cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric flow field flow fractionation for the characterization of globule size distribution in complex formulations: A cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion case.

Abstract Commonly used characterization techniques such as cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and batch-mode dynamic light scattering (DLS) are either time consuming or unable to offer high resolution to discern the poly-dispersity of complex drug products like cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsions. Here, a size-based separation and characterization method for globule size distribution using an asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4) is reported for comparative assessment of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion drug products (model formulation) with a wide size span and poly-dispersity. Cyclosporine emulsion formulations that are qualitatively (Q1) and quantitatively (Q2) the same as Restasis® were prepared in house with varying manufacturing processes and analyzed using the optimized AF4 method. Based on our results, the commercially available cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion has a globule size span from 30 nm to a few hundred nanometers with majority smaller than 100 nm. The results with in-house formulations demonstrated the sensitivity of AF4 in determining the differences in the globule size distribution caused by the changes to the manufacturing process. It is concluded that the optimized AF4 is a potential analytical technique for comprehensive understanding of the microstructure and assessment of complex emulsion drug products with high poly-dispersity.
From DESI to the MasSpec Pen: Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Tissue Analysis and Intrasurgical Cancer Diagnosis.

With the increasing prevalence of cancer, there is strong motivation to accurately assess and diagnose tissue during cancer surgery. Assessment of the negative margin for the maximum possible tumor excision is critical for achieving remission and improving overall patient survival. To that end, the MasSpec Pen is the latest iteration of ambient ionization mass spectrometry (MS)3 for the purposes of tissue diagnosis that allows direct, real-time tissue sampling and molecular analysis (1). This development occurs at a time when molecular analysis is rapidly emerging as an important aspect of cancer tissue diagnosis and substantial efforts are made to develop technology that is automated, biocompatible, nondestructive, handheld, and available at the bedside. While the gold standard for cancer diagnosis continues to be histopathology augmented by immunohistochemistry, molecular analysis holds great promise for several reasons: ( a ) small molecules provide information on the phenotype that may be unavailable from examination of the genotype; ( b ) complex and dynamic interactions between biomolecules influence biological functions and so signify the health state of an entity; and ( c ) rapid and accurate pattern recognition of tissue types is possible with multiple spectroscopic/spectrometric methods. With pathology providing a gold standard reference, it has become clear that both MS and Raman spectroscopy have potential value for cancer diagnostics. A minimum requirement for surgical relevance is that a technique provides reliable molecular data very rapidly while using unprocessed samples. Ambient ionization MS is a suite of methods that does exactly that, allowing chemical information to be obtained for a variety of analytes at atmospheric pressure, thereby eliminating the usual requirement for ionization to be performed under suction or for prior sample purification and pretreatment. The first tissue measurements completed with ambient ionization, reported in 2005, were based on phospholipid distributions, and they served to demarcate tissue type and disease state. …
Motion of Rigid Bodies in Fluids

Consider in some vessel, V, a linearly viscous isotropic incompressible fluid. The fluid occupies the entire vessel and contains a rigid body which can move in the fluid (Fig. 13.1). At some instant, the body occupies a region B and has a translational velocity, u i
Social Deficits of Children with Internalizing Disorders

Two broad dimensions of childhood psychopathology have been identified: internalizing and externalizing disorders (Achenbach, 1982; Quay, 1979). Internalizing problems include anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal, whereas externalizing difficulties include conduct problems and hyperactivity. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd ed. rev. (DSM-III-R: American Psychiatric Association, 1987) presents several diagnostic categories corresponding to the internalizing dimension that can be applied to children. Primary among these are Separation Anxiety Disorder, Overanxious Disorder, Avoidant Disorder, Major Depression, and Dysthymic Disorder. Although a large body of research exists on externalizing disorders, children with internalizing disorders have been studied only recently.
A Priori Independence for Deep Generative Models

Deep Generative Models are powerful learning tools that utilize an autoencoder structure for generating data and inferring latent variables. The most basic version has a single latent variable that encodes the training data in an unsupervised manner, and the extension to semi-supervised learning combines a latent class label with a continuous latent variable whose purpose is to provide the variations in the data that are not caused by the class label. The structure of the two-variable generative model should imply that both the class label and the continuous variable are free parameters that can be chosen to generate data, that is, the two are a priori independent. However, we show that this is the case only for certain data sets. We propose two objective functions for guiding the variables to be a priori independent, we use a novel training procedure to optimize the objectives, and we show experimentally that the objectives successfully produce the desired independence. We perform all of our experiments on the multi-labeled NORB dataset.
The genetic variants in interleukin locus at 1q32.1 as markers of melanoma survival.

9094 Background: Interleukins play a critical role in immune regulation of tumor development. Because melanoma is a highly immunogenic cancer, and its progression often correlates with immune-relat...
Machine Learning for Sociology

Machine learning is a field at the intersection of statistics and computer science that uses algorithms to extract information and knowledge from data. Its applications increasingly find their way ...
TNFα and Reactive Oxygen Signaling in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Hypertension and Atherosclerosis.

