cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discordant loss of mismatch repair proteins in advanced endometrial endometrioid carcinoma compared to paired primary uterine tumors.

Abstract Objective A subset of endometrial cancer is characterized by deficiencies in the mismatch repair (MMR) pathway. MMR testing is a well-established tool to screen for Lynch syndrome, but has also become a companion diagnostic test for immunotherapy. We compared the MMR status of primary and paired metastatic endometrial cancer to determine whether MMR deficiency can occur specifically in advanced endometrial cancer compared to primary tumor. Methods Matched primary uterine and metastatic endometrioid adenocarcinoma from 2009 to 2018 at our institution were identified. PMS2 and MSH6 protein expression in metastatic and matched primary tumor was assessed using clinically validated immunohistochemistry methods for Lynch syndrome screening. MLH1 promoter hypermethylation and microsatellite instability (MSI) were performed in discordant cases. Results 29 patients were identified with paired primary endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma and metastasis or recurrence after the original hysterectomy. Fourteen of 29 cases (48.2%, 14/29) were found to be MMR deficient at the metastatic or recurrent site. Two patients (6.9%, 2/29) showed discordant MMR status with PMS2 protein loss at the metastatic sites and intact expression in the primary uterine tumors. Both discordant cases exhibited abnormal subclonal loss at primary site and MLH1 promoter hypermethylation. High levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-H) was confirmed in one discordant metastatic site. Conclusion Advanced endometrial cancer can rarely (~7%) show somatic loss of MMR protein expression in recurrent or metastatic sites compared to matched paired primary tumor. MMR testing of recurrent or metastasis should be considered for guiding immunotherapy if primary uterine tumor exhibits abnormal subclonal MMR loss.
Communicative functions of emoji sequences on Sina Weibo

The popular press is currently rife with speculation that emoji are becoming a global, digitally-mediated language. Sequences of emoji that function like verbal utterances potentially lend strong support to this claim. We employ computer-mediated discourse analysis to analyze the pragmatic meanings conveyed through emoji sequences and their rhetorical relations with accompanying text, focusing on posts by social media influencers and their followers on a popular Chinese social media platform. The findings show that the emoji sequences can function pragmatically like verbal utterances and form relations with textual propositions, although their usage differs from textual utterances in several respects. We also observed user innovations that make the sequences more language like, although there is not as yet a fixed grammar of emoji sequences. We characterize this emoji use as an emergent graphical language , with the caveats that it is not yet a fully-formed language and that the Chinese emoji language that is emerging is different from the English variety, and therefore emoji are not a universal language. In order to promote the further development of emoji language(s), we advance recommendations for emoji design grounded in linguistic principles.
Combining Real-Time Ratings With Qualitative Interviews to Develop a Smoking Cessation Text Messaging Program for Primary Care Patients.

Background Text messaging (short message service, SMS) interventions show promise as a way to help cigarette smokers quit. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of text messaging (SMS) programs targeting smokers associated with primary care or hospital settings. Objective This study aimed to develop a text messaging (SMS) program targeting primary care smokers. Methods Adult smokers in primary care were recruited from February 2017 to April 2017. We sent patients 10 to 11 draft text messages (SMS) over 2 days and asked them to rate each message in real time. Patients were interviewed daily by telephone to discuss ratings, message preferences, and previous experiences with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Content analysis of interviews was directed by a step-wise text messaging (SMS) intervention development process and the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model of medication adherence. Results We sent 149 text messages (SMS) to 15 patients. They replied with ratings for 93% (139/149) of the messages: 134 (96%, 134/139) were rated as clear or useful and 5 (4%, 5/139) as unclear or not useful. Patients' preferences included the addition of graphics, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) content, and use of first names. Regarding NRT, patients identified informational gaps around safety and effectiveness, preferred positively framed motivational messages, and needed behavioral skills to dose and dispose of NRT. Conclusions Patients recommended text message (SMS) personalization, inclusion of e-cigarette information and graphics, and identified barriers to NRT use. Combining real-time ratings with telephone interviews is a feasible method for incorporating primary care patients' preferences into a behavioral text messaging (SMS) program.
Acceptability of mindfulness-based interventions for substance use disorder: A systematic review.

