cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling contributes to an inflammatory microenvironment and its blockade enhances progression of murine pancreatic precancerous lesions

The development of pancreatic cancer requires recruitment and activation of different macrophage populations. However, little is known about how macrophages are attracted to the pancreas after injury or an oncogenic event, and how they crosstalk with lesion cells or other cells of the lesion microenvironment. Here, we delineate the importance of CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling during the early phase of murine pancreatic cancer. We show that CXCL10 is produced by pancreatic precancerous lesion cells in response to IFNγ signaling and that inflammatory macrophages are recipients for this chemokine. CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling in macrophages mediates their chemoattraction to the pancreas, enhances their proliferation, and maintains their inflammatory identity. Blocking of CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling in vivo shifts macrophage populations to a tumor-promoting (Ym1+, Fizz+, Arg1+) phenotype, increases fibrosis, and mediates progression of lesions, highlighting the importance of this pathway in PDA development. This is reversed when CXCL10 is overexpressed in PanIN cells.
Non-Gaussian Models for Object Motion Analysis with Time-Lapse Fluorescence Microscopy Images

Fluorescence microscopy imaging technologies play an important role in a large number of scientific studies on cancer progression mechanisms and biological activity patterns. However, both the large fluorescence microscopy image scale and varying number of objects of interest prevent such images from accurate and efficient analyses by humans. Therefore, the development of efficient, accurate, and automated motion tracking approaches is necessary and critical to enable such fluorescence microscopy image analyses. It has been demonstrated that traditional approaches detecting individual objects in each image frame and next linking detected objects between adjacent frames work well when sequences of images have a high signal to noise ratio and capture a limited number of tracking objects of interest. Less subject to these constraints, particle filtering has been preferably used in diverse tracking analyses. Specifically, particle filtering approaches using the Gaussian function for object state characterization can produce robust tracking results even when objects are densely distributed in clumps. However, due to the complexity of object morphology and the limitation of microscopy image resolution, intensities of objects do not always follow the Gaussian distribution. Despite the fact that deep learning algorithms have been emerged to improve the particle filtering performance, the required large training data scale limits their practical applications in many scenarios. In this work, we extend the particle filtering approach by developing non-Gaussian models and the corresponding tracking management strategy. With a gradient-based segmentation algorithm, objects in image sequences are extracted and modeled by states. The evolution of these states can be used to recover object motion trajectories and quantitatively characterize object motion behaviors. Experiments on both artificial and real biomedical time-lapse fluorescence image data for 2D and 3D space demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of our generalized approach.
Non-starter bacterial communities in aged Cheddar cheese: Patterns on two timescales.

The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal stability of microbial contamination during Cheddar cheese production by examining patterns of non-starter bacteria in 60-day aged Cheddar collected from the start and end of 30 consecutive production days. Further, we explored the source of these temporal microbial variations by comparing microbial communities in the aged cheese to those on food contact surfaces from a piece of cheesemaking equipment previously identified as a major source of non-starter bacteria in the same processing environment. 16S rRNA metabarcoding and culture-based sequencing methods identified two Streptococcus sequence variants significantly associated with the end of the production day in both the aged cheese and the cheese processing environment. Closer inspection of these sequence variants in the aged cheese over the 40-day sampling period revealed sinusoidal-like fluctuations in their relative ratios, which appeared to coincide with the Lactococcus starter rotation schedule. These results demonstrate that the microbial composition of finished cheese can vary according to the timing of processing within a production day. Further, our results demonstrate that time-of-day microbial differences in cheese can result from bacterial growth on food contact surfaces and that the composition of these microbial differences is subject to change day-to-day and may be linked to routine changes in the Lactococcus starter culture. Importance. Long production schedules used in modern cheese manufacturing can create circumstances which support the growth of microorganisms in the cheese processing environment. This work demonstrates that this growth can lead to significant changes in the microbial quality of aged cheese produced later in the production day. Further, we demonstrate that the dominant bacteria associated with these microbial changes throughout production are subject to change between days and might be influenced by specific cheese manufacturing practices. These findings improve understanding of microbial contamination patterns in modern food manufacturing facilities, therefore improving our ability to develop strategies to minimize quality losses due to microbial spoilage.
Gene Therapy for Central Nervous System Tumors

Molecular oncology and recombinant DNA technologies have greatly increased our understanding of molecular mechanisms that are altered during malignant transformation, facilitating the development of new approaches to cancer treatment. Rapid progress in the development of gene therapy for the treatment of nervous system tumors could impact greatly on the practice of neuro-oncology. In this report, we describe potential strategies and review recent advances for the use of gene therapy to treat these tumors.
Phosphatidylserine as an anchor for plasminogen and its plasminogen receptor, histone H2B, to the macrophage surface.

