cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Virtual dog head: using 3D models to teach complex veterinary anatomy

Oregon State University veterinary medicine faculty recently observed that fourth year veterinary medical students consistently struggled during their clinical rotations in cases that required accurate and detailed recall of the complex anatomical relationships in the head region of a dog. These structures were difficult to see and understand since they were hidden behind muscle and tissue and often destroyed or damaged during dissection.
Signaling through Tgf-β type I receptor Alk5 is required for upper lip fusion

Abstract Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is one of the most common congenital malformations in newborns. While numerous studies on secondary palatogenesis exist, data regarding normal upper lip formation and cleft lip is limited. We previously showed that conditional inactivation of Tgf-β type I receptor Alk5 in the ectomesenchyme resulted in total facial clefting. While the role of Tgf-β signaling in palatal fusion is relatively well understood, its role in upper lip fusion remains unknown. In order to investigate a role for Tgf-β signaling in upper lip formation, we used the Nes-Cre transgenic mouse line to delete the Alk5 gene in developing facial prominences. We show that Alk5/Nes-Cre mutants display incompletely penetrant unilateral or bilateral cleft lip. Increased cell death seen in the medial nasal process and the maxillary process may explain the hypoplastic maxillary process observed in mutants. The resultant reduced contact is insufficient for normal lip fusion leading to cleft lip. These mice also display retarded development of palatal shelves and die at E15. Our findings support a role for Alk5 in normal upper lip formation not previously reported.
Superoxide dismutase: A comparison of rate constants

O2−was introduced, at a constant rate, into buffered aqueous solutions, either by mechanical infusion of KO2, dissolved in tetrahydrofuran, or by the in situ action of xanthine oxidase on xanthine plus oxygen. This O2− was allowed to react with ferricytochrome c or with tetranitromethane and the formation of the reaction products, ferrocytochrome c or nitroform, respectively, was monitored spectrophotometrically. That concentration of Superoxide dismutase, which competed equally with given levels of cytochrome c or tetranitromethane and which thus caused 50% inhibition of the rates of accumulation of ferrocytochrome c or of nitroform, was determined. The rate constant for the enzymatic dismutation of O2− by the copper and zinc containing enzyme from bovine erythrocytes was then calculated from the known rate constants for the reaction of O2− with ferricytochrome c and with tetranitromethane and was found to be 2 × 109m−1 sec−1 at pH 7.8 and 8.5. This rate constant was obtained at steady-state concentrations of O2− in the 10−8m → 10−13m range and is in full agreement with the results of pulse radiolytic investigations which were performed at O2− concentrations in the 10−5m range. The second order rate constant for the enzymatic dismutation of O2− is thus independent of the concentration of O2− in the range 10−5 → 10−13m. Several distinct types of Superoxide dismutase have been described. These include the mangano-enzymes from Escherichia coli and from chicken liver mitochondria and the iron-enzyme from E. coli. The rate constants for the dismutations catalyzed by these enzymes have also been investigated as a function of pH.
A finite element for modeling delaminations in composite beams

Abstract A shear deformable beam finite element with nodes offset to either the top or bottom side has been developed. The delaminated beam is considered as two sublaminates above and below the plane of delamination, and these are modeled by offset beam finite elements. An expression for the J-integral in terms of force and moment resultants in sublaminates connected to the crack tip is derived. From the J-integral two more methods of computing the strain energy release rate have been developed. In the crack tip force method, the strain energy release rate is expressed in terms of forces transmitted by the crack tip rigid element. The second method is similar to the crack closure method used in two-dimensional fracture problems. The effectiveness of the present method is illustrated by analyzing three composite test specimens widely used to measure fracture toughness.
Decomposition pathways of an alkaline fuel cell membrane material component via evolved gas analysis

The mechanism of the thermal decomposition of [NMe4][OH]·5H2O, tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide pentahydrate, was studied using DSC, TG and evolved gas analysis because of the importance of related ions in anion exchange membranes. The products of the reaction are trimethyl amine, methanol and dimethyl ether. The relative ratio of the products is determined by how much water remains in the sample as it is decomposing. Isotopic labeling experiments with D2O show that deprotonation of the tetramethyl ammonium ion by hydroxide establishes a rapid equilibrium between tetramethyl ammonium ion and the nitrogen ylide species and water that scrambles the deuterium with the proton in the methyl groups. The results of this work also suggest that tetraalkyl ammonium cations may be more stable in hydroxide conducting membranes than previously believed.
Linear Free Energy Relationships for Polyhalogenated Alkane Transformation by Electron-Transfer Mediators in Model Aqueous Systems

