cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in personality traits and anxiety about aging

The present study examined the relations between the Big Five Personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and anxiety about aging. The NEO-Five Factor Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1989, 1992) and the Anxiety about Aging Scale (Lasher & Faulkender, 1993) were completed by 144 undergraduate students at a large Midwestern university. As expected, a positive relation between neuroticism and overall anxiety about aging was observed. Anxiety about aging was inversely related to agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion and unrelated to openness to experience. Additionally, the Big Five Personality traits were differentially related to the four dimensions of anxiety about aging (anxiety about changes in physical appearance, fear of old people, psychological concerns, and anxiety about age-related losses). These results support the notion that anxiety about aging is related to individual differences in personality traits and suggest that certain aspects of anxiety about aging may be relatively stable and resistant to change.
Nanoscale form dictates mesoscale function in plasmonic DNA–nanoparticle superlattices

Two- and three-dimensional mesoscale superlattice crystals with precisely engineered optical properties can be assembled from the bottom up by using DNA as a programmable ligand.
Effective mass B2 and stiffness parameter C2 for quadrupole vibration in even-even spherical nuclei*

Values of the effective mass B2 and the stiffness parameter C2 for quadrupole vibration of even—even spherical nuclei have been computed from the B (E 2) values and energies of first 2+ states adopted by Stelson and Gredzins. A comparison of these with values predicted by a liquiddrop model shows B2 an order of magnitude larger than the predictions. The value of C2 is usually less than the prediction but at magic numbers is many times greater.
Anal sphincter defects and anal incontinence symptoms after repair of obstetric anal sphincter lacerations in primiparous women

A study was carried out to identify (1) incidence of anal incontinence symptoms, (2) incidence and size of both external anal sphincter (EAS) and internal anal sphincter (IAS) defects, and (3) relationship between anal incontinence symptoms and IAS or EAS defect size after repair of an obstetric anal sphincter laceration. Forty-seven vaginally primiparous women underwent obstetric anal sphincter laceration repair. At 8–12 weeks postpartum, anal incontinence symptoms were assessed, and endoanal ultrasound was performed. At 1–2 years postpartum, symptoms were reassesseds. The incidence of anal incontinence symptoms at 8–12 weeks was 43%. The incidence of IAS and EAS defects were 32% and 77%, respectively. IAS defects ≥45 degrees were predictive of symptoms (p = 0.02). After 18 months mean follow-up, 11% reported chronic symptoms. After anal sphincter laceration repair, anal incontinence symptoms occur in 43% of women and remain chronic in 11%. Anal incontinence symptoms are associated with increasing IAS defect size.
A modified boundary integral evolution formulation for the wave equation

We apply a modified boundary integral formulation otherwise known as the Green element method (GEM) to the solution of the two-dimensional scalar wave equation. GEM essentially combines three techniques namely: (a) finite difference approximation of the time term (b) finite element discretization of the problem domain and (c) boundary integral replication of the governing equation. These unique and advantageous characteristics of GEM facilitates a direct numerical approximation of the governing equation and obviate the need for converting the governing partial differential equation to a Helmholtz-type Laplace operator equation for an easier boundary element manipulation. C"1 continuity of the computed solutions is established by using Overhauser elements. Numerical tests show a reasonably close agreement with analytical results. Though in the case of the Overhauser GEM solutions, the level of accuracy obtained does not in all cases justify the extra numerical rigor.
Turner syndrome 2008.

Background: Fetuses with prenatal diagnoses of 45,X Turner syndrome (TS) and abnormal fetal ultrasounds have poor prognoses for survival, but with modern medical management, those t
Determining operating criterion of batch processing operations for wafer fabrication

All semiconductor manufacturing systems involve batch processing operations. These operations can have a significant impact on product cycle times. Semiconductor manufacturers are often interested in batch processing policies that minimize the sum of the weighted cycle time of all products, where the weights indicate the priority levels of products. A well-known minimum batch size (MBS) policy is generally recognized as an effective policy. However, there is no guideline in determining the minimum batch sizes to start batch processing operations for this policy. This paper illustrates the use of an analytical queuing model to determine these minimum batch sizes. Illustrations of the effectiveness of the approach are provided through a comparison simulation study of various batch processing policies of a real-world semiconductor manufacturer with multiple products and with small to medium volumes. The comparison results suggest that using an analytical queuing model to determine batch sizes for the MBS policy gives a better minimum sum of the weighted cycle time of all products than the other policies considered.
Validation study of medicare claims to identify older US adults with CKD using the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.