Summary. Background: Plasminogen (Plg) binding to cell surface Plg receptors (Plg-Rs) on the surface of macrophages facilitates Plg activation and migration of these cells. Histone H2B (H2B) acts as a Plg-R and its cell surface expression is up-regulated when monocytes are differentiated to macrophages via a pathway dependent on L-type Ca2+ channels and intracellular Ca2+. Objectives: We sought to investigate the mechanism by which H2B, a protein without a transmembrane domain, is retained on the macrophage surface. Methods: THP-1 monocytoid cells were induced to differentiate with interferon gamma + Vitamin D3 or to undergo apoptosis by treatment with camptothecin. Flow cytometry and cell surface biotinylation followed by Western blotting were used to measure the interrelationship between Plg binding, cell surface expression of H2B and outer membrane exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS). Results: H2B interacted directly with PS via an electrostatic interaction. Anti-PS or PS binding proteins, annexin V and protein S, diminished H2B interaction with PS on the surface of differentiated or apoptotic cells and these same reagents inhibited Plg binding to these cells. L-type Ca2+ channels played a significant role in PS exposure, H2B surface expression and Plg binding induced either by differentiation or apoptosis. Conclusions: These data suggest that H2B tethers to the surface of cells by interacting with PS on differentiated or apoptotic monocytoid cells. L-type Ca2+ channels regulate PS exposure on the surface of these cells. The exposed PS interacts directly with H2B and hence provides sites for Plg to bind to.
α-Keto Acid Dehydrogenase Complexes: XIII. REACTION OF SULFHYDRYL GROUPS IN PYRUVATE DEHYDROGENASE WITH ORGANIC MERCURIALS

Pyruvate dehydrogenase, one of the three enzymes comprising the Escherichia coli pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, was rapidly inactivated by treatment with p-mercuribenzenesulfonate or p-mercuribenzoate at pH 7.0. Similar results were obtained with free pyruvate dehydrogenase and with pyruvate dehydrogenase bound to dihydrolipoyl transacetylase. Inactivation of pyruvate dehydrogenase was accompanied by modification of 2 sulfhydryl groups per molecule of enzyme (mol wt 183,000). Inactivation of the enzyme by the mercurial did not affect its state of aggregation or its ability to combine with the transacetylase. Thiamine pyrophosphate and Mg2+ protected the enzyme against inactivation by the mercurial. Neither pyruvate nor Mg2+ was effective. In the presence of thiamine pyrophosphate and Mg2+, 2 —SH groups reacted with the mercurial without significant change in enzyme activity. Further treatment with the mercurial inactivated the enzyme and was accompanied by modification of 2 additional —SH groups. These results indicate that binding of thiamine pyrophosphate to the apoenzyme protected the two essential —SH groups and exposed, or enhanced the reactivity of, two nonessential —SH groups. The two essential —SH groups appear to be located either at the coenzyme binding sites or at other sites which, in turn, are modified by conversion of the apo- to the holoenzyme.
Plastic Deformation and Diffusionless Phase Changes in Metals — the Gold-Cadmium Beta Phase

Diffusionless transformation in Au-Cd single crystals containing about 50 atomic pet Cd was investigated by means of X-ray analysis of the orientation relationships, electrical resistivity measurements, and motion picture studies of the movement of boundaries between the new and old phases during transformation. The nucleation of diffusionless transformation by imperfections and the generation of imperfections by diffusionless transformation were discussed.
Total cross-section measurements for ^(14)(α, γ)18F

Total cross section measurements have been made for the ^(14)N(α,γ)^(18)F reaction for 0.5 ≦ E_α ≦ 1.2 MeV. A new resonance has been found at E_α(lab) = 0.56 MeV, corresponding to the 4.849 MeV state in ^(18)F. The quantity (2J + 1)Γ_αΓ_γ/Γ was determined to be (2.79±0.5) × 10^(−4) eV and 0.108±0.015 eV for states at E_α = 0.56 and 1.14 MeV, respectively. From a theoretical calculation of the cross section for direct radiative capture and an extrapolation of the tails of the measured resonances to E_α = 0.0, a value S ≈ 0.7 MeV · b has been estimated for the non-resonant S-factor. The astrophysical significance of the ^(14)N(α,γ)^(18)F reaction is discussed and the reaction rate, N_A〈 σν 〉, is calculated for temperatures 0.01 ≦ T_9 ≦ 1.0. The rate is accurately determined by the experimental measurements for T_9 > 0.09.
Flow Chart for Hearsay and the Confrontation Clause 'Crawford Through Bernadyn'

This paper was prepared for a course to be given to the Maryland Judicial Institute on April 18, 2012. The flow chart format with detailed explanations will be helpful to legal professionals in analysing the problems facing them with regard to the use of hearsay, and the confrontation clause in court proceedings.
Is Deontology a Heuristic? On Psychology, Neuroscience, Ethics, and Law

