cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SSIMS identification of surface intermediates in the thermal decomposition of TMGa on Si(100)

Abstract The surface chemistry of trimethylgallium (TMGa), dosed on Si(100) at 115 K, has been studied using SSIMS, TPD, and AES. The results are compared with CD 3 I to clarify the role played by methyl migration from Ga to Si and to identify subsequent decomposition channels. For TMGa, the TPD products are multilayer parent (150 K), hydrogen (800 K), and atomic gallium (925 K). SIMS of TMGa suggests Ga-C bond cleavage and attachment of the methyl group to Si starting as low as 115 K and going to completion at 420 K. When TMGa is coadsorbed with CD 3 I, observation of SiCH 3 + and GaCH 3 CD 3 + in SSIMS confirms the facile cleavage of Ga-C bonds and the formation of Si-C bonds. In agreement with previous studies, we find that carbon contamination of the silicon substrate is intrinsic to TMGa decomposition.
Modulation of gap junction-mediated intercellular communication in embryonic chick mesenchyme during tissue remodeling in vitro.

Gap junction-mediated intercellular communication was analyzed in a model system in which tissue necrosis and remodeling could be modulated. This in vitro system, previously used for analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal tissue interaction, was modified to permit analysis of the presence and extent of intercellular communition by monitoring intercellular transfer of the micro-injected fluorescent dye, Lucifer Yellow. Light and transmission electronmicroscopy were employed to correlate the presence and degree of gap junctional communication (coupling) with tissue morphology. Digital image analysis was used to determine cell density and mitotic indices within the outgrowths of explants. Our results indicated that cell communication in outgrowths adjacent to necrotic foci within an explant was minimal or absent. Cell-coupling in outgrowths adjacent to a compartment of viable mesenchyme was significantly higher-equivalent to unseparated control cultures. A time-course study demonstrated correlation of increased levels of cell-coupling in outgrowths with the level of tissue remodeling within an explant. Our conclusions from these studies are that embryonic mesenchymal cell populations may be selectively uncoupled as a result of alterations in the microenvironment produced by a proximate impaired cell population. It is proposed that endogenous factors in the microenvironment (“wound signals”), emanating from impaired cell populations, regulate gap junction-mediated intercellular communication in adjacent viable tissue. Normal, unimpaired populations of cells surrounding an area of injury are thereby isolated from the effects of a potentially toxic environment. This could serve as a protective function in development and may represent, in a more general sense, part of the repertoire of events associated with tissue repair and remodeling.
Identification of novel Hoxa1 downstream targets regulating hindbrain, neural crest and inner ear development

Hox genes play a crucial role during embryonic patterning and organogenesis. Of the 39 Hox genes, Hoxa1 is the first to be expressed during embryogenesis and the only anterior Hox gene linked to a human syndrome. Hoxa1 is necessary for the proper development of the brainstem, inner ear and heart in humans and mice; however, almost nothing is known about the molecular downstream targets through which it exerts its function. To gain insight into the transcriptional network regulated by this protein, we performed microarray analysis on tissue microdissected from the prospective rhombomere 3–5 region of Hoxa1 null and wild type embryos. Due to the very early and transient expression of this gene, dissections were performed on early somite stage embryos during an eight-hour time window of development. Our array yielded a list of around 300 genes differentially expressed between the two samples. Many of the identified genes play a role in a specific developmental or cellular process. Some of the validated targets regulate early neural crest induction and specification. Interestingly, three of these genes, Zic1, Hnf1b and Foxd3, were down-regulated in the posterior hindbrain, where cardiac neural crest cells arise, which pattern the outflow tract of the heart. Other targets are necessary for early inner ear development, e.g. Pax8 and Fgfr3 or are expressed in specific hindbrain neurons regulating respiration, e.g. Lhx5. These findings allow us to propose a model where Hoxa1 acts in a genetic cascade upstream of genes controlling specific aspects of embryonic development, thereby providing insight into possible mechanisms underlying the human HoxA1-syndrome.
Demographics and Motivation of Adult Group Piano Students.

As people are living longer and enjoying better quality of life, there has been a corresponding increase in interest in recreational music-making by adults. This study examined the demographics and motivations of students enrolled in the Community Piano Experience hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music. Twenty-six participants completed Survey A before beginning the program, while 20 participants completed Survey B at the culmination of their instruction. Interpretation of both surveys demonstrated that these adult piano students were clear about their goals (anticipated rewards) from the outset of piano study. While unsure about the appropriateness of the group instructional environment at the outset of study, the participants were overwhelmingly positive in their assessment of the group environment by the end of the program. Participants were specific regarding what qualities they were seeking in a piano instructor, with certain qualities such as patience, positive demeanor and kno...
Purification and mutant analysis of Citrobacter freundii AmpR, the regulator for chromosomal AmpC β‐lactamase

