cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cervical metastases from small bowel carcinoid tumors

Small bowel carcinoid tumors usually metastasize to regional lymph nodes and the liver but metastases to the neck are extremely rare. Over a ten-year period 48 cases of small bowel carcinoid were diagnosed at our institution and of these, three cases (6%) were associated with neck metastases--one to the thyroid gland and two to cervical lymph nodes. The former patient and one of the latter patients had symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome. The other patient was asymptomatic and presented with a solitary neck mass. Urine levels of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) were elevated in the two symptomatic patients but were undetectable in the asymptomatic patient. Extirpation of the involved cervical nodes and the primary small bowel lesion was performed in two patients. In addition, both patients have received chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil. One patient remains asymptomatic four years after diagnosis but the other patient continues to have five to six bowel movements per day nine months after operation. Small bowel resection was performed in the patient with a metastasis to the thyroid. This patient died of sepsis after a second operation for an intraabdominal abscess. The histological patterns of the primary tumor and the metastatic lesions were similar and the cells of the metastases contained argentaffin-positive granules. We conclude that 1) an intraabdominal carcinoid tumor should be considered as the location of the primary tumor in patients who present with a neck mass containing metastatic carcinoid and 2) the prognosis for patients with extraabdominal metastases is similar to that for patients with intraabdominal disease only.
Neoparasitylenchus amvlocercus sp. n. (Tylenchida: Nematodea) from Conophthorus monophyllae (Scolytidae: Coleoptera) in California with a synopsis of the nematode genera found in bark beetles

Abstract Neoparasitylenchus amvlocercus sp. n. (Tylenchida: Nematodea) is described as a parasite of the singleleaf pinyon cone beetle, Conophthorus monophyllae (Scolytidae: Coleoptera) in California. In a sample of 21 beetles randomly selected from cones of Pinus monophylla, 62% were parasitized by N. amvlocercus. Heavily infected beetles showed a reduction in fat body, ovaries, and longevity. They were poorly coordinated, flew less, and showed a weaker flight than that of nonparasitized beetles. A summary of the effects of allantonematid nematodes on bark beetles is included and a synopsis of the nematodes occurring inside bark beetles is given, including a key to the genera of Allantonematidae parasitizing scolytids.
Solid state coordination chemistry of oxomolybdenum organoarsonate materials

The oxomolybdenum−arsonate system was investigated under hydrothermal conditions in the presence of charge-compensating copper(II)−organonitrogen complex cations as secondary building blocks. A series of materials of the Mo/O/As/Cu/ligand family has been prepared and structurally characterized. The architectures of the products reflect the identity of the arsonate component and the organonitrogen ligand, as well as the reaction conditions. The structural versatility of this emerging class of compounds is manifested by the one-dimensional structures of [{Cu(o-phen)(H2O)2}2Mo6O18(O3AsOH)2] (1), [{Cu(terpy)}2Mo4O13H(AsO4)2]·2H2O (2·2H2O), [{Cu(2,2‘-bpy)(H2O)}2Mo6O18(O3AsC6H5)2]·2H2O (4·2H2O), and [{Cu(o-phen)(H2O)}2{Mo6O18(O3AsC6H5)2}]·4H2O (5·4H2O), by the two-dimensional materials [{Cu2(tpyprz)(H2O)2}Mo6O18(O3AsOH)2]·2H2O (3·2H2O), [{Cu(terpy)}2Mo6O18(O3AsC6H5)2]·H2O (6·H2O), and [{Cu2(tpyprz)}Mo6O18(O3AsC6H5)2]·2H2O (7·2H2O), and the molecular clusters [{Cu(2,2‘-bpy)2}2Mo12O34(O3AsC6H5)4]·2.35H2O (8·2.35H...
Amniotic fluid inflammation with negative culture and outcome after cervical cerclage.

Objective: To determine whether amniotic fluid (AF) inflammation, in the absence of infection, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in nonelective cervical cerclage patients. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was carried out. The patient population included 82 singleton pregnancies with negative AF cultures. The variables used to define AF inflammation were white blood cell count (WBC) >50 cell/mm3, glucose 11.3 ng/ml. The study group consisted of cases with intra-amniotic inflammation. Sub-analysis was performed for the groups in which IL-6 concentrations were measured. Adverse outcomes were evaluated with variables such as gestational age at delivery, interval from cerclage to delivery, chorioamnionitis and cumulative neonatal morbidity. Results: Elevated AF WBC was correlated with severe and extreme preterm delivery (p < 0.05). Decreased AF glucose was associated with histological chorioamnionitis and a decreased cerclage to delivery interval (p < 0...
Amino acid copolymer-specific IL-10-secreting regulatory T cells that ameliorate autoimmune diseases in mice