Hypertension and atherosclerosis, the predecessors of stroke and myocardial infarction, are chronic vascular inflammatory reactions. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), the "master" pro-inflammatory cytokine, contributes to both the initiation and maintenance of vascular inflammation. TNFα induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which drives the redox reactions that constitute "ROS signaling". However, these ROS may also cause oxidative stress which contributes to vascular dysfunction. Mice lacking TNFα or its receptors are protected against both acute and chronic cardiovascular injury. Humans suffering from TNFα-driven inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis are at increased cardiovascular risk. When treated with highly specific biologic agents that target TNFα signaling (Etanercept etc.) they display marked reductions in that risk1. The ability of TNFα to induce endothelial dysfunction, often the first step in a progression towards serious vasculopathy, is well recognized and has been reviewed elsewhere2,3. However, TNFα also has profound effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) including a fundamental change from a contractile to a secretory phenotype. This "phenotypic switching" promotes proliferation and production of extracellar matrix proteins which are associated with medial hypertrophy. Additionally, it promotes lipid storage and enhanced motility, changes that support the contribution of VSMCs to neointima and atherosclerotic plaque formation. This review focuses on the role of TNFα in driving the inflammatory changes in VSMC biology that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Special attention is given to the mechanisms by which TNFα promotes ROS production at specific subcellular locations, and the contribution of these ROS to TNFα signaling.
Presurgical detection of brain invasion status in meningiomas based on first-order histogram based texture analysis of contrast enhanced imaging.

Abstract Objective Invasion of brain parenchyma by meningioma can be a critical factor in surgical planning. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of first-order texture parameters derived from both whole tumor and single largest slice of T1-contrast enhanced (T1-CE) images in differentiating meningiomas with and without brain invasion based on histopathology demonstration. Methods T1-CE images of a total of 56 cases of grade II meningiomas with brain invasion (BI) and 52 meningiomas (37 grade I and 15 grade II) with no brain invasion (NBI) were analyzed. Filtration-based first-order histogram derived texture parameters were calculated both for whole tumor volume and largest axial cross-section. Random forest models were constructed both for whole tumor volume and largest axial cross-section individually and were assessed using a 5-fold cross validation with 100 repeats. Results In detection of brain invasion, random forest model based on whole tumor segmentation had an AUC of 0.988 (95 % CI 0.976–1.00) with a cross validated value of 0.74 (95 % CI 0.45-0.96). For differentiation of grade I meningiomas from grade II meningiomas with brain invasion, the AUC was 0.999 (95 % CI 0.995–1.00) and 0.81 (95 % CI 0.61-0.99) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Similarly, when using only the single largest slice, the cross-validated AUC to distinguish BI versus NBI and BI versus grade I meningiomas was 0.67 (95 % CI 0.47, 0.92 and 0.78 (95 % CI 0.52, 0.95) respectively. Conclusion Radiomics based feature analysis applied on routine MRI post-contrast images may be helpful to predict presence of brain invasion in meningioma, possibly with better performance when comparing BI versus grade I meningiomas.
Impact of Uterine Sliding Sign in Routine United States Ultrasound Practice.

Objectives The study aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the uterine sliding sign in predicting deeply infiltrating endometriosis in the setting of non-physician sonographers performing but not interpreting the maneuver. The impact of uterine sliding sign has not been previously demonstrated in this practice setting. Methods Physicians' remote interpretations of transvaginal ultrasound examinations in 2016, before uterine sliding sign, were compared to examinations in 2019 after addition of uterine sliding sign to determine the diagnostic rates. Surgical and histopathological results were reviewed to determine sensitivity and specificity of the respective exam techniques. Results Two hundred eighty-five transvaginal ultrasounds were performed in 2016 and 390 sliding sign ultrasounds in 2019. The number of deeply infiltrating endometriosis cases identified increased significantly from 2% to 6% during the study period (chi-square, Fisher's exact test p = .012). The sensitivity and specificity of routine pelvic sonography for detecting deeply infiltrating endometriosis improved from 36%/94% to 68%/98%. Conclusions Uterine sliding sign videos should be included in the standard sonographic protocol for patients presenting with chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis history, or sonographic evidence of endometriosis in the setting of physicians interpreting sonographic images obtained by non-physicians.
Cryopreservation of Ovarian Tissue for Pediatric Fertility.

Intensive treatments necessary to treat some childhood malignancies and other conditions, as well as certain anatomic variations, may lead to infertility in adulthood. Until recently, no fertility ...
Changes in brain functional and effective connectivity after treatment for breast cancer and implications for intervention targets

Background: Patients with breast cancer frequently report cognitive impairment both during and after completion of therapy. Evidence suggests that cancer-related cognitive impairments are related t...
Multi-disciplinary management of patients with benign airway strictures: A review.

