cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of asymmetric blotches (asymmetric structureless areas) in dermoscopy images of malignant melanoma using relative color.

Malignant melanoma will have an estimated incidence of 55,100 and an estimated total of 7910 deaths in the United States in 2004 (1). Epiluminescence microscopy (ELM), also known as skin-surface microscopy, dermatoscopy or dermoscopy, practiced by skilled observers, offers higher diagnostic accuracy than observation without magnification (2–5). Digital dermoscopy, providing numerical indices from various features using image analysis, allows automatic detection of certain features and diagnostic accuracy that is within the range of the best diagnostic accuracy obtainable by skilled human observers using dermoscopy (6). A key feature for discrimination of melanoma from nevi is the presence of blotches, also called structureless areas (5, 7, 8). These dark blotchy areas within melanocytic lesions were defined in a virtual dermoscopy consensus meeting as ‘black, brown, and/or gray structureless areas with symmetrical or asymmetric distribution within the lesion’ (5). Figure 1 presents an example of a blotch in a dysplastic nevus dermoscopy image. It has a location that is somewhat eccentric and a shape that is somewhat irregular. Figure 2 shows an example of a blotch in a malignant melanoma dermoscopy image. This blotch is more eccentric in location and is also more irregular in shape. It is the purpose of this paper to describe automatic detection and scoring of asymmetric and irregular blotchy areas. Fig. 1 Dysplastic nevus with the outline of the largest blotch found automatically, absolute color. The centroid of the tumor is marked with a square; the centroid of the largest blotch is marked with a circle; the intercentroid distance is marked as the line ... Fig. 2 Invasive melanoma with the outline of the largest blotch found automatically, absolute color. The centroid of the tumor is marked with a square; the centroid of the largest blotch is marked with a circle; the intercentroid distance is marked as the line ... In this paper, two approaches are used to detect the blotchy areas. The first method uses thresholds placed upon the values of the red, green, and blue (RGB) components of the pixels within the lesions. The second method uses relative color thresholds, subtracting the observed pixel value within the lesion from the background skin color before applying relative thresholds, with the goal of minimizing differences because of cameras, lighting, and other photographic and digitizing techniques (9).
Pitfalls in athletic hand injuries

Abstract Athletic hand injuries provide the opportunity for excellent patient outcomes. The patients are motivated and desireto return to activity. The treating physician has an obligation to the athlete to provide an early, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. There are common pitfalls that can be avoided with a thorough examination and knowledge of the anatomy. The sprained finger is a diagnosis of exclusion and should not be made until other injuries have been removed from the differential list. If the injured hand is not carefully evaluated, diagnosis will be missed and patient morbidity will result. An early and accurate diagnosis allows early, appropriate treatment and rapid return to sports participation. An organized examination with attention to the pathological anatomy will avoid the common pitfalls in athletic hand injuries.
Effect of laser mask repair-induced residue and quartz damage in sub-half-micrometer DUV wafer processes

Pei-yang Yan, Qi-de Qian, Joan McCall, Joe Langston, Yu S. Ger, Joe Cho, and Bob HainseyIntel Corporation3065 Bowers Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95052ABSTRACTIn this paper, the effect of laser ablation induced carbon residue and quartz damage near the mask repair region in a sub-half-micron DUV wafer printing process will be discussed. In the study, we found that the laser ablation induced carbonresidue and quartz damage during a clean-up process of a clear intrusion mask defect repair could cause both phase andtransmission errors near the repaired region. As a result, the printing characteristics of the resist in the repaired region aredifferent than that of the defect-free region, especially at defocus conditions. At zero defocus, the resist critical dimension(CD) difference between the repaired and defect-free regions is mainly determined by the repair edge error and the amountof transmission loss which is due to the quartz damage and carbon residue in the clear mask region. At positive defocus, therepaired region tends to print narrower than that of defect-free region and vice versa for the negative defocus conditions.This phenomenon is the result of quartz damage induced phase error in the clear mask area near the repair. This quartzdamage induced effect is more pronounced at 0.25 jim regime than that of 0.4 jim regime. In the study, we also comparedwafer level results of laser repaired features to that of focused ion beam repaired features to identify the carbon residue andquartz damage induced effects in the laser repair. Our simulations also predicted the above observed experimental results.Keywords: Laser repair, laser ablation, focused ion beam repair, quartz damage, sub-half-micron lithography1. INTRODUCTIONAt sub-half-micron design rules, the mask manufacturers begin to face the challenges raised from both the tighter mask
Intestinal transport of D-xylose.