IL-10-secreting regulatory T cell lines specific to glatiramer acetate [poly(Y,E,A,K)n] or poly(Y,F,A,K)n have been established from the enlarged spleen and lymph nodes that result from copolymer treatment of SJL mice in which experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was induced by PLP139-151. These CD4+CD25+T cell lines secrete high levels of IL-10 and IL-13 but only small amounts of IL-4 and virtually no TGF-β, IL-17, IL-6, IFN-γ, or TNF-α. Their phenotypes are particularly characterized by the absence of Foxp3 and the presence of two TNFR family members, CD30 and GITR. The lines proliferated specifically to the immunizing copolymers but were autoantigen-nonspecific, in that the same T cell line could suppress autoimmunity induced by three different autoantigens in SJL mice, i.e., PLP139-151(EAE), MBP85-99 (EAE), and bovine peripheral nerve myelin (experimental autoimmune neuritis), indicating they function by bystander suppression.
Characteristics Of Bridging Oxo And Sulfido Groups In Multinuclear Iron Proteins

The presence of oxo-bridged dinuclear iron clusters has been established in the respiratory protein, hemerythrin (Hr), and in the DNA-biosynthesis regulatory enzyme, ribonucleotide reductase (Rr). For the iron proteins uteroferrin and purple acid phosphatase (PAP) evidence for μ-oxo-bridged centers is less clear. Resonance Raman (RR) spectra obtained by excitation into an 0(2-) → Fe(III) CT band may show strong symmetric and weak antisymmetric Fe-0-Fe vibrational modes. We have investigated the spectra of a variety of μ-oxo-bridged Fe(III) complexes to establish the dependence of Raman scattering intensities upon structural parameters. Intensities were found to relate to the nature of the ligand trans to the oxo group: nitrogen ligands with unsaturation (e.g., pyrazole and imidazole) lead to strong scattering, whereas saturated ligands provide only poor scattering. The Fe-0 bonds in Hr and Rr are strong scatterers; the former is known from x-ray crystallography to have a histidyl ligand trans to the μ-oxo group. On this basis, a similar ligand structure is likely in the reductase. In contrast, PAP shows no oxo-bridge with UV and near-UV excitation. We propose that a different structural framework is necessary to account for this result. Hydrogen bonding of protein side chains to oxo and sulfido ligands is proposed to explain changes in frequencies for samples dissolved in water vs. D20. Differences in hydrogen-bond strengths between 0...(D) and S...(D) systems are transferred to the observed Fe-0 and Fe-S bond vibrations.
Diagonal maps and diameters in Köthe spaces

First, an investigation is made of the nature of diagonal maps in Kothe spaces. The central theorem relates the existence of a non-compact map between power series spaces to the existence of a common complemented basic sequence in the two spaces.
Perceived intensity and unpleasantness of cutaneous and auditory stimuli: An evaluation of the generalized hypervigilance hypothesis

According to the Generalized Hypervigilance Hypothesis (GHH) of McDermid et al. [15], the unpleasantness of sensory stimuli, rather than their modality, determines whether they will be perceptually amplified in hypervigilant persons. In a test of this idea, ratings of the intensity of sensations evoked by cutaneous and auditory stimuli were obtained from individuals with chronic myofascial pain (fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorders), and from (less hypervigilant) healthy control participants. In each modality, the stimuli spanned a wide intensity range, with the weakest stimuli being affectively neutral and the strongest being distinctly unpleasant, as determined by unpleasantness ratings. The pain patients showed robust perceptual amplification of the cutaneous pressure stimuli, and modest amplification of the auditory stimuli. In both cases, perceptual amplification extended to even the lowest stimulus intensities, a result that is not consistent with the predictions of the GHH. An alternative formulation, the attentional gain control model of hypervigilance, is proposed, according to which those types of stimuli that are associated with pain are amplified because of the attention that is habitually directed toward them.
Pseudosteady-state natural convection inside spherical containers partially filled with a porous medium

Abstract A computational study of the pseudosteady-state two-dimensional natural convection within spherical containers partially filled with a porous medium is presented. The computations are based on an iterative, finite-volume numerical procedure using primitive dependent variables, whereby the time-dependent continuity, momentum and energy equations in the spherical coordinate system are solved within the composite system. The natural convection effect is modeled via the Boussinesq approximation, whereas the Darcy Law is utilized to treat the porous medium. For a reference case, flow and temperature field details during the transient evolution to the pseudosteady-state are presented. It is shown that the dominant transport mechanism at the early stages is due to heat conduction and natural convection plays no role. A parametric study was performed with the values of the Rayleigh number ( Ra ) , Darcy number ( Da ) and the thermal conductivity ratio varying one at a time. The dependence of the flow and thermal fields on these parameters was elucidated. For low Ra and Da numbers, the flow field is restricted within the central fluid core. Only for high Ra and Da numbers, one can observe comparable fluid motion in both the porous medium and central fluid core regions. The local Nusselt number on the surface and interface temperature exhibit nearly uniform variations for low Ra and Da numbers, signifying little deviation from the limiting pure conduction case. For high Ra and Da numbers, marked heat transfer is observed on the bottom of the sphere. The interface temperature is also seen to deviate from uniform variation for high Ra and Da numbers. Only the intensity of the recirculating flow in the central fluid core region was seen to depend on the thermal conductivity ratio. The thermal conductivity ratio modifies the time scale of the thermal transport and only the relative magnitudes of the monitored quantities are affected.
When a Student Does Not Want to Be in School A Reading of Paulo Freire Through Family Alcoholism Discourse

