cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract PR09: Alterations in cell junctions and neuroendocrine differentiation are key early steps in Crebbp/Ep300 mutation-driven SCLC development

The abundance and heterogeneity of somatic alterations in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) present immense challenges in identifying key mechanisms of tumor development. Functional characterization of recurrent mutations is an essential step towards understanding the early stages of SCLC development, but this remains extremely difficult due to the scarcity of relevant and tractable models for defining oncogenic drivers and molecular pathways. In a previous study, we derived precancerous cells (preSCs) from the Rb/p53/Rbl2-mutant mouse model of SCLC and developed an engineered preSC-based model of early tumor development. In this model, activation of oncogenic drivers transforms preSCs into tumorigenic cells that form spheroid clusters characteristic of SCLC in culture and subcutaneous tumors in athymic nude mice. Using this streamlined approach, we found that both retroviral amplification of the Myc family members and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation of Crebbp/Ep300 were sufficient to cause transformation of preSCs into SCLC cells. Notably, both sets of mutant preSC underwent a similar phenotypic change from adherent monolayers to spheroid aggregates, suggesting that the two different types of alterations interact with or converge on common molecular pathways. Comparative profiling of control preSCs and mutant preSCs carrying either a Myc family amplification or Crebbp/Ep300 mutation revealed that alterations in cell junctions and neuroendocrine differentiation are the most significant molecular changes during cellular transformation. The transformed preSCs exhibited decreased expression of adhesion-related genes, including Cdh1 and Dsp, but increased expression of mesenchymal genes Vim and Twist1. The transformed cells also showed reduced expression of neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation genes, including Ascl1, Chga, and Syp. Furthermore, these changes coincided with increased expression of Notch receptors and decreased expression of their ligands Dlls and Jags. Taken together, these novel findings suggest that a phenotypic switch from Dll/Jag-expressing NE cells to Notch-expressing non-NE cells is a key event in early SCLC development. This study also demonstrated that the preSC-based model can facilitate functional validation of recurrent mutations in SCLC and molecular pathways that will be further explored for mechanistic elucidation and development of targeted therapies. This abstract is also being presented as Poster A09. Citation Format: Dong-Wook Kim, Keebeom Kim, Colin T. Dunn, Kwon-Sik Park. Alterations in cell junctions and neuroendocrine differentiation are key early steps in Crebbp/Ep300 mutation-driven SCLC development [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR-IASLC International Joint Conference: Lung Cancer Translational Science from the Bench to the Clinic; Jan 8-11, 2018; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(17_Suppl):Abstract nr PR09.
Interpreting the chemical mechanism in SERS using a Raman bond model

We present a first-principles model that partitions Raman intensities to atomic and bond contributions. This framework allows us to interpret the chemical mechanism in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) as interatom charge flow modulations, which we define as Raman bonds. Hirshfeld partitioning and charge density localization are applied to express polarizability derivatives as charge flow modulations. Model systems consisting of pyridines, thiols, and carbenes interacting with metal clusters are studied using time-dependent density functional theory. We demonstrate that the mode-specific enhancements can be explained as Raman bonds conjugated across the molecule-metal interface. We also illustrate that the changes in Raman intensities induced by electric fields or chemical substitutions can generally be interpreted as changes of charge flows. The model is shown to work consistently for different types of molecule-metal bonds. Furthermore, our work shows that increasing the Raman bond conjugation across the interface leads to stronger chemical enhancements. The Raman bond model developed in this work provides a quantitative and intuitive interpretation of the chemical mechanism in SERS.
SQUAREMIX: A Faster Pseudorandom Number Generator for Dynamic-Multithreading Platforms

Many concurrency platforms offer a processor oblivious model of computation, where the scheduler dynamically distributes work across threads. While this is convenient, it introduces non\hyp determinism at runtime, which complicates debugging, since it precludes repeatability. Leiserson et al. [PPoPP '12] persuaded Intel to modify its C/C++ compiler, which provided the Cilk Plus concurrency platform, to include a feature called pedigrees, which enables determinism by uniquely identifying strands with low overhead. They used pedigrees to design a DPRNG called DOTMIX, which hashes a pedigree, then mixes the result into a random number for a given strand. Improving the efficiency of DOTMIX by using a faster hash function is an open problem put forth by Leiserson et al. [PPoPP '12]. We address this problem and improve the speed of the algorithm roughly by a factor of two, without sacrificing any statistical quality. Specifically, we replace the compression function used in DOTMIX with a faster universal hash function family due to Etzel et al. [CRYPTO '99] called Square Hash.
Localized mRNA translation mediates maturation of cytoplasmic cilia in Drosophila spermatogenesis

