cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STRAIGHT TO THE HEART: A CASE OF NEEDLE EMBOLISM FROM INTRAVENOUS DRUG ABUSE

There are few reported cases of self-inflicted penetrating foreign bodies in the heart. These injuries may result in immediate and insidious life-threatening complications. 41 year old male with history of IVDA, presented to the ER with two day history of chest pain worse with exertion and
MULTI-PRED: A Software Module for Predictive Modeling of Coupled Multi-Physics Systems: User's Manual

Author(s): Cacuci, Dan G; Fang, Ruixian; Badea, Madalina C | Abstract: This User’s Manual describes the code module MULTI-PRED, written in FORTRAN which implements the methodology for “predictive modeling of coupled multi-physics systems (PM-CMPS)” formulated by Cacuci (2014). This methodology fully takes into account the coupling terms between the systems but requires only the computational resources that would be needed to perform predictive modeling on each system separately. The PM-CMPS methodology uses the maximum entropy principle to construct an optimal approximation of the unknown a priori distribution based on a priori known mean values and uncertainties characterizing the experimental and computational parameters and results of interest responses, called for the multi-physics models under consideration. This “maximum entropy” a priori distribution is combined, using Bayes’ theorem, with the “likelihood” provided by the multi-physics simulation models to obtain a formal posterior distribution. Subsequently, the posterior distribution thus obtained is evaluated using the saddle-point method to obtain analytical expressions for the optimally predicted values for the multi-physics models parameters and responses along with corresponding reduced uncertainties. Noteworthy, the predictive modeling methodology for the coupled systems is constructed such that the systems can be considered sequentially rather than simultaneously, while preserving exactly the same results as if the systems were treated simultaneously. Consequently, very large coupled systems, which could perhaps exceed available computational resources if treated simultaneously, can be treated with the PM-CMPS methodology presented in this work sequentially and without any loss of generality or information, requiring just the resources that would be needed if the systems were treated sequentially. Three illustrative demonstration problems are also provided. The first problem presents the application of the PM-CMPS methodology to a simple particle diffusion problem which admits a closed-form analytical solution which facilitates a rapid understanding of this methodology and its predicted results. The second demonstration problem presents the application of the PM-CMPS methodology to the problem of inverse prediction, from detector responses in the presence of counting uncertainties, of the thickness of a homogeneous slab of material containing uniformly distributed gamma-emitting sources, for optically thin and thick slabs. This problem highlights the essential role played by the relative uncertainties (or, conversely, accuracies) of measured and computed responses. The third demonstration problem presents the application of the PM-CMPS methodology to the F-area cooling towers at the Savannah River National Lab. This problem demonstrates that the PM-CMPS methodology reduces the predicted response uncertainties not only at locations where measurements are available, but also at locations where measurements are not available.
Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism

Abstract: In ruminant animals, and to a lesser degree in other herbivores, dietary cellulose is digested by symbiotic microbes to volatile fatty acids. Glucose is normally metabolized to pyruvate and lactate in virtually all living mammalian cells. The HMS is a source of NADPH for lipid biosynthesis, and ribose for nucleotide formation. The uronic acid pathway provides UDP-glucuronate, which can further be utilized for vitamin C formation, for glycoprotein formation, or for the conjugation of endogenous and exogenous lipophilic compounds. Glucose and amino acids share a common route of absorption via the hepatic portal circulation. Erythrocytes have an absolute requirement for glucose. The fetus uses glucose derived from the maternal circulation for both catabolic and anabolic purposes. Milk production requires a considerable amount of glucose.
Networking through online geographic learning: A Pan American experience

Online education represents a more advanced e-learning level than distance education. The former represents a networking process generated by members that integrate a community of practice. This article describes the development of an online education experience through a dynamic network of nodes represented by in-service high school geography and social science teachers. The project identified as “RedOnline-IPGH” had a Pan American dimension by its geographic extension.A digital portal created at Texas State University, identified as Node-1, coordinated a network of 16 additional nodes localized in several countries of Central America and South America. Node-1 in North America kept a permanent connection with all the nodes to effectively conduct a synchronous and asyncronous interaction during 12 weeks.The teachers learned to work in e-learning enviroment by using inquire-based learning (IBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) models. The study of climate change as the central theme was performed through a complete analysis of several international cases. Finally, each teacher created a syllabus to teach climate change in high school.The project results were very successful demonstrated through individual and team learning. Furthermore, it was possible to measure an increasing interaction and virtual collaboration among participants. Cooperation was also an indirect benefit given evidences among participants to maintain future academic and social relationships.
Common Configurations of Real-Ear Aided Response Targets Prescribed by NAL-NL2 for Older Adults With Mild-to-Moderate Hearing Loss

