cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precipitation in star sapphire II. Elastic accommodation of the precipitate

Abstract The growth of rutile needle precipitates in star sapphire is accompanied by an interfacial dislocation structure in the rutile-sapphire interface, and a set of pyramidal dislocations which climb into the sapphire matrix. In addition, the rutile is internally twinned. The dislocation array in the interface provides almost perfect accommodation for the lattice mismatch between precipitate and matrix. These interface dislocations are vacancy-type loops and are formed by the rejection of interstitials into the matrix, due to a combination of elastic and chemical effects accompanying precipitation. The rejected interstitials cause the formation of the set of climbing dislocations. The twinning provides improved lattice matching between rutile and sapphire, but the twin orientation is such that twins cannot have formed by shear to accommodate growth stresses; rather they are growth twins formed either during the early stages of growth or perhaps during nucleaten of the precipitates.
Buoyancy effects on flames spreading down thermally thin fuels

Experiments show that buoyancy influences the downward spread rate of flames consuming thermally thin fuel beds. For index cards (0.0098 cm half-thickness) and adding-machine tape (0.0043 cm half-thickness), an increase in the buoyancy level causes the spread rate to drop until no flame propagation is possible. A dimensionless spread rate is found to correlate with a Damkoehler number. As the Damkoehler number increases with decreasing buoyancy level brought about by an increase in pressure or a decrease in gravity, the dimensionless spread rate approaches unity. It is also found that a small change in orientation with respect to the vertical is equivalent to a change in the magnitude of gravity in the direction of spread, and power-law relations between the dimensional spread rate and pressure are only valid over a small pressure range.
Qualitative and quantitative experimental models to aid in risk assessment for immunotoxicology.

Abstract We have previously reported on the design and content of a screening battery using a “tier” approach for detecting potential immunosuppressive compounds in mice [1]. This battery was composed of various immune function, immunopathology and host resistance tests, the results of which could help establish the potential of chemical and biological agents to cause immunosuppression. The data from these studies, which now encompass over 50 compounds, have been analyzed in an attempt to improve future testing strategies and provide information to aid in the risk assessment process. Specifically, the following two issues will be addressed; what are the likelihood(s) for each of the individual tests and testing configurations to accurately identify immunotoxic compounds? and what are the quantitative and qualitative relationships between the immune tests and host resistance assays?
TCT-676 Three Dimensional Reconstructions of the Left Phrenic Nerve Anatomy in Relation to the Coronary Venous System

Phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) occurs during left-sided lead implantations within the coronary venous system in over a third of patients. An understanding of left phrenic nerve anatomy in relation to the coronary veins is essential for reducing PNS. We obtained computed tomography (CT) scans while
Interplanetary discontinuities: Temporal variations and the radial gradient from 1 to 8.5 AU

A dependence of the rate of occurrence and properties of interplanetary discontinuities on radial distance were investigated using Pioneer 10 and 11 vector helium magnetometer observations. Spatial and temporal variations were separated and discontinuities identified, noting that their rate of occurrence undergoes large variations well outside the deviations expected from statistical fluctuations. Temporal changes in the occurrence rate averaged over Bartels solar rotations were well correlated at Pioneer 10 and 11, separated by a distance of 2 AU, and time variations consisted of slow modulation of the occurrence rate due to changing solar conditions. The correlation over widely separated distances is interpreted by a model in which the discontinuities originate inside 1 AU and are convected outward by the solar wind. Evidence of spatial dependence was provided by a decrease in the rates of occurrence at both spacecraft with increasing radial distance, and it was shown that the Pioneer 11 rate, nearer the sun, exceeded the Pioneer 10 rate at greater distances.
Measurement of optical functions of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite in the visible

The spectroscopic dielectric functions of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) are determined at nine different wavelengths from $405\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}750\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ $(3.06--1.65\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV})$. This determination is made on the basis of two ellipsometry measurements: (1) Standard ellipsometry measurements are performed on HOPG with the $c$ axis perpendicular to the sample surface, and (2) two-modulator generalized ellipsometry microscope (2-MGEM) measurements are performed on HOPG cut and polished such that the $c$ axis is parallel to the sample surface. Both the ordinary and extraordinary complex dielectric functions show nonzero absorption throughout the observed spectral range, while the ordinary dielectric function shows Drude-like behavior at longer wavelengths. From this, it can be concluded that graphite is metallic for visible light polarized parallel to the graphene planes, but acts more as a semiconductor or semimetal for visible light polarized perpendicular to the graphene planes. The 2-MGEM technique can also be used to generate images of the diattenuation, retardation, and direction of the principal axis.
Attentional selection of objects or features: Evidence from a modified search task.