Cytoplasmic cilia, a specialized type of cilia in which the axoneme resides within the cytoplasm rather than within the ciliary compartment, are proposed to allow the efficient assembly of very long cilia. Despite being found diversely in male gametes (e.g. Plasmodium microgametocytes and human and Drosophila sperm), very little is known about cytoplasmic cilia assembly. Here we show that a novel RNP granule containing the mRNAs for axonemal dynein motor proteins becomes highly polarized to the distal end of the cilia during cytoplasmic ciliogenesis in Drosophila sperm. This allows for the localized translation of these axonemal dyneins and their incorporation into the axoneme directly from the cytoplasm. We found that this RNP granule contains the proteins Reptin and Pontin, loss of which perturbs granule formation and prevents incorporation of the axonemal dyneins, leading to sterility. We propose that cytoplasmic cilia require the local translation of key protein constituents such that these proteins are incorporated efficiently into the axoneme.
Dieulafoy lesion in the jejunum: a rare cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding.

Dieulafoy lesions are tortuous vascular malformations characterized by thick walled submucosal arteries/large caliber arterioles protruding through a small mucosal defect surrounded by normal mucos...
Defining Journalism Innovation in Latin America: Exploration Into Perceptions Among Educators, Students, and Journalists:

Innovation is driving major changes in journalism globally. Understanding how journalism educators, students, and journalists perceive of innovation—in themselves and their organizations—is another...
Low Rate of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Adults With Active Cancer Diagnosis in a Nonendemic Region in the United States.

Introduction The mortality rate in cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 has been cited to be as high as 13% amidst a global pandemic. Here we present the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in adult patients with active cancer in a nonendemic cancer center at the time of the study. Methods All adult patients with an active history of cancer undergoing any elective surgery were screened for SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, including fever ≥ 38 degrees Celsius, chills, dyspnea, cough, sputum production, pharyngitis, myalgia/arthralgia, headache, anosmia, and nasal discharge. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 preoperatively via nasopharyngeal swab within 48 hours of surgery using an RT-PCR assay. Active cancer was defined as receipt of chemotherapy and/or radiation within 1 year of the SARS-CoV-2 test. Deidentified, institutional review board-exempt patient data were analyzed with IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. Results Between March 16, 2020 and June 30, 2020, a total of 227 patients were tested preoperatively for SARS-CoV-2. Median age was 64.0 years (range 21 to 90). The majority of the cohort were White. Only 2 patients (0.8%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. One 73-year-old woman undergoing hip replacement had Stage IV breast cancer and a 75-year-old man undergoing port placement had Stage IV retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma. Neither patient had symptoms of SARS-CoV-2, underwent hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2, or proceeded to have the scheduled surgery after the positive test results until a 14-day quarantine period and a subsequent negative test result. Both patients subsequently received the procedures they were originally scheduled for with no complications. Conclusion Careful consideration of resource allocation and treatment limitations for cancer patients should occur in lower endemic regions.
Autophagy mediated lipid catabolism facilitates glioma progression to overcome bioenergetic crisis.

Background Activation of mTORC1 plays a significant role in cancer development and progression. However, the metabolic mechanisms to sustain mTORC1 activation of cancer cells within stressed environments are still under-appreciated. We recently revealed high autophagy activity in tumour cells with mTORC1 hyper-activation. Nevertheless, the functions and mechanisms of autophagy in regulating mTORC1 in glioma are not studied. Methods Using glioma patient database and human glioma cells, we assessed the mechanisms and function of selective autophagy to sustain mTORC1 hyper-activation in glioma. Results We revealed a strong association of altered mRNA levels in mTORC1 upstream and downstream genes with prognosis of glioma patients. Our results indicated that autophagy-mediated lipid catabolism was essential to sustain mTORC1 activity in glioma cells under energy stresses. We found that autophagy inhibitors or fatty acid oxidation (FAO) inhibitors in combination with 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) decreased energy production and survival of glioma cells in vitro. Consistently, inhibition of autophagy or FAO inhibitors with 2DG effectively suppressed the progression of xenografted glioma with hyper-activated mTORC1. Conclusions This study established an autophagy/lipid degradation/FAO/ATP generation pathway, which might be used in brain cancer cells under energy stresses to maintain high mTORC1 signalling for tumour progression.
Impact of COVID-19 on Transportation Industry: Comparative Analysis of Road, Air, and Rail Transportation Modes

The outcome of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has a profound impact on all industries including the transportation sector. Transportation industry which is deemed as an essential activity should continue to operate through the lockdowns while making it certain to exercise social distancing. Although some researchers, Departments of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and private organizations have provided vital information and guidelines to mitigate the unintended consequences of the pandemic, the impacts of COVID-19 on various types of transportation modes have been rarely analyzed and compared. This paper gives rich information into the system and cognizance of the effect of COVID-19 and the developments that the transportation area has needed to embrace so as to cling to the lockdown rules while being operational and productive. The study contributes towards advising policymakers, stakeholders, and agencies on certain insights gained from the management of the COVID-19 from a transportation area point of view. Moreover, four key regulations are concluded for leaders inside the transportation framework business to reevaluate and act to manage the pandemic emergency. This research analyzes how each sector has addressed the short-term and long-term effects of the pandemic and results of the study concluded that the survival of transportation industry is not solely reliant on the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic but on the resilience adapted by the different sectors to cope up with the situation. The findings also indicate that transportation departments should include a management plan to reduce the aftermaths of the pandemic and use the lockdown as an opportunity to address surging maintenance backlogs, improve technology, and safeguard the workforce. © 2021 International Conference on Transportation and Development 2021: Transportation Operations, Technologies, and Safety - Selected Papers from the International Conference on Transportation and Development 2021. All rights reserved.
Exploratory Behavior and Human Development

