cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissolution and Interface Reactions between Palladium and Tin (Sn)-Based Solders: Part I. 95.5Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu Alloy

The interface microstructures and dissolution behavior were studied, which occur between 99.9 pct Pd substrates and molten 95.5Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu (wt pct, Sn-Ag-Cu) solder. The solder bath temperatures were 513 K to 623 K (240 °C to 350 °C). The immersion times were 5 to 240 seconds. The IMC layer composition exhibited the (Pd, Cu)Sn4 (Cu, 0 to 2 at. pct) and (Pd, Sn) solid-solution phases for all test conditions. The phases PdSn and PdSn2 were observed only for the 623 K (350 °C), 60 seconds test conditions. The metastable phase, Pd11Sn9, occurred consistently for the 623 K (350 °C), 240 seconds conditions. Palladium-tin needles appeared in the Sn-Ag-Cu solder, but only at temperatures of 563 K (290 °C ) or higher, and had a (Pd, Cu)Sn4 stoichiometry. Palladium dissolution increased monotonically with both solder bath temperature and exposure time. The rate kinetics of dissolution were represented by the expression At n exp(∆H/RT), where the time exponent (n) was 0.52 ± 0.10 and the apparent activation energy (∆H) was 44 ± 9 kJ/mol. The IMC layer thickness increased between 513 K and 563 K (240 °C and 290 °C) to approximately 3 to 5 µm, but then was less than 3 µm at 593 K and 623 K (320 °C and 350 °C). The thickness values exhibited no significant time dependence. As a protective finish in electronics assembly applications, Pd would be relatively slow to dissolve into molten Sn-Ag-Cu solder. The Pd-Sn IMC layer would remain sufficiently thin and adherent to a residual Pd layer so as to pose a minimal reliability concern for Sn-Ag-Cu solder interconnections.
Lessons from state mandates of preventive cancer screenings

We use the 1997–2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and variation in the timing of state mandates for coverage of colorectal, cervical, and prostate cancer screenings to investigate the behavioral and financial effects of mandates on privately insured adults. We find that state mandates did not result in increased rates of cancer screening. However, coverage of preventive care, whether mandated or not, moves the cost of care from the consumer’s out-of-pocket expense to the premium, resulting in a cross-subsidy of users of the service by non-users. While some cross-subsidies are intentional, others may be unintentional. We find that users of cancer screening have higher levels of income and education, while non-users tend to be racial minorities, lack a usual source of care, and live in communities with fewer physicians per capita. These results suggest that coverage of preventive care may transfer resources from more advantaged individuals to less advantaged individuals.
Feasibility of primary clot extraction prior to percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction.

Objectives: To test the feasibility, safety, and in-hospital outcomes of utilizing the FilterWire EZ to extract clot prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Background: PCI in patients with acute MI is associated with a higher incidence of distal embolization, no-reflow, or slow flow partly due to the presence of clot burden. Methods: The authors describe the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of using a FilterWire EZ distal protection device as a clot extraction device in patients who presented with acute MI and documented clot on coronary angiography. Results: Fifteen consecutive male patients with a mean age of 54 ± 8 years presented with acute MI (60% ST elevation MI). MI involved left anterior descending artery (n = 4), circumflex artery (n = 3), and right coronary artery (n = 8). Clot extraction followed by PCI reduced the percent diameter stenosis from 94 ± 12 to 65 ± 11 (P < 0.001) and restored TIMI 3 flow in all patients without distal embolization. The angiographic, procedural, and clinical success rates were 100%. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 52 ± 8% (range 30–62%) with only three patients (15%) who had an LVEF <50% and five patients (33%) without apparent wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography. Conclusions: Clot extraction before PCI during acute MI in native coronaries is feasible, safe, and effective in restoring TIMI 3 flow without distal embolization. Whether this approach results in better outcomes and improved LV function compared with standard therapy alone requires further investigation. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evidence of HF‐driven wave interactions in the ionospheric focused heating experiment

The Ionospheric Focused Heating rocket experiment created an ionospheric hole above the Arecibo HF radiowave heater by the release of an electron-attachment chemical. The hole served as a focusing lens for HF waves at 5.1 MHz and produced various plasma wave effects measured by onboard diagnostic instruments. In this report, we present evidence for the occurrence of plasma wave interactions driven by the HF pump at altitudes where the pump frequency is near the electron plasma frequency and one-half the electron plasma frequency. These interaction regions are observed on the upper side of the ionospheric hole. The data suggest that the frequency and wavenumber matching requirements for coupled waves are met in these regions.
Assessing the Dimensions and Outcomes of an Effective Teammate

Though teamwork is a mainstay of corporate America and business academia, individual assessment and compensation are problematic in disciplining and removing teammates who are free-riders and rewarding high performing team members who bear a disproportionate burden of the project. Therefore, the authors set out to develop and test an assessment instrument for peer assessment of teammate performance that measures both the critical dimensions and outcomes of teamwork. The findings in this research can be used to guide teachers, students, employees, and employers in forming, monitoring, and appropriately evaluating team members’ performance. It can also help a member of a team to be a more effective teammate.
Development of global standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing: The ISO initiative

