cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subtraction ictal SPECT co-registered to MRI (SISCOM)

2458 Objectives About 10 percent of patients with epilepsy have very frequent seizures that are not controlled by medication and adversely affect their quality of life. These patients should be evaluated for epilepsy surgery. In doing so, it is important that we can clearly spot seizure location in the brain. Subtraction Ictal SPECT Co-registered to MRI (SISCOM) is an imaging technology developed to pinpoint epilepsy uptake. In SISCOM imaging interictal brain perfusion SPECT images are subtracted from ictal SPECT and the final image is co-registered and superimposed with an MRI image. The objective of this project is to compare traditional side by side ictal and interictal images versus Subtraction Ictal SPECT Co-registered to MRI (SISCOM). Methods Traditional side-by-side visual interpretation of ictal and interictal SPECT scans can be difficult in identifying the surgical focus. Computer-aided SISCOM may improve the clinical usefulness of SPECT in localizing the surgical seizure focus. SISCOM diagnosis requires that the patient be admitted to the hospital for one week. After MRI images are taken, the patient is monitored constantly for seizure. If seizure occurs, ictal and interictal scans are performed. Then, the images are subtracted by special software before they are overlapped on MRI. As part of the SISCOM, there is a program developed to register the ictal/interictal images to the MRI images. Results In a comparison of methods, SISCOM imaging technology identifies the area where the greatest amount of brain activity is taking place during a seizure more accurately and more precisely than side-by-side SPECT image evaluation alone. Conclusions A Subtraction Ictal SPECT Co-registered to MRI method (SISCOM) has been developed for advanced evaluation of epileptic focus. Interictal SPECT images are subtracted from ictal SPECT and the final solution is co-registered and superimposed with MRI. Unlike the traditional side by side SPECT image comparisons, SISCOM precisely pinpoints seizure hot spots in patients with epilepsy, allowing specialists to determine the most appropriate surgical treatment option
Anthrax Lethal Toxin Has Direct and Potent Inhibitory Effects on B Cell Proliferation and Immunoglobulin Production

Protective host immune responses to anthrax infection in humans and animal models are characterized by the development of neutralizing Abs against the receptor-binding anthrax protective Ag (PA), which, together with the lethal factor (LF) protease, composes anthrax lethal toxin (LT). We now report that B cells, in turn, are targets for LT. Anthrax PA directly binds primary B cells, resulting in the LF-dependent cleavage of the MAPK kinases (MAPKKs) and disrupted signaling to downstream MAPK targets. Although not directly lethal to B cells, anthrax LT treatment causes severe B cell dysfunction, greatly reducing proliferative responses to IL-4-, anti-IgM-, and/or anti-CD40 stimulation. Moreover, B cells treated with anthrax LT in vitro or isolated from mice treated with anthrax LT in vivo have a markedly diminished capacity to proliferate and produce IgM in response to TLR-2 and TLR-4 ligands. The suppressive effects of anthrax LT on B cell function occur at picomolar concentrations in vitro and at sublethal doses in vivo. These results indicate that anthrax LT directly inhibits the function of B cells in vitro and in vivo, revealing a potential mechanism through which the pathogen could bypass protective immune responses.
Integrated biophotonic sensor with single-molecule resolution

We present design and first demonstration of integrated optical ARROW waveguides with liquid cores. Low optical loss, wavelength selectivity and high collection efficiency make them ideal for measuring fluorescence and Raman scattering from single biomolecules.
Large deviations for product of sums of random variables

Abstract In this paper, we obtain sample path and scalar large deviation principles for the product of sums of positive random variables. We study the case when the positive random variables are independent and identically distributed and bounded away from zero or the left tail decays to zero sufficiently fast. The explicit formula for the rate function of a scalar large deviation principle is given in the case when random variables are exponentially distributed.
On normalization constants for closed queueing networks with finite local buffers

We present new closed form solutions for partition functions used to normalize the steady-state flow balance equations of certain Markovian type queueing networks. The results focus on single class closed product form networks with state space constraints at the queueing stations. They are achieved by combining the partition function of the open network, having finite local buffers with a delta function in order to fix the number of customers in the system.
Silicon based microfabricated tin oxide gas sensor incorporating use of Hall effect measurement

Abstract Characterization of a microfabricated sol–gel derived nano-particle tin oxide thin film on a silicon substrate, through simultaneous measurement of conductivity, Hall mobility and electron density, was accomplished in this study. A tin oxide thin film (1100 A thick), derived by the sol–gel method, was deposited on a Si/SiO2 substrate by means of spin-coating method. It was determined that conductivity is strongly dependent on electron density level and shows very weak dependence on Hall mobility. Lack of Hall mobility sensitivity to H2 concentration suggests that conduction is grain control limited. In this regime, in which the grain size (D) is less than twice the characteristic Debye length (LD), a change in reducing gas concentration results in a nearly simultaneous change in carrier density throughout the entire grain, while the Hall mobility remains unchanged. A sensor calcined at 500°C and operated at 250°C showed maximum conductivity sensitivity to H2 in air. The sensor exhibited a high conductivity sensitivity of 10.6–100 ppm H2 in air with response time of ∼1 min and recovery time of ∼4 min. The effects of calcination temperature and operating conditions on the tin oxide structure were studied. Sensitivity decreased as average grain size increased from 7.7 to 14.7 nm, with increasing calcination temperature from 500 to 800°C.
Detection and characterization of new mutations in the human angiotensinogen gene (AGT).

