grows upon the previous stage; hence aggregates of one morphology, parameterized by a fractal dimension, form larger superaggregates or gels of a different morphology with a different fractal dimension. These results were inferred from large and small angle static light scattering from the flames, microphotography of the flames, and analysis of soot sampled from the flames. These results and the analysis were substantiated by comparison to computer simulations. The growth stages occur approximately over four successive orders of magnitude in aggregate size. Each growth stage is a fundamental physical process: Stages 1 and 3 are diffusion limited cluster aggregation in three and two dimensions, respectively; Stages 2 and 4 are percolation in three and two dimension, respectively.
Duration and effects of compaction on soil and plant growth in Wisconsin

Abstract Compaction by 8 and 12.5 Mg farm equipment caused significant subsoil compaction that persisted after 4 years in a silty clay and a silt loam soil in Wisconsin, USA. Hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil cores showed a general trend of decreasing with increasing levels of compaction. Bulk density values increased with increasing levels of compaction. Penetration resistance dramatically increased with increasing levels of compaction. Corn growth (plant height) was also a good indicator of compaction. Plant height was smaller in the compacted plots in all years. Corn grain yields were reduced in the compaction treatments the first year after compaction at both sites and the second and fourth years at the silt loam site and silty clay site, respectively.
Divergent Bradyrhizobium symbionts on Tachigali versicolor from Barro Colorado Island, Panama.

Summary Relationships of root-nodule bacteria from the tree Tachigali versicolor (legume subfamily Caesalpin-ioideae) were analyzed for 20 isolates sampled from juvenile plants growing on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama. Bacterial genetic diversity appeared to be low. In the highly polymorphic 5′ intervening sequence region of 23S rRNA, all isolates had the same length variant. A 472 bp segment spanning this region was sequenced in four isolates, and all proved to be identical at every nucleotide position. RFLP analysis of a 868 bp fragment of the nitrogenase α-subunit gene likewise indicated that all 20 isolates shared an identical set of restriction sites. Phylogenetic analysis of both partial 23S rRNA and nearly full-length 16S rRNA sequences showed that bacterial symbionts of T. versicolor fall into the genus Bradyrhizobium . However, they are divergent from the bradyrhizobia associated with other BCI legumes, as well as from other currently known bacteria in this genus. Inoculation tests with two promiscuously-nodulating legumes showed that bacteria from T. versicolor were unable to form nodules on Vigna unguiculata , but did nodulate Macroptilium atropurpureum , although the nodules lacked nitrogen fixation activity. The association of Tachigali with a divergent lineage of Bradyrhizobium is noteworthy in view of this plant's position within a clade of the mostly non-nodulating “primitive” legume subfamily Caesalpinioideae that gave rise to the predominantly nodulating subfamily Mimosoideae.
Solute retention in column liquid chromatography. XI. Exposition of the minor-disturbance method of measurement of the void volume

Abstract The retention volumes corresponding to the disturbance-peaks produced by injection of the components of aqueous blends of organic liquid carriers (reverse-phase stationary packings) have been claimed by some groups to agree to within an experimental error of ca. 1% while, in other instances, discrepancies of slightly greater than this figure have been reported. These results are accounted for in terms of the concentration-based solute partition coefficients KR. Thus, taking water-methanol mobile phases as an example, the injection of a small amount of either compound is said to alter its partition coefficient due, if nothing else, to the resultant change of the composition of the bulk mobile phase. Further, the respective partition coefficients of the mobile-phase components (hence their retentions) will in all likelihood not be identical. Moreover, for liquid-liquid and reverse-phase LC systems at least, while the magnitude of the change of each of the component KR is difficult to forecast, the ...
Effects of low-sodium, high-potassium dietary intake on cochlear lateral wall Na+,K(+)-ATPase.

