cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal behavior and signature patterns of human cytokine and soluble cytokine receptors investigated using dielectric thermal analysis and thermogravimetry

Cytokines are small regulatory proteins secreted mostly by cells of the immune system. Cytokines participate in anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory processes in the body and in responses to host exposure to pathogens. In this study, the thermal behavior of human recombinant cytokines and soluble cytokine receptors; IFNγ, TNFα, IL-1 receptor antagonist, soluble TNF-receptor types 1 and 2, and sIL-2 receptor α were analyzed by dielectric thermal analysis at 37 °C and by thermogravimetry. Measurements were performed at a frequency range of 0.1–300,000 Hz. Permittivity and loss factor measurements were used to calculate mobility of charges (tan δ values) in the proteins from Debye plots. Peak frequencies and polarization times were used to determine dielectric signatures for each cytokine and receptor. Peak frequencies and polarization times were obtained for each cytokine and receptor analyzed. Detection of unique dielectric signatures of the proteins will aid development of sensitive dielectric sensors capable of detecting cytokines and soluble cytokine receptors in various human samples for malaria diagnosis.
Source characteristics and persuasion: The role of self-monitoring in self-validation

Abstract Previous research has shown that both expert and attractive message sources can increase the confidence people have in their thoughts about a persuasive appeal. The current research examined how these source attributes may elicit different levels of confidence depending on differences in self-monitoring. After participants read either strong or weak message arguments, the communicator was manipulated to be either expert or attractive. Consistent with a functional matching perspective, self-monitoring was found to interact with the source manipulation to influence thought confidence and persuasion. Low self-monitors were more confident in their thoughts when the source was expert rather than attractive. In contrast, high self-monitors reported greater confidence when the source was attractive rather than expert. For both low and high self-monitors, increases in thought confidence with a particular source were associated with a greater impact of message argument quality on persuasion.
An investigation of the influence of national culture and group support systems on group processes and outcomes

Group support systems (GSS) have been shown to be effective in a variety of managerial applications such as business process reengineering, strategic planning, and intelligence gathering. The majority of experiments and case studies that have reported GSS effectiveness, however, have been conducted in Western environments, which have individualistic and low power-distance cultures. It is not clear, however, if features such as anonymity and equal access to participation are effective in Asian cultures, which are collectivistic and high power-distance. This study reports a cross-cultural experiment using Hong Kong and U.S. students that examines the influence of GSS and national culture on group processes, meeting satisfaction, and group outcomes. Results indicate that the influence of GSS was consistent with prior research but the influence of culture was much less predictable.
Human fibrin tissue glue for corneal lamellar adhesion in rabbits: a preliminary study.

PurposeTo evaluate the use of a human fibrin tissue adhesive in the adherence of corneal lamellar flaps in rabbit eyes.MethodsCorneal flaps were made using a microkeratome in both eyes of six New Zealand white rabbits. In the right eyes, the flaps were glued with fibrin tissue adhesive; in the left
Virtual Prototyping for Mechanical System Concurrent Engineering

The emergence of high-speed computers, new mechanical system dynamic simulation formulations, and a broad range of operator-in-the-loop simulators is shown to provide a revolutionary new virtual prototyping tool to support Concurrent Engineering of mechanical systems. The state-of-the-art of operator-in-the-loop simulation and projections regarding its refinement for use in a broad range of engineering applications is outlined, with emphasis on providing a virtual prototyping capability that accounts for the operator-machine interaction, prior to fabrication and test of prototypes. Examples of advanced ground vehicle simulators, telerobotic simulators, and construction equipment simulators are used to illustrate virtual prototyping applications that hold the potential to revolutionize the process of mechanical system design for the human operator. The potential now exists to routinely investigate trade-offs involving mechanical system design and operator effectiveness that will permit the engineering community to optimize the design of mechanical systems for the human operator, beginning early in the design and development process and continuing through commercialization and product improvement. Bringing the human factor into design consideration using virtual prototyping before design decisions are finalized is projected to be one of the greatest advances in Concurrent Engineering of Mechanical Systems to occur in the decade.
Uterine oxygen uptake in the pregnant Pygmy goat.

Abstract The diffusion equilibrium method was used to measure uterine blood flow (Qut) and oxygen consumption (VutO 2 ) of 7 Pygmy goats in the last third of pregnancy. VutO 2 was 9.3 ± 1.3 (mean ± SEM) ml · min −1 · kg −1 weight of the uterus and its contents: the placenta, fetus and fetal membranes. This O 2 requirement was provided by a high blood flow (349 ± 48 ml · min −1 · kg −1 ) and a narrow arteriovenous difference (2.4 ± 0.1 vol %) across the uterus. Maternal arterial O 2 content (Ca O 2 ) was varied by incurring chronic anemia in 3 animals. Ca O 2 over the range 6.5–12.8 vol % did not affect uterine blood flow or the arteriovenous oxygen content difference across the uterus. Weight specific (ml · min −1 · kg −1 ) Vut O 2 did not differ in animals whose total uterine weights varied over a wide range and uterine vein oxygen tension and content did not fall prior to delivery. We conclude that the absolute uterine blood flow varies over a wide range to meet the requirements of the uterine contents.
Physical stability of salts of weak bases in the solid-state