Publisher Summary This chapter covers (1) the place of exploratory behavior in relation to psychological science, including historical background and a temporal scheme for articulating various subprocesses involved in exploratory behavior, (2) the theoretical concepts that underlie all existing theories concerning exploratory behavior, (3) methodology and findings with respect to the form of exploratory behavior that has been treated in most detail, namely that of visual investigation, and (4) the implications of the aforementioned topics for developmental psychology. It is concerned only with humans about 2 years of age or older rather than with infants and lower animals. Although exploratory behavior in general is discussed, the literature surveyed in the chapter pertains to visual investigation.
Environmental Law and the Urban Freeway: Changing Lanes (Diritto Ambientale E Superstrade Urbane: Cambio Di Direzione)

One of the public policy decisions in American history with the largest impact on the quality of the urban environment was to site freeways in urban areas. In this article, after a short section on the history that brought urban freeways into existence, I briefly describe efforts now being made in some cities to come to grips with the effects of placing high speed, limited access, multi-lane roads through city centers. Imminent actions are required since many of these roads have reached their engineered life expectancies -- a half century after they were built.
Canopy Architecture of a Red Maple Edge Stand Measured by a Point Drop Method

The three-dimensional spatial distribution of leaf areas, leaf angles and leaf azimuths were measured in the experimental stand. Point drops were used to indicate sample leaves. Inclination and azimuth angles were measured by hand. The effect of the forest edge on the canopy architecture extends about one tree height into the stand. The leaf density is twice as large at the edge as in the interior of the stand due to a vertical side at the edge. The leaves in the upper crown and those exposed at the edge are inclined from the horizontal over a wide range of angles. Shade leaves are essentially horizontal. Those exposed to solar radiation at the edge are inclined and oriented with their dorsal surface facing the edge.
The initiation of membrane lipid peroxidation during bacteria-induced hypersensitive reaction

Abstract The initiation of lipid peroxidation reported previously may be initiated by free radicals or lipoxygenase. Levels of the free radicals can be affected by activity of protective enzymes (such as catalase and Superoxide dismutase), levels of antioxidants and rate of free radical production. We followed and compared the activity of lipoxygenase, catalase and superoxide dismutase in cucumber cotyledons infiltrated with: (1) Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi (incompatible pathogen); (2) Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans (compatible pathogen); and (3) Pseudomonas fluorescens (saprophyte). The only difference in enzyme activity was an increase in lipoxygenase activity in cotyledons infiltrated with Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi . To assess the possibility of free radical initiation of lipid peroxidation we infiltrated cotyledons with P. syringae pv. pisi plus free radical scavengers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, a -tocopherol-acetate and dipyridamole) and followed membrane alteration (assessed by electrolyte leakage and fluorescein accumulation). Also, these results were compared with the results of experiments in which the free radical scavengers and paraquat (which is proposed to initiate lipid peroxidation via the production of superoxide radicals) were infiltrated together. We observed a significant reduction of membrane alteration induced by P. syringae pv. pisi or paraquat by addition of superoxide dismutase. We suggest that lipid peroxidation mediated membrane alteration induced by P. syringae pv. pisi is initiated by free radicals and the superoxide radical is a likely candidate. We propose that the increase in lipoxygenase activity may be a response to fatty acids released by free radical attack of membrane lipids during lipid peroxidation.
Citrate and Isocitrate Transport in Isolated Rat Liver Mitochondria

Isolated rat liver mitochondria accumulate citrate and isocitrate. The transport process is energy-dependent, obeys Michaelis-Menten saturation kinetics, and is subject to competitive inhibition by various anions. The citrate transport process consists of a first order entry opposed by a synchronous first order exit. The specific reaction rate constant for citrate entry is 0.13 min-1 and for citrate exit is 0.23 min-1. It is concluded that citrate and isocitrate transport in isolated rat liver mitochondria is an active carrier-mediated process.
Online Encryption Schemes: New Security Notions and Constructions