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has recently provided an opportunity to define a global standard reference method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing and to delineate acceptable performance criteria for antimicrobial susceptibility testing devices. A working group organized under the auspices of ISO Technical Committee 212 has worked closely with a working group of the European Committee on Normalization to develop the two global standards. The global reference method is the broth microdilution method that is presently described by both the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and the European Union Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Experts from 13 countries that formed the membership of the working groups have endeavored over the past 3 years to agree upon the international reference method and to define for the first time an outline for objective assessment of commercial devices that can be used for routine susceptibility testing in clinical microbiology laboratories.
Profiling Peptide Adducts of Oxidized N‐Acetyldopamine by Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

Phenolic and catecholamine polymers are common constituents of many biological systems. Cross-linking of polyphenols with other phenols, peptides, proteins and carbohydrates results in the synthesis of complex natural products which are not easily characterized. Electrospray mass spectrometry (ES-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (ES-MS/MS) were used to identify polymers of oxidized N-acetyldopamine (NADA) and peptide adducts with oxidized NADA. Following incubation with mushroom tyrosinase, NADA adducts of trityrosine were identified. It was not possible to locate the site of NADA binding to this tripeptide. Compounds formed by incubation of N-acetylhistidine and N-acetyllysine with oxidized NADA, previously characterized using classical chemical techniques, were confirmed using ES-MS/MS. The peptide angiotensin (DRVYIHPFHL) was used as a model substrate to determine whether the site(s) to which oxidized NADA bound could be determined. The lot of angiotensin used was contaminated with a peptide of mass 14 u greater than angiotensin, and it was found that the H in position 9 of the contaminant peptide was modified. ES-MS/MS of the angiotensin and the contaminant peptide following incubation with oxidized NADA revealed that the C-terminal aspartic acid was the primary amino acid to which NADA adducts were covalently bound, but other residues were also modified. Femto-molar sensitivity for analysis of complex mixtures of catecholamine-peptide adducts will facilitate structural elucidation of natural products not amenable to characterization using other spectroscopic techniques.
The Use of High-pressure Processing in the Production of Queso Fresco Cheese

: Three varieties of Queso Fresco cheese were produced: a control cheese made from raw milk, cheese made from pressure-treated milk, and cheese treated with high pressure after production. Sensory attributes, texture profile analysis, and composition were compared following 1 and 8 d of storage time. High-pressure treatment of cheese (400 MPa, 20 min, 20 °C) did not impart major textural and compositional changes; however, cheese made from pressure-treated milk contained more moisture and was less firm, less crumbly, and more sticky than the control and decreased in firmness during storage. High-pressure processing treatment of cheese can provide an alternative method for producing Queso Fresco-style cheese with acceptable textural attributes.
Course and severity of maternal depression: Associations with family functioning and child adjustment

Number of lifetime episodes, duration of current episode, and severity of maternal depression were investigated in relation to family functioning and child adjustment. Participants were the 151 mother–child pairs in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) child multi-site study. Mothers were diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder; children (80 males and 71 females) ranged in age from 7 to 17 years. Measures of child adjustment included psychiatric diagnoses, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and functional impairment. Measures of family functioning included family cohesion, expressiveness, conflict, organization, and household control; parenting measures assessed maternal acceptance and psychological control. Children of mothers with longer current depressive episodes were more likely to have internalizing and externalizing symptoms, with this association being moderated by child gender. Mothers with more lifetime depressive episodes were less likely to use appropriate control in their homes.
Isothermal Crystallization of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Sealing Glass by Differential Thermal Analysis

The crystallization kinetics of a solid oxide fuel cell sealing glass were studied using a new isothermal differential thermal analysis (DTA) method. The weight fraction of glass crystallized after an isothermal heat treatment was determined from the DTA crystallization peak area and the crystallization kinetic parameters were determined using the classical Johnson–Mehl–Avrami equation. The glass, an alkaline earth–zinc–silicate composition, crystallized in the temperature range between 7401 and 9501C. The activation energy for crystallization varied with glass particle size and decreased from 570725 to 457730 kJ/ mol as the average particle size decreased from 425–500 to B10 lm. The activation energy for crystallization, E, increased from 520720 to B600720 kJ/mol when glass particles (45–53 lm) were mechanically mixed with 10 vol% of micrometer-sized Ni or YSZ powders. This increase in E reflects the effect of a second phase in composite seal systems, but is independent of the chemical nature of the additives. The measured values of the Avrami exponent (n) indicate that surface crystallization is the dominant crystallization mechanism for this glass, particularly for small particle sizes, e.g. n 5 0.970.1 for B10 lm.
Plasma concentrations of ropivacaine following ultrasound-guided or nerve-stimulator-guided femoral nerve block: A prospective randomised study.