Abstract Histologically benign airway strictures are frequently misdiagnosed as asthma or COPD and may present with severe symptoms including respiratory failure. A clear understanding of pathophysiology and existing classification systems is needed to determine the appropriate treatment options and predict clinical course. Clinically significant airway strictures can involve the upper and central airways extending from the subglottis to the lobar airways. Optimal evaluation includes a proper history and physical examination, neck and chest computed tomography, pulmonary function testing, endoscopy and serology. Available treatments include medical therapy, endoscopic procedures and open surgery which are based on the stricture's extent, location, etiology, morphology, severity of airway narrowing and patient's functional status. The acuity of the process, patient's co-morbidities and operability at the time of evaluation determine the need for open surgical or endoscopic interventions. The optimal management of patients with benign airway strictures requires the availability, expertise and collaboration of otolaryngologists, thoracic surgeons and interventional pulmonologists. Multidisciplinary airway teams can facilitate accurate diagnosis, guide management and avoid unnecessary procedures that could potentially worsen the extent of the disease or clinical course. Implementation of a complex airway program including multidisciplinary clinics and conferences ensures that such collaboration leads to timely, patient-centered and evidence-based interventions. In this article we outline algorithms of care and illustrate therapeutic techniques based on published evidence.
Correspondence of aCGH and long-read genome assembly for detection of copy number differences: A proof-of-concept with cichlid genomes

Copy number variation is an important source of genetic variation, yet data are often lacking due to technical limitations for detection given the current genome assemblies. Our goal is to demonstrate the extent to which an array-based platform (aCGH) can identify genomic loci that are collapsed in genome assemblies that were built with short-read technology. Taking advantage of two cichlid species for which genome assemblies based on Illumina and PacBio are available, we show that inter-species aCGH log2 hybridization ratios correlate more strongly with inferred copy number differences based on PacBio-built genome assemblies than based on Illumina-built genome assemblies. With regard to inter-species copy number differences of specific genes identified by each platform, the set identified by aCGH intersects to a greater extent with the set identified by PacBio than with the set identified by Illumina. Gene function, according to Gene Ontology analysis, did not substantially differ among platforms, and platforms converged on functions associated with adaptive phenotypes. The results of the current study further demonstrate that aCGH is an effective platform for identifying copy number variable sequences, particularly those collapsed in short read genome assemblies.
Bioregulation of Plant Constituents

The synthesis of plant constituents can be regulated. A number of bioregulators can affect the biosynthesis of constituents in plant tissues. Generally, these compounds stimulate the production of the constituents, unlike some of the herbicides such as certain pyridazinone types which inhibit the biosynthetic pathways.1–3 We will examine the bioregulators and the nature of their effect on plant constituents, particularly the effect on the isoprenoid constituents in plant tissues.
Are Race and Ethnicity Risk Factors for Breech Presentation

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate race and ethnicity as risk factors for breech presentation. Design Case-control study using a population-based birth certificate registry that included linkage to Medicaid/Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) eligibility data for a socioeconomic proxy variable. Setting Florida, USA. Participants 912,107 mothers of singletons born in Florida 1999 to 2003. Methods Maternal race and ethnicity were evaluated as risk factors for breech presentation using logistic regression. The dependent variable was birth presentation. Covariates were variable measures that have been repeatedly identified as risk factors for breech presentation in the literature and are known to be highly accurate birth certificate variable measures. Results White women were 69% more likely to have a breech baby (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63, 1.76) than Black women. Higher socioeconomic status was a risk factor in the bivariate analyses, but not in the adjusted analysis. Prematurity, nulliparity, female infant, and advancing maternal age were risk factors in the final model. The final model accounted for Conclusions White women were at increased risk of having a breech baby. However, important variables appear to be missing from the model.
ROCK inhibition promotes microtentacles that enhance reattachment of breast cancer cells