When selecting the physical form of an active pharmaceutical substance, there is often a question of when a molecule's pKa renders it too low for salt formation and formulation into a product that will be sufficiently physically stable to provide adequate shelf life. In the paper, a graph is provided that tabulates pKa values of active pharmaceuticals versus the salt or free base form that was chosen to be developed as an orally administered drug product. Tabulation of the data provides insight into where, if any, practical cutoff exists, under which salt formation should not be considered. Specific examples of disproportionation reactions are reviewed and are described in light of the concepts of pH maximum, pH microenvironment, and Gibbs free energy to gain further insight into when such reactions become favorable. The driving force for disproportionation reactions is substantially greater than that for polymorphic form conversion, and as a consequence, its probability of occurring in the solid-state is much greater when formulated in favorable microenvironments. Factors that influence the reaction rate are examined. It is concluded that each salt should be evaluated on the merit of its physical properties and often the most soluble salt will not be one's best choice. Unfortunately, compounds that stand to benefit the most from salt formation due to their exceptionally low intrinsic solubility are the ones that will be most likely to disproportionate if their pKa is relatively low.
EFFECTS OF IRRATIONALITY ON A TRAIL MAKING PERFORMANCE TASK

45 rational and 45 irrational thinkers as defined by Ellis's (1962) theory and assessed by their scores on the Irrational Belief Test were compared on a series of Trail Making tasks. Both groups were assigned to one of three conditions which involved presentation of irrational, neutral, and rational self-referent statements. Superior performance displayed by the rational group provided support for the rational-emotive theory position that irrational beliefs (ideas) generalize their adverse effect to actual performance situations. Except for the first trial the data did not support the expectation that types of self-statements differentially influence efficiency of performance.
Pre-cell Evolution and the Origin of Enzymes

SALISBURY1 has asked how enzymes could arise by natural selection from less developed ancestors if the minimal structural requirements for their activity are so inflexible that variants below a certain high level of development cannot exist. This problem can be resolved by considering the evolution of catalytic rates.
Oxidation resistance of hafnium diboride—silicon carbide from 1400 to 2000 °C

Oxidation resistance tests were carried out on HfB2-20 vol.% SiC prepared by spark plasma sintering. The dense samples were exposed from 1400 to 2000 °C in an ambient atmosphere for 1 h. For comparison, the same material was tested using an arc jet to simulate an atmospheric reentry environment. The oxidation properties of the samples were determined by measuring the weight gain per unit surface area and the thicknesses of the oxide scale. The oxide scale consists of a SiO2 outer layer, porous HfO2 layers, and an HfB2 layer depleted in SiC. A transition in HfO2 morphology from equixed to columnar and a decrease in SiO2 viscosity between 1800 and 1900 °C accompanied a rapid increase in weight gain and scale thickness.
Predicting Performance Impacts due to Resolution Changes in Parallel Simulations

Multi-resolution models are often used to accelerate simulation-based analysis without significantly impacting the fidelity of the simulations. We have developed a web-enabled, component-based, multi-resolution modeling and Time Warp synchronized parallel simulation environment called WESE (Web-Enabled Simulation Environment). WESE uses a methodology called Dynamic Component Substitution (DCS) to enable abstractions or refinements to a given model. However, effectively utilizing abstractions, whether they are DCS-based or not, is a complex and time-consuming task. The complexity arises because not all abstractions improve simulation performance due to a myriad of factors related to model characteristics, synchronization protocol overheads and simulation-platform configuration. The overheads involved in identifying optimal model resolution have been exacerbating effective use of multi-resolution simulations, including our DCS-based approach. In an endeavor to minimize the time taken to identify performance impacts of resolution changes, this study proposes a DCS Performance Prediction Methodology (DCSPPM). It predicts simulation performance changes due to DCS transformations via static analysis of the model. Static analysis uses platform-specific performance characteristics of components constituting the model. DCSPPM yields quantitative estimates of performance impacts which are used by the modeler to select appropriate transformations. This article presents DCSPPM, its implementation in WESE and its empirical evaluation. The inferences drawn from the experiments prove that DCSPPM estimates have errors of less than 5% for a variety of models. Furthermore, DCSPPM executes orders of magnitude faster than corresponding shortest test simulations. Note that applicability of DCSPPM is not restricted to WESE but can be extended to other Time Warp synchronized simulators.
A Discrete-Event Computer Simulation of an STD Clinic to Evaluate the Feasibility of Implementing Hepatitis B Vaccination in San Diego County

