cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Ultra Wide Range Mems Variable Capacitor with a Liquid Metal

This paper describes a novel variable capacitor with a wide tuning range by utilizing thermal expansion characteristics of a liquid metal. The liquid metal moves through microfluidic channel and interconnects multiple capacitors in parallel. It has many advantages over the other types of MEMS variable capacitors, which generally have many limiting factors in the tuning range. The gap-tuned capacitors by vertical electrostatic actuation have a very narrow tuning range and it is significantly affected by pull-in effect. Another design by separating the driving electrodes and the parallel plates has been implemented but still the tuning range is not more than 3 times. Similarly, piezoelectrically tuned capacitors have become popular, but the tuning of the capacitance is not linear with respect to the actuation voltage. The other interesting variable capacitor is the area-tuned capacitor by a lateral electrostatic actuation of comb-drive structures but capacitance variation is not linear and also the range is pretty much limited (< 3 times). Our novel device is based on the thermal characteristics of very linear expansion of a liquid metal and attempts to overcome all the above difficulties.
Using standardized serum creatinine values in the modification of diet in renal disease study equation for estimating glomerular filtration rate.

Using standardized creatinine assays, the authors remeasured serum creatinine levels in 1628 patients whose glomerular filtration rate (GFR) had been measured by urinary clearance of 125I-isothalam...
Uteroplacental production of eicosanoids in ovine pregnancy.

Abstract Dramatic cardiovascular alterations occur during normal ovine pregnancy which may be associated with increased prostaglandin production, especially of uteroplacental origin. To study this, we examined (Exp 1) the relationships between cardiovascular alterations, e.g., the rise in uterine blood flow and fall in systematic vascular resistance, and arterial concentrations of prostaglandin metabolites (PGEM, PGFM and 6-keto-PGF1α) in nonpregnant (n=4) and pregnant (n=8) ewes. To determine the potential utero-placental contribution of these eicosanoids in pregnancy, we also studied (Exp 2) the relationship between uterine blood flow and the uterine venous-arterial concentration differences of PGE2, PGF2α, PGFM, 6-keto-PGFP1α, and YxB2 in twelve additional late pregnant ewes. Pregnancy was associated with a 37-fold increase in uterine blood flow and a proportionate (27-fold) fall in uterine vascular resistance (p
Controversy among giants: Young's experiment and loss of fringe visibility at low photon-count levels

An ideal beam splitter model for an absorber presented by Leonhardt in his book Measuring the Quantum State of Light (Cambridge University Press, 1997) has intriguing implications for the simple Young's fringe experiment in the photon-counting regime. Specifically, it suggests that different results will be obtained depending on whether the light forming the fringes is attenuated at the source or at the slits.
Study of magnetic anisotropy and magnetization reversal using the quadratic magnetooptical effect in epitaxial Co(x)Mn(y)Ge(z)(111) films.

Magnetic anisotropy, magnetization reversal and the magnetooptic Kerr effect in Cox MnyGez have been studied over a range of compositions between 0 and 50 at.% of Ge and between 1 and 3 in the Co to Mn atomic ratio, including the Heusler alloy Co2MnGe. A strong quadratic magnetooptic Kerr effect has been observed within a narrow region of composition centered around the Co to Mn atomic ratio of 2, which has been used to probe and quantify the magnetic anisotropy and magnetization reversal of the system. The anisotropy is sixfold with a weak uniaxial component, and it exhibits sensitive dependence on composition, especially on the atomic ratio between Co and Mn. The magnetization reversal process is consistent with the single-domain Stoner–Wohlfarth model. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Ultrastructure Of Cell Organelles By Scanning Electron Microscopy Of Thick Sections Surface-Etched By An Oxygen Plasma

SUMMARY Kidney tissue double fixed in glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide and embedded in epoxy resin by standard techniques used for transmission electron microscopy was cut into sections 1 μm or more thick and surface-etched by an oxygen plasma. Etching caused ash residues (possibly composed partly or organo-metallic complexes) of membranes and other etch resistant cell components to emerge as recognizable structures projecting upward from the surrounding embedment which was combusted and removed as volatile products. Using the secondary electron mode for image formation, structural features of cells which could be imaged with clarity with the scanning electron microscope included: profiles of peripheral and infolded plasma membranes, the nuclear envelope and profiles of cut mitochondrial matrix granules, cristae and the outer limiting membranes. Resolution was better than that obtainable from most other methods of specimen preparation currently being used in scanning electron microscopy for viewing the internal structures of cells and organelles in bulk samples of tissue.
Motility, heartburn and dyspepsia