A growing body of psychological and neuroscientific research links dual-process theories of cognition with moral reasoning (and implicitly to legal reasoning as well). The relevant research appears to show that at least some deontological judgments are connected with rapid, automatic, emotional processing, and that consequentialist judgments (including utilitarianism) are connected with slower, more deliberative thinking. These findings are consistent with the claim that deontological thinking is best understood as a moral heuristic – one that generally works well, but that also misfires. If this claim is right, it may have large implications for many debates in politics, morality, and law, including those involving the role of retribution, the free speech principle, religious liberty, the idea of fairness, and the legitimacy of cost-benefit analysis. Nonetheless, psychological and neuroscientific research cannot rule out the possibility that consequentialism is wrong and that deontology is right. It tells us about the psychology of moral and legal judgment, but it does no more. On the largest questions, it leaves moral and legal debates essentially as they were before.
The role of folate in malaria – implications for home fortification programmes among children aged 6–59 months

Folic acid and iron supplementation has historically been recommended as the preferred anaemia control strategy among preschoolers in sub-Saharan Africa and other resource-poor settings, but home fortification of complementary foods with multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) can now be considered the preferred approach. The World Health Organization endorses home fortification with MNPs containing at least iron, vitamin A and zinc to control childhood anaemia, and calls for concomitant malaria control strategies in malaria endemic regions. Among other micronutrients, current MNP formulations generally include 88 μg folic acid (corresponding to 100% of the Recommended Nutrient Intake). The risks and benefits of providing supplemental folic acid at these levels are unclear. The limited data available indicate that folate deficiency may not be a major public health problem among children living in sub-Saharan Africa and supplemental folic acid may therefore not have any benefits. Furthermore, supraphysiological, and possibly even physiological, folic acid dosages may favour Plasmodium falciparum growth, inhibit parasite clearance of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP)-treated malaria and increase subsequent recrudescence. Even though programmatic options to limit prophylactic SP use or to promote the use of insecticide treated bed nets may render the use of folic acid safer, programmatic barriers to these approaches are likely to persist. Research is needed to characterise the prevalence of folate deficiency among young children worldwide and to design safe MNP and other types of fortification approaches in sub-Sahara Africa. In parallel, updated global guidance is needed for MNP programmes in these regions.
The Cambridge Electron Accelerator Beam Position Monitors

Electromagnetic beam monitors have been developed and used to measure the position of the center of charge of the electron beam in the C.E.A. Wideband (10 MHz) and narrow band (18 KHz) monitors are used, having sensitivities of 1.75 ?a/ma. inch and .472 ma/ ma. inch, and minimum detectable signals of 0.29 ma. inch and O. 1?a inch respectively.
Supervisory control as pattern for integrated IT management

Saving energy in large data centers has become a focus of research and development. For its realization, IT and facility control systems must be connected and coordinate their activities. Building such an integrated management system that operates automatically and reliably is a challenging task. The paper describes such a system that has been built in the HP Labs Palo Alto research data center. We discuss a particular aspect of such a system: how the integration logic of the various management and control systems can be designed more systematically, referring to a theoretic framework of supervisory control that had been developed for industrial automation in the late 1990's. We adopt the framework for constructing a set of coordinated controllers that are performing a set of desired management tasks.
K -shell Auger spectrum of atomic oxygen

We have observed the K-shell Auger spectrum in atomic oxygen. A total of ten transitions originating from the decay of the $^{4}$P and $^{2}$P states of the ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$(1${\mathit{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$) ion are identified and assigned to final states of the ${\mathrm{O}}^{2+}$ ion. Relative intensities for each of these transitions are obtained, allowing the extraction of the dependence of the Auger decay on the multiplet structure in both the initial and final states of this basic open-shell atom.
An Analysis of the F Scale: I. Item Factor Analysis

(1961). An Analysis of the F Scale: I. Item Factor Analysis. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 285-291.
When Communities Collide: Competing Claims for Archaeological Objects in the Market Place

Rather than recount a specific archaeological project and its community relationships, in the following, I consider the competing claims for archaeological objects by the various groups associated with the illegal and legal trade in antiquities. For nearly a decade I have examined the efficacy of cultural heritage laws in the protection of eastern Mediterranean archaeological landscapes. More specifically, I am interested in the contentious issues surrounding legalized antiquities markets as a means of protecting the archaeological past. In order to assess the value of various legal instruments I attempt to engage with the communities who claim an interest in the buying, selling, protection or appreciation of antiquities. The list of communities is long, varied and often at odds with each other. Reconciling these competing claims is a Herculean task, but one worthy of investigation as questions of inclusion, responsibilities and ownership of cultural heritage are at the forefront of an engaged archaeology.
Measurement of the limiting fictive temperature over five decades of cooling and heating rates

