cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Rare Case of a Pediatric Medullary Intracranial Germinoma.

Background Germinomas are rare intracranial lesions, with medulla germinomas being reported in only approximately 20 cases to date. These tumors are extremely sensitive to radiotherapy, and knowledge of them can allow for accurate diagnosis as well as significantly impact treatment and prognosis. Case Description We present a case of medullary germinoma and review the cases previously reported in the literature. Conclusions A few imaging characteristics are noted in multiple cases, such as cystic components, enhancement, and absence of hydrocephalus. These features can provide clues to diagnosis of this rare entity.
Milestones and frontiers in muscular physiology: Ca2+ handling in T-tubules

The plasma membrane of skeletal muscle is highly specialised and exists mostly as what is known as the tubular (t-) system, an invagination of the plasma membrane. The t-system accounts for approximately 80% of the plasma membrane with the remaining membrane forming what is known as the sarcolemma. In skeletal muscle the t-system is a complex network consisting of longitudinal and transverse tubules. The transverse tubules form a junction with the sarcoplasmic reticulum, a highly specialized Ca2+ storage organelle of muscle. Muscle contraction is regulated by tightly controlled changes in Ca2+ levels within a muscle fiber. The movement of Ca2+ into and out of the fiber occurs across the t-system. It is therefore valuable to gather information on the spatial organisation and structure of this system and to describe quantitatively the Ca2+ movements that are critical to muscle function. We developed a new single muscle fiber fluorescence based method that is sensitive enough to calibrate and measure Ca2+ within the t-system. This technique utilizes the mechanically skinned fiber preparation which traps Ca2+ indicating dyes within the t-system. This method was used to perform 3D reconstructions of the t-system ultrastructure and perform Ca2+ measurements in exercised human muscle and describe highly novel physiological changes in response to heavy exercise regimens. The regulation of Ca2+ is believed to differ in healthy and diseased muscle and can influence factors such as reactive oxygen (ROS) production. Currently, my work focuses on how changes in Ca2+ and redox signaling within micro domains of mouse skeletal muscle fibers alters the homeostasis of these complexes in a mouse model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). ROS, generated by NAD(P)H oxidase (Nox)2, play a role in DMD with early pathological involvement in inflammation, decreased muscle function and alterations in Ca2+ handling. Identifying the ROS/Ca2+ interaction in dystrophic muscle could provide pharmacological targets to a disease that has no cure.
Dynamic pattern matching flow to enable low escape rate weak point detection

With multi patterning being the method of choice for pushing technology further down the shrink roadmap, new design weak points are emerging that have multi-layer components and are difficult to find and to define. On the other hand, advanced OPC methodologies like retargeting and recentering help alleviate many of the occurrences, leaving only a few locations that are critical and need to be dealt with in design. State of the art in-design weak point auto fixing is usually done by identifying a weak point by a pattern match, and providing the router either a “safe” alternative configuration or tell it to reroute locally, also called rip-and-reroute. The dilemma for developing pattern matching decks that are used in place and route tools is that one cannot be too specific in the pattern definition as there will be escapes that can possibly cause problems in the fab. Having a more general pattern definition will prevent escapes, but will flag many locations that don’t really require fixing. As a consequence, this more general pattern definition may bog down the place and route tool and can actually result in area bloat if too many rip-and-reroute areas are identified. We have come up with a patented flow that allows very specific weak point detection with a low escape rate. The flow starts with a generic pattern definition of the fail mode, but reduces the number of occurrences by identifying safe configurations. Usually, the pattern extent of the safe configuration is larger than the initial generic pattern, and may contain more layers. Any known safe configuration is added to a “good pattern” database which is then subtracted from the initial pattern match. Thus, the number of design locations that need to be auto fixed is kept at a minimum. As the technology matures, more safe patterns are found and added to the database, thus reducing the amount of auto fixing required.
Buried threat detection using a handheld ground penetrating radar system

In this work, we explore the efficacy of two buried threat detectors on handheld data. The first algorithm is an energy-based algorithm, which computes how anomalous a given A-scan measurement after it is normalized according to its local statistics. It is based on a commonly used prescreener for the Husky Mounted Detection System (HMDS). In the HMDS setting measurements are sampled on a crosstrack-downtrack grid, and sequential measurements are at neighboring downtrack locations. In contrast, in the handheld setting sequential scans are often taken at neighboring crosstrack locations, and neighboring downtrack locations can be hundreds of scans away. In order to include both downtrack and crosstrack information, we compute local statistics over a much larger area than in the HMDS setting. The second algorithm is a shape-based algorithm. Shape Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) features, which capture the gradient distributions of local patches, are extracted and used to train a non-linear Support Vector Machine (SVM). We found that in terms of AUC, the SIFT-SVM algorithm results in a 2.2% absolute improvement over the energy-based algorithm, with the greatest gains seen at lower false alarm rates.
Plants that Keep the Bad Vibes Away: Boundary Maintenance and Phyto-Communicability in Urban Amazonia