Abstract Objective Our aim was to establish a plasma concentration curve for ropivacaine following femoral nerve blockade and to ascertain whether the resulting plasma concentrations differ significantly depending on whether neurostimulation (NS) or ultrasound (US) guidance was used. Methods Sixteen male and female subjects aged 18 to 80 who were scheduled to undergo unilateral total knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under general or spinal anaesthesia, and for whom a femoral nerve block was indicated for postoperative analgesia, were enrolled in this prospective, randomised study. Patients were randomised to undergo either US or NS-guidance femoral nerve blocks. All blocks were performed with 20 mL of 5 mg/mL ropivacaine. Blood samples were drawn before the nerve block and 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 minutes after the block. Plasma levels of ropivacaine were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results All blocks were successful and no patient showed signs or symptoms of local anaesthetic toxicity. The plasma concentration of ropivacaine peaked at 30 minutes in both arms. There was no significant difference in peak levels between US and NS-guidance (0.325 ± 0.186 versus 0.356 ± 0.106 μg/mL). Cmax and tmax were very similar between groups (0.364 ± 0.177 versus 0.344 ± 0.127 μg/mL, 33.75 ± 15.06 versus 31.25 ± 13.56 min for US and NS, respectively). Conclusion Plasma concentrations of ropivacaine peak around 30 minutes after a femoral nerve block regardless of the technique used. No significant difference was found between US- and NS-guidance.
Numerical Study of Sound Emission by 2D Regular and Chaotic Vortex Configurations

The far-field noise generated by a system of three Gaussian vortices lying over a flat boundary is numerically investigated using a two-dimensional vortex element method. The method is based on the discretization of the vorticity field into a finite number of smoothed vortex elements of spherical overlapping cores. The elements are convected in a Lagrangian reference along particle trajectories using the local velocity vector, given in terms of a desingularized Biot-Savart law. The initial structure of the vortex system is triangular; a one-dimensional family of initial configurations is constructed by keeping one side of the triangle fixed and vertical, and varying the abscissa of the centroid of the remaining vortex. The inviscid dynamics of this vortex configuration are first investigated using non-deformable vortices. Depending on the aspect ratio of the initial system, regular or chaotic motion occurs. Due to wall-related symmetries, the far-field sound always exhibits a time-independent quadrupolar directivity with maxima parallel end perpendicular to the wall. When regular motion prevails, the noise spectrum is dominated by discrete frequencies which correspond to the fundamental system frequency and its superharmonics. For chaotic motion, a broadband spectrum is obtained; computed soundlevels are substantially higher than in non-chaotic systems. A more sophisticated analysis is then performed which accounts for vortex core dynamics. Results show that the vortex cores are susceptible to inviscid instability which leads to violent vorticity reorganization within the core. This phenomenon has little effect on the large-scale features of the motion of the system or on low frequency sound emission. However, it leads to the generation of a high-frequency noise band in the acoustic pressure spectrum. The latter is observed in both regular and chaotic system simulations.
Bevacizumab for glioblastoma refractory to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly vascular tumor dependent on angiogenesis through the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling cascade. Inhibition of VEGF signaling is an important therapeutic strategy. We report our experience with bevacizumab (BEV), a VEGF targeting antibody, following failure of a VEGF receptor targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). We retrospectively identified patients treated on clinical trials with VEGFR-TKIs for recurrent GBM followed by BEV at next recurrence. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Fourteen patients were identified (six women; median age 57). All received VEGFR-TKIs (sunitinib 11, cediranib 2, sorafenib 1) then BEV at next recurrence. There were no radiographic responses to VEGFR-TKIs; best response was stable disease in 50% (7/14). Patients received BEV alone (21%, 3/14) or in combination with chemotherapy (79%, 11/14). On BEV, 29% (4/14) had a partial response, and 36% (5/14) stabilized. Of evaluable patients, 42% (5/12) had neurological improvement and 56% (5/9) reduced corticosteroid requirement. Median survival on BEV was 7.8 months (95% CI 4.0-15.8), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.0 months (95% CI 1.6-10.5), and the 6-month PFS rate was 29% (95% CI 9-52). Our radiographic and survival outcomes with BEV following progression after VEGFR-TKIs are similar to data from studies of BEV as initial salvage therapy, although our sample size was small. Prior exposure to VEGFR-TKIs may not preclude response to BEV, but sensitivity to BEV may be lower following more robust VEGFR inhibition.
Increase in Extracellular Glutathione Peroxidase in Plasma and Lungs of Mice Exposed to Hyperoxia