SummaryThe intestinal transport of D-Xylose was studied in the rat using 2 different methods of in situ perfusion. The absorption of xylose is inhibited by the presence in the perfusate of any of the following substances (listed in decreasing order of their inhibitory ability): phlorizin > glucose > 3-0-methylglucose > fructose > 3-0-methyl-fructose > xylitol > arabinose. The results can be explained by assuming a xylose carrier site of a rather complicated nature on the epithelial membrane.
Unusual conformational control of mobile mono- and diionizable calix[4]arene ligands by alkali metal cations

Conformations adopted in CDCl3 solution by alkali metal salts of mobile calix[4]arene ligands with one and two pendent proton-ionizable groups have been studied by NMR spectroscopy. For a series of the ligands with two N-(R-sulfonyl)carbamoylmethoxy substituents, there is no significant change in the conformational preferences of the calix[4]arene unit upon variation of the NSO2R substituents. Systematic changes of the preferred conformation(s) for the calix[4]arene moiety from cone to partial cone to 1,3-alternate are observed for all five of the ligands as the alkali metal cation is varied from Li+ to Na+ to K+ to Rb+ to Cs+. For ligands with one proton-ionizable group [carboxylic acid or N-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)carboxamide] the conformational preferences of the calix[4]arene unit are also controlled by the identity of the complexed metal ion. The Li+ salts prefer the cone conformation, while for the Na+ and K+ salts more than two significantly populated conformations are evident. Remarkably, Cs+ and Rb+ salts prefer a partial cone conformation, which provides the possibility for the metal ion to have three π-interactions with the arene units of the calix[4]arene moiety and a coulombic interaction with the ionized group.
Sheet-flow deposits of graded beds and mudstones on an alluvial sandflat-playa system: Upper Triassic Blomidon redbeds, St Mary's Bay, Nova Scotia

The 400 m of Blomidon redbeds accumulated in a semi-arid rift valley in the subtropics. At St Mary's Bay, these redbeds are 64% sandy mudstone (playa mudflats), 25% graded beds (sandflats at the toes of alluvial fans), 10% fissile claystone (playa lakes), and 1% channel sandstone (stream channels). Flash floods in mountains south of the valley flowed down alluvial fans to spread out to the north-east as sheet flows on sandflats and playa mudflats. Deceleration of the sheet flows deposited graded beds 2–83 cm in thickness on the sandflats and thin layers of mud on the playas. Nine sequences, consisting of arrangements of six lithologies, compose 90% of the graded beds. In order of decreasing abundance, these are: ripple cross-laminated siltstone horizontally laminated mudstone; fining-upward, ripple cross-laminated siltstone; ripple cross-laminated sandstone horizontally laminated mudstone; cross-bedded sandstone horizontally laminated mudstone; ripple cross-laminated sandstone ripple cross-laminated siltstone; rippledrift cross-laminated siltstone horizontally laminated mudstone; fining-upward, ripple-drift cross-laminated siltstone; cross-bedded sandstone ripple cross-laminated siltstone; and cross-bedded sandstone ripple cross-laminated siltstone horizontally laminated mudstone. The sheet flows, perhaps up to 1 m in depth, had a high concentration of suspended load. Deposition was dominantly during lower flow regime conditions and moderate to rapid flow deceleration. There are 32 thinning and fining-up cycles where a sandflat package of graded beds is transitionally followed by a playa package of sandy mudstone. The cycles range in thickness from 1·3 to 13·3 m, averaging 4·6 m. Each cycle is initiated by avulsion to a new active channel network on a fan. Gradual abandonment of the channel network produces the thinning and fining-up cycle. The cycles are grouped in three 60–70 m fining-up megacycles. Upwards within each megacycle, the packages of sandy mudstone compose a progressively larger proportion of the cycles. Each megacycle evidently was initiated by a brief period of tectonic movement on the border faults that produced greater relief of the highlands relative to the valley floor. Subsequent erosion gradually lowered the relief to yield a fining-up megacycle.
Image-guided Percutaneous Ablation of Renal Tumors: Outcomes, Technique, and Application in Urologic Practice

The recent increase in detection of small (≤4 cm) renal cortical neoplasms has engendered changes in the management of these incidental renal tumors. There is increased interest in new forms of minimally invasive therapies, including focal renal mass ablation with cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) and percutaneous RFA are among the newest approaches to minimally invasive renal surgery offering excellent patient recovery, lower rates of procedure-related complications, and promising oncologic outcomes. Ablative techniques were once considered a treatment option only in highly selected cases. However, with excellent efficacy of ablative technologies having been demonstrated with intermediate-term follow-up, renal ablation has expanded to a larger patient population. Percutaneous renal ablative procedures are optimized when performed in a combined fashion, with urologists and interventional radiologists collaborating to optimize the chance of success of the ablation. This article reviews the recent advances in PCA and percutaneous RFA and offers suggestions for patient selection in contemporary urologic practice.
Towards a microscopic theory of toroidal moments in bulk periodic crystals

We present a theoretical analysis of magnetic toroidal moments in periodic systems, in the limit in which the toroidal moments are caused by a time and space reversal symmetry breaking arrangement of localized magnetic dipole moments. We summarize the basic definitions for finite systems and address the question of how to generalize these definitions to the bulk periodic case. We define the ``toroidization'' as the toroidal moment per unit cell volume, and we show that periodic boundary conditions lead to a multivaluedness of the toroidization, which suggests that only differences in toroidization are meaningful observable quantities. Our analysis bears strong analogy to the ``modern theory of electric polarization'' in bulk periodic systems, but we also point out some important differences between the two cases. We then discuss the instructive example of a one-dimensional chain of magnetic moments, and we show how to properly calculate changes of the toroidization for this system. Finally, we evaluate and discuss the toroidization (in the local dipole limit) of four important example materials: $\mathrm{Ba}\mathrm{Ni}{\mathrm{F}}_{4}$, $\mathrm{Li}\mathrm{Co}\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, $\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, and $\mathrm{Bi}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$.
Prevalence, impact, and prognosis of multisomatoform disorder in primary care: a 5-year follow-up study.

