cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of presynaptic specializations induced by basic polypeptide‐coated latex beads in spinal cord cultures

The development of the neuromuscular synapse is initiated by an interaction between the motoneuron processes and the skeletal muscle. Previously we showed that basic polypeptide-coated latex beads can mimic the nerve in effecting a postsynaptic differentiation (Peng, H.B. and Cheng, P.-C.: J. Neurosci., 2:1760-1774, 1982). In this study, we examined whether these beads can also induce a presynaptic differentiation along the nerve processes. Explant cultures were prepared from the spinal cords of Xenopus larvae and polyornithine-coated latex beads (0.45-4.5 micron in diameter) were applied. After 1-2 days, the cultures were processed for light and electron microscopy. For light microscopy, the cells were permeabilized and labeled with a monoclonal antibody against a 65-KD antigen on synaptic vesicles. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed that this antigen was concentrated at 60% of the bead-neurite contacts, therefore suggesting the clustering of synaptic versicles at these sites. This phenomenon was not observed at the contacts between neurites and negatively charged (polycarboxylate) beads. However, a concentration of this antigen was also observed at the varicosities along the neurites cultured on polylysine substrate. Thin-section electron microscopy showed the following features: (1) The neurites formed terminal-like varicosities on the bead. (2) Within these varicosities, clusters of 50-60-nm clear vesicles were prominent at the bead-neurite contact. (3) Large (80-100 nm) dense-cored vesicles were also present in the varicosity, but they did not form clusters. (4) Basement membrane did not form at the bead-neurite interface, in contrast to its appearance at the bead-muscle contact from our previous study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
What's right (and wrong) about left media criticism? Herman and Chomsky's propaganda model

Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky recently conducted an interesting comparative analysis of the U.S. media's treatment of the case of Father Jerzy Popieluszko, a priest murdered in 1984 by the police in thenCommunist Poland, and the media's coverage of the murder of no less than 100 priests and religious activists in Latin America-including the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador in March 1980 and the murder of four North American religious workers in December 1980 by security forces of the U.S.-backed Salvadoran government. Herman and Chomsky found that the Popieluszko case received substantially more coverage by The New York Times, CBS News, and Time and Newsweek magazines then all 100 Latin American victims combined, including, significantly, the four North Americans. Coverage in The New York Times of the Latin American murders amounted to barely half the column inches de-
TU-C-330A-03: Sulci Density Map to Aid in the Use of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient for Therapy Evaluation

Purpose: To quantify the density and spatial variation of sulci in the human brain so as to more accurately calculate Apparent Diffusion Coefficients (ADCs) for use in radiotherapy evaluation. Methods and Materials: ADCs are calculated for Volumes Of Interest (VOI) using Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DWMRI). In the brain, the sulci are the narrow fissures separating convolutions and are filled with CerbroSpinal Fluid (CSF). Since CSF is free fluid, a VOI that contains a high density of sulci should, in principal, have a higher ADC. Using ImageJ ( http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/ ), we have analyzed sagittal T1 weighted MRimages of a number of patients. The images sets were acquired on one of two different GEMRI machines: 1.5T and 3.0T field strength. We have plotted the normalized pixel standard deviation, as a function of distance from a medial point. We have concentrated on the cerebral hemispheres, superior to the corpus callosum so as to focus on sulci and avoid voxel dissimilarities due to variations in other brainanatomy.Results: Relative to the 25% most medial slices, we see a decrease in the normalized standard deviation of pixel intensity of 13.7% ± 5.6% (SD) of the next 25% of the slices. The most lateral 50% of the slices (25% left and right) had about the same normalized standard deviation as the most medial (increase of 1.0% ± 7.1% (SD)). These results are consistent with the fact that near the periphery of each brain hemisphere, there are more sulci. Conclusion: Sulci density, as measured by normalized standard deviation of pixel intensity, has a substantial variation across the hemispheres of the brain. This fact should be considered when assessing variations in ADCs used for radiotherapy evaluation.
Short-run and long-run determinants of income inequality: evidence from 16 countries

Previous research that has tried to identify the determinants of income inequality has used cross-sectional data, mostly due to a lack of time-series data for individual countries. Any result using cross-sectional data is usually generalized by ignoring country-specific characteristics. Now that time-series data are available for certain countries, we revisit the Kuznets "inverted-U" hypothesis by applying cointegration analysis to annual time-series data from 16 countries. We also investigate the effect of openness on income inequality. We find limited support for Kuznets's hypothesis, and that the effect of both income and openness varies by country.
Structural changes of NaxCoO2 (x=0.74) at high pressures

Abstract Structural changes in the layered compound γ -Na x CoO 2 ( x =0.74) are studied by in situ Raman scattering and energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction methods at pressures up to 41 GPa. The pressure dependence of the lattice parameters indicate that γ -Na x CoO 2 has a strong anisotropic compressibility before 15 GPa and the unit cell is easily compressed between layers. The discontinuity of the lattice parameters and Raman observations reveal that a phase transition occurred at pressures between 10 and 12 GPa. The high-pressure phase has the same hexagonal symmetry and the phase transition may be due to the pressure-induced rearrangement of one of the Na cations in the unit cell.
The Anti-microbial Effect Against Enterococcus faecalis and the Compressive Strength of Two Types of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Mixed With Sterile Water or 2% Chlorhexidine Liquid