Abstract Background and Purpose: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) for substance use disorders (SUD) have shown promising results. However, acceptability of MBIs in the context of SUD treatment has yet to be systematically assessed across published studies. Our aims were to (a) review the literature for assessments of acceptability; (b) summarize how, when, and for whom acceptability is being measured; and (c) create suggestions for best practices in measuring acceptability of MBIs for SUD. Methods Five databases were searched with key terms related to mindfulness, relapse prevention, and SUD. Results Results highlight that studies of MBIs for SUD treatment lack acceptability assessment, a consistent definition of acceptability, and standardized measurements of acceptability. Conclusion: The lack of measurement and conceptual consistency make it difficult to conclude acceptability of MBIs for SUD treatment. It is imperative that more efforts be directed toward measurement of intervention acceptability to assess whether such interventions could be taken to scale.
Muscular and extramuscular features of myositis patients with anti-U1-RNP autoantibodies.

Objective To define the clinical phenotype of patients with myositis with anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) autoantibodies. Methods In this longitudinal cohort study, the prevalence and severity of clinical features at disease onset and during follow-up in patients with anti-U1-RNP–positive myositis were compared to those with dermatomyositis (DM), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and the antisynthetase syndrome (AS). Results Twenty anti-U1-RNP–positive patients, 178 patients with DM, 135 patients with IMNM, and 132 patients with AS were included. Anti-U1-RNP–positive patients were younger (∼37 years) and more likely to be black (60%) than patients with AS, DM, or IMNM. Muscle weakness was a presenting feature in 15% of anti-U1-RNP–positive patients; 80% eventually developed weakness. Four of 7 anti-U1-RNP–positive patients had necrotizing muscle biopsies. Arthritis occurred in 60% of anti-U1-RNP–positive patients; this was increased compared to DM (18%) or IMNM (6%) (all p Conclusions Patients with anti-U1-RNP myositis typically present with proximal weakness and necrotizing muscle biopsies. Arthritis, dermatitis, and ILD are the most common extramuscular clinical features. Pericarditis and glomerulonephritis are uniquely found in patients with anti-U1-RNP–positive myositis.
Genetic testing for congenital non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss.

Abstract Introduction Approximately 60% of congenital pediatric hearing loss is of genetic etiology. To evaluate non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (NSSNHL), guidelines emphasize the use of comprehensive genetic testing (CGT) with next generation sequencing (NGS), yet these tests have limited accessibility, and potential CGT results may not be well understood. Thus, our objective was to analyze genetic testing practices and results for pediatric patients with NSSNHL. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients ( Results 430 patients with congenital NSSNHL were included in the study. Genetic testing was ordered for 28% (n = 122) and resulted for 16% (n = 68). Most of the ordered tests (89%, n = 109) were the CGT panel. A majority (62%, n = 97) of the time in which genetic testing was not ordered, a referral for genetics consultation was placed. Amongst those with CGT results, a definitive genetic etiology was identified in 25% (n = 13), with less than half due to variants of GJB2/6. At least one PV was identified for 33% (n = 18), while at least one VOUS for 93% (n = 51). There were no significant differences in PV presence or number of VOUS across any characteristic except race. When compared to Caucasians, African Americans had significantly higher rates of VOUS with a rate ratio and 95% CI of 1.61 [1.11–2.34], p = 0.01, and Asians trended towards higher rates (1.96 [0.95–4.05], p = 0.06). Conclusions CGT is of high utility in the identification of relevant genetic variants and definitive genetic etiologies for pediatric patients with NSSNHL. Though guidelines recommend the early use of CGT, there are many barriers to appropriate testing and counseling, leading to low rates of CGT use at this single institution.
Chern—Simons Systems: Abelian Case

In this chapter we present a study of an important planar Abelian gauge field theory arising in condensed matter physics in which electromagnetism is governed by a Chern—Simons dynamics. In §5.1 we consider the gauged Schrodinger equation, which is nonrelativistic, and we present its explicit solution. In §5.2 we introduce the relativistic Chern—Simons model and state our main results concerning its topological solutions. In §5.3 we make a systematic analysis of the problem and prove the existence theorem stated in §5.2. In §5.4 we obtain all possible symmetric non-topological solutions. In §5.5 and §5.6 we construct spatially periodic solutions modelling a condensed lattice structure.
Pituitary Tumors: Viewpoint— Medical Therapy

Tumors can arise from any of the cell types that make up the pituitary gland. The role of medical therapy in pituitary adenomas varies depending on the tumor subtype. In the case of prolactinomas, medical therapy is the primary treatment. For all other tumors of pituitary origin, surgery is the primary therapy with medical therapy playing an adjunctive role sometimes in conjunction with radiation therapy. This brief chapter gives an overview of the use of medical therapy in treating pituitary tumors. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach is beneficial in the management of most pituitary tumors.
Tailoring survivorship to diverse populations with genitourinary malignancies

Socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in genitourinary malignancies remain a critical problem. Variations in initial and subsequent treatments, including survivorship care, likely contribute to these disparities. While the prevalence of genitourinary cancer survivors continues to grow, heterogeneity in survivorship care threatens to increase disparities. Several social factors, such as insurance status, language, and geography, drive heterogeneity observed in survivorship care. Linguistically tailored, culturally relevant survivorship is an essential component of a multidisciplinary effort to address racial/ethnic disparities among patients with genitourinary malignancies. Survivorship care is an essential component of cancer treatment, however if it is not developed and tested among a diverse patient population, it can lead to a widening of disparities observed among patients with genitourinary malignancies.
My Brother’s Keeper: Other-regarding preferences and concern for global climate change

In the coming century, average temperatures are predicted to increase by 2.5 to ten degrees Fahrenheit as a result of climate change. Yet citizens around the world vary in their perceptions of how serious the threat of rising temperatures is. I argue that variation in the perceived seriousness of climate change reflects the degree to which individuals internalize the welfare of others in society besides themselves. I describe and two models of “other-regarding” preferences - social welfare maximization and inequity aversion - and test their predictions using data from the World Values Survey. I employ genetic matching and a difference-in-difference design in order to mitigate potential endogeneity. I also explore behavioral implications of the theory using original data on climate change-related web searches. The empirical tests support the argument: individuals who exhibit high levels of other-regarding preferences are more likely to express serious concern - and seek out new information - about global warming.
Toward developing performance metrics for library print-based specialized collections using available circulation data and ratio analysis

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the establishment of metrics that can be used by libraries to analyze, anticipate, and plan for resource allocation for specialized print-based collect...
The Impact of Nonpartisan Fiscal Institutions on Budgetary Delay

Can the design of governmental institutions promote timely governance? This article investigates this question by examining the relationship between the design of fiscal institutions and budgetary ...
Probing the genetic future of humanity

On 25 November 2018, He Jiankui, a biophysicist at Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China, announced that his laboratory had pulled off a previously unthinkable achievement: the successful modification of the germline genome of two living humans. Packed with facts and analysis, Henry Greely9s CRISPR People examines what He did, explains why Greely believes it was wrong, describes the world9s reaction, and details what we can and should do about work like this in the future.
Oncological Critical Care Considerations in Children

Children with cancer are among the most vulnerable patients in the pediatric intensive care unit. They are not only at increased risk of common critical illnesses that affect the general population (e.g., sepsis and pneumonia), but are also at risk for conditions unique to cancer and its therapies. Thorough knowledge of the unique life-threatening conditions associated with cancer as well as the toxic effects of anticancer therapies is necessary to recognize and treat these conditions. Tumor lysis syndrome is a potentially life-threatening complication characterized by severe metabolic derangements including hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcemia. Hyperleukocytosis is defined as a peripheral blood total white cell count >100,000 cells/μL. Clinical manifestations occur more commonly with white blood cell counts >200,000 cells/μL in myeloid leukemia or >300,000 cells/μL in lymphoid leukemia. Masses that arise from lymphomas in the mediastinum can be associated with significant cardiopulmonary compromise. Although acute cardiac emergencies are uncommon in children with cancer, cardiac toxicity remains a leading cause of long-term morbidity and mortality in survivors. Neurological complications are associated with poor outcomes in children with cancer. Seizures are the most common manifestation, but other conditions including spinal cord compression and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome must be recognized. Also, many children with cancer experience prolonged immunosuppression increasing their risk of developing sepsis. The timely administration of appropriate antimicrobial agents is required to improve outcomes. Children with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) develop a hyperinflammatory cytokine release syndrome similar to severe sepsis; early recognition and treatment may improve survival.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnosing and Treatment Challenges and the Possibility of Jarisch–Herxheimer Reactions if High Infectious Loads Are Present

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex multi-system disease with no cure and no FDA-approved treatment. Approximately 25% of patients are house or bedbound, and some are so severe in function that they require tube-feeding and are unable to tolerate light, sound, and human touch. The overall goal of this case report was to (1) describe how past events (e.g., chronic sinusitis, amenorrhea, tick bites, congenital neutropenia, psychogenic polydipsia, food intolerances, and hypothyroidism) may have contributed to the development of severe ME/CFS in a single patient, and (2) the extensive medical interventions that the patient has pursued in an attempt to recover, which enabled her to return to graduate school after becoming bedridden with ME/CFS 4.5 years prior. This paper aims to increase awareness of the harsh reality of ME/CFS and the potential complications following initiation of any level of intervention, some of which may be necessary for long-term healing. Treatments may induce severe paradoxical reactions (Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction) if high infectious loads are present. It is our hope that sharing this case will improve research and treatment options for ME/CFS.
An Ultrasonic Evaluation of Damage in Cermets

