cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) effects on endometrial carcinoma in vitro proliferation, invasion, and matrix metalloproteinase activity.

Abstract Objectives Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has potent growth-regulatory effect in many cell types and has been linked to the in vivo tumor growth and metastasis in several malignancies. The goal of this study was to assess the regulation of (EC) microenvironment by LPA through the examination of its effect on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, uPA activity, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion/activation. Methods All experiments were performed in vitro using an EC cell line, HEC-1A. Cell proliferation was determined using the Promega MTS proliferation assay following 48 h of exposures to different concentrations of LPA (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 μM). Cell invasion was assessed using a modified Boyden chamber assay with collagen I coated on the membrane. HEC-1A motility was examined by Boyden chamber migration assay as well as the scratch wound closure assay on type I collagen. MMP secretion/activation in HEC-1A conditioned medium was detected by gelatin zymography. MMP-7 mRNA expression was determined using real-time PCR. uPA activity was measured using a coupled colorimetric assay. Results LPA, at the concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 μM, significantly induced the proliferation of HEC-1A cells ( p p >0.05). Gelatin zymogram showed that HEC-1A cells secreted high levels of MMP-7, while MMP-2 and MMP-9 are barely detectable. In addition, LPA significantly enhanced uPA activity in HEC-1A conditioned medium in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusions LPA is a potent modulator of cellular proliferation and invasion for EC cells. It also has the capacity to stimulate the secretion/activity of uPA and MMP-7. Those results suggest that LPA is a bioactive modulator of EC microenvironment and may have a distinct regulation mechanism as observed in epithelial ovarian cancer.
Gunites for steelcasting ladles

An investigation showed that the cheapest Gunite with good technical indices consists of a grog-clay mix based on kaolinized grog with 10% clay of grade DN1 and a binder in the form of an aqueous solution of water glass.
Pay for performance: will dentistry follow?

"Pay for performance" is an incentive system that has been gaining acceptance in medicine and is currently being considered for implementation in dentistry. However, it remains unclear whether pay for performance can effect significant and lasting changes in provider behavior and quality of care. Provider acceptance will likely increase if pay for performance programs reward true quality. Therefore, we adopted a quality-oriented approach in reviewing those factors which could influence whether it will be embraced by the dental profession. The factors contributing to the adoption of value-based purchasing were categorized according to the Donabedian quality of care framework. We identified the dental insurance market, the dental profession position, the organization of dental practice, and the dental patient involvement as structural factors influencing the way dental care is practiced and paid for. After considering variations in dental care and the early stage of development for evidence-based dentistry, the scarcity of outcome indicators, lack of clinical markers, inconsistent use of diagnostic codes and scarcity of electronic dental records, we concluded that, for pay for performance programs to be successfully implemented in dentistry, the dental profession and health services researchers should: 1) expand the knowledge base; 2) increase considerably evidence-based clinical guidelines; and 3) create evidence-based performance measures tied to existing clinical practice guidelines. In this paper, we explored factors that would influence the adoption of value-based purchasing programs in dentistry. Although none of these factors were essential deterrents for the implementation of pay for performance programs in medicine, the aggregate seems to indicate that significant changes are needed before this type of program could be considered a realistic option in dentistry.
Religion Collections and School Libraries

Cet essai bibliographique aborde le theme de la religion dans les programmes scolaires: historique et situation actuelle. Devant l'importance de la comprehension des idees religieuses pour mieux apprehender le fonctionnement des societes pluriculturelles, l'auteur preconise l'acquisition de documents multimedia sur ce sujet par les bibliotheques scolaires
Responsible Decision Making Regarding Alcohol: A Re-emerging Prevention/Education Strategy for the 1990s.

Adolescent alcohol use and strategies to deal with drinking and related problems in this population have been the focus of many programs. The concept of responsible decision making regarding the use of alcohol evolved in the late 1970s/early 1980s; it was disregarded as a viable approach by the mid-1980s due to incorrect definitions of the term and misrepresentation that it condoned adolescent drinking/intoxication. However, statistics on youthful drinking indicate that young people have continued to consume alcohol, and many are experiencing problems related to their drinking. Grounded in the reality of the adolescent experience, responsible decision making regarding the use of alcohol provides information, motivates discussion of adolescent activities, and promotes responsible decisions.
Recurrent Blood Eosinophilia in Ulcerative Colitis Is Associated with Severe Disease and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Eosinophils are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A subset of IBD patients develops blood eosinophilia, and the clinical profile of these patients is undefined. We sought to characterize IBD patients with and without eosinophilia. We studied a prospective registry of 1,176 IBD patients followed in a tertiary referral center. Patients who developed eosinophilia at any time were identified by electronic medical record query. We performed a chart review case–control study comparing patients with recurrent eosinophilia versus randomly selected disease-matched patients with no history of eosinophilia. Histological analysis was performed on selected cases and controls. Eosinophilia at any time was more prevalent in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients than Crohn’s disease patients (22.2 versus 12.7 %), as was recurrent eosinophilia (3.4 versus 0.7 %). UC patients with recurrent eosinophilia were predominantly male compared with the control UC population (81.3 versus 46.9 %) and had higher rates of colectomy for either medically refractory disease or dysplasia/cancer than control UC patients (56.3 versus 15.6 %). Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) occurred in 37.5 % of UC patients with recurrent eosinophilia compared with only 3.1 % in the UC controls. Histological analysis of random diagnostic samples from UC patients with recurrent eosinophilia demonstrated a normal eosinophil pattern as seen in the control UC population. Eosinophilia-associated UC is a subgroup of IBD associated with severe colitis and PSC. Further studies are warranted to characterize molecular mechanisms underlying eosinophilia-associated UC and to determine optimal approaches for therapy.
Graft arteriosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis correlate with flow and resistance to machine perfusion in kidney transplantation.

