cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Analysis of Salmonella Isolates Recovered from Processed Turkey Carcasses

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of some virulence characteristics associated with Salmonella isolates recovered from processed turkey carcasses in the Midwestern region of the United States. A total of 94 Salmonella isolates recovered from turkey carcasses from two processing plants (A and B) were examined to determine the prevalence of invA, pagC, and spvC genes. Bioassays also were used to evaluate aerobactin and colicin production. All isolates (100%) were positive for the presence of invA and pagC but were negative for spvC. Overall, 19.1% of all isolates tested were positive for aerobactin production, and 25.5% of all isolates were positive for colicin. Aerobactin and colicin production differed among isolates recovered from the two plants; more isolates from plant B produced these compounds. The Salmonella isolates examined in this study possess significant potential for causing human illness.
Environmental and Organizational Factors Associated with Hospital use of GPO Services

Given the potential benefits of Group Purchasing Organizations in cost- containment efforts for hospitals on supplies and purchased services, an important question that remains unanswered is what c...
Determinants of dopaminergic neuron loss in Parkinson's disease

The cardinal motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Alpha-synuclein (aSYN) pathology and mitochondrial dysfunction have been implicated in PD pathogenesis, but until recently it was unclear why SNc dopaminergic neurons should be particularly vulnerable to these two types of insult. In this brief review, the evidence that SNc dopaminergic neurons have an anatomical, physiological, and biochemical phenotype that predisposes them to mitochondrial dysfunction and synuclein pathology is summarized. The recognition that certain traits may predispose neurons to PD-linked pathology creates translational opportunities for slowing or stopping disease progression.
A 3D Broadband Seismometer Array Experiment at the Homestake Mine

Seismometer deployments are often confined to near the Earth’s surface for practical reasons, despite the clear advantages of deeper seismometer installations related to lower noise levels and more homogeneous conditions. Here, we describe a 3D broadband seismometer array deployed at the inactive Homestake Mine in South Dakota, which takes advantage of infrastructure originally setup for mining and is now used for a range of scientific experiments. The array consists of 24 stations, of which 15 were underground, with depths ranging from 300 ft (91 m) to 4850 ft (1478 m), and with a 3D aperture of ∼1.5 km in each direction, thus spanning a 3D volume of about 3.4 km^3. We describe unique research opportunities and challenges related to the 3D geometry, including the generally low ambient noise levels, the strong coherency between observed event waveforms across the array, and the technical challenges of running the network. This article summarizes preliminary results obtained using data acquired by the Homestake array, illustrating the range of possible studies supported by the data.
Statistical Considerations for Total Isotropic Sensitivity of Wireless Devices Measured in Reverberation Chambers

The vast array of wireless device form factors being developed for internet-of-things applications necessitates a flexible test environment for determining performance metrics such as total isotropic sensitivity. Reverberation chambers loaded with lossy absorbers at cellular frequencies are an ideal match for this need. However, the estimate of total isotropic sensitivity from measurements in the reverberation chamber depends on the amount of loading in the chamber and on the choice of statistical averaging used in the measurements. We present results showing the significance of these two variables.
Experimental and Theoretical Trends of PGM-Free Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction with Different Transition Metals

Replacement of platinum-based electrocatalysts to facilitate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange fuel cells remains an outstanding challenge. Significant progress in the development of platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) electrocatalysts has been reported but a fundamental understanding of how these materials catalyze the ORR remains elusive. In this work, we report our efforts to synthesize and characterize PGM-free electrocatalysts with different transition metals (M = Fe, Co, and Mn) in order to better understand the most plausible active site structures and ORR reaction pathways. Our findings indicate that PGM-free electrocatalysts synthesized via a dual nitrogen precursor, polyaniline and cyanamide, synthesis process but with varied transition metal precursors resulted in the following ORR activity trend: Fe > Co > Mn. Furthermore, similar densities of active sites across the three synthesized materials were calculated using an established molecular probe technique. The relative experimental activities are consistent with trends determined via density functional theory (DFT) modeling that suggests spontaneous OH ligand modification of active sites.
Central diabetes insipidus associated with refeeding in anorexia nervosa: A case report

Anorexia nervosa (AN) has been associated with a multitude of hypothalamic pituitary abnormalities, although it is unknown which aberrations reflect disease causation and which are the consequences of severe malnutrition. Among these endocrinopathies, hypothalamic-posterior pituitary aberrations have been described, including disorders of osmoregulation. We report the case of an adolescent female with a history of severe AN, restricting subtype, treated aggressively with multiple hospitalizations. During hospitalization for severe weakness and lethargy, her course of medical stabilization was complicated by significant polyuria, ultimately diagnosed as central diabetes insipidus (DI). This is the first reported case, to our knowledge, of a severely malnourished adolescent with AN-restricting subtype developing central DI during the refeeding process for medical stabilization, thus adding to the small body of existing literature on disordered osmoregulation in this patient population. This case report raises the question as to whether the frequency of central DI during refeeding is greater than that previously recognized. Additional research should focus on how neuroendocrine dysregulation of water balance might impact the clinical course of AN and its treatment.
Product Lifecycle Management at Viking Range LLC