As part of the multicenter project entitled “Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY),” we are testing polymorphisms in candidate genes of atherosclerosis and hypertension for associations with arterial lesions in autopsied young persons. In this study, we used temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) to type the Met235→Thr polymorphism in exon 2 of the angiotensinogen gene (AGT) that is associated with essential hypertension in some human populations. In addition to Met235→Thr, we detected and sequenced four other TGGE variants in exon 2 of AGT. These included two new amino acid substitutions (Thr209→ Ile and Leu211→Arg) that were found only among black PDAY cases. The frequency of the Ile209 mutation was 0.002 and the frequency of the Arg211 was 0.006 in 260 black PDAY cases. The other two TGGE variants were Tyr248→Cys and a T→C substitution at nucleotide position 171 that had been identified in previous studies. We also developed restriction isotyping for rapid typing of each AGT variant using PCR amplification and digestion with diagnostic restriction enzymes.
Are We Simulating the Status Quo? Ideology and Social Studies Simulations

Reflective educators try to devise ways to make classroom learning more experiential and engaging for their students. Simulations allow students to experience situations they might face outside of the classroom. Advocates of simulations purport that they are one of the most effective ways of teaching new concepts and ideas because they allow for participation, engagement, and the opportunity for risk-taking in a safe environment. But as critical research has demonstrated, social studies texts often reproduce dominant ideology. This article critically analyzes two text-based simulations, Skyjack and House Design, for their latent and manifested ideological content. The data demonstrate that simulations create and sustain their topic through ideological reproduction. The article ends with suggestions on how teachers can employ simulations in building a critical social studies pedagogy.
Barrier diffusion and optical properties of the Au-Al2O3-Al thin-film system.

The diffusion across the oxide barrier in a Au-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/-Al thin-film sandwich at temperatures below 300/sup 0/C has been studied in real time with use of an angular-reflectance method. Assuming a uniformly mixed alloy, the Maxwell Garnett equation was used to calculate the concentrations in the Al-diffused--in--Au layer from the reflectance data. The Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ layer between the Au and Al films was formed by oxidation of Al in air. The rate of diffusion through the oxide did not have the usual inverse dependence on barrier thickness, but rather decreased exponentially with the oxide thickness and thus resembled the Al oxidation process. The data are consistent with a model in which Al ions migrate through the oxide under the influence of a strong electric field (about 5 x 10/sup 6/ V/cm) caused by the difference in the Fermi levels of Au and Al. The change of the work function of the Au-Al alloy for increasing Al concentration in Au is also calculated from the data.
AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE PASSAGE OF COLLOIDAL PARTICLES FROM THE BLOOD VESSELS OF THE CILIARY PROCESSES AND CHOROID PLEXUS OF THE RABBIT

The thinnest areas of the capillaries of the choroid plexus and ciliary processes in the eye of the rabbit are characterized by the presence of fenestrae. When various colloidal particles opaque to the electron beam (thorotrast, gold sol, and saccharated iron oxide) were injected into the blood stream, none were found in fenestrae or in areas that might suggest their having passed through fenestrae. The passage of marker particles from the lumen to the surrounding connective tissue does take place on occasion in the areas of thicker walls in the capillaries and venules rather than in the attenuated and fenestrated endothelial walls. The pathway taken by these markers may be either through the cytoplasm of the endothelial cells via membrane-bounded vesicles and vacuoles or through the intercellular spaces of the vessels. An altered aqueous humor (cloudy and plasmoid) was produced by endotoxin injection or by making a draining fistula in rabbit cornea. Both methods gave rise to the same changes in the blood vessels of the ciliary processes. Under such conditions of inflammation the passage of colloidal particles through the thicker walls of the capillaries and venules was greatly increased and occurred primarily as an intercellular passage between the endothelial cells. The attenuated and fenestrated areas of the endothelium of the small capillaries remained unchanged with no particles passing through them. These results on the altered vessels of the ciliary processes parallel those of Majno and Palade (26) on the rat cremaster muscle.
Study of drift compression for heavy ion beams