As Richardson reminds us, "People make sense of their lives, for the most part, in terms of specific events." The author develops a set of poems based on his autoethnography study on Children of Alcoholics (COA). As the author reads Paulo Freire through alcoholism discourse, he creates a link between COA and his own school experiences. While the author questions his desire for education, he continues to excel in his studies to overcome particular life obstacles. To raise awareness for all educators, his postmodern work attempts to show the dimensions of family alcoholism and how it might impact ones views of their own schooling experience.
Very large-core, single-mode, gain-guided, index-antiguided fiber lasers.

Lowest-order, single-mode laser oscillation is reported in gain-guided index-antiguided fiber lasers having core diameters from 100 to 400 μm. A model is presented explaining how to select resonator mirrors to assure single-mode operation.
A Systems Approach to Mapping DNA Damage Response Pathways

Failure of cells to respond to DNA damage is a primary event associated with mutagenesis and environmental toxicity. To map the transcriptional network controlling the damage response, we measured genomewide binding locations for 30 damage-related transcription factors (TFs) after exposure of yeast to methyl-methanesulfonate (MMS). The resulting 5272 TF-target interactions revealed extensive changes in the pattern of promoter binding and identified damage-specific binding motifs. As systematic functional validation, we identified interactions for which the target changed expression in wild-type cells in response to MMS but was nonresponsive in cells lacking the TF. Validated interactions were assembled into causal pathway models that provide global hypotheses of how signaling, transcription, and phenotype are integrated after damage.
Similarity and long-term memory for order

Abstract Four experiments examined long-term memory for serial order information under incidental learning conditions. In each experiment, subjects were asked to provide pleasantness ratings about words in short lists. After a period of distraction, a surprise reconstruction task was administered in which reordered list items were required to be placed in their original order of presentation. The results revealed substantial long-term memory for order, and the error patterns mimicked those typically obtained in immediate memory settings. However, unlike the patterns of immediate memory, serial order performance dramatically improved when list items were drawn from the same taxonomic category. An interpretation of the similarity advantage, based on the different retrieval requirements of short- and long-term memory tasks, is proposed and tested.
Irreducible Topological Components of an Arbitrary Boolean Truth Function and Generation of Their Minimal Coverings

An extension of the work initiated by Quine in reducing an arbitrary Boolean truth function to its minimal form is presented. Apart from the unique parts of the form, the entire class of nonunique forms is discussed. The portion of the truth table that is left uncovered by the unique parts of the solution is partitioned into topologically invariant components of which it is the direct sum. Each component may be covered independently of the others. The generation of the set of coverings of a component is developed around a central theorem: A union of cells, all basic to a particular vertex, contains no further cells basic to that vertex. A proof of the theorem is given. The components are components in the topological sense and are preserved under changes of representation. The discussion focuses on the general, unrefinable structure of a Boolean function, as opposed to practical means for calculating its minimal coverings.
The Nature of Cygnus X-3: a Prototype for Old-Population Binary X-Ray Sources

Description of a model for Cyg X-3 based on a short-lived phase in the evolution of a U Geminorum-type binary where rapid mass transfer and mass loss occurs. X rays are generated by accretion on the white dwarf component, while both stars are enveloped in a thick stellar wind emanating from the red dwarf. Electron scattering in the cloud is responsible for the modulation of the X rays with the orbital period of 4.8 hours. Ultraviolet radiation and low-energy X rays absorbed in the cloud are reradiated in the optical and infrared, which, it is predicted, will display a 4.8-hr modulation in phase with the X-ray light curve. The X-ray absorption cutoff should also vary with phase, appearing at minimum energy when the source is at maximum light. The model also provides a framework in which certain aspects of the associated nonthermal radio source may be understood. Finally, it is suggested that the model may be applicable to Sco X-1 as well.
Indecomposable representations of the Poincaré algebra

The authors consider indecomposable representations of the Poincare algebra iso(3,1) on the space Omega = Omega + Omega -H of its universal enveloping algebra. A master representation is obtained on Omega which induces representations on K, the invariant subalgebra of translations and on Omega - and Omega +. These representations are discussed, in particular in view of finite dimensional indecomposable representations of iso(3,1). The approach taken is analogous to the approach chosen by the authors in their analysis of indecomposable representations of the Lorentz algebra so(3,1) (1983). Thus, under restriction of iso(3,1) to so(3,1) the earlier results are recovered. The interpretation of the finite dimensional indecomposable representations of iso(3,1) then follows easily as a coupling of a finite number of irreducible so(3,1) representations to an indecomposable iso(3,1) representation, with the dimension of the irreducible representations strictly increasing or strictly decreasing. The bases for the finite dimensional indecomposable iso(3,1) representations are explicitly determined, and thus also their matrix elements via the inducing representations. A formula for their dimensionalities is obtained. The methods employed are purely algebraic and follow the line of work of Jacobson and Dixmier. (1962, 1978).
The Energy Distribution of Secondary Electrons from Molybdenum