Summary AmpR, the transcriptional regulator for the Citrobacter freundii ampC β-lactamase gene, was purified. The purified AmpR had DNA-binding activity, the same molecular mass (32 kDa) on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as previously described, and N-terminal sequencing of the first 15 amino acids was in agreement with that predicted from the nucleotide sequence. Two mutants were isolated that abolish DNA-binding and β-lactamase induction and which map in the amino- and carboxyl-terminal ends of AmpR, respectively. The mutation in the amino terminus (S35F) was located in a helix-turn-helix region showing high homology to other members of the LysR regulator family. Therefore this mutation may directly abolish the contact between AmpR and its operator sequence. It is suggested that the C-terminal mutation (Y264N) affects subunit interactions in AmpR. One constitutive mutant was isolated which mapped in the centre of the ampR gene. This G102E mutant leads to constitutive β-lactamase expression in the absence of both β-lactam inducer and ampG, a gene essential for induction in wild-type enterobacteria. Another mutant protein, D135Y, showed wild-type properties In an ampG* and an ampG::kan background, but could, unlike wild-type AmpR, activate the ampC gene in an ampG1 mutant background. It is thought that ampG1 is a missense mutant. These two types of ampR mutants suggest that activation of ampC transcription is dependent on the conversion of AmpR into a transcriptional activator and that this activation may normally involve interactions with AmpG.
Cortical activity reductions during repetition priming can result from rapid response learning.

Recent observation of objects speeds up their subsequent identification and classification1,2. This common form of learning, known as repetition priming, can operate in the absence of explicit memory for earlier experiences3,4, and functional neuroimaging has shown that object classification improved in this way is accompanied by ‘neural priming’ (reduced neural activity) in prefrontal, fusiform and other cortical regions5,6,7,8,9,10. These observations have led to suggestions that cortical representations of items undergo ‘tuning’, whereby neurons encoding irrelevant information respond less as a given object is observed repeatedly10, thereby facilitating future availability of pertinent object knowledge. Here we provide experimental support for an alternative hypothesis, in which reduced cortical activity occurs because subjects rapidly learn their previous responses11. After a primed object classification (such as ‘bigger than a shoebox’), cue reversal (‘smaller than a shoebox’) greatly slowed performance and completely eliminated neural priming in fusiform cortex, which suggests that these cortical item representations were no more available for primed objects than they were for new objects. In contrast, prefrontal cortex activity tracked behavioural priming and predicted the degree to which cue reversal would slow down object classification—highlighting the role of the prefrontal cortex in executive control.
Zero-field optical manipulation of magnetic ions in semiconductors

Controlling and monitoring individual spins is desirable for building spin-based devices, as well as implementing quantum information processing schemes. As with trapped ions in cold gases, magnetic ions trapped on a semiconductor lattice have uniform properties and relatively long spin lifetimes. Furthermore, diluted magnetic moments in semiconductors can be strongly coupled to the surrounding host, permitting optical or electrical spin manipulation. Here we describe the zero-field optical manipulation of a few hundred manganese ions in a single gallium arsenide quantum well. Optically created mobile electron spins dynamically generate an energy splitting of the ion spins and enable magnetic moment orientation solely by changing either photon helicity or energy. These polarized manganese spins precess in a transverse field, enabling measurements of the spin lifetimes. As the magnetic ion concentration is reduced and the manganese spin lifetime increases, coherent optical control and readout of single manganese spins in gallium arsenide should be possible.
Regulation and intracellular localization of the biotin holocarboxylase synthetase of 3T3-L1 cells.

Abstract A quantitative assay has been developed to measure holocarboxylase synthetase activity in cellular extracts. This assay was based on measuring the incorporation of [ 3 H]biotin of high specific activity (4.3 Ci/mmol) into purified rat liver apopyruvate carboxylase. With this assay, holocarboxylase synthetase in 3T3-L1 mouse fibroblasts has been monitored. During the differentiation of this cell from a fibroblast to an adipocyte, holocarboxylase synthetase activity was found to increase threefold, while pyruvate carboxylase activity rose 20-fold. The results suggest a possible relationship between the activity of the holocarboxylase synthetase and the level of the biotin-dependent carboxylases within the mammalian cell. Utilizing digitonin fractionation, the intracellular distribution of this enzyme has also been examined. In the 3T3-L1 cell, the large majority (approximately 70%) of the total holocarboxylase synthetase activity was found in the cytosolic compartment.
The effect of cultural differences in perceptions of transactions costs on national differences in the preference for international joint ventures

This study presents a theoretical explanation of why the cultural trait of power distance represents greater perceptions of transaction costs and lower perceptions of governance costs across societies. It demonstrates that cultural differences in perceptions of transactions and governance costs as represented by Hofstede's (1980) power distance index explain national differences in the preference for international joint ventures after market size, government limitations on sole ownership and uncertainty avoidance have been controlled. The study concludes that cultural differences in transaction costs provide an important extension to the transaction costs theory of joint ventures.
Thermal stability of self-assembled FePt nanoparticles