The longitudinal dynamics of drift compression and pulse shaping for a space-charge-dominated heavy ion fusion beam is studied. A nonperiodic quadrupole lattice is designed for a beam undergoing drift compression, and an adiabatically matched solution is found for the transverse envelope equations in the nonperiodic lattice.
Single-parent adoptions: A longitudinal study

Increasing numbers of children are being adopted by single parents, yet there has been little systematic inquiry into the experiences of these families. In an 8-year study, during which 22 single adopting parents and their children have been interviewed three times, issues of managing a single-parent house-hold, the adjustment of the children over time, the handling of adoption, and the parent-child relationship have been explored. Data from a comparison group of two-parent adopting homes aids in interpretation of the findings. The findings indicate that issues considered in the literature to be problematic may be of little concern. There is some evidence that the intense relationship between parent and child, while it may make handling of adoption difficult, may make these homes of particular value for some of the children currently needing adoption. This merits further empirical exploration.
Chronic cold in adrenalectomized, corticosterone (B)-treated rats: facilitated corticotropin responses to acute restraint emerge as B increases

Small elevations in corticosterone (B) administered exogenously exert potent inhibitory effects on both basal and stress-induced ACTH secretion. However, under conditions of chronic stress with chronic elevations in B, the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal system appears to balance the negative feedback signal of B with central neural facilitation so that the system remains fully responsive to acute stressors. In these studies, we tested whether: 1) circulating B concentrations affect responses to acute restraint in rats exposed to 5 days at 5-7 C (cold), compared with room temperature (control); and 2) facilitated ACTH secretion can be explained by increased CRF or vasopressin messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the hypothalamic parvocellular paraventricular nuclei (PVN). Rats were adrenalectomized and supplied with B in doses that fixed plasma B at constant levels between approximately 2 and 20 microg/dl; rats were placed in cold or remained as controls. Increasing concentrations of fixed B decreased basal ACTH similarly in both groups. By contrast, as B levels increased, ACTH responses to restraint also increased in cold vs. control rats. Semiquantitative analysis of CRF mRNA by in situ hybridization revealed decreases of similar magnitude in both groups with increasing fixed B. Vasopressin mRNA levels also decreased with increasing fixed B in both groups, but with slightly less sensitivity to inhibition by B in cold exposed rats. Taken together, the decreases in mRNA for these major ACTH neuropeptide secretogogues in the parvocellular PVN are unlikely to explain facilitated ACTH responses in chronically stressed rats. We conclude that a brain site is stimulated by B that is proximal to the PVN; feedforward, positive effects of B are thus implicated in mediation of prior stress-induced facilitation of acute hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal responses to stress.
Strong low-frequency quantum correlations from a four-wave-mixing amplifier

Using a simple scheme based on nondegenerate four-wave mixing in a hot vapor, we generate bright twin beams which display a quantum noise reduction in the intensity difference of more than $8\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{dB}$. The absence of a cavity makes the system immune to external perturbations, and strong quantum noise reduction is observed at frequencies as low as $4.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{kHz}$ and over a large frequency range.
An estimate of the natural fecundability ratio curve

Abstract A curve of age‐specific fecundability ratio (to the level at age 20–24) is estimated. The rising part of the curve is estimated from Taiwanese data of the first conception delay according to the harmonic mean method; the declining part, from Hutterite data according to a proposed model of marital fertility rate. Heterogeneous fecundabilities and homogeneous aging effect among women in each age group are assumed. The estimated declining path of fecundability is found to be different from that of the fertility rate.
Decision-making styles in a real-life decision: Choosing a college major

Undergraduate students were surveyed at the beginning stages of a potentially life-framing decision: choosing a college major. We investigated the relationships among individual difference variables (decision-making styles, planning proclivities, and epistemological orientations), cognitive measures of performance (e.g., amount of information gathered and considered); and affective reactions to, and descriptive ratings of, the decision-making process. There were few significant relationships between individual differences and performance measures. However, there were significant relationships found between individual differences measures and affective reactions to, or descriptive ratings of, the decision-making process. We suggest that stylistic measures have their effects in the way individuals frame the decision-making process rather than in the way they go about gathering or structuring information.
Substrate- and inhibitor-induced changes in the optical rotatory dispersion of aspartate transcarbamylase.