Background Health care claims data may provide a cost-efficient approach for studying chronic kidney disease (CKD). Study Design Prospective cohort study. Setting & Participants We compared characteristics and outcomes for individuals with CKD defined using laboratory measurements versus claims data from 6,982 REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) Study participants who had Medicare fee-for-service coverage. Predictors Presence of CKD as defined by both the REGARDS Study (CKD REGARDS ) and Medicare data (CKD Medicare ), presence of CKD REGARDS but not CKD Medicare , and presence of CKD Medicare but not CKD REGARDS , and absence of both CKD REGARDS and CKD Medicare . Outcomes Mortality and incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Measurements The research study definition of CKD (CKD REGARDS ) included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 2 or albumin-creatinine ratio > 30mg/g at the REGARDS Study visit. CKD in Medicare (CKD Medicare ) was identified during the 2 years before each participant's REGARDS visit using a claims-based algorithm. Results Overall, 32% of participants had CKD REGARDS and 6% had CKD Medicare . Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CKD Medicare for identifying CKD REGARDS were 15.5% (95% CI, 14.0%-17.1%), 97.7% (95% CI, 97.2%-98.1%), 75.6% (95% CI, 71.4%-79.5%), and 71.5% (95% CI, 70.4%-72.6%), respectively. Mortality and ESRD incidence rates, expressed per 1,000 person-years, were higher for participants with versus without CKD Medicare (mortality: 72.5 [95% CI, 61.3-83.7] vs 33.3 [95% CI, 31.5-35.2]; ESRD: 16.4 [95% CI, 11.2-21.6] vs 1.3 [95% CI, 0.9-1.6]) and with versus without CKD REGARDS (mortality: 59.9 [95% CI, 55.4-64.4] vs 25.5 [95% CI, 23.6-27.4]; ESRD: 6.8 [95% CI, 5.4-8.3] vs 0.1 [95% CI, 0.0-0.3]). Among participants with CKD REGARDS , those with abdominal obesity, diabetes, anemia, lower eGFR, more outpatient visits, hospitalization, and a nephrologist visit in the 2 years before their REGARDS visit were more likely to have CKD Medicare . Limitations CKD REGARDS relied on eGFR and albuminuria assessed at a single visit. Conclusions CKD, whether defined in claims or through research study measurements, was associated with increased mortality and ESRD. However, individuals with CKD identified in claims may represent a select high-risk population.
JUDGMENT OF VOLUME FROM PHOTOGRAPHS OF COMPLEX SHAPES.

Observers were asked to judge the volume reduction of 40 distorted metal containers from photographs. Hypotheses regarding the role of amount of information provided by photographs, complexity of d...
LEVEL SETS OF THE VORTICITY AND THE STREAM FUNCTION FOR THE 2D PERIODIC NAVIER-STOKES EQUATIONS WITH POTENTIAL FORCES

Abstract By a result of Foias and Saut, the quotient of the enstrophy and the energy of a solution of the Navier–Stokes equations with potential forces converges to the square root of an eigenvalue Λ k of the Stokes operator. We study the Hausdorff length ( H 1 ) of the level sets of the vorticity and the stream function of solutions. We provide upper bounds for these quantities, and for large t we express them in terms of the corresponding eigenvalue Λ k .
Demonstration of subunits in beef brain acidic protein (S-100)

Abstract S-100 protein, purified from beef brain, has a molecular weight of 21,300 when measured by high speed sedimentation equilibrium and 7,000 when measured by acrylamide electrophoresis in SDS. Gel filtration through Sepharose 6B in the presence of 6 M guanidine hydrochloride and 0.l M β-mercaptoethanol also demonstrated the presence of subunits in S-100 protein.
Aligned Arrays of Biodegradable Poly(ε-caprolactone) Nanowires and Nanofibers by Template Synthesis

We demonstrate that the technically simple, low-cost, and rapid method of template synthesis can be used to create arrays of nanowires and nanofibers from the biocompatible, biodegradable polymer poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL). PCL substrates introduced into a standard laboratory oven at temperatures as low as 65 °C are able to form nanostructures. Nanostructure morphology can be controlled, and complex patterning can be achieved. Solvent-free and low-temperature fabrications also allow for the encapsulation of therapeutics for sustained release.
Plutonium-244 dating I. Initial ratio of plutonium to uranium in the allende meteorite

Re-examination of all known xenon isotope data for the carbonaceous chondrite Allende reveals that this meteorite contains as much as (22±1)·10−1 2 csSTP per gram of fissogenic136Xe (136fXe) from the extinct nuclide244Pu and it appears to have started to retain its xenon more than 4800 million years ago, when the244Pu to238U ratio in the solar system was 0.113±0.006 (atom/atom).
GABAergic radioligands labelled with tritium

The synthesis and applications of GABAergic radioligands labelled with tritium are reviewed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monoclonal antibody to the human insulin receptor, but not insulin, stimulates S6 kinase via human insulin receptors mutated at three major tyrosine autophosphorylation sites