Cermets are hard ceramic-metal composites with predominant ceramic phases and are finding increasing applications. It is important to understand the evolution of damage and the failure modes in these materials under dynamic loading conditions in order to design them for impact resistant applications. In this investigation a plate impact recovery technique [1,2] is used to subject cermet specimens to a single step compressive pulse of known amplitude and duration. This technique has the advantage of applying sufficiently high stress levels to initiate damage and yet providing controlled amounts of energy input to avoid catastrophic failure of the material. Ultrasonic velocity and attenuation studies are carried out on the recovered specimens to asses the evolution of damage under stress wave loading. Optical microscopy and image processing techniques are used to quantify the extent of damage in the recovered samples. Techniques such as ultrasonic measurements could prove to be useful in predicting damage levels in materials subjected to dynamic loading. The material chosen for study is a boron carbide-aluminum cermet [3].
Vasoactive intestinal peptide stimulation of human trabecular meshwork cell growth.

Purpose. To demonstrate that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a 28-amino acid neuropeptide, is a growth factor of human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells in culture and in a corneoscleral explant organ culture treated with laser trabeculoplasty (LTP). Methods. Proliferating human TM cells in cell cultures were incubated with VIP for 20 hours, followed by total cell number determination, using a Coulter counter. The percentage of proliferating TM cells was assessed, using an antibody against the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). To test the growth effect of VIP on TM cells in situ, corneoscleral explants in organ cultures were first treated with argon LTP to initiate TM-cell proliferation and then were exposed to VIP for 48 hours. The mitotic TM cells were demonstrated immunocytochemically, using anti-PCNA in paraffin sections of the explants; and the total number of TM cells was determined after paraffin sections were counterstained by hematoxylin. Results:*Vasdactive intestinal peptide dose-dependently stimulated the proliferation of TM cells invcell culture. Treatment with 5 X 10~ 10 M VIP resulted in a maximal increase of 40% in cell number. The effect of VIP was blocked by a VIP antagonist. The number of PCNAstained TM cells and the total cell number in the TM in LTP-treated corneoscleral explants were increased by VIP. Conclusions. Exogenously applied VIP stimulated the proliferation of human TM cells in subconfluent cultures and in LTP-treated corneoscleral explants. In that LTP has been shown to increase the number of TM cells in situ, the growth stimulatory effect of VIP may help enhance this therapy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1997;38:2781-2789.
FIXED-TIME FUEL-OPTIMAL CONTROL OF LINEAR STATE-CONSTRAINED SYSTEMS BY USE OF LINEAR PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES.

Abstract : A procedure is developed for obtaining a numerical approximation to the fixed-time fuel-optimal control for a state-constrained linear system. The constraints on both the state variable and the control variable are given by systems of linear inequalities describing convex polygonal sets which are allowed to be time-varying. The initial state and the final state can be explicitly given or specified as members of certain convex polygonal sets. The numerical approximation is obtained by reformulating the control problem into a form that is solvable by linear programming techniques. (Author)
Semantic query optimization for XQuery over XML streams

We study XML stream-specific schema-based optimization. We assume a widely-adopted automata-based execution model for XQuery evaluation. Criteria are established regarding what schema constraints are useful to a particular query. How to apply multiple optimization techniques on an XQuery is then addressed. Finally we present how to correctly and efficiently execute a plan enhanced with our SQO techniques. Our experimentation on both real and synthetic data illustrates that these techniques bring significant performance improvement with little overhead.
Physician Addiction and Impairment- Current Thinking:: A Review

This is a review of the most current thinking on physician impairment with regard to definitions, prevalence, etiology, diagnosis, detection, intervention, treatment, treatment outcomes and prevention. The impaired physicians movement needs to be concerned with what is effective.
Bargaining Solutions in a Social Network

We study the concept of bargaining solutions, which has been studied extensively in two-party settings, in a generalized setting involving arbitrary number of players and bilateral trade agreements over a social network. We define bargaining solutions in this setting, and show the existence of such solutions on all networks under some natural assumptions on the utility functions of the players. We also investigate the influence of network structure on equilibrium in our model, and note that approximate solutions can be computed efficiently when the networks are trees of bounded degree and the parties have nice utility functions.
The Structure of Dense Cloud Cores