This case study describes the strategy implemented by Viking Range, LLC as they implemented a PLM strategy to unify multiple engineering departments into one engineering organization. While the company was not burdened by as much legacy data as some implementations, considerable constraints existed within the company with respect to resource allocation and not delaying the launch of new products. The author addresses typical PLM challenges and change management strategies and how Viking Range overcame these challenges. The case study ends with advice to readers who wish to implement a PLM strategy within their own company.
When to Send Your Telescope Aloft

How have astronomers and physicists responded to the challenge of getting “beyond the atmosphere” in the past century or so, and how did they go about making choices in how they did so? This case s...
Reduced-Order Modeling and Design of Single-Stage LCL Compensated IPT System for Low Voltage Vehicle Charging Applications

In this paper, single-stage LCL inductive power transfer (IPT) system is proposed in low voltage vehicle charging applications to minimize the system complexity, and its reduced-order modeling and design approach is presented. To deal with the high-order resonant tank, the reduced-order methodology is applied throughout the paper, with which the behavior of resonant tank is investigated under multiple scales. Using the reduced-order time-domain model, the resonant waveform within switching period is accurately described with only one cycle's numerical computation. A novel parameter design principle for realizing ZVS condition and high averaged efficiency within full load range is then proposed and serves as parametric basis. Next, the low-order linear frequency-domain model is deduced using Extended Describing Function (EDF). It is found that six-order LCL-type system behaves as second-order underdamped system within frequency range of interest. Compared to existing models, the proposed reduced-order model features much more simplicity as it provides intuitive understanding into both steady and dynamic characteristic of the converter while facilitating the parameter and controller design. Through above work, the overall design consideration towards a single-stage LCL IPT system is elaborated. Finally, experimental results are given to verify accuracy of the models as well as the effectiveness of designed parameters and controller.
The Impact of an Online Orientation Program on Student Success at a Community College

This study examined the effectiveness of an online orientation program on participation and student success for a defined cohort of students at a mid-size community college in the mid-Atlantic region. Specifically, a quantitative analysis focused on differences in grade point average (GPA) and retention as success factors among students who completed the online orientation versus students who only started but did not finish and students who did not attempt the program at all. The findings indicate a statistically significant difference in fall to spring retention and cumulative GPA earned after the first semester for students who complete the online orientation module over students who access but do not complete and students who do not access the program. Further, follow-up survey data indicate students felt more prepared to attend the college and utilize programs and services after completing the program. The study contributes to the research and literature on online orientation programs, specifically in the community college setting, and the researchers offers a discussion of results and recommendations for policy, practice, and future research.
Molecular Genetics of Intraocular Tumors.

To explore the value of molecular technologies in the pathologic evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma.Review of the peer-reviewed literature on the molecular pa...
Near Real-Time Freeway Accident Detection

In this paper, the problem of detecting accidents using speed sensors distributed spatially on a freeway is considered. Due to the significant impact of road accidents on health and development, early and accurate detection of accidents is crucial. To address this issue, a novel Bayesian quickest change detection formulation is introduced, which considers both average detection delay and false alarm rate. The optimum strategy is derived via dynamic programming and shown to compare a recursively computed statistic with a function of false alarm to identify accidents as they happen. Considering that post-accident conditions are typically not known, two methods are proposed that recursively estimate multiple unknown parameters during the accident detection process. Further, four aggregation methods are proposed to improve performance exploiting spatial correlations between sensors. Extensive evaluation results demonstrate improvement up to 65.2% and 87.2% in average detection delay and false alarm rate, respectively, against prior work.
Structure and dynamics of highly turbulent premixed combustion

Abstract Turbulent premixed combustion involves simultaneous and mutually interacting fluid, chemical, and transport phenomena spanning a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Many practical combustion devices – such as gas turbine combustors, afterburners, and ramjets – operate with turbulent flows that contain length and time scales smaller than those associated with premixed flame propagation. This paper reviews current knowledge and understanding of premixed flames at such “highly turbulent” conditions, including the effects of turbulence on the flame and of the flame on turbulence. At these conditions, turbulent fluid motions can have a leading-order effect on the flame thermochemical structure, scalar gradients, and the resultant scalar dynamics. At the same time, the turbulent flow itself is affected by heat release from the flame, resulting in differences compared to classical non-reacting turbulence and to turbulence in flames at lower intensities. We therefore aim to address the following overarching questions: (a) What are highly turbulent premixed flames, how do we characterize them, and what are some of their macroscale behaviors? (b) How are the flame thermochemical states, scalar gradients, diffusion, and other aspects of the flame structure affected by intense turbulence? (c) How are the structure and dynamics of the turbulence affected by the presence of the flame in terms of fluxes, spectra, kinetic energy, and other relevant quantities? We also provide a summary of critical knowledge gaps and an outlook for future research directions.
The Simple Views of Reading and Writing: Frameworks for Interpretation of the Woodcock–Johnson IV:

The simple views of reading (SVRs) and writing (SVWs) reflect useful frameworks for the psychoeducational evaluation of literacy difficulties. They describe reading comprehension and written expres...
The Chorion Proteome of Diaphorina citri, the Vector of Huanglongbing Disease in Citrus.