Linear free energy relationships (LFERs) based on Marcus theory were generated for transformation of C1- and C2-polyhalogenated alkanes (PHAs or R−X, where X = H, F, Cl, Br) in model aqueous systems containing bulk reductants and the electron-transfer mediators iron porphyrin or mercaptojuglone (5-hydroxy-2-mercapto-1,4-naphthoquinone). The model systems are representative of common natural environments where iron species and natural organic matter serve as electron shuttles from bulk reductants to pollutants such as PHAs. Seven ab initio computational theories were tested for their ability to generate rapid, accurate, and precise estimates of the R−X bond dissociation energy, the largest energetic term in the Marcus equation. The descriptors for the LFERs were computed using B3LYP/6-311++g(d, p) theory/basis set. The LFERs that had the highest correlation coefficients for the two model systems were log(kFeP) = −0.0777(±0.0105)D(R-X)‘ − 0.00804(±0.00961)ΔG°‘ + 21.7(±2.82) (adj r2 = 0.946; n = 16) and log(...
Eruption of Soufriere on St. Vincent

A series of powerful explosions from Soufriere produced large ash clouds and several pyroclastic avalanches, forcing the evacuation of more than 17,000 persons from the north end of St. Vincent. This eruption is particularly noteworthy because of the wide variety of observations made by various scientific teams (from land, low-flying aircraft, a high-altitude research plane, and from satellites). When these data are analyzed and integrated, the geophysical community can look forward to an unusually well-documented account of an episode of explosive island-arc volcanism. At present, however, the following preliminary account can be presented.
Magnetostrictive sensors for the characterization of corrosion in rebars and prestressing strands

Magnetostrictive sensors for the characterization of corrosion in rebars and prestressing strandsKeith A. Bartels, Hegeon Kwun, and John J. HanleySouthwest Research Institute, Nondestructive Evaluation Science and Technology DivisionP.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-05 10ABSTRACTThe feasibility of characterizing the severity of corrosion in reinforcing bars and prestressing strands was investigatedusing the magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) technique and time-frequency analysis. Relatively high bandwidth elastic waves weregenerated and detected in these steel members using the MsS technique. The detected signals were then analyzed for theirdispersion characteristics and attenuation with time-frequency analysis. In both rebars and strands, the wave attenuation wasfound to increase with an increased degree of corrosion. Wave attenuation was found to increase significantly when strands andrebar were cast in concrete. Initial studies showed that low frequencies (<50 kHz) will be needed to operate over a significantdistance in concrete.Keywords: magnetostrictive sensor, corrosion, prestressing strands, reinforcing bars, concrete structure, wave attenuation,wave dispersion1. INTRODUCTIONMagnetostrictive sensors (MsS) provide a noncontact means for the transmission and detection of elastic waves in ferro-magnetic materials to perform nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of the material. As demonstrated in previously reportedwork1-4, MsS can be used to inspect very long lengths (up to hundreds of feet) of a structure from a single sensor location.Also, the MsS requires no couplant and can be operated with a substantial gap to the structural surface. These favorable aspects
I–Cora Diamond

Hilary Putnam has argued against philosophical theories which tie the content of truth-claims closely to the available methods of investigation and verification. Such theories, he argues, threaten our idea of human communication, which we take to be possible between people of different cultures and across periods of time during which methods of investigation change dramatically. Putnam rejects any reading of Wittgenstein which takes him to make a close tie between meaning and method of verification. What strands in Wittgenstein’s thought appear to lend support to such a reading? Can we do justice to the role which method of verification does have for Wittgenstein while retaining our hold on the idea that communication between people is possible despite substantial differences in methods of verification and investigation? Thus it is as if the proof did not determine the sense of the proposition proved; and yet as if it did determine it. But isn't it like that with any verification of any proposition?
Effect of Dissolved Carbon Dioxide on the Growth of Psychrotrophic Organisms in Cottage Cheese

Abstract The effect of dissolved CO 2 on the growth of psychrotrophic spoilage bacteria in 2% fat creamed cottage cheese was investigated. Cottage cheese was inoculated with 10 3 cfu/g of a mixture of three Gram-negative psychrotrophic spoilage bacteria and stored in sealed glass containers at 4 and 7°C for 80 d. Carbon dioxide was added by dissolution into the cream dressing prior to the addition of curd. No growth, including yeasts and molds, was detected in the cheese containing CO 2 during 70 d of storage at 4°C or 30 d at 7°C. Fresh appearance of the cheese containing CO 2 was maintained for 80 d at 4°C or 60 d at 7°C. During the first 10 d of storage at 7°C or 17 d at 4°C, cottage cheese packaged without dissolved CO 2 had 10 4 -fold more colony-forming units (predominantly Gram-negative psychrotrophs) than that packaged with dissolved CO 2 . Gram-negative organisms made up a smaller proportion of the total bacterial counts in CO 2 -treated cheese than in the control product. These data indicate that dissolved CO 2 can effectively inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria in creamed cottage cheese packaged in high barrier containers.
Analysis and Visualization of Thermal Stresses in Exhaust Manifolds