Abstract Introduction Machine perfusion to preserve kidneys for transplantation has grown over the past decade with demonstrated diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. Flow and resistance patterns are used to predict delayed graft function (DGF) and posttransplant graft survival. Preimplantation biopsies obtained serve a similar role in evaluating kidneys especially if they meet expanded criteria. The reliability of available data is greater if there is a correlation among various forms of assessment. In this study we attempted to study serial pump parameters that might correlate with abnormal findings in preimplantation biopsies and subsequently in outcomes after transplantation. Methods Two hundred sixty-eight kidneys were assessed for changes in pump pressures in mm Hg, flow in mL/min, resistance in mm Hg/mL/min, and temperature in °C at 15-minute intervals. Allografts were separated into two groups on the basis of pathology; group 1 showed abnormal (AH) and group 2 normal histology (NH). AH was defined by the presence of glomerulosclerosis in ≥10% of sampled glomeruli or arteriosclerosis affecting at least 10% of the arterial lumens of sampled intrarenal arteries. We assessed discordance between frozen and permanent sections. Measured clinical outcomes included DGF, 1-year graft survival, 1-year serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Statistical analysis was performed using a paired Student t test and chi-square analysis. Results Compared to NH kidneys, those with AH showed uniformly significant lower flow rates and higher resistances during the entire perfusion. Graft pathology did not predict DGF (70% versus 60%, P = .45). However, 1-year graft survival (96.2% versus 80%, P = .07) and eGFR (58 versus 48 mL/min, P = .19) were lower among kidneys with AH, though these matrics did not reach significance. Conclusion Preimplantation biopsy findings correlated with flow and resistance to perfusion. If a discrepancy is evident upon evaluation of a donor kidney, a repeat biopsy is prudent prior to discarding or using the organ.
Theoretical review of modulation spectroscopy

In recent years there has been renewed interest in using modulation spectroscopy for a variety of scientific and engineering applications. Modulation spectroscopy is often implemented with diode lasers which have the advantages of small size, non-intrusiveness, speed, and ease of use. Several theoretical frameworks have been developed to describe modulation spectroscopy and its limiting cases: frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS), and wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS). In this paper we examine these frameworks and describe a general approach to modulation spectroscopy which takes into account the properties of semiconductor lasers.
The Federal Photovoltaics Utilization Program: An evaluation and learning framework

The Federal Photovoltaics Utilization Program(FPUP) was established in 1978 with the belief that getting photovoltaic cells into the market was a “bootstrap problem” - one of eliminating market uncertainties through federal procurements to enable investments in improved production processes. A lack of clearly defined program objectives and expected results, however, was translated into continuing difficulties in implementation. Using the FPUP experience as an example, an alternative model of photovoltaic procurement is proposed which is simultaneously more structured (in that greater analytical control is used in selecting applications to fund) and more adaptive (in that continuous feedback is built in). A discussion of such a framework and sequential evaluation design is followed by some comments pertaining to the future of other commercialization efforts.
Influence of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (H-2) on Glucocorticoid-Stimulated Pulmonary Surfactant Synthesis in Two Congenic Mouse Strains