A Discrete-Event Computer Simulation of an STD Clinic to Evaluate the Feasibility of Implementing Hepatitis B Vaccination in San Diego County
Poor prognosis in patients with stage I and II oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to compare survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral tongue with that in patients with SCC in other oral cavity subsites. METHODS Patients with stage I and II (T1-T2N0M0) SCC of the oral cavity diagnosed between 1988 and 2004 were queried by using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The log-rank test was used to compare the overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) of patients who had oral tongue SCC with those of patients who had SCC of other oral cavity subsites. A Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of covariates on the risk of CSS and OS. RESULTS Between 1988 and 2004, 6791 patients with stage I and II SCC of the oral cavity were identified. Among them, 40% had oral tongue SCC, and 60% had SCC of other oral cavity subsites. The median patient age was 64 years. The 5-year OS and CSS rates were 60.9% and 83.5%, respectively, for patients with oral tongue SCC versus 64.7% and 94.1%, respectively, for patients with SCC of other oral cavity subsites (OS: hazard ratio, 1.24; P < .0001; CSS: hazard ratio, 3.04; P < .0001). On multivariate analysis, OS and CSS were influenced significantly by T classification, age, sex, and oral tongue subsite. The CSS for patients who had stage I and II oral tongue SCC also was unfavorable compared with the CSS for stage-matched patients who had SCC of other head and neck sites. CONCLUSIONS Oral tongue SCC was associated with poor survival compared with other oral cavity and head and neck sites. These data suggested a potential benefit for multimodality therapy in this cohort of patients. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Epidemiology of atherosclerosis: an updated overview.

Ongoing epidemiologic research continues to provide new insight into the multifactorial etiology of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Cigarette smoking remains a primary risk factor; low tar and nicotine cigarettes have apparently not contributed to a reduced incidence of CAD and cardiovascular death. The stepwise risk of increasing levels of diastolic blood pressure to cardiovascular death is well known; however, elevated systolic blood pressure may be a more potent risk factor. The benefits of treating diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 115 mm Hg are indisputable; the benefits of treating milder hypertension, i.e., diastolic blood pressure between 90 and 114 mm Hg, probably outweigh the risks, but controversy persists. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which comprises approximately 70% of total cholesterol, is strongly associated with CAD. Studies continue to relate hypercholesterolemia and CAD, showing approximately a 2% reduction in disease for each 1% reduction in total cholesterol. The influences of diabetes mellitus, thrombosis and psychosocial factors in the genesis of CAD are reviewed, as well as the evidence supporting the synergistic hazard presented by risk-factor clusters. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol bears an inverse, protective relation to CAD. Factors affecting high-density lipoprotein levels, e.g., obesity/exercise, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and postmenopausal use of estrogen in women, are also reviewed in light of recent findings. Additional investigation is necessary to clarify the benefits and risks associated with the treatment or modification of known risk factors and to identify others.
Ethics of iPSC-Based Clinical Research for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Patient-Centered Risk-Benefit Analysis

The opportunity to undergo an induced pluripotent stem cell-based autologous transplant can strike patients as a chance for a cure from a debilitating condition with few options for respite. However, when clinical studies of this caliber present themselves, patients and researchers, each with their own set of motives, may find it difficult to take a balanced approach to evaluating them. We present a patient-centered risk-benefit analysis of the iPSC-based clinical research currently underway in Japan, including a survey of in vitro and in vivo tests that support this project, an in-depth discussion of risks, and further elucidation of considerations patients may wish to consider. The arguments presented will assist patients in undertaking a more informed decision-making process.
The diffusivity of hydrogen through solid solutions of palladium with the transition metals

Abstract Measurements of the diffusivity of hydrogen made by electrolytic techniques at low temperatures (270–330 K) in Pd - U “binary matrixes” have been analyzed in terms of a constant-pressure statistical model. The U -elements (substitutional solutes) were the transition metals Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni. The statistical model, based upon reaction rate theory, is in good accord with the variation of diffusivity with U -concentration, θ u , and in reasonable accord with variation of apparent activation energy of the H-atoms with θ u .
Engineered biosynthesis of the antiparasitic agent frenolicin B and rationally designed analogs in a heterologous host

The polyketide antibiotic frenolicin B harbors a biosynthetically intriguing benzoisochromanequinone core, and has been shown to exhibit promising antiparasitic activity against Eimeria tenella. To facilitate further exploration of its chemistry and biology, we constructed a biosynthetic route to frenolicin B in the heterologous host Streptomyces coelicolor CH999, despite the absence of key enzymes in the identified frenolicin gene cluster. Together with our understanding of the underlying polyketide biosynthetic pathway, this heterologous production system was exploited to produce analogs modified at the C15 position. Both the natural product and these analogs inhibited the growth of Toxoplasma gondii in a manner that reveals sensitivity to the length of the C15 substituent. The ability to construct a functional biosynthetic pathway, despite a lack of genetic information, illustrates the feasibility of a modular approach to engineering medicinally relevant polyketide products.
The Culture of Pregnancy and Infant Care in African American Women: An Ethnographic Study:

