cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface and interface segregation in β-NiAl with and without Pt addition

The segregation of alloying components and impurities to the surface and to the Al2O3/alloy interface after high temperature oxidation is examined and compared in stoichiometric and Ni-rich NiAl alloys with and without Pt addition. The relationship between surface/interface segregation and the role of Pt in enhancing Al2O3 scale adhesion is discussed.
New HIV infections down 17% in past eight years.

The number of new HIV infections globally has been reduced by 17% in the past eight years largely because of more effective prevention policies, say new estimates released this week by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization. “Most of this progress has been in sub-Saharan Africa where there were 400 000 fewer infections in 2008 than in 2001,” Paul deLay, UNAIDS deputy executive director, told reporters. In 2008, the agencies estimate there were 33.4 million people living with HIV, 2.7 million were infected with the virus, and 2 million people died of AIDS related illnesses, he said. “This is clear evidence …
Myelin basic protein-primed T cells of female but not male mice induce nitric-oxide synthase and proinflammatory cytokines in microglia: implications for gender bias in multiple sclerosis.

Females are more susceptible than males to multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the underlying mechanism behind this gender difference is poorly understood. Because the presence of neuroantigen-primed T cells within the CNS is necessary for the development of MS, the present study was undertaken to investigate the activation of microglia by myelin basic protein (MBP)-primed T cells of male, female, and castrated male mice. Interestingly, MBP-primed T cells isolated from female and castrated male but not from male mice induced the expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-1α, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in microglia by cell-cell contact. Again there was no apparent defect in male microglia, because MBP-primed T cells isolated from female and castrated male but not male mice were capable of inducing the production of NO in male primary microglia. Inhibition of female T cell contact-mediated microglial expression of proinflammatory molecules by dominant-negative mutants of p65 and C/EBPβ suggest that female MBP-primed T cells induce microglial expression of proinflammatory molecules through the activation of NF-κB and C/EBPβ. Interestingly, MBP-primed T cells of male, female, and castrated male mice were able to induce microglial activation of NF-κB. However, MBP-primed T cells of female and castrated male but not male mice induced microglial activation of C/EBPβ. These studies suggest that microglial activation of C/EBPβ but not NF-κB by T cell:microglial contact is a gender-specific event and that male MBP-primed T cells are not capable of inducing microglial expression of proinflammatory molecules due to their inability to induce the activation of C/EBPβ in microglia. This novel gender-sensitive activation of microglia by neuroantigen-primed T cell contact could be one of the mechanisms behind the female-loving nature of MS.
A Uniformly Valid Model Spanning the Regimes of Geostrophic and Isotropic, Stratified Turbulence: Balanced Turbulence

Continuation d'une analyse presentee par Lilly ibid. (1983) 40, p. 749-761. Les ecoulements chaotiques, lorsque le nombre de Froude est petit, peuvent etre appeles turbulence balancee (ou equilibree) qui inclut alors deux regimes d'ecoulement turbulent comme cas limites: le regime ou le nombre de Rossby est petit, et la turbulence est appelee geostrophique, et le regime ou le nombre de Rossby est grand et le nombre de Froude petit, et la turbulence est appelee stratifiee, isotrope. Il apparait que les equations de balance constituent un modele pour un ecoulement atmospherique ou oceanique sur une large gamme d'echelles, depuis l'echelle planetaire jusqu'a celle ou F est petit et le rapport d'aspect H/L non eleve (∼1)
Performance of the star-shaped flyer in the study of brittle materials: Three dimensional computer simulations and experimental observations-.

A three dimensional finite element computer simulation has been performed to assess the effects of release waves in normal impact soft‐recovery experiments when a star‐shaped flyer plate is used. Their effects on the monitored velocity‐time profiles have been identified and their implications in the interpretation of wave spreading and spall signal events highlighted. The calculation shows that the star‐shaped flyer plate indeed minimizes the magnitude of edge effects. The major perturbation to the one‐dimensional response within the central region of the target plate results from spherical waves emanating from the corners of the star‐shaped plate. Experimental evidence of the development of a damage ring located in coincidence with the eight entrant corners of the flyer plate is reported. Microscopy studies performed in the intact recovered samples revealed that this damage ring eliminates undesired boundary release waves within the central region of the specimen. Consequently, the observed damage in compression and tension within this region can be attributed primarily to the conditions arising from a state of uniaxial strain.
CT detection of asymptomatic pancreatitis following ERCP.