Things are seldom what they seem. Skimmed milk masquerades as cream. Little Buttercup, H. M. S. Pinafore Open slit spectra of planetary nebulae, in which images of the object axe recorded in the light of several spectral lines on a single plate, have long proven a useful diagnostic of nebular properties and morphology. Fortunately, the reasonably simple structure of most planetaries greatly aids interpretation of the images. The dust-enshrouded mass-losing asymptotic giant branch stars from which planetaries evolve have now also been imaged at millimeter wavelengths. These high-resolution images have demonstrated the role of photochemistry in molding the composition of circumstellar shells. This powerful techinique is less well-developed as a tool for analyzing the structure of localized density concentrations in molecular clouds, the cores in which stars form. Even pre-astral cores, in which stars have not yet formed, may have an extended and intricate geometry which renders mappir,g tedious and masks their true structure. Their basic pre-astral structure may be complexly contorted by the character and extent of star formation within them. How, then, does our perception of the structure of a core depend upon the line in whose light it is imaged? Which lines optimally determine physical structure? How should chemical differences, perceived by comparisons of images in different lines, be used to determine the physical characteristics of a core? In this paper I summarize results of surveys of the cores of the p Ophiuchi molecular complex in an attempt to provide preliminary answers to these questions. In this nearby (160 pc) cloud, 78 young stars have been catalogued in the central region alone (Wilking, Lada and Young 1989). Loren (1989) has described 89 dense clumps throughout the complex. Within these clumps, Loren, Wootten and Wilking (1989) have described 12 very dense cores, some of which are currently active sites of star formation. A few appear to be undisturbed pre-astral cores whose structure, hopefully, could reveal how they have formed. As star formation unleashes an important new energy source in a pre-astral core, the core warms. Conventional gas thermometers fail to monitor the early phases of this change. Lower CO 1 The NRAO is operated by Associated Universities, Incorporated, under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation
Macrophage-Derived Dendritic Cells Have Strong Th1-Polarizing Potential Mediated by β-Chemokines Rather Than IL-12

Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) activate naive T lymphocytes to induce adaptive immunity, effecting Th1 polarization through IL-12. However, little is known about other potential DC Th1 polarizing mechanisms, or how T cell polarization may be affected by DCs differentiating in, or exposed to, a proinflammatory environment. Macrophages (MΦs) are DC precursors abundant in inflamed tissues, lymph nodes, and tumors. Thus we studied the T cell-activating and -polarizing properties of MΦ-derived DCs (ΦDCs). Monocytes were cultured in MΦ-CSF (M-CSF) to produce MΦs, which were then differentiated into DCs following culture with GM-CSF plus IL-4. ΦDCs activated a significant allogeneic MLR and were significantly better than MDDCs in activating T cells with superantigen. Most strikingly, ΦDCs elicited up to 9-fold more IFN-γ from naive or Ag-specific T cells compared with MDDCs (with equivalent IL-4 secretion), despite producing up to 9-fold less IL-12. Neutralization of MDDC, but not ΦDC IL-12 significantly inhibited T cell IFN-γ induction. ΦDCs produced up to 12-fold more β-chemokines (macrophage-inflammatory protein-1α, -1β, and RANTES) than MDDCs. Ab blockade of CCR5, but not CXC chemokine receptor 4, inhibited T cell IFN-γ induction by ΦDCs significantly greater than by MDDCs. Thus DCs differentiating from MΦs induce T cell IFN-γ through β-chemokines with little or no requirement for IL-12. Myeloid DCs arising from distinct precursor cells may have differing properties, including different mechanisms of Th1 polarization. These data are the first reports of IFN-γ induction through chemokines by DCs.
Catastrophic epilepsy in infants and children: identification of surgical candidates

Some pediatric candidates for epilepsy surgery have epilepsy which is considered catastrophic because of a high seizure frequency, often many per day, in association with developmental stagnation or regression. Increasing numbers of infants with catastrophic epilepsy are being considered for surgical treatment, if they have the key elements of surgical candidacy including medically intractable epilepsy, a localized epileptogenic zone, and a low risk of new, unacceptable, postoperative neurologic deficits. Most of these infants have had low grade tumor, cortical development malformations, or other epileptogenic lesions visualized on preoperative MRI. The assessment of potential risks and benefits for surgery in these patients involves complex, age-related issues including the possible impact of uncontrolled seizures or surgery, on cognitive development. This review will address some of these issues in the context of two clinical cases.
Interactions between a Left Ventricular Assist Device and Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are approved for both a bridge to cardiac transplantation as well as for destination therapy. Most patients with LVADs have implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and several interactions between LVADs and ICDs have been reported. In the present case, we describe an interaction of an approved LVAD with remote telemetry of a previously implanted Sorin ICD (Sorin Group, Milan, Italy) that could not be resolved with standard shielding techniques. (PACE 2012; 35:e272–e273)
Propagation of structured light beams after multiple reflections in a spiral phase plate