The effect of a low Na+, high K+ diet on Na+,K+-ATPase levels in cochlear lateral wall tissues was investigated in laboratory rats by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The low Na+, high K+ diet induced high aldosterone plasma levels in the animals as well as changes in plasma cation levels. Animals that received a low Na+, high K+ diet demonstrated a statistically significant (97%) increase in Na+,K+-ATPase levels in the stria vascularis when compared to animals that received a control diet. This increase in strial Na+,K+-ATPase levels was blocked only 70% by administration of the aldosterone antagonist, spironolactone. Findings therefore indicate that strial Na+,K+-ATPase may be modulated by both aldosterone and Na+,K+ plasma levels. Na+,K+-ATPase levels in the spiral ligament were not affected by the experimental treatment. These findings suggest that spiral ligament Na+,K+-ATPase levels may be regulated by factors other than aldosterone and Na+,K+ plasma levels. This study provides further insight into the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of salt restriction and potassium loading in patients with Meniere's disease.
Submitting illuminations for review

As educators, we are continually designing new methods and procedures to enhance learning. During this process, good ideas are frequently generated and tested, but the extent of such activities may...
Prolactin Mediates Photoperiodic Immune Enhancement: Effects of Administration of Exogenous Prolactin on Circulating Concentrations, Receptor Expression, and Immune Function in Steers

Changes in photoperiod can significantly impact the physiology of many species. For example, we have observed an improvement in cellular immune function in cattle on short-day photoperiod (SDPP) relative to long-day photoperiod (LDPP). In addition, prolactin (PRL) and PRL receptor (PRL-R) are affected by photoperiod management. Our hypothesis is that the inverse relationship observed between PRL and PRL-R mRNA expression during photoperiod treatment alters the sensitivity of the animal to PRL, thereby affecting the changes in their cellular immune function. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exogenous PRL on photoperiodic-mediated immune responses. Eight Holstein steers received each of four treatments: LDPP (16L:8D), SDPP (8L:D), SDom (SDPP plus PRL via osmotic minipump for 10 days), and SDinj (SDPP plus PRL via 3x daily injections for 10 days). Steers on SDPP had decreased PRL relative to the other treatments. Expression of PRL-R mRNA was increased in SDPP animals relative to LDPP, SDom, and SDinj. Prior to PRL treatment, SDPP animals had greater lymphocyte proliferation and neutrophil chemotaxis relative to LDPP animals. Following PRL treatment, cellular immune function of SDom and SDinj animals was reduced to the level of LDPP animals. Addition of PRL to the in vitro lymphocyte proliferation did not alter response of LDPP animals but increased proliferation of lymphocytes from SDPP animals. The results of these experiments suggest that an animal's responsiveness to PRL correlate to changes in cellular immune function that occur with photoperiod manipulation.
ANALYZING NONBLOCKING MULTILOG NETWORKS WITH THE KÖNIG–EGEVARÝ THEOREM

When analyzing a nonblocking switching network, the typical problem is to find a route for a new request through the network without disturbing existing routes. By solving this problem, we can derive how many hardware components of a certain type (Banyan planes in a multi-log network, for instance) are needed for the network to be nonblocking. This scenario appears in virtually all combinations of switching environments: strictly, widesense or rearrangeably nonblocking, unicast or multicast switching, and circuit, multirate, or photonic switching. In this paper, we show that the Konig–Egevarý theorem is a very good tool which helps solve the above prototypical problem. The idea is to somehow "represent" the potential blocking connections as edges of a bipartite graph. The maximum number of blocking connections roughly corresponds to the size of a maximum matching in that bipartite graph. The size of any vertex cover, by the Konig–Egevarý theorem, is an upper bound on the maximum number of blocking connections. Thus, by specifying a small vertex cover, we can derive the sufficient number of hardware components for the network to be nonblocking. We illustrate the technique by analyzing crosstalk-free and non-crosstalk-free widesense nonblocking multicast multi-log networks. Particularly, for the first time in the literature we derive conditions for the d-ary multi-log network to be crosstalk-free multicast widesense nonblocking under the window algorithm for any given window size. Several by-products follow from our approach and results. Firstly, our results allow for computing the best window size minimizing the fabric cost, showing that the multi-log network is a good candidate for crosstalk-free multicast switching architectures. Secondly, the analytical approach also gives a much simpler proof of the known case when the network is not required to be crosstalk-free. Thirdly, we show that several known results for the multi-log multicast networks under the so-called fanout constraints are simple corollaries of our results.
Episodes in the livelihood of an artist: Berlioz's contacts and contracts with publishers