SUMMARY Disordered motility has been considered fundamental to the pathophysiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and a number of dyspeptic syndromes. Motor activity is certainly essential for the homeostasis of the oesophagus and stomach - in the oesophagus, the lower oesophageal sphincter and peristalsis are fundamental components of the ‘normal’ anti-reflux defence mechanism, whereas, in the stomach, contractile activity regulates the orderly emptying of the various components of a meal. Recent studies have clarified considerably the role of the lower oesophageal sphincter in permitting reflux to occur under both physiological and pathological situations, and transient relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter is now regarded as the most important mechanism of reflux. Interest has also been renewed in the role of hiatus hernia in the pathogenesis of reflux disease. By moving the lower oesophageal sphincter into the thorax, a hiatus hernia deprives this sphincter of the beneficial effects of intra-abdominal pressure and crural augmentation. Altered anatomical relationships also predispose the patient with a non-reducing hiatus hernia to impaired clearance of acid, thus exacerbating reflux. Relationships between disordered peristalsis and reflux are complex. Primary disorders of peristalsis, such as scleroderma, are associated with severe and often complicated reflux disease. It is also evident that reflux may itself result in impaired peristalsis, particularly in the distal oesophagus. Whether aggressive treatment of reflux disease by either medical or surgical means can restore peristaltic function remains uncertain. The importance of co-ordinated function of the antrum, pylorus and duodenum in the regulation of gastric emptying is being increasingly recognized. Foregut motor dysfunction is implicated in dyspepsia. Abnormalities in patients with dyspepsia include gastroparesis, antral hypomotility, gastric dysrhythmias, duodenal dysmotility, and duodeno-gastric reflux. The true prevalence of these disorders is uncertain, and the reported relationship between these abnormalities and symptoms has often been inconsistent. The specificity of the abnormalities for dyspepsia is also open to question. In many instances, it remains unclear whether the motor abnormality is truly primary or rather an epi-phenomenon. It seems reasonable to conclude that while considerable advances have been made in our understanding of both foregut motor physiology and the role of motor dysfunction in patients with reflux disease, the role of dysmotility in dyspeptic patients remains uncertain.
Adolescent oligomenorrhea (age 14-19) tracks into the third decade of life (age 20-28) and predicts increased cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome.

Abstract Objective Assess whether adolescent oligomenorrhea (age 14–19) tracks into young adulthood (age 20–28) and predicts increased cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and impaired fasting glucose-type II diabetes mellitus (IFG + T2DM). Materials and methods Prospective study of menstrual cyclicity and its metabolic effects in 865 black and white schoolgirls from age 9 to 19, and 605 of these 865 girls from age 20 to 28. Main findings Patterns of menstrual delays (oligomenorrhea) during ages 14–19 and ages 20–28 were closely related (p Principal conclusions Menstrual patterns track from adolescence to young adulthood, and oligomenorrhea predicts MetS and IFG + T2DM. Patterns of menses delays in adolescence should be considered as a significant risk factor for future development of young adult IFG + T2DM, MetS, oligomenorrhea, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Charles Dickens and his audience

The speaker‐audience relationship was of interest to Dickens throughout his life. This paper discusses his observations of other speakers and suggests reasons for his own remarkable rapport with his audiences.
Eysenck personality measures and religious orientation

Abstract This study examined the relationship of extraversion to extrinsic and intrinsic dimensions of religiousness as defined by Allport's Religious Orientation Inventory. Eysenck's EPI and EPQ measures of extraversion were used to define impulsivity and sociability aspects of extraversion. Low but significant positive correlations were found for extrinsicness and psychoticism and EPI impulsivity as well as for the relationship of intrinsicness and EPI impulsivity and sociability but not EPQ extraversion or sociability. These results suggests that those high in impulsivity (extraverts) tend to have higher extrinsic scores whereas those low in impulsivity and sociability (introverts) tend to have stronger intrinsic scores (low rather than high scores on the intrinsic scale being associated with greater degrees of intrinsicness). Discussed was the fact that in addition to providing support for the distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic dimensions of religiousness, these results also provide support for Francis' contention that impulsivity is the key component underlying the relationship of extraversion and religiosity.
Trends in Length of Hospice Care From 1996 to 2007 and the Factors Associated With Length of Hospice Care in 2007: Findings From the National Home and Hospice Care Surveys

Using the National Home and Hospice Care Surveys, we examined trends in length of hospice care from 1996 to 2007 and the factors associated with length of care in 2007. Results suggest that the increasing average lengths of care over time reflect the increase in the longest duration of care. For-profit ownership is associated with hospice care received for over a year.
The Boyer Commission Report and its Impact on Undergraduate Research

Spurred by the Boyer Report, research universities have made considerable progress in raising the status of undergraduate education and transforming it in ways that bring inquiry to the fore.
Fontan Fenestration Closure Has No Acute Effect on Exercise Capacity but Improves Ventilatory Response to Exercise