Nowadays, the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is considered the most devastating pest of citrus because it transmits “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”, the putative causal agent of huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening. Controlling the vector is the main strategy used to mitigate HLB. Targeting D. citri at the very early stages of its development may offer an effective control strategy. Identifying chorion proteins will contribute to a better understanding of embryo development and egg hatching and thus could lead to valuable targets to better control psyllid populations. Herein, we analyze the chorion proteins of D. citri. Mass spectrometry-based bottom-up/shotgun proteomics and databases were queried to achieve protein identification. Fifty-one proteins were identified in D. citri chorion. The D. citri chorion proteins were divided into eight categories according to their biological or molecular function: i—enzymes (25%); ii—binding proteins (10%); iii—structural proteins (8%); iv—homeostasis-related proteins, mostly vitellogenins (8%); v—proteins related to gene expression (6%); vi—immune system proteins (6%); vii—other proteins (16%); and viii—uncharacterized proteins (21%). The composition of the chorion proteome suggested that the hatching rate could be reduced by silencing chorion-related genes. The proteomic analysis of D. citri chorion tissue allowed us to identify its proteins, providing promising new targets for D. citri control through RNA interference technology.
Regulation of Axonal pH

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the factors that modulate intracellular pH (pH i ) and describes the active-transport mechanism responsible for pH i regulation in squid axons. The pH i of squid giant axons is of interest for two reasons. First, the squid axon serves as a valuable model of pH regulation in other systems and second, because numerous physiological processes are sensitive to changes in pH i . The experiments described in this chapter were performed in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, on giant axons of the squid Loligo pealei . The axons were dissected and cleaned according to standard practices and cannulated at both ends in a dialysis chamber. The experiments were of four types. In the first, the only additional manipulation was the insertion of two microelectrodes through opposite end-cannulas. In the second group of experiments, a dialysis tube as well as the microelectrodes was inserted into the axon. In the third and fourth group of experiments, isotopic fluxes of Na + and CI - were measured. These axons were internally dialyzed, but not impaled with microelectrodes.
Exceptions to Informed Consent

Following legal developments in the United States, there are certain well recognized types of situations where informed consent need not be solicited from the patient. The exception based on the incompetence of the patient has already been discussed in the previous chapter. Aside from patient incompetence, there are three other legally sanctioned types of exceptions: (1) in an “emergency”, when there is insufficient time to pursue an informed consent, at least if one is to avoid significant morbidity and mortality to the patient in the interim; (2) when a competent patient “waives” the right to an informed consent for some reason, and consents to what the physician wants to do without further information; and (3) when the physician claims the “therapeutic privilege” not to inform the patient on the ground that the informing process itself would likely harm the patient in an unacceptable way. We will deal with each of these possible exceptions in this chapter, being particularly concerned to state their sense and justifying conditions as specifically as possible, lest such exceptions come to undermine the rule of gaining informed consent.
CHAOS THEORY IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Throughout the natural sciences the theory of chaos is gaining prominence as a means of explaining the behavior of systems. The word chaos is used as an antilogy of itself. Non-linear deterministic systems may produce unpredictable states, but the number of states is not illimitable. The states are restricted to definable regions in a state space of calculable dimensions. This theory is already having an impact in the environmental sciences, especially in meteorology. Its potential application in physical geography is real, and geographers must address its implications. Difficulties will be encountered, however, in acquiring enough data points at the spatial and temporal scales of interest in physical geography. [Key words: attractors, chaos, physical geography, systems.]
A reinforcement learning method for maximizing undiscounted rewards

While most Reinforcement Learning work utilizes temporal discounting to evaluate performance, the reasons for this are unclear. Is it out of desire or necessity? We argue that it is not out of desire, and seek to dispel the notion that temporal discounting is necessary by proposing a framework for undiscounted optimization. We present a metric of undiscounted performance and an algorithm for finding action policies that maximize that measure. The technique, which we call R-learning, is modelled after the popular Q-learning algorithm [17]. Initial experimental results are presented which attest to a great improvement over Q-learning in some simple cases.
Growth Disorders: Hereditary