This work presents propagation dynamics of structured light (complex light) containing optical vortices after it has undergone multiple reflections in a spiral phase plate (SPP) device having a nonzero surface reflection. In the calculations, the thick-plate approximation is assumed as it is expected to give a more accurate representation of the standard geometry of an SPP device from a low-surface reflection to a high-surface reflection. Calculations showing the propagation of counter-rotating optical vortices are presented, and the effect of the statistical nature of photons on the observation of the angular intensity modulation of the beam is discussed.
Short-burst auroral radiations in Alfvénic acceleration regions: FAST observations

(1) We examined particle and field data during the first 3 years (1997-1999) of the FAST mission searching for short-burst auroral kilometric radio (AKR) emissions in Alfvenic auroral acceleration regions. Eight such events were found at altitudes between 2500 and 3600 km in the midnight local time sector during winter months when the AE index was observed to be greater than 150. The emission source regions are estimated to be � 300-900 km below the satellite. The frequency of observed short-bursts is in the range between 400 and 600 kHz. The average bandwidth of the burst, Df/f, is approximately 2 � 10 � 2 . The reoccurrence frequency of discrete short bursts is estimated to be between 7 and 18 Hz, which is similar to that of Jovian S-bursts. The negative drift of each discrete burst may be associated with upward moving electrons. As in the case for ordinary AKR, short-bursts can be explained by the electron cyclotron maser instability due to the positive gradient in the phase space of an unstable electron distribution. Shell, conic, and ring distributions, and a combination of these three, were observed in each of the eight events. Snapshots of observed multiple shells and rings are suggested to be the results of the temporal effect, where low energy electrons are accelerated by the Alfvenic perturbation at an earlier time, while high energy electrons are newly accelerated by later Alfvenic pulses. Results presented within this paper suggest multiple Alfvenic disturbances in the magnetotail as the source of the multiple shell (and ring) distributions. Multiple Alfvenic disturbances may also explain the observed reoccurrence pattern of short-bursts.
Microkeratome-based limbal harvester for limbal stem cell transplantation: Preliminary studies

Abstract PURPOSE: To develop a mechanical device to perform limbal transplantation. This procedure is a valuable surgical technique for management of limbal stem cell deficiency. However, the freehand dissection to obtain donor tissue is laborious and time-consuming. METHODS: A manual microkeratome (LSK One; Moria/Microtech, Doylestown, Pennsylvania) using a redesigned head (200 μm thickness, 16-mm blade) was used to create partial thickness corneoscleral caps from human donor globes. RESULTS: Corneoscleral caps obtained from human donor globes included a ring of approximately 1 mm of perilimbal sclera in contiguity to the cornea. Scanning electron microscopy showed a smooth cut surface with some chatter at the margins. CONCLUSION: This instrument ensures an effective and straightforward method to dissect the area where stem cells have been indirectly localized.
Potential Of Real-Time Orthographic Ultrasonic Imaging For Cardiovascular Diagnosis

In 1973 a real-time ultrasonic imaging system, developed at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI), was reported (1). Since that time this laboratory instrument has been improved and modified, and a second instrument, designed expressly for clinical use, has been constructed. The results of preclinical experiments and of the first clinical applications with these ultrasonic cameras have been reported (2-5).© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Variable sulfhydryl activity toward silver nitrate by reduced glutathione and alcohol, glutamate and lactate dehydrogenases.

Abstract Variable sulfhydryl activity towards silverions was detected with amperometric techniques for reduced glutatione, yeast alcohol dehydrogenase, bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase, bovine heart and rabbit muscle lactate dehydrogenases. The second order reaction rate between thiol residues of protein and silver ions seemed dependent upon the state of protein conformation. Denaturation of the four enzymes with 7 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate removed the difference in kinetic activity observed for the thiol residues of the native proteins. NADH increased the reactivity of bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase toward silver ions and decreased the reactivity of the sulfhydryl residues of the lactate dehydrogenases. No change was observed in sulfhydryl activity of reduced glutathione or yeast alcohol dehydrogenase by the presence of NADH.
Physical vapor transport experiments onboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour

Thin films of an organic nonlinear optical (NLO) material, N,N-dimethyl-p-(2,2-dicyanovinyl) aniline (DCVA), have been grown in space aboard the USA Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS (space transportation system) -59 and STS-69. Similar experiments have been conducted in the laboratory as ground controls and have produced single crystals only. In this paper, preliminary results of the space grown film characterization using the differential scanning calorimetry, differential interference contrast microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, visible reflection spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, second harmonic generation, and stylus profilometry are presented. These techniques have implied that ordered, 3.7 (mu) thick, DCVA films, have been grown on disordered substrates.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comparison of state-of-the-art lithography tools