Throughout Amazonia, people keep plants in their home gardens to ward off unwanted presences – from bad vibes and thieves to pests and disease. In this article, I show that such plants are not arbi...
Birds of a Feather Clock Together: A Study of Person-Organization Fit Through Latent Activity Routines

Organizations often strive to recruit and retain individuals who would be a "good fit" with their core values, beliefs and practices. Person-Organization (P-O congruence is known to explain employee satisfaction, commitment and absenteeism. This paper proposes a new measure of P-O fit by empirically investigating the similarity of routine within an organization. This measure of routine fit is motivated by the theory of entrainment, which refers to the synchrony of individual and community behaviors. We use unobtrusive bluetooth sensing to examine how the concurrence of latent activity patterns is related to job performance and wellbeing. Routine fit echoes traditional constructs of congruence as it is significantly related to higher task performance and lower workplace deviance. Additionally however, it is also related to greater stress and higher arousal. Prior work in organizational psychology have used single-occasion survey instruments to infer uni-dimensional models of fit. These methods are limited by subjective perceptions of employees. In contrast, we demonstrate a data-driven and multidimensional approach to study normative routines in an organization as a measure of P-O fit. We discuss the potential of our approach in designing technologies that understand the congruence of employee routines and positively impact employee functioning at the workplace.
Ultrasound Physics & Overview

This chapter reviews the basic physics principles of ultrasound waveforms as well their interaction with soft tissues. Key concepts include reflection, attenuation, acoustic impedance and their effects on image formation, Doppler angle as well as Doppler shift and the utility of ultrasound in vascular imaging. In addition, ultrasound instrumentation is reviewed. This includes the function of transducers and their piezoelectric components, common types of transducers and standard placement orientations on the body surface. The physics of ultrasound image generation is also discussed, including conventional gray-scale imaging as well as Doppler ultrasound imaging. Lastly, a review of common artifacts seen on ultrasound imaging and the physics resulting in artifact formation, some of which can be of diagnostic aid when trying to evaluate for pathology, will be discussed.
Evaluating Users’ Perception of Health-Safety Measures Against Pandemics

The unprecedented emergency determined by the COVID-19 pandemic required national governments to enact countermeasures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus disease. Nevertheless, several research studies highlighted the acceptance issues and short- and long-term consequences of restrictions such as lockdown orders, social distancing, contact tracing, and face masks. In this paper, we present the results of a study in which we analyzed individuals’ knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding the health-safety measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we outline the human factors that can play a key role in designing solutions that have better usability and result in higher compliance from users.
Modeling Daily Partner Violence and Substance Use Based upon Couple's Reporting.

While agent-based models (ABMs) have successfully modeled violence and women’s decision-making, they relied upon studies of her daily reports of violence and household environment; these models wer...
Site Preferences of Carboxyl Groups on the Periphery of Graphene and their Characteristic IR Spectra

Energetics of carboxyl groups at the periphery of a graphene sheet are studied using density functional theory (B3LYP) with a 6-31G* basis set, augmented with diffuse functions on O. Corner sites are energetically preferred followed by zigzag edges, and armchair edges are least stable. The energy and geometry of each is attributed to a competition between π-conjugation and steric repulsion factors. Vibrational analyses reveal certain features that are characteristic of each site location, which may help in the assignment of experimental spectra of graphene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. For example, zigzag sites typically lead to an intense C═O stretching band that occurs below 1700 cm–1, quite uncommon for the carboxyl group.
Retraining working memory after traumatic brain injury

The function of working memory has not been investigated in a brain injured population. There are no generally accepted measures of working memory. The degree to which these measures correlate with other measures of learning and performance is unclear. The results of several analyses indicated that working memory is a state of active processing that is more than memory span. The two measures of working memory used in this study predicted conventional measures of verbal and visual learning, and retention. They also predicted several different measures of academic skill. The results of a pilot study showed that various therapy activities could improve functioning in working memory.
Improving the Performance of TCP in the Presence of Interacting UDP Flows in Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper, we study how fairness affects the performance of TCP over ad hoc networks with IEEE 802.11 at the MAC layer. The problem addressed is that the throughput of TCP flows degrades severely in the presence of heavily loaded UDP flows. Our contribution is twofold. First, we identify the factors affecting the TCP throughput by providing a micro-analysis of the performance at a level of detail that is not seen in previous studies. The intuition obtained from the first part leads us to our second contribution. We propose and study the use of per flow fairness through a mechanism we call backpressure. Backpressure improves the performance of TCP flows in the presence of heavy UDP flows. In fact, in some cases, this increased TCP throughput does not affect the throughput of UDP flows. We find that backpressure can increase the TCP throughput by as much as 95%. An advantage of backpressure is that it does not require any changes to the existing TCP or IEEE 802.11 protocols.
WZ Theory, Chapter II