Background:To determine the prevalence, impact, and prognosis of multisomatoform disorder (MSD) over a 5-year period in a primary care population. Although somatization is prevalent in primary care, patients rarely meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) crit
Host discrimination by egg-laying seed beetles : causes of population differences

Abstract Egg-laying females of the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus discriminate against occupied (egg-laden) seeds, and thus reduce competition among larvae within seeds. Two strains (S and B) differed genetically in this trait. A factorial experiment was performed to distinguish whether greater avoidance of occupied hosts by S-strain females was caused by a stronger chemical deterrent associated with S-strain eggs, a keener response to the presence of eggs by S-strain females, or both. The degree of host discrimination depended on both the source of eggs and the source of test females; the strongest avoidance of egg-laden seeds was exhibited by S-strain females presented with clean seeds as opposed to seeds bearing S-strain eggs, whereas the weakest host discrimination was exhibited by B-strain females presented clean seeds as opposed to seeds bearing B-strain eggs. When presented with only egg-laden seeds, females from both strains added more eggs to seeds bearing B-strain eggs than to seeds bearing S-strain eggs, but the degree of discrimination between the two kinds of egg-laden seeds was stronger among S-strain females. Population differences in host discrimination appear to reflect differential costs associated with multiple larvae/seed; the more discriminating S strain has been associated with a relatively small host and its larvae engage in exceptionally strong interference competition.
Perinatal factors associated with poor neurocognitive outcome in early school age congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors.

Objective Determine predictors of neurocognitive outcome in early school age congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors.
Molecular orbital calculation of hyperfine interactions, electric field gradient and quadrupole splitting in reduced rubredoxins

The active site of rubredoxins, the simplest class of iron-sulfur, electron-transfer proteins consists of a single Fe atom surrounded by a distorted tetrahedral array of four cysteine sulfur atoms. In a previous paper on the oxidized rubredoxins, we calculated the electric field gradient at the Fe57 nucleus, the resultant quadrupole splitting and the hyperfine field due to interaction between the Fe nucleus spins and the net electron spin of the molecular complex. In this paper, we are going to present our calculated results of the same set of properties for the reduced state, using the molecular orbitals similarly obtained from an Iterated Extended Huckel calculation. Significant contribution of the anisotropy to the hyperfine field as well as the sign of the electric field gradient, and hence the quadrupole splitting allow us to pin down conformations which give the best agreement with the experimental results. In fact, the conformation (conformer A) which represents a small movement of one of the S atoms from its crystal structure position in such a way that pairs of S atoms lie in ⊥ planes yield remarkably good results for all the physical properties calculated in both oxidation states. This consistency also suggests that there is no appreciable conformational change through the oxidation process.
Evaluation of reliability and reproducibility of dental indices.

Abstract Evaluation of periodontal therapy involves the use of several oral indices to describe the health status of hard and soft tissues. It was the objective of the present study to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of some of these indices. A calibration and standardization session was designed to calibrate 10 examiners and a “gold standard” (an experienced examiner) in evaluating the following indices: the Volpe-Manhold calculus index (VM), the Lobene stain index (SI), a non-invasive modification of the Loe-Silness gingival index (GI), the papillary bleeding score (PBS) of Loesche, and the plaque index (PI) of Quigley-Hein as modified by Turesky. For each index, the average intraclass correlation was calculated between two subject visits. The highest intraclass correlation, 0.94, was found for PBS. The intraclass correlation for PI was 0.70 and for VM. 0.65. The lowest intraclass correlations were for stain, 0.47, and GI, 0.25. Intra-subject correlations between the 2 visits were good for all indices, but were best for PBS, followed by VM. PBS seems to be the most reliable index (both intra- and inter-examiner) for measuring the oral health status and is therefore recommended for use in clinical studies.
Anti-proliferative effects of γ-tocotrienol on mammary tumour cells are associated with suppression of cell cycle progression

