cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specificity of SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time PCR Improved by Deep Learning Analysis.

Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) is widely used to diagnose human pathogens. RT-PCR data are traditionally analyzed by estimating the threshold cycle (CT ) at which the fluorescence signal produced by emission of a probe crosses a baseline level. Current models used to estimate the CT value are based on approximations that do not adequately account for the stochastic variations of the fluorescence signal that is detected during RT-PCR. Less common deviations become more apparent as the sample size increases, as is the case in the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In this work, we employ a method independent of CT value to interpret RT-PCR data. In this novel approach, we built and trained a deep learning model, qPCRdeepNet, to analyze the fluorescent readings obtained during RT-PCR. We describe how this model can be deployed as a quality assurance tool to monitor result interpretation in real time. The model's performance with the TaqPath COVID19 Combo Kit assay, widely used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, is described. This model can be applied broadly for the primary interpretation of RT-PCR assays and potentially replace the CT interpretive paradigm.
Case 10-2021: A 70-Year-Old Man with Depressed Mood, Unsteady Gait, and Urinary Incontinence

A Man with Depressed Mood, Unsteady Gait, and Urinary Incontinence A 70-year-old man with bipolar disorder was evaluated because of depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and gait disturbance. One mont...
EGR1 addiction in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Early growth response gene (EGR1) is a transcription factor known to be a downstream effector of B cell receptor signaling and Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) signaling in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). While EGR1 is characterized as a tumor suppressor in leukemia and multiple myeloma, the role of EGR1 in lymphoma is unknown. Here we demonstrate that EGR1 is a potential oncogene that promotes cell proliferation in DLBCL. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that EGR1 expression is elevated in DLBCL compared with normal lymphoid tissues and the level of EGR1 expression is higher in activated B-cell-like subtype (ABC) than germinal center B-cell-like subtype (GCB). EGR1 expression is required for the survival and proliferation of DLBCL cells. Genomic analyses demonstrated that EGR1 upregulates expression of MYC and E2F pathway genes through the CBP/p300/H3K27ac/BRD4 axis while repressing expression of the type I interferon pathway genes by interaction with the co-repressor NAB2. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of EGR1 synergizes with the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 or the type I interferon inducer lenalidomide in growth inhibition of ABC DLBCL both in cell cultures and xenograft mouse models. Therefore, targeting oncogenic EGR1 signaling represents a potential new targeted therapeutic strategy in DLBCL, especially for the more aggressive ABC DLBCL.
Abstract 627: The Smooth Muscle-selective RhoGAP Graf3 Is A Critical Regulator Of Vascular Tone And Hypertension

Our ability to effectively treat hypertensive patients is limited by an incomplete understanding of its origin. Activation of RhoA in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) has been implicated in the development of vasoconstrictor-induced hypertension (HTN), but until now, the extent that RhoA contributed to basal BP was unknown and the mechanisms that limit RhoA activity in SMC were undetermined. We identified GRAF3 as a RhoA-GAP expressed specifically in SMC in mice and humans and reported that our novel global GRAF3-deficient mice exhibit significant basal HTN (+ 25 mm Hg) that was fully reversed by treatment with a Rho-kinase inhibitor ( Nature Comm. 2013;4:2910 ). One objective of this new study was to test if elevated RhoA-dependent myogenic tone was causal for HTN in global GRAF3-deficient (GRAF3 gt/gt ) mice. Importantly, normal GRAF3 expression can be permanently restored by Cre recombinase-dependent excision in our model. Thus, we crossed the GRAF3 gt/gt mice to the tamoxifen-inducible SM-specific SM MHC- CreER T2 line and measured BP before and after tamoxifen treatment (1mg i.p. for 5 consecutive days). Tamoxifen induced SMC-GRAF3 re-expression and resulted in a complete reversal of MAP (from 123 mmHg to 95 mm Hg). Moreover, RhoA activity and myosin light chain phosphorylation were elevated 2-fold in GRAF3-depleted SMC in vitro and in vivo and isolated vessel segments from GRAF3-deficient mice showed a 2.5 fold increase in Rho kinase-dependent Ang II-induced contractility. Collectively, these findings provide unequivocal evidence that GRAF3 levels in SMC control basal BP homeostasis and that elevated BP in GRAF3 gt/gt mice is due to an enhanced, reversible, SMC contractile phenotype. A second objective was to determine whether GRAF3 variations are causally linked to cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients. We found a clear and significant increase in minor allele frequency of a hypertensive GRAF3 locus in patients with HTN and coronary artery disease versus healthy volunteers (0.19 versus 0.30; p
Total phase change entropies and enthalpies: An update on their estimation and applications to the estimations of amphiphillic fluorocarbon–hydrocarbon molecules

