cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
C-MYC overexpression is required for continuous suppression of senescence in melanoma cells

4476 Malignant melanomas often harbor activating mutations in BRAF(V600E) or, less frequently, in NRAS (Q61R). Intriguingly, the same mutations have been detected at higher incidences in benign nevi, which are largely composed of senescent melanocytes. Overexpression of BRAFV600E or NRASQ61R in human melanocytes in vitro has also been shown to induce senescence, albeit via different mechanisms. How oncogene-induced senescence is overcome during melanoma progression remains unclear. Here, we report that C-MYC protein levels are higher in metastatic melanoma tissues and cell lines compared to benign nevi and normal melanocytes, respectively. In the majority of analyzed BRAFV600E- or NRASQ61R-expressing melanoma cells, C-MYC depletion induced different yet overlapping sets of senescence phenotypes characteristic for normal melanocytes undergoing senescence due to overexpression of BRAFV600E or NRASQ61R, respectively. These senescence phenotypes were p16- or p53-independent, however in melanoma cells several of them were suppressed by inhibition of MEK or PI3K kinases. Reciprocally, overexpression of C-MYC in normal melanocytes suppressed BRAFV600E-induced senescence more efficiently than NRASQ61R-induced senescence, which agrees with the generally higher rates of activating mutations in BRAF gene than NRAS genein human cutaneous melanomas. Our data suggest that one of the major functions of C-MYC overexpression in melanoma progression is to suppress BRAFV600E- or NRASQ61R-dependent senescence programs.
How Can We Engage in Inclusive, Culturally Responsive Computer Science?

In this BoF we discuss the tenets of culturally responsive computer science and how teachers, professors and providers of professional development can include culturally responsive perspectives in their classes. In contrast to other academic fields, which typically include rigid curricular tracks ostensibly based on academic performance, talent, or ability that pose structural barriers to access to rigorous academic instruction for underrepresented students, the field of computer science education is explicitly focused on broadening participation, as evidenced by the SIGCSE community's consistent emphasis on equitable representation. Culturally responsive computing (CRC) is founded on culturally responsive teaching (CRT) and on CRT's three tenets: asset building (in contrast to deficit approaches), reflection, and connectedness. CRC frames these tenets for the specifics of computing education. CRC's tenet that all students are capable of digital innovation should drive teachers' interactions and relationships with students. CRC also requires that teachers be continually reflective about their privilege and constraints and how those are connected with our worldviews. This topic is significant because teachers must be connected to their students in non-traditional ways that prize diversity as an asset to innovation. The participants are expected to include professors, lecturers, high school teachers and industry experts who are interested in employing culturally responsive computing approaches in their own teaching and professional development activities. A major goal of the BoF is to establish connections among the participants to promote the sharing of resources and best practices.
Emerging investigator series: primary emissions, ozone reactivity, and byproduct emissions from building insulation materials

Building insulation materials can affect indoor air by (i) releasing primary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building enclosure cavities to the interior space, (ii) mitigating exposure to outdoor pollutants through reactive deposition (of oxidants, e.g., ozone) or filtration (of particles) in infiltration air, and (iii) generating secondary VOCs and other gas-phase byproducts resulting from oxidant reactions. This study reports primary VOC emission fluxes, ozone (O3) reaction probabilities (γ), and O3 reaction byproduct yields for eight common, commercially available insulation materials. Fluxes of primary VOCs from the materials, measured in a continuous flow reactor using proton transfer reaction-time of flight-mass spectrometry, ranged from 3 (polystyrene with thermal backing) to 61 (cellulose) μmol m−2 h−1 (with total VOC mass emission rates estimated to be between ∼0.3 and ∼3.3 mg m−2 h−1). Major primary VOC fluxes from cellulose were tentatively identified as compounds likely associated with cellulose chemical and thermal decomposition products. Ozone-material γ ranged from ∼1 × 10−6 to ∼30 × 10−6. Polystyrene with thermal backing and polyisocyanurate had the lowest γ, while cellulose and fiberglass had the highest. In the presence of O3, total observed volatile byproduct yields ranged from 0.25 (polystyrene) to 0.85 (recycled denim) moles of VOCs produced per mole of O3 consumed, or equivalent to secondary fluxes that range from 0.71 (polystyrene) to 10 (recycled denim) μmol m−2 h−1. Major emitted products in the presence of O3 were generally different from primary emissions and were characterized by yields of aldehydes and acetone. This work provides new data that can be used to evaluate and eventually model the impact of “hidden” materials (i.e., those present inside wall cavities) on indoor air quality. The data may also guide building enclosure material selection, especially for buildings in areas of high outdoor O3.
Optimization of User Interfaces in the Digitization of Paper-Based Processes: A Case Study of a Mobile Aviation Application

Many companies across several industries have made the switch from paper to electronic documentation with the goals of improving efficiency, lowering costs, and providing employees with ways to easily access important information all at their fingertips. In the aviation industry, Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) have transformed all required inflight, paper documentation into digital formats that are easily accessible to pilots on the flight deck. Unfortunately, in the development of first generation EFB documentation applications, and many other document-rich applications in industry, little attention has been paid to human factors design principles, resulting in applications that are inefficient and can burden user performance. This paper describes a usability analysis that was performed on a current EFB application used by a major U.S. air carrier, and provides redesign recommendations to increase usability of the EFB and streamline pilot performance. These results provide insight into potential problems to avoid in future flight deck application design, as well as for applications that serve to digitize paper-based process. Additionally, the results provide guidelines to help ensure effective and efficient user interfaces.
Lymphoma Metastasis to Vertebral Body Hemangioma: Collision Tumor Causing Cord Compression.