We investigate new strong security notions for on-line symmetric encryption schemes, which are the schemes whose encryption and decryption algorithms operate “on-the-fly” and in one pass, namely can compute and return an output block given only the key, the current input block and the previous input and output blocks. We define the strongest achievable notion of privacy which takes into account both chosen-ciphertext attacks and the recently introduced blockwise-adaptive [15,12] attacks. We show that all the schemes shown to be secure against blockwise-adaptive chosen-plaintext attacks are subject to blockwise-adaptive chosen-ciphertext attacks. We present an on-line encryption scheme which is provably secure under our notion. It uses any strong on-line cipher, the primitive introduced in [1]. We finally discuss the notion of authenticated on-line schemes and provide a secure construction.
Applicability of the modified Duke criteria for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis in children with and without heart disease

We sought to assess whether children with pre-existing heart disease treated for infective endocarditis (IE) were less likely to fulfill the modified Duke criteria for definite IE than those without heart disease. While the modified Duke criteria are widely accepted in research and clinical diagnosis, their applicability in diagnosing IE in children is not as well studied. We performed a retrospective single-center study of children treated for IE from January 1999-December 2009 and compared the proportion of children with and without heart disease who fulfilled modified Duke criteria for definite IE. We also examined these criteria in children with cyanotic heart disease, hospital-acquired IE, or recent cardiac surgery. Fifty (60%) of 84 children treated for IE met modified Duke criteria for definite IE. The proportion of children with and without heart disease who fulfilled modified Duke criteria for definite IE was not significantly different (38/68, 56%, versus 12/16, 75%, respectively, p = 0.26). Patients with cyanotic heart disease or hospital-associated IE were as likely to meet definite criteria as those without. However, children with early postoperative IE were less likely than those with late postoperative or without cardiac surgery to meet definite IE criteria (12/31, 39%, versus 38/53, 72%, p = 0.005). Only 60% of children treated for IE met modified Duke criteria for definite IE. Children with early postoperative IE were least likely to fulfill these criteria. Future studies should evaluate potential strategies to improve the diagnosis of IE in children.
Advances in Patient-Reported Outcomes: The NIH PROMIS(®) Measures.

Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) are questionnaire measures of patients’ symptoms, functioning, and health-related quality of life. They are designed to provide important clinical information that generally cannot be captured with objective medical testing. In 2004, the National Institutes of Health launched a research initiative to improve the clinical research enterprise by developing state-of-the-art PROs. The NIH Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS) and Assessment Center are the products of that initiative. Adult, pediatric, and parent-proxy item banks have been developed by using contemporary psychometric methods, yielding rapid, accurate measurements. PROMIS currently provides tools for assessing physical, mental, and social health using short-form and computer-adaptive testing methods. The PROMIS tools are being adopted for use in clinical trials and translational research. They are also being introduced in clinical medicine to assess a broad range of disease outcomes. Recent legislative developments in the United States support greater efforts to include patients’ reports of health experience in order to evaluate treatment outcomes, engage in shared decision-making, and prioritize the focus of treatment. PROs have garnered increased attention by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for evaluating drugs and medical devices. Recent calls for comparative effectiveness research favor inclusion of PROs. PROs could also potentially improve quality of care and disease outcomes, provide patient-centered assessment for comparative effectiveness research, and enable a common metric for tracking outcomes across providers and medical systems.
Enzyme clustering accelerates processing of intermediates through metabolic channeling

We present a quantitative model to demonstrate that coclustering multiple enzymes into compact agglomerates accelerates the processing of intermediates, yielding the same efficiency benefits as direct channeling, a well-known mechanism in which enzymes are funneled between enzyme active sites through a physical tunnel. The model predicts the separation and size of coclusters that maximize metabolic efficiency, and this prediction is in agreement with previously reported spacings between coclusters in mammalian cells. For direct validation, we study a metabolic branch point in Escherichia coli and experimentally confirm the model prediction that enzyme agglomerates can accelerate the processing of a shared intermediate by one branch, and thus regulate steady-state flux division. Our studies establish a quantitative framework to understand coclustering-mediated metabolic channeling and its application to both efficiency improvement and metabolic regulation.
Type A behavior, personality hardiness, and cardiovascular responses to stress.

Type A behavior and hardiness were examined as predictors of cardiovascular responses to stress in 68 male undergraduates. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and heart rate were monitored while subjects performed a difficult mirror-tracing task. Type A assessments based on the Structured Interview, but not those based on the Jenkins Activity Survey, were associated with significantly enhanced SBP and DBP elevations. Hardiness was associated with significantly reduced DBP responsiveness. In addition, a significant interaction indicated that the Type B-high hardiness group showed the least DBP reactivity. A near-significant interaction (p = .06) suggested that Type B-high hardiness subjects also reported the least anger. Further exploration of the data indicated that the challenge component of hardiness accounted for its relationship to DBP reactivity. These results have implications both for the psychophysiologic study of Type A behavior and for understanding the health-promoting effects of hardiness.
Exploring Women's Expectations of Recovery From Intimate Partner Violence: A Phenomenological Study