Presence or absence of pancreatitis without symptoms attributable to pancreatitis was assessed by computed tomography (CT) in 31 patients who underwent CT following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) within a time interval of 0–9 days. Presence or absence of pancreatitis was proven by elevated or normal amylase, and/or surgery, and by symptoms related to pancreatitis. Twenty-five of the patients underwent ERCP without and six with sphincterotomies. Among the six patients, additional procedures included two stent placements, two balloon dilatations, and one basket retrieval. Eleven of 31 patients developed pancreatitis following ERCP. The incidence of pancreatitis was higher in the group with maneuvers (four of six patients or 66.7%) than that without maneuvers (seven of 25 or 28%). Asymptomatic pancreatitis was present in five of 31 patients or 16.1%, and three of these had CT evidence of severe pancreatitis. CT demonstration of pancreatitis following ERCP with or without maneuvers may not always indicate clinically relevant disease.
Metal oxides as catalysts for the oxidation of graphite

Abstract The oxides of a number of transition metals have been studied as catalysts for the oxidation of graphite by dry oxygen. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to measure ignition temperatures of doped polycrystalline graphite and changes in the microtopography of natural graphite crystals during the catalytic oxidation were investigated by optical microscopy. In many cases information on the chemical nature of the catalytic entities could be obtained by oxidizing mixtures of metal acetates and polycrystalline graphite in the thermobalance. Only those oxides which could be reduced by graphite to a lower oxide or to the metallic state appeared to function as active catalysts. The localized action of the catalyst particles gave rise to catalytic channeling and/or the promotion of etch pit formation on the graphite basal plane, depending on the nature of the catalyst.
Suburban Origins of the Tea Party: Spatial Dimensions of the New Conservative Personality:

This article explores the hypothesis that the wellsprings of the recent upswing in new conservative movements such as the Tea Party can be found in the socio-spatial context within which individuals are socialized. Non-urban forms of space possess certain social and structural characteristics that can shape styles of moral cognition that in turn lead to conservative predispositions within the personality structure of the individual. Suburban and exurban spaces tend to provide a context for new conservative world-views as a result of the ways social interaction shapes the moral-cognitive style of individuals. Dogmatic moral cognition is shaped by constrained forms of socialization that affect the ways individuals conceive their world and distort certain epistemic capacities. When activated by different forms of social threat or social change, they will be more inclined to turn to conservative movements and ideologies that express their insecurity and social anxieties that are themselves produced by the wor...
The xi function

Despite the fact that spectral and inverse spectral properties of one-dimensional SchrSdinger operators H=-d2/dx2§ have been extensively studied for seventy-five years, there remain large areas where our knowledge is limited. For example, while the inverse theory for operators on L2( ( -co , co)) is well understood in case V is periodic [12], [24], [25], [35], [39]-[42], [49], it is not understood in case limjx]-.o~ V(x)=-co and H has discrete spectrum. Our goal here is to introduce a special function ~(x,A) on R • associated to H which we believe will be a valuable tool in the spectral and inverse spectral theory. In a sense we will make precise, it complements the Weyl m-functions, m+ (x, A). A main application of ~ which we will make here concerns a generalization of the trace formula for SchrSdinger operators to general V's. Recall the well-known trace formula for periodic potentials: Let V(x)=V(x-t-1). Then, by Floquet theory (see, e.g., [10], [37], [44]),
Finite Element Analysis of the Orthogonal Metal Cutting Process

Abstract In this paper, the orthogonal metal cutting process is analyzed with the finite element method under plane strain conditions. Frictional interaction along the tool–chip interface is modeled with a modified Coulomb friction law, and chip separation is based on a critical stress criterion and is simulated using a nodal release procedure. Finite element solutions of temperature, stress, strain, and strain rate fields have been obtained for a range of tool rake angle and friction coefficient values. Results showing how the tool–chip interfacial friction affects the field distributions are new and add to the existing knowledge base. This paper also reports the procedure and specific modeling techniques for simulating the orthogonal metal cutting process using a general-purpose finite element computer code. The findings of this paper provide useful insights for understanding and for improving the orthogonal metal cutting process.
Restorative resection: coloanal anastomosis for benign and malignant disease

Sixteen patients underwent anterior resection and coloanal anastomosis between October 1984 and September 1987. Indications included adenocarcinoma of the low rectum in 9, villous tumor in 2, carcinoid tumor in 1, radiation proctitis in 1, adult onset Hirschprung's disease in 1, rectourethral fistula in 1, and megarectum in 1. There was no in-hospital mortality and no anastomotic dehiscence. The Kirwan classification was used to evaluate functional results. Ninety-three percent of patients expressed satisfaction with their surgical results. Eighty-seven percent of patients are normally continent. A single patient is grossly incontinent. Eight of nine patients with carcinoma were resected for cure. A single patient has died of an unrelated disorder and the remaning seven are free of disease at an average follow-up of 24 months. The authors conclude that coloanal anastomosis is a safe procedure accompanied by minimal morbidity, or risk of local recurrence. Excellent, or at least acceptable, continence can be anticipated in the majortty of carefully selected patients. The coloanal anastomosis should be strongly considered in any patient with a lowlying rectal lesion in whom body habitus precludes the possibility of conventional low anterior resection.
Acute type a hepatitis in three patients with chronic HBV infection