Studies were carried out to examine the role of the major insulin receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation sites in stimulation of S6 kinase activity. For these studies, we employed HTC rat hepatoma cells transfected with and expressing human insulin receptors. In cells transfected with and expressing a large number of normal human insulin receptors (HTC-IR cells), the sensitivity of cells to insulin to stimulate S6 kinase was increased tenfold when compared to untransfected wild type HTC cells (HTC-WT cells). However, in cells transfected with and expressing a large number of mutated human insulin receptors where the tyrosines at three major autophosphorylation sites (1158, 1162, and 1163) were mutated to phenylalanines (HTC-F3 cells), there was no change in insulin sensitivity when compared to HTC-WT cells. We next studied the effect of a human-specific monoclonal antbody to the human insulin receptor, MA-5, on S6 kinase activation. In HTC-WT cells, MA-5 did not interact with endogenous rat insulin receptors and thus did not stimulate S6 kinase. In HTC-IR cells expressing normal human insulin receptors, MA-5 stimulated S6 kinase. Interestingly, MA-5, unlike insulin, was also able to stimulate S6 kinase in HTC-F3 cells expressing mutated receptors. In order to further understand the signaling mechanisms by MA-5 and insulin, two potential intermediate protein kinases were investigate. Neither insulin nor MA-5 appears to activate either microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) kinase or protein kinase C in these cells. These studies suggest therefore that: 1) insulin and MA-5 may signal S6 kinase activation by independent mechanisms that do not employ either MAP-2 kinase or protein kinase C; and 2) under certain circumstances, S6 kinase appears to be activated by mechanisms that are independent of insulin receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation.
Hemodynamic responses to upright exercise of adolescent cardiac transplant recipients.

To characterize the hemodynamic response to exercise after cardiac transplantation, we asked seven adolescent transplant patients (aged 15.1±0.7 years; mean±SE) to perform upright discontinuous exercise to volitional exhaustion on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer. Data were compared with those of seven control subjects matched for age, gender, body mass, percentage of fat, and body surface area. The transplant group had lower peak power output values (92±13 vs 146±30 watts; p ≤0.001) and maximum oxygen consumption values (22±8 vs 32±8 ml/kg per minute; p ≤0.03), despite achieving the same peak venous lactic acid concentration (6.2±3 vs 5.9±3 mEq/L; p =not significant). The transplant group had a diminished heart rate in response to exercise—44% lower than the control group had (Δ=49±6.4 vs 87±9.1 beats/min; p =0.005). The cardiac output response to exercise was maintained in the transplant group (Δ=6.5±1.5 vs 4.6±0.8 L/min; p =not significant) by an augmented stroke volume response (Δ=31±10 vs −4±3.4 ml; p =0.01), which may relate to a greater decrease in systemic vascular resistance during exercise (Δ=−13.7±2.2 vs −6.3±1.2 Wood units; p =0.02). Thus adolescents who have undergone cardiac transplantation have a normal cardiac output response to upright exercise. This is accomplished, despite a blunted heart rate response, by an augmented stroke volume that may relate to the greater decrease in systemic resistance during exercise.
A Retinal Pigment Epithelium Tear in a Patient With Angioid Streaks

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears have been described most frequently in patients with age-related macular degeneration. The tears may also occur after laser photocoagulation for choroidal neovascular membranes or RPE detachments. 1 They may be associated with exudative choroidal detachments, glaucoma filtering procedures, 2 asymptomatic chorioretinal scars, and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. 3 We describe herein the first report, to our knowledge, of an RPE tear in a patient with angioid streaks. See also pp 1687, 1694 and 1770. Report of a Case. —A 50-year-old hypertensive black man presented to the University of Illinois Hospital Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, complaining of bilateral, painless, progressive loss of vision. He had a 10-year history of poor visual acuity in his left eye following blunt orbital trauma, but had noted a recent decrease. Best corrected visual acuities were 20/200 OD and 20/300 OS. The anterior segment examination showed mild meibomian gland plugging and early nuclear
Getting under the skin: the immunogenetics of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin that is mediated by T cells, dendritic cells and inflammatory cytokines. We now understand many of the cellular alterations that underlie this disease, and genomic approaches have recently been used to assess the alterations of gene expression in psoriatic skin lesions. Genetic susceptibility factors that contribute to predisposition to psoriasis are now also being identified. It is hoped that we will soon be able to correlate the cellular pathogenesis that occurs in psoriasis with these genetic factors. In this Review article, we describe what is known about genes that confer increased susceptibility to psoriasis, and we integrate this with what is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms that occur in other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Design of novel iptycene-containing fluorescent polymers for the detection of TNT

Spin cast films of iptycene-derived aryleneethynylene polymers were synthesized and examined for their ability to detect electron deficient aromatics such as 2,4,6- trinitrotoluene and 2,4-dinitrotoluene. These polymers display a fast, reversible fluorescent response to vapors form these analytes, with the fluorescence attenuation dependent on the time of exposure of the films to the vapors. The iptycene-derived polymers have high fluorescence quantum yields in the solid state and display greater spectroscopic stabilities to heating and solvents than similar polyphenyleneethynylene polymers that lack rigid iptycene functionalities. The syntheses of these polymers will be discussed, as will their photophysical properties and response to different analytes.
Entrepreneurial logics for a technology of foolishness