Abstract The fictive temperature (Tf) was defined by Tool in the 1940s as a measure of glassy structure. Tf is generally measured on heating and can be calculated from the enthalpy overshoot in calorimetric studies using a method developed by Moynihan. Prior work has demonstrated that the limiting fictive temperature (Tf′) is similar to Tg (measured on cooling) and depends on the cooling rate in a manner consistent with the Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF) relationship. Theoretically, the limiting fictive temperature should not depend on heating rate, but this has been experimentally verified only for a very limited range of heating rates. Here, rapid-scanning chip calorimetry and conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are combined to investigate Tf′ for polystyrene over a broad range of heating rates ranging from 0.017 to 3000 K/s after cooling at different rates. The results show that Tf′ depends on cooling rate following the WLF equation. On the other hand, Tf′ is not a function of heating rate, consistent with theoretical predictions, in spite of the change in the magnitude and placement of the enthalpy overshoot.
You Want Me to Trust a ROBOT? The Development of a Human–Robot Interaction Trust Scale

Trust plays a critical role when operating a robotic system in terms of both acceptance and usage. Considering trust is a multidimensional context dependent construct, the differences and common themes were examined to identify critical considerations within human–robot interaction (HRI). In order to examine the role of trust within HRI, a measurement tool was generated based on five attributes: team configuration, team processes, context, task, and system (Yagoda in Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, pp. 304–308, 2010). The HRI trust scale was developed based on two studies. The first study conducts a content validity assessment of preliminary items generated, based on a review of previous research within HRI and automation, using subject matter experts (SMEs). The second study assesses the quality of each trust scale item derived from the first study. The results were then compiled to generate the HRI trust measurement tool.
Evidence for large Holocene earthquakes on the Compton thrust fault, Los Angeles, California

[1] We demonstrate that the Compton blind thrust fault is active and has generated at least six large-magnitude earthquakes (Mw 7.0–7.4) during the past 14,000 years. This large, concealed fault underlies the Los Angeles metropolitan area and thus poses one of the largest deterministic seismic risk in the United States. We employ a methodology that uses a combination of high-resolution seismic reflection profiles and borehole excavations to link blind faulting at seismogenic depths directly to near-surface fault-related folding. Deformed Holocene strata record recent activity on the Compton thrust and are marked by discrete sequences that thicken repeatedly across a series of buried fold scarps. We interpret the intervals of growth as occurring after the formation of now-buried paleofold scarps that formed during uplift events on the underlying Compton thrust ramp. Minimum uplift in each of the scarp-forming events, which occurred at 0.7–1.75 ka (event 1), 0.7–3.4 ka or 1.9–3.4 (event 2), 5.6–7.2 ka (event 3), 5.4–8.4 ka (event 4), 10.3–12.5 ka (event 5), and 10.3–13.7 ka (event 6), ranged from ∼0.6 to ∼1.9 m, indicating minimum thrust displacements of ≥1.3 to 4.2 m. Such large displacements are consistent with the occurrence of large-magnitude earthquakes (Mw ≥ 7). This multidisciplinary methodology provides a means of defining the recent seismic behavior, and therefore the hazard, for blind thrust faults that underlie other major metropolitan regions around the world.
Phototherapy treatment of psoriasis today

The use of the various forms of phototherapy remains an essential treatment option for psoriasis vulgaris. Expertise concerning the mechanisms involved with the actions of therapeutic ultraviolet light and the proper delivery of office-based treatments resides within the specialty of dermatology. New therapies for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis will soon become available which have specific actions on the cutaneous immune system. A better understanding of the known mechanisms of action for ultraviolet light therapy makes it appropriate to include this area of treatment with new biologic agents. Photochemotherapy and various forms for delivery of narrow band ultraviolet B can be used as treatments, either as monotherapy or in combination with other agents, to effectively treat moderate and severe psoriasis.
Evaluation of seismic site factors in the Mississippi Embayment. I. Estimation of dynamic properties

Deep deposits of the Mississippi Embayment, overlying the New Madrid Seismic Zone, present unique challenges for the estimation of local site effects on propagated ground motion. Limited information is available on the dynamic properties of these deposits. This paper develops generalized depth dependent modulus degradation and damping curves specific to the embayment deposits. Depth dependent small strain damping is estimated using weak motion recordings during the Enola earthquake, 2001. Modulus degradation and damping curves are further constrained using limited laboratory test data of embayment soils at low confining pressure. At high confining pressures embayment specific data is unavailable and test data from outside the embayment is used in developing the dynamic properties. The representative modulus degradation and damping curves are used in non-linear and equivalent linear one-dimensional site response analyses. A companion paper describes a large-scale probabilistic seismic hazard analysis study in the Mississippi Embayment that integrates non-linear site effects.
A Neural Network Driven Fuzzy System Approach to Decision-Making