We have produced self-assembled FePt nanoparticles by chemical synthesis and subsequent thermal annealing. The self-assembled samples were annealed in nitrogen or forming gas (95%Ar+5%H2) atmosphere for varying annealing time and temperatures. Thermal annealing above 500 °C resulted in phase transformation of the as-synthesized FePt from the chemically disordered fcc to chemically ordered fct structure which has a high uniaxial magneto-crystalline anisotropy. With increasing annealing temperature, the coercivity and the thermal stability factor KV/kT were found to increase due to improved chemical ordering, irrespective of the annealing atmosphere. For samples annealed at 580 °C for 30 min in forming gas, the maximum coercivity obtained was 6.95 kOe. The samples annealed in forming gas showed higher coercivity and KV/kT values than those annealed in nitrogen for the same annealing time and temperature. We have also measured the Curie temperatures of the FePt nanoparticle assemblies. The Curie temperatures...
The neuro-ophthalmologic spectrum of the rostral basilar artery syndrome.

• A broad range of neuro-ophthalmologic signs occurs with the rostral basilar artery syndrome (RBAS) and transient ischemia or infarction of the midbrain, thalamus, hypothalamus, paramedian diencephalon, and posterior temporal and occipital lobes. The pattern of affected neuroanatomic regions results in diverse patterns of interrelated functional disabilities in the areas of vertical gaze, nystagmus, oculomotor function, pupillary reactivity, visual fields, color vision, and visual illusions. With increasing recognition of more clinically benign forms of RBAS, it has become apparent that the vascular syndrome is often improperly diagnosed and may be associated with remediable occult medical disorders. To facilitate the acquisition of accurate diagnostic and therapeutic information, neuro-ophthalmologic signs were prospectively assessed in 61 patients with RBAS. The clinicoanatomic correlates of these diverse ocular manifestations are presented.
"Pseudo-endless loop" tachycardia in an AV universal (DDD) pacemaker.

A 3-beat episode of ventricular arrhythmia was recorded in a patient with an AV universal (DDD) pacemaker. This arrhythmia mimicked "endless loop" tachycardia (ELT) because it appeared following a ventricular premature contraction (VPC), its rate approached the preset upper-rate limit and the regular P waves disappeared during the episode. However, as retrograde conduction was absent ELT could not exist. The mechanism of this arrhythmia was based on a combination of interference by VPC of the regular sequence of QRS complexes produced by P wave and the pacemaker commitment to maintain an upper rate limit by prolongation of the programmed pacemaker AV delay.
Obesity and Nutrition in Women Throughout Adulthood

Nutritional challenges are particularly relevant to women. Almost 62% of women are overweight; of these women, 33% are obese. The incidence of obesity is even greater in non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American women. Women who are overweight or obese experience a greater number of adverse health outcomes, including an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and breast and colon cancer. Dietary patterns influence health outcomes, with a heart-healthy pattern having the most positive health outcomes. Health care providers should encourage women to consume a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in total and saturated fats.
Comparison of control strategies for an EMG controlled orthotic exoskeleton for the hand

To restore dexterity to paralyzed hands, we have designed and constructed a lightweight, low-profile orthotic exoskeleton controlled by the user's residual electromyography (EMG) signals. In this paper, we compared several simple strategies to control the orthotic device for a quadriplegic (C5/C6) subject. When contralateral arm control was employed, we found that a simple on/off strategy allowed for faster interaction with objects, while variable control provided more controlled interactions, especially with deformable objects. Furthermore, we designed a control strategy that allowed for a natural reaching and pinching sequence without the use of the contralateral arm. We validated that the EMG signal from the ipsilateral biceps could be used to develop an extremely reliable natural reaching and pinching algorithm. This evaluation showed that different control strategies may be appropriate for different situations, and further investigation on the natural algorithm is crucial.
Examining Managerial Displacement

The research reported used a longitudinal analysis to compare the displacement experience of managers with that of other employees and to examine the factors associated with managerial job loss. Jo...
Comparison of the sevenless genes of Drosophila virilis and Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract The sevenless gene of Drosophila melanogaster encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor required for normal eye development. We report here the isolation and DNA sequence analysis of the sevenless gene from Drosophila virilis. The predicted amino acid sequences of the sevenless proteins from these two species, which diverged approximately 60 million years ago, are compared.
Impact of Soil Management and Two Botanical Insecticides on Urease and Invertase Activity