Substrate- and Inhibitor-induced Changes in the Optical Rotatory Dispersion of Aspartate Transcarbamylase
Overtone spectroscopy and thermal lens detection limit of methane in cryo-solutions

The overtone spectra of methane solutions from 5000 cm−1 to 17000 cm−1 in liquid nitrogen and liquid argon are presented. The region between 5000 and 15000 cm−1 has been measured using a Fourier transform spectrophotometer with methane concentrations between 0.41% and 37% in mole fraction. The thermal lens technique (TLS) was used to measure the fifth overtone, not observed with the Fourier transform spectrophotometer. For a fixed concentration, maximization of the TLS signal with low modulation frequency and high laser power of excitation is shown. Time-dependent signal profiles of single-beam thermal lens experiments are analysed with the parabolic and aberrant lens models. Fitting parameters are obtained from the time-dependent signals. The absorption coefficient of methane was calculated from the fitting parameters and thermo-optical properties of the solvent. The calculated absorption coefficient of the Δυ = 6 transition of methane is 1.7 × 10−3 cm−1, which is in good agreement with literature values...
Lysozyme Self-Association in Aqueous NaCl at pH 4.0 and 20 °C

The rate of membrane permeation of molecules of the protein, lysozyme, dissolved in aqueous crystallization media depends on the square root of the ionic strength. This dependence can be explained by assuming that there is an equilibrium between lysozyme monomers and dimers. Using electrolyte theory and the hypothesis that the dimerization equilibrium involves exchange of H+ with the buffer, we calculate that a dimer in aqueous NaCl buffered to pH 4.0 at 20 °C has a charge equal to +18.6 |e|, where e is the electron charge. We find further that the standard free energy of formation of the dimer from monomers is 173 kJ mol-1, while the equilibrium constant for dimer formation is 1.2 × 10-31. Although these values imply that dimers are not prevelant under standard conditions, we find that the mass action effects of H+ exchange with the buffer and the stablizing effects of the net electrostatic interaction of both monomers and dimers with Na+ and Cl- ions enhances the presence of dimers under the conditions ...
Anaerobes unleashed: Aerobic fuel cells of Geobacter sulfurreducens

Abstract One of the limitations of power generation with microbial fuel cells is that the anode must typically be maintained under anaerobic conditions. When oxygen is present in the anode chamber microorganisms oxidize the fuel with the reduction of oxygen rather than electron transfer to the anode. A system in which fuel is provided from within a graphite anode and diffuses out to the outer surface of the anode was designed to overcome these limitations. A biofilm of Geobacter sulfurreducens strain KN400, pregrown on the surface of a graphite electrode in a traditional two-chambered system with an anaerobic anode chamber and acetate as an external fuel source, produced current just as well under aerobic conditions when acetate was provided via diffusion from an internal concentrated acetate solution. No acetate was detectable in the external medium. In contrast, aerobic systems in which acetate was provided in the external medium completely failed within 48 h. Internally fed anodes colonized by a strain of KN400 adapted to grow at marine salinities produced current in aerobic seawater as well as an anaerobic anode system. The ability to generate current with an anode under aerobic conditions increases the potential applications and design options for microbial fuel cells.
Extracellular Enzyme Activity Beneath Temperate Trees Growing Under Elevated Carbon Dioxide and Ozone

Soil microorganisms are limited by the amount and type of plant- derived substrates entering soil, and we reasoned that changes in the production and biochemical constituents of plant litter produced under elevated CO2 and O3 would elicit physiological changes in soil microbial communities.
Characterization of a combined DNA initiation and cell division mutant of Bacillus subtilis.

The temperature-sensitive mutation in Bacillus subtilis 168-134ts, a conditional lethal DNA initiation mutant, was transferred to the minicell producing strain, CU 403 div IV-B1, to study he relationship of DNA synthesis to cell division. Markers in the combined mutant were verified by transduction. DNA replication kinetics, genome location by autoradiography, and clonal analysis of cell division patterns during spore outgrowths were investigated. Growth of the double mutant at the restrictive temperature results in an impressive reduction of the percentage cell length covered by DNA grain clusters (60.2% at 30° C compared to 8.6% after 2 h at 45° C). The probability of a minicell producing division in double mutant clones is essentially the same at 30° C and during the initial 2–3 h growth at 45° C at which time lysis begins. Residual division at 45° C is attributable to processes initiated at 30° C. The CU 403 div IV-B1, 134ts, double mutant divides about 25% as frequently relative to growth as do wild type CU 403 clones when incubated at permissive temperature. This is approximately 15% greater division suppression than previously found in the CU 403 div IV-B1 mutant strain, and is presumably due to interactions of the mutant gene products both of which affect DNA.
Comments on "Line tracking using autoregressive spectral estimates"

In [1], it was asserted that a spectral line tracker based upon the maximum entropy spectral estimator provides a "significant improvement in tracking performance" over a line tracker based on the Fourier transform spectral estimator. It is shown that the poor performance of the Fourier transform tracker was due in part to the particular implementation of the tracker. In fact, at low signal-to-noise ratios the capabilities of the maximum entropy and Fourier transform spectral estimates to track time-varying spectral lines ate nearly identical.
Automated separation and measurement of radioxenon for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