It is necessary to model and manage uncertainties efficiently and effectively in solving decision-making problems. Fuzzy reasoning and logic offers a natural means of handling un­ certainty. This paper discus.'ses the development of an architecture that utilizes the advantages of fuzzy logic and neural networks that can be used in decision-making. The present paper outlines the reasons that motivate development of models that integrate fuzzy logic and neural networks. This discussion is followed by a brief overview of fuzzy logic and its concepts that are essential in understanding the application presented in the paper. The paper then describes the classification procedure used by the model, which is followed by its application to the decision making problem in construction modularization. INTRODUCTION In solving decision-making problems, it is essential to model and manage uncertainties efficiently and effectively. There can be several causes of uncertainty in a decision-making situation, such as problem complexity, ill-posed questions, imprecision in computations, ambi­ guity in data/knowledge representation, problems in input interpretations, and noise of several types (Keller & Tahani, 1992). In the past, rule-based expert systems have been used for han­ dling uncertainty in such problems. Generally, the expert systems are based on classical logic and developers need to add special methods for handling uncertainty. Some of the methods used for handling uncertainty in expert systems include heuristic approaches, probability theory, pos­ sibility theory, and fuzzy theory. Fuzzy reasoning and logic offers a more natural means of handling uncertainty. All propo­ sitions can be modeled by possibility distributions over appropriate domains. Since fuzzy rea­ soning realizes the flexible reasoning similar to human logical reasoning, a considerable amount of research work has been performed in this (Takagi & Hayashi, 1991). Still there are some problems related to fuzzy reasoning to be solved, such as finding an easy to implement
Mark-recapture without estimating population sizes: a tool to evaluate termite baits.

The mark–recapture technique is currently being used by many termite researchers. Here it's two uses are explained and disentangled. Use 1 is mapping the geographical location of the colony and use 2 is estimating the number of termites in the colony. Use 2 is controversial because the accuracy of the estimates has been widely questioned. In this article, it is explained that use 1 is not controversial and that use 1 (not use 2) is the criterion that is currently being used for evaluating the efficacy of termite baits.
The impact of land development regulation on residential tree cover: An empirical evaluation using high-resolution IKONOS imagery

Public sector policies regulating land development can have a major influence on the environmental impacts of urban development, yet few empirical studies have examined the impact of these policies. Our study attempted to address this gap by examining the relationship between a land development code associated with the protection of trees and the extent of urban tree cover on residential parcels. We developed an accurate very high resolution urban tree cover classification using IKONOS imagery, quantified parcel-specific tree cover and evaluated the relationship between year of construction, adoption of a tree ordinance and extent of canopy cover in Tampa, Florida, USA and in nearby areas lacking similar regulation. Statistical results revealed significantly greater tree cover on parcels with homes built after compared to before adoption of tree protection policies, despite a trend toward increased building cover. After controlling for the effects of spatial dependence and relevant physical and socio-demographic characteristics at the census block, multivariate regression results indicate the percentage of homes built after implementing the policy was a strong predictor of increased tree cover. These results and comparisons with nearby areas further suggest Tampa's 1974 tree protection regulations appears to have been effective at increasing tree cover, but other influential factors were also at work. This study demonstrates the potential for evaluating the impact of specific land development policies using remote sensing and other spatial data analysis techniques. In addition, we argue that scientific evidence of the effectiveness of past policy should be used a guide for the creation of future land development regulation.
Modified R-ALOHA: Broadcast MAC protocol for Vehicular Ad hoc Networks

The primary objective of a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer in Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) is reliable and rapid broadcast of safety messages. Fast mobility of vehicles, hidden terminal problem, reliability, and congestion control of broadcast channel are challenging issues in VANETs. This paper proposes an R-ALOHA-based channel access mechanism that renders a broadcast channel capable of broadcast failure detection while at the same time maintaining congestion control. The proposal employs a combination of CSMA and TDMA techniques to mitigate the hidden terminal problem and combat fast mobility of vehicles in VANETs. Performance comparison of preexisting TDMA protocols and the proposed protocol — both analytical and in simulation — is also provided. Simulation results validate analytical models and demonstrate significantly improved reliability and increased channel assignment speed to manage the fast mobility of vehicles.
Molecular cloning, characterization, and genomic localization of a human potassium channel gene

Potassium (K+) channels are critical for a variety of cell functions, including modulation of action potentials, determination of resting membrane potential, and development of memory and learning. In addition to their role in regulating myocyte excitability, cardiac K+ channels control heart rate and coronary vascular tone and are implicated in the development of arrhythmias. We report here the cloning and sequencing of a k+ channel gene, KCNA1, derived from a human cardiac cDNA library and the chromosomal localization of the corresponding genomic clone. Oligonucleotides based on a delayed rectifier K+ channel gene were used in PCR reactions with human genomic DNA to amplify the S4-S6 regions of several different K+ channel genes. These sequences were used to isolate clones from a human cardiac cDNA library. We sequenced one of these clones, HCK1. HCK1 contains putative S2-S6 domains and shares approximately 70% sequence homology with previously isolated Shaker homologues. HCK1 was used to screen human cosmid libraries and a genomic clone was isolated. By sequencing the genomic clones, a putative S1 domain and translation initiation sequences were identified. Genomic mapping using human-rodent somatic cell panels and in situ hybridization with human metaphase chromosomes have localized KCNA1 to the distal short arm of human chromosome 12. This work is an important step in the study of human cardiac K+ channel structure and function and will be of use in the study of human inherited disease.
Participatory design: barriers and possibilities