Purpose This study investigates common real-ear aided response (REAR) configurations prescribed by the NAL-NL2 algorithm for older adults with hearing loss. Method A data set that is representative of the older adult U.S. population with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss was constructed from the audiometric data of 934 adults (aged 55-85 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey years 1999-2012. Two clustering approaches were implemented to generate common REAR configurations for eight frequencies (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz) at three input levels (55, 65, and 75 dB SPL). (a) In the REAR-based clustering approach, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey audiograms were first converted to REAR targets and then clustered to generate common REAR configurations. (b) In the audiogram-based clustering approach, the audiograms were first clustered into common hearing loss profiles and then converted to REAR configurations. The trade-off between the number of available REAR configurations and the percentage of the U.S. population whose hearing loss could be fit by at least one of them (i.e., percent coverage) was evaluated. Hearing loss fit was defined as less than ± 5-dB difference between an individual's REAR targets and those of the clustered REAR configuration. Results Percent coverage increases with the number of available REAR configurations, with four configurations resulting in 75% population coverage. Overall, REAR-based clustering yielded 5 percentage points better coverage on average compared to audiogram-based clustering. Conclusions The common REAR configurations can be used for programming the gain frequency responses in preconfigured over-the-counter hearing aids and provide clinically appropriate amplification settings for older adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Ethanol’s action at BK channels accelerates the transition from moderate to excessive alcohol consumption

Large conductance potassium (BK) channels are among the most sensitive molecular targets of ethanol. Whether the action of ethanol at BK channels influences the motivation to drink alcohol remains to be determined. In the present study, we sought to investigate the behavioral relevance of this interaction by introducing in the mouse genome a point mutation (BK α K361N) known to render BK channels insensitive to ethanol while preserving their physiological function. We demonstrate that preventing ethanol′s interaction with BK channels at this site hinders the escalation of voluntary alcohol intake induced by repeated cycles of alcohol intoxication and withdrawal. In contrast, the mutation does not alter ethanol′s acute behavioral effects, nor the metabolic and activity changes induced by chronic exposure to alcohol. Our findings point at BK channel ethanol-sensing capacity as a vulnerability mechanism in the transition from moderate alcohol consumption to pathological patterns of alcohol abuse.
Lateral Temporal Approach for Image-Guided Stereotactic Biopsy of Pineal Region Tumors

Background Biopsy of pineal region neoplasms is frequently accomplished by way of endoscopic transventricular access or using an image-guided, computer-assisted stereotactic approach. Methods We evaluated a nonorthogonal lateral temporal approach for stereotactic biopsy of pineal region tumors as a variation of previously described stereotactic methods. Magnetic resonance imaging–guided frameless stereotaxy was used to plan and perform biopsies of pineal region tumors using a nonorthogonal trajectory extending from the superior or middle temporal gyri through the temporal stem, anterior to the atrium of the lateral ventricle, and posterior to the corticospinal tract. Results All patients had an uncomplicated postoperative course and remained at neurologic baseline. No parenchymal or ventricular hemorrhage was present on postoperative scans. A tissue diagnosis was obtained in all patients. Conclusions This method appears to be a safe alternative to stereotactic biopsy using other trajectories and provides adequate tissue for definitive diagnosis.
The importance of manual white blood cell differential counts and platelet estimates in elephant hematology: blood film review is essential.

Unique features of elephant hematology are known challenges in analytical methodology like two types of monocytes typical for members of the Order Afrotheria and platelet counts of the comparativel...
Effectiveness of Repair Techniques for Spinal Dural Tears: A Systematic Review.

Background Incidental or intentional durotomy in spine surgery is associated with a risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and reoperation. Several strategies have been introduced, but the incomplete closure is still relatively frequent and troublesome. In this study, we review current evidence on spinal dural repair strategies and evaluate their efficacy. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used to search primary studies about the repair of the spinal dura with different techniques. Of 265 articles found, 11 studies, which specified repair techniques and postoperative outcomes, were included for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The primary outcomes were CSF leakage and postoperative infection. Results The outcomes of different dural repair techniques were available in 776 cases. Pooled analysis of 11 studies demonstrated that the most commonly used technique was a combination of primary closure, patch or graft, and sealant (22.7%, 176/776). A combination of primary closure and patch or graft resulted in the lowest rate of CSF leakage (5.5%, 7/128). In this study, sealants as an adjunct to primary closure (13.7%, 18/131) did not significantly reduce the rate of CSF leakage compared with primary closure alone (17.6%, 18/102). The rates of infection and postoperative neurologic deficit were similar regardless of the repair techniques. Conclusions Although the use of sealants has become prevalent, available sealants as an adjunct to primary closure did not reduce the rate of CSF leakage compared with primary closure. The combination of primary closure and patches or grafts could be effective in decreasing postoperative CSF leakage.
Experts’ Model-Based Reasoning and Interdisciplinary Understanding of Carbon Cycling