// Lekhana Bhandary 1,2 , Rebecca A. Whipple 1 , Michele I. Vitolo 1,2,3 , Monica S. Charpentier 1 , Amanda E. Boggs 1 , Kristi R. Chakrabarti 1,2 , Keyata N. Thompson 1 and Stuart S. Martin 1,2,3 1 University of Maryland School of Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum National Cancer Institute Cancer Center, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 2 Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 3 Department of Physiology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Correspondence: Stuart S. Martin, email: // Keywords : ROCK, microtentacles, Y-27632, breast cancer metastasis, reattachment Received : November 24, 2014 Accepted : January 12, 2015 Published : January 31, 2015 Abstract The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood predicts poor patient outcome and CTC frequency is correlated with higher risk of metastasis. Recently discovered, novel microtubule-based structures, microtentacles , can enhance reattachment of CTCs to the vasculature. Microtentacles are highly dynamic membrane protrusions formed in detached cells and occur when physical forces generated by the outwardly expanding microtubules overcome the contractile force of the actin cortex. Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) is a major regulator of actomyosin contractility and Rho/ROCK over-activation is implicated in tumor metastasis. ROCK inhibitors are gaining popularity as potential cancer therapeutics based on their success in reducing adherent tumor cell migration and invasion. However, the effect of ROCK inhibition on detached cells in circulation is largely unknown. In this study, we use breast tumor cells in suspension to mimic detached CTCs and show that destabilizing the actin cortex through ROCK inhibition in suspended cells promotes the formation of microtentacles and enhances reattachment of cells from suspension. Conversely, increasing actomyosin contraction by Rho over-activation reduces microtentacle frequency and reattachment. Although ROCK inhibitors may be effective in reducing adherent tumor cell behavior, our results indicate that they could inadvertently increase metastatic potential of non-adherent CTCs by increasing their reattachment efficacy.
Conformation analysis of parathyroid hormone residues critical for bioactivity.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a major regulator of serum calcium homeostasis. The smallest fully bioactive PTH(1-31) consists of two helixes joined by a short flexible sequence. The C-terminal amphiphilic α-helix binds to the N-terminal extracellular region of the PTH receptor (P1R). Backbone methylation [1] and Ala-scan [2] studies showed that three residues, Arg20, Trp23 and Leu24 are critical for bioactivity and play a critical role in PTH-P1R interaction. We studied 2D-NMR structures of hPTH(1-31) analogues modified in the C-terminal helical region: bioactive cyclic(Glu22-Lys26), backbone methylated at Leu24 inactive linear and its cyclic (Glu22-Lys26) analogue with restored bioactivity. Detailed conformation studies and geometrical optimization of the structures revealed similar orientations of Arg20, Trp23 and Leu24 side-chains in the bioactive analogues. In both cyclic active analogues, Arg20 aligned with Trp23 and Leu24. The inactive linear methylated analogue has the critical Arg20 and Leu24 side-chains oriented away from Trp23.
The Priority Fight Between the Second Mortgagee and the Subrogated Insurance Carrier

Analysis of a recent decision holding that the insurance carrier who had paid the first mortgagee had a superior right to the remaining value of the property by virtue of subrogation than did the second mortgagee, even though the second was also insured under the same policy.
De volta para o futuro - parte II: stents auto-expansíveis?

. OWallstent teve entao a dificil tarefa de competir com asproteses expansiveis por balao (stents balao-expansiveis– BE), que, pelo mais facil manuseio, pela maior pre-cisao de liberacao e pelas taxas semelhantes ou me-lhores de reestenose, logo se impuseram como prefe-rencia do cardiologista intervencionista e transforma-ram, de forma definitiva, a revascularizacao coronaria
Effects of the ATP analog 5'-adenylyl methylenediphosphonate on acid secretion in frog gastric mucosa.

Abstract 1. 1. The ATP analog 5′-adenylyl methylenediphosphonate (AMP-PCP) added to the serosal bathing solution of the chambered bullfrog gastric mucosa inhibits acid secretion, raises the transepithelial potential difference, and causes an increase in lag time before resumption of secretion after anoxia. These effects are similar in direction and magnitude to those caused by ATP. 2. 2. While AMP-PCP stimulates the production of inosine in this tissue, it is apparently not itself a precursor for inosine, and seems to act by stimulating catabolism of endogenous purines. 3. 3. AMP-PCP is not a substrate for adenosine deaminase or AMP deaminase, has no marked effects on mitochondrial respiration or phosphorylation, and is not catabolised by gastric mucosa. 4. 4. Washout kinetics of AMP-PCP loaded tissues show this material to be exiting with a single exponential time constant of about 10 min. By contrast, inosine shows 2 washout exponentials of 5 and 30 min. The appropriate analysis suggests that the cells may be more permeable to AMP-PCP than to inosine. 5. 5. It is suggested that the inhibitory action of AMP-PCP (and by extension, ATP and ADP) is due to the possession by these compounds of a nitrogen with an unshared pair of electrons, as has been suggested for other secretory inhibitors.
Adiabatic quantum optimization with the wrong Hamiltonian