The purpose of this in vitro study was 2-fold: First, to compare the antimicrobial effect of gray and tooth-colored mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) when mixed with sterile water or 2% chlorhexidine. Second, to compare the compressive strengths of the MTA/chlorhexidine versus MTA/sterile water samples. The antimicrobial effect test was accomplished by placing freshly mixed MTA samples on agar plates inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and comparing the zones of inhibition at 24 hours. In the compressive strength test, MTA pellets were allowed to set for 72 hours and then compressed to fracture by using an Instron testing machine. Values were recorded and compared. In the antimicrobial effect experiment, the zones of inhibition were significantly larger for samples mixed with 2% chlorhexidine. In the compressive strength study, statistical evaluation showed no significance due to variability. However, data revealed that MTA mixed with sterile water always had higher compressive strengths than MTA mixed with chlorhexidine.
X-ray diffraction study of the CDW phase in (TaSe4)2I: Determination of the CDW modulation amplitude

Abstract An extensive X-ray diffraction study of charge density wave (CDW) phase in (TaSe4)2I is reported. We have observed the superstructure satellites at 2q in addition to those at q reported by Fujishita et al. The results imply a sinusoidal lattice modulation with polarization almost perpendicular to q (i.e. transverse) and the existence of CDW domains. At 15 K we have extracted an approximate value for the amplitude of the lattice modulation perpendicular to q to be μ⊥ ∽ 0.087 A.
Behavioral management of school phobia

Abstract In an 8-year-old Negro child diagnosed as suffering from school phobia the problem was re-defined as zero or low probability of school attendance. The implementation of techniques for increasing the probability involved getting the child's mother to withdraw the rewards of staying at home. Then a home-based motivational system was used to reinforce school attendance and refusal to attend school resulted in punishment. School attendance was generated quickly and maintained even after the procedures were withdrawn a month later. No ‘symptom substitution’ was noticed either by the parents or the school officials within the 9 months of follow-up. An additional important finding was that when the child's school phobia was used to produce aversive consequences on the mother it immediately led the mother to find a ‘natural’ way to rectify her child's psychiatric condition.
Real-time sensing of mouth 3-D position and orientation

A key problem in using digital subtraction radiography in dentistry is the ability to reposition the X-ray source and patient so as to reproduce an identical imaging geometry. In this paper we describe an approach to solving this problem based on real time sensing of the 3-D position and orientation of the patient's mouth. The research described here is part of a program which has a long term goal to develop an automated digital subtraction radiography system. This will allow the patient and X-ray source to be accurately repositioned without the mechanical fixtures that are presently used to preserve the imaging geometry. If we can measure the position and orientation of the mouth, then the desired position of the source can be computed as the product of the transformation matrices describing the desired imaging geometry and the position vector of the targeted tooth. Position and orientation of the mouth is measured by a real time sensing device using low-frequency magnetic field technology. We first present the problem of repositioning the patient and source and then outline our analytic solution. Then we describe an experimental setup to measure the accuracy, reproducibility and resolution of the sensor and present results of preliminary experiments.
Reproduction and Growth of Eutamias Quadrivittatus in Southeastern Utah

The growth and development of four litters of Colorado chipmunks (Eutamias quadrivittatus hopiensis) are described. Mating in southeastern Utah occurs in late February or early March. Young are born from 1 to 15 April and first appear above ground in May, but do not reach breeding age until the following spring. One litter of young per year is produced. The mean number per litter was 5.25 for the litters born in captivity. The average weight on the day following birth was 2.8 ± .32 grams and the average daily increase in weight was 0.50 gram during the first 90 days of life. The eyes opened at 29 to 33 days, the pinnae unfolded in 2 to 3 days, and the auditory meatuses opened at 28 to 29 days old. The irruption of the teeth were as follows: the lower incisors appeared in 10 to 12 days, the upper incisors in 20 to 22 days, and the cheek teeth in 34 to 37 days. The dorsal dark and white stripes appeared in 10 days. Juvenile chipmunks molt twice during their first year. The molt proceeds from anterior to posterior in June and July and from posterior to anterior in September and October.
40 Gbit/s L-band transmission experiment using SPM-tolerant carrier-suppressed RZ format

It is shown by using numerical simulations that the carrier-suppressed-return-to-zero (CS-RZ) format has a wider dispersion tolerance relative to the conventional return-to-zero (RZ) format. Numerical simulations predict that the optimum fibre dispersion of the CS-RZ format should be zero and should stay near Ops/nm at a high fibre input power of 12 dBm in the L-band of a dispersion-shifted-fibre link. This robust dispersion characteristic against self-phase modulation was experimentally confirmed by a 40 Gbit/s 162 km transmission experiment.
The cerebellar dorsal granular ridge in an elasmobranch has proprioceptive and electroreceptive representations and projects homotopically to the medullary electrosensory nucleus