Objectives: Previous studies have shown that c-tocotrienol induces potent anti-proliferative effects on +SA mammary tumour cells in culture; here, investigations have been conducted to determine its effects on intracellular signalling proteins involved in regulating cell cycle progression. Materials and methods: +SA cells were maintained in mitogen-free defined media containing 0 or 4 lM c-tocotrienol, for 48 h to synchronize cell cycle in G0 phase, and then they were exposed to 100 ng ⁄ ml EGF to initiate cell cycle progression. Whole cell lysates were collected at various time points from each treatment group and were prepared for Western blot analysis. Results and conclusions: Treatment with 4 lM c-tocotrienol significantly inhibited +SA cell proliferation over a 4-day culture period. Moreover, this treatment resulted in a relatively large reduction in cyclin D1, cyclin dependent kinase (CDK)4, CDK2 and CDK6 levels, between 4 and 24 h after EGF exposure. Tocotrienol treatment also resulted in a relatively large increase in CDK inhibitor (CKI) p27, prior to and after EGF exposure, but had little effect on levels of CKIs, p21 and p15. Tocotrienol treatment also induced a large relative reduction in retinoblastoma (Rb) protein phosphorylation at ser780 and ser807 ⁄ 811. These findings strongly suggest that anti-proliferative effects of c-tocotrienol are associated with reduction in cell cycle progression from G1 to S, as evidenced by increased p27 levels, and a corresponding decrease in cyclin D1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6 and phosphorylated Rb levels.
On the Size Distribution of Raindrops in Hurricane Ginger

Abstract Airborne foil impactor measurements in Atlantic Hurricane Ginger (1971) show a raindrop size spectrum which is well represented by an exponential relation of the Marshall-Palmer type. No difference was observed between the spectral characteristics of the rainbands and those of the eyewall, but some dependence of the slope-rainfall rate relation on rainwater content was noted.
Removing the paradox of conflict from group decisions

The article reports on conflict in the decision-making process and a study of group decision-making by management teams. According to research by Allen Amason of Mississippi State University, cognitive conflict develops from differences in perspectives and is functional, while affective conflict tends to be an emotional response to a person and is considered dysfunctional because it does not focus on the problem. The study found that cognitive conflict can improve the quality of decisions, understanding of issues in the process, and acceptance of the group's decision.
Configuration-space quantum-soliton model including loss and gain

We examine the effects of loss and gain on a quantum soliton using a configuration-space approach. A simple microscopic model of local photon-matter interaction is applied to solitons with arbitrary quantum superpositions of momentum. Such a theory is needed in the analysis and design of systems that manipulate the wave function of soliton center-of-mass coordinates. The formalism is tested by calculating the momentum noise induced by loss and gain, and by comparison with the well-known Gordon-Haus calculation [J. P. Gordon and H. A. Haus, Opt. Lett. 11, 665 (1986)]. The comparison provides physical insight and reproduces the old result as a special case.
Introduction to services industries policy issues

Abstract No economy exists without services industries such as finance, communications, transportation, health care and education. Recently, however, policymakers concerned with the performance of the U.S. economy have focused almost exclusively on manufacturing and trade in manufactured goods. This paper draws on work carried out as part of U.S. National Academy of Engineering project on Technology in Services to identify and discuss policy issues brought forward by: 1) rapid employment and output growth in services industries; 2) problems of measuring and interpreting services productivity growth; and 3) changing patterns of international trade in services trade.
Theoretical modeling of SiO2 photochemical vapor deposition and comparison to experimental results for three oxidant chemistries: SiH4 + O2, H2O/O2, and H2O2

An elementary model, independent sheet simulation of photochemical vapor deposition (ISSPCVD), is introduced that illustrates the roles of chemical reactions and transport in photochemical vapor deposition (photo-CVD). A simple model for diffusion and integration of a small number of chemical reaction rate equations allows simulations of SiO2 photo-CVD to be performed, and this work shows that it is possible to assume that one SiOxHy intermediate is the dominant precursor to SiO2 deposition. Three oxidants for use with SiH4 are investigated: O2, H2O/O2, and H2O2. The simulations allow determination of concentrations of important gas-phase species and estimated deposition rates as functions of time, probability of gas-phase species diffusing to the substrate and effective reaction chain length as functions of height, and deposition rate dependence on purge gas identity and vacuum ultraviolet light intensity. The results reflect our experimental results, including the dependence of deposition rate on exper...
"Why My Child?": Parental Attributions for Children's Special Needs1

Although research exists on how attributions for traumatic life events are related to adjustment, little has focused on parents’ attributions for their children’s special needs. Parents were interviewed twice over 1 year about their attributions for their children’s special needs. We used parents’ open-ended responses during the initial interview to construct a ratings survey for the second interview. Parents of children with Down’s syndrome made attributions to genetic fluke, age, and fate/God’s will; parents of autistic children made attributions to heredity and environment; parents of developmentally delayed children made attributions to medical problems and stress during pregnancy. Self-blame attributions and attributions to the environment were related to worse adjustment, whereas attributions to fatelGod’s will were related to better adjustment. Implications for family interventions and physicians are discussed.
Chemical Complementarity in the Contacts for Nanoscale Organic Field-Effect Transistors