Abstract Several years ago Professor March pointed out that rational choice involves two guesses, a guess about uncertain future consequences and a guess about uncertain future preferences, and called for the development of a technology of foolishness to complement the technologies of intelligence that have been developed to improve the first guess. In this essay we use empirical data from two separate studies of entrepreneurial expertise, one involving the creation of new ventures and the other the birth of a new industry to identify three logics that constitute working elements of a technology of foolishness: (1) the logic of identity, as opposed to the logic of preferences; (2) the logic of action, as opposed to the logic of belief; and (3) the logic of commitment, as opposed to the logic of transaction.
A fibre-mat catalytic burner for the heating system of PVC tiles

This study aims to develop the low-temperature catalytic burner using Al 2 O 3 fibre and Pt catalyst as a substrate and an active material, respectively, and then to apply it to the heating system of PVC tiles. Three types of fibre-mat catalytic burners-natural diffusion catalytic burner, forced diffusion catalytic burner and premixed catalytic burner-were tested. For the natural diffusion catalytic burner, the combustion efficiency was significantly affected by the installation method. Its combustion efficiency was above 99. 5% when it was placed vertically and upward, whereas the combustion efficiency rapidly deteriorated to less than 80% when it was installed in downward position. When the forced diffusion combustion mode was employed, the combustion efficiency of the fibre-mat catalytic burner was successively improved over 99.5%. The optimal operation condition of the premixed fibre-mat catalytic burner was obtained when the excess air ratio is 4.3 and the heat load is 3.0 kcal h -1 cm -2 . The heat load of the premixed catalytic burner was found to be twice as much as those of the natural and forced diffusion catalytic burner, meaning that the size of the catalytic burner can be reduced to its half if the premixed catalytic burner is used. We also performed the field test of the fibre-mat catalytic burner in the heating system of the PVC tiles. The combustion efficiency of the catalytic burners appeared to be satisfactory, above 99.5%, and the energy saving by replacing the existing electrical heaters with the fibre-mat catalytic burners were shown to be 27.7%.
Importance of early closure of the marginal venous system in Klippel-Trenauny and CLOVES syndromes: anatomical and technical considerations

Purpose To describe i.various configurations of the marginal venous system (MVS) in Klippel-Trenauny (KTS) and CLOVES syndromes, ii.the importance of early intervention and iii.report technical considerations. Materials and Methods Patients with KTS and CLOVES underwent venous mapping using direct and diversion venographyfollowed by embolization of anomalous veins. Results In KTS, a persistent sciatic vein was the most consistent and largest part of the MVS. Networks of veins, multiple perforators and communicators were common. In CLOVES, the leg marginal veins communicated with a truncal vein draining into the axillary/subclavian vein. Embolization and endovenous laser caudal to the communication with the iliac veins were performed. Use of “stopper wire/needle,” coil scaffolding or anchoring techniques, pull-back glue, Amplatzer obstructive device, and various combinations were utilized. Prior to implementing this approach, several patients had pulmonary embolism (1 fatality). Conclusion The marginal venous systems in KTS and CLOVES syndromes should be mapped and closed early in life.
Hit and run: X marks the spot!

Male fruitflies upregulate transcription of nearly all genes on their single X chromosome to equalize expression with the two X chromosomes in females. A new study shows that the distribution of the histone acetylation mark associated with this upregulation is much broader than that of the MSL complex responsible for depositing this mark.
Longitudinal molecular microbial analysis of influenza-like illness in New York City, may 2009 through may 2010

We performed a longitudinal study of viral etiology in samples collected in New York City during May 2009 to May 2010 from outpatients with fever or respiratory disease symptoms in the context of a pilot respiratory virus surveillance system. Samples were assessed for the presence of 13 viruses, including influenza A virus, by MassTag PCR. At least one virus was detected in 52% of 940 samples analyzed, with 3% showing co-infections. The most frequently detected agents were rhinoviruses and influenza A, all representing the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain. The incidence of influenza H1N1-positive samples was highest in late spring 2009, followed by a decline in summer and early fall, when rhinovirus infections became predominant before H1N1 reemerged in winter. Our study also identified a focal outbreak of enterovirus 68 in the early fall of 2009. MassTag multiplex PCR affords opportunities to track the epidemiology of infectious diseases and may guide clinicians and public health practitioners in influenza-like illness and outbreak management. Nonetheless, a substantial proportion of influenza-like illness remains unexplained underscoring the need for additional platforms.
A method for continuous in vivo measurement of hemolymph conductivity in crabs