Abstract A group additivity method developed to estimate the total phase change entropies and enthalpies of organic solids is updated and the results are compared to the fusion entropies and enthalpies of 547 new measurements. The method is expanded to also include estimations for 58 fluorinated compounds whose liquid phase at the melting point does not behave isotropically. The uncertainties associated with the 547 new measurements, ±18.6 J mol −1 K −1 for entropies and ±7.4 kJ mol −1 for enthalpies, are similar in magnitude to those reported previously. Errors associated with estimations for the 58 fluorinated compounds are 16.7 J mol −1 K −1 and 5.5 kJ mol −1 , respectively.
Biological near-field microscopy.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the biological near-field microscopy. Optical microscopy is an invaluable tool in the life sciences. However, a significant constraint with this approach is that resolution is limited by diffraction to about one-half the wavelength of the light. The development of an alternative form of scanning probe microscopy, nearfield scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), in which subdiffraction optical resolution (∼50 nm) can be achieved, offers an alternative approach to the study of biological samples. The paucity of successful biological applications for NSOM has probably arisen because the original development of the technique was performed in the physical sciences. Samples in the physical sciences have characteristics different from those in the life sciences. Two alternative feedback methods are used for near-field microscopy applied to biological samples. In the first, the optical fiber also acts as a cantilever, and the optical lever approach of atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to detect contact between the tip and the sample. In the second method the optical fiber is repeatedly translated in the vertical axis to the surface of the cell while slowly raster scanning in the x and y axes.
MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OF ENGINE PRESSURE DATA

This paper provides a user oriented description of techniques for the measurement and analysis of engine cylinder pressures. These techniques were developed for piexoelectric transducers and for digital systems of data acquisition and analysis. Test cell procedures are described for transducer preparation and calibration, and for association of each pressure with its appropriate crank angle. Techniques are also described for evaluating the accuracy of pressure data and for eliminating specific errors. Two examples of uses for pressure data are discussed: the calculation of heat release rate in conventional engines, and the computation of internal flows in divided chamber engines. /GMRL/
Atmospheric Correction of AISA Measurements Over the Florida Keys Optically Shallow Waters: Challenges in Radiometric Calibration and Aerosol Selection

An Airborne Imaging Spectrometer for Applications (AISA) hyperspectral imager was deployed on a manned aircraft flown at 1305-m altitude to collect data over optically shallow waters in the Florida Keys with the ultimate goal of mapping water quality and benthic habitats. As a first step, we developed a practical atmospheric correction (AC) approach to derive surface remote-sensing reflectance ( ${{\bm{R}}_{{\bm{rs}}}}$ ) from AISA measurements using radiative transfer simulations and constraints obtained from field spectral ${{\bm{R}}_{{\bm{rs}}}}$ measurements. Unlike previously published method, the AC approach removes the surface Fresnel reflection and accounts for aircraft altitude and nonzero near-infrared (NIR) reflectance through iteration over the pre-established look-up tables (LUTs) based on MODTRAN calculations. Simulations and comparison with concurrent in situ ${{\bm{R}}_{{\bm{rs}}}}$ measurements show the feasibility of the approach in deriving surface ${{\bm{R}}_{{\bm{rs}}}}$ with acceptable uncertainties. The possibility of errors in the radiometric calibration of AISA is demonstrated, although a definitive assessment cannot be made due to lack of enough concurrent in situ measurements. The need for noise reduction and the difficulty in carrying out a vicarious calibration are also discussed to help advance the design of future AISA missions.
Virtual reality in MRI

There is a need for visualization. Surgeons have always been unhappy with the visualization available to them: restricted field of view, lack of contrast between target and surrounding tissues, and the inability to see beneath the surface. This has led to the introduction of every available imaging technique such as microscopy, plain X-rays, ultrasound and even CT. MRI has not yet entered the OR because of its complexity, both in terms of combining the MR environment with surgery and because of the costs involved. However, all the intraoperative imaging techniques, as well as the presentation of preoperatively-obtained images during surgery currently rely on simple image display methods. Only insignificant amounts of computerized image preprocessing techniques are available to the surgeon. The task of interpretation and integration of multiple image data sets during surgery (i.e. preoperative and intraoperative imaging information with view of surgical field) is left for the surgeon to perform in his mind. This is a very demanding task and would require support through an imaging specialist. >
4 Phylogeny of the dasycladales (ulvophyceae, chlorophyta) based on analyses of nuclear-encoded large subunit rDNA