We have studied three patients with chronic HBV infection who had a superimposed bout of type A hepatitis. The patients recovered uneventfully without observing a change in their clinical course afterwards. In one patient we observed transient disappearance of DNA polymerase during type A hepatitis; we have postulated that this is probably related to hepatic necrosis.
Performance of Atesta and Intact Peanut Seed in Field Plots, Field Microplots, Germination and Pathogenicity Tests1

.Stands from atesta (bald) seed 10 and 20 days after planting were 32.0 and 35.5% less than stands from intact seed in field plots. Thirty-two and 62 days after planting the fresh weights of plants from bald seed were 32.3 and 15.3% less than those from intact seed. Pod yield of plants from bald seed was 20.4% less than that from intact seed. Sound mature kernels (SMK) produced by plants from bald seed was 1.2% less than the SMK from intact seed. When plant populations in field plots were adjusted by covariance analysis to equal numbers, no difference in yield was predicted. Plants grown from bald and intact seed in field microplots fumigated with metam-sodium had no difference in yield or SMK. Bald seed germinated in 24 hr cycles of 20 C/16 hr + 30 C/8 hr had fewer normal rapid and more normal slow germinating seedlings than intact seed. At temperatures of 30 C/16 hr + 20 C/8 hr, there was no difference in germination percentages. In soil infested with Aspergillus niger van Tieghem at 21 C/12 hr + 27 C/12 hr there was no difference in seedling emergence from bald or intact seed after 22 days. At temperatures of 15 C/12 hr + 21 C/12 hr, seedling emergence from bald seed in A. niger infested and noninfested soil was less than that of intact seed in control soil. Emergence of seedlings from bald seed was zero and that from intact seed was less than other treatments at both temperature regimes in soil infested withRhizoctonia solani Kuhn anastomosis group 4.
Challenges confronting cross-sex friendships: “Much ado about nothing?”

This research was an investigation into four challenges purported to confront cross-sex friends. One hundred and thirty eight individuals (females = 86, males = 52) completed two surveys designed to explore the extent to which the “sexual,” “emotional bond,” “audience,” and “equality” challenges were present in their cross-sex friendships. Over 98% of the participants were heterosexual, 99% were Caucasian, and approximately 5% were Hispanic. Data gathered from the first survey were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance, with gender, type of friendship, and romantic status as the independent variables, and three of the four challenges as the dependent variables. The first survey also included open-ended questions designed to explore the nature and existence of the challenges. The second survey was in a diary format. Respondents kept a frequency count for three weeks of discussions they had with their cross-sex friend concerning the challenges, and thoughts that they had as individuals concerning those challenges. Results from both surveys indicate that though the challenges exist and have powerful effects on a small percentage of individuals in cross-sex friendships, for the majority of participants the challenges are not perceived as salient.
The effects of post-stress exposure to alcohol upon the development of alcohol consumption in rats.

Abstract A preference-drinking situation was used to test the effects of conditioned inhibition training upon relative alcohol preference. Using a backward, conditioned inhibition paradigm, water-deprived rats received daily shock presentations, followed immediately by alcohol exposure in a different neutral chamber. This post-shock exposure to alcohol drinking cues increased daily alcohol intake in the home cage, as tested 5 h later, relative to a no-shock control group. Results were interpreted in terms of a conditioned antagonistic-response interpretation of conditioned inhibition—increased relative preference for alcohol cues developed as a result of the association of alcohol cues with a post-shock, relief/relaxation response. These results have implications for the role of conditioned inhibitory processes in the initial development of alcoholism.
Packet Routing and PRAM Emulation on Star Graphs and Leveled Networks

We consider the problem of permutation routing on a star graph, an interconnection network which has better properties than the hypercube. In particular, its degree and diameter are sublogarithmic in the network size. We present optimal randomized routing algorithms that run in O(D) steps (where D is the network diameter) for the worst-case input with high probability. We also show that for the n-way shuffle network with N = nn nodes, there exists a randomized routing algorithm which runs in O(n) time with high probability. Another contribution of this paper is a universal randomized routing algorithm that could do optimal routing for a large class of networks (called leveled networks) which includes the star graph. The associative analysis is also network-independent. In addition, we present a deterministic routing algorithm, for the star graph, which is near optimal. All the algorithms we give are oblivious. As an application of our routing algorithms, we also show how to emulate a PRAM optimally on this class of networks.
SUSY dark matter: implications for collider searches and direct and indirect DM detection

Abstract The minimal supergravity model (mSUGRA) has become severely constrained by the WMAP determination of ΩCDMh2, BF(b → sγ) and (g − 2)μ. We determine the favored remaining regions of model parameter space, and their consequences for future searches for SUSY dark matter (DM) at colliders. We also exhibit regions of parameter space where direct detection of SUSY DM can occur. Finally, we note which regions are open to indirect searches for SUSY DM via neutrino telescope searches, or via observation of γs, e+s or p ¯ s from neutralino annihilation in the galactic core or halo.
ON MEASURES OF COUPLING BETWEEN THE ARTIFACT AND CONTROLLER OPTIMAL DESIGN PROBLEMS