A fully automatic radioxenon sampler/analyzer (ARSA) has been developed and demonstrated for the collection and quantitative measurement of the four xenon radionuclides,131mXe(11.9 d),133mXe(2.2 d),133Xe(5.2 d), and135Xe(9.1 hr), in the atmosphere. These radionuclides are important signatures in monitoring for compliance to a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Activity ratios of these radionuclides permit source attribution. Xenon, continuously and automatically separated from the atmosphere, is automatically analyzed by electron-photon coincidence spectrometry providing a lower limit of detection of about 100 μBq/m3. The demonstrated detection limit is about 100 times better than achievable with reported laboratory-based procedures for the short-time collection intervals of interest.
Substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder and violence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present review focuses on the co-occurrence of substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, with special attention to measurement and the role of violence as a contributor to the comorbidity. RECENT FINDINGS: Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in the presence or absence of a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis are comorbid with several substance use dependencies and with a range of severity of substance use. SUMMARY: Lack of consistency in terms of substance use classification and measurement of post-traumatic stress disorder across studies continues to hinder comparisons of rates of comorbid substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. More attention to the role of violence as a contributor to the comorbidity and its impact on treatment outcomes is warranted. Language: en
Determination of Sheet Steel Formability Using Wide Band Electromagnetic-Acoustic Transducers

An electromagnetic-acoustic transducer (EMAT) system was used in conjunction with a “sampled” CW signal-processing method to generate, receive, and process longitudinal and shear waves in thin steel sheets. Using the system, swept-frequency measurements were made up to 7.5 MHz. To relate the measurements to sheet steel formability, a dimensionless frequency ratio,K, was computed from the resonant frequencies. From theoretical considerations,K should be related to a measure of steel sheet formability, $$\bar r$$ . This parameter is traditionally measured by plastically deforming uniaxial tension specimens. Good correlation was found betweenK and $$\bar r$$ for a set of steel sheet representative of those typically used to produce automobile body parts.
Consequences of combining laser irradiation with other stimuli on laser desorption and ablation from wide bandgap insulators

When a transparent, wide bandgap insulator is exposed to sub-bandgap laser irradiation, defects at and near the surface often dominate the response in terms of particle emission and eventual ablation of material. We explored the consequences of applying a variety of stimuli that can generate defects on single crystal surfaces of inorganic ionic crystals. The stimuli include: electron beam irradiation, a second laser beam, mechanical treatment, and thermal treatment. We found that a common theme evolves where these stimuli generate sites for strong interactions of the probing laser beam, leading to a dramatic decrease in the laser intensities needed for ejection of ions, neutrals, and eventual plume formation.
Nonconsequential Reasoning and Its Consequences

According to consequentialism, which underlies the rational theory of choice, decisions should be determined by an assessment of the potential consequences. People, however, do not always consider the relevance of missing information in a consequentialist manner. As a result, they sometimes pursue noninstrumental information—information that may appear relevant but ought not alter the decision. Having pursued such information, people misconstrue it as instrumental for the decision and proceed to make choices they would not otherwise have made. This pattern is observed in the context of consumer, medical, and negotiation decisions. In one scenario, for example, participants made a hypothetical decision about whether to purchase a CD player. Those who chose to postpone and then found out about another component's repair cost were less likely to buy the CD player than those who knew about the required repair cost from the start. Because the initial pursuit and ensuing use of obtained information appear excee...
Unifying structure, behavior, and data with themis types and templates

Structural computing evolved from work on open hypermedia to aid in the creation of software infrastructure. Open hypermedia had produced software that provided applications with access to hypermedia structures and services. The question was asked if these results could be generalized to create similar tools for other domains. Initial work focused on the development of structure servers that can create and manipulate domain-specific structures, but little work focused on allowing those structures to provide a rich set of behaviors. Indeed, this forced developers to place behaviors on the client rather than having behaviors live within a structure server. This paper presents research on the addition of a type system to the Themis structure server and how these types interact with Themis's template mechanism to provide a single interface that unifies structure, behavior, and data. This new mechanism lets behaviors live within a structure server allowing them to be shared by client applications. To demonstrate its power, Themis is being used to re-implement the Chimera open hypermedia system.
Semiconducting layered blue phosphorus: a computational study

We investigate a previously unknown phase of phosphorus that shares its layered structure and high stability with the black phosphorus allotrope. We find the in-plane hexagonal structure and bulk layer stacking of this structure, which we call "blue phosphorus," to be related to graphite. Unlike graphite and black phosphorus, blue phosphorus displays a wide fundamental band gap. Still, it should exfoliate easily to form quasi-two-dimensional structures suitable for electronic applications. We study a likely transformation pathway from black to blue phosphorus and discuss possible ways to synthesize the new structure.
The evolution of hymenopteran wings: the importance of size

This thesis was submitted to the department of Entomology and the faculty of the graduate school of the University of Kansas in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts.
Adenosine and blood platelets.