The Dasycladales is an ancient order of tropical benthic marine green algae, unique in their radially arranged unicellular thalli and well-preserved fossil record due to extensive calcification of the thallus. The inference of an accurate phylogeny for the Dasycladales is important in order to better understand stratigraphy, character evolution, and classification. Previous analyses (rbcL and 18S rDNA) suggested that the Family Acetabulariaceae is monophyletic, but that the Family Dasycladaceae is a basal paraphyletic assemblage. However, the two data sets disagreed regarding genus- and species-level relationships within the Dasycladales. For example, the placement of the genera, Halicoryne, Bornetella and Cymopolia were incongruent. Given the conflicting results of these previous analyses, the current project examined a third highly conserved nuclear-encoded gene, 26S rDNA. Aligned 26S rDNA sequences were analyzed with parsimony and model-based methods and compared to previous results based on18S and rbcL sequences. Family-level relationships based on 26S rDNA were congruent with previous studies: the Acetabulariaceae is monophyletic while the Dasycladaceae is paraphyletic. In addition, acetabulariacean genera are not monophyletic, suggesting that the presence of a corona inferior or calcification of gametes may not be appropriate to define genera. Within the Dasycladaceae, the basal position of Cymopolia is supported by 26S rDNA, a result congruent with rbcL and stratigraphy but not with 18S data. These results will be discussed in the context of morphological character evolution, fossil stratigraphy and family, tribal and generic relationships among these living algal fossils. Supported in part by NSF grant DEB-0128977 to FWZ.
Blockadia Rising: Rowdy Greens, Direct Action and the Keystone XL Pipeline

TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline has encountered opposition from Indigenous peoples, landowners, and environmental activists across North America. Cropping up wherever extractive projects such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and tar sands expansion are found, Blockadia (Klein in This changes everything: Capitalism vs. the climate, Simon and Schuster, New York, 2014) is a roving, transnational conflict zone that has become host to the showdown between environmental activists and the fossil fuel industry. Utilizing increasingly confrontational direct action tactics such as marches, mass arrests, lockdowns and blockades, “rowdy greens” such as 350.org are seeking to address climate change by taking to the streets, while other groups such as Tars Sands Blockade take to the trees to obstruct oil sands infrastructure projects. With the battle over Keystone XL still undecided, President Obama is faced with a crucial decision: approve the pipeline and allow further state facilitation of corporate crime within the fossil fuel industry, or reject the project and reaffirm the vital role of mass social movements in creating change.
Functional characterization of the Cdc42p binding domain of yeast Ste20p protein kinase

Ste20p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae belongs to the Ste20p/p65PAK family of protein kinases which are highly conserved from yeast to man and regulate conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Ste20p fulfills multiple roles in pheromone signaling, morphological switching and vegetative growth and binds Cdc42p, a Rho-like small GTP binding protein required for polarized morphogenesis. We have analyzed the functional consequences of mutations that prevent binding of Cdc42p to Ste20p. The complete amino-terminal, non-catalytic half of Ste20p, including the conserved Cdc42p binding domain, was dispensable for heterotrimeric G-protein-mediated pheromone signaling. However, the Cdc42p binding domain was necessary for filamentous growth in response to nitrogen starvation and for an essential function that Ste20p shares with its isoform Cla4p during vegetative growth. Moreover, the Cdc42p binding domain was required for cell-cell adhesion during conjugation. Subcellular localization of wild-type and mutant Ste20p fused to green fluorescent protein showed that the Cdc42p binding domain is needed to direct localization of Ste20p to regions of polarized growth. These results suggest that Ste20p is regulated in different developmental pathways by different mechanisms which involve heterotrimeric and small GTP binding proteins.
The genetic control of the pituitary-gonadal axis in the platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus.

A sex-linked gene controls the age at which the gonadotropic zone of the pituitary gland develops and becomes physiologically active. The alleles for early (Pe) and late(Pl) differentiation are linked to pigment genes that serve as genetic markers. Pe may be marked by Sp, Dr, Sr, Ir and + and Pl by Br and N. Ir females (PePe) matured between 10 to 15 weeks of age and Br (PePl) females between 16 to 20 weeks. Dr (PePe) females had ripe ovaries six to eight weeks earlier than NDr (PePl) females (8 to 12 weeks versus 16 to 20 weeks). The average age of sexual maturation was 12.5 weeks for IrIr (PePe) males, 20 weeks for IrBr (PePl) and 26.5 weeks for BrBr (PlPl) males. DrSr (PePe) males reached maturity at 13.5 weeks and NSr (PePl) males at 27.5 weeks. The transformation of the anal fin into a gonopodium which is under androgenic control, takes longest in the late maturing fish (IrIr, 3.8 weeks; IrBr, 4.8; BrBr, 6.5; DrSr, 4.2; NSr, 6.4). Similarly, the rate of development of the gonadotropic zone and of the gonad is protracted in the late genotypes. Eventually, the gonadotropic zone of early and late maturing fish are indistinguishable. The Pl factor linked to N delays sexual maturity to a greater extent than the one linked to Br suggesting that not all Pl factors are identical and that important allelic interactions may exist. The growth rate of immature males and females is the same, however it declines sharply in males (but not females) at the time of sexual maturity. This leads to significant differences in adult size between male genotypes. Female genotypes do not exhibit size differences and eventually become larger than all males. The development of the gonadotropic zone precedes, and is essential for, complete gonadal maturation. In the absence of a functional gonadotropic zone, oocytes developed through the oil droplet stage and were surrounded by active follicle cells and a prominent zona pellucida. Spermatogenesis proceeded up to the spermatocyte stage and the cells lining the efferent ducts displayed a modicum of activity. Some of our data suggest that low levels of androgens are present in all males as early as five weeks of age prior to the development of gonadotrops. The genes regulating the development of the pituitary-gonadal axis may be an important factor in explaining the evolution of poeciliid fish.
A Comprehensive View of Parental Satisfaction With Pediatric Emergency Department Visits