The global carbon cycle (CC) is a key environmental literacy issue related to climate change, ocean acidification, and energy sustainability. Understanding the CC requires interdisciplinary knowledge informed by multiple science disciplines such as biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. To examine the core principles and interdisciplinary nature of CC, we interviewed 10 experts from various science disciplines and asked them to create their own models of the carbon cycle. We utilized the data to identify emerging core concepts of CC and discover commonalities and differences across the experts’ models in the context of interdisciplinary understanding. The concepts and interdisciplinarity were compared with those of CC-related topics in the U.S. Framework and Next Generation Science Standards. Most experts demonstrated a breadth of interdisciplinary knowledge based on their disciplinary backgrounds. The experts hold a wider set of ideas about CC than is present in the standards. Many topics not included in the standards could feasibly be added (e.g., the process of carbon sequestration into the ocean and rocks and CO2 emissions by volcanic activity). This study generates concrete recommendations for science standards to guide the revision of existing curricula or to guide the development of new interdisciplinary approaches to teaching global CC.
Protective Effect of Saffron in Mouse Colitis Models Through Immune Modulation.

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis are at risk for colorectal cancer. Despite available effective drugs used to treat IBD, many patients fail or lose response over time with some displaying drug-induced adverse events. Saffron (Crocus sativus) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. Its protective role in IBD has not been explored extensively. To establish whether saffron treatment alleviates inflammation in experimental colitis. Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice with 3% DSS and treated with either saffron doses (7.5, 15, 20, 25 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle through daily gavage. On day 11, mice were euthanized and analyzed for gross and microscopic inflammation. Distal colon segments were collected for mRNA and protein expression of HO-1 protein and GPX2, (the downstream targets of NRF-2). Nrf-2 translocation from cytosol to nucleus was confirmed by immunofluorescence, and further Nrf-2 protein expression in nuclear and cytosolic fraction of colon was analyzed by immunoblot. Immune cells were isolated from the lamina propria of mouse colon for flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping. Colitis was also induced in C57BL/6 Ahr knockout and wild type mice to explore the involvement of Ahr-dependent pathways in saffron’s protective effect(s). The therapeutic effect of saffron was further validated in another TNBS model of colitis. Saffron 20 mg/kg body weight showed improved colon gross and histology features and led to better body weight, colon length, histology score, and reduced disease activity index (DAI). Saffron significantly decreased pro-inflammatory macrophages (M1), while increasing anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2) and IL10 + dendritic cells. Saffron treatment also enhanced CD3 + T and CD3 + CD8 + T cells followed by increase in different CD3 + CD4 + T cells subsets like CD25 + T cells, FoxP3 + CD25 + regulatory T cells, and CD4 + FOXP3 + CD25-regulatory T cells. Immunoblot analysis showed a significant increase in HO-1/GPX2 protein expression. With saffron treatment, Nrf-2 translocation into nucleus from cytosol also supports the involvement of Nrf-2 and its downstream targets in the protective effect of saffron. Further, we demonstrated that saffron in part exert anti-inflammatory effect through activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent pathways. These data demonstrate saffron’s therapeutic potential and its protective role in part via Ahr/Nrf-2 pathways and regulatory innate and adaptive immune cells.
New Normal Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): Branding Cybersecurity as a Return on Trust Beyond Pandemic? (preprint)

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the business world and Cyberattacks are becoming diversified and sophisticated. With widespread digitally remote-work phenomena and lack of an organization-wide comprehensive Cyber risk strategy, the data protection, trust, and brand reputation are at risk. The purpose of the study is to explore Cybersecurity as a Return on Trust and part of the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) responsibility as corporations confront the New Normal (NN) opportunities. And does this research offer insight by addressing three main questions? (1) How to address cyber risks from a marketing perspective? (2) How to scale customer trust and best engage with customers without sacrificing sensitive information? (3) How to maximize the role of empathy in an economic downturn while maintaining a brand reputation? This study examined the CMO's new normal strategy for an extraordinary audience reaches with creativity to reintroduce the brand's value for all the stakeholders. The results of the study revealed stand-out brand delivery and maintenance of striking motivated employees for competitive advantage requires empathy and innovative marketing plans, shifting channel strategies, budget, and resources while passionately connecting with customers. Findings offer guidance to the CMO's in cyber risk mitigation for robust business value, customer satisfaction, and the strengthening interconnections with public health, economy, and government. The study concludes that the new normal CMO act as a hub of collaboration to help advance brand delivery preparedness for future disasters by actively responding to customers' voices and changing behavior for a sustainable future. Key implications for academics, practitioners, and policymakers are discussed.
A Selective Review on Statistical Techniques for Big Data