Energy distribution curves of secondary electrons from a thoroughly outgassed molybdenum target have been obtained by magnetic analysis with primary electron energies up to 150 volts. In addition to the usual sharp "elastically reflected" peak and the broad, low energy maximum, other maxima and irregularities appear which may be classified as follows: (1) peaks at energies 10.6, 22 and 48 volts less than the primary energy which are due to critical energy losses among the inelastically scattered electrons; (2) "humps" in the curves at secondary energies of 11, 24 and 35 volts, independent of the primary energy. The number of elastically reflected electrons is plotted as a function of primary energy. This curve exhibits several maxima, some of which are correlated with the "critical potentials" giving rise to the peaks of type (1). Others are due to electron diffraction. A discussion of possible applications of modern metallic theories to the present results is given. Two of the peaks of type (1) and all of those of type (2) are tentatively accounted for.
New interferometric technique to measure the length (thickness) of opaque objects using a commercial interferometer

Wavelength scanning interferometry offers many advantages over traditional phase shifting interferometry, most significantly the elimination of mechanical movement of the part/s for phase modulation by implementing a tunable light source. Further, Fourier analysis on the interference time history enables this technique to accurately measure distances, treating the distance between two optical surfaces as an interferometric cavity. We propose to use a newly acquired wavelength scanning Fizeau interferometer from Zygo Corporation, the MST (Multiple Surface Transform) to explore the limits of absolute thickness metrology to measure an opaque cavity, such as a gauge block. While transparent cavities can be measured with ease in a Fizeau setup, opaque cavities need additional optics. A two mirror Sagnac configuration in conjunction with the interferometer from Zygo Corporation is used to measure the length (thickness) of a 1 inch gauge block. Current gauge block measurements rely on comparison methods to determine the fractional length with respect to a reference or master gauge block or use techniques which require the absolute length of the gauge block to be previously known. By using wavelength scanning interferometry, the absolute length of the gauge block can be determined directly within limits of the repeatability of the instrument. While other techniques implement a point by point approach for measurement or use interpolation methods, we simply use a large aperture to provide the thickness variation over the sample. Experimental results of a 1 inch gauge block along with an uncertainty estimate are discussed.
Effects of alternative water distribution rules on irrigation system performance: a simulation analysis

Based on a simulation model reflecting physical and economic conditions typically found in rice irrigation systems in Asia, the irrigation performance implications of alternative water distribution rules for dry season irrigation are evaluated under varying degrees of water shortage. The rules examined reflect differing water distribution strategies designed either to maximize conveyance efficiency, economic efficiency, or equity; or to achieve a balance between efficiency and equity objectives. Irrigation performance is evaluated using several efficiency measures reflecting the physical, agronomic and economic productivity of water, and one measure of equity. Economic efficiency and equity among farmers within the portion of the irrigation system that is “on” in any given season are shown to be complementary, and not competing objectives. Economic efficiency and equity among all farmers within the command area of the irrigation system are largely complementary strategies at the lower levels of water shortage, but with increasing shortage, significant tradeoffs develop between these objectives. An operational rule for water distribution under a goal of maximizing economic efficiency is developed, and the data requirements for its implementation are shown to be modest. Under the model's assumed conditions of dry season rice production dependent solely on surface irrigation for water, the distribution strategy designed to maximize conveyance efficiency results in only modestly lower levels of economic efficiency and equity than could be achieved by the strategy designed to maximize economic efficiency.
Tight coupling in high performing teams

Abstract This article considers the development of work groups that need to be tightly coupled—that is, have highly sychronized performance that is achieved over time as the team and its leader work together. Such groups impose demands for coordination and learning as the team develops. The article argues that tight coupling and self-reinforcing cycles of continuous improvement occur when learning modes and communication patterns match task requirements at various transition points in the group's evolution and when process intensity matches situational demands and task interdependencies. Implications for research, human resource development, and group facilitation are discussed.
A Novel Nonlinear Image Reconstruction Algorithm for Diffuse Optical Tomography

We are developing a novel nonlinear image reconstruction algorithm for diffuse optical tomography (DOT). We will present the relevant theory and an initial numerical validation.
Quantitative systems-level determinants of human genes targeted by successful drugs