Optimization of smart products requires optimizing both the artifact design and its controller. The presence of coupling between the design and control problems is an important consideration in choosing the system optimization method. Several measures of coupling have been proposed based on different viewpoints of the system. In this paper, two measures of coupling, a vector based on optimality conditions and a matrix derived from an extension of the global sensitivity equations, are shown to be related under certain conditions and to be consistent in their coupling determination. The measures’ physical interpretation and relative ease of use are discussed using the example of a positioning gantry. A further relation is derived between one measure and a modified sequential formulation that would give results sufficiently close to the true solutions.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Heterotopic abdominal pregnancy following two-blastocyst embryo transfer

Objective To report a case of a heterotopic primary abdominal pregnancy after two-blastocyst IVF-ET. Design Case report. Setting University-based IVF program. Patient(s) A woman with a heterotopic abdominal pregnancy after IVF-ET. Intervention(s) Pituitary down-regulation with luteal antagon, ovulation induction with menotropins, IVF-ET, progesterone in oil for luteal support, dilation and curettage for missed abortion, laparoscopy, and resection of abdominal gestation. Main Outcome Measure(s) Human chorionic gonadotropin levels, pelvic ultrasound examinations, and laparoscopic and pathologic findings. Result(s) A heterotopic abdominal pregnancy occurred after a two-blastocyst IVF-ET. The concurrent intrauterine gestation resulted in a miscarriage. Conclusion(s) The number of embryos transferred has been identified as a powerful risk factor for heterotopic pregnancy; however, heterotopic pregnancy can occur following a two-embryo, blastocyst stage transfer.
Advances in Neutron Activation Analysis

Abstract A. Aims of the Review The 50th anniversary of the description of neutron activation analysis (NAA) by Hevesy and Levi1 was celebrated at the Seventh Modern Trends in Activation Analysis Conference (MTAA-7) held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in June 1986. NAA is now considered to be a mature field. The principles are well understood, and no dramatic improvements in either instrumentation or methodology that would revolutionize the method are expected. This is in contrast to other analytical techniques where significant advances and changes in instrumentation and scope of applications are seen within a relatively short time. However, the field of NAA remains vigorous as researchers continue to develop innovative applications of NAA using existing facilities, link NAA with the developing technologies in separation science to form a unique and powerful new group of “hyphenated techniques”, refine sample handling and data processing procedures, and continually strive to improve the quality of the data gener...
Nursing leadership at the crossroads: evidence-based practice ‘Matching Michigan-minimizing catheter related blood stream infections’†

Aims and objectives: A highly successful intervention to reduce infections in intensive care units (ICUs) is now being widely replicated and involved significant nursing leadership. The objective of this manuscript is to describe briefly the intervention, and more explicitly the implications for nursing leadership as quality improvement and patient safety become global healthcare priorities. Design: Collaborative cohort study in over 100 ICUs in the United States to implement and evaluate interventions to improve patients' safety. Methods: Conceptual model aimed at improving clinicians' use of five evidence-based recommendations to reduce rates of catheter-related bloodstream infections rates, with measurement and feedback of infection rates. Results: One hundred and three ICUs contributed 1981 ICU-months of data representing 375,757 catheter-days. The median rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection per 1000 catheter-days decreased from 2.7 infections at baseline to 0 at 3 months after implementation of the study intervention (P ≤ 0·002), and the mean rate per 1000 catheter-days decreased from 7.7 at baseline to 1.4 at 16–18 months of follow-up (P < 0·002). During the sustainability period, the mean bloodstream infection rate did not significantly change from the initial 18 month postimplementation period (−1%, 95% confidence interval −9% to 7%). Eighty seven percent of the original study participants had data available for the sustainability study. Conclusions: Broad use of this intervention with achievement of similar results could substantially reduce the morbidity and costs associated with catheter-related bloodstream infections. Relevance to clinical practice: The initial Michigan study and the follow-up analysis, that demonstrated sustained improvements, are leading to similar projects in other countries, include the Matching Michigan project in England. Discussing not only the technical components of the program, but also the nursing leadership aspects may assist nurses just embarking on this work.
α‐Chlorination of Carboxylic Acids Using Trichloroisocyanuric Acid

Abstract Carboxylic acids are chlorinated in the α position by heating with trichloroisocyanuric acid after formation of a small amount of the acid chloride using phosphorus trichloride.
Involving Students in a Collaborative Project to Help Discover Inexpensive, Stable Materials for Solar Photoelectrolysis.