The concept of Cpk has been a long accepted method for indicating manufacturing process capability and making critical judgments about expected performance. Within this paper Cpk's are calculated for a set of test masks generated by divergent photomask lithography tools. The MSTM (Manufacturing Simulation Test Mask) uses different address sizes (1.0, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.1 micrometers ) allowing all address structures to be tested on the same mask. A Leica LMS- 2000 was used for the registration measurements. Through critical observation of the data sets' mean and range variance, an insight about contributing error sources is gained and a common ground for unbiased comparison is found.
E‐service attributes available on men's and women's apparel web sites

– The purpose of this study is to examine whether service attributes available on women's apparel web sites differ from those available on men's apparel web sites in relation to the nine dimensions of E‐A‐S‐QUAL (E‐S‐QUAL for apparel)., – Using three separate sources, 97 women's and 97 men's apparel web sites were selected, which constituted a variety of apparel retail web sites that are a fair representation of available US retail apparel web sites. ANOVAs and chi‐square analysis were performed., – The results of content analysis suggest that differences exist between women's and men's apparel web sites in providing online services that improve e‐service quality in such a way that women's web sites provided more service attributes that improve e‐service quality than men's web sites., – The results of content analysis suggest that the distribution or availability of almost half the e‐service attributes analyzed significantly differed between women's and men's apparel web sites. For the further growth of men's apparel shopping via the internet, e‐retailers of men's apparel need to provide e‐services at a more sophisticated level., – This study provides valuable information to both men's and women's apparel e‐retailers to understand their current performance in delivering e‐service and areas for improvement.
Mate choice for a male carotenoid-based ornament is linked to female dietary carotenoid intake and accumulation

The coevolution of male traits and female mate preferences has led to the elaboration and diversification of sexually selected traits; however the mechanisms that mediate trait-preference coevolution are largely unknown. Carotenoid acquisition and accumulation are key determinants of the expression of male sexually selected carotenoid-based coloration and a primary mechanism maintaining the honest information content of these signals. Carotenoids also influence female health and reproduction in ways that may alter the costs and benefits of mate choice behaviours and thus provide a potential biochemical link between the expression of male traits and female preferences. To test this hypothesis, we manipulated the dietary carotenoid levels of captive female house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) and assessed their mate choice behavior in response to color-manipulated male finches. Females preferred to associate with red males, but carotenoid supplementation did not influence the direction or strength of this preference. Females receiving a low-carotenoid diet were less responsive to males in general, and discrimination among the colorful males was positively linked to female plasma carotenoid levels at the beginning of the study when the diet of all birds was carotenoid-limited. Although female preference for red males was not influenced by carotenoid intake, changes in mating responsiveness and discrimination linked to female carotenoid status may alter how this preference is translated into choice. The reddest males, with the most carotenoid rich plumage, tend to pair early in the breeding season. If carotenoid-related variations in female choice behaviour shift the timing of pairing, then they have the potential to promote assortative mating by carotenoid status and drive the evolution of carotenoid-based male plumage coloration.
Inhibition of an archaeal protein phosphatase activity by okadaic acid, microcystin‐LR, or calyculin A

Soluble extracts of the methanogenic archaeon, Methanosarcina thermophila TM-1, contained a divalent metal ion-stimulated protein-serine phosphatase activity. This activity was sensitive to micromolar concentrations of okadaic acid, microcystin-LR, or calyculin A, three compounds thought to be highly specific inhibitors of the type 1/2A/2B genetic superfamily of eukaryotic protein-serine/threonine phosphatases. The observation that each of these three chemically unrelated compounds inhibited this archaeal protein phosphatase activity suggests the existence of structural homology, and perhaps even common genetic ancestry, with the type 1/2A/2B superfamily of protein-serine/threonine phosphatases found in eukaryotic organisms.
Resolution of the antecedent of a plural pronoun: Ontological categories and predicate symmetry

Abstract Two questionnaire studies and two reading time experiments explored how readers determine the reference of the plural pronoun they . The questionnaire studies showed that readers were more willing to take an ontologically homogeneous (all humans) collection of entities as the antecedent of they than an ontologically heterogeneous collection and that they were more willing to take the entities that fill the thematic roles of a “symmetric” verb like sing with as the antecedent of they than the entities that fill the role of a “nonsymmetric” verb like hit . The questionnaire studies also showed a preference for taking the maximally inclusive group as the referent of they . The reading time experiments showed that these effects occur online so that reading is slowed when a temporary ambiguity is resolved in a way that conflicts with the preferences as described. A theoretical framework was described in which two stages of processing, described by an “equivalence” and a “closure” principle, respectively, take place.
An optical settling tube for the determination of particle-size distributions