1. Response properties of neurons in the dorsal granular ridge (DGR) of the little skate, Raja erinacea, were studied in decerebrate, curarized fish. Sensory responses included proprioceptive (426 of 952; 45%) and electroreceptive units (526 of 952; 55%). Electroreceptive units responded to weak electric fields with a higher threshold than lower-order units and had large ipsilateral receptive fields, whose exact boundaries were often unclear but contained smaller, identifiable best areas. Proprioceptive units responded to displacement of the ipsilateral fin and were either position-or movement-sensitive. 2. Both proprioceptive and electroreceptive units showed a progression of receptive fields from anterior to posterior body in the rostral to caudal direction along the length of DGR. Sensory maps in DGR projected homotopically to the electrosensory somatotopy in the dorsal nucleus. Peak evoked potentials and units responding to local DGR stimulation occurred only in areas of the dorsal nucleus with receptive fields located within the composite receptive field at the DGR stimulation site. 3. Single shocks to DGR produced a short spike train followed by a prolonged suppression period in the medullary dorsal nucleus. These results have implications for the role of the parallel fiber system in medullary electrosensory processing.
Robust and Real-Time Image Stabilization and Rectification

This paper presents a unified framework for achieving robust and real-time image stabilization and rectification. While compensating for a small amount of image jitter due to platform vibration and hand tremble is not a very difficult task, canceling a large amount of image jitter, due to significant, long-range, and purposeful camera motion (such as panning, zooming, and rotation), is much more challenging. Our framework selectively compensates for unwanted camera motion to maintain a stable view of the scene. The rectified display has the same information content, but is shown in a much more operator-friendly way. Our contribution is threefold: (1) proposing a unified image rectification algorithm to cancel large and purposeful image motion to achieve a stable display that is applicable for both far-field and near-field image conditions, (2) improving the robustness and real-time performance of these algorithms with extensive validation on real images, and (3) illustrating the potential of these algorithms by applying them to real-world problems in diverse application domains.
A Retrospective Analysis of Immunosuppression Compliance, Dose Reduction and Discontinuation in Kidney Transplant Recipients

We describe factors associated with poor compliance and dose reductions and examine the relative impact of compliance, dose reduction and discontinuation on graft outcome. Medicare claims for MMF in 7062 deceased donor renal recipients with at least 1 year of graft function were used to calculate compliance and dose reductions. Compliance was modeled using medication possession ratio to define quartiles for poor, low, medium and high compliance. The relative impact of compliance, dose reduction and discontinuation on graft outcome was assessed with Cox proportional hazards. Pediatric (Age 0-18, Odds ratio = 1.71, 95% CI 1.11-2.63, p = 0.014) and adolescent recipients (19-24, 1.57, 1.23-2.00, p 50% dose reduction (1.69, 1.15-2.50, p = 0.008) and discontinuation (8.34, 6.85-10.2, p < 0.001). Medication possession ratios lower than the 3-year mean were associated with an increased risk of graft loss. These results may indicate that interventions to improve compliance among kidney transplant recipients should strive for high rather than discourage low compliance.
0---30 V common mode range, 120 dB CMRR, and 10 nV/$$ \sqrt {\text{Hz}} $$ noise floor current shunt monitor IC with an embedded ΣΔ modulated digital interface

Sensing and controlling current flow is a fundamental requirement for many electronic systems, including power management (DC---DC converters and LDOs), battery chargers, electric vehicles, solenoid positioning, motor control, and power monitoring. Current shunt monitor (CSM) system enables current measurement across an external sense resistor (R S ) in series to current flow. Proposed CSM system can sense a system (power supply) current from 1 to 500 mA across a typical board Cu-trace resistance of 1 ? with less than 10 μV input-referred offset, 150 nV/°C offset drift and 0.1% accuracy. Instead of using a costly zero-TC sense resistor (R S ) that is used in typical CSM systems; proposed method uses existing Cu board trace for sensing. The sense amplifier uses chopper stabilization in the signal chain of the amplifier to suppress input-referred offset down to less than 10 μV. Switching current-mode (SI) FIR filtering is used at the instrumentation amplifier output to filter out the chopping ripple at the harmonics of the chopping frequency. A frequency domain Sigma Delta (ΣΔFD) ADC enables a digital interface to processor applications. The CSM is fabricated on a 0.7 μm CMOS process with three levels of metal with maximum Vds tolerance of 8 V, and operates across a common mode range of 0---30 V achieving less than 10 nV/ $$ \sqrt {\text{Hz}} $$ of flicker noise at 100 Hz. By using a semi-digital SI FIR filter, residual chopper ripple is suppressed by more than 7.5 mVpp from the base line of 8 mVpp, which is equivalent to 25 dB suppression.
Adult Daughters' Anticipation of Care-Giving Responsibilities

This study, based on the self report of 103 adult daughters, explores the relationship between family and personal characteristics of adult daughters and the anticipation of providing care to aging mothers. Findings insdicate that proximity between mothers and daughters, health of daughter and age of mother are among the important variables that are significantly related to anticipated care-giving. Additionally, this study documents early entry into the anticipation process and empirical evidence for the complexity of this issue.
Microscopic nuclear masses and their astrophysical implications