Background Collision tumors of the spine are extremely uncommon. Prior reports have detailed intracranial collision tumors comprising meningiomas and astrocytomas, as well as metastases to meningiomas. Spinal collision tumors are even rarer, with only 5 cases in the literature, none involving the osseous spine. In this report, we highlight the salient features of a case of lymphoma metastasis to a preexisting benign osseous hemangioma, resulting in cord compression. Case Description An 81-year-old woman with a known typical T8 vertebral body hemangioma stable for over 6 years was evaluated for increasing back pain, new gait instability, and urinary retention. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a change in the appearance of the T8 hemangioma, with marrow replacement and new associated epidural soft tissue causing cord compression. A biopsy was performed, which showed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma within blood elements, consistent with lymphoma metastasis to a vertebral body hemangioma. The patient was treated with intravenous steroids and radiation therapy. Conclusions Collision tumors of the spine are extremely rare. New or increasingly aggressive appearance of a previously benign spinal osseous lesion should prompt consideration for a collision tumor or malignant transformation of the benign tumor. Biopsy of the lesion should be strongly pursued whenever feasible, as the treatment strategy may vary depending on the histology of the tumor.
Pulmonary Lipid-Laden Macrophages and Vaping

Pulmonary Lipid-Laden Macrophages and Vaping The use of electronic cigarettes has been associated with pulmonary injury, one feature of which has been lipid-laden macrophages in pulmonary-lavage fl...
Coexisting fascicular ventricular tachycardia and papillary muscle ventricular tachycardia in the setting of coronary artery disease in a master athlete

A 73-year old male developed syncope during a bicycle race. Exercise stress testing demonstrated non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) and ischemic changes. Coronary angiography revealed a 99% occluded right coronary artery which was stented; repeat stress testing demonstrated normal perfusion and NSVT. An electrophysiology study demonstrated left posterior fascicular ventricular tachycardia, which was ablated at two lower turnaround points. NSVT was observed during subsequent stress testing, prompting a repeat electrophysiology study. The inferoseptum and inferior wall were extensively ablated, along with a posteromedial papillary muscle premature ventricular complex. With no further demonstrable NSVT, the patient was cleared to return to competition.
Radial versus femoral access for percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Trial sequential analysis

Background Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have yielded conflicting results about the impact of transradial access (TRA) versus transfemoral access (TFA) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods We performed a trial sequential analysis (TSA) of RCTs comparing TRA and TFA in patients with STEMI. The outcomes of interest were 30-day mortality, major bleeding, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and access site complications. Results A total of 17 studies with 11,992 patients were included in the current TSA. The TRA group had lower 30-day mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.72, 95% CI 0.58-0.90, P = .003), major bleeding (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.49-0.79, P = .0001), MACE (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.93, P = .01), and access site complications (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.28-0.48, P Conclusions In the current TSA, the available data from RCTs support improved 30-day mortality, major bleeding, MACE and access site complication rates in STEMI patients treated by PCI through the radial access.
Systemic therapy in an RNA toxicity mouse model with an antisense oligonucleotide therapy targeting a non-CUG sequence within the DMPK 3′UTR RNA

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the most common adult muscular dystrophy, is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by an expansion of a (CTG)n tract within the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. Mutant DMPK mRNAs are toxic, present in nuclear RNA foci and correlated with a plethora of RNA splicing defects. Cardinal features of DM1 are myotonia and cardiac conduction abnormalities. Using transgenic mice, we have demonstrated that expression of the mutant DMPK 3'UTR is sufficient to elicit these features of DM1. Here, using these mice, we present a study of systemic treatment with an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) (ISIS 486178) targeted to a non-CUG sequence within the 3'UTR of DMPK. RNA foci and DMPK 3'UTR mRNA levels were reduced in both the heart and skeletal muscles. This correlated with improvements in several splicing defects in skeletal and cardiac muscles. The treatment reduced myotonia and this correlated with increased Clcn1 expression. Furthermore, functional testing showed improvements in treadmill running. Of note, we demonstrate that the ASO treatment reversed the cardiac conduction abnormalities, and this correlated with restoration of Gja5 (connexin 40) expression in the heart. This is the first time that an ASO targeting a non-CUG sequence within the DMPK 3'UTR has demonstrated benefit on the key DM1 phenotypes of myotonia and cardiac conduction defects. Our data also shows for the first time that ASOs may be a viable option for treating cardiac pathology in DM1.
Chandra Analysis of A496: No Chemical Gradients across Cold Fronts