Exhaust manifolds are used in many areas, such as turbocharged diesel engines. The purpose of an exhaust manifold is to direct the hot gases from the combustion chamber to the turbocharger or an acceptable exhaust outlet. The high gas temperatures in the exhaust manifolds lead to very high thermal stresses. This research focuses on the integration of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and virtual reality visualization to analyze and visualize thermal stresses of manifolds for better understanding and better decision-making for design, troubleshooting, and optimization of manifolds. CFD is used to obtain the temperature distribution in the exhaust manifold. Using the temperature data FEA is then performed to determine the thermal stresses in the exhaust manifold. Using the results of the FEA analysis a 3-d virtual model is built to visualize the thermal stresses in the exhaust manifold. Methodologies have been developed for such integration and applied to industrial manifolds. Results will be presented in detail in the paper.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Sex Differences in Cardiac Arrest Survivors

Background Important sex differences in the epidemiology of sudden death and in the results of electrophysiological testing in survivors of cardiac arrest have been identified. These differences are currently poorly understood. Methods and Results Three hundred fifty-five consecutive survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (84 women and 271 men) referred for electrophysiologically guided therapy were analyzed retrospectively for sex differences in underlying pathology and predictors of outcome. Women were significantly less likely to have underlying coronary artery disease than men (45% versus 80%) and more likely to have other forms of heart disease or structurally normal hearts (P<.0001). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in women (0.46±0.18 versus 0.41±0.18, P<.05), and women were more likely to have no inducible arrhythmia at baseline electrophysiological testing (46% versus 27%, P=.002), although when the patients were stratified by coronary artery disease status, these sex d...
Analysis of Sesamin, Asarinin, and Sesamolin by HPLC with Photodiode and Fluorescent Detection and by GC/MS: Application to Sesame Oil and Serum Samples

New sensitive and specific analytical methods are needed for the analysis of sesamin, asarinin, and sesamolin in sesame seed oils, sesame dietary supplements, as well as in serum samples from clinical studies involving sesamin, asarinin, and sesamolin. The objective of this study was to develop a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with photodiode array and fluorescent detectors and a gas chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC/MS) method for the analysis of sesamin, asarinin (episesamin), and sesamolin in sesame oil and in serum samples. Sesame oil samples were extracted with methanol whereas the serum samples were extracted with ethyl acetate or n-hexane. The individual lignans were analyzed by HPLC using reversed phase C18 columns. Analytical recoveries of sesamin, asarinin, and sesamolin from sesame oil were 92–94 % with two extractions. Recoveries from serum ranged from 87 to 97 %. The limit of quantitation with the fluorometric detector was 0.1 ng compared to 0.1 μg with the PDA detector. The concentrations of sesamin, asarinin, and sesamolin in Orchids and Sigma sesame oil were 0.4, 0, and 0.15 % and 0.19, 0.09, and 0 %, respectively. The identities of the individual lignans obtained by HPLC were confirmed by GC/MS and the concentrations of sesamin, asarinin, and sesamolin obtained with the fluorometric detector correlated with those obtained by GC/MS (r2 = 0.94, P < 0.001). The HPLC and GC/MS methods permit simple and efficient procedures for the analysis of sesamin, asarinin, and sesamolin in sesame oil samples as well as in serum samples.
Pulmonary arterial filariasis in the house sparrow.

A field survey of the house sparrow, Passer domesticus domesticus Linn., for the filarial nematode, Splendidofilaria passerina, was conducted in Illinois during May 1968 to May 1969. Fifty-four (19.9%) of 271 birds of both sexes were infected with adult male and/or female worms within the walls of the pulmonary arteries. A mean of 5.8 and range of 1–23 worms per bird were recovered. Forty (14.8%) sparrows were positive for microfilariae in smears of lung blood, but there was no correlation between adult worm burden and numbers of microfilariae per 100 microscopic fields. Eleven birds infected only with female worms were negative for microfilariae. Patent infections were first observed in immature sparrows during September and October, which suggests an approximate 3 month prepatent developmental period of the adult worm. The incidence of infection remained high throughout most of the year, with a decline during the months of June through August. The data indicate increased infection in the autumn, possibl...
Prediction of ideal-stage requirements in complex liquid-liquid extraction systems

A procedure for obtaining equilibrium data and predicting ideal-stage requirements in a complex liquid-liquid extraction system is presented. Preliminary equilibrium data are obtained from a simulated column run involving a series of batch contacts operated in such a manner as to approach steady state countercurrent conditions. The flow ratios and stage requirements for continuous operation are then estimated by trial-and-error by use of a modified McCabe-Thiele method. The procedure lends itself particularly well to those systems with interdependent distribution of the two components. Data for the separation of hafnium from zirconium are presented to show the utility of the method.
Beyond the Wall: Near-Data Processing for Databases