The impact of the computer on present and especially future mathematics is illustrated by means of the iconic example of WZ theory.
Geometric morphometrics of the distal radioulnar joint of felids and canids (914.11)

The shapes of the articular surfaces of the distal radioulnar joint were analyzed through geometric morphometric techniques in felids and canids. The species analyzed include A. jubatus, N. nebulos...
Molusco contagioso - intervenção terapêutica na idade pediátrica: Revisão Baseada na Evidência

Introduction: Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection most frequently encountered in children between the ages of 2 and 5 years. In most cases the disease is self-limiting and resolves within 6 months to 2 years, but it may persist for up to 5 years. Treatment is given to re- lieve symptoms, to control the spread of lesions, to prevent scarring and secondary infection, and for cosmetic and social reasons. Aim: To assess the evidence for the efficacy and adverse events of treatments for molluscum contagiosum in immunocompetent children. Data sources: Medline, Cochrane Library, Dynamed, National Guideline Clearinghouse and evidence based medicine guidelines. Review methods: We performed a survey of clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analysis and clinical trials of treatment of mollus- cum contagiosum, published between January 2001 and September 2011, in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish, for children aged 18 years old or younger, using the MeSH term molluscum contagiosum. Exclusion criteria: sexually transmitted molluscum contagiosum and im- munocompromised children. The SORT (Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy) scale of the American Family Physician was used to grade the evidence. Results: Twenty-two studies were found. We selected two guidelines, one systematic review, one Dynamed summary and one randomized clinical trial for this review. There is evidence of efficacy with few adverse effects for topical treatment with Australian lemon myrtle oil or for curettage of lesions (strength of recommendation B). For topical treatments with benzoyl peroxide, imiquimod and cantharidin, the eviden- ce is weaker, as well as for systemic treatment with cimetidine and physical destruction of the lesions with cryotherapy (strength of recom- mendation C). No other evidence-based recommendations can be given for other treatments assessed. Conclusions: There is limited evidence to recommend treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children. Additional well-designed, prospec- tive studies are needed on therapeutic options compared to placebo or watchful waiting. Without good evidence for the efficacy and safety of treatment, watchful waiting must be considered.
Risk-Driven Design Processes: Balancing Efficiency with Resilience in Product Design

Current design methods and approaches focus on increasing the efficiency of the product design system by, for example, eliminating waste and focusing on value creation. However, continuing failures in the development of complex, large scale products and systems point towards weaknesses in the existing approaches. We argue that product development organizations are hindered by the many uncertainties that are inherent in the process. Common management heuristics ignore uncertainty and thus overly simplify the decision making process. Creating transparency regarding uncertainties and the associated risks (i.e. effect of uncertainties on design objectives) is not seen as an explicit priority. Consequently organizations are unable to balance risk and return in their development choices. Product development processes do not emphasize reduction of risks, particularly those risks that are apparent early in the process. In addition, the resilience of the PD system, i.e. its ability to deliver on-target results under uncertainty, is not deliberately designed to match the level of residual uncertainty. This chapter introduces the notion of Risk-Driven Design and its four principles of 1. Creating transparency regarding design risks; 2. Risk-driven decision making; 3. Minimizing uncertainty; and 4. Creating resilience.
Bringing GOKb to Life: Data, Integrations, and Development

The Global Open Knowledgebase (GOKb) project is developing a repository of freely available data that describes electronic journals and books as they are offered in the academic publishing supply chain. Since the first partners release in May 2014, the project has taken major steps toward realizing its goals. This article will include a general project overview and update, followed by discussion of data collection, integration, and development initiatives that are already underway among the project partners. Readers will also learn about next steps for GOKb and opportunities for broader community involvement.
BizTalk server, windows workflow foundation, and BPM

The release of BizTalk Server 2006 in March, and the upcoming releases of Windows Workflow Foundation and BizTalk Server 2006 R2 are milestones in Microsoft’s BPM strategy. This talk is about how BizTalk Server and Windows Workflow Foundation work together, how Microsoft thinks about and supports BPEL, how Microsoft partners can add and are adding value to this picture, and how all these pieces combine to deliver a BPM solution.
Comparative performance limits of MOSFET, MESFET and MODFET digital circuits