Abstract Despite the image he cultivated of a free‐spirited romantic, Berlioz was a practical musician whose thoughts had regularly to be occupied by money. Of his income “pie"—discussed in the text—publication formed a small but not insignificant slice. The known contracts Berlioz signed with publishers (these are printed here) suggest, however, that for major works Berlioz was paid minor sums. The article grapples with the meaning of “minor” in this context, after rehearsing the composer's dealings with publishers, and concludes that Berlioz, never rich, struggled successfully to avoid most of what he called “the petty deprivations of this life.”
Does unemployment lead to greater alcohol consumption

Using panel data from Waves 1 and 2 of the NESARC, we estimate gender-specific effects of changes in employment status on overall alcohol consumption, binge drinking episodes, and a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and/or dependence. We employ various fixed-effects models to address potential bias from unobserved and time-invariant individual heterogeneity. All results show a positive and significant effect of unemployment on drinking behaviors and the findings are robust to numerous sensitivity tests. Perhaps macroeconomic policy decisions intended to stimulate the economy during economic downturns should also consider the avoided personal costs and externalities associated with alcohol misuse.
Effect of peanut butter matrices on the fate of probiotics during simulated gastrointestinal passage

This study observed the extent to which peanut butter could enhance the viability of selected probiotics during simulated gastrointestinal passage. Full fat and reduced fat peanut butter were inoculated with commercial probiotic product U, N or C at 107 CFU/g. Inoculated products were homogenized in 0.5% NaCl solution. Probiotic products (107 CFU/g) suspended directly in 0.5% NaCl solution served as controls. Digestion in the stomach, upper and lower small intestines was mimicked (each stage for 120 min) with the appropriate enzymes at 37 °C with agitation. Aliquots collected at 30–360 min were enumerated for probiotics. Lower cell populations were observed in samples inoculated with probiotic culture C, followed by U and N (p < 0.05). After 360 min, in peanut butter homogenates, bacterial population from N (5.67 log CFU) was higher than those from U (3.48 log CFU) and C (3.00 log CFU). On average, Streptococcus/Lactococcus species had the highest survivability followed by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species. The fat content of peanut butter did not significantly impact probiotic survivability. Results suggest that peanut butter matrices could protect probiotic bacteria during simulated gastrointestinal passage and could be used as a vehicle for probiotic delivery.
Three-dimensional flow transport modes in directional solidification during space processing

A numerical model for the proposed GTE GaAs space experiment is presented. The model includes the actual ampule design and the experimentally obtained furnace thermal profiles. It is demonstrated that the commonly presumed axisymmetric flows in numerical studies are physically reasonable only when the local gravitational acceleration vector is parallel to the ampule's axis. Other gravitational orientations result in nontrivial threedimensional flows that must be resolved using full three-dimensional models. Implications of the resulting flow and thermal fields on the growing crystal at conditions available during space processing are also discussed.
INDUCTION OF MAMMARY NEOPLASIA AFTER IN VITRO EXPOSURE TO X-RAYS.

SummaryTwo blocks of mammary tissue were removed from each of 110 female rats. One was exposed to 800 R of X-rays under in vitro conditions while the other was sham irradiated. Both were separately grafted subcutaneously onto the back of the animal from whence the tissues came. All grafts were recovered up to 10 months later. Sixteen of the irradiated grafts developed mammary neoplasia while only one of the sham-irradiated grafts developed mammary neoplasia.
The ontogeny of m1-m5 muscarinic receptor subtypes in rat forebrain.