To meet the big data challenges, many new statistical tools have been developed in recent years. In this review, we summarize some of these approaches to give an overview of the current state of the development. We will focus on the case that the number of observations is much larger than the dimension of the unknown parameters, although we will mention some investigations related to the high-dimensional data. We will discuss methods using subsamples as well as methods processing the whole data piece by piece.
A comparison of local search algorithms with population-based algorithms in hybrid flow shop scheduling problems with realistic characteristics

In this research, a bi-criteria group scheduling problem is investigated in a hybrid flow shop (HFS) environment, wherein the parallel machines are unrelated. The objective of the problem is to minimize a linear combination of the total weighted completion time being mindful of the producer and the total weighted tardiness being mindful of the customers. The underlying assumption is that the jobs are released into the system in dynamic times. The machine ready times are considered to be dynamic as well. Sequence-dependent setup times are required for changing the process between groups of jobs. The runtimes of jobs are assumed to be decreasing as the workers learn how to process similar jobs. A mixed-integer linear programing model is developed for the problem. However, since the problem is non-deterministic polynomial-time hard (NP-hard), it may not be solved to optimality within a reasonable time. This research comprehensively addresses the question of what type of meta-heuristic algorithm is more appropriate for solving these problems. In particular, local search algorithms are compared to the population-based algorithms with respect to the permutation or non-permutation properties of the optimal solution. Three algorithms based on tabu search as well as three algorithms based on simulated annealing are developed to represent the local search algorithms. Two other algorithms are developed based on genetic algorithm (GA) to exemplify the population-based algorithms. The results of a comprehensive experimental design reveal that GA-based algorithms have greater potential for identifying better quality solutions in HFS scheduling problems compared to the local search algorithms.
End-Point Interpretation in Clinical Trials: The Case for Discipline

Abstract The recent submission of a new drug application to the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has led to vigorous discussion concerning the rules of clinical trial conduct. The regulatory importance of prospectively defined end points, long held as a fundamental tenet of well-designed research efforts, and the proper role of alpha-spending functions in clinical trials are current foci of attention. Sound public policy requires that the highest research standards govern statistical analyses to support a new drug application. These research standards should be rooted in the fundamentals of epidemiology and biostatistics, long accepted by clinical trial workers. Also, because the physician-scientists whose research results are disseminated to the community bear considerable responsibility for both that community’s protection and the protection of the individual patient, these investigators must provide unambiguous interpretations of type I and type II error rates. This obligation includes clear prospective statements of analysis plans and complete reporting of findings for the prospectively defined end-points in presentations and in manuscripts. The public health is best served if regulatory agencies continue to join clinical trial workers in repudiating the philosophy of “sound methodology or a small p-value” in judging research efforts. Reviewers of new drug applications might best take the tack “judge first what the investigators set out to do, then judge what else was discovered in an `exploratory light.’”
A case of relapsing seroconstrictive pericarditis: Definition of a syndrome

Abstract A seldom recognized syndrome, termed “relapsing seroconstrictive pericarditis,” is discussed as a midpoint in the spectrum of restrictive pericardial disease. This spectrum extends from pericardial effusion with tamponade at one end, to constrictive pericarditis at the other. The syndrome shares features of both these entities while lacking the pathognomonic criteria for either. The relapsing clinical course and the satisfactory yet transitory response to pericardiocentesis differentiate it from chronic constrictive pericarditis; and the lack of a significantly increased cardiac silhouette contrasts it to pure pericardial effusion. A review of the literature reveals 4 documented cases, in addition to the 1 reported, which fit this category. The difficulty in diagnosis stems from the tendency of the condition of these patients with apparent restrictive pericardial disease to improve after vigorous administration of diuretic therapy. The pathologic finding is that of entrapped fluid within the layers of a thickened pericardium of a degree not capable of causing tamponade by itself. The definitive therapy for this disease is pericardiectomy.
Progressive Left Periorbital Swelling

Ayoung boywithmild developmental delay and autism presentedwith a 1-week history of progressive left periorbital swelling. His parents reported that he complained of left orbital pain just before they noticed the swelling, and he was treated with cold compresses with only slight improvement. He had never experienced these symptoms before. The patient had not experienced diplopia, change in visual acuity, nasal obstruction, change in oral intake, weight loss, recent upper respiratory infection, sick contacts, fevers, or chills. At the time of presentation, the patient was breathing comfortably and was afebrile. Findings from his head and neck examination were significant for a firm mass over the left zygoma and lateral infraorbital rim, 2 × 3 cm in diameter. The mass was nontender, nonerythematous, and fixed to the underlying zygoma and lateral infraorbital rim. There was no cervical lymphadenopathy. Ophthalmology examination revealed intact extraocular movements, bilateral visual acuity of 20/50, and no evidence of afferent papillary defect. Computed tomographic (CT) images showed a round, soft-tissue mass with osseous destruction and erosion into the zygoma, infratemporal fossa, inferolateral orbit, and maxillary sinus (Figure, A and B). Concern for orbital involvement prompted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the maxillofacial region (Figure, C and D). He was taken to the operating room the following day for open biopsy. A B
Signaling alternatives in a wireless ATM network