Three experiments examined the domain of visual selective attention (i.e., feature-based selection vs. object-based selection). Experiment 1 extended the requirements of the visual search task by requiring a feature discriinination response to target elements presented for short durations (30–105 msec). Targets were embedded in 47 distractor elements and were defined by either a distinct color or a distinct orientation. Observers made a discrimination response to either the target’s color or its orientation. When the target-defining feature and the feature to be discriminated were the same (matched conditions), accuracy was enhanced relative to when these features belonged to separate dimensions (mismatched conditions). In Experiment 2, similar results were found in a task in which the target-defining dimension varied from trial to trial and observers performed both color and orientation discriminations on every trial. The results from these two experiments are consistent with feature-based attentional selection, but not with object-based selection. Experiment 3 extended these findings by showing that the effect is rooted in the overlap between target and distractor values in the stimulus set. The results are discussed in the context of recent models of visual selective attention.
Kinetic isotope effect analysis of the ribosomal peptidyl transferase reaction.

The ribosome is the macromolecular machine responsible for protein synthesis in all cells. Here, we establish a kinetic framework for the 50S modified fragment reaction that makes it possible to measure the kinetic effects that result from isotopic substitution in either the A or P site of the ribosome. This simplified peptidyl transferase assay follows a rapid equilibrium random mechanism in which the reverse reaction is nonexistent and the forward commitment is negligible. A normal effect (1.009) is observed for 15N substitution of the incoming nucleophile at both low and high pH. This suggests that the first irreversible step is the formation of the tetrahedral intermediate. The observation of a normal isotope effect that does not change as a function of pH suggests that the ribosome promotes peptide bond formation by a mechanism that differs in its details from an uncatalyzed aminolysis reaction in solution. This implies that the ribosome contributes chemically to catalysis of peptide bond formation.
Normalized radar cross section of the sea for backscatter: 2. Modulation by internal waves

[1] We report measurements of microwave surface signatures of internal waves with dual-polarized, coherent, X band radars mounted on three ships and an airplane. In shipboard measurements in the South China Sea, internal waves generally increased the backscattering cross section near the peaks of the internal waves with little detectable decrease afterward. The peak of the cross-section signature shifted its location relative to the internal wave crest depending on the maximum strain rate of the internal wave. We show that a similar shift is produced in the modulation of short-gravity waves by internal waves. We suggest that this modulation of “intermediate-scale” waves causes small-scale radar scatterers to maximize at this location. In shipboard measurements off the New Jersey coast, the range resolution of the radar was sufficiently small to allow us to detect significant modulation of gravity waves on the order of 15–30 m long by the internal waves. At the high incidence angles of the shipboard measurements, the cross section for horizontally polarized transmit and receive signals, σo(HH), regularly exceeded that for vertically polarized transmit and receive signals, σo(VV), near the internal wave crest by 5–10 dB. At the more moderate incidence angles observed from the aircraft, maximum values of σo(HH) and σo(VV) are more nearly equal, with σo(HH) often being comparable to σo(VV) and only occasionally exceeding it. These observations suggest that roughness due to breaking short-gravity waves plays a significant role in producing microwave signatures of internal waves, even at moderate incidence angles where it competes with the modulation of wind-generated waves. The intensity of modulation of the cross section caused by internal waves observed from the plane depended little on the direction of observation. Internal wave surface signatures from the aircraft became less visible with increasing wind speed, being very difficult to observe at 9 m/s.
Developmental modulation of a glial cell-associated glycoprotein, 5B12, in an insect, Acheta domesticus

Abstract The expression of an insect ( Acheta domesticus ) adult glial cell-specific antigen, 5B12 undergoes major changes during development. The 5B12 antigen is detected as early as 20–25% of embryonic development, when immunoreactivity is distributed throughout the periphery, present at the luminal surface of epithelial cells which compose developing limb buds, sensory appendages, and the body cavity. The antigen is also localized on the cell surface of neural elements within commissural tracts in the embryonic CNS. 5B12 is secreted extracellularly in the periphery, where it is associated with the embryonic basal lamina in developing cercal sensory appendages. Luminal surface expression is transient, and disappears by 95% of embryonic development. As development proceeds, 5B12 distribution becomes more restricted, so that in the adult the antigen is predominantly associated with specific glial elements within the nervous system where it occurs as a specialized component of the extracellular matrix. The 5B12 antigen is also associated with discrete central and peripheral fiber tracts. Antigen 5B12 is present in whole embryos and in the adult CNS as a M r 185-kDa glycoprotein. Distinct carbohydrate moieties with chondroitin sulfate-like properties are situated on the 5B12 epitope. Thus the glia-associated 5B12 macromolecule has the characteristics of a small proteoglycan. Based upon features of its distribution, pattern of spatiotemporal expression, and biochemical properties, it is speculated that 5B12 participates in events related sequentially to the development and the function of the insect nervous system.
Development of New Feeding-Distance Rules Using Casting Simulation: Part II. The New Rules