What makes a successful drug target? A target molecule with an appropriate (druggable) tertiary structure is a necessary but not the sufficient condition for success. Here we analyzed specific properties of human genes and proteins targeted by 919 FDA-approved drugs and identified several quantitative measures that distinguish them from other genes and proteins at a highly significant level. Compared to an average gene and its encoded protein(s), successful drug targets are more highly connected (but far from being the most highly connected), have higher betweenness values, lower entropies of tissue expression, and lower ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Furthermore, we have identified human tissues that are significantly over- or undertargeted relative to the full spectrum of genes that are active in each tissue. Our study provides quantitative guidelines that could aid in the computational screening of new drug targets in human cells.
Tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists and neuropathy

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha plays an important role in many aspects of immune system development, immune-response regulation, and T-cell-mediated tissue injury. The evidence that TNF-alpha, released by autoreactive T cells and macrophages, may contribute to the pathogenesis of immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathies is reviewed. TNF-alpha antagonists (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab) are indicated for the treatment of advanced inflammatory rheumatic and bowel disease, but these drugs can induce a range of autoimmune diseases that also attack the central and peripheral nervous systems. Case histories and series report on the association between anti-TNF-alpha treatment and various disorders of peripheral nerve such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, Miller Fisher syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block, mononeuropathy multiplex, and axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathies. The proposed pathogeneses of TNF-alpha-associated neuropathies include both a T-cell and humoral immune attack against peripheral nerve myelin, vasculitis-induced nerve ischemia, and inhibition of signaling support for axons. Most neuropathies improve over a period of months by withdrawal of the TNF-alpha antagonist, with or without additional immune-modulating treatment. Preliminary observations suggest that TNF-alpha antagonists may be useful as an antigen-nonspecific treatment approach to immune-mediated neuropathies in patients with a poor response to, or intolerance of, standard therapies, but further studies are required.
Arabidopsis NDR1 is an integrin-like protein with a role in fluid loss and plasma membrane-cell wall adhesion

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) NON-RACE-SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE1 (NDR1), a plasma membrane-localized protein, plays an essential role in resistance mediated by the coiled-coil-nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat class of resistance (R) proteins, which includes RESISTANCE TO PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE2 (RPS2), RESISTANCE TO PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE PV MACULICOLA1, and RPS5. Infection with Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 expressing the bacterial effector proteins AvrRpt2, AvrB, and AvrPphB activates resistance by the aforementioned R proteins. Whereas the genetic requirement for NDR1 in plant disease resistance signaling has been detailed, our study focuses on determining a global, physiological role for NDR1. Through the use of homology modeling and structure threading, NDR1 was predicted to have a high degree of structural similarity to Arabidopsis LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT14, a protein implicated in abiotic stress responses. Specific protein motifs also point to a degree of homology with mammalian integrins, well-characterized proteins involved in adhesion and signaling. This structural homology led us to examine a physiological role for NDR1 in preventing fluid loss and maintaining cell integrity through plasma membrane-cell wall adhesions. Our results show a substantial alteration in induced (i.e. pathogen-inoculated) electrolyte leakage and a compromised pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immune response in ndr1-1 mutant plants. As an extension of these analyses, using a combination of genetic and cell biology-based approaches, we have identified a role for NDR1 in mediating plasma membrane-cell wall adhesions. Taken together, our data point to a broad role for NDR1 both in mediating primary cellular functions in Arabidopsis through maintaining the integrity of the cell wall-plasma membrane connection and as a key signaling component of these responses during pathogen infection.
Discovering text patterns by a new graphic model

We propose a probabilistic graphical model that works for recognizing three types of text patterns in a sentence: noun phrases; the meaning of an ambiguous word; and semantic arguments of a verb. The model has an unique mathematical expression and graphical representation compared with existing graphic models such as CRFs, HMMs, and MEMMs. In our model, a sequence of optimal categories for a sequence of symbols is determined by finding the optimal category for each symbol independently. Two consequences follows. First, it does not need to employ dynamic programming. The on-line time complexity and memory complexity are reduced. Moreover, the ratio of misclassification will be decreased. Experiments conducted on standard data sets show good results. For instance, our method achieves an average precision of 97.7% and an average recall of 98.8% for recognizing noun phrases on WSJ data from Penn Treebank; an average accuracy of 81.12% for recognizing the six sense word 'line'; an average precision of 92.96% and an average of recall of 94.94% for classifying semantic argument boundaries of a verb of a sentence on WSJ data from Penn Treebank and PropBank. The performance of each task surpasses or approaches the state-of-art level.
Highly conductive, flexible, bio-compatible poly-urethane based isotropic conductive adhesives for flexible electronics