Abstract Highly accurate level densities are predicted using masses derived from the microscopic fermion dynamical symmetry model. New features of this model predict a significantly different location of the astrophysical r-process path in the actinide region from that of the traditional mass model.
New observational constraints on the temperature inversions of Uranus and Neptune

The presence of a temperature inversion in the lower stratospheres of both Uranus and Neptune is confirmed by the 20-micron photometric data presented. It is found that the brightness temperature difference between 17.8 and 19.6 microns is 0.8 + or - 0.5 K for Uranus and 1.8 + or - 0.6 K for Neptune, implying that the temperature inversions of both planets are weaker than previously thought. Comparisons with model atmospheres suggested by Appleby (1980) imply that these temperature inversions may be understood as a consequence of heating through CH4 and aerosol absorption of sunlight. The stratospheric CH4 mixing ratio of Neptune must, however, be higher than that at the temperature minimum.
Gender and social relationships among the never-married

This research explores the social networks among the growing numbers of men and women who have never married. We use a representative sample of 193 never-married men and 217 never-married women, of whom 73% of the men and 60% women of the were white and 16% of the men and 20% of the women were black. We hypothesize that single women have a more extensive social network than do men. Second, we investigate the impact of gender roles and norms of filial responsibility and selected sociodemographic variables upon social interaction by gender. Our findings indicate that gender differences are not as anticipated: (1) while never-married women interact more frequently with relatives than do never-married men, no differences were noted among friendship or neighborhood networks; (2) time spent in social interaction was more likely to differ by marital status than it was by gender; (3) compared to married persons, the never-married are overrepresented in the extreme categories of interaction, both isolated and very active; (4) gender role ideology and filial responsibility did not significantly predict social interaction for either men or women, with the exception that, among never-married men, those with lower expectations of filial responsibility spent more time with friends.
17O NMR spectroscopy: Effect of substituents on chemical shifts for p-substituted benzoic acids, methyl benzoates, cinnamic acids and methyl cinnamates

The 17O NMR spectra for a series of 17O-enriched p-substituted benzoic acids, methyl benzoates, cinnamic acids and methyl cinnamates in acetone at 40°C are reported. The carboxylic acids showed one signal (benzoic 250.5 ppm, SCS range p-MeO to p-NO2 = 10.5 ppm; cinnamic 254.1 ppm, SCS range p-MeO to p-NO2 = 5.4 ppm). The esters showed two signals [methyl benzoate (CO) 341.3 ppm and (OCH3) 128.0 ppm; methyl cinnamate (CO) 339.9 ppm and (OCH3) 134.2 ppm]. The SCS ranges for the carbonyls of the esters were larger than those for the corresponding acids, while those for the OCH3 groups of the esters were slightly smaller. The carbonyl data gave good correlations with σ+ constants, while the OCH3 data gave at best only a poor correlation with σ constants. Dual substituent parameter treatment improved the correlations for all the data using σR+ constants. The ratios of ρI to ρR+ were similar for all the sets of data.
Chemical reaction and Schottky-barrier formation at the Ir/Si interface.

The initial stages of formation of the Ir/Si interface were investigated with ultraviolet and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that submonolayer coverages of iridium change the (2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) reconstruction of the clean silicon surface and increase the band bending. With increasing coverage a bilayer structure forms consisting of an interfacial layer of IrSi-like silicide and an overlayer of pure iridium. The Schottky barrier is fully developed after deposition of the first monolayer of iridium. By annealing a thin film of iridium deposited on silicon in UHV in the temperature range of 400--1100 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C we demonstrate the consecutive formation of three silicide compounds in the sequence IrSi, ${\mathrm{IrSi}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ (x\ensuremath{\simeq}1.6), and ${\mathrm{IrSi}}_{3}$ and the concomitant transitions from metallic to semiconducting and semiconducting to metallic behavior. Finally, we show that the barrier heights of the iridium silicides on silicon do not obey the simple Schottky model and compare our photoelectron results with current theoretical models of the Schottky barrier.
SU-FF-T-88: An Experimental Evaluation of the Impact of Setup Uncertainty On Dose Near the Surface for IMRT Plans Where the Skin Is Considered a Sensitive Structure and Is Excluded From the PTV