We present the results of a spatially resolved spectroscopic analysis of the galaxy cluster A496 with the S3 chip on board the Chandra satellite. We confirm the presence of a central positive temperature gradient consistent with a cooling flow but with a minimum gas temperature of ~0.5-0.9 keV. The cluster also exhibits sharp edges in gas density and temperature that are consistent with "cold front" substructures. The iron abundance profile is not radially symmetric relative to the cluster center. Toward the direction of the most prominent (northerly) cold front, the iron abundance is roughly flat, with nearly solar values. In the opposite (southerly) direction from the center, the iron abundance distribution shows an "off-center" peak. Various abundance ratios suggest that the heavy elements in the central regions of the cluster are dominated by Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) ejecta. However, for radii greater than 100 h kpc, the abundance ratios vary in such a way that different abundance ratios provide very different estimates of the proportion of SN Ia/II ejecta. Nonetheless, observed abundances and abundance ratios are continuous across the cold fronts, which suggests that the cold fronts are not likely to be the result of a subcluster merger. We suggest instead that the cold fronts in A496 are caused by "sloshing" of the central cooling flow gas, induced by the motion of the cD galaxy about the cluster center.
The Year in Electrophysiology: Selected Highlights From 2020

This article is the third in an annual series for the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. The authors thank the Editor-in-Chief Dr. Kaplan, the Associate Editor-in-Chief Dr. Augoustides, and the editorial board for the opportunity to continue this series; namely, the highlights of the year that pertain to electrophysiology in relation to cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia. This third article focuses on the convergent procedure, His-bundle pacing, a comparison of subcutaneous and transvenous defibrillator therapies, the 2020 practice advisory update for the perioperative management of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices, and a technology update regarding the Micra AV (Medtronic, Moundsview, MN), the EMPOWER leadless pacemaker (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA), WiSE-CRT (EBR Systems, Sunnyvale, CA), the Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (Medtronic, Moundsview, MN), and the BAROSTIM NEO (CVRx Inc, Minneapolis, MN).
Using a Real-Time Locating System to Evaluate the Impact of Telemedicine in an Emergency Department During COVID-19: Observational Study.

Background: Telemedicine has been deployed by health care systems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to enable health care workers to provide remote care for both outpatients and inpatients. Although it is reasonable to suspect telemedicine visits limit unnecessary personal contact and thus decrease the risk of infection transmission, the impact of the use of such technology on clinician workflows in the emergency department is unknown. Objective: This study aimed to use a real-time locating system (RTLS) to evaluate the impact of a new telemedicine platform, which permitted clinicians located outside patient rooms to interact with patients who were under isolation precautions in the emergency department, on in-person interaction between health care workers and patients. Methods: A pre-post analysis was conducted using a badge-based RTLS platform to collect movement data including entrances and duration of stay within patient rooms of the emergency department for nursing and physician staff. Movement data was captured between March 2, 2020, the date of the first patient screened for COVID-19 in the emergency department, and April 20, 2020. A new telemedicine platform was deployed on March 29, 2020. The number of entrances and duration of in-person interactions per patient encounter, adjusted for patient length of stay, were obtained for pre- and postimplementation phases and compared with t tests to determine statistical significance. Results: There were 15,741 RTLS events linked to 2662 encounters for patients screened for COVID-19. There was no significant change in the number of in-person interactions between the pre- and postimplementation phases for both nurses (5.7 vs 7.0 entrances per patient, P=.07) and physicians (1.3 vs 1.5 entrances per patient, P=.12). Total duration of in-person interactions did not change (56.4 vs 55.2 minutes per patient, P=.74) despite significant increases in telemedicine videoconference frequency (0.6 vs 1.3 videoconferences per patient, P<.001 for change in daily average) and duration (4.3 vs 12.3 minutes per patient, P<.001 for change in daily average). Conclusions: Telemedicine was rapidly adopted with the intent of minimizing pathogen exposure to health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet RTLS movement data did not reveal significant changes for in-person interactions between staff and patients under investigation for COVID-19 infection. Additional research is needed to better understand how telemedicine technology may be better incorporated into emergency departments to improve workflows for frontline health care clinicians.
Multi-Group Distributed Nullforming and Sectorized Jamming

This paper investigates distributed beamforming networks composed of multiple groups of transmitters where each group consists of two transmitters. The goal is to jointly optimize the phase components at the transmitters and the orientation angles of the groups that maximize the radiated energy over an angular sector containing an adversary while placing a null towards the client in order not to obfuscate the client. Since the optimization problem is non-convex, it is intractable to obtain the optimal solution in closed-form. To this end, we propose a non-iterative closed-form solution by adopting a group-wise nullforming approach where each group independently creates a null to the client. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is validated through numerical simulations.
Graves Disease Following Subacute Thyroiditis in a Chinese Man