Mice with different histocompatibility alleles in otherwise identical backgrounds (congenic inbred strains of H-2a and H-2b haplotypes), were used to study the possible influence of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) upon glucocorticoid-stimulated pulmonary surfactant synthesis during embryonic and fetal stages of mouse lung development. Pregnant C57BL/10SnJ (H-2b) and congenic B10.A/SnSgJ (H-2a) mice were administered single or consecutive intraperitoneal injections of betamethasone during the period of 14 through 17 days gestation. Assays for incorporation of [3H]choline into total lipid and saturated phosphatidylcholine (an index for pulmonary surfactant synthesis) were conducted, 24 hr following the last treatment, on Days 17 or 18 of gestation. Control mice received injections of phosphate-buffered saline. The H-2 genotype appears to influence the relative responsiveness of glucocorticoid-stimulated surfactant synthesis during fetal lung development. The B10.A strain (H-2a haplotype) was more responsive to glucocorticoid-stimulated pulmonary surfactant synthesis than the H-2b haplotype. Whereas both strains were responsive to glucocorticoid-stimulated [3H]choline incorporation into lung surfactant, the differences in responsiveness at specific fetal stages suggest that genes within or closely linked to the H-2 complex might have a role in pulmonary surfactant biosynthesis during mouse lung development. The results also suggest the possibility that relative susceptibility to congenital pulmonary disorders may be influenced by the H-2 complex.
Group B streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis from a decubitus ulcer.

A 29-year-old man with paraplegia secondary to a gunshot wound presented to the emergency department (ED) with worsening abdominal pain over the past 2 weeks with associated fever, dysuria, nausea, and vomiting. He had been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI) 2 days earlier and was started on antibiotics without improvement. On examination he was afebrile, tachycardic up to 140, tachypneic, and diaphoretic. His abdomen was rigid and diffusely tender to palpation with hypoactive bowel sounds. He had a mildly tender 3 × 3 cm decubitus ulcer on his buttocks. His WBC was elevated at 18, with an absolute neutrophil count of 11.09 and 3.17 bands. The creatine kinase was elevated at 1,001 and a serum lactate level was 8.7. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed free air dissecting into the retroperitoneal and peritoneal fascial planes consistent with necrotizing fasciitis (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4). Fig. 1 Chest X-ray showing subdiaphragmatic free air Fig. 2 CT scan through the abdomen showing free air Fig. 3 CT scan through the pelvis showing free air Fig. 4 CT scan through the lower pelvis showing air tracking The patient was taken for emergent exploratory laparotomy and extensive debridement. Throughout his hospital course he returned to the operating room (OR) a total of 11 times for further debridement and repair of complications, which included a perforated cecum and a colocutaneous fistula. Cultures from the wound grew Prevotella bivia and group B streptococci, while cultures of the peritoneal tissue grew only group B streptococci. Neither blood nor urine cultures grew any bacteria. In addition to his numerous surgeries he was treated with IV clindamycin and piperacillin/tazobactam. After 10 weeks of hospitalization he was transferred to a rehab facility. Necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as the “flesh-eating disease,” is an aggressive and highly destructive infection of fascia and muscle with a high morbidity and mortality. Necrotizing fasciitis from decubitus ulcers is rare, with only a few reported cases [1, 2]. The diagnosis can be difficult, as symptoms are nonspecific and the initial skin lesions are often benign compared to the underlying tissue destruction [3]. A high index of suspicion should be present when abdominal radiographs demonstrate subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with skin lesions [4]. On CT, free air with evidence of soft tissue invasion is consistent with the diagnosis [2]. This case is unique because the decubitus ulcer and peritoneal samplings both grew and isolated group B streptococci as the causative agents; necrotizing fasciitis is typically caused by group A streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio vulnificus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis, or mixed flora.
‘Identify’ and ‘lock in’: molecular integration during synaptic target recognition

Synaptic target recognition is a complex molecular event. In a differentiating presynaptic terminal, relatively ‘rare’ molecules first detect the cell identity of the synaptic target. Subsequently, many ‘common’ molecules continue the process of synaptogenesis. We present a theoretical framework for understanding synaptic target recognition and discuss the features of its molecular components and their integration, drawing on the rapid progress made in recent studies.
A Comparison of Three Types of Opportunities to Respond on Student Academic and Social Behaviors

An alternating treatments design was used to investigate the effects of three types of opportunities to respond (i.e., individual, choral, and mixed responding) on sight words and syllable practice in six elementary students with behavioral problems. During the mixed responding condition, five out of six students demonstrated a lower rate of disruptive behavior, and four out of six students had fewer intervals of off-task behavior. Results of the three types of opportunities to respond on participants’ active student responding were less clear. A discussion of limitations, implications, and future research directions is included.
Accurate Numerical Computation By Optical Convolution

Methods for improving the accuracy of optical processors are considered. The improvement in accuracy is achieved by increasing the space-bandwidth product requirement of the system. Since convolution is the operation most easily and efficiently implemented by optical systems, we concentrate on systems that achieve convolution with increased accuracy.
Refractivity of nitrogen gas in the vacuum ultraviolet

We have measured the refractivity of nitrogen gas in the ultraviolet and the vacuum ultraviolet, using a Fourier-transform spectrometer. A new two-term Sellmeier formula for the standard refractivity between 145 and 270 nm is derived.
A comparison of the irradiated tensile properties of a high-manganese austenitic steel and type 316 stainless steel