We demonstrated a novel approach to synthesize flexible isotropic conductive adhesives (ICAs) that can not only withstand a high deformation rate but also exhibit superior electrical conductivity and adhesion strength. The ICA is made of polyurethane (PU) filled with silver flakes. It can achieve resistivity as low as 1.1×10−5 Ω.cm at 80 wt.% loadings, which is even better than most solders. The high electrical conductivity results from 1) large shrinkage of the PU matrix during cuing; 2) the in-situ reduction of the silver carboxylate layer present on the surface of silver flakes by the selected curing agent so that direct metallic contact can be formed between silver flakes; 3) the microphase separation that is unique to PU matrix providing more conduction paths. The combination of the three above effects leads to the superior electrical conductivity that can be rarely seen in other ICA materials at equivalent loading level. In terms of adhesion, lap shear test measurements show that the adhesion strength to Cu surfaces at room temperature can reach 0.12 kg/mm2 at 80 wt% loading, equivalent to some epoxy based ICAs reported before. In addition, the developed ICAs have also demonstrated other advantages such as a low curing temperature, which enable them to be printed on low cost and flexible substrates such as paper and fabrics; simple and cost-effective processing, eliminating the usage of Ag nanoparticles to achieve high electrical conductivity; and good bio-compatibility. These superior material properties combined with low cost and simple processing make it very promising for emerging flexible electronics. A wearable antenna fabricated by printing the PU based ICAs on flexible fabrics was also presented as a demonstration of such devices.
The case for electric design of real-time software

G. Booch (see ibid., vol.SE-12, no.2, p.211-21, Feb. 1986) has analyzed a problem involving the software of a set of free-floating buoys. The correspondence points out that Booch's analysis fails to address one important system issue, namely the fact that the software must support two concurrent activities, and shows that an analysis according to the M.A. Jackson method will reveal this difficulty at an early design stage. On the other hand, the Jackson approach does not deal with some configuration issues, which are handled in Booch's analysis. This shows that one method is sometimes not enough to address all important, systemwide aspects of a problem. Rather than arguing about which one design method is best, the author recommends taking an electric view and using any combination of approaches that yields important results in a given situation. >
OVULE DEVELOPMENT IN ORNITHOGALUM CAUDATUM (LILIACEAE) WITH A REVIEW OF SELECTED PAPERS ON ANGIOSPERM REPRODUCTION

SUMMARY Ornithogalum ovules are bitegmic: the inner is initiated first, but both attain maturity at the same time. Both integuments are derived from the epidermal layer of the nucellus and are covered by a cuticle. Inner integument cells define the micropyle and those which line it are secretory. An outer integument is present only on the distal (non-funicular) side of the ovule. Its proximal portion apparently is fused congenitally with the funiculus. A funiculus attaches the ovule (and seed) to placental tissue. Proliferation of cells at the base of the funiculus contributes to development of the obturator. Funicular curvature causes the ovules to assume an anatropous orientation. A procambial strand branches from a ventral vein of the carpels and differentiates acropetally in the funiculus. At ovule maturity, vascular tissue terminates in the chalaza a few cells removed from the hypostase. Terminal cells of the vascular bundle consist only of tracheary elements with annular thickenings.
Using the Nominal Response Model to Evaluate Response Category Discrimination in the PROMIS Emotional Distress Item Pools

The authors used a nominal response item response theory model to estimate category boundary discrimination (CBD) parameters for items drawn from the Emotional Distress item pools (Depression, Anxiety, and Anger) developed in the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) project. For polytomous items with ordered response categories, CBD parameters index the degree to which a particular dichotomous distinction (e.g., a response in category two vs. one) discriminates trait levels. Findings indicated that 25 of the 86 PROMIS items displayed statistically significant (p ≤ .05) within-item variation in CBD parameters as judged by a Wald test. The most common finding was that the CBD parameter for the first (never vs. rarely) and last (sometimes vs. often/always) response distinction were higher than the CBD parameters for the remaining distinction (rarely vs. sometimes). The implications of significant CBD variation for model choice, scale analysis, and for scoring individual differences are reviewed.
Intra- and Interpopulation Genome Variation In Meloidogyne arenaria.

The genetic heterogeneity of two M. arenaria race 2 populations (designated Pelion and Govan) was examined using RFLP analysis of 12 clonal lines established from single egg masses (six distinct clonal lines from each population). These populations are essentially identical by traditional biochemical and race identification schemes; however, the Govan population is more aggressive than the Pelion population, producing larger galls and exhibiting greater reproductive capabilities on many soybean cultivars and experimental accessions. Variation at the genomic DNA level was examined using probes representative of expressed DNA sequences present in the eukaryotic genome. Ribosomal DNA, interspersed repeated sequences, and cDNA probes were tested for detection of polymorphism within and between single egg mass lines of each population. Cloned cDNAs and ribosomal intergenic spacer sequences detect polymorphism both within and between populations, demonstrating the usefulness of these sequence classes for molecular genetic analysis of population structure and genome evolution. Key words: biochemical systematics, DNA polymorphism, M. arenaria, M. hapla, M. incognita, M. javanica, nematode, RFLP analysis, root-knot nematode.
An integrated circuit for speech synthesis