In Hamilton County, Ohio, the infant mortality rate for African American infants in 2002 was 18.1 per 1,000 live births compared with 14.4 for the United States. It is essential to engage community residents and leaders in identifying the underlying cultural factors contributing to this disparity. The purpose of the study was to explore the cultural contexts of prenatal and infant care practices among African American women of childbearing age living in an urban community located in Hamilton County, Ohio. This was an ethnographic community-based participatory research study. Seven participants were recruited for the study. Family support from mothers and sisters in obtaining needed resources related to pregnancy and child care emerged as the central theme. A strong family-based social network was core to the culture of pregnancy and infant care for these women. Nurses should consider developing family-centered interventions to reduce disparity in infant health.
Root locus method for plotting hysteresis loops of ferromagnetic thin films

SINCE BLOIS' ORIGINAL publication1 on the magnetic properties of oriented evaporated thin permalloy films, much work has been carried out1?7 in view of the potential application of such films in digital switching and storage. Mostly restricted to the nonmagneto-strictive composition of nickel-iron alloys (permalloy 80?20), these films are generally prepared by vacuum deposition onto a heated substrate. A uniaxial direction of easy magnetization may be induced, and, if the film thickness is sufficiently small, it behaves as a single domain,6 and may be switched by rotation from one remanent state to the other.
On the de Bruijn Torus problem

Abstract A ( k n ; n ) k -de Bruijn Cycle is a cyclic k -ary sequence with the property that every k -ary n -tuple appears exactly once contiguously on the cycle. A ( k r , k s ; m , n ) k -de Bruijn Torus is a k -ary k r × k s toroidal array with the property that every k -ary m × n matrix appears exactly once contiguously on the torus. As is the case with de Bruijn cycles, the 2-dimensional version has many interesting applications, from coding and communications to pseudo-random arrays, spectral imaging, and robot self-location. J. C. Cock proved the existence of such tori for all m , n , and k , and Chung, Diaconis, and Graham asked if it were possible that r = s and m = n for n even. Fan, Fan, Ma, and Siu showed this was possible for k = 2. Combining new techniques with old, we prove the result for k ⩾ 2 and show that actually much more is possible. The cases in 3 or more dimensions remain.
Wintertime Extreme Precipitation Events along the Pacific Northwest Coast: Climatology and Synoptic Evolution

AbstractExtreme precipitation events impact the Pacific Northwest during winter months, causing flooding, landslides, extensive property damage, and loss of life. Outstanding questions about such events include whether there are a range of associated synoptic evolutions, whether such evolutions vary along the coast, and the associated rainfall duration and variability. To answer these questions, this study uses 60 years of National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) daily precipitation observations to identify the top 50 events in two-day precipitation at six coastal stations from northern California to northwest Washington. NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data were used to construct synoptic composite evolutions of these events for each coastal location. Most regional flooding events are associated with precipitation periods of 24 h or less, and two-day precipitation totals identify nearly all major events. Precipitation areas of major events are generally narrow, roughly 200 km in width, and most are associated with atmo...
The Number of Sylow p-Subloops in Finite Moufang Loops

We prove that if L is a finite Moufang loop and p is a Sylow prime for L then the number of Sylow p-subloops of L is congruent to one modulo p.
Toxicity, penetration, and metabolism of acephate in three fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Topical toxicity of acephate and methamidophos to Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann); oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel; and melon fly, D. cucurmbitae Coquillet, was assessed over a 20-d observation period. Mortality caused by acephate stabilized 2 d after treatment for C. capitata and 4 d for the Dacus species. LD50s and their fiducial limits for female C. capitata, D. cucurmbitae , and D. dorsalis were 6.72 /µg/g (6.08-7.81), 1.46 /µg/g, and 0.84 /µg/g (0.82-0.87), respectively. The LD50, and fiducial limit for male C. capitata was 14.20 /µg/g (12.11-18.62). LD50s for D. cucurmbitae and D. dorsalis males and females were similar. Mortality caused by methamidophos stabilized 1 d after treatment for C. capitata and 2 d for Dacus species. LD50s and their fiducial limits for female C. capitata, D. cucurmbitae , and D. dorsalis were 0.90 /µg/g (0.53-1.08), 0.80 µg/g (0.74-0.95), and 0.80 /µg/g (0.77-0.84), respectively. LD50, s were similar for males and females. Faster penetration, internal accumulation, and excretion of acephate in C. capitata compared with the Dacus species accounted for the faster toxic action observed. Lack of significant differences in metabolism between C. capitata females and males indicated that the toxicological differences between the sexes cannot be explained by the results of this study. Dacus species produced significantly higher levels of methamidophos than C. capitata thus explaining their higher susceptibility to acephate. Higher levels of tissue-bound radioactivity were found in D. cucurmbitae than in the other two species.
The Three-Dimensional Morphology of VY Canis Majoris. I. The Kinematics of the Ejecta*