The continuous growth of main memory size allows modern data systems to process entire large scale datasets in memory. The increase in memory capacity, however, is not matched by proportional decrease in memory latency, causing a mismatch for in-memory processing. As a result, data movement through the memory hierarchy is now one of the main performance bottlenecks for main memory data systems. Database systems researchers have proposed several innovative solutions to minimize data movement and to make data access patterns hardware-aware. Nevertheless, all relevant rows and columns for a given query have to be moved through the memory hierarchy; hence, movement of large data sets is on the critical path. In this paper, we present JAFAR, a Near-Data Processing (NDP) accelerator for pushing selects down to memory in modern column-stores. JAFAR implements the select operator and allows only qualifying data to travel up the memory hierarchy. Through a detailed simulation of JAFAR hardware we show that it has the potential to provide 9x improvement for selects in column-stores. In addition, we discuss both hardware and software challenges for using NDP in database systems as well as opportunities for further NDP accelerators to boost additional relational operators.
A fast, iterative, partial-fourier technique capable of local phase recovery

Abstract An iterative partial-Fourier technique which is capable of improved local phase recovery and, hence, improved magnitude images when only limited, asymmetric, uniformly sampled Fourier data are available is presented. The phase information available from the central, symmetric data is improved by letting the phase in a limited region containing the high spatial frequency components and the magnitude of the whole image be determined by an iterative POCS (projection onto convex set) technique. The complex image obtained is found to be similar to that derived from a formal least-squares solution for an overdetermined problem, but in practice, is similar to the zero-filled solution in the limited region only. The method is fast and particularly applicable to gradient-echo as well as spin-echo techniques. It promises to give optimal resolution and signal-to-noise ( S/N ) when no other information is available. The method is evaluated for models, spin-echo data, 2D gradient-echo data, and short-TE, asymmetrically sampled, 3D, gradient-echo, flow imaging techniques. The S/N behavior is studied as a function of phase, amplitude, and number of extra points, m , retained past the center sampled point. The resulting graphs can be used to decide how large m should be chosen for a particular imaging sequence and phase error.
Capillary electrophoretic separation of glutamate enantiomers in neural samples

A micellar electrokinetic chromatographic (MEKC) separation of glutamate (Glu) enantiomers fluorescently tagged with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) is described. Chiral selectors tested included alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins, modified cyclodextrins, D-glucosamine, sucrose, taurocholate, and their binary mixtures. NDA-labeled Glu enantiomers were best resolved with beta-cyclodextrin in the presence of methanol as an organic modifier. Under the separation conditions, no other amino acids coelute with Glu enantiomers. Using NDA as the reagent, the labeling reaction proceeded readily in aqueous solution, and the spectroscopic properties of NDA fluorophore were optimum for the sensitive laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. Glu enantiomers present in mass limited samples such as single neurons could be adequately quantified by coupling this separation with LIF detection. A detection limit of 0.57 microM Glu was obtained. Using the present method, D-Glu was detected in rat brain, and, for the first time, in ganglia and single neurons of Aplysia californica, an extensively studied neuronal model. Interestingly, the level of D-Glu was found to be higher than that of L-Glu in many Aplysia neurons.
Parity and route of delivery: does cesarean delivery reduce bladder symptoms later in life? ☆

Abstract Objective This study was undertaken to investigate the impact of reproductive factors on the prevalence of urinary symptoms. Study design Participants were women scheduled for hysterectomy (n=1299). Before surgery, urinary symptoms were assessed by questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between bladder symptoms and parity, route of delivery, and other characteristics. Results Stress incontinence and urinary urgency were more prevalent among parous than nulliparous women (P Conclusion Women who have undergone vaginal delivery are more likely to report stress incontinence than women who have delivered by cesarean section. Although this suggests that cesarean delivery might reduce incontinence later in life, further research is needed to clarify the long-term risks, benefits, and costs of cesarean delivery.
Nano-Scale Heat Transfer Education at Carnegie Mellon University: Programs for Mechanical Engineering and High School Students

The evolving high technology industries of recent years have created a growing need for mechanical engineers with nano-scale heat transfer expertise to aid analysis, design, and fabrication of micro devices such as transistors, sensors, actuators, etc. The trends and predictions for activities in this field are even more promising for the next decade. Therefore, the new generation of mechanical engineers should have a reasonable knowledge of the subject to meet the growing demands of the job market. This has created need for inclusion of nano-scale heat transfer topics and experiments in the mechanical engineering curriculum. To meet this demand, we have started a few programs in the mechanical engineering department of the Carnegie Mellon University. We have added nano-scale heat transfer topics, including lab experiments, to some of the existing courses also have developed and offered new specialized courses on the subject. In addition, we have started a summer program for interested high school students entitled “The Exciting World of Thermal Engineering”. The purpose of the latter program has been to expose the student to the subject, and to create/promote enthusiasm for pursuing a thermal engineering career. In this paper we are going to explain the program and to share our observations and experiences.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Absolute magnitude of heavy-ion induced two-nucleon transfer reactions☆