A miniaturized conductivity measuring device has been developed to monitor in vivo hemolymph conductivity in crabs. The device measures the conductivity by means of implanted platinum electrodes, and transmits the data via radiotelemetry to a receiving station through 6 ft of water. Crabs used in these investigations survived the insertion of the conductivity probe and appeared to behave and feed normally for up to one week with the probe in position. Blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, which were acclimated to either 5 or 35 ‰ were abruptly transferred to 35 and 5 ‰, respectively and the rate of change of hemolymph conductivity sucessfully monitored. The time required for the conductivity (ionic composition) change in the hemolymph of the crabs after transfer varied from 12 to 16 h for crabs transferred from 35 to 5 ‰ to less than an hour when the change was from 5 to 35 ‰.
The Price and Welfare Effects of Biofuel Mandates and Subsidies

The coordination of agricultural, environmental and energy policies requires a thorough understanding of the interactions between crop, food and energy markets. This paper develops a general equilibrium model to analyze the interactions and to evaluate the price and welfare effect of biofuel mandates and subsidies. Results suggest that biofuel mandates are a primary cause of some of the major concerns associated with crop-based biofuel production, including higher food prices and lower consumer welfare. The price and welfare effects of biofuel subsidies depend on the level of the biofuel mandate. When the mandate is weak or not binding, a biofuel subsidy becomes a transfer from consumers to biofuel producers, which tends to reduce food and fuel prices because of the negative income effect. However, with a strong mandate, a biofuel subsidy will increase the prices of crops, food, and fuel when crops account for a large share of production cost and when the supply of crops is inelastic. Using parameter values consistent with empirical evidence found in the U.S., we calculated the price and welfare effects of the biofuel mandates and subsidies specified in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Results suggest that the biofuel mandates and subsidies increased the price of corn by 25–40 %, increased the price of food by 1.5–2.5 %, and lowered the price of gasoline by 5–10 %. Overall, the biofuel policies had only a small effect on consumer utility.
Use of consonant letter names in beginning spelling.

Middle-class American children usually learn the names of letters several years before they begin formal instruction in reading and spelling. How does this knowledge affect their subsequent acquisition of spelling? The results of 4 experiments speak against the idea that children go through a stage of spelling development during which they are equally likely to symbolize any sequence of phonemes that matches the name of a letter with the corresponding letter. Although kindergarteners and first graders sometimes spell the nonword /var/ as «vr,» using the letter r to represent both of the phonemes in its name, they are less likely to spell the nonword /ves/ as «vs» or the nonword /tib/ as «tb.» These differences are interpreted as reflecting the phonological or sound properties of the letters' names
Interlaminar Shear Fatigue Damage Evolution of 2-D Carbon-Carbon Composites

Low-cycle and high-cycle bending fatigue experiments were conducted on 2-D woven carbon-carbon composites at room temperature to evaluate the possible evolution of damage within their complex micro...
The clinical impact of ponatinib on the risk of bleeding in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia

We have read with interest the early release paper by Neelakantan et al. regarding platelet dysfunction associated with ponatinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) resistant to multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) therapy.[1][1] The authors have shown a prolonged closure time with
Communication with our teens: associations between confidential service and parent-teen communication.

Abstract Purpose Many recent attempts have been made to eliminate health services minors can receive without parental consent or notification. One argument is that these “confidential” services undermine the parent-teen relationship. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether confidential services impact adolescent's communication with parents about their health. Methods This cross-sectional study included 59 adolescents (ages 12–21) seeking health services at an urban teen clinic in Minneapolis, MN. Participants were divided based on reasons for presenting at the clinic; confidential or non-confidential services. The main outcome variables were the following: discussion of clinic visit with parent, discussion of reason for clinic visit with parent, and communication with parent if diagnosed with a potentially serious health condition. Results The two groups were equally divided; 42.4% came for non-confidential services and 57.6% came for confidential services. Of the 59 participants, 69.5% told their parents they were coming to clinic. However, only 43.1% reported they would not tell their parent if they had a serious health problem; there was an equal split between the confidential services and non-confidential services groups. A statistical difference was not found between the confidential services and non-confidential services groups for any of the outcome variables. Conclusions Obtaining confidential services was not a barrier to discussion with parents about clinic visit, reasons for coming to clinic, or telling their parent if they had a serious health care problem. Clinicians should continue to advocate for confidential services while encouraging open communication between adolescents and their parents.
Arsenic interactions during co-combustion processes based on thermodynamic equilibrium calculations