Abstract The USSR steel EP-838 is a high-manganese (13.5%), low-nickel (4.2%) steel that also has lower chromium and molybdenum than type 316 stainless steel. Tensile specimens of 20%-cold-worked EP-838 and type 316 stainless steel were irradiated in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at the coolant temperature (~50°C). A displacement damage level of 5.2 dpa was reached for the EP-838 and up to 9.5 dpa for the type 316 stainless steel. Tensile tests at room temperature and 300°C on the two steels indicated that the irradiation led to increased strength and decreased ductility compared to the unirradiated steels. Although the 0.2% yield stress of the type 316 stainless steel in the unirradiated condition was greater than that for the EP-838, after irradiation there was essentially no difference between the strength or ductility of the two steels. The results indicate that the replacement of the majority of the nickel by manganese and a reduction of chromium and molybdenum in an austenitic stainless steel of composition near that for type 316 stainless steel has little effect on the irradiated and unirradiated tensile properties at low temperatures.
Dynamic behavior and shifting of resonance frequencies of ZnO on Si3N4 bimorphs

Abstract The deflections of ZnO on Si3N4 bimorphs are quadratically dependent on the applied voltages. The fundamental resonance frequencies of the 2980 μm long bimorphs range from 140 Hz to 180 Hz. Resonances are also observed at sub-harmonics of the fundamental resonance frequencies. The resonance frequencies vary with the DC biasing voltages. The shifting of the resonance frequency can be explained by the change in the effective length of the curved bimorph, the stiffening of piezoelectric ZnO film by the biasing voltages, and the increase in the elastic compliance of the bimorph as a result of Joule heating. Air damping is observed with a cut-off frequency around 22 Hz.
Cerebrospinal fluid corticotropin-releasing factor concentrations in patients with anxiety disorders and normal comparison subjects

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) were measured in a group of patients with anxiety disorders and normal comparison subjects (NC) to explore the hypothesis that abnormalities in CRF neuronal regulation occur in patients with anxiety disorders. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no differences in CSF CRF concentrations between the four diagnostic categories: panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and NCs. Male OCD patients had higher CSF CRF concentrations than men with PD and GAD and male NCs. CSF CRF concentration was positively correlated with age in women but not in men. These findings suggest that central neuronal CRF regulation may be affected by both age and gender.
Facets of emotional clarity and suspiciousness

In a college student sample, we explored the relations between individual differences in facets of emotional clarity and suspiciousness. Previous theory and research has treated emotional clarity as a one-dimensional construct. Boden and Berenbaum (2011) proposed that a second facet of emotional clarity, source awareness (a general understanding of the cause of their emotions), could be distinguished from type awareness (a general understanding of the type of emotions [anger, fear] experienced). We found that source and type awareness were incrementally, inversely associated with suspiciousness when statistically accounting for the extent to which emotions are attended to, and gender. Additionally, source awareness significantly predicted suspiciousness after accounting for anger, anxious arousal, and social anxiety, whereas type awareness did not. Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that, among individuals with low source and type awareness, suspicious beliefs are formed to make sense of and explain emotional arousal.
Freedom in Responsibility: A Response

This paper is a critical response to Elisabeth Grab-Schmidt’s article “Freedom in responsibility: On the relevance of ‘sin’ as hermeneutic guiding principle in bioethical decision making.” Grab-Schmidt’s chief contention is that ethics begins with anthropology, and that moral responsibility is thereby grounded within a set of given limits. Freedom is distorted into sin when these limits are transgressed. My principal complaint is that her account of the relationship between freedom and sin is grounded in a tragic ontology. Alternatively, I contend that anthropology is grounded in Christology in which freedom is a gift of the Spirit. Consequently, sin is not so much tragic as it marks a refusal of humans to accept their divine election. The issues of human cloning and embryonic stem-cell research are used to exemplify what difference these respective differences might make in a process of moral deliberation.
Methylated trivalent arsenic species are genotoxic