Analog models of quantum information processing, such as adiabatic quantum computation and analog quantum simulation, require the ability to subject a system to precisely specified Hamiltonians. Unfortunately, the hardware used to implement these Hamiltonians will be imperfect and limited in its precision. Even small perturbations and imprecisions can have profound effects on the nature of the ground state. Here we consider an imperfect implementation of adiabatic quantum optimization and show that, for a widely applicable random control noise model, quantum stabilizer encodings are able to reduce the effective noise magnitude and thus improve the likelihood of a successful computation or simulation. This reduction builds upon two design principles: summation of equivalent logical operators to increase the energy scale of the encoded optimization problem, and the inclusion of a penalty term comprising the sum of the code stabilizer elements. We illustrate our findings with an Ising ladder and show that classical repetition coding drastically increases the probability that the ground state of a perturbed model is decodable to that of the unperturbed model, while using only realistic two-body interaction. Finally, we note that the repetition encoding is a special case of quantum stabilizer encodings, and show that this in principle allows us to generalize our results to many types of analog quantum information processing, albeit at the expense of many-body interactions.
COMMON CAROTID ARTERY (CCA) FLOW IN NEWBORN INFANTS BY PULSED DOPPLER AND ACCURACY ESTIMATES IN PUPPIES

COMMON CAROTID ARTERY (CCA) FLOW IN NEWBORN INFANTS BY PULSED DOPPLER AND ACCURACY ESTIMATES IN PUPPIES
Leveraging a crowd sourcing methodology to enhance supply chain integrity

Supply chain integrity (SCI) is emerging as one of the top security issues facing critical systems. The government's reliance on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products is apparent, as is the threat of critical systems being designed and manufactured overseas. To date, few tools or capabilities exist to prevent or even detect these classes of attacks. Programs, such as DARPA Trust, exist to identify solutions; however, alternative strategies must be explored. It is extremely challenging to establish the trustworthiness of a supply chain for a product or system in today's globalized climate, especially given the complexity and variability of the hardware and software, and the diverse geographical areas where they are made. Counterfeit items, from individual chips to entire systems, have been found both in commercial and government sectors. Supply chain attacks can be inserted at any point during the product or system life cycle and can have detrimental effects to mission success. We hypothesize that wisdom of crowds techniques may be applicable to the analysis of supply chain integrity. Current supply chain security efforts are hindered by a lack of detailed information on a product's entire supply chain. End-users have virtually no access to supply chain information, and even major manufacturers may have difficulty getting access to their suppliers' sub-suppliers. Component testing and even reverse engineering can be used to mitigate risks, but these approaches are imperfect, time consuming, and expensive. This paper will discuss the development of a semi-automated supply chain integrity risk analysis framework to assist the supply chain security analysts in assessing the level of risk associated with a component of a mission critical system. This capability can provide the system designer a more rigorous and efficient approach to assess the security of the components in the design. By fusing all of these tools into a centralized framework, we hypothesis that we can create a capability that will enable analysts to more effectively interrogate the data and extract trending as well as critical information.
Detached Eddy Simulation of Atmospheric Flow About a Surface Mounted Cube at High Reynolds Number

Flow about a surface mounted blunt body has been a classic test-bed for computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It demonstrates separation, vortex shedding, and stationary vortical structures, all of which are difficult to model well. There has been recent interest in pushing such CFD computations to higher Reynold’s number (Re) that more closely match atmospheric flows for studies involving wind loading on structures, dispersion of contaminant around buildings, and characterizing flow in an urban environment. To that end, this study strives to carefully model flow at atmospheric Re using high fidelity grid resolution and best and state-of-the-art techniques, then to systematically relax the grid and modeling assumptions to characterize the fidelity necessary to reproduce certain features of the high Re flow.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Financial dependence and growth: further evidence

This article empirically shows that in developing countries, financial development facilitates firms to grow disproportionately in industries with higher external finance dependence or better growth opportunities. This effect is absent in developed countries.
The neuroimmunology of multiple sclerosis

The aim of this clinical review is to highlight recent advances in immunology, as well as new information from selected other areas, which have led to a better appreciation of the neuroimmunologic mechanisms involved in Multiple sclerosis (MS). New data on immunopathology, the cytokine network, and the role of oligodendrocytes, lymphocytes, and endothelial cells in this disease, have produced novel therapeutic approaches. New information on clinical course and neuroimaging disease features, as well as the role of genetic factors and infectious agents, have also improved our understanding of the immune basis for MS.
Type 2 gaucher disease: an expanding phenotype.

Gaucher disease, the inherited deficiency of lysoomal glucocerebrosidase (EC 3.2.1.45), presents ith diverse clinical phenotypes. The disorder is ivided into three general types based on the presnce and rate of progression of neurologic manifesations (1). Type 1 or nonneuronopathic Gaucher isease is by far the most common type and often resents with cytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, or keletal involvement. The age at onset of symptoms s variable, and many individuals with type 1 Gauher disease are asymptomatic. Type 2 or acute neuonopathic Gaucher disease is universally progresive and fatal, with death by early childhood (2,3). atients with type 3 or chronic neuronopathic Gauher disease have a variable degree of systemic inolvement, as well as one or more neurologic maniestations. Often the sole neurologic symptom is the lowing and looping of the horizontal saccadic eye ovements (4). In recent years, several atypical preentations of Gaucher disease have been recognized, ncluding hydrops fetalis (3), congenital ichthyosis 3,5,6), cardiovascular fibrosis and/or calcifications 7,8), pulmonary hypertension (9), hydrocephalus 8), and Parkinsonian symptoms (10). The focus of
Kinetics of Dispersion Polymerization of Styrene in Ethanol. 1. Model Development