Scholars conducting analytical research in multimodal interaction design have not paid enough attention to the use of disabled participants in their work. In this column I argue that participatory action research with these users is overdue for the sake of building a culture of accessible designs. Working on a larger project on participatory design for a book, this commentary records my initial thoughts on how participation by disabled users needs to be central to the overall production cycle. I begin with the premise that each disabled user participates in this multimodal discourse from an entirely different vantage point shaped by their social, physical, and artistic experiences. It also emphasizes that each user interacts with multimodality differently depending upon the body they have, the adaptive technology they employ, and the uses they have for multimodality.
A Reynolds–Ellis equation for line contact with shear-thinning

A form of the Reynolds equation is lacking for the general shear-thinning that evolves from linear response at low stress to power-law at high stress. The Ellis model is a reasonable description of the shear-thinning response at elevated pressure of those liquid lubricants with a strong dependence of viscosity on shear, that is, for a power-law exponent less than ½. A one-dimensional Reynolds-Ellis equation has been derived that can be written d dx{p'h 3 12μ + Γ μp '2 [(τ m - Φ 1 n + 2 + Φ)|τ m - Φ| 1 n + 1 - (τ m + Φ 1 n +2 - Φ)|τ m + Φ| 1 n + 1 ]} = μdh dx. This reduces to the one-dimensional form of Greenwood's Reynolds-Rabinowitsch equation for n= 1/3. Simple Grubin style solutions to the EHL line contact problem show that the new generalized Reynolds equation is an accurate form for an Ellis fluid. Unfortunately, the Ellis model is not ideal, as the transition to shear-thinning becomes extremely broad for n < 1/2. The Ellis model does, however, provide an exact solution for a sliding line contact for a liquid that possesses a zero shear viscosity along with a variable power-law exponent, and it may be unique in this respect. Future work should consider a two-dimensional Reynolds equation for more accurate models of moderately shear-thinning lubricants such as Carreau.
MEMS-Based Microcalorimeter for Liquid Samples

Advances in MEMS technology has enabled the development of microcalorimeters that have significant improvement in resolution over conventional calorimeters and require smaller samples. However, microcalorimeters have yet to accomplish the variety of tasks that are done by conventional calorimeters, such as study of the thermal properties of polymers and proteins that are typically in liquious state. These applications are especially important in the biomedical field, where combinatorial approaches are used to test a large number of variations in biomaterials. We present a design for a MEMS microcalorimeter that can be applied for a variety of liquid samples. The basic design of the microcalorimeter consists of low stress silicon nitride thin film with nickel resistive heater and thermometer. The heater and thermometer are thermally isolated from each other so that the thermometer accurately measures the temperature of the sample. The silicon nitride film containing the device is suspended over silicon substrate to achieve thermal isolation. Modulation calorimetry technique is used to determine the specific heat of the sample based on the temperature response of the sample when subjected to an AC-modulated heat source. A numerical model was developed to model the thermal behavior of the device. Initial numerical studies found that the device operates optimally at low frequencies, where with appropriate corrections, the device can yield values of heat capacity that are within one percent of the actual value.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Characterization of the intermediate (10 nm) filaments of cultured cells using an autoimmune rabbit antiserum

An antiserum has been found in a nonimmunized rabbit which reacts strongly with a system of filaments in various fibroblasts, epithelial cells, macrophages and neuroblastoma. These filaments are distinct from the actin microfilament bundles visualized by an antibody against actin, and they are not affected by brief treatment with cytochalasin B. The pattern of these filaments somewhat resembles that described for microtubules, but the filaments could be clearly distinguished from microtubules by a comparison of their respective immunofluorescent patterns during cell division. In response to the drugs colcemid and vinblastine, the filaments reacting with this preimmune serum condense to form a compact perinuclear coil of fibers, a distribution and behavior in agreement with that previously described for the 10 nm or intermediate filaments studied by electron microscopy. Further evidence supporting our conclusion that this antiserum reacts with intermediate filaments is provided by a comparison of electron micrographs and the immunofluorescent patterns from parallel cell cultures. To identify the antigens reacting with this antiserum we have used the new technique of immuno-autoradiography on SDS gels of whole cell extracts. Two reactive polypeptide chains have been identified with apparent molecular weights of 56,000 and 30,000 daltons.
NON‐NORMAL INCIDENCE INVERSION: EXISTENCE OF SOLUTION*