The reactivities of methyloxoarsine (MAs(III)) and iododimethylarsine (DMAs(III)), two methylated trivalent arsenicals, toward supercoiled phiX174 RFI DNA were assessed using a DNA nicking assay. The induction of DNA damage by these compounds in vitro in human peripheral lymphocytes was assessed using a single-cell gel (SCG, "comet") assay. Both methylated trivalent arsenicals were able to nick and/or completely degrade phiX174 DNA in vitro in 2 h incubations at 37 degrees C (pH 7.4) depending on concentration. MAs(III) was effective at nicking phiX174 DNA at 30 mM; however, at 150 microM DMAs(III), nicking could be observed. Exposure of phiX174 DNA to sodium arsenite (iAs(III); from 1 nM up to 300 mM), sodium arsenate (from 1 microM to 1 M), and the pentavalent arsenicals, monomethylarsonic acid (from 1 microM to 3 M) and dimethylarsinic acid (from 0.1 to 300 mM), did not nick or degrade phiX174 DNA under these conditions. In the SCG assay in human lymphocytes, methylated trivalent arsenicals were much more potent than any other arsenicals that were tested. On the basis of the slopes of the concentration-response curve for the tail moment in the SCG assay, MAs(III) and DMAs(III) were 77 and 386 times more potent than iAs(III), respectively. Because methylated trivalent arsenicals were the only arsenic compounds that were observed to damage naked DNA and required no exogenously added enzymatic or chemical activation systems, they are considered here to be direct-acting forms of arsenic that are genotoxic, though they are not, necessarily, the only genotoxic species of arsenic that could exist.
Back-to-Front Display of Voxel Based Objects

This straightforward 3-D display algorithm traverses voxels slice by slice to project each voxel on the screen. No surface detection or z-buffer is needed.
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal genital prolapse.

Neonatal genital prolapse, an uncommon condition,usually presents as a tumor-like mass protruding from theventralpartofthevulva.Allcasesthathadbeenpreviouslyreported were diagnosed after birth. We present theﬁrst case report of fetal genital prolapse that presentedprenatally by ultrasonography as a solid protruding lesionon the ventral part of the vulva. Postnatal magneticresonance imaging (MRI) conﬁrmed the diagnosis ofan isolated neonatal vaginal prolapse. At follow-upexamination at 6 months of age, the infant’s externalgenitalia appeared normal, with no evidence of genitalprolapse.A 33-year-old woman, gravida 2 para 1, attended ourprenatal care clinic at 12 weeks’ gestation to request ﬁrst-trimester ultrasound screening to evaluate the risk offetal Down syndrome. Ultrasound examination revealedan increased nuchal translucency thickness of 3 mm.After genetic counseling, chorionic villus sampling wasperformed uneventfully; testing revealed a normal femalekaryotype (46,XX). The patient presented at 20 weeks’gestation to complain that an error had been made inthe ultrasonographic fetal gender deduced at a localobstetric clinic. Consequently, we performed a detailedfetal sonographic examination, which found a phallus-like structure protruding over the ventral part of thefetal vulva (Figure 1). The covering of the protrudingmass was continuous with the lining of the vaginal wall(Figure 2). Fetal growth was appropriate for gestationalage, but the amniotic ﬂuid index was 29.2 cm, indicatingpolyhydramnios. Fetal ambiguous genitalia or genitalprolapse were suspected.Sex-determining region Y gene analysis was negativeafter a follow-up amniocentesis was done to providerapid fetal sex determination (ruling out an XX maleor maternal cell contamination) and ensure that noerror had occurred in the original fetal karyotyping.Androgen levels were measured in maternal blood andfound to be normal. Both parents were negative forthe carrier test for the CYP21 gene. A diagnosis offetal genital prolapse was ﬁnally made. The parentswere made aware of the implications of the diagnosisand made a fully informed choice to continue thepregnancy.At 33 weeks of gestation, the patient was admitted withpreterm rupture of membranes and emergency Cesareansection ensued owing to breech presentation. At birth,the baby weighed 2080 g and had a mass protrudingbetweentheinfantlabiaminora.Closeinspectionrevealedrugae consistent with vaginal epithelium (Figure 3). Anormal urethral oriﬁce was conﬁrmed and spontaneousvoiding was observed along with a normal outer analappearance with passage of meconium. The prolapsedlesion was reducible with a Q-tip. Two weeks later,transabdominalultrasonographydepictedanormalinfantuterus measuring 2
Physical Activity, Blood Lipids, and Lipoproteins

Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. While pharmacological treatment has been a focal point of dyslipidemia management for several years, increasing physical activity is a safe, cost-effective treatment option that should also be recommended by health care practitioners. Moderate aerobic exercise consistently increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and reduces triglycerides (TG), independent of changes in body weight. However, reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol are reported less often following aerobic exercise. Therefore, clinicians should understand that aerobic exercise is not likely to be an effective treatment option for their management. Recent empirical evidence also indicates that aerobic exercise may be of benefit for treating emerging lipid and lipoprotein risk factors such as lipoprotein particle size and number and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Further work is needed to clarify the impact of aerobic exercise on a...
Zirconia coated carbonyl iron particle-based magnetorheological fluid for polishing