Yard waste compost provides an organic amendment useful for improving soil structure and nutrient status. The activities of the enzymes hydrolyzing urea (urease) and sucrose (invertase) in the rhizosphere of potato plants were determined under field conditions. Soil urease and invertase activities were monitored in compost amended soil, grass buffer strips, and in adjacent bare soils during 35 d following soil treatment. Soil urease activity was increased by application of yard waste compost compared to untreated soil which provide evidence of increased soil microbial population following application of compost. Some transitional effects on urease activities were observed following Pyrethrins and Neemix-4E application, these effects were neither drastic nor prolonged enough to be considered deleterious to the soil microorganisms and their activities important to soil fertility. No relationship was found between invertase activity and the three management practices or soil organic matter content. It is suggested that application of botanical insecticides like pyrethrins and Neemix-4E may be useful in delaying urea fertilizer mineralization to maintain N in a form less leachable, so that the duration of N availability to plants is prolonged. The present study may also provide information on urease activity as a sensitive bioindicator of soil quality that reflects the effects of land management on soil quality and may assist land managers in monitoring long-term productivity and sustainability of agricultural lands.
VDAC inhibition by tubulin and its physiological implications.

Abstract Regulation of mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) permeability has dual importance: in normal metabolite and energy exchange between mitochondria and cytoplasm, and thus in control of respiration, and in apoptosis by release of apoptogenic factors into the cytosol. However, the mechanism of this regulation involving the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), the major channel of MOM, remains controversial. For example, one of the long-standing puzzles was that in permeabilized cells, adenine nucleotide translocase is less accessible to cytosolic ADP than in isolated mitochondria. Still another puzzle was that, according to channel-reconstitution experiments, voltage regulation of VDAC is limited to potentials exceeding 30 mV, which are believed to be much too high for MOM. We have solved these puzzles and uncovered multiple new functional links by identifying a missing player in the regulation of VDAC and, hence, MOM permeability — the cytoskeletal protein tubulin. We have shown that, depending on VDAC phosphorylation state and applied voltage, nanomolar to micromolar concentrations of dimeric tubulin induce functionally important reversible blockage of VDAC reconstituted into planar phospholipid membranes. The voltage sensitivity of the blockage equilibrium is truly remarkable. It is described by an effective “gating charge” of more than ten elementary charges, thus making the blockage reaction as responsive to the applied voltage as the most voltage-sensitive channels of electrophysiology are. Analysis of the tubulin-blocked state demonstrated that although this state is still able to conduct small ions, it is impermeable to ATP and other multi-charged anions because of the reduced aperture and inversed selectivity. The findings, obtained in a channel reconstitution assay, were supported by experiments with isolated mitochondria and human hepatoma cells. Taken together, these results suggest a previously unknown mechanism of regulation of mitochondrial energetics, governed by VDAC interaction with tubulin at the mitochondria–cytosol interface. Immediate physiological implications include new insights into serine/threonine kinase signaling pathways, Ca2 + homeostasis, and cytoskeleton/microtubule activity in health and disease, especially in the case of the highly dynamic microtubule network which is characteristic of cancerogenesis and cell proliferation. In the present review, we speculate how these findings may help to identify new mechanisms of mitochondria-associated action of chemotherapeutic microtubule-targeting drugs, and also to understand why and how cancer cells preferentially use inefficient glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation (Warburg effect). This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: VDAC structure, function, and regulation of mitochondrial metabolism.
The Use of Bidirectional Barbed Suture in Laparoscopic Myomectomy and Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Bidirectional barbed suture is a new design that incorporates tiny barbs spaced evenly along the length of the suture cut facing in opposite directions from the midpoint. Unlike the smooth-textured traditional suture, the bidirectional barbs on this new product introduce a new paradigm in which wound tension is evenly distributed across the length of the suture line rather than at the knotted end. No knots are required with bidirectional barbed suture. We present a small case series with bidirectional barbed suture to close myometrial defects in laparoscopic myomectomies and vaginal cuffs in total laparoscopic hysterectomies. On the basis of our early experience, we are optimistic that this new suture material is a potentially valuable tool for gynecologic surgeons.
Business language analysis for object-oriented information systems

Business language analysis grows out of a philosophy that treats business organizations as living systems. A key concern is the meaning of business information that provides adaptive survival advantage and strategic leverage. Popular object-oriented methodologies correctly recognize the need to identify business objects by analyzing the problem domain. The approach described in this paper fills in the details that are implied, but not specified by other methods. It builds a business language model that clarifies both the content and structure of the terminology actually used in the business. Simple examples of business language analyses are given. Deeper insight is offered in a discussion of lexical semantic and category theory and in the proposed notion of business language patterns.
Phase II Trial of Docetaxel Chemotherapy in Patients with Incurable Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus

Background: Chemotherapy remains theprimary mode of treatment for metastaticcarcinoma of the esophagus. The efficacyof various chemotherapeutic regimens hasbeen studied predominantly in patients withsquamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. In light of the increasing incidence ofadenocarcinoma of the esophagus, studiesevaluating newer chemotherapy agents, suchas docetaxel, in this patient populationare necessary. The objective of this trialwas to determine the complete and partialresponse rate of docetaxel in patients withincurable adenocarcinoma of theesophagus.
Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder: a short review.