A variety of familial endocrine and other Mendelian disorders, as well as syndromes and cytogenetic disorders that affect growth, are caused by mutations in genes that function in metabolic pathways. Keywords: growth hormone; congenital adrenal hyperplasia; isolated growth hormone deficiency; combined pituitary hormone deficiency; endocrinopathies; chromosomal disorders
An algorithm for the localization of multiple interfering sperm whales using multi-sensor time difference of arrival

In this paper an algorithm is described for the localization of individual sperm whales in situations where several near-by animals are simultaneously vocalizing. The algorithm operates on time-difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements observed at sensor pairs and assumes no prior knowledge of the TDOA-whale associations. In other words, it solves the problem of associating TDOAs to whales. The algorithm is able to resolve association disputes where a given TDOA measurement may fit to more than one position estimate and can handle spurious TDOAs. The algorithm also provides estimates of Cramer-Rao lower bound for the position estimates. The algorithm was tested with real data using TDOA estimates obtained by cross-correlating click-trains. The click-trains were generated by a separate algorithm that operated independently on each sensor to produce click-trains corresponding to a given whale and to reject click-trains from reflected propagation paths.
Myocardial metabolism. V. Effect of puromycin on protein synthesis and oxidation of glucose, acetate, and aspartate in perfused rat hearts.

SummaryThe recirculation with 0.46 mM puromycin in Krebs bicarbonate buffer containing 9 mM glucose had no effect on the myocardial uptake of leucine-1-14C, but depressed leucine incorporation into protein from 55 to 2%. The rate of myocardial contraction and coronary flow were unaffected. Myocardial removal of glucose from the medium was increased from 70 μmoles/hr to 114 μmoles/hr, and the oxidation of glucose to 14C02 was increased from 8 to 24 μmoles/hr. To eliminate glycolysis as a site of puromycin action, similar studies were carried out with perfusions of 10 mM acetate. As in the case of glucose perfusion, the circulation of puromycin stimulated acetate uptake from 100 to 128 μmoles and increased acetate oxidation from 42 to 58 μmoles. Since the data suggested an effect of puromycin on mitochondrial Krebs cycle activity, labeled aspartate was perfused in the presence of acetate and puromycin. There was a 20% increase in uptake and a 30% increase in the oxidation of aspartate due to puromycin perfu...
Teeth and Prehistory in Asia

Where did the peoples of East Asia, Polynesia and the Americas originate? Teeth tell the story. Analysis of minute dental features shows that two great population groups formed in southeast Asia beginning more than 20,000 years ago. The movement of one group can be traced across the Bering land bridge into North America and all the way to Chile.
Uncoupling of Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Potential has Opposite Effects on ROS balance in Heart Mitochondria in Situ Versus In Vitro

The balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and scavenging is determinant of cell survival and electrical and contractile recovery of the heart during ischemia-reperfusion. How ROS balance is affected by electron transport rate during oxidative phosphorylation and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is still controversial. Here, we investigate the effect of ΔΨm uncoupling on ROS balance in isolated mitochondria and in mitochondria in intact cardiomyocytes in forward electron transport mode. Opposite effects of the protonophore FCCP on ROS balance were observed when either intact cardiomyocytes or isolated mitochondria from guinea pig hearts were subjected to increasing (10-50nM) FCCP concentrations while monitoring mitochondrial ΔΨm, NADH, and ROS (O2.-; and H2O2). Low FCCP concentrations increased both O2.- and H2O2 in intact cardiomyocytes, whereas it decreased their levels in 5mM glutamate/malate energized isolated mitochondria. In cardiomyocytes imaged with two-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy, a faster accumulation of both O2.- and H2O2 (indicated by MitoSOX or CM-DCF, respectively) was noted for FCCP concentrations up to 20nM: further increases of protonophore elicited either slower ROS production or hypercontracture and death. In isolated mitochondria, ROS levels decreased by ≈60% in parallel with ΔΨm and NADH, at FCCP concentrations similar to those utilized in intact cells. In cells, the effects of FCCP on ROS balance could be prevented by preincubation with dithiothreitol, indicating that oxidation of the thiol pool was involved. In isolated mitochondria, the ROS signals were increased significantly with exogenous H2O2 exposure, or depleting the GSH pool with monochlorobimane. The findings highlight the important role played by the redox environment, particularly with respect to GSH levels, in determining the net effect on mitochondrial ROS balance in response to uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation.
Complete Surgical Resection of a 40-cm Leiomyosarcoma of the Large Bowel Mesentery

Introduction Leiomyosarcoma of the large bowel mesentery is a rare entity and characteristically behaves in an aggressive fashion. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment and offers both symptomatic and therapeutic benefit. Case We describe the case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with weight loss, increasing abdominal girth and a large solid inhomogenous mass within the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated on a computed tomography (CT) scan. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy and extensive tumor debulking procedure with complete resection of her tumor. Final pathology revealed leiomyosarcoma of the large bowel mesentery. The patient has chosen not to receive adjuvant therapy. Conclusions Leiomyosarcoma of the large bowel mesentery often presents as an advanced lesion making surgical resection a challenging and potentially morbid procedure. Although surgical resection may be faced with significant morbidity, maximum surgical effort with complete resection offers the best overall outcome for patients with this disease.
Study of surface passivation and contact deposition techniques in CdZnTe X-Ray and gamma-ray detectors

