cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging of self‐assembled monolayer films for electron beam dose mapping in the environmental scanning electron microscope

Fluorinated alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAM) films immobilized on gold substrates have been used as electron-sensitive resists to map quantitatively the spatial distribution of the primary electronbeam scattering in an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). In this procedure, a series of electron dose standards are prepared by exposing a SAM film to electron bombardment in well-defined regions at different levels of electron dose. Microbeam secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) using Cs+ bombardment is then used to image the F- secondary ion signal from these areas. From the reduction in F- intensity as a function of increasing electron dose, a calibration curve is generated that allows conversion of secondary ion signal to electron dose on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Using this calibration, electron dose images can be prepared that quantitatively map the electron scattering distribution in the ESEM with micrometer spatial resolution. The SIMS imaging technique may also be used to explore other aspects of electron-surface interactions in the ESEM.
P3a from auditory white noise stimuli.

Abstract Objective P3a and P3b event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were elicited with an auditory 3-stimulus (target, distracter, standard) paradigm in which subjects responded only to the target. Methods Distracter stimuli consisted of white noise, novel sounds, or a high frequency tone, with stimulus characteristics perceptually controlled. Task difficulty was varied as easy and hard by changing the pitch difference between the target and standard stimuli. Results Error rate was greater and response time longer for the hard task. P3a distracter amplitude was largest for the white noise and novel stimuli, with maximum amplitude over the central recording sites, and larger for the hard discrimination task. P3b target amplitude was unaffected by distracter type, maximum over the parietal recording sites, and smaller and later for the hard task. Conclusions The findings indicate that white noise stimuli can produce reliable P3a components. Significance White noise can be useful for clinical P3a applications, as it removes the variability of stimulus novelty.
Cervical and thoracic dermal sinus tracts. A case series and review of the literature.

Cervical and thoracic dermal sinus tracts (DSTs) account for 1 and 10%, respectively, of all DSTs. Few case reports describe this diagnosis. To characterize this entity, a 30-year retrospective audit was utilized to identify cases. Nine cases were identified, five of which were cervical and four thoracic. Four cases less than 1 year old presented with skin findings and no neurologic deficit. All five cases greater than 1 year old presented with neurologic findings. Initial examination revealed changes in motor function (n = 5), sensation (n = 4), reflexes (n = 5), gait (n = 4) and altered bowel/bladder function (n = 2). Eight patients had cutaneous findings and 7 had bifid spinous processes overlying tract entry into the dura. Operative findings included 6 buckled tethered cords, opacified arachnoid or frank arachnoiditis in 4 patients, 2 tract CSF leaks, 2 split cord malformations and 2 intradural tumors. Mean follow-up was 36 months. All infants remained neurologically intact. Four of the 5 patients greater than 1 year old demonstrated improvement; 1 continued with a stable deficit. This series of cervical and thoracic DSTs highlights the need for close attention to skin lesions in infants and consideration of retethering or tumor in patients with previous resections who deteriorate. Definitive operation including intradural exploration should be performed with the initial operation in an attempt to obviate future complications.
The Best Constant in Siegel¿s Lemma

We give a new proof of the basis form of Siegel’s Lemma over an algebraic number field k in which the field and dimension dependent constant is best possible. This constant is equal to a generalization of Hermite’s constant for the algebraic number field k that has recently been studied by J. L. Thunder.
A voltammetric study of interdomain electron transfer within sulfite oxidase.

Protein film voltammetry of chicken liver sulfite oxidase (SO) bound at the pyrolytic graphite “edge” or modified gold electrodes shows that catalytic electron transport is controlled by the inherent electrochemical characteristics of the heme b domain and conformational changes that allow intramolecular electron transfer with the molybdenum active site. In the absence of sulfite, a single nonturnover electrochemical signal is observed at +90 mV (vs SHE) that is assigned to heme b. In the presence of sulfite, this signal transforms into a catalytic wave at similar potential. The shape and negligible pH dependence of this wave indicate that catalytic turnover is controlled by the one-electron transfers through heme b. The smaller turnover numbers obtained in this experiment (kcat ≈ 2−4 s-1, as compared to 100 s-1 in solution) suggest that only a small fraction of SO is bound at the electrode in a manner that permits the conformational change necessary for fast interdomain electron transfer.
Metathesis of Electron-Rich Olefins: Structure and Reactivity of Electron-Rich Carbene Complexes