Abstract Background/Objective The development of Graves disease (GD) after subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is rare, with approximately 31 reported cases, of which only 5 occurred in men. We describe a case of GD diagnosed based on newly elevated thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor autoantibody (TRAb) levels after SAT. Case Report A 32-year-old Chinese man presented with right anterior neck pain, swelling, sore throat, cough, and fever. He had a diffuse tender goiter but no proptosis, lid lag, or stare. His TSH level was 0.03 mIU/mL (normal range [NR] 0.45-5.33 mIU/mL), serum free thyroxine (FT4) level was 2.40 ng/dL (NR 0.61-1.44 ng/dL), total triiodothyronine (TT3) level was 113 ng/dL (NR 87-178 ng/dL), TSI level was Discussion GD after SAT is thought to be due to the activation of thyroid autoimmunity induced by SAT in genetically susceptible individuals. Conclusions This case illustrates the induction of thyroid autoimmunity after SAT, resulting in GD, supporting TSI and/or TRAb testing if hyperthyroidism recurs. The presence of HLA alleles associated with SAT and GD suggests a genetic contribution to the development of thyroid autoimmunity.
eVTOL Fleet Selection Method for Vertiport Networks

To date, there have been over 400 electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) air vehicle designs that vary significantly in terms of design concepts, thrust type, air vehicle size or passenger seating capacity. Our study proposes a method for exploring ranking of passenger eVTOLs for vertiport network routes within large metropolitan regions. The method uses a benchmarking approach to indicate the eVTOLs most suitable to perform in the determined operational envelope. The study includes (i) a database, which was developed from open-source data that contains declared eVTOL performance characteristics, (ii) analysis of performance and limitations of eVTOLs, (iii) a multi-criteria decision analysis method for benchmarking technical specifications of eVTOLs, and (iv) an operational envelope design limited by a certain metropolitan area. To date, this has been the first attempt to map the passenger eVTOL family in its entirety. This research provides the UAM stakeholders with a generic tool that can be utilized in different metropolitan areas that anticipate the UAM deployment.
Treatment Outcomes of Cystoid Macular Edema in Patients with Boston Type I Keratoprosthesis

Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a poorly studied complication of type 1 Boston Keratoprosthesis (Kpro). The incidence of CME following Kpro implantation in recently published Kpro series ranges from 0.74% to 33.3%1-7. A small number of series indicate specific treatments for CME and even fewer report on outcome of treatment1-7. None of these series reported on the criteria for diagnosis, specific treatment regimens, the effect on visual acuity or optical coherence tomorgraphy (OCT) measurement, or the presence of treatment-related complications. In this study we report our experience in treating post-Kpro CME using several established treatment modalities including topical steroids and non-steroidals (NSAIDs), periocular and intravitreal steroid injections, and intravitreal bevacizumab.
Chapter 13. Antifungal Agents

Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes antifungal agents. Based on the observations of 128 patients, griseofulvin therapy (1 g per day) was indicated for Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp), Tinea unguium , and Tinea capitis ; this antibiotic had limited utility in the treatment of other Tineas caused by species of Trichophyton. A correlation of Trichophyton rubrum resistance to griseofulvin with clinical failure was observed. A 5% griseofulvin ointment was a useful topical treatment for many dermatophytoses; however, it was suggested that for scalp and nail infections systemic treatment should always be combined with local therapy. This antibiotic was reported to be a successful treatment of Raynaud's disease, an uncommon skin malady in children. The biosynthetic origin of pyrrolnitrin was also studied. Because the yield of this antifungal agent is increased when D -tryptophan is added to pyrrolnitrin-producing cultures, this amino acid appears to be a specific precursor. Incorporation of 14 C-labeled tryptophan yielded pyrrolnitrin containing 18% of the radioactivity. As the level of added tryptophan increases, 3-chloroindole and 3-(2′-amino-3′-chloropheny1)-4-chloropyrrole were observed. This latter compound, when reintroduced into a fresh culture, rapidly converted to pyrrolnitrin. Excess 3-chloroindole added to the culture inhibits production of the antifungal substance.
Antisymmetrized Geminal Power Coherent States

Abstract A detailed analysis of electronic coherent states associated with the one-particle unitary group is presented in terms of coset generators of this group. For even number of electrons these states form non-linear manifolds of antisymmetrized geminal powers (AGPs) that are parameterized by complex coordinates. Different classes of manifolds of AGP states are associated with distinct coset decompositions and produce different restrictions of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation.
Physics of Desaturation in Porous Materials

Previous investigations of the hydraulic properties of porous materials have been primarily empirical, i.e., correlations have been based upon experimental data. A physical description of the desaturation process in porous media is developed by analyzing both discrete and continuous desaturation mechanisms. The desaturation process is characterized by three distinct phases: the boundary-effect zone, the transition zone (primary and secondary), and the residual desaturation zone. Mathematical relationships are developed to related saturation to capillary pressure and to entry pressure which corresponds to a characteristic dimension of the medium.
Fluorine‐Containing Polymers, Perfluoroepoxides