Purpose: (1) To investigate the impact of setup uncertainty on doses near the surface for IMRT plans where the skin is considered a sensitive structure and is excluded from the PTV. (2) To evaluate the impact of PTV design (how close to the skin the PTV is allowed) and number of gantry angles. Method and Materials: Effects of setup uncertainty were investigated experimentally using a semi‐cylindrical phantom with MOSFET dosimeters positioned at depths of 3, 6, 9 and 12mm. A CTimage was taken of the phantom, and a node‐like CTV was drawn near the surface. Two PTVs were created by uniformly expanding the CTV by 5mm, and then pulling back 3 and 5mm from the body contour (PTV(3mm) and PTV(5mm), respectively). A 2mm skin structure was contoured. Seven and nine‐field IMRT plans were created using Eclipse for each PTV with the following guidelines: 99% of PTV volume to receive 90–93% of prescribed dose, maximum 105% hotspot, and minimize dose to skin structure. The phantom was then positioned at isocenter, the planned treatments delivered using a Varian 21Ex, and doses delivered to the build‐up region were measured. Setup uncertainty was simulated by shifting the phantom laterally in a range ±5mm, and the experiment repeated. Results: The number of beams did not significantly affect the results. For PTV(5mm), setup errors of 3 and 5mm reduced dose at 6mm depth by an average of 8% and 17%, respectively. For PTV(3mm), this was reduced to 4% and 12%, respectively. Corresponding numbers for 3mm depth were 8% and 12% for PTV(5mm), and 4% and 9% for PTV(3mm). Conclusion: To avoid daily dose to the surface nodes being reduced by more than 5%, the PTV should not be pulled back more than 3mm from the body contour, and setup uncertainty should be kept below 3mm.
Quadruplex priming amplification for the detection of mRNA from surrogate patient samples

Simple and rapid methods for detecting mRNA biomarkers from patient samples are valuable in settings with limited access to laboratory resources. In this report, we describe the development and evaluation of a self-contained assay to extract and quantify mRNA biomarkers from complex samples using a novel nucleic acid-based molecular sensor called quadruplex priming amplification (QPA). QPA is a simple and robust isothermal nucleic acid amplification method that exploits the stability of the G-quadruplex nucleotide structure to drive spontaneous strand melting from a specific DNA template sequence. Quantification of mRNA was enabled by integrating QPA with a magnetic bead-based extraction method using an mRNA–QPA interface reagent. The assay was found to maintain >90% of the maximum signal over a 4 °C range of operational temperatures (64–68 °C). QPA had a dynamic range spanning four orders of magnitude, with a limit of detection of ∼20 pM template molecules using a highly controlled heating and optical system and a limit of detection of ∼250 pM using a less optimal water bath and plate reader. These results demonstrate that this integrated approach has potential as a simple and effective mRNA biomarker extraction and detection assay for use in limited resource settings.
Design sensitivity analysis of non-linear buckling load

This paper describes three procedures for calculating design derivatives of the non-linear critical load. Constraints on the critical load arise naturally in optimal design of structures having non-linear behavior. The incremental procedures used for non-linear analysis can fail before reaching the final load level due to buckling or collapse of the structure. Therefore, load carrying capability of the structure must be improved before optimal design process can proceed further. This requires design derivatives of the critical load factor. A very simple and effective procedure among the three derived, is selected. It uses most of the information already calculated during analysis and sensitivity analysis of other constraints. Design sensitivity analysis is verified using two known examples. Several other structures are optimized to show effectiveness of the procedure. The sensitivity analysis can be combined with another constraints to optimize structures with more general requirements.
Reflective electroabsorption modular for compact base station radio-over-fiber systems

A Radio-over-Fiber system with simplified Base Station (BS) is proposed in which a single chip DBR Reflective Electro-absorption Modulator (REAM) serves both as an optical transceiver and as a mixer at the BS. It enables full duplex optical transmission for base band and RF band services simultaneously due to good isolation between uplink and downlink at the same chip. Grating structure is incorporated into the EA modulator for the sake of system design. It also improves yield and efficiency of high-speed devices.
Counterion effects in liquid crystal templating of nanostructured CdS

We report the synthesis of cadmium sulfide containing a periodic array of nanometer-sized cylindrical pores. The nanostructured cadmium sulfide was synthesized in a hexagonal lyotropic liquid crystal by the reaction between H2S and various cadmium salts. Interestingly, the counterion of the cadmium salt had a pronounced effect on the regularity and periodicity of the pores. The dimension of the pores is commensurate with the hydrophobic cores of the liquid crystal, and one counterion even leads to hexagonally faceted nanostructured particles.
Vesicle formation and stability in the surfactant sodium 4-(1'-heptylnonyl) benzenesulfonate

Abstract The double-tail surfactant sodium 4-(1′-heptylnonyl)benzenesulfonate, which forms a smectic phase upon hydration, was shown to form vesicles upon sonication, analogous to those formed by phospholipids. The stability of vesicles was followed by turbidity, conductance, capacitance, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements. It was observed that vesicle preparations slowly revert to bulk smectic phase, though much of the surfactant remained in vesicles after many weeks. Vesicles were visualized without chemical fixation, staining, or replication, by utilizing the new technique of viewing a fast-frozen hydrated sample between polyimide films in a transmission electron microscope cold stage. Dispersions of the smectic phase viewed by the same technique showed moire fringes revealing the ordered nature of the smectic surfactant phase. Conductance and capacitance measurements on liquid crystalline dispersions of both the sulfonate and a phospholipid surfactant revealed a strong frequency dependence over the range 80−20,000 Hz, a phenomenon previously unreported, which is attributed to polarization of the electric double-layer around the particles. It is suggested that the phenomenon can be used to determine size and size distribution in liquid crystalline dispersions of ionic surfactants.
Beyond Abuse: Parse's Theory in Practice