Passivation and improved contact deposition techniques are known to reduce the surface leakage current and decrease noise levels of CdZnTe X-Ray and gamrna-ray detectors by improving their spectral energy resolutions. This paper presents a comparative study of surface passivation process in CdZnTe X-Ray and gamma-ray detectors. The experimental study compares three surface passivation processes: mechanically polished with a O.9μm Alumina Powder (AI2O3) finishing; mechanically polished with a O.9μm Alumina Powder (AI2O3) and etched with HBr + H2O2 solution for 2 minutes; mechanically polished with a O.9,.m Alumina Powder (AI2O3) and chemomechanically polished with bromine-methanol-ethylene glycol solution. The results show that chemo-mechanical polishing with bromine-methanol-ethylene glycol solution proved to be the best method out of the three for reducing surface leakage current. The preliminary results of aging studies on H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide), NH4F (Ammonium Fluoride) + H2O2 + H2O and (NH4hS (Ammonium Sulfide) passivation agents are also presented.
Should every drug-eluting stent be deployed directly?

Stents are the most remarkable advance to occur in coronary artery disease management in the last 28 years. Stent re-engineering transformed early hand-crimped, bulky systems into safer, balloon-crimped devices, substantially reducing strut thickness while maintaining radial strength. This made
Production of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) by cultured human dermal and synovial fibroblasts.

Abstract Objective: Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a large disulfide-linked pentameric protein. Each of its five subunits is approximately 100,000 Da in molecular weight. COMP was originally identified and characterized in cartilage and it has been considered a marker of cartilage metabolism because it is currently thought not to be present in other joint tissues, except for tendon. To confirm the tissue specificity of COMP expression we examined cultured human dermal fibroblasts, human foreskin fibroblasts, and normal human synovial cells for the synthesis of COMP in culture. Method: Normal synovial cells and normal human dermal foreskin fibroblasts were isolated from the corresponding tissues by sequential enzymatic digestions and cultured in media containing 10% fetal bovine serum until confluent. During the final 24 h of culture, the cells were labeled with 35 S-methionine and 35 S-cysteine in serum- and cysteine/methionine-free medium. The newly synthesized COMP molecules were immunoprecipitated from the culture media with a COMP-specific polyclonal antiserum, or with monoclonal antibodies or affinity-purified COMP antibodies. The immunoprecipitated COMP was analyzed by electrophoresis in 5.5% polyacrylamide gels. For other experiments, synovial cells cultured from the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) were similarly examined. Results: A comparison of the amounts of COMP produced by each cell type (corrected for the DNA content) revealed that synovial cells produced ≥9 times more COMP than chondrocytes or dermal fibroblasts. COMP could be easily detected by immunoprecipitation in all cell types. Electrophoretic analysis revealed a distinct band with an apparent MW of 115–120 kDa in samples from each of the three cell types, regardless of the antibody used. COMP expression in cultures of synoviocytes derived from OA and RA patients showed that OA and RA synovial cells produced similar amounts of monomeric COMP of identical size to those COMP monomers produced by normal synovial cells. The addition of TGF-β to these cultures resulted in an increase in COMP production in normal, OA and RA synovial cells (45, 116 and 115% respectively). Conclusion: These studies demonstrate that substantial amounts of COMP are produced by several mesenchymal cells including synoviocytes and dermal fibroblasts. These findings raise important concerns regarding the utility of measurements of COMP levels in serum or in synovial fluid as markers of articular cartilage degradation because of the likelihood that a substantial proportion of COMP or COMP fragments in serum or synovial fluid may be produced by cells other than articular chondrocytes.
DNA methylation and RNA expression profiles in lung adenocarcinomas of never-smokers

Lung cancer occurs in never-smokers. Epigenetic changes in lung cancer potentially represent important diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets. We compared DNA methylation profiles of 28 adenocarcinomas of the lungs of never-smokers with paired adjacent nonmalignant lung tissue. We correlated differential methylation changes with gene expression changes from the same 28 sample pairs. Using principal component analysis, we observed a distinct separation in methylation profiles between tumor and adjacent nonmalignant lung tissue. Tumors were generally hypomethylated compared with adjacent nonmalignant tissue. Of 1,906 CpG sites differentially methylated between tumor and nonmalignant tissue, 1,198 were within classically defined CpG islands where tumors were hypermethylated compared with nonmalignant tissue. A total of 708 sites were outside CpG islands where tumors were hypomethylated compared with nonmalignant tissue. There were significant differences in expression of 351 genes (23%) of the 1,522 genes matched to the differentially methylated CpG sites. Genes that were not significantly differentially expressed and were hypermethylated within CpG sites were enriched for homeobox genes. These results suggest that the methylation profiles of lung adenocarcinomas of never-smokers and adjacent nonmalignant lung tissue are significantly different. Despite the differential methylation of homeobox genes, no significant changes in expression of these genes were detected.
Blunt Injuries to the Aortic Arch Vessels