Occupational therapy literature related to intimate partner violence primarily focuses on clients' pragmatic concerns. The purpose of this study was to explore women's recovery needs for the first six months after leaving the abusive relationship. Specifically, the focus explored how women experiencing intimate partner violence anticipate their recovery process to progress and explored their perceptions regarding the obstructions and challenges that influence that process. As part of an ongoing, multiyear study, in-depth interviews based on Kawa Model river drawings were conducted at a domestic violence center with eight women. Multiple themes were identified highlighting pragmatic and personal objectives.
Time-Response Necessary in Validation for Extraction of Pesticides from Cloth Patches Used in Field Exposure Studies

Environmental exposure in field studies is generally monitored by the cloth patch technique. Many investigators question the accuracy of the technique, in part due to lack of validation. The objective was to examine extraction of chemicals from cloth patches for potential technique validation. Chemicals studied were glyphosate, atrazine, malathion, alachlor and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), a selection of hydrophilic (glyphosate) and varying lipophilic compounds. The 14C-radiolabeled chemical was applied to a cotton patch (two types used) and solvent extracted over a 48-h time period. The chemical was soluble in the application solvent and in the extraction solvent. Extraction was near 100% at time 0 h, but statistically (P<0.05 or greater) decreased to levels of 20–50% by 48 h. The missing chemical was detected in cloth residue and accountability was always excellent. The chemicals exhibited a time-response by incorporating into the cotton patch and not being available for extraction. Thus, validation of the cloth patch technique must include the time-period from the start of a field trial until laboratory analysis, a process which can take several days. This may account in part for differences noted between cloth patch technique and biological monitoring. It was subsequently shown that sonication loosens chemicals incorporated in the cloth patch, making the chemicals available for extraction. That sonication dislodged the chemicals suggests that the chemicals were not chemically bonded within the fabric but were probably sequestered within the fabric away from the solvent.
Vaccination with Dendritic Cells Inhibits the Growth of Hepatic Metastases in B6 Mice

Abstract Dendritic cells (DC) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that can activate naive and mature T-cells, induce cellular immunity, and stimulate strong antitumor reactions in vivo. This study was undertaken to examine the function of DC vaccines in suppressing the growth of hepatic metastases in C57BL/6 mice. Experimental mice received two iv doses of 1 × 10 6 bone marrow-derived DC, either unpulsed or pulsed with MCA-106 fibrosarcoma cell lysates, on days −14 and −7. Controls were injected with HBSS. Hepatic metastases were established on day 0 through intrasplenic injections of 1 × 10 5 MCA-106 tumor cells. Animals were sacrificed on day 21 and their livers were excised to assess tumor burden. Splenocytes from DC-treated groups were cytotoxic against MCA-106 cells, but not against the L929 and CT26 (syngeneic fibroblast and colon tumor, respectively) cell lines. All control mice developed grossly evident hepatic metastases, while 62 and 44% of the mice receiving MCA-106 cell lysate-pulsed DC and unpulsed DC vaccines, respectively, were completely free of tumor. Mean hepatic mass for the controls, including tumor, was almost double that for treated animals. Antibody depletion of either CD4 + or CD8 + lymphocytes abrogated the protective effect of the vaccine. This study demonstrates that immunization with DC confers cellular immunity, with both CD4 + and CD8 + T-cells playing a significant role, and impedes the subsequent establishment and growth of hepatic metastases in mice. The antitumor capabilities of DC justify their use in immunotherapeutic vaccines against human cancers.
STEADY-STATE TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION FOR INFINITE REGION OUTSIDE A PARTIALLY HEATED CYLINDER

Abstract The steady-state conduction problem of the temperature distribution in the region outside an infinite cylinder of finite radius a is considered. At the surface r = a, between z = −c and c, there is a constant heat flux and the remainder of the surface is insulated (r and z are cylindrical coordinates). An integral representation for the exact solution is derived by the Fourier transform method, from which numerical results are obtained. Several approximate solutions are also given and analyzed in light of the exact solution The solution is a basic one in heat conduction and has direct application to a number of problems such as underground storage of heat-producing radioactive waste; drilling of holes in teeth, rock, oil-bearing soil, etc., and underground freezing. Another important application is as a new influence function for the surface element method of solution of diffusion problems.
Modeling NiTi Superelastic-Shape Memory Antagonistic Beams: A Finite Element Analysis