Based on a correlation between the Niyama criterion and radiographic casting soundness developed in Part I of this work, a new set of riser feeding-distance rules is developed for low-alloy steel castings. These rules are designed to produce radiographically sound castings at 2 pct sensitivity. Rules are provided for the riser-zone length, end-zone length, end-effect feeding distance and lateral feeding distance for top risers, and feeding distance for side risers. In addition, the relationships between the end-zone length, riser-zone length, and the various feeding distances are discussed. Multipliers are given to apply these rules with end chills and drag chills, and multipliers are also provided to tailor these rules to different steel alloy compositions, sand mold materials, and pouring superheats. In comparison with previously published rules, the present rules are shown to provide longer feeding distances in most casting situations.
Hydrogen Pairing on Si(100)-(2×1): A Site-Blocking Study

The thermal desorption of hydrogen from a Si(100)−(2×l) monohydride surface has been reported previously to follow first-order kinetics. Pairing of hydrogen atoms on a Si-Si dimer prior to desorption is most likely the cause of this unusual behavior. To examine the degree of hydrogen pairing at various surface temperatures, this study examines the blocking of adsorption sites by hydrogen for subsequent acetylene adsorption. Temperature programmed desorption and Auger electron spectroscopy were used to measure the absolute saturation coverage of acetylene for various coverages of preadsorbed atomic deuterium. The observed linear decrease in saturation coverage of acetylene with deuterium coverage, for atomic deuterium adsorption between 550 and 150 K, indicates that deuterium is paired on Si-Si dimers. The observation that pairing occurs even at 150 K suggests that the diffusion of chemisorbed hydrogen is not responsible for pairing.
Micro/nanoscale surface modification and structuring using lasers

Various micro/nanoscale materials and devices are being developed for applications in biology, materials, electronics, chemistry, and physics. Areas such as micro/nanocomposites, molecular electronics, molecular motors, self-assembled nanoenergetics, and nanobiology are just a few examples. A major obstacle to making progress on the micro/nanoscale is the lack of powerful fabrication and diagnostic techniques that work effectively to make the structures and to determine the morphology, chemical composition, and electronic/optical properties. In particular, there is a lack of techniques to diagnose individual nanostructures to find their geometries, electronic properties, optical properties, and chemical compositions in a correlated manner. Laser material processing and characterization is traditionally used in microscale applications due to the diffraction limit of light. In order to apply laser-based techniques in nanotechnology, we have to develop methods which can overcome the optical diffraction limit. In this paper, we will review a few techniques developed in recent years, including laser-assisted scanning probe microscope, superfocusing by optical resonance in spherical particles, laser nanoimprinting, laser synthesis of quantum dots, laser annealing of ultrashow pn junctions, nanometer-order film thickness detection using rotational Raman spectroscopy, laser cleaning of nanoparticles, near-field-controlled material deposition, laser-assisted growth of carbon nanotubes, and laser synthesis of one-dimensional carbon structures.
The Meaning and Justifications for DEG in a Democracy: a Taxonomical Approach

This article is an attempt to (1) conceptually clarify and stabilize the meaning of ‘Differential Education for the Gifted (DEG)’ in form of a taxonomy, and (2) to justify DEG within a procedural democracy. With these objectives in mind, the author hopes to counteract the atheoretical nature of so-called ‘gifted, talented,’ or ‘creative’ education by offering a conceptually tight knowledge base for DEG. The writer also intends to make a strong case for DEG by convincing those educators who still question, label, or oppose differential educational treatment of gifted youth as being elitist or anti-democratic in an egalitarian society.
The effects of cellular contraction on aortic valve leaflet flexural stiffness

Abstract The aortic valve (AV) leaflet contains a heterogeneous interstitial cell population composed predominantly of myofibroblasts, which contain both fibroblast and smooth muscle cell characteristics. The focus of the present study was to examine aortic valve interstitial cell (AVIC) contractile behavior within the intact leaflet tissue. Circumferential strips of porcine AV leaflets were mechanically tested under flexure, with the AVIC maintained in the normal, contracted, and contraction-inhibited states. Leaflets were flexed both with (WC) and against (AC) the natural leaflet curvature, both before and after the addition of 90 mM KCl to elicit cellular contraction. In addition, a natural basal tonus was also demonstrated by treating the leaflets with 10 μ M thapsigargin to completely inhibit AVIC contraction. Results revealed a 48% increase in leaflet stiffness with AVIC contraction (from 703 to 1040 kPa, respectively) when bent in the AC direction ( p = 0.004 ) , while the WC direction resulted only in 5% increase (from 491 to 516.5 kPa, respectively—not significant) in leaflet stiffness in the active state. Also, the loss of basal tonus of the AVIC population with thapsigargin treatment resulted in 76% (AC, p = 0.001 ) and 54% (WC, p = 0.036 ) decreases in leaflet stiffness at 5 mM KCl levels, while preventing contraction with the addition of 90 mM KCl as expected. We speculate that the observed layer dependent effects of AVIC contraction are primarily due to varying ECM mechanical properties in the ventricularis and fibrosa layers. Moreover, while we have demonstrated that AVIC contractile ability is a significant contributor to AV leaflet bending stiffness, it most likely serves a role in maintaining AV leaflet tissue homeostasis that has yet to be elucidated.
Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency.