Using the static transfer curves derived from analytical drain current and threshold voltage models for short-channel MOSFETs, MESFETs and MODFETs, the FET scaling limits in CMOS and E/D MOSFET (NMOS), MESFET, and MODFET DCFL digital circuits are determined as 0.025 mu m, 0.05 mu m, 0.075 mu m, and 0.075 mu m (respectively) from noise margin considerations. The corresponding delay times of ring oscillators using these minimum length devices are shown to be 6.37 ps, 5.07 ps. 2.44 ps and 2.61 ps, respectively. >
Extending the L-band to 1620 nm using MCS fiber

Compositional modifications to the base MCS (antimony silicate) glass composition permit extension of useable L-band gain from 1615 to 1620 nm. This is achieved by shifting the signal excited state absorption band to longer wavelengths.
ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF NITROGEN FIXATION BY PURSHIA TRIDENTATA

This study examines several aspects of nitrogen fixation by Purshia tridentata (Pursh) D.C., a rosaceous shrub widespread in the Central Oregon pumice region, especially as an understory species in Pinus ponderosa and Pinus contorta forests. Acetylene reduction was used to assay nodule activity in both field and greenhouse plants. The maximum rates were observed at 20°C, although summer soil temperatures were frequently around 15°C, at which a much lower rate was observed. Acetylene reduction by excised nodules was linear for 5 h and then slowly declined, finally ceasing after 19 h. Nodule activity declined in water stressed plants, essentially ceasing in plants with xylem pressure potentials below −25 bars. Field studies at five sites revealed that nodule activity began in mid-May or early June when soil temperature at 20 cm increased to above 10°C. Activity began later and remained lower until July 20 in plants located under Pinus contorta, probably because of the cooler temperatures at this site. Nodule activity at all sites was maximum in June and July. In late July, nodule activity declined sharply, corresponding with moisture stress readings in the −25 bar range. Acetylene reduction rates declined sharply during the night; this decline was even more severe late in the season. Only 46 per cent of Purshia plants were nodulated. Several possible explanations for this low nodulation are discussed, but the primary reasons appear to be low soil temperature and unfavorable moisture conditions. Previous speculations that Purshia may contribute significant amounts of nitrogen to the ecosystems in which it occurs are disputed using estimates based on seasonal acetylene reduction rates and a determination of nodule biomass at one site. The estimated nitrogen accretion rate was only 0.057 kg N/ha.yr. re]19760310
Depth Detection of Bond Defects in Multilayered Externally Bonded CFRP-to-Concrete Using Pulse Phase Thermography

AbstractAlthough the practice of repairing or strengthening concrete infrastructure with externally bonded carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) has become common, the development of robust guidelines and techniques for its quality assurance, inspection, and monitoring is lagging significantly. Whereas common inspection methods (e.g., visual inspection or acoustic sounding) are sufficient to broadly identify deboned regions, it is difficult to reliably and accurately define the boundaries of bond defects, as is often required by acceptance criteria. Infrared thermography is a more sophisticated alternative, but the results of its application are influenced by ambient environmental conditions and operator interpretation of the data. Further, for applications in which multiple layers of CFRP are required, none of these techniques are capable of fully characterizing existing bond defects, including the depth through the thickness. To this end, pulse phase thermography (PPT) has the potential to more reliabl...
A randomized trial of early versus standard inhaled nitric oxide therapy in term and near-term newborn infants with hypoxic respiratory failure.

Objective. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) reduces the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)/incidence of death in term and near-term neonates with severe hypoxic respiratory failure. We conducted a randomized, double masked, multicenter trial to determine whether administration of iNO earlier in respiratory failure results in additional reduction in the incidence of these outcomes. Methods. Neonates who were born at ≥34 weeks’ gestation were enrolled when they required assisted ventilation and had an oxygenation index (OI) ≥15 and Results. The trial enrollment was halted after 75% of target sample size was reached because of decreasing availability of eligible patients. The 150 infants who were given early iNO and 149 control infants had similar baseline characteristics. Arterial oxygen tension increased by >20 mm Hg in 73% of early iNO and 37% of control infants after study gas initiation. Control infants received standard iNO and deteriorated to OI >40 more often than infants who were given early iNO. The incidence of death (early iNO, 6.7% vs control, 9.4%), ECMO (10.7% vs 12.1%), and their combined incidence (16.7% vs 19.5%) were similar in both groups. Conclusion. iNO improves oxygenation but does not reduce the incidence of ECMO/mortality when initiated at an OI of 15 to 25 compared with initiation at >25 in term and near-term neonates with respiratory failure.
Reversible cardiomyopathy after severe burn injury