Shape memory alloys (SMA) have received widespread attention from researchers in various fields of engineering sciences due to their exceptional properties of shape memory and superelasticity. NiTi equiatomic alloys among other SMA, show acceptable biocompatibility to be implemented in biomedical applications. Applications of NiTi in biomedical areas specifically orthopedics, demonstrate its unique performance which is not achievable with conventional materials. Pedicle screws, which are used as an anchoring point for implanting spinal instrumentations in spinal fracture and deformity treatments, entail a major drawback; i.e. loosening and back-out. The strength of screw contact with the surrounding bone diminishes as the bone degrades due to osteoporosis. A “Smart” pedicle screw design was developed to address this issue which uses NiTi superelastic-shape memory coils wrapped around it. The smart assembly consists of external superelastic tubing which is responsible for expanding the designed protrusions when they reach body temperature; also an internal shape memory wire inserted into the tubing is sought to retract the assembly when locally heated to above body temperature. The whole assembly was modeled as a beam structure in COMSOL Multiphysics Finite Element software. The behavior of shape memory alloy was defined in the software via its Partial Differential Equation (PDE) module. The SMA model has is a Tanaka-based model and is capable of capturing shape memory effect, superelasticity and hysteresis behavior, and partial transformation in both positive and negative directions. This 1D model was further modified to be included in a 3D framework such that it makes it possible for simulation of a beam under bending. The functionality of the smart screw design can be studied via this FEM model as a future work and the outcomes of the simulation can be compared with experimental tests on the prepared sample of the screw comprising NiTi tubing and wires.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Infection After Insertion of Alloplastic Orbital Floor Implants

Ten patients developed infections after alloplastic implantation (nine silicone, one gelatin film [Gelfilm] implant) for orbital floor fracture repair. Infection resulted from the following: (1) dental surgery, (2) upper respiratory infection, (3) inferior extrusion of a retained implant into the maxillary sinus with a fistulous tract into the inferior conjunctival fornix, (4) rhinoplasty, (5) snorting cocaine and other drugs, (6) postoperative infection after orbital floor repair, and (7) medial implant migration resulting in chronic dacryocystitis. In all ten patients, implants were removed because of orbital abscess, recurrent infection, or chronic low-grade infections. Microbiologic culture of removed implants disclosed Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the offending organisms. The main complication of infection included severe cicatricial ectropion of the lower eyelid in three patients. The final globe position was not adversely affected by implant removal performed from five months to 20 years after insertion. Guidelines for prevention and management of orbital implant infections based on these ten patients are presented.
Polynomial approximation of functions in Sobolev spaces

Constructive proofs and several generalizations of approximation results of J. H. Bramble and S. R. Hilbert are presented. Using an averaged Taylor series, we represent a function as a polynomial plus a remainder. The remainder can be manipulated in many ways to give different types of bounds. Approximation of functions in fractional order Sobolev spaces is treated as well as the usual integer order spaces and several nonstandard Sobolev-like spaces.
Cotton Tenacity Measurements with High Speed Instruments

Measuring fiber strength in cotton encompasses sampling, fiber preparation, and bundle clamping. The precision of the measurement is a function of these steps as well as the precision of measuring the force and mass of each bundle under test. A detailed analysis of each step in the tenacity testing sequence is presented here. Com parisons between newly developed high volume instruments and conventional methods (Pressley and Stelometer) show that the conventional methods are biased toward the long, strong fibers in a cotton, whereas the high speed instruments use less accurate, indirect methods to measure bundle mass and produce a force measurement that is confounded by differences in fiber crimp.
CDK2 and cyclin E knockout mice: lessons from breast cancer

The recent discovery that murine embryos can develop normally in spite of ablation of either CDK2 or cyclin E challenges the previously held dogma that cyclin E-CDK2 activity is strictly required for the cell-division cycle. However, genetic, cellular, biochemical and clinical evidence correlate aberrant cyclin E expression with tumorigenesis and poor patient prognosis, particularly in breast cancer. Thus cyclin E is a crucial regulator of estrogen-mediated growth signaling in breast tissue and, in spite of the apparent dispensability of cyclin E-CDK2 in development, the relationship between cyclin E and the development of breast cancer is convincing.
Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy in Bronchial Asthma: A Word of Caution

Three instances of intense laryngospasm and bronchospasm occurred as a result of fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination in three patients with quiescent bronchial asthma. The indications for the procedure were hemoptysis in one patient and lobar collapse in two. It is likely that vagally mediated reflex laryngospasm and bronchoconstriction occur when irritant receptors are mechanically stimulated by the bronchoscope. Therefore, in the asthmatic population with its increased airway reactivity, indications for fiberoptic bronchoscopy should be absolute, and the procedure should be performed under optimal conditions. A rationale for minimizing the risk of this procedure in patients with bronchial asthma is discussed.
Collinear quantum mechanical probabilities for the I + HI → IH + I reaction using hyperspherical coordinates

Abstract Calculations of quantum mechanical probabilities for the I + HI → IH + I electronically adiabatic exchange reaction were performed using hyperspherical coordinates. In spite of the small skew angle of 7°, accurate results were obtained with a small number of channels. These results are compared with those of quasi-classical trajectory calculations
Influence of the Maternal Surrogate on Pituitary–Adrenal Activity and Behavior of Infant Squirrel Monkeys