Stringent requirements concerning vocabulary size, cost and speech quality were imposed on the voice response system for a low cost consumer product. In order to satisfy these requirements a one chip speech synthesizer based on the technique of linear prediction was designed. This PMOS synthesizer circuit contains a pipelined multiplier, an adder, and several shift registers contained in a special purpose processing architecture. Combined with the proper computational ordering, this allows an efficient implementation of the all-pole lattice filter. The synthesizer input is a bit stream specifying the parameters of energy, pitch and 10 reflection coefficients.
Substitutional A-to-I RNA editing

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing catalyzed by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) entails the chemical conversion of adenosine residues to inosine residues within doublestranded RNA (dsRNA) substrates. Inosine base pairs as guanosine and A-to-I editing can therefore alter the structure and base pairing properties of the RNA molecule. This has a biological significance in controlling the amount of functional RNA molecules in the cell, in expanding the functionality of a limited set of transcripts, and in defending the cell against certain RNA viruses. A-to-I editing is not limited to any specific type of RNA substrate. Instead, it can affect any RNA molecule able to attain the required double-stranded structure. This includes microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, viral RNAs, and messenger RNAs with potential for recoding events and splice site modifications. An RNA molecule can be post-transcriptionally modified in many ways that affect its function in the cell, including splicing, polyadenylation, and RNA editing. RNA editing— the insertion, deletion, or chemical conversion of nucleotides—once seemed a quirk of trypanosome mitochondria but is now increasingly recognized as an important phenomenon affecting a diverse set of cellular pathways. By alteration of the RNA's sequence, properties of both the RNA molecule and of proteins translated from it can be modified. The cell uses this to control the amounts of biologically functional RNAs, to diversify the functionality of a limited set of unique transcripts, and to modulate viral replication of certain RNA viruses. Chemical conversions of nucleotides commonly take the form of deaminations. Deamination of a cytidine residue replaces it with a uridine. As shown in Figure 1, deamination of adenosine (A) creates an inosine (I), a nucleotide containing hypoxanthine in place of one of the conventional nucleobases. Inosine preferentially base pairs with cytidine, effectively equating it with guanosine. Found in most metazoa, the adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) family catalyzes A-to-I editing in partially or perfectly double-stranded RNA. This means that the effects of ADARs, rather than being limited to any specific functional grouping of RNAs, hold significance for a wide range of cellular functions. This review focuses on the various effects of A-to-I editing by ADARs, on the biological mechanisms underlying and controlling the editing, and on the related recent discoveries.
X-ray lithography beamlines in the IBM advanced lithography facility

In 1991 a storage ring designed as a source of X-rays for X-ray lithography was delivered, installed, and commissioned in the IBM Advanced Lithography Facility (ALF) in East Fishkill, New York. Beamlines of two different designs have been constructed and installed on the ring to deliver the X-rays to the exposure stations. One design is intended for use with a stepper for the fabrication of integrated circuits. The second design is for a general-purpose research and development beamline which is used for unaligned exposures as well as for characterization of beamline components. The design and performance of both are described. Special attention is given to a paraboloid mirror optical system which is used to collimate the radiation from the storage ring. Both the theoretical and the measured performance of the mirror are presented and shown to be in excellent agreement. An exposure nonuniformity of less than ±3%, including contributions from both the mirror and the beryllium exit window, has been achieved.
Using Longitudinal Data to Improve the Experiences and Engagement of First-Year Students.

This chapter describes how campuses can use longitudinal data to investigate and improve the experiences and engagement patterns of their first-year students.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Blastomycosis: 2008 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America

Evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with blastomycosis were prepared by an Expert Panel of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. These updated guidelines replace the previous management guidelines published in the April 2000 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. The guidelines are intended for use by health care providers who care for patients who have blastomycosis. Since 2000, several new antifungal agents have become available, and blastomycosis has been noted more frequently among immunosuppressed patients. New information, based on publications between 2000 and 2006, is incorporated in this guideline document, and recommendations for treating children with blastomycosis have been noted.
Model integration with a typed executable modeling language

Contemporary executable modeling languages for mathematical programming are extended by defining a typing system for all the objects in a model and by specifying formal methods to manipulate the type information. The modeler's intent to formulate consistent, meaningful constraints and functions can be automatically verified. It is shown how typing supports the development of integrated models from distinct model components. A library unit is proposed as an extension to modeling languages; it provides a mechanism for building integrated models from previously validated models. >
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use after changes in medicare reimbursement policies.

This study demonstrates a rapid decline in the percentage of patients treated with ESAs after changes to reimbursement policy, but not after warnings about use. Reimbursement restrictions of other overused or off-label drugs may help reduce health care expenditures.
Humeral Rotational Osteotomy for Shoulder Deformity in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy: Which Direction Should I Rotate?