In this short review, we discuss clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder, a rare tumor that primarily affects women. The histogenesis of this neoplasm is uncertain; in some tumors the clinicopathologic and histologic features are suggestive of a mullerian origin. Clear cell adenocarcinoma consists of cells with abundant clear cytoplasm, arranged in solid, glandular, or tubulocystic patterns. These tumors are positive for pancytokeratin, cytokeratin 7, and CA 125 immunohistochemical stains. Patients typically present with gross hematuria, dysuria, and discharge. The natural history is poorly understood and patient outcomes remain unclear. Currently, surgery is the treatment of choice. Nephrogenic adenoma is the most important differential diagnostic consideration, followed by metastatic clear cell carcinoma.
Comparison of element and isotope diffusion of K and Ca in multicomponent silicate melts

Recent experimental work has shown that the homogenization of elemental concentrations can be much slower than that of isotopic ratios when there are strong concentration gradients in SiO_2 and Al_2O_3. The ramifications of this result for magma homogenization and other petrological problems related to diffusion are significant. We report here a comparison of experimental profiles of elemental concentrations and isotopic fractions of K and Ca in rhyolite-andesite (large concentration gradients) and rhyolite-rhyolite (small concentration gradients) melt couples. When the concentration profile and the isotopic profile of the same element in a single couple are compared, the former is much shorter than the latter in the rhyolite-andesite couple, consistent with other recent studies. However, the lengths of both concentration and isotopic profiles are similar in the rhyolite-rhyolite couple. Therefore, diffusion of an element or oxide may be decoupled from or coupled with isotopic ‘diffusion’, depending on whether large concentration gradients of major components are present. When the two couples are compared, the intrinsic effective binary diffusivities obtained from isotopic profiles are similar for each element in the two couples, whereas the effective binary diffusivity of K obtained from the concentration profile in the rhyolite-rhyolite couple is 37 times that in the rhyolite-andesite couple. Therefore, isotopic homogenization is roughly independent of elemental homogenization and the presence of SiO_2, Al_2O_3, and other concentration gradients, whereas elemental homogenization is strongly affected by concentration gradients. Our experimental data (isotopic and concentration profiles including uphill diffusion profiles) can be modeled quantitatively to a good approximation using a modified effective binary diffusion model in which the flux of a component is assumed to be proportional to its activity gradient instead of its concentration gradient. Therefore, the multicomponent diffusion effect in the silicate systems of our experiments seems to be largely due to contributions of non-ideal mixing to the cross-terms of the diffusivity matrix.
Continuum damage response of a center-cracked plain concrete panel in tension

Abstract A continuum damage theory which accounts for the degradation of material strength under quasi-static loading conditions is applied in this investigation to determine the response of a center-cracked concrete panel under tension. The theory is isotropic in nature in that the damage measure is taken to be a scalar. The damage mechanism in this theory is the interaction and growth of subscale cracks which pre-exist randomly in the material. These cracks are activated by the maximum principal tensile strain and the density of activated cracks are described by a Weibull statistical distribution. In the global scale, the activation of the subscale cracks contributes to the degradation of the material moduli. The model has been implemented into a finite element code SANTOS to obtain the solution to the problem. Qualitative features such as the development of a fracture process zone, damage localization and strain softening phenomenon have been observed. Quantitative failure prediction based on the observed global strain softening of the specimen is also discussed.
Population Genomic Analysis Reveals No Evidence for GC-Biased Gene Conversion in Drosophila melanogaster

Gene conversion is the nonreciprocal exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. Multiple lines of evidence from a variety of taxa strongly suggest that gene conversion events are biased toward GC-bearing alleles. However, in Drosophila, the data have largely been indirect and unclear, with some studies supporting the predictions of aG C-biased gene conversion model and other data showing contradictory findings. Here, we test whether gene conversion events are GC-biased in Drosophila melanogaster using whole-genome polymorphism and divergence data. Our results provide no support for GC-biased gene conversion and thus suggest that this process is unlikely to significantly contribute to patterns of polymorphism and divergence in this system.
Henri‐Georges clouzot's Le corbeau and the crimes of women

(2000). Henri‐Georges clouzot's Le corbeau and the crimes of women. Sites: The Journal of Twentieth-Century/Contemporary French Studies revue d'etudes francais: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 319-341.
Bionic Graphene Nanosensors