Cardiomyopathy can result in significant morbidity and mortality, leading to long-term cardiac disability or consideration for transplantation. This study reviewed our experience with pediatric burn patients who developed cardiomyopathy during their acute hospitalization. We identified five patients admitted from 1991 to 2003 who were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy during their initial hospitalization and retrospectively collected data regarding hospital course, cardiac dysfunction, radiographic and echocardiographic studies, pharmacologic treatment, and long-term cardiac function. All children were Caucasian males with extensive full-thickness burns requiring prolonged ventilatory support. Initial signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy, including radiographic and echocardiographic evidence, were noted greater than 30 days after injury. Patients received a combination of digoxin, diuretics, angiotensin-enzyme converting inhibitor, and beta-blocker therapy. During follow-up over the course of 2 to 11 years, all patients returned to normal cardiac function. Cardiomyopathy after extensive burn injury appears reversible. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, cardiac function normalizes within 9 to 21 months after the initiation of treatment.
Empathic Exchanges in Online Cancer Support Groups: Distinguishing Message Expression and Reception Effects

Past studies on the efficacy of participation in online cancer support groups have primarily focused on the role of expression in the accrual of health benefits for participants. Unfortunately, few steps have been taken to determine whether this observed effect arises solely from the internal mental processes underlying the act of expressing or, perhaps, owes something to a nuanced, multidimensional understanding of expression that includes reception of responses to what is expressed. To test for the multilayered effect, we attend to one of the key concepts in the online support community scholarship: empathy. Our findings suggest that it is a combination of empathy expression and reception that is crucial to attaining optimal benefits for cancer patients. Further, our finding supports the buffering hypothesis that empathic expression provides a salutary effect for patients who experienced a higher degree of concern associated with their cancer diagnosis and follow-up treatments.
Negatively Biased Emotion Perception in Depression as a Contributing Factor to Psychological Aggression Perpetration: A Preliminary Study

Based on research linking depressive symptoms and intimate partner aggression perpetration with negatively biased perception of social stimuli, the present authors examined biased perception of emotional expressions as a mechanism in the frequently observed relationship between depression and psychological aggression perpetration. In all, 30 university students made valence ratings (negative to positive) of emotional facial expressions and completed measures of depressive symptoms and psychological aggression perpetration. As expected, depressive symptoms were positively associated with psychological aggression perpetration in an individual's current relationship, and this relationship was mediated by ratings of negative emotional expressions. These findings suggest that negatively biased perception of emotional expressions within the context of elevated depressive symptoms may represent an early stage of information processing that leads to aggressive relationship behaviors.
Fusion alpha parameters in tokamaks with high DT fusion rates

Fusion alpha parameters are calculated for tokamaks with high DT fusion rates using the TRANSP plasma analysis code. Parameters include the fast alpha density nα, fast alpha pressure normalized to magnetic field energy βα, and its normalized gradient −R×∇(βα). The plasma conditions are taken from the plasmas in TFTR and JET with the highest DT fusion rates, and from plasmas in the proposed IGNITOR, FIRE, and ITER-FEAT tokamaks.
Unit activity related to head and eye movements in central thalamus of cats

Single-unit activity was recorded with stereotaxically guided microelectrodes in the central thalamus of five alert cats. The animals were studied with the head either fixed or free to move in a horizontal plane. They were trained to make eye and/or head movements toward discrete visual targets presented on a screen. Unit activity was analyzed in relation to triggered and spontaneous gaze displacements with head fixed and free successively. Four groups of cells were found, all within the thalamic internal medullary lamina: 20 cells were active with eye but not head movements, 49 with head but not eye movements, 36 with head or eye movements, and 17 responding to visual stimuli in the absence of movement. The patterns of firing during gaze shifts are described. It is hypothesized that eye- or head-related units carry a signal representing gaze driving.
Exotic grass invasion alters potential rates of N fixation in Hawaiian woodlands.

Exotic grass invasion promotes fire which drives the conversion of native woodlands to exotic grasslands in the seasonally dry submontane forests of the island of Hawai'i. We compared potential rates of N fixation in an unburned forest site and a converted grassland site using the acetylene reduction assay. In addition to measuring rates of N fixation on separate and mixed substrates in each site, we tested the effect of abiotic factors on rates of N fixation of specific substrates. We hypothesized that rates of N fixation would be higher in the converted grassland site. N fixation estimates were 4.9 kg N ha−1 year−1 for the unburned forest, and 0.10 kg N ha−1 year−1 for the grassland site, so our hypothesis was rejected. The N fixation in the unburned forest occurs mostly on the leaf litter of native woody species. These substrates are absent from the grassland site, except for wood debris which was not consumed during the fires. No nitrogenase activity was detected in the rhizosphere and litter of grasses, the rhizospheres of shrubs or in soil. Although wood debris is not a significant contributor to the N fixed in the unburned forest, it contributes the majority of N fixed in the grassland. The response of nitrogenase activity to varying conditions of moisture and temperature suggests that microclimatic differences between sites do not control differences in N fixation activity; rather, these differences are due to the abundance of N-fixing substrates. The substantial decrease in N fixation activity after the conversion from woodland to grassland implies that ecosystem-level rates of N accretion are decreased by fire in these sites so much that the N lost during volatilization due to fire is not replenished over the long term by N fixation.
A Xenopus laevis gene encoding EF‐1αS, the somatic form of elongation factor 1α: Sequence, structure, and identification of regulatory elements required for embryonic transcription