This study describes the effect of covalent derivatization of source and drain electrodes with monolayers of organic semiconductors. These monolayers form a template on the metal surface and provide better electronic coupling between the electrode and the semiconductor. We see a large improvement in nanoscale (40-100 nm) transistors only when the monolayer presents functionality that is complementary to the chemical and electronic structure of the molecular semiconductor.
Agnes Goes to Prison Gender Authenticity, Transgender Inmates in Prisons for Men, and Pursuit of “The Real Deal”

Historically developed along gender lines and arguably the most sex segregated of institutions, U.S. prisons are organized around the assumption of a gender binary. In this context, the existence and increasing visibility of transgender prisoners raise questions about how gender is accomplished by transgender prisoners in prisons for men. This analysis draws on official data and original interview data from 315 transgender inmates in 27 California prisons for men to focus analytic attention on the pursuit of “the real deal”—a concept we develop to reference a dynamic related to how gender is accomplished by transgender inmates. Specifically, among transgender inmates in prisons for men, there is competition for the attention and affection of “real men” in prisons: the demonstrable and well-articulated desire to secure standing as “the best girl” in sex segregated institutional environments. Our empirical examination sheds light on the gender order that underpins prison life, the lived experience of gender...
A General Scaling Rule for Matched Bend Waveguides

A scaling rule is introduced for reducing the dimensions of a matched waveguide bend without inducing additional transition loss and applied to photonic integrated circuits employing high index contrast waveguides. Mathematical expressions describing the wave propagation in the bend are obtained via a combination of analytical analysis and numerical calculations. These expressions show that if the bend radius R shrinks discretely by n=(m1/m2)3 times, where m1 and m2 are the integer number of beat lengths in the original and scaled matched bends, respectively, and the effective width of the waveguide is reduced also by n1/3 times, then the loss of the matched bend (straight-curved-straight waveguide) transition will remain constant.
The crystal and molecular structure of bis(diacetamide) diaquomagnesium(II) didiacetamide perchlorate

Abstract The crystal structure of bis(diacetamide)diaquomagnesium(II) didiacetamide perchlorate, [Mg(OH 2 ) 2 (DA) 2 ](DA) 2 (ClO 4 ) 2 , has been determined from three-dimensional X-ray data. The unit cell is triclinic, space group P 1 , with dimensions a = 10.614(2) A , b = 10.050(2) A , c = 7.655(2) A , α = 75.69(7)°, β = 70.49 (8)°, γ = 83.04(8)°, and Z = 1. The structure was solved by the heavy atom method and refined by block-diagonal least squares to a conventional unweighted R of 0.088. The coordination sphere about the magnesium can be described as a slightly distorted octahedron formed by the carbonyl oxygens of two diacetamide ligands in the equatorial plane and the oxygen atoms of two water molecules at the spices. In addition, two uncomplexed diacetamide molecules are hydrogen bonded to the coordinated water molecules. Other hydrogen bonds between the amide nitrogens and perchlorate oxygens cause the formation of infinite chains. Magnesium-oxygen bond distances are in the range 2.026(7) to 2.048(6) A .
Tinycasper: a privacy-preserving aggregate location monitoring system in wireless sensor networks

This demo presents a privacy-preserving aggregate location monitoring system, namely, TinyCasper, in which we can monitor moving objects in wireless sensor networks while preserving their location privacy. TinyCasper consists of two main modules, in-network location anonymization and aggregate query processing over anonymized locations. In the first module, trusted wireless sensor nodes collaborate with each other to anonymize users' exact locations by a cloaked spatial region that satisfies a prespecified privacy requirement. On the other side, the aggregate query processing module collects and analyzes the cloaked spatial regions reported from the wireless sensor nodes to support aggregate and alarm queries over anonymized locations. The prototype of TinyCasper is implemented on a physical test-bed on the TinyOS/Mote platform with 39 MICAz motes.
Mindfulness Meditation May Lessen Anxiety, Promote Social Skills, and Improve Academic Performance Among Adolescents With Learning Disabilities

Students with learning disabilities (LD; defined by compromised academic performance) often have higher levels of anxiety, school-related stress, and less optimal social skills compared with their typically developing peers. Previous health research indicates that meditation and relaxation training may be effective in reducing anxiety and promoting social skills. This pilot study used a pre—post no-control design to examine feasibility of, attitudes toward, and outcomes of a 5-week mindfulness meditation intervention administered to 34 adolescents diagnosed with LD. Postintervention survey responses overwhelmingly expressed positive attitudes toward the program. All outcome measures showed significant improvement, with participants who completed the program demonstrating decreased state and trait anxiety, enhanced social skills, and improved academic performance. Although not directly assessed, the outcomes are consistent with a cognitive-interference model of learning disability and suggest that mindfuln...
Classification in Art.