The world of wireless telecommunications is rapidly changing. The capabilities of wireless networks are improving at a steady pace. This paper presents two possible protocols for implementing mobility for wireless users in an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. The vision of the authors is of one "wireless ATM telecommunications network" that is capable of supporting a variety of today's applications with room to grow for advanced applications of the future. We first visit database architectures that can support mobility in a wireless ATM network. We then discuss one of two signaling architecture alternatives, the "overlay signaling", for overlay support of mobile users in the ATM-based wireless telecommunications network. "Overlay signaling" aims at minimizing the modification needed to the existing ATM protocols. We then describe a native "migratory signaling" approach that further integrates wireless and wireline users into one global wireless ATM network at the expense of requiring some modifications to the existing ATM protocols. A performance analysis of the proposed signaling architecture alternatives is also presented. We conclude by pointing out some challenges in merging ATM with wireless telecommunications.
Efficient first-order reliability analysis of multidisciplinary systems

This paper develops two algorithms that address the reliability evaluation of complex multidisciplinary engineering systems. In particular, systems with feedback coupling - a common characteristic of many multidisciplinary analyses - are considered. In such analyses, iterative convergence loops are needed to resolve inconsistencies in feedback variables. Assessing the reliability of such systems with a traditional 'black box' or fully coupled approach requires Multidisciplinary Analysis (MDA) convergence loops nested inside iterative loops for probabilistic analysis. The resulting computational effort is unacceptable for most high fidelity analyses. Therefore, this paper proposes two first-order reliability analysis methods that efficiently apply probabilistic analysis to multidisciplinary systems with feedback using a decoupling approach. The first method uses a First-Order Second Moment (FOSM) technique to characterise intermediate variables while applying more rigorous reliability analysis on the system as a whole. The second algorithm gives a specific solution to a decoupled first-order reliability analysis formulation as an optimisation problem. Each method is applied to an illustrative mathematical model and compared to otherwise equivalent coupled approaches with respect to accuracy and computational effort.
Aesthetic Programming: Crafting Personalized Software

Marrying traditional methods of computer programming with an artistic temperament allows the birth of a new phenomenon: the aesthetic program. The work of the author and his students builds on visual ap-proaches in programming as well as in software modeling, leading toward a gradual evolution from program to model. The need for the aes-thetic model is increased with the importance of personalized, individually tailored media, as found with web-based style sheets and the economic movement termed “mass customization.” The author and his students have formulated the rube Project methodology around the use of 3D web-based virtual-world model construction. Initial results suggest that these models are artistic, while containing symbolism and concise metaphoric mapping sufficient to be executable on a computer.
Forward and backward recall in the suffix paradigm

If stimuli are presented auditorily and an auditory suffix is appended to a sequence, the suffix produces a decrement in forward serial recall that is specific to the end of the sequence, that is, to the items nearest the suffix. Sensory trace theory explains this decrement as being a result of lost access to sensory traces remaining after the sequence has ended. In the current experiment, subjects recalled sequences with and without a suffix in backward and forward order. The backward recall results showed that the suffix produced a generalized decrement. The fact that this decrement was not specific to the last presented/first recalled items casts doubt on the sensory trace explanation of the end-of-sequence decrement in auditory forward serial recall.
Electroencephalographic consequences of alkalinization therapy during lactic acidosis: Different effects of sodium bicarbonate and carbicarb

Abstract To explore the differences between sodium bicarbonate and an experimental buffer, Carbicarb in the therapy of lactic acidosis, we performed the following studies. Rats were subjected to a combined respiratory and metabolic acidosis designed to simulate clinical lactic acidosis following cardiac arrest and resuscitation. The electroencephalogram (EEG) was monitored during induction and therapy of acidosis. The acidosis model was associated in a 22% fall in the amplitude of the EEG along with marked decreases in mean blood pressure, arterial PO 2 , and pH, as well as increases in arterial PCO 2 . Bicarbonate infusion was associated with a marked fall in mean blood pressure along with transient increases in arterial PCO 2 , which were accompanied by significant and sustained decreases in the amplitude of the EEG. In contrast, Carbicarb did not lower blood pressure and had only transient effects on the amplitude of the EEG. These data suggested that bicarbonate therapy had deleterious effects on cerebral electric activity in this model of acidosis that were not shared by Carbicarb. if these data are confirmed in humans, Carbicarb may have advantages over bicarbonate in the clinical therapy of acute acidosis.
Splat formation and microstructure development during plasma spraying: deposition temperature effects