Transcription of the Xenopus laevis EF-1 alpha S gene commences at the mid-blastula stage of embryonic development and then continues constitutively in all somatic tissues. The EF-1 alpha S promoter is extremely active in the early Xenopus embryo where EF-1 alpha S transcripts account for as much as 40% of all new polyadenylated transcripts. We have isolated the Xenopus EF-1 alpha S gene and used microinjection techniques to identify promoter elements responsible for embryonic transcription. These in vivo expression studies have identified an enhancer fragment, located approximately 4.4 kb upstream of the transcription start site, that is required for maximum expression from the EF-1 alpha S promoter. The enhancer fragment contains both an octamer and a G/C box sequence, but mutation studies indicate that the octamer plays no significant role in regulation of EF-1 alpha S expression in the embryo. The presence of a G/C element in the enhancer and of multiple G/C boxes in the proximal promoter region suggests that the G/C box binding protein, Sp1, plays a major role in the developmental regulation of EF-1 alpha S promoter activity.
On the height of auroral absorption ii.

Abstract The height distribution of the absorption produced by two different observed electron spectra, N(E)dE=5.10 9 exp (− E 5 )dE and N(E)dE=7.10 4 exp (− E 41 )dE and also by the bremsstrahlung from the first mentioned one has been estimated. The results indicate that the absorption in the 60–90 km range, due to hard electron spectra, often may dominate, whereas the absorption caused by bremsstrahlung is smaller than that due to the primary electrons producing the X-rays. These results are discussed in respect to the height of the absorbing layer and the observed small variation of auroral absorption at sunrise and sunset.
Electrical conductivity of graphite fiber-epoxy resin composites

Abstract The electrical conductivity of graphite fiber-epoxy resin composites was measured for samples containing 64 or 65 vol.% of carbon fibers. Measurements made at angles of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° with respect to the nominal fiber axis verify that these systems can be described by a conductivity tensor with principal axes along and normal to the fiber axis. The longitudinal conductivity σ1 is calculated from the simple law of mixtures. Since the epoxy matrix is non-conducting, the transverse conductivity σt is theoretically zero for fibers which are all separated. We assumed that the measured conductivity results from contact between neighboring fibers due to an irregular arrangement and we based our theoretical treatment on the random resistor network model of Kirkpatrick. The possible conductance values are determined by the number of fiber contacts in a given sample thickness with the fiber contacts distributed according to a binomial probability law. The model thus is capable of accounting for the observed thickness dependence of σt. A detailed comparison of the predictions of this theory with experiment is presented.
Anatomical and theoretical observations on otolith repositioning for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Objective To determine if there is an anatomic basis for the assumption that loose, "rogue" otoliths presumed to arise from the utricular macula and theorized to cause benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) by impinging on semicircular canal ampullae could be returned to their original site by a series of changes in the position of the head called particle repositioning maneuvers (PRMs). Further, if such otolith movement were possible, once they were replaced into the utricle, would they adhere to the utricular macula? Study design Kodachrome photographs of 2-mm-thick macrosections of human temporal bones were available for evaluation. The bones were sectioned in horizontal, coronal, and sagittal planes. Rice grains were placed on the photographs of the cross-sections to demonstrate the possible paths taken by loose otoliths under the influence of gravity in different positions of the head. Results A study of cross-sections of the temporal bone shows that loose macular otoliths after PRMs would tend to fall into the lumen of the utricle. Once the patient assumes the erect position, however, repositioned otoliths would tend to fall into the near or utriculopetal side of the cupula of the posterior semicircular canal, which opens directly into the inferior portion of the utricle, and could cause labyrinth stimulation and BPPV by the same mechanism of misplaced otoliths on the opposite or far side of the cupula. Loose otoliths in the utricle could also stimulate the horizontal ampullae. Conclusions PRMs do not remove or fix otoliths in any specific site in the labyrinth. Repositioning of loose otoliths onto the original site in the macula of the utricle, which lies superiorly in the vestibule, could not be accomplished by any of the repositioning maneuvers. If otoliths were to be repositioned on the utricular macula, there is no evidence that the otoliths would adhere to the macula when the patient assumes the erect position. The good results obtained by physiotherapeutic procedures suggest that some other mechanism than repositioning of otoliths is responsible for the relief of BPPV.
Chemical characterization of the ambient organic aerosol soluble in water: 1. Isolation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fractions with a XAD-8 resin