Images of the complex circumstellar nebula associated with the famous red supergiant VY CMa show evidence for multiple and asymmetric mass-loss events over the past 1000 yr. Doppler velocities of the arcs and knots in the ejecta show that they are not only spatially distinct but also kinematically separate from the surrounding diffuse material. In this paper we describe second-epoch HST WFPC2 images to measure the transverse motions, which when combined with the radial motions provide a complete picture of the kinematics of the ejecta, including the total space motions and directions of the outflows. Our results show that the arcs and clumps of knots are moving at different velocities, in different directions, and at different angles relative to the plane of the sky and to the star, confirming their origin from eruptions at different times and from physically separate regions on the star. We conclude that the morphology and kinematics of the arcs and knots are consistent with a history of mass ejections not aligned with any presumed axis of symmetry. The arcs and clumps represent relatively massive outflows and ejections of gas very likely associated with large-scale convective activity and magnetic fields.
Mojave toxin affects fusion of myoblasts and viability of myotubes in cell cultures.

Abstract Mojave toxin is a neurotoxic, heterodimeric phospholipase isolated from the venom of Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus . Responses of primary rat muscle cell cultures and clonal muscle cell lines to treatment with Mojave toxin and its constituent subunits were examined. Continuous exposure of cells to 0.5 μM or 1.0 μM Mojave toxin or the basic subunit, added 24 hr after plating, prevented fusion of primary myoblasts and C2 myoblasts to multinucleate myotubes. Under the same experimental conditions, some myotube formation was observed when RMo cells were used, but the number and size of the myotubes were reduced substantially compared to untreated controls. The addition of Mojave toxin to established myotubes that arose from differentiation of primary myoblasts or C2 myoblasts essentially led to total disappearance of the myotubes from the cell layer within 48 hr. Myotubes from RMo cells treated in the same manner, however, did not disappear, but they were smaller and less numerous than comparable controls. Similar results were generated by exposure of myotubes to the basic subunit of Mojave toxin under the same conditions. The underlying layer of mononucleate cells was retained in both instances. Toxin-free cultures continued to develop in the usual manner. Treatment with 1.0 μM concentrations of the acidic subunit, pancreatic phospholipase A 2 or a non-neurotoxic phospholipase from Naja naja atra gave results indistinguishable from untreated control cultures.
Structural deformation of the Leoville chondrite

A petrofabric study of the Leoville chondrite was performed in order to gain an understanding of its deformation process. Strain values were determined from the chondrules' axial ratios or by the all-object-separation method, and the compaction required to deform Leoville chondrules was calculated from the decrease of radius in the circle-to-ellipse transformation. Structural and strain studies indicate the following order of events experienced by Leoville: (1) formation as an accretionary breccia, (2) compaction and development of foliation, (3) fracturing, possibly due to impact on earth, and (4) terrestrial weathering. Similarities between the axial ratios of chondrules (1.9-2.0) and of the whole meteorite (2.0) indicate either that Leoville deformed homogeneously or that it deformed as a framework of touching chondrules. This amount of strain corresponds to approximately 33 percent uniaxial shortening, assuming constant volume, and is likely to have been caused by compaction due to overburden from progressive accretion on the chondrite body. Diffusional flow is believed to be the mechanism by which olivines in these chondrules deformed.
Pathological asymptotic behavior of control systems in Banach space

Abstract New phenomena arising when a linear dynamical system is defined on an infinite dimensional Banach space, although negligible from an engineering standpoint when only a finite time-interval is considered, become crucial when the asymptotic (feedback) behavior of the system is of interest. Pathologies with respect to the correspondent finite dimensional case are displayed even when the operator acting on the state is bounded. In particular, although in such case, the classical controllability and observability theory admits a natural generalization to infinite dimensions, the finite dimensional relationships between controllability and stabilizability fails. A few examples are given of systems that are approximately controllable and yet are not stabilizable: Moreover, such examples are drawn from a class of systems that can never be exactly controllable. The analysis is carried out using the perturbation theory of the spectrum. Another new feature of the infinite dimensionality of the state space is that even if the spectrum of an operator has the max of its real part equal to 0, yet the associated homogeneous differential equation may be globally asymptotically stable: Its consequence on stabilizability is also examined.
An eigenvector test for inflation matrices and ZME-matrices

It is shown that a matrix A is of the form $A = B \times \times U + \rho G(V)$, where U is an inflator and $ \times \times $ is the inflation product, if and only if A has a row and a column eigenvector for some eigenvalue such that the eigenvectors satisfy a simple restriction on their supports. This test is extended to recover the inflation sequence for a ZME-matrix. These results imply that the maximal eigenvalue (and hence spectral radius) of a ZME-matrix is the maximum of the maximal eigenvalues of its $2 \times 2$ principal submatrices. Additionally, it is shown that for every inflation sequence, there exists an equivalent normalized inflation sequence.
Micrographic surgery for satellites and in-transit metastases of malignant melanoma.