Objectives The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the effects of elective Fontan fenestration closure upon exercise capacity and ventilatory abnormalities. Background For patients undergoing Fontan procedures as palliation of single ventricle physiology, the addition of a fenestration to the procedure mitigates perioperative morbidity. Although some fenestrations may close spontaneously, many remain patent and subject patients to arterial hypoxemia and risk for paradoxical emboli. For these reasons fenestration closure is routinely performed post-operatively in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Although closure of Fontan fenestrations typically results in an immediate improvement in systemic arterial oxygen saturation, it is also associated with an acute decrease in cardiac index and systemic O2 delivery. The sum result of these physiologic changes upon exercise capacity has not been examined. Methods Twenty consecutive patients, age 5 to 46 (median 10) years, underwent pre- and post-fenestration closure exercise testing with expiratory gas analysis. Results Before fenestration closure, peak oxygen consumption (VO2) was depressed and there was systemic desaturation at rest that worsened with exercise. The ventilatory response to exercise was also abnormal, characterized by elevation of the minute ventilation (VE)/CO2 elimination slope (VE/VCO2), a low end-tidal CO2, and high end-tidal O2 at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold. Although arterial saturation improved significantly after fenestration closure, there was no change in peak VO2 (70.9 ± 18.6% to 74.0 ± 18.6%, p = NS), heart rate, or O2 pulse at peak exercise. In contrast, ventilatory abnormalities (VE/VCO2) improved considerably (44.4 ± 10.9 to 33.3 ± 5.5, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions Fontan fenestration closure does not significantly improve peak VO2. However, ventilatory abnormalities improve considerably.
An experimental comparison of liquid jet array and spray impingement cooling in the non-boiling regime

Abstract Liquid jet and spray impingement cooling were studied experimentally and compared in the non-boiling regime. In keeping with previous studies, jet heat transfer was confirmed to be dependent on the number and velocity of the impinging jets. For the commercial nozzle and experimental conditions used in the present study, spray cooling demonstrated a strong dependence on mass flux and it was proposed that droplet velocity also affects the heat transfer. However, further study is required to verify and quantify this effect. The comparison of the two cooling techniques revealed that spray cooling can provide the same heat transfer coefficient as jets at a substantially lower mass flux. It was proposed that the more effective cooling of non-boiling sprays was due primarily to the unsteady boundary layer resulting from droplet impact, and secondarily from evaporative cooling.
Chemical Changes in Unsaturated Oils upon Aging and Subsequent Effects on Fabric Yellowing and Soil Removal

Aging of unsaturated oily soils on polyester/cotton fabric was explored with oleic acid, triolein and squalene as model soils in terms of the relationship between changes in their chemical structure and fabric appearance. Among the three unsaturated oily soils studied, yellowing was observed only with squalene-soiled and aged fabric swatches after aging for 2 to 46 wk. The yellow material formed upon aging was not completely removed by laundering or organic solvent extraction. In extraction, the more polar solvents removed more yellow material from the fabric. Radiotracer analysis of labeled oily soils showed that all three soils volatilized from fabric upon aging with their characteristic volatility patterns. The amount volatilized increased with aging time and temperature. Removal of triolein and squalene increased remarkably after aging when applied as single soil. Higher aging temperature (40°C) increased soil removal more dramatically than a lower temperature (21°C). In a mixed soil system, removal of triolein by detergency increased up to 8 wk of aging; a decrease in removal was oberved for a specimen aged from 8 to 26 wk at 21°C. Removal of oleic acid decreased gradually during aging in both single and mixed soil systems. Separation of aged products by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) revealed that unsaturated oily soils chemically changed into various polar oxidation products that were more easily removed by detergency. Infrared (IR) spectra of the aged oils substantiated the appearance of polar groups, such as O−H, C=O and C−O. Osmium tetroxide treatment proved disappearance of double bonds of unsaturated oils upon aging. The fabric yellowing observed for squalene-soiled fabric is related to the formation of yellow, polar, resinous material due to rapid oxidation, as evidenced by TLC, IR spectra, volatility pattern and rigidity of aged fabric. Oxidation products of squalene with conjugated C=O groups are proposed as the cause of fabric yellowing upon aging, and a possible mechanism for their formation is proposed.
Development of a multiplex UPLC-MRM MS method for quantification of human membrane transport proteins OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and OATP2B1 in in vitro systems and tissues

OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and OATP2B1 are important members of the organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP) family and are implicated in the hepatic disposition of endobiotics and xenobiotics. Quantitating the expression levels of human OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and OATP2B1 in in vitro systems and tissue samples could significantly improve attempts to scale up in vitro data and result in more effective in vitro-in vivo correlation of transporter-mediated effects on drug disposition, such as hepatic clearance. In the present study, a quantification method was developed, characterized, and implemented for simultaneous determination of human OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and OATP2B1 in HEK cells transfected with OATP-expressing plasmid vectors (SLCO1B1, SLCO1B3, and SLCO2B1, respectively), human hepatocytes, human brain capillary endothelial cells, and humanized mouse liver tissue using UPLC-MRM MS. Purified membrane protein standards prepared and characterized as previously reported (Protein Expr. Purif. 2008, 57, 163-71) were first used as standards for absolute quantification of the expression levels of the three human OATP membrane proteins. The specificity of the optimized MRM transitions were characterized by analyzing the tryptic digests of the membrane protein fraction of wild type HEK cells and control mouse liver tissue using the herein reported UPLC-MRM MS method. The linearity of the calibration curve spanned from 0.2 μg mL(-1) (0.040 μg mg(-1)) to 20 μg mL(-1) (4.0 μg mg(-1)), with accuracy (% RE) within 15% at all concentrations examined for all three OATPs of interest in this study. The intra- and inter-day assay accuracy (% RE) and coefficient of variations (% CV) of triplicates are all within 15% for all levels of quality control samples prepared by mixing the membrane fraction of control mouse liver tissue with the required amount of purified human OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and OATP2B1.
Combined Effects of p53, p21, and pRb Expression in the Progression of Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Purpose To determine the combined effects of p53, p21, and pRb alterations in predicting the progression of bladder transitional cell carcinoma. Patients and Methods p53, p21, and pRb expression was examined immunohistochemically on archival radical cystectomy samples from 164 patients with invasive or high-grade recurrent superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC; lymph node–negative, 117 patients; lymph node–positive, 47 patients). Median follow-up was 8.6 years. Based on percentage of nuclear reactivity, p53 was considered as wild-type (0% to 10%) or altered (> 10%); p21 was scored as wild-type (>10%) or altered ( 50%). Results As individual determinants, the p53, p21, and pRb status were independent predictors of time to recurrence (P < .001, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively), and overall survival (P < .001, P = .002, and P = .001, respectively). By examining these determinants in combination, patients were categoriz...
Cardiac Outcomes After Myocardial Infarction in Elderly Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

• OBJECTIVES To examine the association between (1) comorbid conditions related to diabetes mellitus, clinical findings on arrival at the hospital, and characteristics of the myocardial infarction and (2) risk of heart failure, recurrent myocardial infarction, and mortality in the year after myocardial infarction in elderly 30-day survivors of myocardial infarction who had non‐insulin- or insulin-treated diabetes. • METHODS Medical records for June 1, 1992, through February 28, 1993, of Medicare beneficiaries (n = 1698), 65 years or older, hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction in Connecticut were reviewed by trained abstractors. • RESULTS One year after myocardial infarction, elderly patients with non‐insulin- and insulin-treated diabetes mellitus had significantly greater risk for readmission for heart failure and recurrent myocardial infarction than did patients without diabetes mellitus, and risk was greater in patients treated with insulin than in patients not treated with insulin. Diabetes mellitus, comorbid conditions related to diabetes mellitus, clinical findings on arrival, and characteristics of the myocardial infarction, specifically measures of ventricular function, were important predictors of these outcomes. Mortality was greater in patients not treated with insulin than in patients treated with insulin; the increased risk was mostly due to comorbid conditions related to diabetes mellitus and poorer ventricular function. • CONCLUSIONS Risk of heart failure, recurrent myocardial infarction, and mortality is elevated in elderly patients who have non‐insulin- or insulin-treated diabetes mellitus. Comorbid conditions related to diabetes mellitus and ventricular function at the time of the index myocardial infarction are important contributors to poorer outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2002;11:504-519)
Patterning with block copolymer thin films

Abstract The nanometer-scale architectures in thin films of self-assembling block copolymers have inspired a variety of new applications. For example, the uniformly sized and shaped nanodomains formed in the films have been used for nanolithography, nanoparticle synthesis, and high-density information storage media. Imperative to all of these applications, however, is a high degree of control over orientation of the nanodomains relative to the surface of the film as well as control over order in the plane of the film. Induced fields including electric, shear, and surface fields have been demonstrated to influence orientation. Both heteroepitaxy and graphoepitaxy can induce positional order on the nanodomains in the plane of the film. This article will briefly review a variety of mechanisms for gaining control over block copolymer order as well as many of the applications of these materials. Particular attention is paid to the potential of perfecting long-range two-dimensional order over a broader range of length scales and the extension of these concepts to functional materials and more complex architectures.
Critical Illness Polyneuropathy in Adults After Cardiac Surgery: a Case Study