Joint Bone Spine - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since samedi 21 septembre 2013
Postcollapse dynamic surface pressure relaxation in binary surface films containing dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine

Abstract The time-dependent decay of dynamic surface pressure (π) is investigated for binary films of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine: dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPL:DOL) and of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol (DPL:CHOL) after dynamic compression past monolayer collapse. The results show that the addition of either DOL or CHOL to DPL films acts to increase the degree of relaxation of post collapse surface pressure. Thus, while pure DPL films exhibit a highly stable postcollapse dynamic surface pressure that is more than 20 dyn/cm in excess of the static spread value, films of 50:50 DPL:DOL show dynamic π relaxation to values within a few dynes/centimeter of the static collapse pressure in times of the order of 100 sec at 25°C. Films of 50:50 DPL:CHOL also relax to within a dyne/centimeter of the static spread value at 100 sec, although the actual extent of relaxation is quite small for this specific binary because it is able to generate initial dynamic collapse pressures only a few dynes/centimeter in excess of the static case. Films of both 90:10 DPL:DOL and 90:10 DPL:CHOL show postcollapse dynamic π values with a large extent of relaxation, but the relaxation process is relatively slow and these films show surface pressures still above static spread measurements at the same surface area after 1000 sec. The increased relaxation imparted to DPL films by the addition of DOL or CHOL as a second monolayer component correlates with the effect of these other surfactants in increasing the dynamic respreading in DPL films compressed past collapse on successive cycles of the surface.
Photochemistry of ketene adsorbed on Pt(111)

Abstract The photochemistry of ketene adsorbed on Pt(111) has been studied by illuminating the adsorbate-metal system with UV photons (λ in the range 300–420 nm) and detecting changes in the chemisorbed layer as reflected in the subsequent thermal desorption and SIMS spectra. The photon-induced changes were separated from thermal- and photoelectron-induced effects by employing cutoff filters.
Intracardiac echocardiography using the AcuNav ultrasound catheter during percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty

Abstract During the past 10 years, there has been a trend toward and an interest in the use of catheter-based interventions to perform procedures that were once only approached surgically. The problem with the catheter-based approach has been procedure-related complications. Improved imaging of cardiac structures while undertaking interventional procedures may help to prevent or allow for early identification of these complications. Transesophageal echocardiography has been used during catheter-based procedures as a guide, and has both advantages and disadvantages. Intracardiac echocardiography is a relatively new imaging technique that also provides an enhanced view of cardiac structures and may also allow for the safe and efficient performance of catheter-based procedures. We report the first case of successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty done under ultrasound guidance using an intracardiac echocardiography catheter (10F, 5-10 MHz) (Acunav). The strengths and weaknesses of this approach are described and compared with transesophageal echocardiography and older intracardiac echocardiography devices. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:1533-7.)
Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor function in cholesterol transport. Identification of a putative cholesterol recognition/interaction amino acid sequence and consensus pattern.

In steroid-synthesizing cells, like the MA-10 mouse tumor Leydig cells, the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is an outer mitochondrial membrane protein involved in the regulation of cholesterol transport from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, the rate-determining step in steroid biosynthesis. Expression of PBR in Escherichia coli DE3 cells, which have no PBR, no cholesterol, and do not make steroids, induced the ability to take up cholesterol in a time-dependent, temperature-sensitive, and energy- independent manner. These cells took up no other steroids tested. Addition of the high affinity PBR ligand PK 11195 to cholesterol-loaded membranes, obtained from cells transfected with PBR, resulted in the release of the uptaken cholesterol. Expression in DE3 cells of mutant PBRs demonstrated that deletions in the cytoplasmic carboxy-terminus dramatically reduced the cholesterol uptake function of PBR, although it retained full capacity to bind PK 11195. Site-directed mutagenesis in th...
Migration of a robotics platform from a freshman introduction to engineering course sequence to a sophomore circuits course

Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, Louisiana Tech University has implemented a new freshman engineering sequence of three courses focused on boosting hands-on learning, student confidence and innovation. Every engineering student purchases a robotics kit with a programmable microcontroller, sensors, servos and software along with a toolkit to provide the basis for a mobile laboratory and design platform. An aspect of this Phase II CCLI grant involves the migration of components from the freshmen sequence into our sophomore engineering sequence of courses comprised of statics, circuits and thermodynamics. Three laboratory exercises have been developed for the sophomore circuits course utilizing the robotics platform from the freshman sequence. These three exercises provide additional practice in using hardware and tools introduced in the freshman year and provide important hands-on applications to support fundamental concepts covered in an introductory circuits course. This paper presents details of the three exercises that have been developed, faculty training activities and assessment results.
An innovative approach to teaching an undergraduate electromagnetics, antennas and propagation course

In this paper an innovative approach is taken to teach electromagnetics (EM), antenna theory and signal propagation to undergraduate students. The method relies on hardware design and implementation projects that reinforce the underlying theory, enable the student to gain practical insight into the various EM topics, and ultimately provide the student with a working knowledge to analyze, problem solve and engineer EM systems. Topics include the basic EM theory, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and interference (EMI), transmission lines, antennas, phased arrays, and wireless propagation. Projects range the prosaic EM experiments to more open ended design with multiple possible solutions.
Pyogenic liver abscess: contrast-enhanced MR imaging in rats.

MR imaging was used to evaluate experimentally induced pyogenic liver abscesses in an animal model. Rats were examined before and after IV administration of either gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA), ferrite particles, or both contrast agents together. Pyogenic liver abscesses appeared hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Bolus administration of Gd-DTPA using a fast spin-echo sequence with repetition time of 250 msec and echo time of 20 msec (SE 250/20) showed transient selective enhancement of normal hepatic tissue and increased lesion conspicuity, quantitatively assessed by the contrast-to-noise ratio, which increased from -35.7 to -59.0. Delayed leakage of Gd-DTPA into the abscess center partially obscured small lesions at 30-60 min. Ferrite particles reduced the signal intensity of normal liver, and the abscess then appeared homogenously hyperintense. Applying the SE 500/32 sequence, the contrast-to-noise ratio increased from -1.2 to +74.0. Coo...
Application of fractional order current controller in three phase grid-connected PV systems

The main purpose of this work is to develop a closed-loop fractional order control system for a three phase grid-connected photo-voltaic (PV) system. A two level three phase inverter with an inductive filter is chosen as a benchmark, due to the fact that this topology is more popular and simple in a grid connected PV system. A fractional order PI controller has been tuned for current control loop of the considered system and the system responses are compared with the responses of the closed loop system with integer order controller. Simulation results show the improvement in the performance of grid-connected PV system by using the fractional order controller.
Internal migration and household living conditions in Ethiopia

Using the 1998 Migration Gender and Health Survey in Five Regions of Ethiopia and multivariate regression techniques this paper examines the relationship between internal migration and household living conditions. The analysis finds significant living condition advantage of permanent and temporary migrants over non-migrants primarily linked to migration selectivity by education and non-agricultural income. Once the independent effects of these variables are controlled no statistical significant independent association exists between migration status and living conditions. Government policies of resettlement in the 1980s and ethnic federalism of the 1990s may have engendered stress migration and exacerbated poor living outcomes for return migrants. The resort to migration and/or resettlement as an individual or government policy response to periodic unfavorable conditions in places of origin is not strongly supported by this analysis as the key to improved living conditions. Promoting higher education and opportunities for employment outside the agricultural sector are more likely to yield improved living conditions in Ethiopia. (authors)
Schistosomiasis--an unusual cause of ureteral obstruction: a case history and perspective

A male, 32 years of age, presented with dysuria and abdominal pain, but no gross hematuria. He emigrated three years earlier from Somalia, East Africa, and was currently employed as a poultry processor in a rural Wisconsin community. The patient denied any trauma, sexual activity, or family history of significant illness. Abdominal and genitourinary exams were normal with negative tests for gonococcus and chlamydia. Urinalysis demonstrated microhematuria. A urogram and retrograde pyelogram revealed a mildly dilated right ureter down to the ureterovesical junction. Cystoscopy showed punctate white lesions on the bladder urothelium. Ureteroscopy was used to biopsy abnormal tissue in the distal ureter and bladder. Biopsy tissue demonstrated deposits of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. No ova were seen in collected urine specimens. The patient was successfully treated with praziquantel and will be monitored for sequelae of the disease. Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis) can be expected to be seen with increasing frequency in the United States with the continuing influx of immigrants and refugees, as well as the return of travelers and soldiers from endemic areas. While no intermediate snail host exists for the transmission of Schistosoma sp. in the United States, the continued importation of exotic animals including snails from Africa, as well as the ability of schistosomes to shift host species warrants concern. Additionally, increasing disease associated with non-human bird schistosomes of the same genus seen in the midwestern United States is occurring throughout Europe. One should be aware that praziquantel may not always be available or effective in the treatment of schistosomiasis. It behooves the practicing clinician to remain updated on the status of this widespread zoonosis.
Aspirin sensitivity of platelet aggregation in diabetes mellitus