A nursing practice with abused women and their families based on Parse's theory of Man-Living-Health is described with emphasis on implementation of the practice processes flowing from the theory and common outcomes of the processes. A case study is presented to illustrate how the practice processes aided one couple in transforming from an abusive relationship to a new and valued way of coexisting. Information on the nursing practice and the case study are used to help demonstrate the utility of the theory of Man-Living-Health in enhancing the quality of life.
A Note on Statistics for Comparing Dependent Correlations

The four statistics examined are available for use in comparing two dependent correlation coefficients (correlations between two predictors and a common criterion from a single sample wherein the predictors themselves may be correlated). There has been much past discussion in the literature of the properties and appropriate situations for these statistics. Two somewhat counterintuitive results are given here; both are examined using variables of interest to applied clinical researchers. It is shown by example that there are situations for which the observed value of these statistics increases (and thus power increases) as the predictor intercorrelation increases. Further, it is shown that there are situations for which the observed statistics increase as the magnitude (but not the difference) of the two correlations being compared increases, holding the predictor intercorrelation constant.
Patterns of use of emergency medical transport: a population-based study.

Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize population-based emergency medical service (EMS) use rates and examine some of the factors associated with usage of prehospital services. The design was a population-based observational study with multiple regression analysis. Transports reported by prehospital services to the Kentucky Emergency Medical Services Information System from Kentucky counties in which all EMS units submit computerized data was the data source. There were 102,321 emergent transports reported. The overall rate of use of EMS transports was 51.7 ± 24.1/1,000/year, but the rate varied between different communities (range 11 to 139/1,000/year). Rate of use was highest in those older than 65 (178.5 ± 84.2/1,000/year), with the rate increasing expoentially with increasing age in this age group. Reasons for transport were age dependent. There was an association between increasing poverty level and use of EMS. In addition, the absence of 911 service (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.14, 1.22]) and the absence of a hospital in the county (OR 1.27, 95% CI [1.24, 1.30]) were also associated with increasing rates of ambulance use. Rates of use of EMS are most dependent on age and cause, but use is also correlated with increasing levels of poverty. Wide variations in use between communities suggests that point estimates using one community may over- or underestimate EMS usage.
Analytical performances of a new enzymatic assay for hemoglobin A1c

Abstract Background HbA1c is considered the gold standard for the follow-up of diabetic patients and a new diagnostic tool for diabetes mellitus, which implies the availability of reliable assay methods. We have evaluated a new assay developed by Abbott Laboratories, based on the enzymatic quantification of HbA1c by a fructosyl dipeptide oxidase using Architect analyzers. Methods Precision, linearity, correlation with a HPLC method, accuracy and potential impact interferences on HbA1c measurement have been evaluated. Results Intra-day and between-day CVs were lower than 1.2% and linearity was excellent from 19 mmol/mol (3.9%) to 163 mmol/mol (17.1%). The results were well correlated with those obtained by the HPLC (Variant II device, kit NU — BioRad): HbA1c [Architect, mmol/mol] = 0.986 × HbA1c [Variant II, mmol/mol] + 0.713 (r = 0.998, n = 109). This method provided consistent results with IFCC titrated quality control samples. Classical interferences in HbA1c assays (i.e. labile HbA1c, carbamylated hemoglobin, triglycerides or bilirubin) did not have an impact on HbA1c quantification by this method. Conclusion This new enzymatic assay proved to be a robust and reliable method for HbA1c measurement suitable for routine practice in clinical chemistry laboratories.
Five-dimensional solutions for the modified Einstein-Hilbert lagrangian

We find five-dimensional solutions to the equations of motion developed by Henriques. These equations are associated with the Einstein-Hubert lagrangian as modified in order to model the low-energy limit of some superstring theories. We look at extensions of both Friedmann-Robertson-Walker and Kasner models and find a large variety of behavior for both vacuum and matter-filled cases. In the case of the Kasner extension we find that the generalized Einstein equations do not admit analytic power-law solutions.
Experiences of families caring for an HIV-infected child in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: An exploratory study

In South Africa, 2.5% of children are living with HIV. KwaZulu-Natal is the province most affected by the epidemic and has the highest number of pregnant women living with HIV. This study reports on a qualitative study to assess the views and experiences of those involved in caring for a child with HIV/AIDS. In-depth interviews were conducted in KwaZulu-Natal with 13 women who were the primary caregivers of a child with HIV/AIDS and 12 key informants who worked with children and families living with HIV/AIDS. The combination of widespread poverty and HIV-related stigma was perceived to compromise the health of a child with HIV/AIDS. Caregivers' primary focus was on economic survival and there was little income to meet basic human needs including the child's. Stigmatizing attitudes caused some caregivers to keep their child's sickness a secret and symptoms were sometimes ignored or treatment delayed. Little material and emotional support was available to caregivers who were overwhelmed by multiple stresses in this context. Support group interventions for caregivers of children with HIV/AIDS can be a useful resource provided that they jointly address the economic and psychological needs of caregivers. A stronger commitment at the national level to reduce poverty and HIV-related stigma is needed to strengthen the capacity of families who are caring for children with HIV/AIDS.
Correlation between the static dielectric constant and the minimum energy gap