Dispersion polymerization in polar organic media is a heterogeneous polymerization process that combines solution polymerization in the continuous phase with microbulk polymerization in the disperse particle phase. The relative prevalence of the two polymerization modes is dependent on a number of reaction variables. A mechanistic picture of dispersion polymerization during the particle growth phase is presented and mathematical models of the rate of polymerization and particle growth during seeded batch and continuous polymerization is developed.
Uptake of elemental mercury vapor by C3 and C4 species

Abstract Uptake of Hg vapor was measured for seven gramineous species. Uptake increased with Hg vapor concentration, and increasing temperature and illumination. Under various environmental conditions, an inverse linear correlation was observed between the logarithm of mesophyll resistance, rM·Hg, and Hg vapor uptake. Stomatal and biochemical controls for such uptake were demonstrated. The Hg vapor uptake was higher in C3 plants than in the C4 plants under similar conditions. Greater responses to both temperature and illumination were found in C3 plants than in the C4 plants. The binding site for Hg vapor was rather specific and its subsequent conversion was probably mediated by an oxidative enzyme.
Development Of Large CCD Arrays With Enhanced UV Performance

A development status evaluation is presented for proprietary UV-range CCDs for military and scientific applications requiring pixel sizes in the 18-micron range. The most recent developments in UV/X-ray responsive detectors have their bases in the backside illumination of multipinned phase (MPP) 1024 x 1024 CCD arrays, as well as in the initial exploration of open-pinned phase (OPP) techniques. The frontside performance of both MPP and OPP devices is noted to be excellent as well, and pinouts and mounting techniques have been defined which allow easy front-back operation comparisons. Novel backside processing techniques are being refined.
Capacity Of Optical Correlators

The capacity of the Vander Lugt correlator, defined as the maximum number of separate images that can be recognized, is estimated. The increase in capacity that results from the use of a volume hologram in place of the commonly used planar hologram is derived. The effects of binarizing the reference filter and the shift invariant properties of the two classifying systems are also analyzed.
Comprehensive Soft Impact Damage Methodology for Advanced High Bypass Ratio Turbofan Engines

Foreign object strikes are one of the major aviation incidents that cause tremendous risk to both the aircraft and passengers, the adverse implications of which can ripple through the aviation industry. The demand for air transportation has been on the rise, leading to foreign object ingestion into the engines becoming one of the most threatening scenarios. In January 2009, Flight 1549 took off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City and struck a flock of Canadian Geese during takeoff. Both engines ingested birds, resulting in mid-air catastrophic engine failure. Fortunately, none of the damaged engine components penetrated into the cabin and the aircraft successfully completed an emergency landing on the Hudson River without incurring any casualties.In this work, explicit finite element strategies have been adopted to model the Fluid-Solid Interactions (FSI) present in a bird ingestion scenario. Taking into account the fluidic composition of bird bodies, a proper methodology to model the Fluid-Solid Interaction was implemented. The investigations were aimed to understand the significance of impact force histograms in an accurately represented model, analyze shockwave propagations and reflections during the impact window, and perform parametric studies to highlight a superior representation for the Fluid-Solid Interaction (FSI). The paper presents a modern explicit finite element methodology adopted to accurately model bird ingestion into a complex turbomachinery forward section and analyze subsequent failure sequencing of the relevant structural components within the system.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Radioimmunoassay of DSIP-like material in human blood: possible protein binding.

Abstract A radioimmunoassay (RIA) for DISP-like material was established in unextracted human plasma. Most of the immunoreactivity was found in a “large” fraction while a much smaller amount co-eluted with DSIP from Sephadex as a “free” fraction. Both peaks progressively increased with increasing amounts of added DSIP. Acidification, but not treatment with charcoal-dextran, resulted in a relative decrease in the “large” peak and an increase in the “free” peak. This RIA, therefore, appears to measure both bound and free forms of DSIP-like immunoreactivity, the levels of which were higher at 4 p.m than at 8 a.m.
Effects of social and cultural processes on health