Study objective We develop a comprehensive view of aspects of care associated with parental satisfaction with pediatric emergency department (ED) visits, using both quantitative and qualitative data. Methods This was a retrospective observational study using data from an institution-wide system to measure patient satisfaction. For this study, 2,442 parents who brought their child to the ED were interviewed with telephone survey methods. The survey included closed-ended (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative data) questions, in addition to a cognitive interview–style question. Results Overall parental satisfaction was best predicted by how well physicians and nurses work together, followed by wait time and pain management. Issues concerning timeliness of care, perceived quality of medical care, and communication were raised repeatedly by parents in response to open-ended questions. A cognitive interview–style question showed that physicians and nurses sharing information with each other, parents receiving consistent and detailed explanations of their child's diagnosis and treatments, and not having to answer the same question repeatedly informed parent perceptions of physicians and nurses working well together. Staff showing courtesy and respect through compassion and caring words and behaviors and paying attention to nonmedical needs are other potential satisfiers with emergency care. Conclusion Using qualitative data to augment and clarify quantitative data from patient experience of care surveys is essential to obtaining a complete picture of aspects of emergency care important to parents and can help inform quality improvement work aimed at improving satisfaction with care.
Effects of excess manganese on mineral uptake in mycorrhizal sorghum

Abstract Associations between vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and manganese (Mn) nutrition/toxicity are not clear. This study was conducted to determine the effects of excess levels of Mn on mineral nutrient uptake in shoots and roots of mycorrhizal (+VAM) and nonmycorrhizal (‐VAM) sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench, cv. NB9040]. Plants colonized with and without two VAM isolates [Glomus intraradices UT143–2 (UT143) and Gl. etunicatum UT316A‐2 (UT316)] were grown in sand irrigated with nutrient solution at pH 4.8 containing 0, 270, 540, and 1080 μM of added Mn (as manganese chloride) above the basal solution (18 μM). Shoot and root dry matter followed the sequence of UT316 > UT143 > ‐VAM, and shoots had greater differences than roots. Shoot and root concentrations and contents of Mn, phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were determined. The +VAM plants generally had higher mineral nutrient concentrations and contents t...
Immunohistochemical localization of metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR1a and mGluR2/3 in the rat basal ganglia

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), which couple glutamate to second messengers, have important roles in the regulation of movement by the basal ganglia. We used two polyclonal antisera to mGluR1a and mGluR2/3 and confocal laser microscopy to investigate the localization of these receptors in the basal ganglia of the rat. The mGluRs were visualized in combination with an antibody to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an antibody to microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2, a dendritic marker), or SV2 (an antibody to a protein associated with presynaptic terminals). In the neostriatum, punctate mGluR1a immunoreactivity (ir) was present in the neuropil. This staining did not colocalize with MAP2-ir or SV2-ir and was not altered by decortication or unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions. In the globus pallidus and substantia nigra pars reticulata, however, mGluR1a-ir was tightly clustered along large MAP2-ir dendrites. In contrast to the variations in mGluR1a-ir staining, similar punctate neuropil mGluR2/3-ir staining was observed within all basal ganglia structures. In the neostriatum, these puncta were abundant; unlike mGluR1a, many mGluR2/3-ir puncta colocalized with SV2-ir, and striatal mGluR2/3-ir puncta were markedly reduced in number after decortication. Neither mGluR1a-ir nor mGluR2/3-ir could be detected in TH-ir soma within substantia nigra pars compacta, or in TH-ir striatal terminals. Overall, our observations suggest that mGluR1a and mGluR2/3 receptors have distinct cellular localizations in different components of the basal ganglia circuitry and are likely to subserve distinct functions. Our data support the presence of mGluR2/3 on the terminals of corticostriatal afferents, where they may regulate glutamate release. In contrast, mGluR1a appears to be a postsynaptic receptor of neurons in the neostriatum, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra pars reticulata.
A New Genus and New Combinations in Australian Villarsia (Menyanthaceae)

Menyanthaceae species in Australia formerly belonging to the genus Villarsia Ventenat, which morphological and molecular data have shown to be paraphyletic, are provided with new combinations in Liparophyllum Hooker f. and the novel genus Ornduffia Tippery & Les: L. capitatum (Nees ex Lehmann) Tippery & Les; L. congestiflorum (F. Mueller) Tippery & Les, lectotypified here; L. exaltatum (Solander ex Sims) Tippery & Les; L. exiguum (F. Mueller) Tippery & Les; L. lasiospermum (F. Mueller) Tippery & Les, lectotypified here; L. latifolium (Bentham) Tippery & Les; L. violifolium (F. Mueller) Tippery & Les, lectotypified here; O. albiflora (F. Mueller) Tippery & Les, lectotypified here; O. calthifolia (F. Mueller) Tippery & Les, lectotypified here; O. marchantii (Ornduff) Tippery & Les; O. parnassifolia (Labillardiere) Tippery & Les; O. reniformis (R. Brown) Tippery & Les; O. submersa (Aston) Tippery & Les; and O. umbricola (Aston) Tippery & Les.
Design and Optimization of a Five-Finger Haptic Glove Mechanism