Abstract It is shown that the long standing difficulty of too small theoretical cross sections for heavy-ion induced two-nucleon transfer reaction has been solved for several cases with two-neutron transfer, and that for some others, including a few two-proton transfer cases, the situation has been improved significantly though the problem has not yet been solved completely there. It was found that this is achieved chiefly by using sufficiently sophisticated wave functions for the nuclear states involved, and by including both the simultaneous and successive transfer amplitudes in the calculation. A somewhat detailed formulation for these amplitudes is given, presenting in particular the coupled-reaction-channel equation in a form suited for exact finite-range calculations. In the course of the calculation, a surprising similarity was found between the behaviors of the successive and simultaneous amplitudes, and an explanation for this similarity is given.
Spin Resonance in Metals as a Function of the Overhauser Effect

The polarization of the nuclear spin states by saturating the electron spin levels as predicted by Overhauser is shown to alter the electron spin resonance absorption line shape. It is shown that under certain stringent conditions the line shape may depend upon the sweep direction of the magnetic field ${H}_{0}$. The theory is developed under the assumption of no skin-depth broadening.
A distributed-parameter model for formaldehyde uptake and disposition in the rat nasal lining.

DNA–protein cross-links (DPX) serve as a dosimeter for inhaled formaldehyde and are associated with tumor induction in rat nasal passages after chronic exposure to 6 ppm and above. To determine the role of epithelium-specific morphometry in formaldehyde-induced patterns of injury, we developed a mathematical model that links airflow-driven formaldehyde uptake with DPX formation in regions of the rat nose with high and low tumor incidence. A three-dimensional, anatomically accurate computational fluid dynamics model of rat nasal airflow and inhaled gas uptake was integrated with a physiologically based mathematical model incorporating tissue thickness, formaldehyde diffusion, its removal by enzymatic and nonenzymatic processes, and DNA distribution in the nasal mucosa to predict DPX formation. The model implicitly incorporates the reversible conversion of formaldehyde to methylene glycol. Where possible, parameter values were taken from the literature or estimated using published correlations. The Michaeli...
Efficacy of media for promoting ascospore formation by Neosartorya fischeri, and the influence of age and culture temperature on heat resistance of ascospores

Abstract Gorodkowa agar (GA), Fowell's acetate agar (FAA), Kleyn's acetate agar (KAA), McClary's acetate agar (MAA), grape juice agar (GJA), apple juice agar (AJA) and vegetable juice agar (VJA) were evaluated for their efficacy to promote ascospore formation by three strains of Neosartorya fischeri . All three strains produced abundant mature ascospores when grown on FAA, GJA and AJA, but not on the other test media. Ascospores produced on GJA developed greater heat resistance with time when suspended in commercial apple juice (AJ), grape juice (GJ) and 0·1 M potassium phosphate buffer (PB) during heat treatment. From 10 to 13 days of incubation at 30°C, decimal reduction times at 80°C ( D 80°C values) for ascospores increased from 27·0 to 66·7 min in AJ, 28·5 to 33·3 min in GJ and 18·2 to 50·0 min in PB. The rate of development of heat resistance was dependent upon the incubation temperature at which ascospores were produced. After treatment at 70°C for 60 min, survival percentages for 21-day-old ascospores were 0·32, 8·13, 54·95 and 53·70% of ascospores produced at 18, 21, 25 and 30°C, respectively. At 42 days, 0·23 and 38·02% of ascospores produced at 18 and 21°C, respectively survived 85°C for 30 min; this treatment did not inactivate 42-day-old ascospores produced at 25 and 30°C. During a 114-day test period, ascospores produced at all incubation temperatures became dormant to some extent and required heat activation to facilitate germination.
Electroconvulsive therapy in complex regional pain syndromes.

AbstractThree cases are presented in which electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression led to the relief of comorbid complex regional pain syndrome as well as depression. In one of the cases, concomitant fibromyalgia was not relieved during 2 separate series of ECT. The literature regarding the r
Sorption of imidazolium-based ionic liquids to aquatic sediments.

Abstract Ionic liquids (ILs) have received much attention as “green” alternatives to traditional solvents because they do not evaporate, eliminating concerns over fugitive emissions. However, if ionic liquids are used in industrial applications, they may enter aquatic systems via effluent, and their fate and transport may be influenced by sorption to sediments. In this study, we conducted batch mixing experiments with four alkylmethylimidizolium-based ILs and four types of aquatic sediments to asses the capacity for natural aquatic sediments to remove these chemicals from the water column. The concentration isotherms were non linear with point estimates of the distribution coefficient (Kd) decreasing with increasing concentration. Apparent distribution coefficients ranged from 7.9 to 95.7 l kg−1 at an initial concentration of 0.5 mM and were positively related to sediment organic matter (SOM) content. These Kd values indicate that the ILs did not sorb strongly to the tested sediments. Increased alkyl chain length did not lead to increased sorption suggesting that hydrophobic interactions were not the most important sorption mechanism. We conclude that aquatic sediments have a limited capacity to sorb alkylmethylimidazolium ILs and that the transport of these contaminants in aquatic systems will not be strongly attenuated by sediments.
Opinions of women with high inherited breast cancer risk about prophylactic mastectomy: an initial evaluation from a screening trial including magnetic resonance imaging and ductal lavage