Abstract. Satellites and in-transit metastases do not always forebode the systemic dissemination of malignant melanoma. Five patients with varying numbers of these lesions were successfully treated with the fixed-tissue technique of micrographic surgery. This method permits the excision of these embolic foci with a minimal risk of further dissemination. It is important that the lesions be detected and removed as early as possible.
Are the Best Leaders Both Transformational and Transactional? A Pattern-oriented Analysis:

Research exploring transformational and transactional leader behaviors has focused largely on bivarite relations among these behaviors and relevant criteria. This has limited the extent to which Ba...
In-situ poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/soy protein concentrate composites: Effects of compatibilization and composition on properties

Abstract In this study, soy protein concentrate (SPC) was blended as plastic with poly(butylene adipate- co -terephthalate) (PBAT). An extra amount of water was added to SPC prior to compounding to ensure that SPC behaved like a plastic during mixing. Because of the extensive crosslinking and agglomeration during compounding and the fact that most water was evaporated after drying the compounds, the SPC phase was not able to flow like a plastic in the subsequent processing. Therefore, the compounds became in-situ formed composites. The effects of SPC content and compatibilizer on the morphological, rheological, tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of PBAT/SPC blends were studied. Using maleic anhydride grafted PBAT as compatibilizer resulted in fine domain sizes and good dispersion of SPC and hence improved tensile and dynamic mechanical properties. In the presence of compatiblizer, the formation of percolated SPC network structure was observed at high SPC concentrations, subsequently, resulted in drastic changes in rheological properties, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the blends.
Thrust-type subduction-zone earthquakes and seamount asperities: A physical model for seismic rupture

A thrust-type subduction-zone earthquake of M{sub W} 7.6 ruptures an area of {approximately}6,000 km{sup 2}, has a seismic slip of {approximately}1 m, and is nucleated by the rupture of an asperity {approximately}25km across. A model for thrust-type subduction-zone seismicity is proposed in which basaltic seamounts jammed against the base of the overriding plate act as strong asperities that rupture by stick-slip faulting. A M{sub W} 7.6 event would correspond to the near-basal rupture of a {approximately}2-km-tall seamount. The base of the seamount is surrounded by a low shear-strength layer composed of subducting sediment that also deforms between seismic events by distributed strain (viscous flow). Planar faults form in this layer as the seismic rupture propagates out of the seamount at speeds of kilometers per second. The faults in the shear zone are disrupted after the event by aseismic, slow viscous flow of the subducting sediment layer. Consequently, the extent of fault rupture varies for different earthquakes nucleated at the same seamount asperity because new fault surfaces form in the surrounding subducting sediment layer during each fast seismic rupture.
Electroporation induced delivery of siRNA-loaded copper sulfide nanoparticles

Purpose Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a new non-thermal ablation technique. It creates both a central ablation zone and a surrounding sub-lethal region. Cancer cells within the sub-lethal region may survive and cause relapse of tumor. The electric field in sub-lethal regions may be sufficient to induce the intracellular delivery of therapeutic agents. Nanoparticles loaded with small-interfering RNA (siRNA) have been successfully used to treat various cancers. In this study, we prepared siRNA-loaded copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticle system and tested its cellular uptake during electroporation. Materials and Methods Cytotoxicity was quantified by trypan blue staining in HepG2 cell suspensions after electroporation at different power and pulse settings. CuS nanoparticles coated with glycol chitosan (CuS-GC) were loaded with anti-luciferase siRNA via electrostatic interaction. The suspensions of HepG2 or SKOV3.ip1.luc cells were treated with electroporation at 500 V/cm for 90 pulses in the presence of CuS-siRNA. The cellular uptake of nanoparticles and siRNA were monitored by fluorescence microscope. The down-regulation of luciferase was analyzed by luminance assay. Results Electroporation at 500V/cm for 90 pulses did not cause substantial cell death (cell viability = 93.6 ± 4.5%). The CuS-siRNA nanoparticles were 50 nm in diameter. The cellular uptake of CuS nanoparticles was increased by 173% in HepG2 and 52% in SKOV3.ip1.luc cells, compared to controls without electroporation (p Conclusion We developed an in vitro cell model to simulate the peripheral sub-lethal regions of IRE. CuS-siRNA nanoparticles were delivered into carcinoma cells during electroporation and down-regulated the expression of luciferase. Future studies will evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of this combined method in in-vitro and in-vivo experiments after delivery of therapeutic nanoparticles.
Comparison of acute toxicities of deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol in the B6C3F1 mouse

Abstract The acute toxic effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON) were compared in the B6C3F 1 female mouse after oral and intraperitoneal exposure. Using the abbreviated procedure of Lorke ( Archs Toxicol. 1983, 54 , 275). LD 50 values for DON were estimated to be 78 mg/kg (oral) and 49 mg/kg (ip) whereas the LD 50 values for 15-ADON were 34 mg/kg (oral) and 113 mg/kg (ip). Acute doses of these toxins resulted in extensive necrosis of the gastro-intestinal tract, bone marrow and lymphoid tissues, and focal lesions in kidney and cardiac tissue. The minimum doses required for these histopathological effects were consistent with LD 50 estimations. The results indicate that 15-ADON was more or less toxic than DON depending on the route of administration. Risk assessments for DON should therefore consider the potential for 15-ADON occurrence and toxicity in food and feed.
Problems in evaluation of penetrating foreign bodies with computed tomography scans: Report of cases