Abstract Although aspirin is cardioprotective in high-risk populations, many with diabetes mellitus (DM) are unresponsive to these benefits. We questioned whether cardiovascular unresponsiveness might be demonstrated by lack of aspirin sensitivity to in vitro platelet functions especially in subjects with poorly controlled diabetes. Six women and 4 men (48 ± 8 years [mean ± S.D.]), selected for poor control (glycohemoglobin 11.9 ± 2.2%) and 10 sex–age (±5 years) matched controls received 81 mg aspirin daily. There was a 2-week washout from aspirin and related drugs. After the aspirin dose on day-7, blood for platelet aggregation assays, and 24-h urine for 2,3 dinor thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and 2,3 dinor 6-keto (PGF1α) were obtained. Aspirin sensitivity was defined as inhibition (i.e., lower than expected) platelet aggregation after exposure to an agonist. Those with diabetes and controls were sensitive to aspirin inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by 1.6 mM arachidonic acid (9.5 ± 3.9% versus 9.1 ± 3.1%, normal range 40–100%) and by 0.83 μg/mL collagen (17.4 ± 13.9% versus 13.2 ± 9.3%, normal range 60–93%), respectively. Aspirin sensitivity to 2 μM ADP was present in five with diabetes and five controls. Urinary prostaglandin metabolites were suppressed below reference ranges, without differences between those with DM or controls for TxB2 (350 ± 149 pg/mg versus 348 ± 93 pg/mg creatinine) and PGF1α (255 ± 104 pg/mg versus 222 ± 88 pg/mg creatinine). In conclusion, in poorly controlled diabetes, there was no differential lack of aspirin sensitivity to platelet aggregation, or lack of aspirin suppression of urinary TxB2 or PGF1α, compared with controls on aspirin. Despite suppression of urinary prostaglandin metabolites, aspirin resistance was most apparent to ADP-mediated platelet aggregation. It is not known what level of inhibition of in vitro tests is necessary for the cardioprotective benefits of aspirin in diabetes mellitus. Thus, the lack of aspirin protection in diabetes may be due to undefined aspects of platelet function.
An Integrated Theory of the Mind.

Adaptive control of thought–rational (ACT–R; J. R. Anderson & C. Lebiere, 1998) has evolved into a theory that consists of multiple modules but also explains how these modules are integrated to produce coherent cognition. The perceptual-motor modules, the goal module, and the declarative memory module are presented as examples of specialized systems in ACT–R. These modules are associated with distinct cortical regions. These modules place chunks in buffers where they can be detected by a production system that responds to patterns of information in the buffers. At any point in time, a single production rule is selected to respond to the current pattern. Subsymbolic processes serve to guide the selection of rules to fire as well as the internal operations of some modules. Much of learning involves tuning of these subsymbolic processes. A number of simple and complex empirical examples are described to illustrate how these modules function singly and in concert.
One in 3 removable denture users in the United States has denture stomatitis

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Risk factors associated with denture stomatitis in the United States. Shulman JD, Rivera-Hidalgo F, Beach MM. J Oral Pathol Med 2005;34(6):340-6. Level of Evidence 3b Purpose/Question To estimate the prevalence of denture stomatitis in the United States of America (US). Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Cross-sectional design
A Review of: “Gene Expression Studies Using Affymetrix Microarrays, by H. Göhlmann and W. Talloen”

The back cover of Gene Expression Studies Using Affymetrix Microarrays (hereafter known as GESUAM) states that the text “tears down the omnipresent language barriers among molecular biology, bioinf...
The classification of one-sided Markov chains

We completely classify one-sided Markov chains up to measure-theoretic isomorphism. The classification is effective and computable.
production functions and decision models: complementary models

Economists use the maximization assumption to explain changes in behavior, such as the adoption of new farming practices in Puebla, Mexico. But this tests the maximization assumption itself and does not test models of farmers' actual decisions. Better explanation results from using natural decision models of the adoption process. Economic models, such as the production function, may be used to show the efficiency of practices after adoption decisions have been made.
Estimation Strategy for a Series of Grinding Cycles in Batch Production

Typical grinding operations in batch production are characterized by multiple data streams sampled at distinct intervals. A unique estimation strategy is proposed for integrating rapidly sampled sensor signals with postprocess inspection data from a series of grinding cycles. After a nonlinear state-space model is derived from existing analytical models, system observability is tested for various combinations of sensors and measurement settings. A multirate simultaneous state and parameter estimation scheme is developed based on extended Kalman filters for real-time estimation of the model parameters and part quality. Results from case studies demonstrate that the proposed scheme enables challenging estimation tasks to be undertaken that cannot be performed using traditional approaches.
Robust FIR precoder design with imperfect channel knowledge for broadband MIMO wireless systems