Objective Prophylactic mastectomy (PM) is often considered, but variably chosen by women at high inherited risk of breast cancer; few data exist on patient tolerance of intensive breast screening as an alternative to PM. We performed an evaluation of high-risk women's tolerance of a breast screening protocol using clinical breast examination, mammography, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ductal lavage (DL), and of change in attitudes toward PM after screening. Design A questionnaire assessing tolerance of screening procedures and change in opinion towards PM was designed and administered to 43 study participants, after a median follow-up of 13 months. Responses were evaluated according to patient characteristics, including type of study-prompted interventions, BRCA mutation status, and prior history of cancer, via univariate analysis. Results Most patients [85.3% (68.9–95.1%)] were more opposed or unchanged in their attitudes towards PM after study participation, with only 14.7% (5.0–31.1%) less opposed (P = 0.017) despite a short-interval follow-up MRI rate of 71.7% and a biopsy rate of 37%. Lower rates of maximal discomfort were reported with mammogram [2.8% (0–14.5%)] and MRI [5.6% (0–18.7%)] than with DL [28.6% (14.6–46.3%)], with P = 0.035. Conclusions Most high-risk women tolerated intensive breast screening well; they were not more inclined towards PM after participating. Future studies should prospectively evaluate larger numbers of high-risk women via multivariate analysis, to determine characteristics associated with preference for breast screening vs. PM.
Stability of microdomain morphology in tethered block copolymer monolayers

Abstract Robust and uniform ultrathin elastomeric films with complete surface coverage were fabricated from poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] (SEBS) functionalized with 2% of maleic anhydride by grafting to a chemically modified silicon surface via epoxy-terminated self-assembling monolayers. We varied the thickness L of the SEBS film, from 1.4 to 8.5 nm, to test the limits of the stability of microphase-separated structures under confined conditions. We observed that the in-plane cylindrical/spherical microdomain morphology is similar to the bulk microstructure but it is compressed in vertical direction due to film–air and film–substrate interfacial constrains. Such a microstructure is formed at thicknesses in the range from 2.6 to 9 nm and is perfectly defined at L/L0=0.3 (SEBS interdomain spacing, L 0 =28 nm ). Microphase separation is completely suppressed only for extremely thin films with L/L0
Three-Dimensional Modeling and Quantitative Analysis of Gap Junction Distributions in Cardiac Tissue

Gap junctions play a fundamental role in intercellular communication in cardiac tissue. Various types of heart disease including hypertrophy and ischemia are associated with alterations of the spatial arrangement of gap junctions. Previous studies applied two-dimensional optical and electron-microscopy to visualize gap junction arrangements. In normal cardiomyocytes, gap junctions were primarily found at cell ends, but can be found also in more central regions. In this study, we extended these approaches toward three-dimensional reconstruction of gap junction distributions based on high-resolution scanning confocal microscopy and image processing. We developed methods for quantitative characterization of gap junction distributions based on analysis of intensity profiles along the principal axes of myocytes. The analyses characterized gap junction polarization at cell ends and higher-order statistical image moments of intensity profiles. The methodology was tested in rat ventricular myocardium. Our analysis yielded novel quantitative data on gap junction distributions. In particular, the analysis demonstrated that the distributions exhibit significant variability with respect to polarization, skewness, and kurtosis. We suggest that this methodology provides a quantitative alternative to current approaches based on visual inspection, with applications in particular in characterization of engineered and diseased myocardium. Furthermore, we propose that these data provide improved input for computational modeling of cardiac conduction.
Spatiotemporal modeling of distribution-valued data applied to DTI tract evolution in infant neurodevelopment

This paper proposes a novel method that extends spatiotemporal growth modeling to distribution-valued data. The method relaxes assumptions on the underlying noise models by considering the data to be represented by the complete probability distributions rather than a representative, single-valued summary statistics like the mean. When summarizing by the latter method, information on the underlying variability of data is lost early in the process and is not available at later stages of statistical analysis. The concept of 'distance' between distributions and an 'average' of distributions is employed. The framework quantifies growth trajectories for individuals and populations in terms of the complete data variability estimated along time and space. Concept is demonstrated in the context of our driving application which is modeling of age-related changes along white matter tracts in early neurodevelopment. Results are shown for a single subject with Krabbe's disease in comparison with a normative trend estimated from 15 healthy controls.
Formation of a rate-limiting intermediate in 5S RNA gene transcription

We have performed in vitro kinetic analyses of transcription from the 5S gene promoter in order to resolve the rate-limiting events which lead to accurate transcription of the 5S RNA gene. We demonstrate that a rate-limiting intermediate can be formed during an extended incubation prior to initiation of transcription. Formation of such a complex is temperature-dependent, requires magnesium and ATP, consists of stoichiometric amounts of the known class III transcription factors and RNA polymerase III on 5S DNA, and eliminates the normal lag in attainment of a steady-state rate of transcription. This complex is therefore different from the "stable complex" minimally required for template commitment. Further analyses demonstrate that TFIIIB, like TFIIIA and TFIIIC, can be stably sequestered on the 5S gene and also allow us to formulate the following order of factor interactions on the 5S gene: TFIIIA, TFIIIC, TFIIIB, RNA polymerase III.
Anti-calcification of bovine pericardium for bioprosthetic heart valves after surface modification with hyaluronic acid derivatives