This paper describes the design and optimization of a novel five-finger haptic glove mechanism, which uses a worm-geared motor and an antagonistically routed cable mechanism at each finger as both active and passive force display actuators. Existing haptic gloves either restrict the natural motion and maximum output force of the hand or are bulky and heavy. In order to tackle these challenges, the five-finger haptic glove is designed to minimize the size and weight and maximize the workspace and force output range of the glove. The glove is a wireless and self-contained mechatronic system that mounts over the dorsum of a bare hand and provides haptic force feedback to each finger. This paper describes the mechatronic design of the glove and the method to optimize the link length with the purpose of enhancing workspace and the force transmission ratio. Simulation and experimental results are reported, showing the future potential of the proposed system in haptic applications and rehabilitation therapy.
3-Dimensional current distribution in the nozzle of an MHD channel

Abstract The nozzle has been idealized by retaining only its salient feature, the accelerated motion of the fluid. Analytical solutions of the current distributions have been obtained and plotted. High current concentrations can be avoided by allowing a net current flow through an appropriate electrical connection to the nozzle and by minimizing the turbulence in the fluid flow.
Design and reality: Continuous-flow accelerator mass spectrometry (CFAMS)

Abstract In 2007 we published [1] the design of a novel accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) system capable of analyzing gaseous samples injected continuously into a microwave plasma gas ion source. Obvious advantages of such a system are drastically reduced processing times and avoidance of potentially contaminating chemical preparation steps. Another paper in these proceedings will present the progress with the development of the microwave gas ion source that has since been built and tested at the National Ocean Sciences AMS Facility in Woods Hole [2] . In this paper we will review the original design and present updates, reflecting our recent encouraging experience with the system. A simple summary: large acceptance ion beam optics design is beneficial to accelerator mass spectrometry in general, but essential to AMS with plasma gas ion sources.
Mn(II) binding by the anthracis repressor from Bacillus anthracis.

The anthracis repressor (AntR) is a manganese-activated transcriptional regulator from Bacillus anthracis and is a member of the diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR) family of proteins. In this paper, we characterize the Mn(II) binding and protein dimerization state using a combination of continuous wave (cw) and pulsed EPR methods. Equilibrium metal binding experiments showed that AntR binds 2 equivalents of Mn(II) with positive cooperativity and apparent dissociation constants of 210 and 16.6 μM. AntR showed sub-millisecond Mn(II) on-rates as measured using stopped-flow EPR. The kinetics of Mn(II) dissociation, measured by displacement with Zn(II), was biphasic with rate constants of 35.7 and 0.115 s-1. Variable-temperature parallel and perpendicular mode cw EPR spectra showed no evidence of a spin-exchange interaction, suggesting that the two Mn(II) ions are not forming a binuclear cluster. Finally, size exclusion chromatography and double electron−electron resonance EPR demonstrated that AntR forms a dim...
Duodenal Adenocarcinoma: Clinicopathologic Analysis and Implications for Treatment

Background Duodenal adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer usually studied as a group with periampullary or small bowel adenocarcinoma; therefore, its natural history is poorly understood.
Liberalization and rent-seeking in China’s labor market

Communist Party membership can generate labor market benefits in at least two ways. First, the Party may hand out direct benefits to favored groups in the form of higher earnings. Alternatively, the Party may function in much the same way as education in Western countries, screening workers for talent and motivation. We find very little evidence of earnings premiums to Party membership or to cadre status prior to Chinese market liberalization. With liberalization comes less emphasis on being “red” and a greater capacity to earn wages that reflect ability, both observed through schooling and identified by the Party. We find that Party premiums are inversely related to education. Modest premiums to cadre status appear in 1995.
THE POLLS—A ReportPUBLIC OPINION ABOUT UNITED STATES INTERVENTION IN EL SALVADOR AND NICARAGUA

Since the start of the Reagan administration, the national media and polls have devoted substantial attention to United States involvement in Central America. In the early 1980s polling questions focused on opinion about the conflict in El Salvador between opposition forces and the government. In the middle 1980s the focus turned to Nicaragua and questions about support for or opposition to aid for the contras opposing the Sandinista government. A review of the polls indicates that most people in the U.S. are aware but not very knowledgeable or intensely concerned about these situations in Central America. And, though perceiving communism as a threat in Central America, most Americans oppose U.S. intervention there.
A novel approach to stabilize contact resistance of electrically conductive adhesives on lead-free alloy surfaces

Electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) is an alternative for the toxic lead-based solders. However, unstable electrical conductivity has long been a haunting problem. Galvanic corrosion at the ECA/pad interface has recently been found to be the major mechanism for this decay. Applying a more active metal or alloy on a dissimilar metal couple in contact can prohibit galvanic corrosion. In this study, powders of aluminum, magnesium, zinc, and two aluminum alloys were added in an ECA and applied on five pad surfaces. The aging of the bulk resistivity and contact resistance of the ECA/metal surface pairs were studied. The two alloys significantly suppressed the increase of the contact resistance on all tested metal surfaces.
Litigation against the emergency physician: Common features in cases of missed myocardial infarction

Adverse outcome data from two insurance companies were retrospectively studied to determine whether a constellation of clinical circumstances, data-gathering behaviors, or physician variables were common to cases of missed acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and, if so, to formulate quality assurance recommendations to decrease future occurrences of misdiagnosis. We studied AMI because missing this diagnosis accounts for the highest dollar losses in emergency department malpractice cases. Our study group consisted of 65 patients with undiagnosed AMI seen in EDs between 1982 and 1986. Univariate differences between undiagnosed cases and correctly diagnosed concurrent controls were analyzed using Student's t test and χ 2 analysis. Insurance losses for our cases averaged $113,806 ± $178,330 (SD). Compared with concurrent controls, study patients were significantly younger, presented more atypically, and had fewer ECGs that were diagnostic of AMI. Undiagnosed patients were evaluated by physicians who documented less detailed histories, misread more ECGs, had less ED experience, and admitted fewer patients to the hospital. Preventive strategies are outlined.
Techinal Note: Estimating Parameters of Nonlinear Segmented Models

The objective of this technical note is to develop an applied technique to estimate parameters using the Statistical Analysis System's nonlinear procedure (SAS PROC NLIN) for segmented models that have a change point or lag as one of the parameters. The goal is to select good starting values for the parameters near the global minimum or at least near a lower local minimum compared with what might be achieved using traditional starting values. The model used was f1 (t) = B1 + B4 if t B3, where B1, B2, B3, and B4 are the parameters that require estimates, B3 is the change point or lag, and t = time. This technical note illustrates the solution when a traditional grid search for starting values is used and demonstrates a modified technique where starting values are systemically determined by fixing B3 over a range of reasonable values and then using the parameters from the solution with the lowest residual sums of squares as the starting values for the final solution. The modified method resulted in a lower square root of mean square error compared with the traditional method. The estimates for B3 (lag) were 3.5 for the modified method compared with 4.5 for the traditional method. This technique works well when using the SAS PROC NLIN procedure but can be modified to work with other statistical packages.
Cellular Mechanisms of Tissue Fibrosis. 7. New insights into the cellular mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease characterized by severe and progressive scar formation in the gas-exchange regions of the lung. Despite years of research, therapeutic treatments remain elusive and there is a pressing need for deeper mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. In this article, we review our current knowledge of the triggers and/or perpetuators of pulmonary fibrosis with special emphasis on the alveolar epithelium and the underlying mesenchyme. In doing so, we raise a number of questions highlighting critical voids and limitations in our current understanding and study of this disease.
Cosmic ray background effects on the neutron intercepting silicon chip (NISC)

Abstract Cosmic rays are mainly composed of galactic and solar particles. Galactic particles have enormous energies and interact in the atmosphere causing cascades of secondary particles, which can travel through the atmosphere and reach sea level. The origin of the cosmic terrestrial neutrons is galactic particles and these neutrons contribute almost 97% of the cosmic rays at sea level. Solar particles originate from the sun and have less energy compared to galactic particles. Almost all the solar particles are absorbed in the atmosphere before reaching sea level. The solar particle flux depends on the 11-year solar cycle and varies by multiple orders of magnitude between these cycles. In this study, cosmic ray induced soft errors in the neutron intercepting silicon chip (NISC) are investigated via the NISC Soft Error Analysis Tool (NISCSAT), which uses Geant4 as the transport and tracking engine. The NISC is a new unconventional neutron monitoring/detection system, designed to enhance the soft error occurrences in the semiconductor memories by introducing 10B-enriched regions in the memory node structure. The main driving force comes from the reaction products of 10B (n,α) 7Li reaction because both α and 7Li particles can induce soft errors in the memory. Since the 10B (n,α) 7Li reaction strictly depends on the incoming neutron energy and has a high cross-section at the thermal neutron energies, effects of the background cosmic thermal neutrons on the NISC are investigated in this study.
Somatic crossing-over in glycine max (L.) merrill: Activation of dimethyl nitrosoamine by plant seed and comparison with methyl nitrosourea in inducing somatic mosaicism