Aqueous magnetorheological (MR) polishing fluids used in magnetorheological finishing (MRF) have a high solids concentration consisting of magnetic carbonyl iron particles and nonmagnetic polishing abrasives. The properties of MR polishing fluids are affected over time by corrosion of CI particles. Here we report on MRF spotting experiments performed on optical glasses using a zirconia coated carbonyl iron (CI) particle-based MR fluid. The zirconia coated magnetic CI particles were prepared via sol-gel synthesis in kg quantities. The coating layer was ~50-100 nm thick, faceted in surface structure, and well adhered. Coated particles showed long term stability against aqueous corrosion. "Free" nano-crystalline zirconia polishing abrasives were co-generated in the coating process, resulting in an abrasivecharged powder for MRF. A viable MR fluid was prepared simply by adding water. Spot polishing tests were performed on a variety of optical glasses over a period of 3 weeks with no signs of MR fluid degradation or corrosion. Stable material removal rates and smooth surfaces inside spots were obtained.
DUAL PLS ANALYSIS

A new multivariate statistical technique is obtained for comparing and combining two or more data sets each of which has a different number of respondents but the same variables. This approach can be considered as dual to such techniques as partial least squares, also known as inter-battery factor analysis and robust canonical correlation analysis for two data sets. It is shown that the problem can be reduced to the eigenproblem of the product of correlation matrices of each data set. The technique is generalized to three or more data sets in an eigenproblem of block-matrices of the correlations within each data set. This type of multivariate analysis can serve various practical problems of integration of data obtained from heterogeneous sources, particularly, for data merging in constructing data warehouses.
Tissue Translocation Device for Surgical Correction of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the western world in those over age 60. While this disorder is complex, the origin of injury appears to be at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruchs membrane, and inner choroid. A potential method to replace damaged tissue in AMD is to harvest healthy donor tissue (RPE-Bruchs-Choroid) from an eye and translocate it to the injured subretinal region. Such an autograft avoids immune mediated rejection and can theoretically restore function to the neurosensory retina (light sensitive part of the retina) by restoring the damaged tissue. Such a procedure requires the design of a device that mechanically supports the integrity of the graft while inside the eye, without injuring or disrupting the tissue. This paper presents the systematic design and manufacture of a thin shape memory foil-based tissue translocation device. The selected embodiment of the design uses thermal adhesion of the tissue to the foil surfaces for tissue support. The shape memory effect enables insertion of the device into the eye via a small incision. The device is manufactured using micromachining techniques and has been tested both ex vivo and in vivo with acceptable anatomic results.
High Sensitivity and Analyte Capture with Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry on Silylated Porous Silicon

Silylation chemistry on porous silicon provides for ultrahigh sensitivity and analyte specificity with desorption/ionization on silicon mass spectrometry (DIOS-MS) analysis. Here, we report that the silylation of oxidized porous silicon offers a DIOS platform that is resistant to air oxidation and acid/base hydrolysis. Furthermore, surface modification with appropriate hydrophobic silanes allows analytes to absorb to the surface via hydrophobic interactions for direct analyte extraction from complex matrixes containing salts and other nonvolatile interferences present in the sample matrix. This enables rapid cleanup by simply spotting the sample onto the modified DIOS target and removing the liquid phase containing the interferences. This approach is demonstrated in the analysis of protein digests and metabolites in biofluids, as well as for the characterizing of inhibitors from their enzyme complex. An unprecedented detection limit of 480 molecules (800 ymol) for des-Arg9-bradykinin is reported on a pent...
ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASE IN PUBLIC SCHOOL CUSTODIANS

A cross-sectional prevalence study of 120 public school custodians was carried out. The purposes were 1) to investigate the prevalence of asbestos-related disease in a group of custodians at risk for asbestos exposure in public schools and 2) to determine the proportion with disease attributable to exposures in school buildings. Medical and occupational histories, flow-volume loops, and posterior-anterior, lateral, and anterior oblique (AO) chest radiographs were obtained. Single breath DLCO was measured and chest auscultation performed. Mean age of subjects was 57 years and mean duration of work as a custodian, 27 years. Fifty-seven (47.5%) had no known or likely exposure to asbestos outside of their work as a school custodian (NOE). Pleural plaques (PP) occurred in 40 (33%) of the total group and 12 (21%) of the group with NOE. Pulmonary restriction (FVC less than 80% predicted, FEV1/FVC% greater than or equal to 70) occurred in 22 (18%) of the total group and 10 (17%) of those with NOE. DLCO was lower in the group with restriction. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations (p less than 0.05) between both PP and restriction and duration of asbestos exposure. AO radiographs increased PP detection by a factor of 1.9. Our results reveal PP prevalence in excess of background and pulmonary restriction in the study population, and indicate that PP are attributable to asbestos in schools. Findings with regard to pulmonary restriction need further investigation. Prudent management of asbestos in buildings is indicated for the prevention of related disease.
Velocity response curves support the role of continuous entrainment in circadian clocks.