In general, laboratory experiments focus on traditional chemical disciplines. While this approach allows students the ability to learn and explore fundamental concepts in a specific area, it does not always encourage students to explore interdisciplinary science. Often little transfer of knowledge from one area to another is observed, as students are given step-by-step instructions on how to complete their task with little involvement or problem solving. Herein, we provide an example of a real-time research laboratory experiment that is aimed at individual’s exploration and development, with the scientific goal of discovering inexpensive, stable oxide semiconductors that can efficiently photoelectrolyze water to a useable fuel, hydrogen. Students create unique metal oxide semiconductors combinations, scan the samples for photoactivity using a purchased scan station, and report their findings to a collaborative database. A distinctive feature of the project is its ability to be implemented in a variety of ...
Hewlett‐Packard and the intranet — case study and alliances

Hewlett‐Packard has implemented a corporate intranet to support mission‐critical systems that rivals the global Internet in scale. This paper discusses the drivers and results achieved through its implementation and looks to the near future for its next evolution. Hewlett‐Packard and Netscape Communications have recently announced an alliance aimed at ‘Delivering enterprise intranet solutions’. The second part of this paper describes the form this will take focusing on the technology areas currently under ongoing joint development.
EFFECTS OF MONOMER AND TEMPLATE CONCENTRATION ON THE KINETICS OF NONENZYMATIC TEMPLATE-DIRECTED OLIGOGUANYLATE SYNTHESIS

To identify key parameters which influence the efficiency of nonenzymatic template-directed oligonucleotide reactions, a kinetic study of oligoguanylate synthesis on a polycytidylate (poly(C)) template has been performed. This oligomerization is satisfactorily described by three kinetic processes: (i) dimerization to form the first primer (k2), (ii) elongation of a preformed primer (ki, i ≥ 3), and (iii) hydrolysis of the monomer to form deactivated material (kh), with kh < k2 < ki. This is the first reported study that includes rate determinations of ki as a function of the concentration of both poly(C) template and the activated monomer, guanosine 5‘-monophosphate-2-methylimidazolide (2-MeImpG), in the range 2 mM ≤ [poly(C)] ≤ 50 mM and 5 mM ≤ [2-MeImpG] ≤ 50 mM. ki values determined under conditions where the template is fully saturated with monomer are practically independent of both monomer and polymer concentration and thus strongly support a template-directed elongation model. Values of ki determi...
Metabolism of monofluoro- and monochlorobenzoates by a denitrifying bacterium

Monofluoro- and monochlorobenzoates did not support the growth of Pseudomonas PN-1, either aerobically or anaerobically (nitrate respiration), when supplied as sole sources of carbon and energy. Anaerobic growth yields on nonfluorinated substrates were increased by p-fluorobenzoate (pFBz) with a utilization of pFBz and release of F-. Cell suspensions grown on p-hydroxybenzoate (pOHBz), either aerobically or anaerobically, only degraded o-fluorobenzoate (oFBz) and pFBz of the monohalogenated benzoates tested. Both compounds were catabolized anaerobically, but not aerobically, with a release of F-. oFBz was immediately attacked, by cells grown anaerobically on pOHBz, whereas pFBz was only degraded after a lag phase; chloramphenicol inhibited the breakdown of pFBz, but not oFBz, thereby indicating the need for additional enzyme(s) to attack pFBz. o-Chlorobenzoate (oClBz) inhibited the anaerobic, but not aerobic, oxidation of pOHBz and stopped anaerobic growth on pOHBz. A mutant was isolated which metabolized pOHBz in the presence of oClBz but it was defective in its anaerobic metabolism of benzoate (Bz). Comparative studies, of the mutant and Pseudomonas PN-1, indicated that the mutation involved a metabolic site common to Bz, oClBz and the monofluorobenzoates. The dependence of the oxidation rate of Bz and oFBz on their concentrations at a millimolar level, in the mutant but not Pseudomonas PN-1, suggested a defect at the permease level: the uptake of 14C-labelled Bz by the mutant was also concentration-dependent. The response of the organism to the inhibitory effect of oClBz on pOHBz catabolism is discussed with respect to its significance in the perturbation of natural degradative processes by unnatural chemicals in the environment.
General Deterrence between Enduring Rivals: Testing Three Competing Models.

General deterrence, unlike immediate deterrence, has rarely been analyzed in a systematic comparative manner. We outline a research design for doing so, by studying the circumstances under which, in a set of enduring rivalries, challengers are likely to initiate militarized disputes. We indicate the conceptual and operational steps necessary to make and empirically compare predictions stemming from three often-competing theoretical frameworks: rational deterrence, a general model of rational conflict initiation, and a cognitive psychological model of behavior emphasizing risk orientation and misperception. The results of probit analysis on a pooled time series of enduring rivalries since 1945 provide support for hypotheses from each of the different theoretical models.
Exploring careers while learning Alice 3D: a summer camp for middle school girls

We discuss a study conducted during a summer program for middle school girls that emphasized possible future careers that rely on computer technology. During the weeklong camp middle school girls created an original computer project, visited campus computer labs and listened to invited speakers - all with computer technology as the central theme. This paper discusses the program, girls' reactions to their experiences, and the projects they created during the summer camp.
Deformation of White Blood Cells Firmly Adhered to Endothelium