The soybean system used for detecting environmental mutagens is analyzed for various types of spots on the leaves of heterozygous y11y11 plants and homozygous y11y11's induced by a nitrosoamine (dimethyl nitrosoamine, DMN) and a nitrosoamide (methyl nitrosourea, MNU). It is shown that the nitrosoamine can be "activated" by the seed (is converted to a true mutagen) without the addition of NADPH or S-9 fraction of the liver homogenate as is necessary in animal tissue culture or bacterial studies. Whereas somatic mosaicism in soybean can be induced with a dose as low as 1.25 ppm of DMN, the upper limit in spot production is reached at around 60 ppm concentration, applied for 0--24 h. Such saturation effect may be due to a limited amount of DMN being converted to true mutagen. MNU, on the other hand, does not show such limitations, perhaps because of its property of being a direct mutagen not necessitating an intermediate step required for converting the promutagen DMN. The frequency of twin spots on Y11y11 leaves increases only slightly by either DMN or MNU, suggesting only a small increase in somatic crossing-over induced by the two chemicals. The yellow spots increase the most, perhaps due to segmental losses carrying Y11 or non-complementary segregation of exchanges involving non-homologous chromosomes. Neither chemical is found capable of mutating y11 to Y11 as seen by the general lack of light green sectors on y11Y11 plants. Usefulness of the soybean system in studying mutagenesis is briefly discussed.
Dynamics of photothermal surface expansion and diffusivity using laser-induced holographic gratings

The transient thermal expansion of a GaAs surface was measured directly using a two color reflection transient grating technique. Isolation of the expansion signal requires the selection of wavelengths which pump and probe different regions of the absorption bands in the sample. The surface thermal diffusivity was also determined to be equivalent to the bulk value above 50 K. Below 50 K, D/sub s/ was determined to be up to an order of magnitude slower than the bulk diffusivity due to increased phonon boundary scattering. It is demonstrated that the expansion signal perpendicular to the surface can be modeled with moderate success using a straightforward one-dimensional analytic theory. The work reported is restricted to expansion perpendicular to the surface, validating the applicability of this technique for measuring the perpendicular expansion signal and surface diffusivity. However, the true power of the reflection transient grating technique lies in its ability to measure phenomena in and out of the plane of the surface simultaneously by varying the fringe spacing of the grating. >
Process writing for high‐risk and learning disabled students

Abstract Current research is challenging traditional writing instruction, which concentrates on mechanical skills, and is examining the process approach to writing instruction. This article discusses the major elements of process instruction and the positive influence they have on learning disabled and inner‐city high risk students. Because process writing seems to enhance active learning, a trait generally absent in learning disabled children, the author contends that such a writing program might serve as a preventative measure for children likely to be categorized as learning disabled in the future.
Gap junctional conductance is a simple and sensitive function of intracellular pH

The pH of the cytoplasm (pHt) measured with pH-sensitive microelectrodes in cleavage-stage blastomeres of amphibian (Ambystoma) and teleost (Fundulus) embryos is about 7.7. In electrotonically coupled cell pairs, junctional conductance is rapidly and reversibly reduced by acidification of the cytoplasm. The relation between junctional conductance and pHi is the same for increasing and decreasing pH and is independent of the rate of change over a wide range. The relation is well fitted by a Hill curve with K = 50 nM (pK = 7.3) and n = 4 to 5. The closure of gap junction channels at low pHi appears to be a cooperative process involving several charged sites. The absence of hysteresis and identity of effects for fast and slow pHi changes implies that protons act directly on the channel macromolecules and not through an intermediate in the cytoplasm.
The challenge of large facial hamartomas and other benign conditions of the head and neck.

Large facial hamartomas (including large hemangiomas or arteriovenous malformations, lymphangiomas, and neurofibromas) may constitute a formidable therapeutic challenge, as may other large and deforming nonmalignant conditions of the head and neck. This report deals with 10 such cases selected from the authors’ experience to illustrate the varied and flexible approaches required. These included five instances of either a large hemangioma or arteriovenous malformation; invasive lymphangioma of the face in two children; and unusually advanced fibrous dysplasia, a highly vascular plexiform neuroma, and an extensive desmoid tumor of the neck. The degree of success in treatment varied considerably from patient to patient, although some improvement was achieved in all.
Numerical solution of laminar flow past a sphere with surface mass transfer

The equations governing laminar flow past a sphere with surface mass transfer were solved numerically for low to moderate Reynolds numbers. The Reynolds number range considered was between 1 and 130. For mass transfer the Schmidt number was set equal to 1. Results of the calculations presented here include wake lengths, angles of separation, drag coefficients, and average Sherwood numbers. These predictions compare well with published experimental observations and other numerical results.
The changing standard of care in Parkinson's disease Current concepts and controversies

The treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains in the forefront of clinical neurology because of the constantly evolving symptomatic treatments available (several new drugs are being launched this year) and the controversies that have emerged from new therapeutic concepts such as"neuroprotection" and "restorative" treatments. PD is a model for neurodegeneration in general; as such, it is hoped that the treatment of this disease will provide insight on how the disabilities associated with other common disorders might ultimately be limited. PD is revisited in this Neurology supplement because of the availability of several new drugs for PD treatment and because of the many issues raised in determining the role of new and old drugs alike in …
Telemedicine in the future