Abstract It has been observed that substrate temperature has a dramatic effect in modifying the morphology of splats formed by impacting molten droplets on substrates during plasma spraying. This effect also has important implications on the deposit microstructure and properties. With an increase of substrate temperature from room temperature to a few hundred degrees (200–400°C), the splashing tendency is reduced and the splat morphology changes from fragmented to a contiguous disc-shape. Consequently, deposit microstructural integrity improves, and a number of properties are significantly enhanced with concomitant implications for coating performance. The mechanism of this splat morphology change has been subject of considerable investigation within the thermal spray community. It has been suggested by various researchers that the cause of this effect can be attributed to a number of factors such as: a higher solidification rate at the low substrate temperature; poor wetting and/or a contaminated substrate surface at lower temperatures etc. This paper summarizes, the experimental findings and reviews the various proposed hypotheses. The results are synthesized based on some recent experimental findings.
Monte Carlo simulation of registration signals for electron beam microfabrication

Monte Carlo calculations based on a continuous‐slowing‐down‐approximation (CSDA) model have been carried out to study the backscattered electron image formation of a 54.6° tapered etched step registration mark in silicon. It is found that the energy signal gives slightly better contrast and greater average slope than the number signal. The constrast increases with step depth and is very close to its maximum value of 1.4 when the step depth is increased to 40% of the Bethe range of the primary beam. Additional step depth will degrade the signal shape. A universal curve of the average signal slope as a function of the normalized horizontal mark transition is also presented.
Spectroscopic Characterization of Acidity of Titanium (6% AI-4%, V) Surfaces

Abstract Acid-base characteristics of titania powders and of Ti 6–4 metal coupons after pretreatment by the Turco 5578 and phosphate-fluoride processes have been studied. Color changes of indicators spread from solution on the metal surface were detected using diffuse reflectance visible spectroscopy (DRVS). The Turco etched Ti 6–4 surface was found to be basic while the phosphate-fluoride etched Ti 6–4 surface was acidic. Effects due to the experimental conditions of time, solvent, and temperature were also examined. ESCA (electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis) was done to determine if shifts in binding energy were observed for the acid and base forms of the indicators on the Ti 6–4 surfaces. Different binding energies were detected for the oxygen photopeaks of bromthymol blue on Turco and phosphate-fluoride etched Ti 6–4 surfaces. More stearic acid was adsorbed from cyclohexane solutions on the Turco etched Ti 6–4 surface than on the phosphate-fluoride surface as detected by specular reflectance i...
Optimization of protein immobilization on 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole-activated diol-bonded silica

Abstract The activation of diol-bonded silica with 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole and the coupling of protein ligands was examined as a function of activation conditions, coupling time, buffer, and pH. It was found that extensive sonication and vacuum-degassing during the activation step significantly increased the amount of ligand coupled. In the coupling step, it was found that a subpopulation of active groups was resistant to hydrolysis and resulted in increased coupling yields of ligand over a six-day reaction time. The coupling and hydrolysis reactions were faster in carbonate buffer than in phosphate buffer, but the overall yields were the same. Coupling yields of several proteins were found to be relatively insensitive to pH over the range 4–8.
Structural characterization of Tobacco etch virus coat protein mutants

The assembly of Tobacco etch potyvirus (TEV) coat protein (CP) and truncated mutants in Escherichia coli was studied. CP from which 28, 63 or 112 amino acids were deleted from the N-terminus polymerized into potyvirus-like particles (PVLPs). These structures were more rigid and progressively smaller in diameter than those produced by full length TEV-CP. CP from which 175 N-terminal amino acids were removed, failed to polymerize. A fragment containing amino acids 131 to 206 of TEV-CP is sufficient for PVLP assembly in E. coli. To determine the function of the highly conserved amino acids Ser152, Arg154, and Asp198 point mutants were generated. The mutant CPDelta63(Asp198Glu) exhibited different spectral properties following circular dichroism analysis showing a lower amount of alpha-helix compared to the wild type molecule. No differences were observed in spectra obtained from fluorescence spectroscopy. The point mutants bind RNA in vitro to the same degree as the wild type protein. However, while the wild type and the Arg154Gln mutant CP were each able to form PVLPs in E. coli, the Asp198Glu and the double mutant Ser152Pro/Arg154Gln mutants did not. These results suggest that the Asp198Glu mutation has an altered secondary structure which affects the capacity of the protein to polymerize but did not affect in vitro protein-RNA interactions.
High-pressure phases in a shock-induced melt vein of the Tenham L6 chondrite: Constraints on shock pressure and duration