Abstract Arsenic emissions are currently considered to be one of foremost importance. Arsenic volatility is higher than most of trace elements, but its vaporization behaviour is strongly dependent on the atmosphere composition. In this sense, thermodynamic equilibrium calculations, using HSC-Chemistry 5.0 software, were performed to evaluate the influence of different compounds in the distribution and mode of occurrence of arsenic in co-combustion processes. The influence of different parameters influencing arsenic behaviour, such as temperature, pressure, trace element concentration and flue gas composition on equilibrium composition were also evaluated. Predicting arsenic species, based on combustion conditions and fuel composition, will be useful to choose the best available control technology to reduce arsenic emissions. Finally, the possible interactions between arsenic and different trace elements (TE), mercury, cadmium and antimony, relevant from an environmental point of view, have also been studied; these interactions are not usually considered in thermodynamic studies; however, TE’s interactions affects the behaviour of a single TE, not only as a result of the formation of new species, but also, because of the different reactivity of TEs towards different elements which may affect TE’s volatilization behaviours. From results obtained in this study it may be concluded that in most cases, arsenic is mainly captured in ashes as a result of the formation of thermally stable species both from interactions with bulk ash and TE’s interactions. Nevertheless, the presence of some compounds (silicon, chlorine and sulphur) may enhance arsenic volatilization.
The origins of estrogen receptor alpha-positive and estrogen receptor alpha-negative human breast cancer

Current hormonal therapies have benefited millions of patients with breast cancer. Their success, however, is often temporary and limited to a subset of patients whose tumors express estrogen receptor alpha (ER). The therapies are entirely ineffective in ER-negative disease. Recent studies suggest that there are many biological pathways and alterations involved in determining whether ER is expressed and how it is regulated during breast cancer evolution. Improving hormonal therapies, in addition to perfecting current strategies, will also target these newly discovered pathways and alterations, and others yet to be found. The present commentary will briefly highlight a few important observations and unanswered questions regarding ER status and growth regulation during breast cancer evolution, which hopefully will help to stimulate new thinking and progress in this important area of medial research.
Tearing algorithms for separation process simulation

Abstract A modified sum-rates method based on insights provided by an analysis given by Sridhar and Lucia (Ind. Engng Chem. Res. 28, 793-803, 1989) is presented. Newton's method is used to accelerate the inner loop of combined mass balance and phase equilibrium equations and to solve the outer loop of energy balance equations. All partial derivative information is obtained in analytical form. Several literature examples are used to show that the proposed algorithm is more reliable and more efficient than traditional sum-rates methods and provides the capability of solving problems involving intermediate and narrow boiling mixtures.
Holocene oceanographic and climatic variability of the Vega Drift deduced through foraminiferal interpretation

A sediment sequence recovered from the Vega Drift, Antarctica was analyzed for benthic foraminifera to determine Holocene oceanographic and climatic variability of the northern Antarctic Peninsula margin. Core NBP0003-JPC38, collected during cruise 00-03 of the R.V. Nathaniel B. Palmer recovered 20.53 meters of Holocene glacio-marine sediments. Samples were collected every 4 cm for foraminiferal analyses. The data were analyzed using principal component and cluster analyses. Results of these analyses show significant stratigraphic changes in the benthic foraminiferal record of the Vega Drift. Three assemblages characterize the core, including the Miliammina arenacea, Textularia wiesneri, and Stainforthia fusiformis assemblages. Most agglutinated forms tend to decrease downcore, and comparisons to modern analogues imply post-depositional disintegration, while calcareous taxa indicate non-corrosive bottom waters. The lower to middle Holocene Vega Drift sediments are characterized by the calcareous S. fusiformis assemblage and glacial plume sediments. This assemblage is characterized by calcareous forms including Globocassidulina biora, G. subglobosa, and Nonionella iridea. The planktic species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma is associated with the S. fusiformis assemblage. The S. fusiformis assemblage is faunally similar to assemblages described in fjords of the western Antarctic Peninsula and indicates non-corrosive bottom water. Sediments of the mid to upper Holocene interval are characterized by the T. wiesneri and M. arenacea assemblages and indicate the presence of Hyper Saline Shelf Water. These assemblages are similar to modern assemblages directly to the south in the Prince Gustav Channel. The upper Holocene is marked by several small intervals with taxonomic characteristics similar to the S. fusiformis assemblage, indicating periodic introduction of non-corrosive bottom water to the Vega Drift.
Diagrammatic derivation of gradient algorithms for neural networks

Deriving gradient algorithms for time-dependent neural network structures typically requires numerous chain rule expansions, diligent bookkeeping, and careful manipulation of terms. In this paper, we show how to derive such algorithms via a set of simple block diagram manipulation rules. The approach provides a common framework to derive popular algorithms including backpropagation and backpropagation-through-time without a single chain rule expansion. Additional examples are provided for a variety of complicated architectures to illustrate both the generality and the simplicity of the approach.
On the Behavioral Modeling of a Thermoelectric Cooler and Mechanical Assembly