This paper considers a robust FIR precoder design problem for frequency-selective multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems under transmit power constraints with imperfect channel knowledge at the transmitter. The robust design problem requires finding the optimal power constrained FIR precoder for the worst-case channel model within a neighborhood of the estimated channel. The neighborhood is formed by placing a bound on Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence between the actual and estimated channels. We show that the optimal power constrained FIR precoder designed for the estimated channel under the assumption of perfect channel knowledge is robust when channel uncertainties are measured by the KL divergence "metric".
Caring for Teenage Children

In this article, the author explores the care involved in parenting teenage children. Parenting at this stage, when teenagers are on the cusp of independence, requires strategies of monitoring and controlling children that are often not thought of as carework. The author focuses her analysis on one particular area of great concern to parents—control over teenagers' freedom of movement. Parents see control over their children's whereabouts as essential for keeping children safe. In presenting her data—interviews with mothers and teenagers—the author highlights the interactive aspect of this work. This kind of carework is above all a series of negotiations between parents and teenage children as teenagers try to gain more independence and parents try to maintain some control over them. Another important part of this analysis is to demonstrate that this type of parenting work is strongly affected by larger social forces of gender, class, and race.
Round cell pattern of prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential: a subtle newly recognized variant

Prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) is a distinct entity which includes several different patterns. Four patterns of STUMP have been described including stroma with (1) degenerative atypia, (2) hypercellular spindle cells, (3) myxoid spindle cells, and (4) phyllodes-like pattern. The current study identified a novel round cell pattern. We searched our database from 1999 to 2015 and identified 7 patients with round cell pattern out of a total number of 98 patients with STUMP. All 7 cases showed mildly increased stromal cellularity with rounded nuclei, diagnosed on core biopsies in 5 cases, transurethral resection in 1 case, and radical prostatectomy in 1 case. Some degree of glandular displacement was observed in 4 cases. In 2 of the cases, STUMP was not recognized histologically by the referring pathologists and was initially diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia. As has been described with other patterns of STUMP, several cases showed associated epithelial proliferations that in some instances masked the neoplastic stromal process. The round cell pattern of STUMP is a new deceptively subtle pattern that may not be recognized as a neoplasm and may be misdiagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Although there was no direct evidence in our study that the round cell pattern of STUMP has the same behavior as other variants of STUMPs, increased recognition of this entity will hopefully lead to additional studies to further understand its malignant potential.
Managing violence: aid, counterinsurgency, and the humanitarian present in Palestine:

Violence is most often theorized in relation to overt and sensational displays of sovereign power and military force. Less frequently, however, is violence considered within the remit of humanitari...
MY APPROACH to testosterone replacement in older men.

Testosterone levels decline with age and chronic illness. In addition, the symptoms of hypogonadism overlap with those of many chronic conditions prevalent in older men. It is thus common to see older men with non-specific symptoms and a low-testosterone level. Also, we do not have good prospective data on long-term cardiovascular risks associated with testosterone. For all these reasons, testosterone therapy in older men remains controversial. In an older man with low testosterone, the first task is to ensure that a diagnosis of hypogonadism has been established.
Thomas v. Scalia on the Constitutional Rights of Parents: Privileges or Immunities, or 'Spinach'?

A debate has broken out between Justices Scalia and Thomas over which unenumerated rights, if any, should be deemed constitutionalized by the 14th Amendment, and if so, by which of its clauses. In Troxel v. Granville, Scalia (dissenting), taking his usual narrow view of substantive due process (in off-bench speeches he has often called it "spinach"), expressed doubts as to whether parents' rights precedents such as Meyer v. Nebraska and Pierce v. Society of Sisters were rightly decided. But in McDonald v. Chicago, where the issue was the incorporation of the 2nd Amendment's individual firearms possession rights against the states, Scalia at oral argument urged counsel for firearms owners actually to rely on substantive due process, saying "even I've given in" on that doctrine, and calling the alternative -- the Privileges or Immunities Clause -- "the darling of the commentariat." When the McDonald decision came down, the 5-4 victory for the firearms owner relied for its fifth vote on Justice Thomas's separate concurrence rejecting substantive due process and making a determined case for a revival of Privileges or Immunities jurisprudence.This article traces these controversies through Troxel and McDonald, and speculates about recasting parental rights (as familiar from Meyer and Pierce) as Privileges or Immunities.
Immunoreactive atriopeptin in plasma of fishes: its potential role in gill hemodynamics