The synergistic integration of electronics with biological systems could enable the development of novel sensing devices that could provide new fundamental insights to biomolecular interactions, as well as facilitating the development of novel biointerfaced device architectures. Indeed, the creation of high-performance biomedical sensors with real-time, point-of-care detection could potentially revolutionize the field of early diagnosis and treatment of diseases, improving quality of life. Of particular interest is multitiered interfacing of sensing materials with biology; for example, by coupling the innate selectivity of naturally evolved biomolecules with highly sensitive nanosensors, and subsequently biointerfacing such devices onto the body for real-time detection. This is particularly useful for continual monitoring and diagnosis of complex diseases such as asthma, in which understandings of disease development and the role of environmental triggers are limited. Here, we provide an overview of our specific contributions in: (1) biotransfering graphene sensors onto biological systems to enable a unique bionic nanosensor platform, (2) the detection of bacteria using such platforms via the coupling of antimicrobial peptide bio-recognition molecules to the graphene transducer, (3) the integration of an inductive meander coil with such devices to enable wireless powering and remote readout, (4) the scaling of such devices to wafer-scale arrays using standard microfabrication processing techniques, and (5) the functionalization of these graphene device arrays with a variety of antibodies for ultrasensitive detection of cytokines that are relevant to the detection and diagnosis of asthma from exhaled breath condensate. These results suggest a next-generation “bionic nanosensing” platform that may ultimately promote effective, noninvasive diagnosis and advanced mediation of diseases via early onset detection and continuous tracking of disease progression. Ultimately, large-scale adoption of such systems may enable population pool clinical studies involving dynamic, noninvasive collection of biomarkers for health infrastructure statistical analyses. The graphene bionic nanosensor platform thus represents a powerful new biointerfaced sensing paradigm, with a diverse range of applications.
Numerical Model of Estuarine Circulation

A real-time numerical model is developed to predict the dynamics of partially mixed estuaries. An explicit finite difference technique which conserves mass, salt, and momentum was used to solve the governing equations. A consistent set of vertical mixing coefficients is proposed such that an application of the model to the Potomac River Estuary produces simulations of velocity, salinity, and tidal heights comparable to field observations. The model also permits an investigation of the time variability in the magnitude of the various terms composing the salt balance equation.
Lysosome Formation, Functioning and Fate

Our principal concerns in this chapter will be with general features of the mechanisms by which lysosomes participate in normal processes of intracellular digestion. We will consider the routes and mechanisms by which substrates and hydrolases are brought together and will also have occasion to take up some features of the lysosome surface, aspects of pH regulation within the organelles and the ways in which cells deal with digestive residues. Subsequent sections of the monograph will discuss extracellular events in which lysosomal hydrolases participate, and pathological processes.
Decidual Cell Function Role of Steroid Hormones and Their Receptors

The decidual cells in the pseudopregnant rat uterus undergo many of the structural and functional changes exhibited by endometrial cells in normal pregnancy. Thus the decidual reaction in pseudopregnancy has been studied as a model of the implantation process. The proliferation and differentiation of stromal fibroblasts into deciduomal cells require both estrogen and progestin in addition to some kind of trauma to the endometrium to initiate the decidual reaction. The trauma may be a needle scratch, a thread tied through the endometrium, or the transcervical intralumenal instillation of olive oil. The deciduomal tissue of pseudopregnant rats contains high-affinity, low-capacity receptor proteins specific for estrogens (Talley et al. 1977) and other receptor proteins specific for progesterone (Armstrong et al., 1977). The binding of the steroid to the receptor proteins is believed to be an obligatory first step in the action of steroid hormones. Estrogen receptors have been demonstrated in the cytosol (Mester et al., 1974) and in the nucleus (Martel and Psychoyos, 1976) of the endometrium during pregnancy.
Irradiation performance of rare earth and nanoparticle enhanced high temperature superconducting films based on YBCO

Abstract The new series of commercially produced high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes based on the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 (YBCO) structure have attracted renewed attention for their performance under applied magnetic fields without significant loss in supercurrent compared to the earlier generation of conductors. This adaptability is achieved through rare earth substitution and dopants resulting in the formation of nanoparticles and extended defects within the superconducting film matrix. The electrical performance of Zr-(Gd x ,Y 1 − x )Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 and (Y 1 − x ,Dy x )Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 coated conductor tapes were tested prior to and after neutron exposures between 6.54 × 10 17 and 7.00 × 10 18 n/cm 2 ( E > 0.1 MeV). Results showed a decrease in superconducting current with neutron irradiation for the range of fluences tested, with losses in the Zr-(Gd x ,Y 1 − x )Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 conductor being more rapid. Post-irradiation testing was limited to evaluation at 77 K and applied fields of up to 0.5 Tesla, and therefore testing at lower temperatures and higher applied fields may result in improved superconducting properties as shown in previous ion irradiation work. Under the conditions tested, the doped conductors showed a loss in critical current at fluences lower than that of undoped YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 tapes reported on in literature.
A Study of the Genus Nemobius. (Orthoptera: GryllidÆ).