A framework is proposed to analyze the relationships between social structure, patterns of artistic consumption and production, and the ways in which artistic genres are classified. This framework helps to integrate findings of consumption surveys and to explain the emergence of new artistic genres as a form of ritual classification. Societies' artistic classification systems vary along four dimensions: differentiation, hierarchy, universality, and boundary strength. These dimensions are affected by formal characteristics of social structure, the organization of educational systems, and internal relations among cultural dimensions. The dynamics of ritual classification are mediated according to whether artistic production is carried out through commercial, professional, or bureaucratic means.
p38γ Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Is a Key Regulator in Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Adaptation in Mice

Regular endurance exercise induces skeletal muscle contractile and metabolic adaptations, conferring salutary health benefits, such as protection against the metabolic syndrome. The plasticity of skeletal muscle has been extensively investigated, but how the adaptive processes are precisely controlled is largely unknown. Using muscle-specific gene deletion in mice, we now show that p38γ mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not p38α and p38β, is required for endurance exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis and angiogenesis, whereas none of the p38 isoforms are required for IIb-to-IIa fiber-type transformation. These phenotypic findings were further supported by microarray and real-time PCR analyses revealing contractile activity-dependent p38γ target genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α (Pgc-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf), in skeletal muscle following motor nerve stimulation. Gene transfer-mediated overexpression of a dominant negative form of p38γ, but not that of p38α or p38β, blocked motor nerve stimulation-induced Pgc-1α transcription. These findings provide direct evidence for an obligated role of p38γ MAPK-PGC-1α regulatory axis in endurance exercise-induced metabolic adaptation, but not contractile adaptation, in skeletal muscle.
Critical role of CD14 for production of proinflammatory cytokines and cytokine inhibitors during sepsis with failure to alter morbidity or mortality.

We investigated the immunopathophysiologic responses during sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in CD4-deficient (CD14 knockout [CD14KO]) mice. Our studies were designed to specifically test the role of CD14 in the inflammatory response to sepsis and to ascertain if alterations would improve morbidity or mortality. Sepsis was induced using the CLP model with appropriate antibiotic treatment. The severity of sepsis increased in the CD14KO mice with increasing puncture size (18 gauge [18G], 21G, and 25G). Following CLP, body temperature (at 12 h) and gross motor activity levels of the sham and 25G CLP groups recovered to normal, while the 21G and 18G CLP groups exhibited severe hypothermia coupled with decreased gross motor activity and body weight. There were no significant differences in survival, temperature, body weight, or activity levels between CD14KO and control mice after 21G CLP. However, CD14KO mice expressed two- to fourfold less pro-inflammatory (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], tumor necrosis factor [TNF], and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and TNF receptors I and II) cytokines in the blood after 21G CLP. Plasma levels of the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein 2α and KC were similarly reduced in CD14KO mice. A similar trend of decreased cytokine and cytokine inhibitor levels was observed in the peritoneal cavity of CD14KO mice. Our results indicate that the CD14 pathway of activation plays a critical role in the production of both pro-inflammatory cytokines and cytokine inhibitors but has minimal impact on the morbidity or mortality induced by the CLP model of sepsis.
The dynamics of off-axis plume-ridge interaction in the uppermost mantle

Two decades of geochemical and geophysical observations have led to the plume channel model whereby buoyant, off-axis mantle plumes feed and interact with diverging plates at mid-ocean ridge axes which act as sinks of upper mantle material. Here we present results from two-dimensional (2-D) numerical experiments which incorporate the essential physics and fluid dynamic aspects of the plume-ridge-upper mantle system in order to test the feasibility of this plume-ridge interaction model. Specifically, experiments test the relative importance of physical effects such as strong viscosity variations and thermal and chemical buoyancy forcing in plume-ridge dynamics. Results indicate that both transient and steady-state connections may be established between off-axis plumes and ridges for a range of realistic mantle conditions. The presence of a strongly sloping rheological boundary layer (RBL) is a necessary condition for long-term communication between an off-axis buoyant upwelling and a spreading ridge. The flux of buoyant material to the ridge is also shown to increase with increasing plume-to-mantle density contrast, decreasing plume viscosity and smaller plume-ridge separation distances. Plume-ridge interaction regimes are defined based on the competing effects of plate-driven and buoyancy-driven flow. Thermal erosion of the viscous lithosphere strongly inhibits long-term plume-ridge interaction by enhancing the plates ability to deflect the plume, both head and conduit, away from the ridge axis.
Color-encoded digital fringe projection technique for high-speed three-dimensional surface contouring

A color-encoded digital fringe projection technique is proposed for high-speed 3-D surface contouring applications. in this technique, a color fringe pattern whose RGB components comprise three phase-shifted fringe patterns is created by software on a computer screen and then projected to an object by a novel computer-controlled digital projection system. The image of the object is captured by a digital camera positioned at an angle different from that of the projection system. The image is then separated into its RGB components, creating three phase-shifted images of the object. These three images are used to retrieve the 3-D surface contour of the object through the use of a phase wrapping and unwrapping algorithm. Only one image of the object is required to obtain the 3-D surface contour of the object. Thus contouring speed, limited only by the frame rate of the camera, can be dramatically increased as compared to that of the traditional phase-shifting techniques. The technique is especially useful in applications where the object being contoured is going through quasi-static or dynamic changes. The principle of the technique is described and some preliminary experimental results are presented.
Magnetically actuated metallic microgripper