Circulating white blood cells adhere to endothelium near an infection site; this occurs because infection causes ligands to be expressed on activated endothelium. Initially, a white blood cell rolls on the substrate, but eventually forms a firm adhesion, allowing it to crawl through the endothelial layer toward the infected tissue. A computational model of bond kinetics, cell deformability, and fluid dynamics was used to model the forces experienced by a cell during this process. The cell was modeled as a fluid-filled membrane; on its surface were hundreds of deformable microvilli—little fingers, ruffles in the white blood cell’s wrinkly membrane. These microvilli were deformable and their tips were decorated with PSGL-1 chemical receptors which bound to P-selectin ligands on the surface. Softer cells and cells subjected to higher fluid shear stress deformed more, and having more contact area, they formed more bonds and were able to resist more hydrodynamic load.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
p16 Immunohistochemistry As a Standalone Test for Risk Stratification in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It is widely acknowledged that human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal carcinoma is a biologically unique form of head and neck cancer that should be singled out and treated differently. It is now incumbent to find a test (or combination of tests) that accurately identifies cancers with the associated favorable prognosis for proper patient counseling and management and for placing patients in the correct treatment arms in the emerging clinical trials that are attempting to establish unique treatment types and approaches. The test (or combination of tests) that are utilized must be widely available, reliable, easy to interpret, and well-validated. While HPV-specific testing seems completely logical to use as a single test or one of a combination of tests, it turns out to be quite complicated in practice. Because of the different forms of the virus, the differing types of HPV-specific tests can give different information. HPV DNA, RNA, and protein assays have varying sensitivities for virus detection and also varying availability from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Since p16 protein over expression is very sensitive for the presence of transcriptionally-active HPV and since it correlates strongly with patient outcomes, is widely available, and easy to interpret, it appears to currently be the single test that combines all of the desired attributes in a risk stratification marker for widespread implementation in clinical and research study settings. This article will review the literature on p16 immunohistochemistry and its relation to HPV-specific testing, discuss some practical issues related to its implementation, and present the case for why it should be the single test used for this purpose.
Case study: evidence of a strategic marketing paradigm in a growing SME

Asserts that SMEs are increasingly viewed as the major source of jobs within the UK, but that there is considerable evidence that many fail to grow. Focuses on the development of a particular SME, Pine Cabin, and seeks to highlight the set of factors (mainly internal) which have enabled it to grow. These internal factors are probed and conclusions reached. The research objectives are: (1) how significant was Pine Cabin’s growth?; (2) what were the major contributory factors; and (3) what lessons do theoretical perspectives provide? Concludes that marketing planning, the correct marketing mix, the firm’s strategic approach and, in particular, value chain management have lead to the firm’s financial success.
Physiological function of gastrin-releasing peptide and neuromedin B receptors in regulating itch scratching behavior in the spinal cord of mice.

Pruritus (itch) is a severe side effect associated with the use of drugs as well as hepatic and hematological disorders. Previous studies in rodents suggest that bombesin receptor subtypes i.e. receptors for gastrin-releasing peptide (GRPr) and neuromedin B (NMBr) differentially regulate itch scratching. However, to what degree spinal GRPr and NMBr regulate scratching evoked by intrathecally administered bombesin-related peptides is not known. The first aim of this study was to pharmacologically compare the dose-response curves for scratching induced by intrathecally administered bombesin-related peptides versus morphine, which is known to elicit itch in humans. The second aim was to determine if spinal GRPr and NMBr selectively or generally mediate scratching behavior. Mice received intrathecal injection of bombesin (0.01–0.3 nmol), GRP (0.01–0.3nmol), NMB (0.1–1nmol) or morphine (0.3–3 nmol) and were observed for one hour for scratching activity. Bombesin elicited most profound scratching over one hour followed by GRP and NMB, whereas morphine failed to evoke scratching response indicating the insensitivity of mouse models to intrathecal opioid-induced itch. Intrathecal pretreatment with GRPr antagonist RC-3095 (0.03–0.1 nmol) produced a parallel rightward shift in the dose response curve of GRP-induced scratching but not NMB-induced scratching. Similarly, PD168368 (1–3 nmol) only attenuated NMB but not GRP-induced scratching. Individual or co-administration of RC-3095 and PD168368 failed to alter bombesin-evoked scratching. A higher dose of RC-3095 (0.3 nmol) generally suppressed scratching induced by all three peptides but also compromised motor function in the rotarod test. Together, these data indicate that spinal GRPr and NMBr independently drive itch neurotransmission in mice and may not mediate bombesin-induced scratching. GRPr antagonists at functionally receptor-selective doses only block spinal GRP-elicited scratching but the suppression of scratching at higher doses is confounded by motor impairment.
DBF8, an essential gene required for efficient chromosome segregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract To investigate chromosome segregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we examined a collection of temperature-sensitive mutants that arrest as large-budded cells at restrictive temperatures (L. H. Johnston and A. P. Thomas, Mol. Gen. Genet. 186:439-444, 1982). We characterized dbf8, a mutation that causes cells to arrest with a 2c DNA content and a short spindle. DBF8 maps to chromosome IX near the centromere, and it encodes a 36-kDa protein that is essential for viability at all temperatures. Mutational analysis reveals that three dbf8 alleles are nonsense mutations affecting the carboxy-terminal third of the encoded protein. Since all of these mutations confer temperature sensitivity, it appears that the carboxyl-terminal third of the protein is essential only at a restrictive temperature. In support of this conclusion, an insertion of URA3 at the same position also confers a temperature-sensitive phenotype. Although they show no evidence of DNA damage, dbf8 mutants exhibit increased rates of chromosome loss and nondisjunction even at a permissive temperature. Taken together, our data suggest that Dbf8p plays an essential role in chromosome segregation.
Conditioned morphine withdrawal in the hamster.