[1] Group separation of the aqueous extract of fine particles bearing water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) provides unique insights into the sources of organic carbon (OC). XAD-8 resin coupled with a Total Organic Carbon analyzer allows for direct quantification. We term the fraction of WSOC not retained by a XAD-8 resin column at pH 2 as hydrophilic WSOC (WSOCxp); this includes saccharides, amines, and carbonyls and aliphatic monocarboxylic/dicarboxylic/oxocarboxylic acids with less than 4 or 5 carbons. The fraction of WSOC retained by XAD-8, termed the hydrophobic fraction (WSOCxr), include aromatic acids, phenols, organic nitrates, cyclic acids, and carbonyls and monocarboxylic/dicarboxylic acids with greater than 3 or 4 carbons. However, only aromatic compounds (or aromatic-like compounds with similar properties) can subsequently be extracted from XAD-8 with high efficiency. By coupling a Particle-into-Liquid Sampler with this technique, online measurements of WSOC, WSOCxp, and WSOCxr are possible. Urban measurements from St. Louis and Atlanta, on a carbon mass basis, show an increase in the mean WSOC fraction from winter (51%) to summer (61%), due to increases in the WSOCxp/OC from 0.25 to 0.35. During a summer Atlanta PM event, WSOC to OC was 0.75, driven largely by increases in the WSOCxp. The results are consistent with the view that in the summer, there are increased amounts of oxygenated polar compounds, possibly from secondary organic aerosol production, and that these compounds account for an even larger fraction of OC during stagnation events. A companion paper describes a method to further group speciate these XAD-8 isolated fractions.
Displacement underestimation correction using shear waves in VisR ultrasound

We have previously proposed an imaging technique called Viscoelastic Response (VisR) ultrasound that uses acoustic radiation force (ARF) impulses to assess the viscoelastic properties of tissue. Using two successive ARF impulses in the same region of excitation and monitoring the induced deformation, VisR fits displacements to the mass-spring-damper mechanical model to measure the relaxation time constant, τ. In this method, ARF pulses are generated by the same transducer that is used to track motion and thus, the tracked displacements are susceptible to underestimation. Displacement underestimation introduces error into measurement of τ. It is hypothesized that by utilizing shear waves to generate displacement and monitoring tissue displacement outside the region of excitation we can better estimate axial displacements and generate τ measurements that more closely represent the material. We demonstrate displacement underestimation in, versus outside of, the ROE and the associated impact on VisR-derived τ using FEM simulations and experimentally using optical tracking in a translucent tissue-mimicking phantom.
An overview of the journal literature on communication disorders

This article aggregates and reviews the disparate information needed to assess journal literature related to communication disorders both directly and peripherally. An extensive analysis was performed using a list of 40 journals on communication disorders derived from a review of selected libraries’ journal collections, and then compared to entries in respected indexes and bibliographies covering this discipline. The result of this analysis is a list providing comprehensive information including scope and coverage, publisher information, indexing/abstracting data, and online availability for those 40 journals. In addition, a survey was conducted among communication disorders faculty in the City University of New York (CUNY) to investigate which professional journals are used regularly for current awareness and for clinical/research information. The information presented in this article should be of interest to faculty, students and practitioners in this area, as well as subject librarians responsible for collection development.
A Microfluidic DNA Library Preparation Platform for Next-Generation Sequencing

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is emerging as a powerful tool for elucidating genetic information for a wide range of applications. Unfortunately, the surging popularity of NGS has not yet been accompanied by an improvement in automated techniques for preparing formatted sequencing libraries. To address this challenge, we have developed a prototype microfluidic system for preparing sequencer-ready DNA libraries for analysis by Illumina sequencing. Our system combines droplet-based digital microfluidic (DMF) sample handling with peripheral modules to create a fully-integrated, sample-in library-out platform. In this report, we use our automated system to prepare NGS libraries from samples of human and bacterial genomic DNA. E. coli libraries prepared on-device from 5 ng of total DNA yielded excellent sequence coverage over the entire bacterial genome, with >99% alignment to the reference genome, even genome coverage, and good quality scores. Furthermore, we produced a de novo assembly on a previously unsequenced multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain BAA-2146 (KpnNDM). The new method described here is fast, robust, scalable, and automated. Our device for library preparation will assist in the integration of NGS technology into a wide variety of laboratories, including small research laboratories and clinical laboratories.
Research on fall prevention and protection from heights in Japan.