The genus Nemobius is one of the largest of the family Gryllidae and has world-wide distribution. The most Comprehensive work on the American species of the genus is a revision by Hebard (1) which cleared up the synonymy and made it possible to identify the species with greater assurance. His classification based largely on the characters of the ovipositor, for few reliable male characters were known at that time.
Toward the Assessment of Blood Oxygenation Using Multispectral Multiple Scattering Low Coherence Interferometry

Oxygenation of hemolyzed blood was measured with multispectral multiple-scattering low coherence interferometry revealing a high correlation (r2=0.961) with gold-standard spectrophotometer measurements.
Race and Retention in a Competitive Labor Market: The Role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in NCAA Basketball

Between 1994 and 2013, Black head coaches of Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball programs were more likely to be terminated than their White counterparts, adjusting for performance and characteristics of the coach. Controlling for employment at a historically Black college or university, which accounts for approximately a quarter of the Black coaches in our sample, overturns this result. The findings highlight the importance of understanding institutional environments when assessing discrimination in labor market outcomes.
Insect Diets: Science and Technology, Second Edition

Dr. Allen Carson Cohen's new edition of Insect Diets: Science and Technology continues to provide a current, integrated review of the field of insect diets. It reaffirms and expands upon the belief that the science of diet development and the technology of diet application in rearing programs require formal foundations and guidelines. Cohen argues
Chromosomal Translocations in B Cell Lymphomas

B cell lymphomas represent a diverse group of biologically and clinically distinct neoplasms, encompassing over 40 subtypes that derive from the malignant transformation of mature B cells, most commonly at the germinal centre (GC) stage of differentiation. Analogous to most cancer types, these tumours are caused by alterations of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, some of which have specific roles in GC development. This chapter will focus on the mechanisms and consequences of chromosomal translocations and other genetic lesions involved in the pathogenesis of the most common types of mature B cell lymphomas, including Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, and Burkitt Lymphoma.
Statistical inference for familial disease models assuming exchangeability

Abstract Binary data often occur in epidemiology studies clustered by families. When an assumption of exchangeability of response is reasonable, the exchangeable multinomial distribution may be used to model binary and multinomial responses. Conditional probabilities of a new family member being diagnosed given family members previously diagnosed are derived. Applications are made to real familial disease data on IPF and ALS.
Nanoimprinted solar cells with large molecular weight P3HT nanogratings with enhanced molecular alignment

We demonstrate efficient polymer solar cells made from large molecular weight (MW) poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) nanostructures made by nanoimprint lithography (NIL). We found NIL allows the polymer with higher MW (> 40 kDa) to organize more strongly than lower MW, which is desired for efficient charge transport but difficult to achieve previously. Solar cells with large MW P3HT nanogratings show a high power conversion efficiency of 4.4%, which is among the best reported for the same materials.
Chirp signal detection using FFT peak frequency difference [Correspondence]

A new method was proposed for chirp signal detection and estimation built on the frame-based fast Fourier transform (FFT). The proposed method uses the peak frequency difference between FFT frames to detect a chirp signal and estimate chirp rate. This approach differs from conventional methods and is easy to implement. It generates more accurate chirp rate estimation especially under a low signal-to-noise ratio. Simulation and experimental data are used to verify the proposed methods.
Molecular mechanisms of platelet exocytosis: insights into the “secrete” life of thrombocytes

The critical role played by platelets in hemostasis, thrombosis, vascular remodeling, and healing is related to their function as exocytotic cells that secrete important effector molecules at the site of vascular injury. Recent insights into molecular mechanisms of secretion indicate that platelet
Chapter 19 - Infection

Imaging is useful in the diagnosis and management of infections of the central nervous system. Typically, imaging findings at the outset of the disease are subtle and nonspecific, but they often evolve to more definite imaging patterns in a few days, with less rapidity than for stroke but faster than for neoplastic lesions. This timing is similar to that of noninfectious inflammatory brain disease, such as multiple sclerosis. Fortunately, imaging patterns help to distinguish the two kinds of processes. Other than for sarcoidosis, the meninges are seldom involved in noninfectious inflammation; in contrast, many infectious processes involve the meninges, which then enhance with contrast on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, brain infection causes a vast array of imaging patterns. Although CT is useful when hemorrhage or calcification is suspected or bony detail needs to be determined, MRI is the imaging modality of choice in the investigation of intracranial infections. Imaging sequences such as diffusion-weighted imaging help in accurately depicting the location and characterizing pyogenic infections and are particularly useful in differentiating bacterial infections from other etiologies. Susceptibility-weighted imaging is extremely useful for the detection of hemorrhage. Although MR spectroscopy findings can frequently be nonspecific, certain conditions such as bacterial abscesses show a relatively specific spectral pattern and are useful in diagnosing and constituting immediate therapy. In this chapter we review first the imaging patterns associated with involvement of various brain structures, such as the epidural and subdural spaces, the meninges, the brain parenchyma, and the ventricles. Involvement of these regions is illustrated with bacterial infections. Next we illustrate the patterns associated with viral and prion diseases, followed by mycobacterial and fungal infections, to conclude with a review of imaging findings in parasitic infections.
Hypothesis tests with precedence probabilities and precedence-type tests