Abstract The ontogeny of muscarinic receptor subtypes in rat forebrain has been determined utilizing a panel of antisera recognizing unique epitopes of the m1–m5 receptor proteins. Total receptor density in forebrain, as measured by the non-selective antagonist, [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB), was found to increase from 507 fmol/mg in neonates (3.5 days) to 1727 fmol/mg in mature animals (45 days). Adult levels were reached two weeks post-partum. A recently developed precipitation protocol was then used to further characterize receptor ontogeny. Cummulatively, 90% of [3H]QNB labelled muscarinic receptors from adult forebrain were immunoprecipitated with subtype selective antibodies (m1–m5). In 3- to 4-day-old neonates, m1 receptors are expressed at 31% of adult levels, m2 receptors at 32% of adult levels, m3 receptors at 36% of adult levels, and m4 receptors at 20% of adult levels. In mature animals, m1 receptors were equal to 35%, m2 equal to 18%, m3 equal to 11%, and m4 equal to 26%, of total receptors, respectively. Levels of m5 receptors are consistently very low at all ages tested (≤1% of total receptor density). Although there were subtle differences in the time courses of development between muscarinin receptor subtypes, in general, they developed with similar ontogenic profiles. Subtypes coupled preferentially to inhibition of adenylate cyclase (m2 and m4) comprised 35% of total receptors expressed in neonates. The combined m2/m4 receptor density increased at a uniform rate during development from 173 to 757 fmol/mg. Receptors preferentially coupled to phosphoinositide turnover (m1, m3, and m5) were found in newborns at approximately 270 fmol/mg. Maximum expression of phosphoinositide-linked receptors was observed in 26-day-old rats and declined to 90% of maximum levels by day 45. In agreement with reported levels of M1 class receptors in forebrain, m1 and m4 subtypes (which exhibit high affinity for pirenzepine), comprise approximately 54% of total receptors in newborns and 60% of total forebrain receptors in adults.
Hypergastrinemia, Dysuria-Hematuria and Metabolic Alkalosis: Complications Associated with Gastrocystoplasty

AbstractPurpose: To help determine the etiology and most appropriate treatment regimen for hypergastrinemia, dysuria-hematuria and metabolic alkalosis following augmentation gastrocystoplasty.Materials and Methods: Two patients who presented with refractory metabolic alkalosis (1 with dysuria-hematuria) underwent extensive laboratory evaluation, complete upper gastrointestinal evaluation and intravesical pH probe placement.Results: Both patients eventually required high dose oral potassium chloride supplementation. Bladder mucosal pH was not reflected by buffered urinary pH. Both patients demonstrated significant gastroesophageal reflux and diminished overall gastric acid output.Conclusions: Outpatient maintenance on potassium chloride supplementation may be warranted in select patients and appears to be preferable to histamine blockade or omeprazole. Postoperative screening esophagogastroscopy and an additional surgical maneuver might be indicated to prevent possible adverse sequelae of reflux esophagiti...
Combined radical prostatectomy and bladder augmentation for concomitant prostate cancer and detrusor instability.

Abstract Objectives To determine the outcomes of a select cohort of patients with severe voiding dysfunction, refractory to medical management, and a concomitant diagnosis of prostate cancer, who were treated with radical prostatectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty. Methods Four men with biopsy-proven prostatic adenocarcinoma, as well as a diagnosis of severe overactive bladder, underwent combined radical retropubic prostatectomy and augmentation enterocystoplasty. All patients underwent fluorourodynamic testing confirming nonobstructive detrusor instability or hyperreflexia. Three patients underwent nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy with a clamshell ileocystoplasty, and one with neurogenic hyperreflexia underwent sigmoid cystoplasty with a continent catheterizable stoma at radical retropubic prostatectomy. Results The mean follow-up was 21.5 months (range 8 to 48). All patients had an undetectable prostate-specific antigen level postoperatively. The average hospitalization was 8 days. Perioperative complications occurred in 2 patients, including a prolonged urine leak managed with catheter drainage and postoperative hematuria requiring cystoscopic clot evacuation. Erectile function was preserved in 2 patients with good preoperative erections. At last follow-up, the 3 patients who voided per urethra had minimal postvoid residual urine volumes and maintained good continence, with only 1 patient describing occasional mild stress incontinence. At last follow-up, the patient with the sigmoid cystoplasty catheterized every 4 hours with volumes of about 300 mL and complete stomal continence. No patient required anticholinergic medications postoperatively. Conclusions The concomitant diagnosis of prostate cancer and severe detrusor instability may be difficult to treat. The results of our study have shown that for those desiring surgical management for their prostate cancer, a combined bladder augmentation and radical prostatectomy may be performed with minimal added morbidity and significantly improved voiding function in the properly selected individual.
Dendrimer-encapsulated bimetallic nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and applications to homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis

We review the preparation, characterization, and properties of dendrimer-templated bimetallic nanoparticles. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers can be used to template and stabilize a wide variety of mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles. Depending on the specific requirements of the metal system, a variety of synthetic methodologies are available for preparing nanoparticles with diameters on the order of 1–3 nm with narrow particle size distributions. The resulting dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles, or DENs, have been physically characterized with electron microscopy techniques, as well as UV-visible and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies.
A receding horizon controller for motion planning in the presence of moving obstacles

We address the minimal risk motion planning problem in a two dimensional environment in the presence of both moving and static obstacles. Our approach is inspired by recent results due to Vladimirsky [20] in which path planning on time-varying maps is addressed using a new level-set approach, and for which computational costs are remarkably low. Toward practical implementation of these results for path planning in unstructured environments, we develop a receding-horizon formulation in which path planning for moving and static obstacles is addressed locally, while path planning for static obstacles is addressed globally. This formulation reduces the overall computational burden of path planning and makes it suitable for very large domains. The result is a suboptimal receding horizon planner and a matching condition that connects local planning with global planning. We present a rigorous analysis from which convergence to a desired endpoint is guaranteed.
Print-to-Print: A facile flexible multi-object patterning process using superhydrophobic films

In this paper, we present a simple versatile printing-based method, referred to as Print-to-Print (P2P), to form multi-object micropatterns for potential biological applications, along with our recent efforts to deliver out-ofcleanroom microfabrication solutions to the general public. The P2P method employs only a commercially available solid-phase printer and reusable superhydrophobic films developed by us. The whole process does not involve any thermal or chemical treatment. Moreover, the non-contact nature of droplet transferring and printing steps can be highly advantageous for sensitive biological uses. Using the P2P process, a minimal feature resolution of 229μm has been successfully demonstrated. In addition, this approach has been applied to form biological micropatterning on various substrates as well as multi-object copatterns on the commonly used surfaces. Finally, the reusability of superhydrophobic substrates has also been illustrated.
Vibrational analysis of n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl nitrite.

Raman and infrared spectra of n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl nitrite are reported. Density functional theory and Moeller-Plesset calculations with 6-31G* and 6-311G* basis sets were used to determine ground state molecular geometries and vibrational frequencies of these compounds. Calculations and spectral data of these molecules were used to perform partial vibrational mode assignments for the observed transitions. In agreement with previous investigations of alkyl nitrites, cis and trans rotational conformers of n-butyl, isobutyl and sec-butyl nitrite were observed in the gas phase infrared spectra and the condensed phase Raman and infrared spectra. Among the several predicted geometries of these compounds, the cis-trans geometry (cis with respect to the C-O-N=O dihedral angle and trans with respect to the C-C-O-N dihedral) was calculated to be the most stable conformer of n-butyl and isobutyl nitrite, while the cis-gauche conformer was found to be the most stable geometry of sec-butyl nitrite. The cis-type structures of these three molecules are favored due to formation of a pseudo hydrogen bond between the nitrite group and the alpha-carbon hydrogen atoms. Hindrance with the alkyl moiety, however, causes the trans conformer (trans with respect to the C-O-N=O dihedral) of tert-butyl nitrite to lie lower than its cis conformer, a result that was supported by our spectroscopic measurements. The characteristic N=O stretch frequency for the trans conformers of all the compounds examined was observed to decrease with increasing branching at the alpha-carbon, while the same mode for the cis conformers shows no change among the primary and secondary nitrites. Evidence is also provided that suggests that the relative number of cis conformers to trans conformers decreases as the alpha-carbon branching increases.
T-cell macrophage subset interactions and decreased autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction in Sjögren's syndrome