The addition of excess H_2C C(H)ER to (Pcy_3)_2Cl_2Ru C(H)R (1a,b) afforded a series of well-defined ruthenium carbene complexes, (Pcy_3)_2Cl_2Ru C(H)ER (ER = OEt (5), SEt (6), SPh (7), N(carbazole) (8), N(pyrrolidinone) (9)) in yields ranging from 66 to 90%. Such complexes containing an electron-donating group on the carbene carbon are often referred to as Fischer-type carbenes. Replacement of one phosphine ligand with 1,3-dimesitylimidazolylidene (IMes) afforded the respective mixed-ligand complexes (IMes)(Pcy_3)Cl_2Ru C(H)ER (11−14) in 48−89% yield. Alternatively, addition of H_2C C(H)OEt to (H_2IMes)(PCy_3)Cl_2Ru C(H)Ph (3a; H_2IMes = 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazolylidene) afforded (H_2IMes)(PCy_3)Cl_2Ru C(H)OEt (15) in 93% yield. The crystal structures of complexes 5, 7−9, and 11 were determined and found to be structurally similar to the parent ruthenium alkylidene ([Ru] C(H)R) complexes. In solution, the chemical shift of the [Ru] C(H)ER resonance in ^1H NMR spectra was found to be inversely related to the electronegativity of the α-heteratom; however, no trends were evident in the ^(31)P or ^(13)C NMR spectra. Intramolecular coordination of the pendant amide carbonyl group to the Ru center established a temperature-dependent equilibrium between complexes 9 and 14 and their cyclometalated forms. All Ru electron-rich complexes initiated the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of strained cyclic olefins and the ring-closing metathesis (RCM) of diethyl diallylmalonate. A general trend in the relative reactivities and thermal stabilities of the (PCy_3)_2Cl_2Ru C(H)ER complexes followed the order C > N > S > O. In addition, complexes coordinated with an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand (e.g., (IMes)(PCy_3)Cl_2Ru C(H)ER) displayed enhanced activities in olefin metathesis and were thermally more stable than their bis(phosphine) analogues. Finally, the thermal decomposition product of (PCy_3)_2Cl_2Ru C(H)OEt was isolated and determined by X-ray analysis to be (PCy_3)_2ClRu(H)CO (10).
Cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation syndrome in the Bernese mountain dog: clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features

Objectives: To describe the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation in Bernese mountain dogs. Methods: Seven Bernese mountain dogs (four males and three females) were diagnosed with cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation by magnetic resonance imaging. The following data were evaluated retrospectively: (1) abnormalities of the cervical vertebral column and spinal cord, (2) spinal cord compression, (3) intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation, (4) severity of clinical signs pretreatment and after treatment, (5) type of treatment and (6) outcome. Results: Spin echo T1-weighted and T2-weighted images disclosed multi-level, extradural compressive spinal cord lesions (ventral, dorsolateral or both) spanning from intervertebral disc spaces C3-4 to C6-7. In all seven dogs, T2-weighted images disclosed one or more intramedullary hyperintensities associated with extradural spinal cord compression. Surgery was performed in five dogs. Two dogs were managed medically. The prognosis for surgical or conservative management in Bernese mountain dogs was similar to cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation in other breeds. Clinical Significance: Cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation is an important differential diagnosis for young to middle-aged Bernese mountain dogs with a C1-5 or C6-T2 neuroanatomic localisation. Dorsolateral spinal cord compression associated with articular process hypertrophy was the most common feature of cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation in the seven Bernese mountain dogs evaluated.
Solutions to the compact debris flight equations