In this work, SPICE and system level macro-models of a thermoelectric cooling system are developed. The SPICE model includes a direct implementation of the thermal and power balance equations from the thermoelectric element model and a passive thermal equivalent circuit of the overall assembly. Although a powerful model for analog controller designs, the SPICE simulation environment is not as efficient for mixed-signal controllers implementing data converters and digital filtering algorithms. To facilitate a mixed-mode controller design, a systems model of the thermoelectric cooler and the mechanical assembly is developed for implementation into commercially available fixed time step systems simulators. Simulation results of both the SPICE model and the systems simulator are compared and the advantage of the system model discussed.
Shelf Life and Sensory Characteristics of Baby Spinach Subjected to Electron Beam Irradiation

The use of ionizing radiation for the control of foodborne pathogens and extending the shelf life of fresh iceberg lettuce and fresh spinach has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of electron beam irradiation for controlling foodborne pathogens has been reported. For this experiment, the effectiveness of electron beam irradiation on the microbiological and sensory characteristics of fresh spinach was studied. Total aerobic plate counts were reduced by 2.6 and 3.2 log CFU/g at 0.7 and 1.4 kGy, respectively. Lactic acid bacteria were reduced at both doses of e-beam but grew slowly over the 35 d of the experiment. Yeasts and molds were not reduced in samples exposed to 0.7 kGy whereas 1.4 kGy significantly reduced microbial counts. Gas compositions (O(2) and CO(2)) were significantly different than controls. Oxygen levels inside the spinach sample bags decreased over time; however, O(2) levels did not drop below 1% that can induce anaerobic fermentation. CO(2) levels for all treatments increased through day 4; yet 7 d after irradiation, CO(2) level differences were not significant in both control and irradiated samples. Irradiation dose did not affect the basic tastes, aromatics, or mouth feels of fresh spinach, however; hardness attributes decreased as irradiated dose increased and slimy attributes of fresh spinach were higher in control samples compared to irradiated samples.
Talking About Gender in Motion

Abstract This is an interview with noted Norwegian sexologists Elsa Almas and Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad, who is bigender and married to Almas. In conversation with narrative therapist Christopher Behan, they discuss, both professionally and personally, working with those who have a transgender family member, the importance of community work to support the transgender child or adolescent, and the continued need for advocacy within the mental health and medical fields for transpeople and their loved ones.
Content of nonhistone protein in nuclei after hyperthermic treatment.

When nuclei were isolated from Chinese hamster ovary cells after being heated, there was a large increase in the amount of 3H-tryptophan labeled nonhistone protein in the nucleus relative to the whole cell. After 15 min or 30 min of heating at 45.5°C, the nuclear nonhistone protein content increased by 1.6 or 1.8, respectively. In contrast, when the nuclear nonhistone protein content was determined in the intact cell by using autoradiography to quantify 3H-tryptophan labeled protein in the nucleus and cytoplasm in sections of fixed cells, the nuclear nonhistone protein content increased by only 1.14 or 1.28 for 15 or 30 min at 45.5°C, respectively. Therefore, heat does not induce a massive movement of cytoplasmic protein into the nucleus. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermal, mechanical, and structural phenomena in laser material interaction by large-scale atomistic modeling (Invited Paper)

Laser material interaction involved in laser-assisted microscale packaging is endowed with rapid and coupled optical, mechanical, and thermal processes. In-depth understanding of the underlying physics in these processes is instrumental for process optimization and functionality and dependability design of systems. This work is focused on the atomistic modeling of laser material interaction, particularly about the phase change, nanoparticle formation, stress generation and propagation, and formation and revolution of sub-surface structural damages. Large-scale parallel molecular dynamics simulation is conducted to model over 200 millions of atoms. The result reveals no clear interface when phase change occurs, but a transition region where the solid and liquid structures co-exist. The solid-liquid interface is found to move with a velocity up to the local sound speed. A vapor and droplet mixture is ejected from the surface with a high speed. The simulation reveals that nanoparticles originate from an intense vapor phase explosion after laser heating. The emerging time of larger particles is much later than that associated with smaller clusters. The resulting nanoparticles are characterized with a gas-like structure while characteristics of liquid are also preserved to a certain degree. In laser-assisted surface nanoscale structuring, visible sub-surface nanoscale structural damages are observed in the direction of 45 degrees with respect to the laser incident direction. Detailed study of the lattice structure reveals atomic dislocation in the damaged regions. Both temporary and permanent structural damages are observed in the material.
Measurement of the proximity effect for indoor air pollutant sources in two homes