An inverse problem is one in which the parameters of a model are determined from measured seismic data. Important to the solution of inverse problems is the issue of whether or not a solution exists. In this paper we show, in a constructive manner, that a solution does exist to the specific inverse problem of determining the parameters of a horizontally stratified, lossless, isotropic and homogeneous layered system that is excited by a non-normal incidence (NNI) plane wave. Mode conversion between P- and S-waves is included. We develop a seven-step layer-recursive procedure for determining all of the parameters for layer j. These parameters are P-wave and S-wave velocities and angles of incidence, density, thickness, traveltimes, and reflection- and transmission-coefficient matrices. Downward continuation of data from the top of one layer to the top of the next lower layer is an important step in our procedure, just as it is in normal incidence (NI) inversion. We show that, in order to compute all parameters of layer j, we need to (and can) compute some parameters for layer j+ 1. This is a non-causal phenomenon that seems to be necessary in NNI inversion but is not present in NI inversion.
Microdrop sample application in electrothermal atomization for atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract The application of liquid samples in the form of microdrops, approximately 150 μm in diameter, to an electrothermal atomizer has been evaluated. This technique offers improved precision (1–2% RSD), microsampling capabiliteis, and simplified calibration with a single concentration standard. Examination of dried samples after deposition indicates reduced spreading and crystal size for microdrop and aerosol deposition compared with manula micropipetting methods. Crystal size and deposit spreading were found to correlate with the degree of suppression of lead signals by chloride and of gold signals by sulfate.
Fine structure of a melanotic progonoma or retinal anlage tumor of the anterior fontanel.

Abstract The fine structure of a tumor variously called pigmented ameloblastoma, retinal anlage tumor or melanotic progonoma is described. The fine-structure details of the melanocytes found in this study apparently corroborate the concept of granule formation in melanocytes as postulated by Moyer (1961) . No attempt has been made to elaborate on the controversy of histogenesis of this tumor. However, the presence of fibrils with the same general appearance of neurofilaments constitutes evidence to further the belief that this tumor is of neural crest origin.
Chlorine dioxide production on-demand under ambient temperature and pH in water

The oxyanions of chlorine have seen multiple uses from bleaching to oxidizers in rocket fuel. Concerns over their accumulation in the environment, particularly that of perchlorate, have risen over the past two decades. Both chlorate (ClO₃¯) and chlorite (ClO₂¯) are employed in the generation of chlorine dioxide gas (ClO₂), which has been used in water treatment, disinfections, the pulp bleaching industry, and as an oxidizing agent. The lack of stability of ClO₂ and difficulties associated with its storage require its generation on-demand. Current methods employ harsh and corrosive conditions that require sulfuric acid and produce large amounts of salt and unwanted byproducts. Inspired by nature and how microorganisms isolated from contaminated sites degrade the oxyanions of chlorine, our research group developed catalysts based on manganese, a cheap and earth-abundant metal, for the conversion of chlorite to ClO₂ under ambient temperature and pH in aqueous solution. Two families of catalysts have been shown effective for this reaction, water-soluble manganese porphyrin/heme complexes and manganese compounds supported by simple polypyridyl cage ligands. Several spectroscopic techniques such as UV-vis, EPR, X-ray, mass spectrometry, and ion chromatography have been employed in the characterization of intermediates and products. Study of the reaction kinetics in conjunction with isotope labeling experiments has lead to mechanistic insight on the relevant species involved in catalysis. The prevailing pathway appears to involve an unprecedented homolytic Cl-O bond cleavage of chlorite at the metal site to generate high-valent manganese oxo and solvated chlorine oxide radical. The implication of these mechanistic insights on the reaction chemistry and development of future practical catalysts will be discussed.
Detection and quantitation of phencyclidine in rat parotid saliva and plasma

Phencyclidine (PCP, Angel Dust) is one of the most commonly abused hallucinogens in today’s society. Owing to the increased incidence of toxicological problems associated with this drug, the identification and quantification of phencyclidine is of prime importance both from a medical as well as a legal point of view. As a result of this interest, various analytical procedures have been developed, including thin-layer chromatography [l] , gas chromatography [ 21 and radioimmunoassay [ 31. In addition, the quantitation of PCP in several biological specimens has been accomplished, including blood, plasma, urine and, recently, mixed rat saliva [ 41. Recent interest has developed concerning the effects and detection of PCP in saliva owing to the earlier report that PCP can cause a hypersalivation syndrome in some individuals [ 51. The investigation presented here had two major objectives: (1) to determine the effects of PCP on parotid salivary secretions in rats and (2) to identify and quantify PCP in rat parotid saliva using two different dosages and to calculate the corresponding parotid saliva/plasma ratios.
Fibrinogen as a Part of Platelet Structure