Case Study T.R. is a 60-year-old man with marked risk factors for heart disease, including a history of cardiac disease in his maternal relatives, use of tobacco, hypertension, obesity, and non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. He arrived at a local emergency department with unstable angina and an inferior myocardial infarction. He was then transferred to another local hospital, where he had cardiac catheterization. Three-vessel coronary artery disease was diagnosed, and left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.15 to 0.20. While T.R. was being scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, ventricular tachycardia developed and required placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump to improve perfusion and halt ischemia. T.R. underwent CABG surgery with saphenous vein grafts to the left anterior descending and the posterior descending coronary arteries. A large pericardial effusion and a transmural infarct with necrosis were found. The left ventricle was in danger of rupturing. In addition to the CABG surgery, a patch repair with biological glue and felt was done. Postoperatively, T.R. remained critically ill with multiple complications. On 2 occasions, he had respiratory insufficiency that required prolonged mechanical ventilation and reintubation. Thrombocytopenia associated with anemia developed and required multiple transfusions of blood products. T.R.’s condition remained hemodynamically unstable, and liver dysfunction developed. In addition, he had Staphylococcus epidermidis septicemia due to an infection at the catheter insertion site. Because of the severity of his illness, T.R. was sedated to reduce oxygen consumption and allow him to rest. After 2 weeks, his condition stabilized, and he was weaned off the sedatives. At that point, flaccid tetraparesis was detected.
Identification and characterization of nucleotide sequence differences in three virulence-associated genes of Listeria monocytogenes strains representing clinically important serotypes

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, facultative intracellular bacterium that causes invasive, often fatal, disease in susceptible hosts. As a foodborne pathogen, the bacterium has emerged as a significant public health problem and has caused several epidemics in the United States and Europe. Three serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b, 4b) of L. monocytogenes are responsible for nearly 95% of all reported cases of human listeriosis. L. monocytogenes serotype 4b has caused all well-characterized foodborne epidemic outbreaks in North America and Europe between 1981 and 1993. However, most of the genetic studies to characterize virulence factors of L. monocytogenes have been done by using serotypes 1/2a and 1/2c. In this investigation, we examined three virulence-associated genes (hly encoding listeriolysin, plcA encoding phosphotidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, and inlA encoding internalin) of two serotype 4b and two serotype 1/2b strains. We chose these virulence-associated genes on the basis of published sequence differences among strains from Listeria subgroups containing serotypes 1/2a and 1/2c versus 4b, respectively. They correspond to sequence homologies that include very highly conserved (hlyA), highly conserved (plcA) and mostly conserved (inlA). We found by using nucleotide sequence analysis of the hly, plcA, and inlA genes, the two L. monocytogenes strains (including a strain associated with a foodborne disease outbreak in California in 1985) in this study, two serotype 1/2b strains from a study that we recently reported, and other similar published data for serotypes 1/2a, 1/2c, and 4b, had a high degree of sequence conservation at the gene and protein levels for all three genes. However, the sequences for the hly gene of L. monocytogenes strains of serotypes 1/2b and 4b were more closely related to each other and showed significant divergence from serotypes 1/2a and 1/2c. A unique nonsynonymous mutation was found in the hly gene of L. monocytogenes isolates that were associated with the 1985 California outbreak and were the epidemic phage type. When 158 L. monocytogenes isolates from the collection at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were screened, the mutation was found only in one other strain that had been isolated in California 3 years before the epidemic. Although the California epidemic clone was lactose negative, other L. monocytogenes serotype 4b isolates that were lactose negative did not possess the unique mutation observed in that epidemic clone.
Strengthening encoding via implementation intention formation increases prospective memory commission errors

Prospective memory refers to the ability to remember to execute future intentions (e.g., taking medication with dinner). Although most prior research on prospective memory errors has focused on omission errors (i.e., failures to perform an intention in response to a target cue), there has been a recent surge in research on commission errors, the erroneous performance of a finished intention. Existing studies have examined factors at retrieval that lead to commission errors; the present study extends this research by investigating the impact of encoding strength. We found that relative to standard encoding, implementation intention encoding doubled the risk of commission errors in our laboratory paradigm for both young and older adults. This novel finding demonstrates the impact of encoding strength on commission errors and documents the potential challenges of deactivating the effects of implementation intentions upon completion of a prospective memory task.
A mechanistic model for river incision into bedrock by saltating bed load

[1] Abrasion by bed load is a ubiquitous and sometimes dominant erosional mechanism for fluvial incision into bedrock. Here we develop a model for bedrock abrasion by saltating bed load wherein the wear rate depends linearly on the flux of impact kinetic energy normal to the bed and on the fraction of the bed that is not armored by transient deposits of alluvium. We assume that the extent of alluvial bed cover depends on the ratio of coarse sediment supply to bed load transport capacity. Particle impact velocity and impact frequency depend on saltation trajectories, which can be predicted using empirical functions of excess shear stress. The model predicts a nonlinear dependence of bedrock abrasion rate on both sediment supply and transport capacity. Maximum wear rates occur at moderate relative supply rates due to the tradeoff between the availability of abrasive tools and the partial alluviation of the bedrock bed. Maximum wear rates also occur at intermediate levels of excess shear stress due to the reduction in impact frequency as grain motion approaches the threshold of suspension. Measurements of bedrock wear in a laboratory abrasion mill agree well with model predictions and allow calibration of the one free model parameter, which relates rock strength to rock resistance to abrasive wear. The model results suggest that grain size and sediment supply are fundamental controls on bedrock incision rates, not only by bed load abrasion but also by all other mechanisms that require bedrock to be exposed in the channel bed.
Informed RESTORE: A method for robust estimation of diffusion tensor from low redundancy datasets in the presence of physiological noise artifacts