With the use of antibodies raised against human atriopeptin (AP), immunoreactive AP (APir) was quantified in the plasma of five species of marine fishes, including members of the Agnatha, Chondrichthyes, and Osteichthyes. Concentrations of APir in fish plasma are in the same range as those described for mammalian species, indicating that AP was present in the earliest vertebrates and has retained at least partial structural similarity during the course of vertebrate evolution. Acclimation of two species to very dilute seawater was associated with a significant reduction in plasma APir, suggesting that salt loading, rather than volume expansion, may be the primary stimulus for AP release in fishes. Heterologous rat atriopeptin (AP101-126) vasodilated preconstricted, perfused gills and unstimulated isolated vascular rings from the ventral aorta of the marine teleost Opsanus beta with an apparent half maximum effective concentration (EC50) of 3-4 x 10(-9) M, similar to sensitivities to AP described for mammalian vascular smooth muscle. Acclimation of toadfish to approximately 5% seawater (hyposmotic to plasma) did not alter the sensitivity of the perfused gills but reduced the apparent EC50 of rat AP on aortic rings to 3 x 10(-10) M. Extracts from O. beta atrium, ventricle, and brain also produced dilation of aortic rings, with ventricular extracts producing the greatest effect per milligram extracted tissue, suggesting that the ventricle may be a major site source of atriopeptin in fishes. An atriopeptin-induced increase in blood flow to the fish gill would theoretically have detrimental osmotic consequences, but may stimulate salt transport, again suggesting that a putative atriopeptin may be involved in salt, rather than osmotic, balance in fishes.
Abstract 5231: Highly conserved ceRNA regulatory interactions cooperate with genomic variability to modulate drivers of tumorigenesis.

MicroRNAs (miRs) have been repeatedly linked to tumorigenesis and tumor progression, suggesting their potential value as biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention. Recent evidence suggests that mRNAs compete for binding and regulation by a finite pool of miRs, thus regulating each other as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). The extent of this new regulatory layer and its potential to alter the expression of cancer genes has been shown in several tumor types, but the actual impact of ceRNA interactions on disease remains unclear. In this study, using TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) tumor datasets, we provide evidence that ceRNA play an important role in tumor etiology. Leveraging millions of shRNA-mediated perturbations from LINCS (Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures), we extensively validated ceRNA interactions in breast and prostate cancer. Moreover, we identified over 160,000 ceRNA interactions that are conserved across tumor types despite being implemented by miR programs with tumor type-specific expression. We present evidence that these ultraconserved interactions are mechanistically responsible for the dysregulation of the majority of oncogenes and tumor suppressors through TCGA-profiled genomic alteration of their cognate ceRNA regulators. Using targeted biochemical validation in cell lines, we verified the potential of ceRNA regulators to target ESR1, an established oncogene and drug target in breast cancer, and APC, an established tumor suppressor in colon adenocarcinoma. Our analysis suggests that ceRNA interactions are implemented through competition for multiple miRNAs, rendering them virtually independent of single miRNA kinetics and availability, and more likely to be conserved across contexts. Using TCGA samples, we demonstrated that conserved ceRNA interactions enable systematic identification of genomic alterations that contribute to aberrant expression of hundreds of cancer genes in each of eight distinct tumor contexts. We submit this network as a resource for analyzing ceRNA regulation in datasets where reverse engineering context-specific networks is infeasible due to low sample number or lack of miRNA expression profiles. Citation Format: Hua-Sheng Chiu, Xuerui Yang, Maria Rodriguez Martinez, Archana Iyer, Pavel Sumazin, Andrea Califano. Highly conserved ceRNA regulatory interactions cooperate with genomic variability to modulate drivers of tumorigenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5231. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5231
High Gain Placental Cardiovascular Control

SummaryThe placentas of eight near-term goats were perfused with blood containing C2H2. The adult goats breathed gas containing N2O. Catheters were placed in a maternal femoral artery and uterine vein. Knowledge of the perfusion rate and N2O and C2H2 concentrations in the maternal artery, uterine vein, umbilical arteries, and umbilical veins, permitted the calculation of the uterine blood flow.The uterine flow was calculated before and after a change in the rate of the umbilical perfusion. Fourteen such observations were made. In 13 cases the uterine flow changed in the same direction as did the umbilical flow (P < 0.005). The magnitude of the change in uterine flow indicated that the mechanism whereby the change was mediated had a gain of greater than 1.This work was supported by Grants PHS HE05499, HE06336, and HD2313 and by the Oregon Heart Association.The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of Mr. J. E. Welch and Mr. R. Ackley in the conduction of the experimental protocols.
Impairment and perseveration in delayed tasks due to bilateral lesions of the caudate nucleus in rats

Rats with bilateral lesions in the caudate nucleus were found to exhibit perseverative response tendencies which interfere with performance on a delayed response tasko Evidence was obtained which suggests that the caudate lesioned Ss had “expectancies” about the correct response to be made despite their initial failure to express them in the testing situation.