Abstract Future advances in the planning and evaluation of health service systems are highly dependent upon the development of a methodology that permits the empirical validation of hypotheses concerning the effects of social and cultural processes on health. In this paper such a methodology has been proposed. A structural model has been developed and analyzed, using the causal modeling technique of path analysis, in which social, economic, and demographic characteristics of New Mexico counties have been related to the infant mortality rate as an index of health. Path coefficients have been estimated from census data and vital statistics. Dynamic programming has been utilized to predict the combined direct and indirect effects on the health of New Mexico's population that would result from changes in the composition of the population. Analysis of the model suggests that these structural characteristics are causally interrelated, with economic factors a major determinant of infant mortality. While urbanization and migration also significantly affect infant mortality rates, education surprisingly is not important causally when compared to other variables, nor is proportion nonwhite when other social and economic factors are taken into account. In contrast, the proportion of Spanish-Americans residing in a county has a rather unexpected effect in that infant mortality rates decline as the proportion of this ethnic group rises. This finding suggests that it is important in health planning to consider cultural factors that may be unique to particular ethnic groups. In general the model building techniques and the algorithms presented here provide a valuable means of generating and testing hypotheses regarding the effects of social and cultural processes on health.
(Z)-4-[3-(2,5-Dioxoimidazolidin-4-ylidenemeth-yl)-1H-indol-1-ylmeth-yl]benzonitrile.

In the title compound, C20H14N4O2, mol­ecules are linked into chains by N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, but the cyano group does not participate in the supra­molecular aggregation. The crystal structure of the compound indicates the presence of a double bond with Z geometry, connecting the imidazolidine and indole units. The dihedral angle between the imidazole and benzene ring planes is 62.45 (4)°.
LIFETIME OF THE 103 KEV LEVEL IN 93NP237

Abstract : The half-life of the 103 keV level in 93Np237 has been found to be (8=4) X 10 to the -11th power sec. The experimental method utilizes the Doppler shift of 26 keV conversion electrons emitted from the 103 keV level following alpha decay of Am241. These electrons are examined in a high resolving power beta-ray spectrometer. The distribution of electrons is compared with the distribution obtained when the conversion electrons are successively decelerated and accelerated by an electrostatic field near the source. A finite lifetime results in a net acceleration of the conversion electrons. A method of analysis has been developed which enables the lifetime to be measured in terms of the resulting distortion of the original distribution. (Author)
Numerical Solution of Free-Boundary Problems

A procedure is described for numerical solution of free-boundary problems where highly nonlinear boundary shapes develop. A simple explicit solution method is used, and special attention is given to two aspects. The first is the introduction of a parametrization, whichstretchesthe boundary/interface and allows tracing the development of interface shapes beyond the point where a single-valued representation becomes inappropriate. The second is a procedure for automatic generation of a mesh for discretizing the domain above a highly nonlinear interface. Examples of the evolution of a gas?solid interface during solid film growth by chemical vapor deposition are used to illustrate application of the solution method. The effect of different values of mesh generation parameters on placement of nodes are shown, as well as the effect of the number of nodes along the interface. It was found that in cases with a highly distorted boundary, the shape of the boundary can be used in the weight functions to ensure appropriate concentration of nodes in groove regions. The number of nodes along the interface is less crucial than the choice of interfacelengthto be studied.
A simplified model of Brazier effect in plastic bending of cylindrical tubes

Abstract The Brazier effect in cylindrical tubes under pure plastic bending is investigated. A simple theoretical model is proposed to predict the bending moment and section deformation in terms of curvature, material properties and geometric parameters of a tube made of a perfectly plastic and strain-hardened material. A postulate of a minimum instantaneous bending moment is used to determine the degree of ovalization. The analytical solution compares well with the results of numerical calculations taken from ABAQUS 4–6 Example Manual.
Heat Shock Proteins Regulate Activation-Induced Proteasomal Degradation of the Mature Phosphorylated Form of Protein Kinase C

Although alterations in stimulus-induced degradation of PKC have been implicated in disease, mechanistic understanding of this process remains limited. Evidence supports the existence of both proteasomal and lysosomal mechanisms of PKC processing. An established pathway involves rate-limiting priming site dephosphorylation of the activated enzyme and proteasomal clearance of the dephosphorylated protein. However, here we show that agonists promote down-regulation of endogenous PKCα with minimal accumulation of a nonphosphorylated species in multiple cell types. Furthermore, proteasome and lysosome inhibitors predominantly protect fully phosphorylated PKCα, pointing to this form as a substrate for degradation. Failure to detect substantive dephosphorylation of activated PKCα was not due to rephosphorylation because inhibition of Hsp70/Hsc70, which is required for re-priming, had only a minor effect on agonist-induced accumulation of nonphosphorylated protein. Thus, PKC degradation can occur in the absence of dephosphorylation. Further analysis revealed novel functions for Hsp70/Hsc70 and Hsp90 in the control of agonist-induced PKCα processing. These chaperones help to maintain phosphorylation of activated PKCα but have opposing effects on degradation of the phosphorylated protein; Hsp90 is protective, whereas Hsp70/Hsc70 activity is required for proteasomal processing of this species. Notably, down-regulation of nonphosphorylated PKCα shows little Hsp70/Hsc70 dependence, arguing that phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated species are differentially targeted for proteasomal degradation. Finally, lysosomal processing of activated PKCα is not regulated by phosphorylation or Hsps. Collectively, these data demonstrate that phosphorylated PKCα is a direct target for agonist-induced proteasomal degradation via an Hsp-regulated mechanism, and highlight the existence of a novel pathway of PKC desensitization in cells.
Efficient design of stormwater holding basins used for water quality protection