Thirty patients with 33 vascular injuries from blunt trauma to the brachiocephalic branches of the aortic arch are reported. To our knowledge, this is the largest series reported to date of blunt injuries to these vessels. Mechanisms of injury included deceleration, traction, and crush. Half of the injured vessels were the innominate artery, and a quarter each were the common carotid and subclavian arteries. Common associated injuries were head injuries, hemopneumothorax, lung contusion, long bone fractures, and brachioplexus injuries. Widened mediastinum and extrapleural hematoma were common radiographic findings, and aortic rupture was frequently suspected. Angiography was performed in all patients to identify precisely the nature and site of the injury. Surgical approaches varied with the anatomical site of the injury and required consideration of vascular control in chest, neck, and upper extremity. Twenty-seven patients are alive 6 months to 10 years after injury. Eighteen of 20 vascular reconstructions were patent at follow-up. No patient with brachioplexus injury had return of neurological function.
The application of human factors to the needs of the novice computer user

Abstract In this article the literature on the application of human factors to the needs of the novice or inexperienced computer user was reviewed. The need for research in the area was illustrated by the fact that an increasing number of people who are not computer professionals are using computers routinely in their jobs. A need for the development of man-computer systems that are maximally suited to the users' needs and preferences was indicated. The needs of the manager as a naive or novice computer user were described as a case in point. Methods to assist members of the university community obtain maximum benefit from computer facilities were also reviewed. The importance of applying human factors to software design as well as the overall design of the man-computer interface was discussed in the literature along with recommenda-tions for specific design and other techniques that would aid the novice in effective use of the computer. Research on the application of human factors to text editing for the novice was reviewed, and the results indicated that novices work best with an inflexible, natural language based text editor. An examination of the literature provided support for designing help facilities for the novice, such as a help key. Anxiety, attitude, and closure were also discussed in the literature as affecting the learning and performance of the novice computer user. The application of human factors to the training of the novice computer user was another area covered in the review. Literature on programming in the future home was discussed, which included recommendations for making computers more useful in that environment. Various implications for future research were presented, including methods to treat computer anxiety as well as design techniques to assist the novice.
New Macroderoides (Digenea: Macroderoididae) from Florida Gar, with Molecular Phylogeny of the Genus

abstract: Macroderoides minutus n. sp. is described based on specimens collected from the Florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus) from Orange Lake, Alachua County, Florida. The new species is the ninth recognized species of Macroderoides and is morphologically closest to Macroderoides flavus and Macroderoides typicus. It differs from both species in having a smaller body, ventral sucker larger than the oral sucker, substantially lower body length to width ratio, fewer and larger eggs, and other characters. A comparison of sequences of nuclear rDNA (partial 18S, complete ITS region, and partial 28S) of the new species, with sequences of 5 other Macroderoides, convincingly supports the status of M. minutus as a new species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, including all North American Macroderoides species except for Macroderoides parvus, has demonstrated the presence of 2 distinct clades, 1 including Macroderoides spinifer + (Macroderoides minutus n. sp. + Macroderoides texanus) and the other including Mac...
Vibrational dynamics in condensed matter probed with linac based FELs

Abstract The super-conducting linac pumped free electron laser (FEL) at Stanford has been used to study the vibrational dynamics of molecules in liquids and glasses. A variety of experiments have been performed, including the world's first vibrational photon echo experiments in liquids and glasses and polarization selective pump-probe experiments. In this paper vibrational photon echo experiments are described and characteristics of the FEL important to these experiments are discuss. Vibrational photon echo experiments were performed on the asymmetric CO stretching mode of tungsten hexacarbonyl (1976 cm −1 ) in the organic glass dibutylphthalate as a function of temperature using sub-picosecond infrared pulses. The echo decays display pronounced beats and are bi-exponential. The beats and bi-exponential decays arise because the bandwidth of the transform limited FEL pulses exceeds the vibrational anharmonicity, leading to the excitation and dephasing of a multilevel coherence. From the beat frequency, the anharmonicity is determined to be 14.7 cm −1 . From the bi-exponential decay components, the temperature-dependent homogeneous vibrational dephasing rates of both the v = 0 → 1 and v = 1 → 2 transitions are determined.
Sexist and Heterosexist Responses to Gender Bending in an Elementary Classroom

In this article, the work of Judith Butler and Eve Sedgwick is used to analyze responses to gender performances in the author's elementary classroom. Beginning with the story of one “gender-bending...
Gas atomization of metal hydrides for Ni–MH battery applications