Circadian clocks drive endogenous oscillations in organisms across the tree of life. The Earth’s daily light/dark cycle entrains these clocks to the environment. Two major theories of light entrainment have been presented in the literature. The discrete theory emphasizes the instantaneous phase-shifting behavior of short pulses of light, and the continuous theory emphasizes changes to the period of oscillations in constant-light conditions. Historically, the primary tool for predicting and understanding discrete entrainment has been the PRC, which measures discrete adjustments to the clock’s phase. The authors present a unified theory, which relies on a velocity response curve (VRC), similar in shape to a PRC, but that describes continuous adjustments to the clock’s speed. The VRC explains data from both discrete and continuous light experiments and is therefore an invaluable tool to understand entrainment. The authors relate VRC features to specific entrainment behaviors, such as seasonal adjustments to ...
The neuropathology of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Complex partial epilepsy arising in the temporal lobe has been associated with several types of pathologic lesions including Ammon's horn sclerosis, malformations, neoplasms, and inflammatory scars from infarcts or infection. These lesions are usually situated at various sites in the medial temporal lobe, so that one of the enigmas of attempting to understand the pathogenesis of TLE pertains to the clinical manifestation of a single epileptic disorder which is associated with dissimilar lesions at dissimilar sites. Recent demonstrations of an alteration in temporal lobe anatomy, i.e. malformations of the normal circuitry of the temporal lobe and foci of microdysgenesis, have given rise to the hypothesis that insults which occur during a critical period of brain development could alter the connections within the hippocampus and predispose it to increased excitability and seizurogenesis. Such a hypothesis forces us to reconsider TLE in reference to risk factors which may act as "teratogens" and produce these malformations. These malformations may range from a subtle alteration in the neurotransmitters of the dentate gyrus to large areas of cortical dysplasia or the hamartomatous neoplasms seen in TLE. A reevaluation of the neuroanatomical disruptions created by the various lesions may allow us to define a minimal optimal surgical resection for each lesion; or, the definitions of neurotransmitter deficits may lead to alternative pharmacologic therapies. As neuropathologists we have the exciting opportunity to participate in the definition of the neuropathology of temporal lobe epilepsy.
The effects of caffeine on the maxillary composition in the newborn rat.

The possible influence of caffeine on maxillary structure was studied. Seventeen pregnant rats at days 9 of gestation were randomly divided into two groups. The dams of group 1 received a 20% protein diet ad libitum throughout the experimental period. The dams of group 2 were pair-fed, with group 1, a 20% protein diet supplemented with 2 mg/100 g body weight (B.W.) caffeine. At birth, pups were mixed within the same group and 8 randomly selected pups were assigned to each dam and continuously fed the respective diet. On day 22, 11 male pups from the control and 12 males from the caffeine group were randomly selected, separated from the dams, and continued to be fed their respective diets. On day 44, a rubber elastic band was inserted between the first and second maxillary right molars. The size of the elastic band was increased throughout the next 5 days. Animals were sacrificed at day 49 and the composition of the maxillas was analyzed. After pulverization, organic and inorganic contents of the bones were measured. Zinc (Zn) and hydroxyproline concentration of the caffeine group showed a significant decrease when compared with those of the controls. However, Ca, P, Mg, and hexosamine concentration showed no difference between the groups. The interdental space measured occlusally and laterally with the visual method, and occlusally in histological sections showed no significant difference between the control and caffeine groups, although variation of the space in the caffeine group was less than in the control group. The present study suggests that caffeine intake during the gestational and lactational period by their dams and the growing period of pups affect the maxillary composition of their offspring.
Squamous Carcinoma Cells Influence Monocyte Phenotype and Suppress Lipopolysaccharide-Induced TNF-alpha in Monocytes

Bacteria and chronic inflammation are present in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), but their roles in the pathogenesis of HNSCC are unclear. Our studies described here revealed that human monocytes co-cultured short term with HNSCC cells were more likely to express CD16, and CD16+ small mononuclear cells were common in HNSCC specimens. In addition, we identified monocytes as the primary source of LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the monocyte-HNSCC co-cultures. Remarkably, relative to LPS-stimulated monocytes cultured alone, HNSCC cells profoundly suppressed LPS-induced TNF-alpha in monocytes, without compromising IL-6 production. High levels of cytoprotective factors like IL-6 and low levels of TNF-alpha are important for the tumor microenvironment that enables tumor cell survival, affects monocyte differentiation and may contribute to tumor colonization by bacteria. This study provides novel observations that HNSCC cells affect monocyte phenotype and function, which are relevant to the regulation of the HNSCC microenvironment.
Photocatalytic reduction of an azide-terminated self-assembled monolayer using CdS quantum dots.