Extracellular glutathione peroxidase (E-GPx) is a selenium-dependent enzyme that can reduce hydrogen peroxide and phospholipid hydroperoxides. E-GPx is found in plasma and extracellular fluids such as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Because lung is one of the tissues that is capable of synthesizing and secreting E-GPx, the effect of exposure to hyperoxia on E-GPx in plasma and lung were studied in an injury model of hyperoxia exposure in adult mice. Exposure to 100% oxygen for 72 h resulted in an increase of 55% in plasma GPx activity and an increase of 50% in the amount of E-GPx protein in the plasma. Exposure to hyperoxia was also associated with an increase in the amount of E-GPx protein in lungs. The 7-fold increase in the amount of E-GPx protein in lungs was not due to plasma contamination of lungs from mice exposed to hyperoxia. E-GPx in the lung is calculated to account for 10% of lung GPx activity in control mice. However, E-GPx is calculated to account for 45% of lung GPx activity in the lungs of mice exposed to hyperoxia for 72 h. Further studies are needed to determine whether the increase in lung E-GPx is due to changes in translation or stability of E-GPx. The role of E-GPx in protecting the lung from oxidative damage warrants further study.
A technique for arthroscopic evaluation of the first carpometacarpal joint

Arthroscopy of the first carpometacarpal joint has been developed as a reliable surgical procedure offering an opportunity for direct evaluation of the joint's intra-articular status, with minimal morbidity to the joint capsule. The procedure use a 1.9-mm short barrel arthroscope with standard supportive electronic equipment. After adequate anesthesia is established, approximately 5 lb. of longitudinal traction is applied to the thumb. Arthroscopic portals are located on the radial side of the abductor pollicis longus tendon (1-R portal) and the ulnar side of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon (1-U portal). Care must be exercised in establishing these portals so that injury to the radial artery and branches of the superfical radial nerve can be avoided.
Protecting the power of interventions through proper reporting

Authors, reviewers, and journal editors are responsible for ensuring that standards of research reporting include detailed descriptions of interventions. The impact of nursing intervention research is much reduced when interventions are poorly described. Nursing research reports often fail to detail descriptions of interventions sufficiently to move future research forward, apply new knowledge in practice, and refine theories. To address this deficit, the authors constructed detailed guidelines for reporting interventions. Based on a review of health care literature, these guidelines include a discussion of theoretical, participant, interventionist, content, and delivery intervention elements with rationale for their inclusion. Suggestions for presenting this information in limited journal space are also presented.
Simulation Perspectives on Link Buffer Sizing

The problem of determining the optimal buffer size for an Internet link has recently attracted the strong revived attention of networking scientists. While consonant in dissenting from the conventional wisdom to set the buffer size to the product of the link bitrate and round-trip propagation delay of served connections, the new studies often propose alternative guidelines that starkly contradict each other. In this paper, we review the problem of link buffer sizing from two simulation perspectives. First, we use the packet-level simulator ns-2, which is currently the predominant tool for evaluation of network designs, to explore the contradictions between the buffer sizing guidelines. We attribute the contradictions to differences in assumptions and goals of the earlier studies and present our own argument for using small constant buffer sizes. Second, we reflect on the suitability of ns-2 itself for studying the problem of link buffer sizing. We the identify ns-2 deficiencies that undermine the trustworthiness of results provided by this prevailing simulation tool. We also suggest directions and discuss challenges for designing a simulation methodology capable of providing undisputed answers on link buffer sizing.
Plate tectonics: Magma for 50,000 years

Intrusions of magma into the crust help accommodate the divergence between tectonic plates. A magnetotelluric survey of the crust and mantle beneath Afar, Ethiopia, has identified enough magma to accommodate plate separation there for about 50,000 years.
A generalized text editor

Text is not the only data that needs editing; for example, file deletion utilities edit directories. If all “editors” used the same command language, they would be easier to learn, remember, and code. This paper describes a generalized editor that edits text, directories, binary core images, and certain operating system data with a single user interface.
Laborers Local 829 Health and Welfare Plan: Testing Investments and Receivables

Laborers Local 829 serves as a multi‐employer health care provider for union construction members. The case focuses on accounting situations that might be faced on an audit engagement. The purpose of this case is to provide you with a realistic audit situation that requires you to think critically, plan and perform audit tests of investments and receivables, consider accounting issues related to receivables, and review and prepare audit working papers. Data for the case are based on an actual audit engagement performed by accounting practitioners. Names used, however, are fictitious. Investments consist of holdings similar to those of a mutual fund. Actual stock prices are used for the holdings.
Geochemistry of the 1989–1990 eruption of redoubt volcano: Part II. Evidence from mineral and glass chemistry