Perfluorinated epoxides have been prepared primarily by the oxidation of the parent fluoroolefin. They readily react with nucleophiles to give ring-opened products and oligomers. Reactions with electrophiles also result in the opening of the epoxide ring. Perfluoroepoxides which contain a CF2 linkage in the epoxide ring undergo smooth decomposition at modest temperatures to give difluorocarbene. Hexafluoropropylene epoxide is the most important of this class of compounds. Its primary use is as an intermediate for the preparation of a number of commercially important trifluorovinyl ethers. The compound also serves as a starting material for the preparation of hexafluoroacetone and a series of oligomers which have been converted to a variety of stable liquids. The chemistry of other perfluorinated epoxides, as well as that of epoxides containing small amounts of other halogen and hydrogen, has been explored. With the possible exception of the epoxides of perfluoroallyl chloride and tetrafluoroethylene the work is primarily of scientific and academic interest. The reactions are almost entirely analogous to those of hexafluoropropylene epoxide. Keywords: Perfluoroepoxides; Tetrafluoroethylene oxide; Hexafluoropropylene oxide; Perfluorisobutylene oxide; Epoxides
Broodstock management of Crassostria gigas: IV. Inbreeding and larval survival

Abstract Average larval survival in crosses of seven F-1 lines mated in all possible combinations have been evaluated by analysis of variance. Based upon this analysis, the null hypothesis that the population means of incrosses and outcrosses do not differ significantly is accepted. It is concluded that any inbreeding depression of larval survival which may occur through two generations of inbreeding is negligible.
Estimation of the Necessary Sample Size for Predicting Meat Quality Characteristics for Producers

The pork production industry is moving toward payment methods that are based on pork quality. To do so creates the need for collecting pork quality measurements. It is typically not cost effective to take pork quality measurements on all pork carcasses to determine quality payments for a pork producer. To determine a cost effective prediction of a pork quality grade for a producer it is necessary to know how many samples should be taken. Information is presented for the percent of pigs which will need to be tested for a 90 percent confidence level. These vary by pork quality measurement. It ranged from 10 percent for color to 62 percent for drip loss. The projected cost of obtaining a pH measurement on 2,000 hogs per week was $0.057 per hog.
Signatures of quantum phase transitions in the dynamic response of fluxonium qubit chains

We evaluate the microwave admittance of a one-dimensional chain of fluxonium qubits coupled by shared inductors. Despite its simplicity, this system exhibits a rich phase diagram. A critical applied magnetic flux separates a homogeneous ground state from a phase with a ground state exhibiting inhomogeneous persistent currents. Depending on the parameters of the array, the phase transition may be a conventional continuous one, or of a commensurate-incommensurate nature. Furthermore, quantum fluctuations affect the transition and possibly lead to the presence of gapless "floating phases". The signatures of the soft modes accompanying the transitions appear as a characteristic frequency dependence of the dissipative part of admittance.
Estimation of regional left ventricular wall stresses in intact canine hearts.

Left ventricular (LV) wall stress is an important element in the assessment of LV systolic function; however, a reproducible technique to determine instantaneous local or regional wall stress has n...
Application of Elastic Image Registration and Refraction Correction for Non-Contact Underwater Strain Measurement

: The refraction-induced image distortion introduces large errors in the deformation measurement of fluid submerged specimens using digital image correlation (DIC). This study provides a review of the nature of the refraction-induced image distortion, assesses experimental conditions that interact with refraction and proposes an elastic image registration technique to correct the refraction distortion of underwater images. In the elastic image registration technique, control points are selected on reference and refracted images of a template object and locally sensitive transformation functions that overlay the two images are obtained. The transformation functions so obtained are then used to reconstruct undistorted images from underwater images and the former are used as input to a DIC system. The proposed approach has shown to improve the refraction error in the order of 5–8% for typical material test samples undergoing deformation inside a water-filled glass chamber.
Formation and Direct Detection of Non-Conjugated Triplet 1,2-Biradical from β,γ-Vinylarylketone

Laser flash photolysis of 2-methyl-1-phenylbut-3-en-1-one (1) conducted at irradiation wavelengths of 266 and 308 nm results in the formation of triplet 1,2-biradical 2 that has λmax at 370 and 480 nm. Biradical 2 is formed with a rate constant of 1.1 × 107 s–1 and decays with a rate constant of 2.3 × 105 s–1. Isoprene-quenching studies support the notion that biradical 2 is formed by energy transfer from the triplet-excited state of the ketone chromophore of 1. Density functional theory calculations were used to verify the characterization of triplet biradical 2 and validate the mechanism for its formation. Thus, it has been demonstrated that intramolecular sensitization of simple alkenes can be used to form triplet 1,2-biradicals with the two radical centres localized on the adjacent carbon atoms.
Seismic monitoring of hydrocarbon fluid flow