T-cell macrophage subset interactions were studied in relation to the decreased autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR) in 15 patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). Monoclonal antibodies against a macrophage (Mθ) subset (Mac-120) stimulatory in the AMLR and against nonpolymorphic determinants of Ia antigen were used to identify adherent Mθ. Four patients with decreased AMLR had a reduced percentage of Mac-120+ cells, suggesting that a defect in stimulatory Mθ may account for their decreased AMLR. No correlation was found between the magnitude of the AMLR and the percentage of Ia+ Mθ. Another six patients with diminished AMLR had a normal to high percentage of Mac-120+ Mθ. However, this group of SS patients showed a decreased response to Concanavalin A, suggesting that they may have a defect in the responding T cells. Patients with normal AMLR had normal percentages of Mac-120+ Mθ and showed normal responses to T-cell mitogens and alloantigens.
Conformational effects on σ-conjugation. UV and IR spectra of matrix-isolated trans- and gauche-n-Si4Me10

Abstract In rare gas matrices, gauche-Si 4 Me 10 and trans-Si 4 Me 10 have distinct IR and very different UV spectra, permitting selective phototransformation of one or the other into Si 3 Me 8 and SiMe 2 with monochromatic light, and separation of the spectra. t -Si 4 Me 10 shows the expected red-shift relative to Si 3 Me 8 , but g -Si 4 Me 10 does not. The consequences of this observation for simple theories of σ-conjugation are analyzed and an extension of the popular Sandorfy C model is proposed. Implications for conformationally induced segmentation of polysilane chains into weakly interacting chromophores are noted.
NDF induces expression of a novel 46 kD protein in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells

Most human breast tumors start as estrogen-dependent, but during the course of the disease become refractory to hormone therapy. The transition of breast tumors from estrogen dependent to independent behavior may be regulated by autocrine and/or paracrine growth factor(s) that are independent of the estrogen receptor (ER). We have investigated the role(s) of NDF (neu-differentiation factor) in the biology of estrogen positive breast cancer cells by using MCF-7 cells as a model system. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with human recombinant NDF-beta 2 (NDF) inhibited the ER expression by 70% and this was associated with growth stimulation in an estrogen-independent manner. To explore the mechanism(s) of action of NDF in MCF-7 cells, we examined the expression of NDF-inducible gene products. We report here that NDF stimulated the levels of expression of a 46 kD protein (p46) (in addition to few minor proteins) in ER positive breast cancer cells including MCF-7, T-47-D, and ZR-75-R cells but not in ER negative breast cancer cells including MDA-231, SK-BR-3, and MDA-468 cells. This effect of NDF was due to induction in the rate of synthesis of new p46. The observed NDF-mediated induction of p46 expression was specific as there was no such effect by epidermal growth factor or 17-beta-estradiol, and inclusion of actinomycin D partially inhibited the p46 induction elicited by NDF. NDF-inducible stimulation of p46 expression was an early event (2-6 h) which preceded the period of down-regulation of ER expression by NDF. These results support the existence of NDF-responsive specific cellular pathway(s) that may regulate ER, and these interactions could play a role(s) in hormone-independence of ER positive breast cancer cells.
Effect of Polymer Binder Content on Fracture Mechanics Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete

Asphalt binder is one of the key factors that influence the engineering properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA) concrete. Many research studies suggest that the Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) polymer is a promising modifier to improve the asphalt binder, and hence benefit the HMA viscoelastic properties. The specific beneficial characteristics and appropriate polymer concentration need to be evaluated. This paper presents an experimental program based on the fracture mechanics framework to evaluate the effect of SBS polymer-modified binder concentration on engineering properties of HMA concrete mixtures. Two standard Superpave control mixes with the base asphalt (PG 67-22) which is commonly used in Florida were selected. Each control mix design was modified to three SBS polymer content levels (3.0%, 4.5%, and 6.0%). Three types of Indirect Diametral Tension (IDT) test, i.e., the resilient modulus test, the creep compliance test, and the tensile strength test, were performed to determine the fracture mechanics properties of polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) specimens at three temperature levels: -10, 5, and 25° C (14, 41, and 77° F). The test results indicated that the SBS polymer-modified asphalt binder improved the fracture mechanics behavior of asphalt mixtures comprehensively. Excessive amount of polymer content might improve the stiffness, creep, and failure strain properties at low temperatures; however, its effect on the PMA resilient modulus at high temperatures is not always favorable.
Suspension sutures in facial reconstruction.