Telemedicine can provide a compelling alternative to conventional acute, chronic and preventive care, and can improve clinical outcomes. In the industrialized world, it is likely that telemedicine will continue to move healthcare delivery from the hospital or clinic into the home. In the developing world or in regions with limited infrastructure, telemedicine will mainly be used in applications that link providers based at health centres, referral hospitals and tertiary centres. The future of telemedicine will depend on: (1) human factors, (2) economics and (3) technology. Behaviours related to technology affect change at the individual, organizational and societal level. Personnel shortages and decreasing third-party reimbursement are significant drivers of technology-enabled health care in the industrialized world, particularly in the areas of home care and self-care. We can safely assume that developments in mobile communications, sensor devices and nanotechnology will alter the way that health care is delivered in the future. The growth and integration of information and communication technologies into health-care delivery holds great potential for patients, providers and payers in health systems of the future. Perhaps the most difficult question to answer, however, is 'When will telemedicine become part of the standard of care?'
Modelling deformation of partially melted rock using a poroviscoelastic rheology with dynamic power law viscosity

Abstract A poroviscoelastic constitutive model is developed and used to study coupled rock deformation and fluid flow. The model allows the relaxation of both shear and symmetric components of the effective stress. Experimental results are usually interpreted in terms of the power law viscous material. However, in this work the effect of strain damage on viscosity is considered by treating the viscosity as a dynamic time-dependent parameter that varies proportionally to the second invariant of the strain rate. Healing is also taken into account so that the dynamic power law viscosity has a constant asymptotic at a given strain rate. The theoretical model is implemented in a finite element (FE) formulation that couples fluid flow and mechanical equilibrium equations. The FE method is applied to numerically study the triaxial compression of partially melted rocks at elevated PT conditions. It is found that the numerically calculated stress–strain curves demonstrate maxima similar to those observed in laboratory experiments. Also, the computed pattern of melt redistribution and strain localization at the contact between the rock sample and a stiff spacer is qualitatively similar to the experimental observations. The results also indicate that the matrix sensitivity to damage affects the scale of strain localization and melt redistribution.
Son of seminumerical algorithms

During the last fifteen months or so, I have been preparing the second edition of my book, Seminumerical Algorithms (The Art of Computer Programming, vol. 2, published by Addison-Wesley), and Prof. Loos has kindly suggested that the readers of SIGSAM Bulletin may want to know something about this new version.
Immunotherapy of melanoma: a critical review of current concepts and future strategies

Advanced melanoma is a devastating disease with a very poor overall prognosis. There are only two agents that are approved by the FDA for use in patients with metastatic melanoma: dacarbazine and IL-2. Both agents have an overall response rate well below 20%, with only rare long-term responders noted. Metastatic melanoma is known to be one of the most resistant cancers to a plethora of treatment modalities, such as single-agent and combination chemotherapy, chemoimmunotherapy and immunotherapy with a host of immune stimulators. Indeed, researchers worldwide have recognized the lack of effective therapies and have refocused their efforts on developing novel and cutting-edge strategies of treatment. This is based on an improved understanding of the complex interactions that occur within the tumor microenvironment, and the central role that the host immune system plays in the surveillance of cancer. This review summarizes the recent results of novel immunotherapeutic regimens and focuses on cutting-edge modalities of treatment that encompass new lines of thinking in the war against cancer and, in particular, melanoma.
Antagonism of Human Adiponectin Receptors and Their Membrane Progesterone Receptor Paralogs by TNFα and a Ceramidase Inhibitor

The progestin and AdipoQ receptor (PAQR) family of proteins comprises three distinct structural classes, each with seemingly different agonist specificities. For example, Class I receptors, like the human adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2), sense proteins with a particular three-dimensional fold, while Class II receptors are nonclassical membrane receptors for the steroid hormone progesterone. Using a previously developed heterologous expression system to study PAQR receptor activity, we demonstrate that human PAQRs from all three classes are antagonized by both 1(S),2(R)-d-erythro-2-(N-myristoylamino)-1-phenyl-1-propanol, a ceramidase inhibitor, and TNFalpha, a homologue of adiponectin that functions antagonistically to both adiponectin and progesterone in human cells.
Simple prediction method for location of vortex breakdown on delta wings

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A multiband antenna with MIMO implementation for USB dongle size wireless devices

A compact multiband antenna is proposed for future 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless devices of USB dongle. The antenna covers LTE band-3 (1710–1880 MHz)/DCS1800 and LTE band-7 (2500–2690 MHZ based on S11 = −6 dB matching criterion. Next the multiple-input-multiple-output configuration of this antenna is investigated. Prototype antennas were fabricated and experimentally verified. Both measured and simulated results are presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1990–1994, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26967