Abstract The microtexture and mineralogy of a 580-μm-wide melt vein in the Tenham L6 chondrite were investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to better understand the shock conditions. The melt vein consists of a matrix of silicate plus metal-sulfide grains that crystallized from immiscible melts, and sub-rounded fragments of the host chondrite that have been entrained in the melt and transformed to polycrystalline high-pressure silicates. The melt-vein matrix contains two distinct textures and mineral assemblages corresponding to the vein edge and interior. The 30-μm-wide vein edge consists of vitrified silicate perovskite + ringwoodite + akimotoite + majorite with minor metal-sulfide. The 520-μm-wide vein interior consists of majorite + magnesiowustite with irregular metal-sulfide blebs. Although these mineral assemblages are distinctly different, the pressure stabilities of both assemblages are consistent with crystallization from similar pressure conditions: the melt-vein edge crystallized at about 23–25 GPa and the vein interior crystallized at about 21–25 GPa. This relatively narrow pressure range suggests that the melt vein either crystallized at a constant equilibrium shock pressure of ∼25 GPa or during a relatively slow pressure release. Using a finite element heat transfer program to model the thermal history of this melt vein during shock, we estimate that the time required to quench this 580-μm-wide vein was ∼40 ms. Because the entire vein contains high-pressure minerals that crystallized from the melt, the shock-pressure duration was at least 40 ms. Using a synthetic Hugoniot for Tenham and assuming that the sample experienced a peak-shock pressure of 25 GPa near the impact site, we estimate that the Tenham parent body experienced an impact with collision velocity ∼2 km/s. Based on a one-dimensional planar impact model, we estimate that the projectile size was >150 m in thickness.
Rapid and reproducible Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of sorghum

A rapid and reproducible Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for sorghum has been developed. The protocol uses the nptII selectable marker gene with either of the aminoglycosides geneticin or paromomycin. A screen of various A. tumefaciens strains revealed that a novel C58 nopaline chromosomal background carrying the chrysanthopine disarmed Ti plasmid pTiKPSF(2), designated NTL(4)/Chry5, was most efficient for gene transfer to sorghum immature embryos. A NTL(4)/Chry5 transconjugant harboring the pPTN290 binary plasmid, which carries nptII and GUSPlus expression cassettes, was used in a series of stable transformation experiments with Tx430 and C2-97 sorghum genotypes and approximately 80% of these transformation experiments resulted in the recovery of at least one transgenic event. The transformation frequencies among the successful experiments ranged from 0.3 to 4.5%, with the average transformation frequency being approximately 1% for both genotypes. Over 97% of the transgenic events were successfully established in the greenhouse and were fully fertile. Co-expression of GUSPlus occurred in 89% of the transgenic T(0) events. Seed set for the primary transgenic plants ranged from 145 to 1400 seed/plant. Analysis of T(1) progeny demonstrated transmission of the transgenes in a simple Mendelian fashion in the majority of events.
Influence of Atlantic sea surface temperatures on persistent drought in North America

This study investigates the relationship between North Atlantic sea surface temperatures (SST) and persistent drought in North America using modern observations, proxy paleo-data, and simulations from multiple climate models. The observational results show that persistent droughts in the Great Plains and the southwest North America are closely related to multidecadal variations of North Atlantic SST (Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillations, AMO). During the AMO warm (cold) phases, most of North America is dry (wet). This relationship is persistent since at least 1567 AD, as based on proxy SST for the North Atlantic and the reconstructed drought index for North America. On centennial timescales, proxy SST records from the North Atlantic and proxy drought records for North America suggest that major periods of AMO-like warm (cold) SST anomalies during the last 7.0 ka correspond to dry (wet) conditions in the Great Plains. The influence of North Atlantic SST on North American droughts is examined using simulations made by five global climate models. When forced by warm North Atlantic SST anomalies, all models captured significant drying over North America, despite some regional differences. Specifically, dry summers in the Great Plains and the southwest North America are simulated by all models. The precipitation response to a cold North Atlantic is much weaker and contains greater disagreement among the models. Overall, the ensemble of the five models could well reproduce the statistical relationship between the dry/wet fluctuations in the North America and North Atlantic SST anomalies. Our results suggest that North Atlantic SSTs are likely a major driver of decadal and centennial timescale circulation, including droughts, in North America. Possible mechanisms that connect North Atlantic SST with North American drought, as well as interactions between North Atlantic and tropical Pacific SST and their relative roles on drought are also discussed.
Comparison of Clinicopathologic Factors in 122 Patients with Resected Pancreatic and Ileal Neuroendocrine Tumors from a Single Institution

Recent population-based studies have demonstrated significant differences in outcome between patients with pancreatic and ileal neuroendocrine tumors. The objective of this study was to examine the clinicopathologic differences between ileal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors following resection. A retrospective chart review was performed and data on clinicopathologic variables, biochemical markers, and follow-up of patients with resected ileal (INETs) and pancreatic (PNETs) neuroendocrine tumors were collected. The t test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare means. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Between 1998 and 2010, 122 patients with PNETs and INETs were explored (70 PNETs and 52 INETs). Several variables were found to be significantly different between patients in both groups. INETs were more often associated with flushing (44 vs. 14%; P < 0.001) and diarrhea (63 vs. 16%; P < 0.001) and were more often associated with elevation in preoperative serum levels of pancreastatin (88 vs. 42%; P < 0.001), chromogranin A (78 vs. 54%; P = 0.036), and serotonin (90 vs. 43%; P < 0.001). INETs more frequently had vascular invasion on pathology (96 vs. 60%; P < 0.001), and presented more often with nodal and/or distant metastases (77 vs. 37%; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in overall survival between patients in both groups. In this series, patients with INETs presented with a more advanced stage of disease compared with PNETs, had higher preoperative levels of 3 markers, and were more often symptomatic. Despite these factors, there was no significant difference in overall survival between patients with these 2 tumor types.
Medicine: Diabetes in India