Abstract Analytic, approximate analytic, and numerical solutions to the compact debris flight equations are presented. Analysis shows that, after release from rest, the slope of the particle trajectory adjusts from an initial slope of − Ω to a final slope of − Ω where Ω is the inverse of the Tachikawa number. For Ω 1 the trajectory steepens whereas for Ω > 1 the path becomes less steep over the full flight distance. However, for all values of Ω the trajectory initially steepens before adjusting to its steady trajectory slope. The final steady straight line trajectory is shown to project back to a virtual release height that is calculated numerically and shown to be a function of Ω. Approximate analytical solutions for the flight distance required to achieve the final steady-state slope ( − Ω ) are presented and show that the transition height is a function of Ω for small values of Ω but is independent of Ω for larger values. The transition height is shown to be very large for a broad range of physically realistic conditions. Contour plots are presented that summarize the change in trajectory, horizontal flight distance, horizontal and vertical velocity, and kinetic energy as a function of vertical distance traveled and Ω.
Echocardiographic features of right ventricular outflow tumor prolapsing into the pulmonary artery

Abstract The echocardiographic features of a tumor in the right ventricular outflow tract that prolapsed into the pulmonary artery during systole are described. The patient was a 19 year old woman who presented clinically with bacterial endocarditis involving a mildly stenotic pulmonary valve. An echocardiogram, obtained to evaluate the pulmonary valve for bacterial vegetations, showed abnormal echoes throughout the cardiac cycle; they suggested a tumor mass in the right ventricular outflow tract in front of the pulmonary valve with possible extension into the pulmonary artery during systole. Additional tumor echoes confined to diastole were recorded in front of the aortic root and the tricuspid valve. These features were further elucidated with a computer-generated two dimensional cineechocardiogram that clearly showed a portion of the tumor mass passing beyond the position of the pulmonary valve into the main pulmonary artery in systole and returning into the right ventricular outflow in diastole. At surgery, a large myxoma was found in the right ventricular outflow tract with a polypoid extension that projected into the pulmonary artery in systole and contained a fibrinous vegetation at its tip. The left cusp of the pulmonary valve was normal, but the other two leaflets showed evidence of endocarditis.
Hydrological processes in microbial preservation

Extreme environments, such as aqueous, high temperature, mineralizing systems (thermal springs) are the focus of the search for evidence of life on early Earth or on Mars. Mineral deposition from saturated waters potentially entombs these organisms complicating hydrological control of the fossilization process. Near-surface and subsurface hydrology of these systems is governed by the porosity and continuity of pore spaces in microbial mats and associated sinter deposits. Herein we examine the evolution of pore space in microbial mats with emphasis on the relationship between pore size and geometry, and silica deposition. Microbial mats living in the outflow channels of silica-rich thermal springs in Yellowstone National Park, WY, and Steamboat Springs, NV are best preserved under conditions of intermittent inundation and drying and/or cooling. This leads to periodic deposition of silica initially as a coating on the cells and eventually as an infilling in the cells. As a consequence, pore spaces between microbial filaments retain characteristic configurations and are filled with silica crystals of different size and morphology than that of the coatings or fillings. The nature of the pore-filling silica is controlled by the temperature and chemistry of the water flowing through the sinter mound and is indicative of the environment of preservations.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Just this Once: urban Ireland in film

By focusing on the city of Dublin as both setting and character, Once, written and directed by Dublin native John Carney, portrays urban Ireland in the global context. Using a series of replacements – replacing population loss with in-migration, and replacing parochial ideals with multicultural ones – the film re-places Dublin, both representing the city it has become and providing space for continuing growth and change. For Dublin, as elsewhere, change enters as global flows of information and people become part of the city. Rather than conforming to the traditional global power of American culture, Bord Scannan na hEireann (Irish Film Board) is striking its own global poses, producing and distributing films that construct an urban Irishness for international audiences. In my article, I examine how this award-winning Irish film constructs Irish urban identity in the face of globalism's cultural flattening.
Sensitivity of the Human Comfort Equation: An Example of the Use of Global Sensitivity to Evaluate Sensitivity Interactions