Squirrel monkey infants reared on surrogates showed an increase in vocalizations, but no change in plasma cortisol levels when the surrogate was removed from the home cage for .5 hr. When the infant was exposed to novelty during separation, there was a further increase in vocalizations, as well as increases in movement and plasma cortisol. Placing the surrogate with the infant in the novel environment reduced the behavioral reaction and led to high levels of infant-surrogate contact; however, plasma cortisol levels were as high at .5 hr as when the infant was in the novel environment alone. With longer (2-4 hr) exposures to the novel room, cortisol elevations were attenuated by the presence of the surrogate. When the infant was alone, levels of cortisol, but not protest behavior, increased with length of exposure to the novel room. These results indicate that the physiological reaction to separation procedures in infant primates may not be safely inferred from behavioral responses, and, together with earlier findings, suggest a deficiency in the attachment of surrogate-reared infants.
Varieties of “Fundamentalism”: a Conceptual and Empirical Analysis of Two Protestant Denominations

Many behavioral science studies of religious fundamentalism are seriously hampered by conceptual confusion. The major source of much of this confusion is the lack of a coherent sociological definition and theoretical context for the term fundamentalism. We propose a Parsonian definition of Fundamentalism, which is interpreted in the context of a theory of evolutionary social change. The methodological implications of this approach are identified and then applied in a survey research study of the lay leaders of two historically related denominations, the Disciples of Christ and the Church of Christ. Our factor analysis of 25 questionnaire items suggests there are three types of Fundamentalism. Socio-economic variables explain some of the variation in the Fundamentalism scores, but denominational affiliation explains more. Our findings suggest that future research should use denomination-specific indices of Fundamentalism. As currently used, "fundamentalism" is a catch-all label for reactionary religiosity. It lacks conceptual clarity, and there is little consensus regarding its measurement as a sociological variable. In some cases it is synonymous with and in other cases it is distinguished from orthodoxy, conservatism, religious dogmatism, revivalism, sectarianism, Biblical literalism, supernaturalism and millenarianism. In addition, current usage suffers from an American Protestant bias. In an attempt to resolve some of these problems, this paper reviews the historical, theological and social science definitions and then, drawing from some suggestive ideas of Talcott Parsons, proposes a broader conceptualization. The heuristic value of this conceptualization for research on religious beliefs is then demonstrated in a study of two specific groups in one major Protestant family. Historic Fundamentalism was a distinctively American religious movement and, according to Sandeen (1967:59-83), a genuine theological innovation. Its origins can be traced back to the activities of leading ministers of main-line denominations in the Northeast in the last quarter of the 19th century. At first the movement focused on two doctrinal issues: the imminent return of Christ and the verbal inspiration of the Bible. In the early 20th century the doctrinal issues also included the miraculous birth, works and resurrection of Christ. The defense and propagation of these basic beliefs were the core concerns of the movement. It quickly grew into the World's Christian Fundamentalism Association, or
Hearing preservation after middle fossa vestibular schwannoma removal: are the results durable?

ObjectiveTo describe 5-year hearing preservation rates following microsurgical excision of vestibular schwannoma (VS) via the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingThis study was performed at a tertiary care academic medical center.Subjects and MethodsFifty-seven subjects with VS underwent resection via an MCF approach between February 1998 and January 2009. Pure-tone average (PTA) and word recognition score (WRS) were obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 5-year follow-up.ResultsPreoperative serviceable hearing (American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery class A/B) was present in 49 (86%) of the 57 patients, with an average PTA of 23 dB (range, 1-50 dB) and an average WRS of 97% (range, 76%-100%). Immediate postoperative serviceable hearing was maintained in 27 (55%) patients, with an average PTA and WRS of 31 dB (5-50 dB) and 96% (70%-100%), respectively. Five-year follow-up was available for 16 of the 27 patients. Twelv...
Neoplastic Potential of Trichomes Isolated from Tobacco Crown Gall Teratomas

Trichomes (epidermal hairs) of normal and crown gall teratoma tobacco shoots were mechanically isolated and cultured in small drops of liquid growth medium. Trichome cells of normal plants began to divide within 2 weeks and formed calli. Shoots obtained from these cultures were rooted and grown to sexual maturity in the greenhouse. Cells of teratoma trichomes, which were normal in appearance and nontumorigenic in vivo, produced calli with neoplastic properties; these cultures were hormone autonomous and synthesized the tumor-specific amino acid nopaline. Differentiation of trichomes on tobacco teratoma shoots does not require, nor does it necessarily result in, loss of neoplastic potential. The pattern of cell division in cultured trichomes suggests that, in vivo, the plane of division in developing hairs is determined by the orientation of the cylindrical side wall. Trichome culture is a simple, effective cloning technique for normal plants and crown gall teratomas.
Lesions of the Fasciculus Retroflexus Alter Footshock-Induced cFos Expression in the Mesopontine Rostromedial Tegmental Area of Rats