The design and the fabrication of a magnetically actuated microgripper are described. The device is designed to have an out-of-plane motion; a novel concept among the microfabricated grippers. The gripper consists of three metallic fingers, radially directed and equally spaced on a circle; each finger composed by two beams, whose motion is driven by a magnetic field. The microgripper is modeled as an elastic system of two rectilinear beams, using Euler- Bernoulli theory for small deflections. The boundary value problem is solved and the deflection of the structure is calculated as a function of the magnetic force. The microgripper is fabricated using a UV-lithography based 3D electroforming technique. Each layer of the structure is made by metal electrodeposition into a polyimide mold. Several layers are stacked by repeated deposition and the final structure is obtained by dissolving the mold. Details about the fabrication techniques are presented and discussed. Properties and problems related to the photosensitive polyimide used (such as moisture absorption, loss of adhesion, etc.) are addressed. Electroforming of nickel, copper and permalloy are performed and optimized. In particular, a nickel activating solution is applied successfully for electroforming of microstructures. A shadow mask technique for seed-layer patterning is presented and discussed. A planar electromagnetic coil is fabricated by micromolding of thick photoresist and copper electroforming into the mold. The magnetic circuit is made by electrodeposition of permalloy.
Pleistocene biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy and paleocirculation of the southeast pacific central water core RC 11-220

Abstract An 11-m core, RC 11-220, raised from a depth of 2,950 m in the unstudied Southeast Pacific Central Water of the Tuamotu Ridge (14° 49′S 139° 58′W) received paleontologic and paleoecologic analysis. Eight biostratigraphic horizons were recognized (6 planktonic foraminiferal, 1 coccolithophorid and the discoaster extinction) defining the core as continuous through the basal Pleistocene. The Globorotalia truncatulinoides (d'Orbigny) datum was approached but not encountered. The core has an estimated average sedimentation rate of 0.60 cm/10 3 years. Extrapolation from two paleomagnetic datums (Brunhes/Matuyama, ca. 0.69 Ma and the top of the Olduvai, ca. 1.61 Ma) indicates the age of the core bottom to be ca. 1.87 Ma. Based on the evidence recorded in RC 11-220 and our knowledge of the circulation patterns at the core site today, the following paleocirculation model is proposed. The total carbonate and coarse fraction data indicate a relatively constant depositional pattern and productivity. In addition, judging from the faunal dominance and the distributional pattern of key species such as Globigerinoides ruber (d'Orbigny), Globigerinoides sacculifer (Brady) and Globigerinita glutinata (Egger), a minor shift in the salinity regime is suggested while temperature remained relatively constant. On the average, salinity was slightly higher during the first approximate million years and was somewhat reduced during the last million years B.P. The major conclusion of this study however is that the character of the surface South Central Pacific Waters remained relatively constant throughout the Pleistocene.
Detection of prosthetic valve strands by transesophageal echocardiography: Clinical significance in patients with suspected cardiac source of embolism

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine how frequently prosthetic valve strands are associated with prosthetic mitral and aortic valves, as detected by transesophageal echocardiography, and to assess their significance in relation to clinical cardioembolic events. Background. Strands attached to prosthetic mitral valves are a recently described finding of uncertain clinical significance. There are no reports of strands attached to aortic valve prostheses, and data are limited concerning the relation of valvular strands to cardioembolic events. Methods. We identified all transesophageal echocardiographic studies performed during a 5-year period at our institution for evaluation of valve dysfunction or a suspected cardioembolic event in patients with a valve prosthesis. All studies were reviewed. The presence of strands was noted and the prevalence compared between patients evaluated for a suspected cardioembolic event and those evaluated for valve dysfunction. In patients with no strands detected, the presence of other potential cardiac sources of embolism was noted. Results. Strands were detected in 56 (26%) of 214 studies. There was a significant difference (p = 0.0001) in the prevalence of strands between studies performed for a suspected cardioembolic event (34 [53%] of 64) versus those performed for suspected valve dysfunction (22 [15%] of 150). Strands were more prevalent on mitral than on aortic valves (32% vs. 13%, p = 0.0004) and were more frequently detected on mechanical than on bioprosthetic valves (27% vs. 8%, p = 0.003). Among patients with a suspected cardioembolic event and normal valves, other potential cardiac sources of embolism were detected in 67%. Conclusions. Prosthetic valve strands are frequently detected by transesophageal echocardiography. They are more commonly detected in patients being evaluated for a suspected cardioembolic event and thus represent a potential cardiac source of embolism. In patients with apparently normal valves, other potential sources of embolism are frequently detected. Thus, transesophageal echocardiography may have a significant impact on the management of these patients.
Analysis of the impact of distributed generation placement on voltage profile in distribution systems