Abstract Early stages (December 1989) of the 1989–1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano produced two distinct lavas. Both lavas are high-silica andesites with a narrow range of bulk composition (58–64 wt.%) and similar mineralogies (phenocrysts of plagioclase, hornblende, augite, hypersthene and FeTi oxides in a groundmass of the same phases plus glass). The two lavas are distinguished by groundmass glass compositions, one is dacitic and the other rhyolitic. Sharp boundaries between the two glasses in compositionally banded pumices, lack of extensive coronas on hornblende phenocrysts, and seismic data suggest that a magma-mixing event immediately preceeded the eruption in December 1989. Textural disequilibrium in the phenocrysts suggests both magmas (dacitic and rhyolitic glasses) had a mixing history prior to their interaction and eruption in 1989. Sievey plagioclase and overgrowths of magnetite on ilmenite are textures that are at least consistent with magma mixing. The presence of two hornblende compositions (one a high-Al pargasitic hornblende and one a low-Al magnesiohornblende) in both the dacitic and rhyolitic groundmasses indicates a mixing event to yield these two amphibole populations prior to the magma mixing in December 1989. The pargasitic hornblende and the presence of Ca-rich overgrowths in the sievey zones of the plagioclase together indicate at least one component of this earlier mixing event was a mafic magma, either a basalt or a basaltic andesite. Eruptions in 1990 produced only andesite with a rhyolitic groundmass glass. Glass compositions in the 1990 andesite are identical to the rhyolitic glass in the 1989 andesite. Cognate xenoliths from the magma chamber (or conduit) are also found in the 1990 lavas. Magma mixing probably triggered the eruption in 1989. The eruption ended when this rather viscous (rhyolitic groundmass glass, magma capable of entraining sidewall xenoliths) magma stabalized within the conduit.
Physiological T-cell death: Susceptibility is modulated by activation, aging, and transformation, but the mechanism is constant

It is not surprising that the recent explosion of interest in physiological cell death has been centered particularly on lymphocytes. Physiological cell death responses are singularly important in the biology of T lymphocytes, especially in the establishment and maintenance of a diverse, non-autoreactive, and self-limiting repertoire. Cell death responses can be triggered in T cells by a variety of stimuli; sensitivity to these inducers is altered as a function of differentiation, activation, aging, and transformation. The elimination of autoreactive T cells occurs by a process that involves comitogenic stimulation at high dose with antigenic and/or mitogenic agents. The control of susceptibility to this activation-driven cell death with differentiation and with prior activation provides a mechanistic explanation for the development of central and peripheral tolerance. Enhanced lymphocyte activation with aging also leads to an augmented activation-driven cell death response. However, aging does not alter cell death responses generally, and aging-associated changes in cell death responses cannot account for aging-associated immunopathology. Oncogenic transformation also alters the activation-driven cell death response by supplanting one of the required signals for activation-driven cell death. This difference provides a rationale for selective anti-tumor therapy. A single mechanism underlies all cases of physiological cell death and involves out-of-phase mitotic activity. We now know that of the two hallmarks of cell death, genome digestion is dispensable and mitotic-like events associated with cell cycle arrest are critical. T cells triggered to undergo physiological cell death arrest in a post-mitotic compartment of the cell cycle and die when they attempt a precocious and abortive mitosis.
Emissivity of microstructured silicon.

Infrared transmittance and hemispherical-directional reflectance data from 2.5 to 25 μm on microstructured silicon surfaces have been measured, and spectral emissivity has been calculated for this wavelength range. Hemispherical-total emissivity is calculated for the samples and found to be 0.84 before a measurement-induced annealing and 0.65 after the measurement for the sulfur-doped sample. Secondary samples lack a measurement-induced anneal, and reasons for this discrepancy are presented. Emissivity numbers are plotted and compared with a silicon substrate, and Aeroglaze Z306 black paint. Use of microstructured silicon as a blackbody or microbolometer surface is modeled and presented, respectively.
Mechanisms of in-vitro-selected daptomycin-non-susceptibility in Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract Daptomycin is highly active against Staphylococcus aureus , including multidrug-resistant strains and those with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin. However, daptomycin-non-susceptible (Dap NS ) strains [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >1mg/L] have been derived clinically and in vitro. The mechanism(s) by which this occurs is incompletely understood, but existing data indicate that it is multifactorial. Dap NS derivatives of one laboratory and three clinical strains of S. aureus produced using gradient plates were evaluated. The Dap NS phenotype included increases in glycopeptide and nisin MICs and in some instances defective autolysis and reduced susceptibility to lysostaphin lysis. Amino acid substitutions in MprF, YycG (WalK), or both, were identified in all Dap NS strains. Reduced cytochrome c binding and ability of daptomycin to depolarise whole cells correlated with the Dap NS phenotype, consistent with an increase in cell surface positivity. Gene expression data revealed increased expression of vraS , one member of a two-component system involved in the regulation of cell wall biosynthesis, in three of five Dap NS strains. The pathway to the Dap NS phenotype is not linear, as variable genetic and phenotypic changes may result in identical increases in MICs.
Impaired clearance of methotrexate in organic anion transporter 3 (Slc22a8) knockout mice: a gender specific impact of reduced folates.