The high frequency of fall accidents is a serious problem in Japan. Thus, more stringent countermeasures for preventing falls from scaffolds were developed and incorporated into institutional guidelines. These countermeasures aim to decrease deaths caused by falls from scaffolds. Despite the improvements in such measures, however, the rate of accidental fall deaths remains high in Japan’s construction industries. To improve the rigor of the countermeasures, a committee was established in our institute by the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. This committee investigated the regulations applied in other countries and evaluated construction industry compliance with existing fall prevention guidelines. After considerable research and discussion, the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations and Guidelines were amended in 2009. The effects of the amended regulations have recently been investigated on the basis of accident reports. This paper describes the investigation and its results. The paper also discusses other research and workplace safety countermeasures for preventing falls and ensuring fall protection from heights.
Simultaneous mass spectrometric differential thermal analyses of nitrate salts of monomethylhydrazine and methylamine

Simultaneous mass spectrometric differential analyses of low-pressure decompositions of the nivate salts of monomethylhydrazine and methylamine were investigated. These products are commonly found as intermediates in the incomplete combustion of N 2 O 4 -monomethylhydrazine bipropellant motors. Compositions of the evolved species were correlated with differential thermograms over the entire temperature range until decomposition was complete. Eleven identified compounds were tabulated with respect to their concentration ratios.
Cockayne syndrome group B protein (CSB) plays a general role in chromatin maintenance and remodeling

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is an inherited neurodevelopmental disorder with progeroid features. Although the genes responsible for CS have been implicated in a variety of DNA repair- and transcription-related pathways, the nature of the molecular defect in CS remains mysterious. Using expression microarrays and a unique method for comparative expression analysis called L2L, we sought to define this defect in cells lacking a functional CS group B (CSB) protein, the SWI/SNF-like ATPase responsible for most cases of CS. Remarkably, many of the genes regulated by CSB are also affected by inhibitors of histone deacetylase and DNA methylation, as well as by defects in poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase function and RNA polymerase II elongation. Moreover, consistent with these microarray expression data, CSB-null cells are sensitive to inhibitors of histone deacetylase or poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase. Our data indicate a general role for CSB protein in maintenance and remodeling of chromatin structure and suggest that CS is a disease of transcriptional deregulation caused by misexpression of growth-suppressive, inflammatory, and proapoptotic pathways.
Variable features on Mars. IV. Pavonis Mons

A remarkable set of albedo changes has been uncovered by Mariner 9 photography of the upper slopes of the shield volcano Pavonis Mons, near its summit caldera. The most likely explanation of the event is aeolian transport of fine-grained particles. Since the atmospheric pressure in this locality is about 1.5 mb, minimum wind velocities above the surface boundary layer of about 110 m per sec are necessary, corresponding to 0.51 of the speed of sound. Slope winds in this velocity range are expected near the upper flanks of major Martian volcanic constructs.
The use of biochemical methods in extraterrestrial life detection

Instrument development for in situ extraterrestrial life detection focuses primarily on the ability to distinguish between biological and non-biological material, mostly through chemical analysis for potential biosignatures (e.g., biogenic minerals, enantiomeric excesses). In constrast, biochemical analysis techniques commonly applied to Earth life focus primarily on the exploration of cellular and molecular processes, not on the classification of a given system as biological or non-biological. This focus has developed because of the relatively large functional gap between life and non-life on Earth today. Life on Earth is very diverse from an environmental and physiological point of view, but is highly conserved from a molecular point of view. Biochemical analysis techniques take advantage of this similarity of all terrestrial life at the molecular level, particularly through the use of biologically-derived reagents (e.g., DNA polymerases, antibodies), to enable analytical methods with enormous sensitivity and selectivity. These capabilities encourage consideration of such reagents and methods for use in extraterrestrial life detection instruments. The utility of this approach depends in large part on the (unknown at this time) degree of molecular compositional differences between extraterrestrial and terrestrial life. The greater these differences, the less useful laboratory biochemical techniques will be without significant modification. Biochemistry and molecular biology methods may need to be "de-focused" in order to produce instruments capable of unambiguously detecting a sufficiently wide range of extraterrestrial biochemical systems. Modern biotechnology tools may make that possible in some cases.
Correlation of alumina flocculation with adsorbed polyacrylic acid conformation

Abstract The conformation of polyacrylic acid (PAA) adsorbed on alumina is studied simultaneously with various flocculation properties of the same systems. Conformational characteristics of pyrene-labelled PAA are monitored using a fluorescence spectroscopic technique. Among flocculation properties, the percent solid settled and the settling rate are measured by computerized axial tomograph (CAT) scanner. Results indicate that polymer conformation is indeed a controlling factor of the flocculation process even though the role of coiling is different from the traditional postulates. Under fixed pH conditions, the stretched polymer (which dangles into the liquid at the solid/liquid interface) gives better flocculation than the coiled polymer (which sits at the interface). Under changing pH conditions, polymer adsorption in the coiled form followed by partial transformation to the stretched form results in the best flocculation performance. A two-stage flocculation mechanism is proposed to interpret our observations.