Computed tomography is the best radiologic modality available in the evaluation of penetrating injuries to the soft tissues. The technique is the best available when the foreign body has a density similar to the surrounding tissues. Limitations of CT scanning include difficulty in identifying small foreign bodies, objects with densities similar to surrounding structures, and detecting vascular injury. Interpretation of postoperative changes is also difficult. Two cases have been presented to illustrate the advantages, and limitations of CT scanning in penetrating soft tissue trauma.
Testing advanced photovoltaic inverters conforming to IEEE standard 1547 - Amendment 1

This paper introduces a new test plan and provides results for testing photovoltaic inverters with advanced grid support features including voltage regulation, wider voltage and frequency operating ranges, and voltage and frequency ride-through, as allowed by IEEE Standard 1547-Amendment 1. The test plan emphasizes testing for interactions between and among advanced inverter features and conventional features (e.g., unintentional islanding), and it includes testing of inverter dynamic response when regulating voltage. Results are included from testing of a single-phase inverter and a three-phase inverter.
Telling It Like It Is: Teaching Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry

In this article I support and extend the ideas presented by J. Brent Friesen in his article Saying What You Mean; Teaching Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry (JCE November, 2008). I emphasize “telling the truth” about proton transfers. The truth is that in aqueous acid most reactions are subject to specific acid catalysis: the only kinetically significant proton donor is hydronium ion, and the only kinetically significant proton acceptor is water. Similarly, in aqueous base most reactions are subject to specific base catalysis: the only kinetically significant proton donor is water, and the only kinetically significant proton acceptor is hydroxide ion.
THERMALIZATION OF NEUTRONS IN INFINITE HOMOGENEOUS SYSTEMS

The Boltzmann transport equation describing the steady state distribution in energy of fast neutrons which have been “thermalized” in a moderator, is analyzed. The principal result of the analysis is an asymptotic series solution in terms of powers of (kTE) whose coefficients depend upon the important physical parameters characterizing the system. In this first paper the general solution is elucidated by application to thermalization by a monatomic gas.
Homogenization of plasmonic metasurfaces modeled as transmission-line loads

Abstract In this work, we discuss the analytical modeling of single and cascaded plasmonic metasurfaces excited by normally incident plane waves using a transmission-line shunt admittance model. We derive an analytical model that relates the effective surface optical admittance of a single metasurface to its inclusion polarizability and its plane wave reflection and transmission coefficients, and we apply these concepts to predict the wave interaction of more complicated setups in which two stacked surfaces are separated by a varying distance, and possibly rotated with respect to one another, for normal incidence excitation. We show that the analytical model holds very well under suitable conditions, and we verify our analytical results with full-wave numerical simulations, including material dispersion and loss of optical materials.
Spectral phase conjugation by quasi-phase-matched three-wave mixing

A novel spectral phase conjugation scheme by three-wave mixing is proposed. It is shown that a phase-conjugated and time-reversed replica of the incoming signal can be generated, if appropriate quasi-phase matching is achieved and the three-wave mixing process is transversely pumped by a short second-harmonic pulse.
The Short Child

1. Maria G. Vogiatzi, MD* 2. Kenneth C. Copeland, MD† 1. 2. *Instructor of Pediatrics, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical College, New York, NY. 3. 4. †Professor of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. 1. Determination of height velocity is the most critical factor in evaluating the growth of a child. 2. A decreased height velocity after the third year of life indicates pathology unless proven otherwise. 3. Constitutional delay of growth and adolescence (CDGA) and familial short stature (FSS), the two most common entities associated with short stature, are characterized by deceleration of linear growth during the first 2 or 3 years of life. 4. Weight-for-height ratio may help distinguish “systemic” disorders (including gastrointestinal, renal, cardiopulmonary, and immunologic) from endocrinopathies. 5. Dysmorphic features are variable but important clues supportive of a diagnosis of genetic disorders. 6. Children who have congenital growth hormone (GH) deficiency often present in the newborn period with hypoglycemia in combination with prolonged hyperbilirubinemia. Growth represents a sentinel for the general health of a child. However, the distinction between normal and abnormal growth may be difficult to make at times. The purpose of this review is to highlight differences between growth patterns associated with normal variations and those associated with pathologic conditions. A method of categorizing growth patterns is used that is based principally on analyses of height velocity, weight for height, and abnormal physical features. Determination of height velocity is the single most critical factor in evaluating the growth of a child, and the simplest way to determine whether a height velocity is normal for age is to observe whether a height is “crossing” percentiles on the linear growth curve. Weight-for-height ratio may be helpful in distinguishing “systemic” disorders (including gastrointestinal, renal, cardiopulmonary, and immunologic) from endocrinopathies. The short child who has one of the “systemic” disorders typically is short and thin; the child who has an endocrinopathy usually is short and well-nourished or frankly obese. Dysmorphic features, disproportionate shortening, a history of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and mental retardation are variable but important clues …
Plant cell walls throughout evolution: towards a molecular understanding of their design principles