Purpose To elucidate the role of the renal basolateral transporter, Oat3, in the disposition of methotrexate.
Quantitative analysis of Argonaute protein reveals microRNA-dependent localization to stress granules

Argonaute proteins associate with microRNAs (miRNAs) that bind mRNAs through partial base-pairings to primarily repress translation in animals. A fraction of Argonaute proteins and miRNAs biochemically cosediment with polyribosomes, yet another fraction paradoxically accumulates in ribosome-free processing bodies (PBs) in the cytoplasm. In this report, we give a quantitative account of the Argonaute protein localization and dynamics in living cells in different cellular states. We find that the majority of Argonaute is distributed diffusely in the cytoplasm, and, when cells are subjected to stress, Argonaute proteins accumulate to newly assembled structures known as stress granules (SGs) in addition to PBs. Argonaute proteins displayed distinct kinetics at different structures: exchange faster at SGs and much slower at PBs. Further, miRNAs are required for the Argonaute protein localization to SGs but not PBs. These quantitative kinetic data provide insights into miRNA-mediated repression.
NIST/NCI Micronutrients Measurement Quality Assurance Program: Measurement Repeatabilities and Reproducibilities for Fat-Soluble Vitamin-Related Compounds in Human Sera

The NIST/NCI Micronutrient Measurement Quality Assurance Program has conducted 33 interlaboratory comparison exercises for fat-soluble vitamin-related compounds in human sera over the past 12 years. Periodic reanalysis of lyophilized serum samples prepared from more than 70 different sera has enabled estimation of the short- and long-term measurement characteristics. Median- and interquartile-range-based statistics adequately estimate the distribution of results from laboratories that are in analytical control from total distributions that include a significant minority of outlier data. Short-term interlaboratory reproducibility standard deviations (SDs) are predictable functions of analyte concentration, with an asymptotic limit at low analyte concentration and a linear relationship at high concentrations. Long-term trends in the interlaboratory reproducibility can be estimated by standardizing the short-term SD at the observed analyte concentration to an expected SD at a given physiologically significan...
Conjunctival epithelial involvement by eyelid sebaceous carcinoma. The 2003 J. Howard Stokes lecture.

PURPOSE To determine incidence and distribution of conjunctival epithelial involvement by eyelid sebaceous carcinoma and to make recommendations regarding its management. METHODS The medical records were reviewed retrospectively on patients with histopathologically confirmed sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelids managed at the Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital. Those tumors with involvement of the conjunctival epithelium were identified and selected for further study. The incidence and distribution of epithelial involvement was determined, based on histopathology of resected tumors and map biopsies. The incidence of metastasis and tumor-related mortality was determined. Based on these findings and personal surgical experience, recommendations are made regarding management of eyelid sebaceous carcinoma with involvement of the conjunctival epithelium. RESULTS Of 60 patients with sebaceous carcinoma, epithelial involvement of the conjunctiva was identified in 28 (47%). Of the 28 cases, the neoplasm affected the following sites: superior tarsal and fornical conjunctiva in 28 (100%), inferior tarsal conjunctiva in 19 (68%), inferior fornical conjunctiva in 18 (64%), superior bulbar conjunctiva in 19 (68%), and inferior bulbar conjunctiva in 16 (57%). The caruncle was involved in 15 (54%) and the cornea in 11 (39%). Metastasis occurred in 3 of the 28 cases (11%). Map biopsies, combined with cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, local surgical resection, and orbital exenteration, were used to achieve local control. CONCLUSIONS Eyelid sebaceous carcinoma was found to exhibit epithelial involvement of the conjunctiva in 47% of cases, predominantly in the superior tarsal and fornical conjunctiva and less often in the inferior tarsal conjunctiva, caruncle, and cornea. Treatment of this condition is challenging, and map biopsy, cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, and newer surgical methods are being used more often by our group.
Tropospheric temperature change since 1979 from tropical radiosonde and satellite measurements

Received 11 November 2005 revised 14 June 2006 ; accepted 10 August 2006; published 16 March 2007. [i] Temperature change of the lower troposphere (LT) in the tropics (20°S-20°N) during the period 1979-2004 is examined using 58 radiosonde (sonde) stations and the microwave-based satellite data sets of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH v5.2) and Remote Sensing Systems (RSS v2.1). At the 29 stations that make both day and night observations, the average nighttime trend (+0.12 K decade -1 ) is 0.05 K decades -1 more positive than that for the daytime (+0.07 K decade -1 ) in the unadjusted observations, an unlikely physical possibility indicating adjustments are needed. At the 58 sites the UAH data indicate a trend of +0.08 K decade -1 , the RSS data, +0.15. When the largest discontinuities in the sondes are detected and removed through comparison with UAH data, the trend of day and night releases combined becomes +0.09, and using RSS data, +0.12. Relative to several data sets, the RSS data show a warming shift, broadly occurring in 1992, of between +0.07 K and +0.13 K. Because the shift occurs at the time NOAA-12 readings began to be merged into the satellite data stream and large NOAA-11 adjustments were applied, the discrepancy appears to be due to bias adjustment procedures. Several comparisons are consistent with a 26-year trend and error estimate for the UAH LT product for the full tropics of +0.05 ± 0.07, which is very likely less than the tropical surface trend of+0.13 K decade -1 .
Particle production in a quark-cascade model

We compare measured hadron production in the quark fragmentation region with a simple quark-cascade model. The comparisons test both the consistency of the data and the ability of a few simple assumptions to predict production probabilities for many different particle types.
ARC SPECTRAL LINES OF SELENIUM AND TELLURIUM.