Abstract By quantifying and taking advantage of the first flush phenomenon it is possible to develop a rational method for the design of stormwater basins based on the retention of a predetermined fraction of the pollutant load leaving a catchment. Such a procedure is applicable to the design of basins for small ( The data required for this design procedure is usually not available for most sites. Such data is both difficult and expensive to gather. However, as more data is obtained, it may be possible to develop generalizations among watersheds with regard to loading curves which are based on land use similar to land use groupings developed for the runoff coefficient “C”. Further, it may be possible to develop generalized timing curves for other pollutants. These curves are helpful in describing the runoff process and their development would provide additional capability in predicting the performance of stormwater basins. It is anticipated that the use of this method of design could result in substantially smaller basins being required for water quality protection in urban areas than would be the case if they were designed based strictly on the volume of runoff expected.
Out of Control: Delegates' Information Sources and Perceptions of Female Candidates

Using survey data from statewide political party convention delegates in four states, I investigate whether and how gender stereotypes influence nomination choice. I examine whether gaining candidate information from different sources differentially influences gender stereotypes and the likelihood of supporting both a female and a male nominee. I argue that information sources outside a candidate's control—delegates' discussions with other delegates—versus sources candidates can control (e.g., campaign contacts and personal contact with the candidate) work against female candidates' nomination. Specifically, when delegates learn about candidates via the most controlled sources, they will be more likely to view the candidates as possessing both masculine and feminine traits and issue competencies. As a result, they should be more likely to support the candidate. In contrast, information from sources outside candidate control functions differently for male and female candidates: These sources confirm delega...
Mucosal antibody response to vaginal infection with herpes simplex virus in pre-vaccinated guinea-pigs

The mucosal antibody response, in female guinea-pigs vaccinated with the Skinner herpes simplex virus vaccine, has been investigated. The HSV-specific secretory IgA response was assessed using the cross-reactivity of an antiserum raised against human secretory component. Animals vaccinated subcutaneously at a distant site were shown to respond to subsequent infection with HSV by the production of HSV-specific vaginal IgG and secretory IgA. No vaginal HSV-specific antibodies were found in infected, non-vaccinated animals.
Is Construction Blasting Still Abnormally Dangerous

The main premise of this paper is that construction blasting is no longer an abnormally dangerous activity using the six factors presented in Section 520 of the Second Restatement of the Law of Torts. Though blasting is considered to be the paradigm strict liability activity, it appears to be more appropriate to regulate it using the general negligence framework for tort liability because of advances in blasting technology over the past 40 years. This paper examines the current application of strict tort liability for nontrespassory effects of construction blasting, presents advances in construction blasting technology that allow control of nontrespassory blasting effects on adjacent structures, and analyzes the six factors presented in Section 520 of the Second Restatement of the Law of Torts used to determine whether or not an activity is abnormally dangerous.
An empirical investigation of customer satisfaction with health care services

A 2 × 2 full factorial between subjects experimental design was used to examine how three elements of the health care experience (patients’ freedom to choose a physician; patients receiving their preferred physician; health care outcome) impacted on patient satisfaction with health care service. All constructs with corresponding measurements were discussed, and their relationships with satisfaction were examined. Hypotheses were developed and tested for each relationship using a pencil and paper scenario of a patient’s first time service encounter at a health clinic. Results of the experiment indicated that given an undesirable health outcome, allowing patients a choice of physicians favorably raised patient satisfaction levels. Further, patients who were treated by a physician whom they preferred rated the health care experience more positively than did patients who received non‐preferred physicians.
The effect of brief alcohol intervention on postpartum depression

PURPOSE To report on secondary results from the Healthy Moms Study, a clinical trial to test the efficacy of brief intervention on reducing alcohol use and alcohol-related harms in postpartum women. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Data from a randomized clinical trial conducted between 2002 and 2005 with a sample of Wisconsin women was analyzed. This report presents comparison data on depressive symptomatology between postpartum women drinking above recommended levels who received a brief alcohol intervention and those who received no intervention. RESULTS At 6-month follow-up, there was a significant reduction in mean depression scores compared to baseline in the women who received the alcohol intervention (p < .001). There was no significant reduction in depressive symptomatology in the control group. Mean level of depression at 6 months was significantly predicted by baseline depression and the alcohol intervention (p = .018). Alcohol use at either baseline or follow-up was not a predictive factor in determining mean depressive symptomatology. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The results of the Healthy Moms Study support the importance of both alcohol and depression screening during the postpartum period. Brief alcohol intervention during this time may also positively affect depressive symptomatology.