Midbrain dopamine neurons are an essential part of the circuitry underlying motivation and reinforcement. They are activated by rewards or reward-predicting cues and inhibited by reward omission. The lateral habenula (lHb), an epithalamic structure that forms reciprocal connections with midbrain dopamine neurons, shows the opposite response being activated by reward omission or aversive stimuli and inhibited by reward-predicting cues. It has been hypothesized that habenular input to midbrain dopamine neurons is conveyed via a feedforward inhibitory pathway involving the GABAergic mesopontine rostromedial tegmental area. Here, we show that exposing rats to low-intensity footshock (four, 0.5 mA shocks over 20 min) induces cFos expression in the rostromedial tegmental area and that this effect is prevented by lesions of the fasciculus retroflexus, the principal output pathway of the habenula. cFos expression is also observed in the medial portion of the lateral habenula, an area that receives dense DA innervation via the fr and the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, a stress sensitive area that also receives dopaminergic input. High-intensity footshock (120, 0.8 mA shocks over 40 min) also elevates cFos expression in the rostromedial tegmental area, medial and lateral aspects of the lateral habenula and the paraventricular thalamus. In contrast to low-intensity footshock, increases in cFos expression within the rostromedial tegmental area are not altered by fr lesions suggesting a role for non-habenular inputs during exposure to highly aversive stimuli. These data confirm the involvement of the lateral habenula in modulating the activity of rostromedial tegmental area neurons in response to mild aversive stimuli and suggest that dopamine input may contribute to footshock- induced activation of cFos expression in the lateral habenula.
Electrophysiologic evaluation of syncope in patients with bifascicular block

Abstract Thirteen patients with syncope and bifascicular block were evaluated by electrophysiologic study (EPS) including programmed stimulation. The mean age was 62 years. Six patients had coronary artery disease, three had cardiomyopathy, and four showed no evidence of organic heart disease. Holter monitoring and neurologic evaluation were nondiagnostic in all patients prior to EPS. EPS demonstrated inducible ventricular tachycardia (VT) in four patients, an HV interval ≥70 msec in four, intra- and infra-His block with atrial pacing in one, and was nondiagnostic in four patients. Four of six patients with an HV interval ≥70 msec or pacing-induced infranodal block were treated with permanent pacemakers, four of four patients with VT received antiarrhythmic therapy, and three of four patients with nondiagnostic studies received no therapy (one patient received a permanent pacemaker). During a mean follow-up period of 19 months (range 3 to 60 months) all but three patients have been free of syncope. One patient with VT did not take prescribed antiarrhythmic therapy, another patient with VT died suddenly; the remaining patient had a normal study and basilar migraines were subsequently diagnosed. We conclude that: (1) ventricular tachycardia may be a significant cause of syncope in patients with bifascicular block and was induced by programmed stimulation in approximately one third of patients studied; (2) EPS including programmed stimulation is helpful in delineating both the etiology of syncope and appropriate treatment in patients with bifascicular block. A negative study may also be of prognostic value.
Here today, gone today ELEGE: Ephemeral links — Encrypt, Glimpse, and Eliminate

Web structure mining attempts to use modeling techniques, such as graph theory, to represent the connection between web pages through hyperlinks, on the Internet. Static or flat web pages remain on a web server until a human removes them. Dynamic and active web pages are created by programs at the time a user accesses a hyperlink. This inclusion of dynamic content by the Internet has allowed its structure to dynamically explode and morph. In this work, we introduce the entity of the ephemeral link, which induces an inverse morphing operation. We present a methodology and implementation where pages are dynamically removed in real time by a web-user accessing the page and clicking these links. In this paper, we emphasize the justification for ephemeral links in the realm of high security and present the architecture and algorithms of system ELEGE (read “elegy”) that implements the creation and use of ephemeral links.
Formation and characterization of core-sheath nanofibers through electrospinning and surface-initiated polymerization

Abstract Novel core-sheath nanofibers, composed of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) core and polypyrrole (PPy) sheath with clear boundary between them, were fabricated by electrospinning PAN/FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O bicomponent nanofibers and the subsequent surface-initiated polymerization in a pyrrole-containing solution. By adjusting the concentration of FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O, the surface morphology of PPy sheath changed from isolated agglomerates or clusters to relatively uniform thin-film structure. Thermal properties of PAN-PPy core-sheath nanofibers were also characterized. Results indicated that the PPy sheath played a role of inhibitor and retarded the complex chemical reactions of PAN during the carbonization process.
Visualizing the VLearn3D 2002 conference in space and time

This paper introduces a set of visualization tools that aim to support social navigation, the evaluation and optimization of three-dimensional virtual worlds and the study of their evolving communities. Previous work (Borner & Lin, 2001; Borner et al., 2002) demonstrated how this toolset can be used to analyze data acquired during a information treasure hunt. This paper extends and applies this tool set to visualize an entire virtual Conference on the topic Virtual Learning in Three Dimensions (VLearn3D) that was held in December 2002.