Abstract The particle-size distribution, the settling-velocity distribution and the concentration-weighted settling velocity are important parameters in the study of sediment dynamics. These parameters can be determined by means of an optical settling tube in which the concentration of particles is determined by means of a beam-attenuation meter and the particle size is determined by Stokes' settling. Results obtained by this method compare very well with Coulter Counter and gravimetric settling tube data. Various correction factors are discussed. The instrument is designed for eventual use in situ.
Sparing of neuronal function postseizure with gene therapy

Abstract Numerous studies have demonstrated that gene therapy interventions can protect neurons from death after neurological insults. In nearly all such studies, however, “protection” consists of reduced neurotoxicity, with no demonstrated preservation of neuronal function. We used a herpes simplex virus-1 system to overexpress either the Glut-1 glucose transporter (GT) (to buffer energetics), or the apoptosis inhibitor Bcl-2. Both decreased hippocampal neuron loss to similar extents during excitotoxic insults in vitro and in vivo. However, the mediating mechanisms and consequences of the two interventions differed. GT overexpression attenuated early, energy-dependent facets of cell death, blocking oxygen radical accumulation. Bcl-2 expression, in contrast, blocked components of death downstream from the energetic and oxidative facets. Most importantly, GT- but not Bcl-2-mediated protection preserved hippocampal function as assessed spatial maze performance. Thus, gene therapeutic sparing of neurons from insult-induced death does not necessarily translate into sparing of function.
Promoting Digital Literacy Skills: Examples from the Literature and Implications for Academic Librarians

This paper explores the numerous definitions of digital literacy, discusses its relationship to information literacy, and describes applications of digital literacy instruction in institutions of higher education. It also offers opportunities for academic librarians, and especially those in junior and community colleges, to enhance students’ digital literacy skills through novel educational techniques. For example, librarians could develop tools to support students’ interaction in course management systems and virtual worlds, assist faculty in the creation of course curriculum, as well as moderate online book discussions. Promoting the development of a variety of literacies among students enables librarians to demonstrate their flexibility as well as their role in contributing to individuals’ success in academia and beyond.
Massive pulmonary hemorrhage in the newborn

The type and severity of massive pulmonary hemorrhage diagnosed at autopsy were reviewed for a 10 year period. The frequency (percentage of total autopsies) and incidence (comparison with all livebirths) were determined. Alveolar and interstitial hemorrhage were equally frequent in infants who died during the first day of life, but alveolar hemorrhage predominated in those surviving for longer periods. Pulmonary hemorrhage occurred more frequently than expected in infants of low birth weight for gestational age.
Water Potential of Cell Microenvironments Modulates their Proliferation

Microenvironmental conditions in interstitial spaces can change rapidly after inflammatory insults. Hydration potential shifts of 50-150 mmHg occur during burn and ischemia-reperfusion injury in dermal and myocardial extracellular matrices, respectively, presumably due to increased mechanical tension, fluid flux, and water activity as edema accumulates (McGee et al., Biophys J 2012;Circ Res 2012a;Wound Rep Reg 2013).While cell responses to mechanical and flow-related components of the hydration potential are increasingly studied and understood, responses to concomitant changes in water's chemical potential are not. Here, we explore its effects on HL60, an anchorage-independent, human leukemia cell line that readily differentiates towards various cell lineages. Cells (105 /ml) were grown in static suspension cultures at 37 °C, in liquid media supplemented with 2.5% fetal calf serum and at colloidosmotic pressures adjusted to between 1-100 mmHg with inert polymers. After 24 hours, the cells' growth rate changed with the water chemical potential in direct proportion to the colloidosmotic pressure of the growth solution. Linear regression analyses showed that the slope of the growth rate versus pressure was (2.4%)/day/mmHg(R2 = 0.875). The observed rate changes were independent of the physicochemical characteristics of the inert polymer; polyethyleneglycol 8000 or dextran 10 enhanced cell proliferation. Cell differentiation pathways also appeared to change as determined by the cells morphology and size in Giemsa stained cytocentrifuge preparations and further suggested by a shift to the right in the frequency-distribution of their nucleus/cytoplasm ratios. These results show that changes in water's chemical potential modulate proliferation regardless of media-stiffness or flow sensing by the cell. Hydration potential components other than the mechanical play significant roles in cells' adaptation to changes in their microenvironment.