Many models of engineering and scientific systems involve interactions between and among the parameters, stimuli, and physical properties. The determination of the adequacy of models for predictions and for designing experiments generally involves sensitivity studies. This is particularly true for experiments by which properties are to be estimated. Good designs mandate that the experiments be sensitive to the parameters sought with little interaction between them because such interaction generally confuse the estimation and reduce the precision of the estimates. For design purposes, analysts frequently want to evaluate the sensitivities of the predicted responses to specific variables but it the variables interact it is often difficult to separate the effects. Global sensitivity is a technique by which one can evaluate the magnitude of the interactions between multiple variables. In this paper the global sensitivity approach is applied to the human comfort equation. The aim is twofold: 1) to demonstrate the usefulness of the global sensitivity approach, 2) to increase our understanding of how human comfort is affected by activity, clothing, and environmental conditions. It is found that when occupants are uncomfortable there is little interaction and that one can predict the effects of changing several environmental conditions at once by adding the separate effects. But when occupants are comfortable there is a large interaction and the effects cannot be treated separately.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Spline-based distributed system identification with application to large space antennas

A parameter and state estimation technique for distributed models is demonstrated through the solution of a problem generic to large space antenna system identification. Assuming the position of the reflective surface of the maypole (hoop/column) antenna to be approximated by the static two-dimensional, stretched-membrane partial differential equation with variable-stiffness coefficient functions, a spline-based approximation procedure is described that estimates the shape and stiffness functions from data set observations. For given stiffness functions, the Galerkin projection with linear spline-based functions is applied to project the distributed problem onto a finite-dimensional subspace wherein algebraic equations exist for determining a static shape (state) prediction. The stiffness functions are then parameterized by cubic splines and the parameters estimated by an output error technique. Numerical results are presented for data descriptive of a 100-m-diameter maypole antenna.
Adrenal imaging with 131I-19-iodocholesterol in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with aldosteronism.

The results of adrenal scintiscans, venograms and venous aldosterone levels are compared with the histologic findings in 33 patients submitted to operations for primary aldosteronism. Standard and suppression scintiscans were performed 2–14 days following intravenous administration of 2 mCi of 131I-19-iodocholesterol. The adrenal lesions were histologically classified into four categories: 25 patients had adenomas, 6 had macronodular hyperplasia, 1 had microscopic hyperplasia and 1 had an adenocarcinoma. Asymmetrical uptake between the two adrenals seen on standard scintiscans did not differentiate between a tumor or asymmetrical hyperplasia, unless the tumor was greater than 2 cm in diameter. During suppression scintiscans, unilateral uptake visible within five days of the tracer injection was consistent with adenoma. Patients with nodular hyperplasia demonstrated early uptake in both adrenal glands during suppression scintiscans, while the patient with microscopic hyperplasia did not. The type of adrena...
Correlation of the appearance of morphinan alkaloids and laticifer cells in germinating Papaver bracteatum seedlings.

The course of alkaloid accumulation and laticifer cell appearance was compared in germinating P. bracteatum seedlings. Seedlings of various ages (0–14 days old) were analyzed for their dopamine, thebaine, morphinan alkaloid immunoreactivity, and benzophenanthridine alkaloid levels. Simultaneous electron microscopic studies revealed that seedlings were devoid of laticifer initials until day 3, where-upon their numbers increased with time. The appearance of appreciable amounts of thebaine only occurred after day 4 of germination. Conversely, dopamine was rapidly formed at the onset of germination and reached millimolar concentrations well before laticifer cells were detected. Benzophenanthridine alkaloid levels remained fairly constant over the period analyzed. These results support the theory that the presence of laticifer cells is necessary for the accumulation of morphinan but neither benzophenanthridine alkaloids nor their mutual precursor, dopamine.
Ion beam-induced amorphization in MgO–Al2O3–SiO2. II. Empirical model

Abstract Ion beam-induced crystalline-to-amorphous transition was studied for crystalline MgO (periclase), α-Al2O3 (corundum), SiO2 (quartz), MgSiO3 (enstatite), Al2SiO5 (sillimanite, andalusite, kyanite), 3Al2O3 · 2SiO2 (mullite), Mg3Al2Si3O12 (pyrope), and Mg2Al4Si5O18 (cordierite). A model for ion-beam induced amorphization is proposed based on the theory of glass formation. In this model, a quantitative parameter of glass-forming ability, S, is developed. The calculation of S is based on geometric constraints, bonding, and phase transition temperature. S reflects the resistance to crystallization and correctly predicts the relative susceptibility to radiation-induced amorphization.
A neural correlate of the probing phase of burrowing in the bivalve mollusc, Spisula solidissima