Shoulder internal rotation contracture is the most common deformity affecting the shoulder in patients with Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy. With progression of the deformity, the glenohumeral joint starts to subluxate and then dislocates. This is accompanied with bony changes of both the humerus and the glenoid. Two opposite direction humeral osteotomies have been proposed for this condition (internal rotation osteotomy (IRO) and external rotation osteotomy (ERO)). This fact of different direction osteotomies has not adequately been explained in the literature. Most orthopedic surgeons may not be able to fully differentiate between these two osteotomies regarding the indications, outcomes and effects on the joint. This review explains these differences in details.
Increased placental fatty acid transporter 6 and binding protein 3 expression and fetal liver lipid accumulation in a mouse model of obesity in pregnancy

Obesity in pregnancy is associated with increased fetal growth and adiposity, which, in part, is determined by transplacental nutrient supply. Trophoblast uptake and intracellular trafficking of lipids are dependent on placental fatty acid transport proteins (FATP), translocase (FAT/CD36), and fatty acid binding proteins (FABP). We hypothesized that maternal obesity in mice leads to increased placental expression of FAT/CD36, FATPs, and FABPs, and lipid accumulation in the fetal liver. C57/BL6J female mice were fed either a control (C; n = 10) or an obesogenic (OB; n = 10) high-fat, high-sugar diet before mating and throughout pregnancy. At E18.5, placentas and fetal livers were collected. Trophoblast plasma membranes (TPM) were isolated from placental homogenates. Expression of FAT/CD36 and FATP (TPM) and FABP (homogenates) was determined by immunoblotting. Gene expression was assessed by RT-quantitative PCR. Sections of fetal livers were stained for Oil Red O, and lipid droplets were quantified. TPM protein expression of FAT/CD36, FATP 2, and FATP 4 was comparable between C and OB groups. Conversely, TPM FATP 6 expression was increased by 35% in OB compared with C placentas without changes in mRNA expression. FABPs 1, 3-5 and PPARγ were expressed in homogenates, and FABP 3 expression increased 27% in OB compared with C placentas; however, no changes were observed in mRNA expression. Lipid droplet accumulation was 10-fold higher in the livers of fetuses from OB compared with C group. We propose that increased lipid transport capacity in obese mice promotes transplacental fatty acid transport and contributes to excess lipid accumulation in the fetal liver.
The Pros Know: Plain Language Is Just Good Writing

This column compares the style that plain-language advocates recommend for legal writing with the style that professional publishers, editors, and agents demand for nonlegal writing -- whether for popular fiction, literary magazines, or technical journals.
Changes in Adult Cigarette Smoking Prevalence after 5 Years of Community Health Education: The Stanford Five-City Project

To determine the effects of 5 years of community-wide cardiovascular health education on smoking prevalence and cessation, the authors analyzed data from the Stanford Five-City Project, an experimental field study with two treatment cities and two control cities. Representative samples of the population aged 12-74 years were drawn at baseline and every 2 years thereafter to obtain four independent cross-sectional surveys; participants aged 25-74 years are included in this paper (n approximately 440 per city per survey; total n = 6,981). The baseline sample was asked to return to three follow-up surveys, also 2 years apart, and those that did (n = 805) constitute the cohort survey sample. Self-reported cigarette smoking was confirmed by plasma thiocyanate and expired-air carbon monoxide levels. Smoking prevalence decreased over time in all cities, but in the cohort the decrease tended to be greater in treatment than in control cities (p = 0.10, two-tailed); the treatment-control difference was consistent over time (-1.51 percentage points/year in treatment vs. -0.78 percentage points/year in control, p = 0.007, two-tailed). In contrast, smoking prevalence in the independent samples declined similarly in treatment and control cities, changes were not linear, and rates varied within cities between times. Baseline smokers in both the cohort and the follow-up independent surveys were significantly more likely to quit in the treatment cities than in the control cities.
LIGHT MICROSCOPY OF KARYOLOGY DURING CONIDIOGENESIS IN GLIOMASTIX FELINA

Light microscopic observations of nuclear behavior (karyology) during conidiogenesis in the long, narrow phialides of Gliomastix felina are presented and discussed. Uninucleate phialides and conidia are characteristic of G. felina. Nuclei occupied a submedian position in phialides. After nuclear division, separation of small, intensely stained daughter nuclei resulted from migration of the distal one of each pair toward phialide apices, with the subsequent nucleation of conidial initials. Karyologic events described herein are compared with additional published studies of both phialidic and non-phialidic species.
Redesigned 26-Inch Last-Stage for Improved Turbine Reliability and Efficiency

Since its introduction in the mid-1950s, General Electric’s 26-in last stage bucket for large steam turbines has proven to be a popular and durable design. Since that time, however, major advances have been made in aerodynamic and structural design methods and manufacturing technology.This paper describes an improved 26-in. last-stage bucket which has been developed for application to new large steam turbines and as replacement rows in operating units. The new bucket is a design having continuous coupling at the outermost periphery and near the midpoint of the vane, and benefits the user through substantial efficiency gains and improved reliability margins.Copyright © 1984 by ASME