Several factors limit the detection of selenium by excitation in the dc arc. One, the most persistent lines (1960.9, 2039.9, and 2062.8 A) are in the spectral region that requires a photographic emulsion sensitive to short-wave radiation. Also, plane-grating spectrographs in common use have gratings blazed for maximum speed around 3000 A to take advantage of the sensitive lines of elements in that region, thus lines at shorter wavelengths, below 2500 A, are greatly attenuated. Arc lines of tellurium are more plentiful and favorably located than those of Se, however, the two most persistent lines (2383.3 and 2385.8 A) are weakened by the blaze angle. In prior analysis of Se and Te by the dc arc it was noted that spectral lines occur that can be utilized for the detection of these elements in various materials by conventional dc-arc excitation. In the present study, differences found are compared with published tables.
Surveillance and Regulation: Control of Women Casino Workers' Bodies

This article explores how one global work site—the casino—uses and abuses women workers' bodies. Women's “body stories” illuminate the endless ways in which corporate giants—in this case, the managers and owners of multinational casinos—control, regulate, and discipline women workers' bodies through the relentless application of biopower. These stories also demonstrate that in spite of oppressive working conditions, the women engage in creative and subversive expressions of resistance. In this, their struggle for workplace justice parallels that of women workers worldwide.
Electrolyte additive combinations that enhance performance of high-capacity Li1.2Ni0.15Mn0.55Co0.1O2–graphite cells

Abstract The synergistic effects of LiB(C 2 O 4 ) 2 (LiBOB), LiF 2 B(C 2 O 4 ) (LiDFOB), triphenylamine (Ph 3 N), and 1,4-benzodiozane-6,7-diol (BDOD) as functional electrolyte additives in high-energy electrochemical cells is examined. The influence of these additives, individually, and in different combinations, is evaluated using galvanostatic cycling of cells containing Li 1.2 Ni 0.15 Mn 0.55 Co 0.1 O 2 (0.5Li 2 MnO 3 ·0.5LiMn 0.375 Ni 0.375 Co 0.25 O 2 )-based positive electrodes, graphite-based negative electrodes, and a LiPF 6 -based electrolyte. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and voltage-hold tests are also used. By itself, LiBOB is a good additive for reducing cell capacity loss, but cell impedance rise is still significant after extended cycling. Similarly, neither Ph 3 N nor BDOD alone provide desired improvements in cell performance. However, cells containing LiBOB in combination with LiDFOB, Ph 3 N, or BDOD exhibit enhanced capacity retention, rate capability, and cyclability; probable reaction mechanisms are highlighted here. Combining electrolyte additives that act synergestically is a practical and versatile strategy to improve performance and life of lithium-ion cells.
Interference theory of multiple optical vortex states in spiral phase plate etalon: thick-plate and thin-plate approximation

The spiral phase plate etalon transmission function is calculated from the low-reflectivity to high-reflectivity regime. Two approximations are considered: thick-plate approximation and thin-plate approximation. The thick-plate approximation explicitly takes into account the angle between the azimuthally increasing surface and the flat surface, while the thin-plate approximation does not. The two results are in agreement in the low-reflectivity regime, but not in the high-reflectivity regime. The thick-plate approximation is expected to provide a more accurate and general description of the device in all regimes. Origins of the device output intensity dependence on angle due to multiple vortex states present in the device are discussed, and a constraint on the number of internal reflections due to device geometry is also discussed.
Isoelectric focusing with thermally formed, stepped-ramp pH gradients: separation of human hemoglobin variants A and S

Abstract By forming a pH gradient thermally in isoelectric focusing (IEF), human hemoglobin variants A and S are separated in the absence of carrier ampholytes, as is usually done in IEF. A 23°C temperature difference across the separation chamber forms a 0.6 pH difference owing to the temperature dependence of the pH of the buffer Tris [d(pH)/d T =−0.028 K −1 ]. The temperature gradient is zero in the regions nearest the electrodes, with a gradient in between. Hemoglobin variants A and S are separated in 4 h at 30 V cm −1 . Using a stepped-ramp temperature gradient, it is possible to maximize the local pH gradient at the isoelectric point position of each ampholyte independently of the distance between them.
Cooling rates, storage temperatures and fertility of extended equine spermatozoa

Abstract Two experiments were designed to evaluate cooling rates and storage temperatures for stallion spermatozoa extended in caprogen (CAP), Cornell University extender (CUE), heated skimmilk (SM) and a nonfat-dried milk solids glucose extender (NFDMS-glucose). In Experiment 1, each extender was evaluated in a separate but similar 4 × 4 × 6 factorial trial using two ejaculates from each of six stallions. Aliquots of 66 × 10 6 spermatozoa were transferred to each of 16 coded tubes and extended to 6 ml with SM, CAP, CUE or NFDMS-glucose. Four tubes of extended semen were either plunged into 5C water or cooled at a rate of −1.0, −0.5, or −0.2C/min. Within each treatment, one tube of extended semen was maintained at 20C, 15C, 10C or 5C. Progressive spermatozoal motility was estimated immediately after dilution (0 h) and at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 36 h. Regardless of extender, all three slower cooling rates were superior (P 0.05) spermatozoal motility. Two fertility trials compared the use of SM and NFDMS-glucose extenders. Embryo recovery 6 days post-ovulation (Experiment 3) and pregnancy rate 50 days postestrus (Experiment 4) was similar (P>0.05) for mares inseminated with spermatozoa extended in SM or NFDMS-glucose.
ABDOMINAL WALL AND UMBILICAL CORD ANOMALIES