Physiological noise artifacts, especially those originating from cardiac pulsation and subject motion, are common in clinical Diffusion tensor-MRI acquisitions. Previous works show that signal perturbations produced by artifacts can be severe and neglecting to account for their contribution can result in erroneous diffusion tensor values. The Robust Estimation of Tensors by Outlier Rejection (RESTORE) method has been shown to be an effective strategy for improving tensor estimation on a voxelby-voxel basis in the presence of artifactual data points in diffusion-weighted images. In this article, we address potential instabilities that may arise when using RESTORE and propose practical constraints to improve its usability. Moreover, we introduce a method, called informed RESTORE designed to remove physiological noise artifacts in datasets acquired with low redundancy (less than 30–40 diffusion-weighted image volumes)—a condition in which the original RESTORE algorithm may converge to an incorrect solution. This new method is based on the notion that physiological noise is more likely to result in signal dropouts than signal increases. Results from both Monte Carlo simulation and clinical diffusion data indicate that informed RESTORE performs very well in removing physiological noise artifacts for low redundancy diffusion-weighted image datasets. Magn Reson Med 68:1654–1663, 2012. V C 2012
Fast inductance extraction of large VLSI circuits

Accurate estimation of signal delay is critical to the design and verification of VLSI circuits. At very high frequencies, signal delay in circuits with small feature sizes is dominated by the parasitic inductance and capacitance of the interconnect. Inductance extraction involves the solution of large, dense, complex linear systems of equations by preconditioned iterative methods. Fast inductance extraction requires effective, parallelizable preconditioners for the system matrix which is available only implicitly via approximate hierarchical matrix-vector products. This paper presents a novel algorithm to solve these linear systems by restricting current to a discrete solenoidal subspace and solving the reduced system via an iterative method. A preconditioner based on the Green's function is suggested for accelerating the convergence of the iterative method. The paper outlines a parallelization scheme for matrix-vector products with the system matrix as well as the preconditioner. Experimental results are presented to show the advantages of the preconditioning scheme over existing approaches. The experiments also illustrate the parallel efficiency achieved on the SGI Origin 2000 multiprocessor.
Differential Chemokine Expression following Respiratory Virus Infection Reflects Th1- or Th2-Biased Immunopathology

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major viral pathogen of infants that also reinfects adults. During RSV infection, inflammatory host cell recruitment to the lung plays a central role in determining disease outcome. Chemokines mediate cell recruitment to sites of inflammation and are influenced by, and influence, the production of cytokines. We therefore compared chemokine production in a mouse model of immunopathogenic RSV infection in which either Th1 or Th2 immunopathology is induced by prior sensitization to individual RSV proteins. Chemokine expression profiles were profoundly affected by the nature of the pulmonary immunopathology: "Th2" immunopathology in BALB/c mice was associated with increased and prolonged expression of CCL2 (MCP-1), CXCL10 (IP-10), and CCL11 (eotaxin) starting within 24 h of challenge. C57BL/6 mice with "Th2" pathology (enabled by a deficiency of CD8+ cells) also showed increased CCL2 production. No differences in chemokine receptor expression were detected. Chemokine blockers may therefore be of use for children with bronchiolitis.
Effect of load on detecting mechanical faults in small induction motors

Mechanical conditions, such as load unbalance and shaft misalignment in induction motors can be detected by monitoring specific components in the stator current frequency spectrum. Previous work tested these mechanical conditions for the cases of no-load and full-load conditions in small induction motors, assuming that the effect of load on the detection scheme between these two conditions is linear. This paper examines the effect of changing the load of the motor on detecting these mechanical conditions in both the current and vibration spectra. The paper shows that the spectral components associated with mechanical conditions do not always linearly change as the load varies. It shows that other factors, such as mechanical resonance in the coupled systems, affect these spectral components. Experimental results for testing different types of mechanical faults, with the load changing from no-load to full-load, are shown.
INCREASED CHOLESTEROL EPOXIDE HYDROLASE ACTIVITY IN CLOFIBRATE-FED ANIMALS