Throughout their life, plants typically remain in one location utilizing sunlight for the synthesis of carbohydrates, which serve as their sole source of energy as well as building blocks of a protective extracellular matrix, called the cell wall. During the course of evolution, plants have repeatedly adapted to their respective niche, which is reflected in the changes of their body plan and the specific design of cell walls. Cell walls not only changed throughout evolution but also are constantly remodelled and reconstructed during the development of an individual plant, and in response to environmental stress or pathogen attacks. Carbohydrate-rich cell walls display complex designs, which together with the presence of phenolic polymers constitutes a barrier for microbes, fungi, and animals. Throughout evolution microbes have co-evolved strategies for efficient breakdown of cell walls. Our current understanding of cell walls and their evolutionary changes are limited as our knowledge is mainly derived from biochemical and genetic studies, complemented by a few targeted yet very informative imaging studies. Comprehensive plant cell wall models will aid in the re-design of plant cell walls for the purpose of commercially viable lignocellulosic biofuel production as well as for the timber, textile, and paper industries. Such knowledge will also be of great interest in the context of agriculture and to plant biologists in general. It is expected that detailed plant cell wall models will require integrated correlative multimodal, multiscale imaging and modelling approaches, which are currently underway.
The influence of phosphorus on the growth and physiology of the potato plant.

In any study on the importance of phosphorus in potato production it is essential to recognize the fundamental significance of the phosphate esters in plant growth, particularly their role in the conversion of carbohydrates and in the metabolism of starch. In a recent article on the influence of phosphoric acid on the metabolism of plants published by Behrens and translated by Sauchelli (2), the statement was made that “Carbohydrates can enter into the metabolism of plants only by way of the carbohydratephosphoric acid esters. If as a result of phosphorus deficiency, the carbohydrates cannot be made use of. the plants stop building up secondary substances and may also lack energy for chemical synthesis and growth.” The results of the present investigation have amply confirmed the need for phosphorus in the growth of the potato plant and in tuber development. Moreover, this need has been shown to be highly critical during the early stage of growth when normal meristem development and rapid vine growth are essential for a good crop. Evidence that relatively large amounts of plant phosphorus were needed for subsequent starch phosphorylation is supplied by the finding that tubers from 50-day-old plants contained only 23 per cent of the total plant phosphorus, whereas tubers from control plants, 112 days old, contained 83 per cent. Viewed from the standpoint of its importance in starch metabolism, the phosphorus contained in potato fertilizers has significance far beyond that heretofore fully recognized. From the results obtained, which show clearly the fundamental need for phosphorus early in growth of the potato plant, it is understandable why potato yields can be expected to increase when a readily available form of phosphorus is applied to soils well supplied with residual phosphorus.
Wavebanding in Bi-Directional WDM Ring Networks with Limited Reconfigurability

An important factor that affects the cost of WDM networks is the number of wavelengths to be added/dropped by reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexers (ROADMs). Limiting the range of wavelengths that can be accessed at a node reduces costs. In this paper, we study wavelength assignment (WA) in WDM bi-directional ring networks with limited reconfigurability and take up the problem of supporting two traffic types - permutation traffic and all-to-all traffic - while minimizing the worst-case wavelength range of the ROADMs and respecting the wavelength termination and continuity constraints. ROADMs can be limited in tuning range (L-ROADMs) or have full range (F- ROADMs). In this work, a node can either possess a limited-add L-ROADM or an F-ROADM. For permutation traffic, we show that at least one F-ROADM is necessary, and we also give an upper bound on the number of F-ROADMs needed as a function of the range of L-ROADMs at other nodes. For all-to-all traffic, we develop an integer linear programming (ILP) formulation, and also propose a new wavelength assignment algorithm that uses Wu = N2/4 - N/2 + 1/4 wavelengths. Our heuristic's results are similar to the ILP's. The results show that a saving of 85-93.3% in tuning range is achievable for this type of traffic.
A novel automatic seed point selection algorithm for breast ultrasound images

Region growing is a frequently used segmentation method for medical ultrasound images processing. The first step of region growing is selecting the seed point which is inside the breast lesion. Most of the region growing methods require manually selecting the seed point which needs human interaction. To make the segmentation completely automatic, we propose a new automatic seed point selecting method for region growing algorithm. The method is validated on our database with 105 ultrasound images with breast masses and it is compared with other automatic seed point selecting method on the same database. Quantitative experiment results show that our proposed method can successfully find the proper seed points for 95.2% of the US images in the database which is much more robust than other automatic seed point selection methods.