Surface modification of glutaraldehyde fixed bovine pericardium (GFBP) was successfully carried out with hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives. At first, HA was chemically modified with adipic dihydrazide (ADH) to introduce hydrazide functional group into the carboxyl group of HA backbone. Then, GFBP was surface modified by grafting HA-ADH to the free aldehyde groups on the tissue and the subsequent HA-ADH hydrogel coating. HA-ADH hydrogels could be prepared through selective crosslinking at low pH between hydrazide groups of HA-ADH and crosslinkers containing succinimmidyl moieties with minimized protein denaturation. When HA-ADH hydrogels were prepared at low pH of 4.8 in the presence of erythropoietin (EPO) as a model protein, EPO release was continued up to 85% of total amount of loaded EPO for 4 days. To the contrary, only 30% of EPO was released from HA-ADH hydrogels prepared at pH=7.4, which might be due to the denaturation of EPO during the crosslinking reaction. Because the carboxyl groups on the glucuronic acid residues are recognition sites for HA degradation by hyaluronidase, the HA-ADH hydrogels degraded more slowly than HA hydrogels prepared by the crosslinking reaction of divinyl sulfone with hydroxyl groups of HA. Following a two-week subcutaneous implantation in osteopontin-null mice, clinically significant levels of calcification were observed for the positive controls without any surface modification. However, the calcification of surface modified GFBP with HA-ADH and HA-ADH hydrogels was drastically reduced by more than 85% of the positive controls. The anti-calcification effect of HA surface modification was also confirmed by microscopic analysis of explan ted tissue after staining with Alizarin Red S for calcium, which followed the trend as observed with calcium quantification.
Early experience with ultra-thin transnasal esophagoscopy

Purpose: The effectiveness of video nasoesphagoscopy was compared with standard peroral video esophagoscopy in the assessment of the esophagus in a small population of patients scheduled to undergo upper endoscopy.
Research on Language Education Through Programmes of Study and Residence Abroad: Recent Publications

Mexican Americans and Language: Del dicho al hecho. G.A. Martinez. Tucson: University of Arizona Press. 2006. Pp. xi/128. ISBN 0-8165-2374-6 (pbk): $15.95
The Frank electrocardiogram in complete transposition of the great arteries: its use in assessment of left ventricular pressure.

Abstract Frank ECG's were obtained in one hundred children with transposition of the great arteries and related to the hemodynamic state, especially the left ventricular pressure, measured at cardiac catheterization. Abnormal degrees of right ventricular hypertrophy were seen in almost all children above 2 months of age. Associated left ventricular hypertrophy, detected by a counterclockwise or figure-of-eight horizontal loop and usually increased leftward voltages, was found to relate to the level of the left ventricular systolic pressure. Provided the hematocrit was not excessively elevated, a counterclockwise loop in the horizontal plane was associated with a high left ventricular pressure (> 70 per cent of the right ventricular pressure), whereas a clockwise horizontal loop indicated a left ventricular pressure less than 70 per cent of the right ventricular pressure. In individual patients, changes in the level of left ventricular pressure were reflected by changes in the Frank ECG. Thus the Frank ECG is useful in the clinical evaluation of patients with transposition of the great arteries, especially in assessing the level of the left ventricular pressure.
Boulder weathering in McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

Abstract Earth's dynamic surface undergoes a continuous cycle of mountain building and denudation. One of the important links in this cycle is the break-up and comminution of the rocks that allows for effective transportation of debris by surface processes. The starting and end points in this transformation are well known: bedrock and boulders on one end and silt and clay on the other. However, the existing knowledge of the rates and processes responsible of the intermediate steps is currently limited. To fill this gap in knowledge we studied boulders and their weathering products in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, that have been weathering for hundreds of thousands of years sub-aerially exposed at the ground surface. Our study boulders of locally distinct lithology have trails of rock fragments leading downhill revealing the rate of weathering and subsequent transport rate of the fragments. The rock fragments emanate from the source boulder and decrease in size as the distance downslope increases. We measured the fragment sizes and distances for various lithologies on varying slope angles. We found that large fragments up to 0.4 m in diameter can be transported up to 60 m downslope by unknown processes. The total length of the fragment trail increases with the slope angle. The maximum transport distances of sandstone boulders are approximately 10 times longer than other lithologies, which may be explained by the larger observed fragment sizes of the sandstones. On the other hand measurements of the smaller, generally less than 0.04 m diameter fragments that are transported by wind, revealed much shorter transport distances (
Kwiizya: local cellular network services in remote areas