Abstrac&-Cholesterol epoxide hydrolase (mCE) is a microsomal enzyme that hydrolyzes cholesterol5,6-epoxides (CE) to cholestanetriol (CT). In the present study, hepatic mCE activity was measured in mice pretreated with several different xenobiotics known to induce a variety of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes. Only the phenoxyacetate h~olipidemi~ (clofibrate and ciprofibrate, included in the diet for 14 days) were found to increase hepatic mCE activity (1.8-fold increase). Clofibrate administration also increased rabbit hepatic (2.9-fold increase} and rat and rabbit renal mCE activity (1.5- and 2.3-fold increase respectively). On a subcellular level, mCE activities in rabbit nuclear and light mitochondrial fractions were increased (3.3- and 1.8-fold increase respectively), whereas activities in the cytosolic and heavy mitochondrial fractions were unchanged. In rabbits, clofibrate administration enhanced the hepatic microsomal hydrolysis of CE without increasing the hydrolysis of arene epoxides (benzopyrene4,5-oxide) or fatty acid epoxides (methyl cis-9,Wepoxystearate). Increase of tissue mCE activity may significantly enhance tissue CT levels. In this li8ht, it is worth noting similarities in the mecha~sms of h~holesterole~c action caused by clofibrate or CT adminis~ation. Epoxides are highly strained three-membered cyclic ethers commonly formed through the biological oxidation of aikenes and arenes. Due to their highly electrophilic nature, many epoxides are mutagenic, carcinogenic, and cytotoxic [I]. Epoxide hydrolases (EC 3.3.2.2) are crucial detoxication enzymes which convert epoxides to the normally less reactive diols. At present, there are at least three known immunologically distinct epoxide hydrolases in mammalian tissues. A cytosolic form, termed here cTSOt (TSO = rrunr-stilbene oxide), is located mainly in the cellular cytosol and mitochondria 121. This enzyme possesses a selectivity towards most epoxides not on hindered, cyclic systems. The major microsomal form, mCS0 (CSO = cis-stilbene oxide) is found mainly in the microsomal and nuclear membrane and preferentially hydrolyzes mono- and cis-1,2-disubstituted epoxides and arene epoxides [3]. CSO and TSO are often used as diagnostic substrates to distinguish between the two enzyme activities. Extensive studies have shown that these two major enzyme forms also differ in pH optima, inhibition patterns, and molecular weight [l]. Although these hydrolases are found in virtually all mammary tissues, ipl vivo roles involving endogenous substrates have yet to be established. Another distinct form of membrane-bound epoxide hydrolase has been described recently [4]. This microsomal cholesterol epoxide hydrolase (m(X),
Light diffraction from colloidal crystals with low dielectric constant modulation: Simulations using single-scattering theory

We theoretically characterized the diffraction properties of both closed-packed and non-closed-packed crystalline colloidal array (CCA) photonic crystals. A general theory based on single-scattering kinematic approach was developed and used to calculate the diffraction efficiency of CCA of different sphere diameters at different incident light angles. Our theory explicitly relates the scattering properties of individual spheres (calculated by using Mie theory) comprising a CCA to the CCA diffraction efficiency. For a CCA with a lattice constant of 380 nm, we calculated the relative diffraction intensities of the fcc (111), (200), and (220) planes and determined which sphere diameter gives rise to the most efficiently diffracting CCA for each set of crystal planes. The effective penetration depth of the light was calculated for several crystal planes of several CCAs of different sphere diameters at different angles of incidence. The typical penetration depth for a CCA comprised of polystyrene spheres was calculated to be in the range of 10-40 CCA layers. A one-dimensional (1D) model of diffraction from the stack of (111) fcc crystal layers was developed and used to assess the role of multiple scattering and to test our single-scattering approach. The role of disorder was studied by using this 1D scattering model. Our methodology will be useful for the optimization of photonic crystal coating materials.
Self-perceived weight status and exercise adequacy

The growing prevalence of obesity and inadequate physical activity levels in the population highlight an opportunity to examine public opinion about exercise, as well as the perceived adequacy of exercise among adults. This article summarizes findings from a 2004 survey of exercise habits and beliefs among Michigan adults using bivariate and logit analysis. It examines perceptions of weight status and adequacy of exercise, illuminates public opinion regarding the importance and value of exercise as one aspect of active living and highlights some of the perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise. The results indicate that people believe that they exercise enough, but that demographic, socio-economic and attitudinal factors may be potential barriers to physical activity. It is important to establish and/or bolster individual and community support structures while also minimizing potential barriers to exercise at the individual, organizational and community levels.
Making connections through media relations [engineering college marketing]

This is the fourth in a series of six companion papers that address the marketing of the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas, USA. While valuable as an independent resource, the content of this document should be considered within the context of all six papers. An effective media relations program requires trust and credibility, both internally and externally. A public information officer can craft a very effective media relations program that will target a specific audience to meet the goals of the institution. A wide variety of traditional and electronic tools are available to support the media relations effort, but in the end it is all about building relationships with faculty and media representatives.
Looking for an Antecedent to Ethical Leadership Derailment

Not much is known about the antecedents of ethical leadership and ethical leadership derailment. Yet, as the recent financial crisis and other past events have shown, business leaders continue to experience ethical lapses resulting in their professional derailment while compromising the future of others. To understand ethical derailment better, this paper develops a framework that draws upon normative ethics and strengths theory to show an antecedent relationship between a leader’s character strengths and their ethical leadership behavior. The proposed framework represents the first to examine the relationships between character strengths, ethical leadership, and leadership derailment behavior.
Intention in Nursing Practice