Background. Suspension, pexing or tacking sutures, which have a long history of use in facial cosmetic surgery, have only recently begun use in reconstruction. Objective. In this study, the suspension suture was used to fix the closure line at the junction of cosmetic units, to prevent distortion of free margins secondary to wound contraction, eg, ectropion or eclabium, to prevent tenting across concavities, and to prevent scar spreading of wounds closed under tension. The acute complications and long-term effectiveness of this suturing technique in achieving the 4 desired results were evaluated. Methods. During a 10-year period, 136 cases of surgical defects of the face created by the removal of nonmelanoma skin cancer by Mohs micrographic surgery were repaired using absorbable suspension sutures. The wounds were evaluated initially for acute complications of hemorrhage, infection, dehiscence, and necrosis; and later over 3 years for chronic sequela of hypertrophic scar, spread scar, contraction deformities such as distortion of free margins, and pigmentary changes. Results. Suspension sutures were used in 60 cases of primary layered closure and 76 flaps of the face. Suspension sutures allowed primary closure of defects that would have required flaps in 72% of the cases and prevented distortion of free margins. There were more acute and long-term complications related to excess tension with primary closure than with flaps. Suspension sutures fixed the closure line at the junction of cosmetic units, prevented tenting across concavities, and both features were maintained over the duration of the study. Conclusion. Suspension sutures aided in obtaining linear closures, prevented distortion of free margins, prevented tenting across concavities, and fixed the closure line at the junction of cosmetic units; however, they did not prevent spread scars.
HLA supertypes and immune responses to measles–mumps–rubella viral vaccine: Findings and implications for vaccine design

Although the outcome of the immune response to measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination depends on multiple factors, elucidation of specific host genetic markers, such as HLA supertypes based on a shared sequence motif in the peptide-binding pockets of HLA molecules, is essential. We studied the association between measures of humoral and cellular immune responses and HLA supertypes among 346 children previously immunized with two doses of MMR. We found that HLA supertypes, such as A3, B7, B44, B58, B62, and DR may play a role in modulating immune responses to the measles and mumps components of MMR vaccine. This information may be of significant value in the engineering of potential epitope-based vaccines that are recognized by T cells restricted by human HLA supertype alleles.
Energetic particle acceleration by coronal mass ejections

Abstract The current paradigm for the source of large, gradual solar energetic particle (SEP) events is that theyare accelerated in coronal/interplanetary shocks driven by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Early studies established that there is a rough correlation between the logs of the CME speed and the logs of the SEP intensities. Here I review two topics challenging the basic paradigm, the recent discovery that CMEs are also associated with impulsive, high-Z rich SEP events and the search for gradual SEP sources other than CME-driven shocks. I then discuss three topics of recent interest dealing with the relationship between the shock or CME properties and the resulting SEP events. These are the roles that CME accelerations, interactions between fast and preceding slow CMEs, and widths of fast CMEs may play in SEP production.
Nanomechanical switches for power saving in CMOS applications

The performance of a nanomechanical switch for integration with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor electronics to reduce idle power consumption is presented. The DC performance shows a leakage current less than 100 fA, a through current of 10 A, and 1 mV/decade subthreshold slope. The operating voltage of the switch was approximately 13.2 V. The switch closure was measured at approximately 100 s, while the switch open was measured at less than 100 ns. A path forward is presented to reduce the operating voltage of future switches to 3.7 V and decrease the switching time to 27 ns.
Context Utilization in Young and Old Adults.

Two experiments examined adult age differences in the spontaneous use of context to study and retrieve information. Young and old adults were presented with a series of homographs (targets) that were paired with two context words which biased a specific meaning of the target. Recognition memory for targets was then tested by presenting them in the same context or removing or varying the context. In general, recognition decreased in both groups as the retrieval context became more dissimilar to the study context, suggesting that both young and old adults utilize context and that congruent study and retrieval information facilitates retrieval. However, it appeared that older primarily encoded general semantic information relating to the association between target and context, whereas younger adults encoded distinctive information about individual targets. Such encoding differences could account for observed age differences in false recognitions for lures in old contexts and correct recognitions for targets in new contexts.
Matrices of 0's and 1's with total support

Abstract We determine when there exists a matrix of 0's and 1's with total support (a pattern of a doubly stochastic matrix) having a specified row sum vector and column sum vector.