Abstract 1. 1. The general features of burrowing behavior in the bivalve mollusc. Spisula solidissima, are described. 2. 2. The motor program for the probing phase of burrowing was elicited from the isolated pedal ganglion by electrical stimulation of a cerebropedal connective. 3. 3. The responsiveness of several discrete populations of pedal ganglion neurons involved in cyclical probing activity are described and correlated with specific phases of probing. 4. 4. Probing sequences lasting as many as 20–40 cycles, either “run down” or are actively terminated. Pedal ganglion neurons involved in the termination process are described. 5. 5. The responsiveness of neurons in various populations is discussed with regard to the respective role of each population in burrowing behavior and reflexive foot withdrawal.
Stepparent Family Membership Status

In this study, 143 participants experiencing a parental divorce completed surveys regarding their relationship with a stepparent. Using semantic-differential items, participants were asked to indicate how much they trusted their stepmother, stepfather, or both. Participants were then asked to indicate why (and if) they considered the stepparent to be family. Most participants considered their stepparent to be part of their family, and were able to articulate reasons or events that caused them to see the stepparent as a family member. These reasons were coded and compared to trust scores. Results indicate that participants reporting positive, positive-neutral, neutral, negative-neutral, and negative responses about their stepparent were significantly different on trust scores. Analyses also reveal that stepfather trust scores were significantly related to the participant residing with the stepfather, but this was not the case for stepmothers.
Epistemic uncertainty in reliability-based design optimization

Reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) needs to take into account of both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. It is critical to explore these uncertainty sources and evaluate their impacts on RBDO. This paper provides a comprehensive study of uncertainties, in which the uncertainty sources are listed, categorized and their impacts are discussed. Epistemic uncertainty is of our interest, which is due to lack of knowledge and can be reduced. We specifically discuss the epistemic uncertainties due to unknown constraint function and unknown random variable distribution. The strategies to address epistemic uncertainty are summarized. An I-beam case study is employed to illustrate the impact of epistemic un certainty on RBDO, in which a Kriging model is used to approximate the unknown true constraint function and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) parameter estimate is used to replace the unknown distribution parameters.
China-U.S. Polar Working Group

China-U.S. Science at the Poles (CUSP) is a newly formed informal working group promoting facilitating bilateral and multilateral programs that encourage cooperation between China and the United States in the polar regions. CUSP grew out of a roundtable discussion held at a 23–25 October 2007 conference on China and U.S. relations held in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit the Web site: http://psp.tamu.edu/signature-programs/china-us-science-at-the-poles. One section of the site features details about specific opportunities for partnerships between the two countries.
Parental Involvement with Children at School, Home, and Community

Previous research has focused on examining the effects of parental involvement on children’s academic achievement. Less attention has been placed on exploring types of parental involvement from parental reports. This study combines in a single analytic framework predictors from earlier studies with parent-based reports of involvement in three venues: home, school, and community. We examine two categories of predictors: social and economic resources, and parent perceptions and experiences with child’s school. Using data from the Parent and Family Involvement Survey, analyses were performed for White, Black, and Latino parents. Consistent with previous findings, our research finds that minority parents are less involved at their child’s school than White parents. No ethnic differences in home or community involvement were found.
Non-invasive stem cell therapy in a rat model for retinal degeneration and vascular pathology.

Background Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is characterized by progressive night blindness, visual field loss, altered vascular permeability and loss of central vision. Currently there is no effective treatment available except gene replacement therapy has shown promise in a few patients with specific gene defects. There is an urgent need to develop therapies that offer generic neuro-and vascular-protective effects with non-invasive intervention. Here we explored the potential of systemic administration of pluripotent bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to rescue vision and associated vascular pathology in the Royal College Surgeons (RCS) rat, a well-established animal model for RP. Methodology/Principal Findings Animals received syngeneic MSCs (1×106 cells) by tail vein at an age before major photoreceptor loss. Principal results: both rod and cone photoreceptors were preserved (5–6 cells thick) at the time when control animal has a single layer of photoreceptors remained; Visual function was significantly preserved compared with controls as determined by visual acuity and luminance threshold recording from the superior colliculus; The number of pathological vascular complexes (abnormal vessels associated with migrating pigment epithelium cells) and area of vascular leakage that would ordinarily develop were dramatically reduced; Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated there was upregulation of growth factors and immunohistochemistry revealed that there was an increase in neurotrophic factors within eyes of animals that received MSCs. Conclusions/Significance These results underscore the potential application of MSCs in treating retinal degeneration. The advantages of this non-invasive cell-based therapy are: cells are easily isolated and can be expanded in large quantity for autologous graft; hypoimmunogenic nature as allogeneic donors; less controversial in nature than other stem cells; can be readministered with minor discomfort. Therefore, MSCs may prove to be the ideal cell source for auto-cell therapy for retinal degeneration and other ocular vascular diseases.
Covering Antigone: Reporting on Conflict of Interest