PLATELETS have been shown to contain a protein similar to, or identical with, fibrinogen1–4. Two groups of investigators have debated, whether fibrinogen would be present in the interior structure5 or on the surface1 of platelets, Salmon and Bounameaux5,6 demonstrated the presence of fibrinogen in bovine platelets after 7 washings with normal saline solutions, by using gel-diffusion techniques. They concluded that fibrinogen would be in the interior structure of the platelets. Seligmann et al.1 and Schmid et al.7, however, reached the conclusion that fibrinogen would be physically bound to the platelets on the surface, as the trypsin-treated platelets suspensions did not react with thrombin.
Developments in chemotherapy of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND Breast carcinoma is moderately sensitive to multiple antitumor agents. Cytotoxic combination regimens developed in the 1970s were shown to produce higher response rates and longer durations of response and survival than single-agent therapy. These regimens became the standard of care for the management of metastatic, hormone-refractory breast carcinoma, and more recently, for primary breast carcinoma. Randomized trials also have demonstrated that amthracycline-containing combinations were more effective than combinations without anthracyclines. The development of several new cytotoxic agents and novel antitumor strategies prompted this review. METHODS The author conducted a computerized literature search of MEDLINE and CANCERLIT and also reviewed the abstracts of major oncology meetings (ASCO, American Association for Cancer Research, ESMO, and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium) over the past 10 years. RESULTS Effective new cytotoxic drugs include the taxanes (paclitaxel and docetaxel), vinorelbine, gemcitabine, and capecitabine. The identification of specific molecular abnormalities (HER-2/neu or epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] overexpression) led to the development of targeted therapeutic intervention (monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors). Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody against the HER-2/neu oncoprotein, produced objective regression in 15–20% of patients with HER-2/neu–overexpressing breast carcinoma and improved the efficacy of paclitaxel. Other productive directions of therapeutic research include inhibition of intracellular signaling, interference with tumor angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation, and the development of vaccines. CONCLUSIONS Expanded understanding of the biology of breast carcinoma led to the development of rational therapeutic interventions, many of which are currently under active clinical development. Cancer 2000;88:3073–9. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Beta‐ray imaging surgical scintillation detector with visible light photon counter readout

Advances in medical imaging and microneurosurgery over the last 20 years have greatly increased the prospect of locating and removing the prominent mass of a braintumor, yet delineating the tumor boundary on the millimeter scale during surgery remains ambiguous. This thesis presents the development of a scintillation detector that images distributions of beta-ray radiation concentrated in tumortissue via an appropriate radiopharmaceutical. A modular design allows detector heads of various sizes to couple to photodetectors via fiber optics. The detectors are hand-held, maneuverable, and resolve beta-ray distributions from under 1 mm in extent. Intended use is following the removal of the main neoplasm, and the injection of a tumor specific, beta-ray labeled radiopharmaceutical such as used in PET. The short beta-ray range means the detector is sensitive only to surface activity. The aim is to guide a surgeon when removing residual malignant tissue.Images formed with this device allow rapid assay of the tissue bed, and distinction between concentrations of high activity and high background rates. The detector design uses a novel solid-state photomultiplier, the visible lightphoton counter (VLPC). The VLPC is an impurity band-gap avalanche photodiode with high gain (∼25 000) and high quantum efficiency (∼70%) capable of detecting single photons.
Predictors of Follow-Up Completion Among Runaway Substance-Abusing Adolescents and their Primary Caretakers

Follow-up rates reported among longitudinal studies that focus on runaway adolescents and their families are relatively low. Identifying factors associated with follow-up completion might be useful for improving follow-up rates and therefore study validity. The present study explored how individual- and family-level constructs, as well as research project activities, influence the follow-up completion rate among runaway adolescents (N = 140) and their primary caregiver. Results showed that follow-up completion rates decreased as the number of research assistants (RA) assigned to each case increased and as participants’ address changes increased. Additionally, among adolescents, more frequent alcohol use was associated with lower follow-up rates. The current findings suggest that researchers should (1) design their research so that one RA is assigned to each specific case, and (2) adjust their retention strategies to account for the differences in follow-up rates based upon the participants’ drug of choice and residential stability.
Familial spastic paraplegia with distal muscle wasting in the Old Order Amish; atypical Troyer syndrome or "new" syndrome.

The Troyer syndrome was found by Cross & McKusick (1967) in 20 members of 12 Old Order Amish families in Holmes County, Ohio; it is a form of hereditary spastic paraplegia combined with distal muscle wasting, i.e. signs of involvement of lower motor neurons. The condition usually begins at 1 to 2 years and progresses at variable rates. Further manifestations include growth retardation, delayed speech development with dysarthria and drooling, and cerebellar signs; mental functions are usually not affected but severe emotional lability is a common finding. Brothers in a Wisconsin Old Order Amish family are reported with spastic diplegia, mental retardation, behavioral disorder and shortness of stature; the condition apparently is not progressive, and may be a "new" syndrome but could also represent a variant of the Troyer syndrome. Autosomal recessive inheritance is most likely, although consanguinity of the parents could not be proven. Another child in this family suffers from focal scleroderma (morphea) which is not related to the neurological syndrome.