Time-lapse 3-D seismic monitoring of subsurface rock property changes incurred during reservoir fluid-flow processes is an emerging new diagnostic technology for optimizing hydrocarbon production. I discuss the physical theory relevant for three-phase fluid flow in a producing oil reservoir, and rock physics transformations of fluid-flow pressure, temperature and pore-fluid saturation values to seismic P-wave and S-wave velocity. I link fluid-flow physical parameters to seismic reflection data amplitudes and traveltimes through elastic wave equation modeling and imaging theory. I demonstrate in a simulated data example that changes in fluid-flow can be monitored and imaged from repeated seismic surveys acquired at varying production calendar times.
Paleomagnetism as an Aid in Age Classification of Mafic Intrusives in Colorado

Differences in remanent magnetization directions from oriented samples, after partial ac demagnetization, offers a means of differentiating mafic igneous rocks of (1) late Precambrian (1400 to 1300 m.y.), (2) early Paleozoic (600 to 450 m.y.), and (3) Late Cretaceous to Holocene (<75 m.y.) age in the eastern Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Remanent magnetization directions of late Precambrian rocks have northeast declinations and negative inclinations or southwest declinations and positive inclinations; lower Paleozoic rocks have southeast declinations and either low-angle positive or negative (generally positive) inclinations; Late Cretaceous to Holocene rocks have essentially north declinations and positive inclinations or essentially south declinations and negative inclinations.
Assessment at the Program Level.

Program-level assessments at community colleges are particularly challenging because students often achieve their goals without completing a program, or they select an array of courses that suit their needs but do not fit within an officially recognized program of study.
Highly reliable, low cost, isotropically conductive adhesives filled with Ag-coated Cu flakes for electronic packaging applications

Abstract One of the main hurdles for the wide use of current Ag-filled, isotropically conductive adhesives (ICAs) is the high cost of Ag fillers, while the challenge for low cost copper-filled ICAs is their poor reliability. In this paper, highly reliable, low cost ICAs in which the copper flakes used as filler are coated with silver (Ag-coated Cu flakes) have been developed. With Ag-coated Cu flakes modified by an amine-based silane coupling agent (SCA), the ICAs with the resistivity (2.4×10−4 Ω cm) comparable to that of commercially available Ag-filled ICAs have been achieved. Moreover, the contact resistance of the ICAs filled with the modified Ag-coated Cu flakes on a Ni/Au surface can be stabilized (less than 10% increase) for more than 1000 h of aging at 85 °C and 85% RH and after three reflows with a peak reflow temperature of 255 °C. The causes leading to the higher conductivity and the better reliability of the ICAs filled with Ag-coated Cu flakes modified by amine-based silane coupling agent are discussed.
A Competitive Benchmarking Study of Noncredit Program Administration

(1996). A Competitive Benchmarking Study of Noncredit Program Administration. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education: Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 23-33.
Soft x-ray projection lithography system design and cost analysis

A baseline model providing technical performance specifications and preliminary cost assessments for a prototype Soft X-ray Projection Lithography (SXPL) system is presented. We find that the technical performance requirements for components of the SXPL system are beyond the current state of the technology. We have also conducted a wafer cost analysis for the proposed SXPL system. In our parametric analysis of normalized wafer exposure costs we find that variations in direct cost items (e.g., resist, mask optics, laser) have a small effect on wafer costs. More important are variations in variations in the performance of technical parameters which affect wafer throughput. Of these, mirror reflectivity is by far the most important, followed by optical design (which can reduce the number of mirrors), then parameters related to x-ray generation and collection, and finally resist sensitivity. The lifetime of multilayer coatings is not by itself a critical parameter in determining wafer exposure costs. However, the repairability of such coatings can be important. Indeed, if mirror replacement is required when coatings degrade (i.e., nonrepairable), then mirror lifetime becomes about as important as resist sensitivity in determining wafer exposure costs.
Screening Five Fall-Sown Cover Crops for Use in Organic No-Till Crop Production in the Upper Midwest

Organic no-till systems continue to draw interest from organic producers across the upper Midwest in the United States. Fall-planted cover crops, terminated in the spring through the use of a roller-crimper or a mower, are a key component of these systems. In this study, five different cover crops (hairy vetch, Austrian winter peas, winter rye, winter barley, and winter triticale) were planted in the fall and terminated in the spring in preparation for no-till organic row crop production. This study compared the cover crops through measurements of: a) the amount of biomass produced by the cover crops before termination; b) the weed suppression potential of the cover crops terminated with either a roller-crimper or sickle-bar mower; and c) volumetric soil water content throughout the row crop production season. Biomass production of each of the cover crops differed significantly by variety and by year, ranging from 3.67 to 14.56 Mg DM ha−1. Significant differences in weed densities and weed biomass were al...
Spontaneous sleep epilepsy in amygdala-kindled kittens: a preliminary report.