Adenosine is an important regulatory metabolite and an inhibitor of platelet activation. Adenosine released from different cells or generated through the activity of cell-surface ectoenzymes exerts its effects through the binding of four different G-protein-coupled adenosine receptors. In platelets, binding of A2 subtypes (A2A or A2B) leads to consequent elevation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate, an inhibitor of platelet activation. The significance of this ligand and its receptors for platelet activation is addressed in this review, including how adenosine metabolism and its A2 subtype receptors impact the expression and activity of adenosine diphosphate receptors. The expression of A2 adenosine receptors is induced by conditions such as oxidative stress, a hallmark of aging. The effect of adenosine receptors on platelet activation during aging is also discussed, as well as potential therapeutic applications.
Exploring the Effects of Sterols in Model Lipid Membranes Using Single-Molecule Orientations

Single-molecule orientations of the fluorescent lipid analogue BODIPY-PC doped into lipid monolayers and bilayers of DPPC are used to characterize the structure present in the films as a function of sterol content. Out-of-focus polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microcopy (PTIRF-M) measurements are used to characterize the single-molecule tilt angles with respect to the membrane normal. Tilt angle histograms for Langmuir−Blodgett monolayers of DPPC reveal bimodal distributions at all surface pressures studied. A linear dependence in the dye population oriented normal to the membrane plane with surface pressure is found and used to characterize the equivalent surface pressure of supported bilayers formed through vesicle fusion. These measurements reveal an equivalent surface pressure of ∼23 mN/m, which is somewhat lower than the currently accepted value of ∼30−35 mN/m.1−7 The effect of cholesterol, ergosterol, and lanosterol on membrane structure is also compared between DPPC bilayers and mon...
Trends in Analytical Developments and Earth Science Applications in LA‐ICP‐MS and LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS for 2004 and 2005

This review of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry includes research that employed quadrupole instruments, and single-collector and multicollector magnetic sector field instruments. The most important trend in 2004–2005 was the growing appreciation that small matrix effects in LA-(MC)-ICP-MS need to be addressed in order to produce highly precise and accurate data by the method. The issue is most acute for isotope ratio measurements that require standard-sample-standard bracketing but can also be important for certain elemental analysis. Matrix-dependent elemental and isotopic fractionations were studied from the standpoint of laser-sample interactions and the behaviour of laser-generated particles in the ablation cell, transfer tubing and ICP torch. Innovations in LA-(MC)-ICP-MS involved signal smoothing, in torch laser ablation, on-line isotope dilution and molecular oxide monitoring. Other important research was carried out on the calibration and homogeneity of various reference materials; and the exploration of mature (in situ U-Pb geochronology) and emerging (apatite fission-track chronometry, U-Th/He thermochronology, boron/strontium/uranium-series isotopic microanalysis) applications in the Earth sciences.
Offshore wind capital cost estimation in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf—A reference class approach

Abstract Offshore wind power developed rapidly in Northern Europe in the first decade of the 21st century and is expected to spread to Southern Europe, North America and Asia before 2020. To date, no projects have been built offshore North America because of the high development costs and economic risk and uncertain profitability. The purpose of this paper is to review the development cost of constructing offshore wind farms to inform the U.S. market. The capital expenditures of a reference class of 18 European wind farms constructed after 2005 with monopile foundations are normalized to proxy U.S. capital cost. Regression models are developed to investigate the physical features that influence expenditures. U.S. capital costs are expected to range between $4 and $5.6 million/MW for projects built between 2012 and 2015. Capital costs increase with increasing water depth and steel prices. For most farm components, capital expenditures are expected to be similar in Europe and the U.S., but the installation markets differ and this may impact the reliability of the reference class approach.
Effects of the estimation of covariance matrix parameters in the generalized multivariate linear model

We Consider the generalized multivariate linear model and assume the covariance matrix of the p x 1 vector of responses on a given individual can be represented in the general linear structure form described by Anderson (1973). The effects of the use of estimates of the parameters of the covariance matrix on the generalized least squares estimator of the regression coefficients and on the prediction of a portion of a future vector, when only the first portion of the vector has been observed, are investigated. Approximations are derived for the covariance matrix of the generalized least squares estimator and for the mean square error matrix of the usual predictor, for the practical case where estimated parameters are used.
Treatments for Avascular Necrosis of the Talus A Systematic Review

Introduction: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus is a challenging entity to treat. Poor outcomes remain all too common. The purpose of this systematic review was to: identify and summarize all available evidence for the treatment of talar AVN; provide treatment recommendations; and highlight gaps in the literature. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE using a unique algorithm. The Oxford Level of Evidence Guidelines and GRADE recommendations were used to rate the quality of evidence and to make treatment recommendations. Results: 19 studies fit the inclusion criteria constituting 321 ankles at final follow-up. The interventions of interest included hindfoot fusion, conservative measures, bone grafting, vascularized bone graft, core decompression, and talar replacement. All studies were Level IV evidence. Due to study quality, imprecise and sparse data, and potential for reporting bias, the quality of evidence is “very low”. Studies investigating conservative therapy showed that prolonged protective ...
Direct electron heating at moderate harmonic number for compact ignition devices