With the spread of fast-food outlets and more sedentary lifestyles, the prevalence of diabetes in India is rising alarmingly. But the subpopulations at risk and the symptoms of the disease differ from those in the West.
BOSON PHOTOPRODUCTION EXPERIMENTS

A general discussion is presented of all possible experiments on photoproduction of spin-zero bosons from spin-\textonehalf{} fermions. Both scalar and pseudoscalar bosons are considered. The $M$ matrix is constructed in terms of four particularly convenient invariants. There are altogether 64 different experiments possible. Of these, 16 are needed to measure all the bilinear combinations of the coefficients of the invariants in the $M$ matrix. To determine the coefficients themselves (not necessarily unambiguously) seven experiments have to be carried out. The 64 observables are given in terms of the bilinear combinations of the coefficients. An extensive list of experiments is then given each of which determines the parity of the boson participating in the process. All of these experiments require polarized photon sources, and even the simplest one requires the measurement of recoil fermion polarization and the use of a polarized target, although not simultaneously. Sets of seven experiments are then constructed to determine the four coefficients in the $M$ matrix. The simplest of these sets implies the same experimental requirements as the simplest parity experiment. The simplest set of 16 experiments giving all bilinear combinations of the coefficients involves in addition also simultaneously recoil nucleon polarization measurements and the use of polarized targets.
Cell isoperoxidases in sweet potato plants in relation to mechanical injury and ethylene.

Leaves and storage roots of sweet potato plants (Ipomea batatas) showed the same qualitative isoperoxidase patterns and a similar distribution of distinctive isoperoxidases between the cell protoplast and cell wall free, ionically bound, and covalently bound fractions. No changes in the qualitative isoenzyme spectrum were found in relation to age, mechanical injury, or ethylene action. Thus, as in tobacco plants, the cell isoperoxidases in sweet potato did not reflect the possible differential mRNA synthesis in relation to organ, age, or injury. Transcription does not seem to be a limiting factor in injury- and ethylene-dependent peroxidase enhancement during the first 24 hr.The contribution of the wall ionically bound and protoplast fractions was highest in young and old leaves, respectively. In the protoplast and wall ionically and covalently bound fractions, 14, 6, and 5 isoenzyme bands were found; in addition, 4 bands, not detected in the protoplast, were also revealed in the covalently bound fraction. The distinctive "juvenile" and, developing with age, "mature" isoforms were mainly found in the ionically bound and protoplast fractions, respectively.The injury-enhanced and/or ethylene-enhanced peroxidase development was most pronounced in young leaves. Ethylene suppressed some injury-enhanced, had no effect on some other injury-enhanced, and greatly promoted some of the injury-unaffected or enhanced isoperoxidases. After ethylene removal, an increase in the "mature" isoforms was found in the protoplast of intact leaves.Electron microscopy of leaves revealed peroxidase in membrane-bound vesicles located mainly in the vacuole; a thin layer of reaction products was also found on the wall's outer surface. No Golgi apparatus were seen in the cells of control or ethylene-treated intact leaves. In ethylene-treated intact or injured leaves accumulations of reaction products between the plasmalemma and wall were also found. Numerous Golgi apparatus with dark stained vesicles were seen in injured, and especially in injured and ethylene-treated leaves; the vacuolar bodies seemed to occur in very great number.
Intraoperative Proximal Femoral Fracture in Primary Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Intraoperative proximal femoral fracture is a complication of primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) at rates of 2.95–27.8%. A retrospective review of 2423 consecutive primary cementless THA cases identified 102 hips (96 patients) with fracture. Multivariate analysis compared fracture incidences between implants, Accolade (Stryker Orthopaedics) and Tri-Lock (DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.), and evaluated potential risk factors using a randomized control group of 1150 cases without fracture. The fracture incidence was 4.4% (102/2423), 3.7% (36/1019) using Accolade and 4.9% using Tri-Lock (66/1404) ( P =0.18). Female gender (OR=1.96; 95% CI 1.19–3.23; P =0.008) and smaller stem size (OR=1.64; 95% CI 1.04–2.63; P =0.03) predicted increased odds of fracture. No revisions of the femoral component were required in the fracture cohort.