Ordered, tightly packed aryl-azide-terminated, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were created on gold substrates from a new disulfide precursor. These monolayers were reduced at least partially in an aqueous environment using ∼2 nm CdS quantum dots (Qdots) as photocatalysts to give mixed monolayers of arylamine- and aryl azide-terminated species. The CdS photocatalysts were made available for the reaction by exposure of the azide-terminated SAM to Qdots initially in solution or by preadsorption of the CdS nanoparticles on the SAM. In either case, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), grazing angle Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and contact angle measurements were used to show the occurrence of the photocatalytic reduction. As further evidence for the presence of arylamine-terminated thiolate in the reduced SAM, these arylamine groups were successfully tagged with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). The use of Qdot photocatalysts to functionalize surfaces may lead to a means to pattern sur...
Systemic opiate administration has heterogeneous effects on activity recorded from nucleus accumbens neurons in vivo.

Abstract Electrophysiological parameters of spontaneous cellular activity in the nucleus accumbens septi (NAS) and responses evoked by afferent (fimbria) stimulation were characterized in halothane-anesthetized rats. A heterogeneous pattern of cell activity and single cell responses to stimulation were observed throughout the NAS. Stimulation-evoked discharges from inactive cells regularly coincided with evoked ‘field’ responses. Because the NAS is critical for opiate drug self-administration in rats, the effects of systemic heroin and morphine were then observed. These drugs also had mixed effects on the spontaneous activity of NAS cells encountered. While most cells were depressed, other cells were excited or were unaffected. Opiates had no effect on stimulation-evoked activity. These data lend neurophysiological and neuropharmacological support to the neuroanatomical observations of cellular heterogeneity within this structure.
A qualitative study of micromarketing merchandising in the US apparel retail industry

Purpose – To examine the variables that influence micromarketing merchandising in the apparel industry in order to help new retailer understand the importance of micromarketing merchandising.Design/methodology/approach – A model was developed showing the different variables that influenced micromarketing merchandising. General merchandising managers of 20 US‐based apparel retail chains were interviewed using a questionnaire developed after analyzing the available literature. A qualitative method of data analysis was conducted and the model was revised based on the findings of the research.Findings – A qualitative analysis of the transcribed interviews indicated that assortment, demographics, pricing and customer loyalty were the primary variables that effected micromarketing merchandising in the apparel retail industry. The sub‐variables in the study included lifestyle, ethnicity, store size and location, and customer service.Research limitations/implications – The research was limited to US‐based apparel...
Re‐orientations in moral education in Cambodia since 1975

In recent years, Cambodia has transitioned from a communist state to a liberal democracy following market economic practices. Transition in the political economy has, in turn, influenced education and, more specifically, moral education. In this article, I define moral education more broadly than many, as additionally dedicated to the preparation of students ideologically for participation in, or opposition to, political and economic movements at the world level. During successive communist regimes (Democratic Kampuchea, 1975–1979, and the People's Republic of Kampuchea, 1979–1989), Cambodian governments used education to prepare ‘new’ men and women capable of participation in, or withdrawal from, the international socialist revolution. Beyond advancing ways of thinking and acting appropriate in contemporary Cambodian society, moral education in the State of Cambodia (1989–1993) and the Kingdom of Cambodia (1993–present) is preparing students for participation in the world to which democratization and lib...
Design challenges of thermal margining tools for silicon validation

Rapid advances in the semiconductor process technology have led to miniaturization of transistor features and advent of multi-core architecture. At the silicon-level while bus speeds, features and functionalities are increasing, at the system-level, there is a steady and incessant trend of volume reduction, compact component placement on the board and noise reduction. Thermal margining tools (TTs) based on a Peltier type thermo-electric-cooler (TEC) replace the cooling solution of the device under test (DUT). The thermal margining head is controlled by the thermal controller to provide a temperature set-point based on the DUT's case temperature. These TTs provide temperature margining capability of varying the case temperature from 5°C to 100°C at silicon thermal design power (TDP) are used for process, voltage, temperature, frequency (PVTF) testing, debug, acceleration of fault detection by Intel's post-silicon validation customers across servers, desktops, mobile and graphics segments. This paper presents the thermo-mechanical design challenges of thermal margining tools. First, we present the details of the thermal margining head design for CPU, chipset and ASIC including the retention design for socketed/soldered down silicon as necessary. Second, we demonstrate how introduction of CFD modeling and retention design methodology has helped with the design optimization of the thermal head. This detailed methodology enabled designing and delivering thermal tools with predictability of the temperature margining range and improved quality of products delivered to validation customers while achieving significant cost saving of the tools. Third, we present the field issues, thermal performance degradation and failure modes of these thermal tools. Finally, we present the challenges ahead of us and the advancements we need from the rest of the industry specifically in TEC technology in designing small form factor thermal margining tools to address the shrinking KOV of the Silicon component placements on the board across the market segments to enable increasing bus speeds, features, functionalities and TDP/power density.