This paper analyzes the impact of distributed generation (DG) placement on voltage profile under certain penetration level in low-voltage (LV) distribution networks. DGs are allocated via different probabilistic approaches to account for uncertainties of DG installation in the future. The main contribution of this paper is in understanding how to apply proper probability distribution functions (PDFs) and constraints for DG placement location to prevent under- and over-voltage problems or unexpected load disconnections. The results prove that the developed approach can reduce the probability of having load voltage violations, which means the network may have more DGs accommodated. Such techniques can be considered as a tool for the network planning engineer to facilitate the installation of DGs in the future.
Simulation study of compact quantising circuits using multiple-resonant tunnelling transistors

The authors have applied a simple modelling approach for multiple resonant tunnelling transistors (mRTTs) which includes four resonant tunnelling diodes (RTDs) within the transistor structure. Unique features of this model, corresponding to device features compatible for integrated circuits, allow far tuning and matching the devices for optimum circuit performance. Two circuits are presented for analogue to quaternary conversion with analysis of their transfer characteristics; this analysis is consistent with the simulation results and implies that circuits of physical devices may be successfully implemented.
Phenology of glucosinolate concentrations in roots, stems and leaves of Cardamine cordifolia

Abstract Total concentrations of isothiocyanate-yielding glucosinolates (IYG) were measured in roots, stems, basal leaves and cauline leaves of the herbaceous perennial Cardamine cordifolia (bittercress, Cruciferae), sampled at three sites in the Colorado Rockies during 1981. Significant variation in quantity was partitioned among plant parts, among sampling dates throughout the growing season, and among the three sites. Roots and basal leaves maintained high and similar concentrations of IYG through the season, while cauline leaves and stems showed seasonal declines, associated partly with flowering. Roots also consistently produced oxazolidinethione-yielding glucosinolates (hydroxylated analogues of IYG), whereas above-ground parts were variable for the presence of these compounds. Seasonal and plant-part variability in glucosinolate content and spatial patchiness of glucosinolate phenotypes contribute to the variation in herbivore occurrence and damage documented in previous studies of this native crucifer.
Cy5.5-labeled Affibody molecule for near-infrared fluorescent optical imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor positive tumors

Affibody protein is an engineered protein scaffold with a three-helical bundle structure. Affibody molecules of small size (7 kD) have great potential for targeting overexpressed cancer biomarkers in vivo. To develop an Affibody-based molecular probe for in vivo optical imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) positive tumors, an anti-EGFR Affibody molecule, Ac-Cys-Z(EGFR:1907) (7 kD), is site-specifically conjugated with a near-IR fluorescence dye, Cy5.5-mono-maleimide. Using fluorescent microscopy, the binding specificity of the probe Cy5.5-Z(EGFR:1907) is checked by a high-EGFR-expressing A431 cell and low-EGFR-expressing MCF7 cells. The binding affinity of Cy5.5-Z(EGFR:1907) (K(D)) to EGFR is 43.6+/-8.4 nM, as determined by flow cytometry. For an in vivo imaging study, the probe shows fast tumor targeting and good tumor contrast as early as 0.5 h postinjection (p.i.) for A431 tumors, while MCF7 tumors are barely visible. An ex vivo imaging study also demonstrates that Cy5.5-Z(EGFR:1907) has high tumor, liver, and kidney uptakes at 24 h p.i.. In conclusion, Cy5.5-Z(EGFR:1907) shows good affinity and high specificity to the EGFR. There is rapid achievement of good tumor-to-normal-tissue contrasts of Cy5.5-Z(EGFR:1907), thus demonstrating its potential for EGFR-targeted molecular imaging of cancers.
Line narrowing in 1H MAS spectrum of mesoporous silica by removing adsorbed H2O using N2.

Abstract The peaks for silanol protons in the high-resolution 1H NMR spectrum obtained on mesoporous silica materials may be broadened and shifted downfield by hydrogen bonding with adsorbed water molecules. Overlapping of the resonance for hydrogen-bonded silanol with the corresponding broad peak due to hydrogen-bonded water may further complicate the spectrum. These complications hamper a quantitative analysis of the spectra for these and similar materials. It is demonstrated in this paper that adsorbed water can be removed by exposing the sample to dry N2 during magic angle spinning. This results in significant line narrowing for the silanol protons in the 1H MAS spectrum. The enhanced spectral resolution makes it possible to quantify the various hydroxyl groups in a complex metal-oxide catalyst. Results obtained on tungsten oxide supported on SBA-15 mesoporous silica materials are reported. Additionally, the proton chemical shift of tungsten hydroxyl is identified for the first time.
The origin of plutonium in the atmosphere

Radiochemical measurements of 239, 240Pu were carried out for a total of 288 individual rain and snow samples collected at Fayetteville (36°N, 94°W), Arkansas, during the period between February 1976 and October 1984. The results indicate that the plutonium inventory in the northern stratosphere has been decreasing during the past several years at a rate corresponding to about 1.2 years for the mean stratospheric residence time of plutonium. However, the fallout of plutonium may not be attributable solely to the atmospheric injections of nuclear debris from the weapons tests. It appears that the recent volcanic eruptions may have played an important role in altering the stratospheric inventory of plutonium.