Abstract For binary ANB8−N type crystals we find a striking and useful correlation between the static electronic dielectric constant and ( 1 2 E min ) −1 where Emin is the minimum (direct or indirect) energy gap between the valence and conduction bands and V is the volume per valence electron.
Two cases of CD30+, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma with oral manifestations

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a subgroup of T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is an uncommon tumor exhibiting CD30 positivity and a characteristic immunophenotypic profile. Histologically, ALCL is characterized by the proliferation of large, anaplastic lymphoid cells with eccentric horseshoe- or kidney-shaped nuclei and one or more prominent nucleoli. Rare cases have been cited in the literature of ALCL presenting primarily in the oral cavity. The purpose of this article was to present 2 instructive cases of CD30+, anaplastic lymphoma kinase–negative ALCL with oral and systemic involvement.
Kinetic transformation of mercury in coal combustion flue gas in a bench-scale entrained-flow reactor

Abstract A bench-scale entrained-flow reactor was used to extract flue gas produced by burning a subbituminous Belle Ayr coal in a 580-MJ/h combustion system. The reactor was operated at 400, 275, and 150 °C and a flow rate corresponding to residence times of 0–7 s. Elemental mercury (Hg 0 ) and total gas mercury (Hg gas ) concentrations in the reactor were measured using an on-line Hg analyzer. At 400 and 275 °C, approximately 30% of the Hg 0 released from the Belle Ayr coal was converted to Hg 2+ in the 580-MJ/h combustion system. This conversion occurred rapidly at >400 °C as evidenced by similar Hg 0 concentrations at 275 and 400 °C and the lack of Hg 0 to Hg 2+ conversion measured in the reactor at residence times of 0.5–7 s. Conversions of Hg gas to particle-associated mercury Hg(p), and Hg 0 to Hg 2+ and/or Hg(p) were detected in the reactor at 150 °C. The reaction order and rate constant for Hg gas and Hg 0 conversions at 150 °C were 4.62 and 1.73 and 9.8×10 −5 μg −3.62 /(m −10.86 s) and 5.1×10 −2 μg −0.73 /(m −2.19 s), respectively.
Multi-armed recommendation bandits for selecting state machine policies for robotic systems

We investigate the problem of selecting a state-machine from a library to control a robot. We are particularly interested in this problem when evaluating such state machines on a particular robotics task is expensive. As a motivating example, we consider a problem where a simulated vacuuming robot must select a driving state machine well-suited for a particular (unknown) room layout. By borrowing concepts from collaborative filtering (recommender systems such as Netflix and Amazon.com), we present a multi-armed bandit formulation that incorporates recommendation techniques to efficiently select state machines for individual room layouts. We show that this formulation outperforms the individual approaches (recommendation, multi-armed bandits) as well as the baseline of selecting the `average best' state machine across all rooms.
Relay margin trajectory based identification of transmission vulnerability for power system security assessment

In this paper relay margin is derived in terms of bus voltage. With the variation of bus voltage during system disturbance the relay margin will also consequently vary to form a trajectory which is proposed as the relay margin trajectory. The sensitivity of the relay margin trajectory is investigated to quantify the rate of the relay margin variation. Based on the relay margin we propose a vulnerable relay indicator which samples the smallest relay margin over the interested time span. Based on the vulnerable relay indicator, another two indicators--severe contingency indicator and system security indicator are proposed. These three inherently related indicators together compose a framework for system security analysis. Vulnerable relay indicator is applied to identify the most vulnerable relays based on which the severe contingency indicator is obtained. System security indicator is sequentially gained based on those two indicators to identify the transmission vulnerability for the power system security analysis. Numerical test result on a test system is presented.
Self-calibration of linear equi-spaced (LES) arrays

The problem of self-calibration of phased arrays for unknown gain and phase errors in conjunction with their use in high-resolution direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is addressed. The authors consider the problem for the canonical (and widely used) linear equispaced (LES) array with a constant but unknown gain and phase response and develop an algorithm that does not require any prior knowledge of the direction of arrival of a signal. Analytical results are presented regarding estimator performance and are verified by a representative body of simulations. >
Genomic insights into triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancers using isogenic model systems.