Conditioned withdrawal among golden Syrian hamsters was studied in two experiments. In experiment 1, morphine-pelleted (75 mg) hamsters were observed for signs of withdrawal (wet-dog shakes, etc.) before and after a naloxone (1 mg/kg) injection that was administered in a distinctive environment. Withdrawal signs that occurred in the distinctive environment before the naloxone injection were defined as anticipatory conditioned withdrawal responses. Two, 9, and 30 days following pellet removal, retention of conditioned withdrawal responding was assessed in the distinctive environment before and after a saline injection. Results indicated that: a) withdrawal intensity was a direct function of the number of implanted pellets; b) conditioned withdrawal occurred among animals withdrawn in the distinctive environment, but not among those withdrawn in the home cage; c) conditioned withdrawal was a non-monotonic function of precipitated withdrawal intensity; d) conditioned withdrawal was evident up to 30 days after pellet removal. In experiment 2, conditioned withdrawal was extinguished by repeated exposure to the distinctive environment in the absence of precipitated withdrawal. It was concluded that environmental stimuli associated with theabsence of morphine (i.e., precipitated withdrawal) elicit conditioned withdrawal. The results are compared to similar findings in rats and humans.
Replicated batch means for steady-state simulations with initial transients

We provide asymptotic expressions for the expected value and variance of the replicated batch means variance estimator when the stochastic process being simulated has an additive initial transient. These expressions explicitly show how the initial transient and the autocorrelation in the data affect the performance of the estimator. We apply our results to study how many replications will minimize the asymptotic bias of the variance estimator for a simple example.
Initial investigation using statistical process control for quality control of accelerator beam steering.

Background: This study seeks to increase clinical operational efficiency and accelerator beam consistency by retrospectively investigating the application of statistical process control (SPC) to linear accelerator beam steering parameters to determine the utility of such a methodology in detecting changes prior to equipment failure (interlocks actuated). Methods: Steering coil currents (SCC) for the transverse and radial planes are set such that a reproducibly useful photon or electron beam is available. SCC are sampled and stored in the control console computer each day during the morning warm-up. The transverse and radial - positioning and angle SCC for photon beam energies were evaluated using average and range (Xbar-R) process control charts (PCC). The weekly average and range values (subgroup n = 5) for each steering coil were used to develop the PCC. SCC from September 2009 (annual calibration) until two weeks following a beam steering failure in June 2010 were evaluated. PCC limits were calculated using the first twenty subgroups. Appropriate action limits were developed using conventional SPC guidelines. Results: PCC high-alarm action limit was set at 6 standard deviations from the mean. A value exceeding this limit would require beam scanning and evaluation by the physicist and engineer. Two low alarms were used to indicate negative trends. Alarms received following establishment of limits (week 20) are indicative of a non-random cause for deviation (Xbar chart) and/or an uncontrolled process (R chart). Transverse angle SCC for 6 MV and 15 MV indicated a high-alarm 90 and 108 days prior to equipment failure respectively. A downward trend in this parameter continued, with high-alarm, until failure. Transverse position and radial angle SCC for 6 and 15 MV indicated low-alarms starting as early as 124 and 116 days prior to failure, respectively. Conclusion: Radiotherapy clinical efficiency and accelerator beam consistency may be improved by instituting SPC methods to monitor the beam steering process and detect abnormal changes prior to equipment failure. PACS numbers: 87.55n, 87.55qr, 87.56bd
Electrical Coupling between Mammalian Cones

Abstract Background: Cone photoreceptors are noisy because of random fluctuations of photon absorption, signaling molecules, and ion channels. However, each cone's noise is independent of the others, whereas their signals are partially shared. Therefore, electrically coupling the synaptic terminals prior to forward transmission and subsequent nonlinear processing can appreciably reduce noise relative to the signal. This signal-processing strategy has been demonstrated in lower vertebrates with rather coarse vision, but its occurrence in mammals with fine acuity has been doubted (even though gap junctions are present) because coupling would blur the neural image. Results: In ground squirrel retina, whose triangular cone lattice resembles the human fovea, paired electrical recordings from adjacent cones demonstrated electrical coupling with an average conductance of approximately 320 pS. Blur caused by this degree of coupling had a space constant of approximately 0.5 cone diameters. Psychophysical measurements employing laser interferometry to bypass the eye's optics suggest that human foveal cones experience a similar degree of neural blur and that it is invariant with light intensity. This neural blur is narrower than the eye's optical blur, and we calculate that it should improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the cone terminal by about 77%. Conclusions: We conclude that the gap junctions observed between mammalian cones, including those in the human fovea, represent genuine electrical coupling. Because the space constant of the resulting neural blur is less than that of the optical blur, the signal-to-noise ratio can be markedly improved before the nonlinear stages with little compromise to visual acuity.
Glycosphingolipid patterns of peripheral blood lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes are cell specific.