Abstract The use of high pressure gas atomization (HPGA) to produce fine, spherical powders of metal hydride (MH) alloys has been shown to improve the properties of the alloy, as well as reducing costly processing steps. Electrochemical cycling was used to compare three electrodes constructed of LaNi 4.75 Sn 0.25 particulate, a simplified AB 5 -type alloy for battery applications. Two electrodes consisted of gas atomized powders and the other used particulate produced from casting and crushing an ingot, the conventional method of MH particulate production. Gas atomized powders showed improved cyclic stability over the cast and crushed particulate. A commercial cast and crushed MmNi 3.55 Co 0.75 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 alloy was also cycled and showed reduced degradation when compared against the electrode composed of LaNi 4.75 Sn 0.25 cast and crushed particulate, as was expected.
Broadband competition for additional avenues for enhanced consumer connectivity: bridging the final physical barriers

Currently, regulated utilities, cable, and telephone own the broadband transportation medium to the consumer home. The focus of this research is on the attempts of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to creatively bypass or partner with facility owners in order to gain shares in the broadband market. Broadband internet access was once a luxury that businesses could only afford. Consumers dissatisfied with dial-up speed and reliability that they are looking for more. Utilities are taking advantage of their connectivity by transmitting data over their existing copper telephone and cable connections. Non-utility ISPs are using wireless, cellular and satellite technologies to bypass the connectivity. Whether facility-based or not, broadband providers have a $17 billion market for potential users. For providers to share in this market, they will have to compete on price, reliability, customer service and more.
Aging of model pressure sensitive adhesives studied with scanning probe microscopy

Abstract Changes in the surface morphology and surface friction of a tackified model pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) with aging have been observed directly with atomic force microscopy. Changes over many months at room temperature as well as changes during brief exposure to two elevated temperatures (65 and 100°C) were characterized. Performance of the PSA, consisting of poly(ethylene propylene) with n-butyl ester of abietic acid as the tackifier, was studied qualitatively with nanoindentation. Tackifier-enriched domains at the blends' surfaces grew and then coalesced with aging and the surface friction decreased as a result. Also, the polymer-enriched matrix stiffened with time. These two effects led to a stiffer surface, poorly suited to wetting an adherend. Domain coalescence was markedly accelerated upon brief exposure to a temperature ramp up to 100°C. At the highest temperatures studied, degradation of the polymeric matrix decreased its stiffness.
Structure of Chlorotrifluoroethylene/Vinylidene Fluoride Random Copolymers and Homopolymers by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

We perform molecular dynamics simulations of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE)/vinylidene fluoride (VDF) copolymers over a wide range of compositions and temperatures including the volumetric glass transition. Structural features of the polymers and copolymers were characterized using pair correlation functions and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) spectra. Calculated WAXS spectra for the CTFE/VDF copolymer known as Kel-F 800 are compared with experimental results and are found to compare well. The X-ray peak associated with interchain spacing is found to shift to larger scattering angles (smaller d spacings) as the concentration of the CTFE comonomer decreases, suggesting a transition between CTFE and VDF homopolymer interchain packing structures, consistent with earlier experiments. The strong compositional dependence is traced to packing involving the CF2 moiety. The calculated WAXS were further deconvoluted into atom−atom contributions in an attempt to explain the origin of the peak positions found in t...
Comments on a fractal model for blocking interfaces

Abstract The fractal model by Nyikos and Pajkossy for blocking interfaces is shown t be invalid because of the mathematical inconsistency among the equations used. It is demonstrated with an example and numerical calculations that some of the scaling relations assumed by these authors for the interfacial admittance are either incorrect or questionable.
Developmental impact of the home video cassette recorder on third world countries

Home video cassette recorders (VCRs) are becoming increasingly popular in the Third World. Even among lower socioeconomic groups in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, VCRs are being acquired at what some government officials believe to be a disturbing rate. The study examines theoretical implications of media in the development process, explores the reasons for VCR popularity in the developing world, assesses VCR impact on local television and film industries, and discusses potential effects of viewer‐chosen programming on development.
The mGluR5 antagonist MPEP decreases operant ethanol self-administration during maintenance and after repeated alcohol deprivations in alcohol-preferring (P) rats

Rationale Recent research indicates that blockade of mGluR5 modifies the reinforcing properties of ethanol.
Left-Ventricular Mechanical Activation and Aortic-Arch Orientation Recovered from Magneto-Hydrodynamic Voltages Observed in 12-Lead ECGs Obtained Inside MRIs: A Feasibility Study