Abstract We describe a model of ‘sleep epilepsy’ after amygdala kindling in kittens. Seizure activity was evaluated at different times in the sleepwake cycle. Susceptibility was documented by thresholds for evoked convulsions in kittens without spontaneous seizures (n = 5) and by polygraphic or split-screen video recordings in kittens with spontaneous seizures (n = 6). There were 3 main findings: (1) subconvulsive seizures occurred randomly in waking and slow-wave-sleep (SWS); (2) convulsive seizure activity peaked during SWS, especially during the transition from SWS into rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep; (3) generalized seizure activity was suppressed during stable REM sleep. Seizure patterns thus resemble clinical data designating convulsive temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) the prototypic pure sleep epilepsy, whereas complex-partial TLE can occur at any time. Prominent secondary TLE generalization during the REM transition suggested involvement of brainstem regions which generate REM onset and innervate the temporal lobe. Adrenergic cells of the locus ceruleus discharge at progressively reduced rates during the transition into REM. Decreased norepinephrine release at this time might disinhibit epileptic neurons in the kindled focus, thus encouraging seizure propagation during the REM transition.
Comparison of methods for sampling Thysanoptera on basswood (Tilia americana L.) trees in mixed northern hardwood deciduous forests.

Canopy arthropods play integral roles in the functioning, biodiversity, and productivity of forest ecosystems. Yet quantitative sampling of arboreal arthropods poses formidable challenges. We evaluated three methods of sampling the introduced basswood thrips, Thrips calcaratus Uzel (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), from the foliage of basswood canopies with respect to statistical variability and practical considerations (legal, economic and logistical accessibility). All three methods involved removal of foliage, which was performed using a pole-pruner, shotgun, and certified tree-climber. We also tested a fourth method, in which the tree-climber enclosed samples in a plastic bag to estimate losses that occur when branches fall to the ground, even though this is often not practical. The climber plus bag and pole-pruning methods obtained the highest numbers of thrips. Mean number of larval thrips did not vary significantly among the three main sampling methods. Site had a stronger effect on the number of larval thrips obtained than on the number of adults. A significant method by site interaction was observed with adults but not larvae. Significant collection date (which corresponds to thrips life stage) by site interaction was also observed. We regressed sampling methods to determine if the number of thrips obtained using one method can be used to predict the number obtained with another. Tree-climber and pole-pruner data were highly predictive of each other, but shotgun data cannot be used to estimate other methods. Pole-pruning is the most cost-effective and legally permissible technique, but is limited to trees with accessible lower branches. The shotgun method is cost-effective and useful in sampling trees at least up to 27 m, but is prohibited close to human activity. The tree-climber is effective and broadly applicable, but incurs the highest costs. This study shows the need to evaluate a variety of techniques when sampling arboreal insects with respect to predictability, pragmatics and life stages.
Quantum net dynamics

The quantum net unifies the basic principles of quantum theory and relativity in a quantum spacetime having no ultraviolet infinities, supporting the Dirac equation, and having the usual vacuum as a quantum condensation. A correspondence principle connects nets to Schwinger sources and further unifies the vertical structure of the theory, so that the functions of the many hierarchic levels of quantum field theory (predicate algebra, set theory, topology,..., quantum dynamics) are served by one in quantum net dynamics.
Integrins and Their Extracellular Matrix Ligands in Lymphangiogenesis and Lymph Node Metastasis

In the 1970s, the late Judah Folkman postulated that tumors grow proportionately to their blood supply and that tumor angiogenesis removed this limitation promoting growth and metastasis. Work over the past 40 years, varying from molecular examination to clinical trials, verified this hypothesis and identified a host of therapeutic targets to limit tumor angiogenesis, including the integrin family of extracellular matrix receptors. However, the propensity for some tumors to spread through lymphatics suggests that lymphangiogenesis plays a similarly important role. Lymphangiogenesis inhibitors reduce lymph node metastasis, the leading indicator of poor prognosis, whereas inducing lymphangiogenesis promotes lymph node metastasis even in cancers not prone to lymphatic dissemination. Recent works highlight a role for integrins in lymphangiogenesis and suggest that integrin inhibitors may serve as therapeutic targets to limit lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis. This review discusses the current literature on integrin-matrix interactions in lymphatic vessel development and lymphangiogenesis and highlights our current knowledge on how specific integrins regulate tumor lymphangiogenesis.
Optical properties of photochromic organic–inorganic composites