Introduction: In general, genomic signatures of breast cancer subtypes have little or no overlap owing to the heterogeneous genetic backgrounds of study samples. Thus, obtaining a reliable signature in the context of isogenic nature of the cells has been challenging and the precise contribution of isogenic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) versus non-TNBC remains poorly defined. Methods: We established isogenic stable cell lines representing TNBC and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancers by introducing HER2 in TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDAMB-468. We examined protein level expression and functionality of the transfected receptor by treatment with an antagonist of HER2. Using microarray profiling, we obtained a comprehensive gene list of differentially expressed between TNBC and HER2+ clones. We identified and validated underlying isogenic components using qPCR and also compared results with expression data from patients with similar breast cancer subtypes. Results: We identified 544 and 1087 statistically significant differentially expressed genes between isogenic TNBC and HER2+ samples in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 backgrounds respectively and a shared signature of 49 genes. By comparing results from MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 backgrounds with two patient microarray datasets, we identified 17 and 22 common genes with same expression trend respectively. Additionally, we identified 56 and 78 genes from MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 comparisons respectively present in our published RNA-seq data. Conclusions: Using our unique model system, we have identified an isogenic gene expression signature between TNBC and HER2+ breast cancer. A portion of our results was also verified in patient data samples, indicating an existence of isogenic element associated with HER2 status between genetically heterogeneous breast cancer samples. These findings may potentially contribute to the development of molecular platform that would be valuable for diagnostic and therapeutic decision for TNBC and in distinguishing it from HER2+ subtype.
Powered instrumentation for transcervical removal of gigantic intrathoracic thyroid.

Background It is widely accepted that almost all intrathoracic goiters can be removed through the neck. For those rare gigantic goiters that cannot be removed transcervically, median sternotomy is usually recommended. During the last 11 years we used intracapsular volume reduction techniques to facilitate transcervical removal of extremely large intrathoracic goiters. Materials and Methods Of 149 patients with intrathoracic goiters, 11 patients had gigantic lesions that could not be removed transcervically. Instead of sternotomy, we used the arthroscopic or sinus microdebrider or a large-bore suction device for controlled intracapsular volume reduction. This was followed by complete removal of the gland through the neck. Results The thyroid gland was removed completely in all 11 patients. None of the patients had any evidence of intraoperative spillage of thyroid tissue. No major complications were noted. Conclusions We have found the use of the microdebrider and/or suction device for intracapsular volume reduction to be extremely helpful for transcervical removal of gigantic intrathoracic goiters. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 322–325, 2001.
Delineating cancer evolution with single-cell sequencing

Single-cell sequencing methods are revolutionizing cancer research and medicine by providing powerful tools to investigate intratumor heterogeneity and rare subpopulations.
RIO META STRAIN OF PLASMODIUM VIVAX IN NEW WORLD MONKEYS AND ANOPHELINE MOSQUITOES

An archived strain of Plasmodium vivax, isolated from Rio Meta, northern Colombia, in 1972 was adapted to grow in splenectomized Aotus lemurinus griseimembra and A. nancymai monkeys. Anopheles freeborni, An. maculatus, An. dirus, An. culicifacies, and An. albimanus were shown to be susceptible to infection by feeding on infected monkeys. Infections were more readily obtained by feeding on A. l. griseimembra than on A. nancymai. Transmission through sporozoites was obtained in an A. l. griseimembra monkey after a prepatent period of 24 days.
Predictors of Death and Dialysis in Severe AKI: The UPHS-AKI Cohort

Summary Background and objectives AKI carries a substantial risk of mortality, even after adjustment for comorbidities. Effective risk stratification may lead to more effective therapeutic interventions for high-risk subgroups. Design, setting, participants, & measurements This study identified adults who suffered severe in-hospital AKI from January 1, 2004 to August 31, 2010 at three hospitals in the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS). Patients were included if baseline creatinine was ≤1.4 mg/dl for men or ≤1.2 mg/dl for women, and serum creatinine doubled during the hospital admission. Cox proportional hazards models predicting death, dialysis, or a combined endpoint of death or dialysis were fit using data from patients admitted to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania ( n =4263), and validated at the two other UPHS facilities ( n =758, n =1098). Results In adjusted analyses, strong predictors of the combined endpoint included intensive care unit location (versus floor), medical service, liver disease, higher creatinine, greater rate of change in creatinine, and greater number of pressor medications. Higher absolute creatinine concentration was associated with greater use of dialysis, but lower overall mortality in adjusted analyses. Harrell’s c -index (95% confidence interval) for the model predicting the combined endpoint was 0.85 (0.84–0.86) in the derivation cohort, and 0.83 (0.80–0.86) and 0.84 (0.82–0.86) in the validation cohorts. Conclusions A small group of easily measured clinical factors has good ability to predict mortality and dialysis in severe AKI.
Discovery, query and access services for imagery, gridded and coverage data a clearinghouse solution

The development of catalog clearinghouse solutions is a near-term challenge in support of fully functional and useful infrastructures for spatial data. We present an experimental catalog clearinghouse for Imagery, gridded and coverage data. The solution supports data discovery, evaluation, query distribution and mediation of several well-known catalog systems.
Targeted next-generation sequencing of a cancer transcriptome enhances detection of sequence variants and novel fusion transcripts

Targeted RNA-Seq combines next-generation sequencing with capture of sequences from a relevant subset of a transcriptome. When testing by capturing sequences from a tumor cDNA library by hybridization to oligonucleotide probes specific for 467 cancer-related genes, this method showed high selectivity, improved mutation detection enabling discovery of novel chimeric transcripts, and provided RNA expression data. Thus, targeted RNA-Seq produces an enhanced view of the molecular state of a set of "high interest" genes.