Personal exposure to air pollutants can be substantially higher in close proximity to an active source due to non-instantaneous mixing of emissions. The research presented in this paper quantifies this proximity effect for a non-buoyant source in 2 naturally ventilated homes in Northern California (CA), assessing its spatial and temporal variation and the influence of factors such as ventilation rate on its magnitude. To quantify how proximity to residential sources of indoor air pollutants affects human exposure, we performed 16 separate monitoring experiments in the living rooms of two detached single-family homes. CO (as a tracer gas) was released from a point source in the center of the room at a controlled emission rate for 5–12 h per experiment, while an array of 30–37 real-time monitors simultaneously measured CO concentrations with 15 s time resolution at radial distances ranging from 0.25–5 m under a range of ventilation conditions. Concentrations measured in close proximity (within 1 m) to the source were highly variable, with 5 min averages that typically varied by >100-fold. This variability was due to short-duration (<1 min) pollutant concentration peaks (“microplumes”) that were frequently recorded in close proximity to the source. We decomposed the random microplume component from the total concentrations by subtracting predicted concentrations that assumed uniform, instantaneous mixing within the room and found that these microplumes can be modeled using a 3-parameter lognormal distribution. Average concentrations measured within 0.25 m of the source were 6–20 times as high as the predicted well-mixed concentrations.
Neuroanatomical evidence for segregation of nerve fibers conveying light touch and pain sensation in Eimer’s organ of the mole

Talpid moles are small insectivores that live in dark underground tunnels. They depend heavily on touch to navigate and find food. Most species have an array of complex epidermal sensory structures called Eimer’s organs that cover the tip of the nose. In this study, the anatomy of Eimer’s organ was examined in the coast mole and star-nosed mole by using the fluorescent styryl pyridinium dye AM1-43 and immunocytochemical staining for neurofilament 200 and substance P. In addition, DiI was used to label neural components of Eimer’s organ. AM1-43 labeled all of the Eimer’s organ receptors after systemic injection, suggesting a role in mechanotransduction. Immunostaining with neurofilament 200 and substance P labeled distinct subtypes of sensory fibers. Substance P labeled a group of free nerve endings along the outer edge of Eimer’s organ, indicating a nociceptive role for these fibers. In contrast, neurofilament 200 labeled a more central set of nerve endings, suggesting that these fibers function as low-threshold mechanoreceptors. By labeling subsets of trigeminal afferents distant from the receptor array with DiI, we revealed innervation patterns indicating that one afferent supplies the outer, substance P-positive set of free nerve endings, whereas several afferents differentially innervate the central free nerve endings. Our results suggest that the free nerve endings innervating Eimer’s organ are largely mechanosensitive and may play an important role in the rapid sensory discrimination observed in these species.
Design and modeling of classes of spatial reactionless manipulators

For conventional designs of robots, manipulator motions result in forces and moments on the base. These forces and moments may cause undesirable translation and rotation of the base. The objective of this paper is to systematically analyze the fundamentals of reactionless robots. Based on this analysis, designs of two distinct classes of spatial robots are proposed. The designs are achieved through appropriate choices of geometric and inertial parameters. Due to the underlying conservation laws, the trajectory must satisfy additional constraints. We illustrate the reactionless feature of these robots through computer simulations. Currently, we are fabricating reactionless robots to illustrate the underlying concepts.
Distinct Roles of the Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium CyaY and YggX Proteins in the Biosynthesis and Repair of Iron-Sulfur Clusters

Labile [4Fe-4S](2+) clusters found at the active sites of many dehydratases are susceptible to damage by univalent oxidants that convert the clusters to an inactive [3Fe-4S](1+) form. Bacteria repair damaged clusters in a process that does not require de novo protein synthesis or the Isc and Suf cluster assembly pathways. The current study investigates the participation of the bacterial frataxin ortholog CyaY and the YggX protein, which are proposed to play roles in iron trafficking and iron-sulfur cluster repair. Previous reports found that individual mutations in cyaY or yggX were not associated with phenotypic changes in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, suggesting that CyaY and YggX might have functionally redundant roles. However, we have found that individual mutations in cyaY or yggX confer enhanced susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. In addition, inactivation of the stm3944 open reading frame, which is located immediately upstream of cyaY and which encodes a putative inner membrane protein, dramatically enhances the hydrogen peroxide sensitivity of a cyaY mutant. Overexpression of STM3944 reduces the elevated intracellular free iron levels observed in an S. Typhimurium fur mutant and also reduces the total cellular iron content under conditions of iron overload, suggesting that the stm3944-encoded protein may mediate iron efflux. Mutations in cyaY and yggX have different effects on the activities of the iron-sulfur cluster-containing aconitase, serine deaminase, and NADH dehydrogenase I enzymes of S. Typhimurium under basal conditions or following recovery from oxidative stress. In addition, cyaY and yggX mutations have additive effects on 6-phosphogluconate dehydratase-dependent growth during nitrosative stress, and a cyaY mutation reduces Salmonella virulence in mice. Collectively, these results indicate that CyaY and YggX play distinct supporting roles in iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis and the repair of labile clusters damaged by univalent oxidants. Salmonella experiences oxidative and nitrosative stress within host phagocytes, and CyaY-dependent maintenance of labile iron-sulfur clusters appears to be important for Salmonella virulence.