Abstract We prepared several photochromic composite films based on a hybrid organic–inorganic matrix in which metal heteropolyoxometallates are entrapped. Infrared Fourier transform and UV-Visible spectroscopic ellipsometry methods have been used for the first time to study the coloring/bleaching process of the composite films. Data on all samples were acquired using a J.A. Woollam Co. VASE instrument and WVASE software. The optical absorption of these spin-coated films changed markedly by a reversible process, in the presence or absence of UV irradiation. The VIS-NIR transmission data showed that the films containing tungsten heteropolyoxometallate (HPOM) had strong absorptions at about 720 nm, 1108 nm and the films containing molybdenum HPOM had a strong absorption at 720 nm. We have also extracted for the first time the visible and infrared optical functions of the films. For the colored films, the Lorentz and Gaussian oscillators were used to describe the optical behavior in the 400–1700 nm wavelength range and 700–4000 cm −1 wavenumber range, respectively. The composite films containing tungsten heteropolyoxometallate (HPOM) showed faster coloration and bleaching than pure tungsten oxide films. The composite films with molybdenum HPOM showed faster coloration and much slower bleaching than tungsten HPOM.
Electron spin-lattice relaxation in molecular crystals: S = 12

Abstract The results of an extensive investigation of electron relaxation in radiation-damaged organic materials are presented. The recovery of electron magnetization following pulsed saturation is determined (a) by Heisenberg exchange or molecular reorientation-induced spectral diffusion (cross relaxation) and (b) by the spin—lattice relaxation (SLR) processes characteristic of the material examined. Spectral diffusion quenching procedures were employed to minimize the effects of (a), thus permitting measurement of SLR times. Local mode effects, torsional oscillations and/or exchange interactions between radicals, as well as direct and Raman spin—phonon processes contribute to the observed temperature dependence of the SLR times for the approximately twenty radical systems studied. The frequently observed quadratic temperature dependence of the SLR rates is particularly noteworthy. Two mechanisms that give rise to such behavior have been explored theoretically and are discussed briefly.
Switching speeds in magnetic tapes

Comparative measurements are reported on the switching speeds of three different magnetic tape materials, as determined by application of short field pulses of well-defined duration and magnitude, A sensitive measure of the change in magnetization is the length of applied pulse required for the peak readback signal to drop from 60 percent to 40 percent of its peak value. This pulse length was is 2.6 ns for a γ-Fe2O3, tape, 4.1 ns for a CrO2, tape, and 1.4 ns for a cobalt-substituted γ-Fe2O3, tape.
Hepatic metabolism and enzyme activity in acute ethanol administration

Abstract Administration of ethanol (5 g/kg) or isopropanol (4 g/kg) to normal fed rats resulted in a significant increase in hepatic glucose 6-phosphatase activity within 10–60 min. This increase in activity was observed with a dose as low as 3 g/kg of ethanol. In addition to an increased protein content of the microsomal fraction, there was an increase in glucose 6-phosphatase specific activity. Under these conditions, activities of hepatic fructose 1,6-diphosphatase, β-glucuronidase, and gulonolactone oxidase were either unchanged or decreased. Liver total lipids were increased 1 hr after ethanol administration and although the intracellular endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria exhibited extensive damage, mitochondrial function as demonstrated by the oxidation of labeled glucose, palmitate, and alanine, was impaired only slightly. The incorporation of label from alanine to glucose was accelerated in ethanol-treated animals, which suggests the presence of a functioning gluconeogenic pathway.
E‐selectin and ICAM‐1 are incorporated into detergent‐insoluble membrane domains following clustering in endothelial cells

Here we present data supporting the role of lipid rafts in endothelial cells during leukocyte adhesion. Following adhesion of THP-1 cells or antibody-mediated clustering, both E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) partitioned into the detergent-insoluble portion of the endothelial cellular lysate. Sucrose gradient centrifugation revealed the partitioning of clustered E-selectin and ICAM-1 with the low-density fraction where they co-fractionated with src family kinases, markers of lipid rafts. Depleting the plasma membrane of cholesterol inhibited clustering of adhesion molecules following their antibody-induced crosslinking and inhibited their association with src kinases. Thus, our data suggest that E-selectin and ICAM-1 associate with lipid rafts in human endothelial cells following leukocyte adhesion.
DIFFERENCES IN THE HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-ADRENAL (HPA) AXIS OF BLACK AND WHITE GIRLS. † 591

We have previously shown that CRH-stimulated ACTH levels are much higher in black than in white adults, while cortisol values are similar (JCEM 1993; 77:536-41; Horm. Res. 1995; 44:208-212). Because a number of racial differences in physiology become apparent only after the onset of puberty, we hypothesized that CRH-stimulated ACTH would be similar in blacks and whites before the onset of puberty. We studied the HPA axis of 19 black and 19 white normal weight girls (age 8-10y) matched for socioeconomic status, age, body mass index, and pubertal stage. Waist circumference, waist:hip ratio, basal free cortisol and cortisol binding globulin, and the ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 μg/kg ovine CRH were measured. There were no racial differences in waist circumerence, waist:hip ratio, basal free cortisol, cortisol binding globulin, basal cortisol or ACTH, or in cortisol response to CRH. However, CRH-stimulated ACTH was significantly greater in blacks from 15 min to 90 min after administration of CRH (area under curve 1754 ± 121 pmol/L · min in blacks vs 1304 ± 124 in whites, p<0.001).Figure We conclude that CRH-stimulated ACTH is greater in blacks than whites even before the onset of puberty.