To explore use of the Magnetohydrodynamic Voltage (VMHD), observed in intra-MRI 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG), to indicate the timing of the onset of left-ventricular mechanical activation (LVMA) and the orientation of the aortic-arch (AAO). Blood flow through the aortic arch during systole, in the presence of the MRI magnetic field (B 0), generates VMHD. Since the magnitude and direction of VMHD are determined by the timing and directionality of blood flow relative to B 0, we hypothesized that clinically useful measures, LVMA and AAO, could be extracted from temporal and vectorial VMHD characteristics. VMHD signals were extracted from 12-lead ECG traces by comparing traces obtained inside and outside the MRI scanner. VMHD was converted into the Vectorcardiogram frame of reference. LVMA was quantified in 1 subject at 1.5T and 3 subjects at 3T, and the result compared to CINE MRI. AAO was inferred for 4 subjects at 3T and compared to anatomical imaging of the aortic arch orientation in the transverse plane. A < 10% error was observed in LVMA measurements, while a < 3° error was observed in aortic arch orientation measurements. The temporal and vectorial nature of VMHD is useful in estimating these clinically relevant parameters.
Feedforward Inhibition Controls the Spread of Granule Cell–Induced Purkinje Cell Activity in the Cerebellar Cortex

Synapses associated with the parallel fiber (pf) axons of cerebellar granule cells constitute the largest excitatory input onto Purkinje cells (PCs). Although most theories of cerebellar function assume these synapses produce an excitatory sequential "beamlike" activation of PCs, numerous physiological studies have failed to find such beams. Using a computer model of the cerebellar cortex we predicted that the lack of PCs beams is explained by the concomitant pf activation of feedforward molecular layer inhibition. This prediction was tested, in vivo, by recording PCs sharing a common set of pfs before and after pharmacologically blocking inhibitory inputs. As predicted by the model, pf-induced beams of excitatory PC responses were seen only when inhibition was blocked. Blocking inhibition did not have a significant effect in the excitability of the cerebellar cortex. We conclude that pfs work in concert with feedforward cortical inhibition to regulate the excitability of the PC dendrite without directly influencing PC spiking output. This conclusion requires a significant reassessment of classical interpretations of the functional organization of the cerebellar cortex.
Freezing in the Primary Polyvinylchloride Plastic Collection Bag: A New System for Preparing and Freezing Nonrejuvenated and Rejuvenated Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells were stored at 4 C in the primary bag with an integrally attached empty transfer pack so that the red blood cells could be rejuvenated or not, as desired before glycerolization and freezing. The rejuvenation and glycerol solutions were added through ports in the system. After glycerolization, the red blood cells were concentrated by centrifugation to remove the supernatant glycerol before freezing with 40% w/v glycerol in the primary polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastic container at -80 C. After thawing, the red blood cells were washed using either the Haemonetics Blood Processor 115 or the IBM Blood Processor 2991-1 or 2991-2. In each system, 50 ml of 12% sodium chloride and 1.5 to 1.6 liters of 0.9% sodium chloride-0.2% glucose-25 meq/l disodium phosphate were used. Recovery of red blood cells in vitro was 91 per cent. After three days of postwash storage at 4 C, nonrejuvenated red blood cells had a mean 24-hour posttransfusion survival of 88 per cent, and outdated-rejuvenated red blood cells a value of 81 per cent. This new system is simpler and safer than methods previously used in this laboratory, and red blood cell recovery and 24-hour posttransfusion survivals were comparable or better.
Exposure to violence and victimization and fighting behavior by urban black adolescents

Abstract Purpose: We hypothesize that adolescents' exposure to violence and personal victimization will be associated with the frequency with which they engage in fighting behaviors. However, adolescents who are future-oriented and goal-directed and from more secure families are hypothesized to report less fighting behavior. Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous survey was administered to 225 youths (males = 44%) aged 11–19 years, living in or around nine Housing and Urban Development housing projects in an urban area. The questionnaire contained multiple standardized scales. The dependent variables were the frequency of physical fights, hitting someone with whom the subject lived, and gang fighting during the last year. Results: Previous exposure to violence and victimization, school grade, and number of sexual partners accounted for 16.2% of the variation in frequency of fighting during the last year (based on multiple regression analysis). Exposure to violence and victimization and a family with an unemployed head of household accounted for 11% of the variation in domestic fighting. Exposure to violence and victimization, hopelessness, and anticipated socioeconomic status accounted for 15% of the variation in the frequency of gang fighting. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that exposure to, and being a victim of, violence is associated with the frequency of fighting by adolescents.
Direct synthesis of pyran-lactones related to naphthoquinoneantibiotics

Abstract Simple benzopyrans with a fused γ-lactone unit are prepared from an o-disubstituted arene by direct intramolecular alkoxycarbonylation/lactonization promoted by palladium diacetate; the process gives high yields and moderate stereoselectivity, favoring the cis lactone over trans by a factor of 5:1.
Music and the Play of Power in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia

Title: Music and the play of power in the Middle East, north Africa and central Asia Author: Nooshin, Laudan Publisher: Ashgate Publication year: 2009 ISBN 978-0-7546-3457-7