We analyzed the amounts and types of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) from peripheral blood lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes isolated by counter-current elutriation. The three cell types contained different amounts of neutral and acidic GSLs. The highest amount of neutral GSLs (109 micrograms/10(8) cells) was found in granulocytes, with considerably less found in monocytes (11 micrograms/10(8) cells) and lymphocytes (4 micrograms/10(8) cells). The neutral GSLs were composed of four types of lipids, GL1 through GL4 (mono-, di-, tri-, and tetraosylceramide). The highest percentage of GL1 was detected in lymphocytes and the lowest percentage in granulocytes, with the reverse order observed for GL2. GL3 and GL4, which were minor components of the neutral GSLs, were highly cell specific, with lymphocytes containing GL3 and GL4 of the globo series, granulocytes containing GL3 and GL4 of the lacto or neolacto series, and monocytes containing GL3 and GL4 of both types. The acidic GSL, sialosyl hexaosylceramide (lacto-series), was abundant in granulocytes but not in monocytes or lymphocytes. Another ganglioside, GM3, although present in all three cell types, was most abundant in monocytes and lymphocytes, whereas sialosyl paragloboside was higher in granulocytes than in lymphocytes and monocytes. These results indicate that peripheral blood lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes have distinct "GSL fingerprints."
Protein fragment clustering and canonical local shapes

A novel clustering method is used to cluster protein fragments by shape. The centroids (mean fragments from each cluster) form a basis set of structural motifs. A database of 156,643 seven-residue fragments is used, and eight different basis sets with varying levels of resolution are generated. Coarse basis sets contain tens of centroids and provide meaningful local shapes, which are more detailed than the traditional secondary structure categories. High-resolution basis sets contain thousands of centroids and can be used to model tertiary structure of longer segments. The basis sets generated fit nontraining set proteins with the expected accuracy.
On leakage power optimization in clock tree networks for ASICs and general-purpose processors

Abstract Leakage power has grown significantly and is a major challenge in SoC design. Among SoC's components, clock distribution network power accounts for a large portion of chip power. This paper proposes to deploy sleep transistor insertion (STI) in the clock tree of datapaths in ASICs or in general-purpose processors in order to reduce leakage power. It characterizes the effect of sleep transistor sharing and sizing on clock tree wakeup time, leakage power, and propagation delay. It then uses these characteristics during leakage power optimization. It describes a post synthesis sleep transistor insertion (PSSTI), a heuristic clustering algorithm for sleep transistor insertion with the objective of total power minimization in a given clock tree. Sleep transistor sharing and sizing are deployed in order to meet the clock skew and wakeup delay constraints. The potential benefits of STI in ASIC design are evaluated using a standard industrial VLSI-CAD flow including sleep-transistor insertion and routing after the clock synthesis and place-and-route of the benchmark circuits. The results show that the clock tree leakage power is reduced by 19–32% depending on the topology of the synthesized clock tree. We also apply PSSTI in the clock tree of the datapaths in general-purpose processors using architectural control of the sleep mode. This achieves a reduction in the leakage power and the dynamic power of the clock tree within different datapath components (adder, multiplier, etc.) of as much as 80%. This approach is also applicable to other on-chip structure where inverters are large in size and commonly used, e.g. SRAMs or networks-on-a-chip, which combined with the clock tree savings will significantly reduce processor or ASIC overall power consumption.
Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Further Characterization of a New Clinical Phenotype

Context: Patients with elevated PTH and consistently normal serum calcium levels, in whom secondary causes of hyperparathyroidism have been excluded, may represent the earliest presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Objective: The objective of the study was to characterize patients with normocalcemic PHPT referred to a bone disease unit. Design: This was a longitudinal cohort study. Setting: Ambulatory patients were referred to the metabolic bone disease unit. Patients: The study population included 37 patients [aged 58 yr, range 32–78; 95% female; serum calcium, 9.4 ± 0.1 (sem) mg/dl (2.3 ± 0.02 mmol/liter), reference range, 8.5–10.4 (2.1–2.6 mmol/liter); PTH, 93 ± 5 pg/ml]. Interventions: Interventions included yearly (median 3 yr; range 1–8 yr) physical examination, biochemical indices, and bone mineral density (BMD). Main Outcome Measures: We measured the development of features of PHPT. Results: Evaluation for classical features of PHPT revealed a history of kidney stones in five (14%), ...