Direct electron heating of compact ignition devices by radio-frequency power in the 300–400 MHz range is discussed. The possible advantage of this approach to heating an ignition device, as opposed to resonant heating of an ion population, is the insensitivity to the exact value of the magnitude field. Heating with central power deposition during a toroidal field ramp is therefore possible.
What happens to investment under structural adjustment: Results from a simulation model

Abstract This paper considers frameworks traditionally used to analyze structural adjustment issues and notes the lack of an endogenous investment response. This response is important because it can reverse standard structural results and can alter the long-term growth effects of contractionary shocks and policy. This study includes both the structural and aggregate investment dimensions by incorporating two-period optimization in a multisectoral computable general equilibrium (CGE) model for Cameroon. Unlike other CGE models, the composition of aggregate demand responds to factor prices driving investment decisions. The structure of output and trade similarly respond to both macroeconomic forces and relative prices. Unlike other studies of investment during adjustment, this model emphasizes the role of the structure of the economy in the level and sectoral distribution of investment. Model simulations of foreign capital outflow show that the pattern of investment reflects both sectoral interest rate sensitivity and relative price changes. Tariff protection for manufacturers raises the price of investment goods and interest rates, affecting all investment trends. Reductions in the budget deficit tend to “crowd-in” private investment.
Quantitation of Serum HPV DNA Levels in Patients With p16-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer Undergoing Dose De-escalated Chemoradiation Therapy and Correlation With PET/CT: Preliminary Findings From a Prospective Trial

Purpose/Objective(s): Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide, with approximately 600,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The 5-year survival rate of HNSCC has not improved despite advances in the clinical management of this disease. Understanding the molecular pathways that lead to aggressive HNSCC is crucial to identify new targets for anti-cancer drug development. miR-21 is an oncomiR and overexpressed in numerous carcinomas, includingHNSCC. In this study, we determined if targeting miR-21 using a novel cationic nanoparticle encapsulated anti-miR21 formulation has activity in HNSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Materials/Methods: Cationic nanoparticles encapsulated with anti-miR-21 (NP/anti-miR-21) or anti-miR-control (NP/anti-miR-control) was prepared and characterized. qPCR was used to assess miR-21 and Nanog expression. The effect of NP/anti-miR-21 and NP/anti-miR-control on cell proliferation, apoptosis, clonogenic survival, migration, and invasion was assessed in vitro. In addition, the in vivo efficacy of NP/anti-miR-21 was determined in a xenograft model of HNSCC. Results: NP/anti-miR-21 treatment reduced miR-21 expression in HNSCC cells, whereas, treatment with NP/anti-miR-control had no effect on miR-21 expression. Cell proliferation, clonogenic survival, invasion, and migration were inhibited and apoptosis was enhanced in HNSCC cells following treatment with NP/anti-miR-21. In addition, NP/anti-miR21 depleted the cancer stem cell population and decreased Nanog, a cancer stem cell regulator, expression. In a xenograft model of HNSCC, NP/anti-miR-21treated animals had smaller tumors (46.43% inhibition, pZ0.039) and improved survival (pZ0.043) compared to animals in the NP/anti-miRcontrol-treated arm. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the potential application of nanoparticle encapsulated anti-miR-21 as a novel anti-cancer therapeutic for HNSCC. Author Disclosure: L. Piao: None. M. Zhang: None. X. Xie: None. H. Li: None. L.E. Santaliz-Ruiz: None. T.N. Teknos: None. Q. Pan: None.
Congenital polycystic kidney in a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Polycystic kidney and liver disease was seen in a stillborn white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawn. Bilaterally enlarged kidneys were characterized by severe dilatation of all renal tubules. Glomeruli were sparse, small, and located within a dilated Bowman's capsule. The liver was characterized by marked periportal fibrosis, biliary hyperplasia, and bile duct ectasia with dilated ducts containing inspissated bile. The presentation and morphology of this case are most similar to autosomal recessive polycystic disease in humans.
HyperSlides: dynamic presentation prototyping

Presentations are a crucial form of modern communication, yet there is a dissonance between everyday practices with presentation tools and best practices from the presentation literature. We conducted a grounded theory study to gain a better understanding of the activity of presenting, discovering the potential for a more dynamic, automated, and story-centered approach to prototyping slide presentations that are themselves dynamic in their ability to help presenters rehearse and deliver their story. Our prototype tool for dynamic presentation prototyping, which we call HyperSlides, uses a simple markup language for the creation of hierarchically structured scenes, which are algorithmically transformed into hyperlinked slides of a consistent and minimalist style. Our evaluation suggests that HyperSlides helps idea organization, saves authoring time, creates aesthetic layouts, and supports more flexible rehearsal and delivery than linear slides, at the expense of reduced layout control and increased navigation demands.
An experimental examination of the computer’s time displacement effects