The purpose of this column is to explore the meaning of intention in nursing practice and distinguish it from the concept of intentionality. The notion that nurses engage in a purposeful act of setting intention prior to delivery of nursing care is introduced, and nursing implications for setting intention in practice is offered.
Use of analytical solutions to validate unsteady CFD codes

AIAA, Theoretical Fluid Mechanics Meeting, 1st, New Orleans, LA, June 17-20, 1996 The validation of unsteady CFD codes by comparison with closed-form analytical solutions is discussed. The approach considers unsteady oscillatory solutions that grow or decay with time as in classical stability problems. The analytical solutions can be used to determine the accuracy and validity of the CFD results and can also be used as a guide in CFD applications. Two example closed-form analytical solutions are presented to demonstrate the solution procedure and are used to quantify the accuracy of unsteady CFD computations. The first example is an unsteady shear layer with heat release, and the second example considers chamber oscillations characteristic of combustion instability. The solution procedures are straightforward and may be employed on a workstation or PC at minimum computational expense. (Author)
Monitoring results of rural drinking water quality in 9 counties of Handan City from 2010-2011

[Objective]To understand the current situation of rural drinking water quality in 9 counties of Handan City,provide the evidence for promoting the drinking water project construction in rural area.[Methods]The rural drinking water quality was monitored in 264 monitoring sites of 9 counties in Handan City.The sampling and monitoring were performed according to the Standard examination methods for drinking water(GB/T 5750-2006),and the results were evaluated based on the Drinking water sanitary standard(GB 5749-2006).[Results]During 2010-2011,the over standard rate of sensory and general chemical index was 3.9%,and that of toxicology indexes,pollution indexes and bacteriology indexes was respectively 11.2%,1.4% and 31.6%.The indexes with higher over standard rate mainly included total bacterial count,total coliform group,thermotolerant coliform bacteria,fluoride,turbidity,visible matter,sulfate,and total hardness.[Conclusion]The disinfection treatment of rural drinking water in 9 counties of Handan City is not satisfactory,so it is necessary to carry out relevant measures for effective disinfection and defluoridation,strengthen management and supervision of centralized water supply.
Analysis of J inxiang County for Disease Control and Prevention Survey Human Resources

Objective To Jinxiang engaged in disease prevention and control of the status of human resources for disease control agency of the rational allocation of human resources to provide constructive comments. Methods Jinxiang 2007 Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the township staff basic information,as well as disease prevention and control of the area human resources survey. Results The disease control personnel throughout the county and below secondary education accounted for 45.90%. In the title,to,the primary-oriented,in which primary and accounted for 51.19% below. Conclusion The county and township disease control and prevention a serious shortage of human resources,the structure is very unreasonable,the overall quality is not high,disease prevention and control system has lagged far behind in social development.
Purification of Individual Histone mRNA’s and Evolution of Their Sequences and Sizes

The isolation and purification of the histone messenger RNA’s (mRNA’s) is an important step in the analysis of eukaryotic gene organization and structure. First, histone messengers can be isolated easily and labelled to high specific activity using both tritiated uridine (Kedes and Gross, 1969) and 32P (Grunstein, unpublished). Second, the DNA complementary to the messengers is moderately repetitive (Kedes and Birnstiel, 1971; Weinberg et al., 1972) with 400–1200 copies per haploid DNA content. Third, sheared DNA complementary to the histone messengers has a unique buoyant density as measured by CsC1 equilibrium centrifugation (Kedes and Birnstiel, 1971). Thus, the reiterated DNA exists as one or a few clusters that can be separated from bulk DNA and further analyzed structurally. Last, the knowledge that several of the histone proteins themselves exhibit nearly absolute evolutionary sequence stability (DeLange et al., 1969) will allow investigation into the extent of sequence divergence of the histone messenger RNA’s both “longitudinally”, between species, and “horizontally”, amongst the several-hundred-fold reiterated DNA complements of a single species.
Germline variation in NFE2L2/CUL3/KEAP1 and risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

1540 Background: Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2) is a key transcription factor regulating oxidative stress. Activated NFE2L2 translocates to the nucleus and binds anti-oxidant ...
In retrospect: Sixty years of living polymers.

In the 1950s, the discovery of a class of 'living' polymerization reaction revolutionized the field of polymer science by providing a way of controlling the molecular-weight distribution of polymers. The effects reverberate to this day.
Acute Head Trauma

Severe pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains one of the leading causes of acquired disability and death in the USA, with the highest combined rates of TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurring in the youngest age. While the most effective treatment is preventing trauma in the first place, a large number of patients still present to the emergency rooms and trauma centers, and their outcome is greatly affected by prompt and effective pediatric neurocritical/neurosurgical care. There is an age-at-injury pattern. Falls and motor vehicle collisions are common accidental causes, while abuse in infants and toddlers and assaults in adolescents are unfortunate common non-accidental causes of TBI. Optimal management depends on detection of primary brain injury and preventing or limiting secondary brain injury.