Cellular networks have revolutionized the way people communicate in rural areas. At the same time, deployment of commercial-grade cellular networks in areas with low population density, such as in rural sub-Saharan Africa, is prohibitively expensive relative to the return of investment. As a result, 48\% of the rural population in Africa remains disconnected. To address this problem, we design a local cellular network architecture, Kwiizya, that provides basic voice and text messaging services in rural areas. Our system features an interface for development of text message based applications that can be leveraged for improved health care, education and support of local businesses. We deployed an instance of Kwiizya in the rural village of Macha in Zambia. Our deployment utilizes the existing long distance Wi-Fi network in the village for inter-base station communication to provide high quality services with minimal infrastructure requirements. In this paper we evaluate Kwiizya in-situ in Macha and show that the network maintains low delay and jitter (20ms and 3ms, respectively) for voice call traffic, while providing high call Mean Opinion Score of 3.46, which is the theoretical maximum supported by our system.
Retinyl palmitate does not have an adjuvant effect on the antibody response of chicks to keyhole limpet hemocyanin regardless of vitamin A status

Abstract To determine whether supplementing retinyl palmitate (RP) to vitamin A-deficient or -adequate chicks during vaccination increased the antibody response, an experiment was conducted that used a 2-generational model. White Leghorn chicks were hatched from eggs that contained 1.06 ± 0.13, 1.41 ± 0.14, or 1.90 ± 0.13 μg of retinol/g of egg yolk. Upon hatch, chicks were allotted to a diet that contained 70, 100, or 130% of the vitamin A requirement (1,500 IU/kg). At 14 d of age, chicks were challenged with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA), KLH and FIA, KLH and RP administered in the same injection, or KLH and RP administered at different injection sites. The RP dosage was 7,000 IU/kg of BW, and dosage of the KLH was 1 mg/kg of BW. Chicks were bled and rechallenged at 19 d of age, and a final blood draw was taken at 29 d of age. The IgM and IgG antibody responses to KLH were determined by ELISA, and agglutination was used to determine natural antibody titers. When compared with chicks fed diets that contained 70 and 100% of the vitamin A requirement, the chicks fed 130% of the vitamin A requirement had a lower primary IgM and IgG antibody response (P
Transient X-Ray Sources, Luminosity Gaps, and Neutron Star Densities

A simple model of accretion onto magnetized neutron stars predicts a large luminosity change during a transition from magnetospheric accretion to neutron star accretion. It is pointed out that, for this model, the ratio of the minimum neutron star accretion luminosity and maximum magnetospheric accretion luminosity depends on just the neutron star density and rotation period. Hence, the detection of such a luminosity gap would, at least in principle, give direct insight into the mass-radius relationship of neutron stars. Some potential problems that may affect this measurement are also discussed and some observational results are briefly reviewed.
High-order mixed RWG basis functions for electromagnetic applications

In this paper, we present an explicit form of high-order mixed Rao-Wilton-Glisson basis functions for electromagnetic (EM) simulation of curved conductor surfaces. Basis functions for combinations of curved triangular and quadrilateral patches can be used. Several applications of EM simulations in multilayered media, such as three-dimensional discontinuities in very large scale integration design, multilayered RF components, and multilayered antennas, are provided to show the feasibility and efficiency of the mixed basis functions.
A matter of opinion about hysterectomies: experts' and practicing community gynecologists' ratings of appropriateness

The degree to which national expert panel survey ratings of the appropriateness of hysterectomy differed from those of a random sample of practicing community gynecologists was determined. Community gynecologists rated hysterectomy as more appropriate on six of eight cervical dysplasia scenarios. Experts agreed among themselves on 19 of 32 indications (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.66); community gynecologists agreed on 12 of 32 indications (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.50). Although few differences of opinion existed between experts and community gynecologists, for common clinical scenarios there was a large variation of opinion about the appropriateness of hysterectomy within each group. For areas of clinical uncertainty in which experts' opinions are used in guideline development, additional measures such as process of care, quality of life, and patient preference should be included in discussions about guidelines.
RNA Synthesis: Phosphoramidites for RNA synthesis in the reverse direction. Highly efficient synthesis and application to convenient introduction of ligands, chromophores and modifications of synthetic RNA at the 3′- end.

Defined sequence RNA synthesis by 3'-->5' direction is now well established and currently in use for synthesis and development of vast variety of therapeutic grade RNA and Si RNA etc. A number of such synthetic RNA requires a modification or labeling of 3'- end of an oligonucleotide. The synthesis of 3'- end modified RNA requiring lipophilic, long chain ligands or chromophores, using 3' --> 5' synthesis methodology is challenging, requires corresponding solid support and generally results in low coupling efficiency and lower purity of the final oligonucleotide in general because of large amount of truncated sequences containing desired hydrophobic modification. We have approached this problem by developing reverse RNA monomer phosphoramidites for RNA synthesis in 5' --> 3'- direction. They lead to very clean oligonucleotide synthesis allowing for introduction of various modifications at the 3'- end.