This article begins with a presentation of the embryology of the anterior abdominal wall and umbilical cord. Abnormal embryology and resulting anomalies are presented in tabular form and later reviewed in chronologic order of embryologic development. Techniques involved in the prenatal diagnosis of these abnormalities are also described.
IN VITRO ASSOCIATION OF THE PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 3-KINASE REGULATORY SUBUNIT (P85) WITH THE HUMAN INSULIN RECEPTOR

The insulin receptor, as a consequence of ligand binding, undergoes autophosphorylation of critical tyrosyl residues within the cytoplasmic portion of its beta-subunit. The 85 kDa regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase (p85), an SH2 domain protein, has been implicated as a regulatory molecule in the insulin signal transduction pathway. For the present study, glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins of p85 SH2 domains were used to determine if such motifs associate directly with the autophosphorylated human insulin receptor. The p85 N + C (amino plus carboxyl) SH2 domains were demonstrated to associate with the autophosphorylated beta-subunit, while neither the GTPase activator protein (GAP) N SH2 domain nor the phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC gamma 1) N + C SH2 domains exhibited measurable affinity for the activated receptor. The p85 N SH2 domain demonstrated weak association with the insulin receptor, while the p85 C SH2 domain alone formed no detectable complexes with the insulin receptor. The association of p85 N + C SH2 domains with the autophosphorylated receptor was competed efficiently by a 15-residue tyrosine-phosphorylated peptide corresponding to the carboxyl-terminal region of the insulin receptor, but not by phosphopeptides of similar length derived from the juxtamembrane or regulatory regions. The insulin receptor C domain phosphopeptide inhibited the p85 N + C SH2 domain-insulin receptor complex with an IC0.5 of 2.3 +/- 0.35 microM, whereas a 10-residue phosphopeptide derived from the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) competed with an IC0.5 of 0.54 +/- 0.10 microM. These results demonstrate that, in vitro, there is an association between the p85 regulatory protein and the carboxyl-terminal region of the activated insulin receptor that requires the presence of both the N and C SH2 domains. Furthermore, formation of the p85/insulin receptor complex may lead to signaling pathways independent of IRS-1.
The romantic experience of adolescents in satisfying love relationships.

The love experiences of over 300 youths were analyzed to identify correlates and predictors of satisfying love relationships. The project made use of a new measure of love experiences and other measures specifically adapted for adolescent populations. Results revealed striking resemblances between adolescent and adult relationships in terms of the contributions of commitment, communication, companionship, and passion. Adolescent relationships differed from those of adults in that there was no connection between a lack of negative affects, conflict or trouble, and relationship satisfaction. Variables that previous research had overlooked—exhilaration, growth, toleration, appreciation, and specialness—played important roles. Similarities between the sexes abounded, although there were also consistent patterns of differences.
Effect of Crystalline Fields on Magnetic-Form Factors

The effects of crystalline fields on magnetic-form factors are discussed on the basis of recent Hartree-Fock calculations of Watson augmented by an analysis of experimental optical absorption data. It is shown that the crystalline field has two effects on the free ion 3d wave functions and hence on their form factors as well: (1) a differentiation or “splitting” of the two types of cubic 3d functions by an expansion of the t2g (or eg) orbital and a contraction of the eg (or t2g) orbital resulting in two different radial charge densities and (2) a net expansion of the charge distribution from the free ion value. The magnetic-form factor due to this “splitting” effect when calculated according to the methods of Weiss and Freeman shows measurable deviations from the free atom results. A form factor for Mn+2 based on optical absorption data shows a large expansion of the 3d charge density, in agreement with the measurements of Hastings, Elliott, and Corliss.
Analyses on possible heterogeneity of IDDM based on presence of islet cell cytoplasmic antibody at diagnosis

In a large, representative sample of newly-diagnosed IDDM patients, using a highly sensitive assay to detect islet cell cytoplasmic antibodies (ICA), no marked differences were found between ICA+ and ICA- patients on various clinical, genetic, immunologic, and epidemiologic characteristics. In particular, there was no evidence for associations between ICA status at diagnosis and either sex, race, family history of IDDM, HLA-DR phenotype, antibody titers to Coxsackie B viruses, immunoglobulin levels, C-peptide and glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations, or insulin requirements. The most significant relationship was between the presence of ICA and a young age at diagnosis; however, the large overlap between the distributions of the ages at onset for ICA+ and ICA- groups on this variable suggests that this association is of limited importance. These data suggest that the presence or absence of ICA at diagnosis may not be useful in defining possible subtypes of IDDM.