Precedence probabilities are important tools in a statistician's toolkit. Precedence probabilities can be defined as the probability of observing single samples from K populations in a particular order. Noting that there are K ! possible orders of K populations; these K ! parameters are a useful way to measure the effectiveness of a classifier (AUC/VUS/HUM). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve/surface/manifold, which can be generated by any classifier leads to calculation of the area under curve (AUC)/volume under surface (VUS)/hyper-volume under manifold (HUM) can be approximated by a single precedence probability and can be nonparametrically estimated via rank-based U-statistic. Precedence probabilities can also be used to test equality of K > 2 distribution functions. Hypothesis tests related to both these problems mentioned above are discussed. On the other hand, when we are interested in testing if the K distributions are stochastically ordered, we perform a precedence-type test. Different nonparametric tests are also discussed in relation to precedence-type tests. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Functional changes at the preferred retinal locus in subjects with bilateral central vision loss

Subjects with bilateral central vision loss (CVL) use a retinal region called the preferred retinal locus (PRL) for performing various visual tasks. We probed the fixation PRL in individuals with bilateral macular disease, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt disease (STGD), for localized sensitivity deficits. Three letter words at the critical print size were presented in the NIDEK MP-1 microperimeter to determine the fixation PRL and its radial retinal eccentricity from the residual fovea in 29 subjects with bilateral CVL. Fixation stability was defined as the median bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA) from 3 fixation assessments. A standard 10–2 grid (68 locations, 2° apart) was used to determine central retinal sensitivity for Goldmann size II test spots. Baseline and follow-up supra-threshold screening of the fixation PRL for localized sensitivity deficits was performed using high density (0.2° or 0.3° apart) 0 dB Goldmann size II test spots. Custom MATLAB code and a dual bootstrapping algorithm were used to register test-spot locations from the baseline and follow-up tests. Locations where the 0 dB test spots were not seen on either test were labeled as micro-scotomas (MSs). Median BCEA correlated poorly with the radial eccentricity of the fixation PRL. Mean (±SD) sensitivity around the PRL from 10–2 testing was 4.93 ± 4.73 dB. The average percentage of MSs was similar for patients with AMD (25.4%), STGD (20.3%), and other etiologies of CVL (27.1%). The fixation PRL in subjects with bilateral CVL frequently includes local regions of sensitivity loss.
Distributed economic model predictive control with Safeness-Index based constraints for nonlinear systems

Abstract In this work, sequential and iterative distributed economic model predictive control (DEMPC) architectures are developed with constraints based on a metric (termed the Safeness Index) that is indicative of the safeness of operating a process at a given state in state-space. The DEMPC’s may have lower computation times than a centralized economic model predictive control (EMPC) design with Safeness Index-based constraints, without significantly limiting closed-loop economic performance, which enhances their practicality and ability to improve process operational safety. Sufficient conditions are derived under which the implementation strategies for the DEMPC’s guarantee closed-loop stability.
Atrioesophageal Fistula: Considerations for the neurological clinician

Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare complication of cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation. It can present in many ways, but neurological signs and symptoms are common initial signs sometimes resulting in neurosurgeons and neurologists first evaluating patients with the condition. We present a case report of at 68-year-old female who presented with acute stroke symptoms and multifocal hemorrhages on MRI who was worked up through our neurosurgery department and diagnosed with AEF. This case highlights three clues to alert neurological clinicians to AEF as a possible diagnosis; clinical worsening of neurological symptoms in correlation to episodes of emesis, septic emboli on CT/MRI, and bacteremia caused by a gram positive oral or GI flora. If neurological clinicians encounter these red flags, an immediate CT of the chest and abdomen and consultation with cardiothoracic surgery may be life-saving.
Relaxation and imagery for symptom management: improving patient assessment and individualizing treatment.

Purpose/objectives To discuss and describe the role of relaxation and imagery in the care of patients with cancer, including suggestions for enhancing assessment and brief instructions for implementing basic interventions. Data synthesis Relaxation and imagery are commonly used to treat various side effects of cancer and its treatment. The nursing literature often has encouraged nurses to use relaxation and imagery to assist patients in managing pain, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. Frequently, the literature has presented these techniques as being simple, harmless interventions requiring little assessment, planning, or individualization. Conclusions Simplistic, generalized approaches may result in suboptimal treatment or deleterious responses. Implications for nursing practice Clinicians must assess and collaborate with patients in developing an appropriate strategy that fits the individual's preferences and beliefs.