Past research has presented mixed results in regards to the time displacement effects of the computer. In this field experiment, subjects were asked to give up using the computer (except for school work) for one day. The amount of time shift within each traditional medium between the normal day and the non-computer day was examined. The results showed that giving up computer use did not increase time allotted to other media. In addition, no differences in time shifts existed between light and heavy users. Overall, this study provides no support for the claim that using computers takes away time from using traditional media.
Role of Glutaredoxin-Mediated Protein S-Glutathionylation in Cellular Nitroglycerin Tolerance

We hypothesize that nitroglycerin (NTG) causes direct oxidation of multiple cellular sulfhydryl (SH) proteins and that manipulation of SH redox status affects NTG tolerance. In LLC-PK1 cells, we found that nitrate tolerance, as indicated by cGMP accumulation toward NTG, was accompanied by increased protein [35S]cysteine incorporation, significant S-glutathionylation of multiple proteins, and decreased metabolic activity of several SH-sensitive enzymes, including creatine kinase, xanthine oxidoreductase, and glutaredoxin (GRX). Cells overexpressing GRX exhibited reduced cellular protein S-glutathionylation (PSSG) and absence of NTG tolerance, whereas those with silenced GRX showed increased extent of NTG-induced tolerance. Incubation of LLC-PK1 cells with oxidized glutathione led to several major observations associated with nitrate tolerance, namely, reduced cGMP accumulation, PSSG formation, superoxide accumulation, and the attenuation of these events by vitamin C. Aortic S-glutathionylated proteins increased approximately 3-fold in rats made tolerant in vivo to NTG and showed significant negative correlation with vascular responsiveness ex vivo. NTG incubation in EA.hy926 endothelial cells and LLC-PK1 cells led to increased S-glutathionylation and activity of p21ras, a known mediator of cellular signaling. These results indicate that the hallmark events of NTG tolerance, such as reduced bioactivation and redox signaling, are associated with GRX-dependent protein deglutathionylation.
Cost-effectiveness of screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis secondary to chronic hepatitis C: a decision analysis

Cost-effectiveness of screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis secondary to chronic hepatitis C: a decision analysis
Vehicle EMI Integration Issues Identified by Precompliance Test Methods

Automotive electronics systems are becoming increasingly complex each year. At the same time, interior styling and exterior body trends are causing these sophisticated electronics to be packaged in smaller spaces. As a result, vehicle integration testing has been a focus area for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure there is adequate evaluation of such systems prior to mass production. Vehicle level integration testing requires time and extensive resources to perform. The need for performing additional vehicle testing and correcting integration issues can be reduced by performing early precompliance testing. This paper discusses five unique precompliance test methods that correlate to the vehicle that identify EMC issues.
Structural Causes of Vulnerability to Flood Hazard in Pakistan

Abstract: This paper uses recent theoretical advances in the field of hazards research to inform the analysis of an empirical study on flood hazard conducted in central Pakistan. The investigation seeks to understand the causes of vulnerability and their development that culminates in disaster, with the basic presumption that empirical events have causal links going back to societal structures which are not measurable but contain the mechanisms that lead to the events and their perceptions. A case study in five villages of central Pakistan was conducted to understand the elements of communities' and social groups' differential vulnerability to flood hazard. The elements of vulnerability are situated within a tripartite conceptual space of vulnerability, composed of entitlement relations, empowerment relations, and political economy. A modified “pressure and release” model was applied to the field survey results to understand the progression of vulnerability from the structural abstract level to the concrete level of physical disasters. I concluded that the study communities' vulnerability was largely a function of their disempowerment. vulnerability,
The role of health information kiosks in diverse settings: a systematic review.

Background Public access computing through computer kiosks placed in clinical and community settings may help bridge the digital health information divide. Objective The objective was to examine the current utilisation of computer based health information kiosks in diverse settings. Further, the objective was to examine the locations for health kiosks, kiosk features, application of theoretical framework in the design and development of health kiosks and the outcomes assessed. Methods A search was conducted using Pubmed and CINAHL with articles published from January 2005 to January 2012. The articles that focused on the use of computer based health information kiosks in community and clinical settings. Results The majority of the 31 articles included in this study were conducted in urban settings (90%; n = 28), clinical settings (58%; n = 18) and focused on child safety (19%; n = 6). Computer-based tailoring was utilised in majority of the studies (77%; n = 24). However, limited studies described the theoretical frameworks to facilitate this tailoring (42%; n = 13). Conclusions The results suggest that health information kiosks are a feasible medium to disseminate health information among various users in clinical and community settings, with high acceptance and satisfaction by users. Theoretical driven interventions are needed to examine long term impacts of health information kiosks especially in rural and underserved populations.