Coverage of conflicts of interests for elected officials, political candidates, and political appointees is receiving increasing media attention. Based on an informal content analysis of the ethics codes of several professions, this article outlines current definitions of conflict of interest and links those concepts to philiosophical thinking about professional obligation. An extended definition of conflict of interest is provided, which is particularly appropriate to politicians, and a typology of how to think through and cover potential conflict-of-interest stories is suggested.
Elder Mistreatment in Women

Elder mistreatment is a serious syndrome that affects more than 1.5 million older Americans every year. Actions such as abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment by caregivers, relatives, friends, or acquaintances can have devastating sequelae for the elderly. Such actions may be intentional or unintentional, but the detrimental outcomes for older individuals can destroy the elder's quality of life and health. A lack of empirical research addresses gender differences in elder mistreatment. There is also confusion and debate over what constitutes elder mistreatment in older women versus what is domestic violence that has continued into later life. Professional nurses need to include both types of screening for their older female patients in order to address both types of family violence.
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Association with amyloidosis and multiple myeloma

EPIDERMOLYSIS bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a nonheritable, noninflammatory, subepidermal mechanobullous disease of adults, characterized by the appearance of cutaneous blisters and ulcers after minor trauma. 1 Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita occurred in an elderly woman as the initial manifestation of amyloidosis and multiple myeloma. Report of a Case An 81-year-old woman was admitted to The Johns Hopkins Hospital with fractures of the left humerus and left femur and denuded areas of skin in both axillae and over the left hip. For two years before admission, the patient had experienced easy bruising and fragile skin. Cutaneous blisters formed after minimal skin trauma, and with mild trauma, patches of skin were completely avulsed. There had been no infections in the areas of injured skin, and they healed normally. There was no family history of skin disease. On the evening of admission, the patient had risen from bed and fallen to the floor. She experienced
Hamiltonian dynamics of solutions in optical fibers

Abstract A nonlinear optical fiber whose dispersion relation is weakly anisotropic in polarization can cause propagating pulses to undergo a self-induced rotation of polarization. The coupling of the cross-polarized optical fields is described by a pair of nonlinear Schrodinger equations and is studied as a Hamiltonian perturbation to an exactly integrable system with soliton solutions. Simplified descriptions involving low-dimensional dynamical systems for near-soliton evolutions are derived which explain the basic rotation of polarization and indicate a possible instability via interaction with the spatial pulse structure. The results of these dynamical approximations are compared with numerical computations for the full wave equations.
Recombinant osteogenic protein‐1 upregulates extracellular matrix metabolism by rabbit annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells cultured in alginate beads

This study was performed to determine if recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (rhOP-1) is effective in promoting matrix synthesis and matrix formation by rabbit nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells cultured in alginate beads. The effects of culturing the cells in the presence of various concentrations of rhOP-1 were assessed by measuring changes in cell proliferation, proteoglycan (PG) and collagen synthesis and mRNA expression, and in the matrix contents of PG and collagen, as indicators of matrix accumulation. At high concentrations, rhOP-1 had a moderate mitogenic effect on both NP and AF cells. It also stimulated the synthesis of PG and collagen in a dose-dependent manner: this was associated with a corresponding increase in the expression of mRNA for aggrecan core protein and collagen type II. The stimulatory effect of rhOP-1 on PG synthesis was more pronounced than that on collagen synthesis. Continuous treatment with rhOP-1 led to an increase in the total DNA, PG and collagen contents in both NP and AF cultures. The results presented here provide evidence of the ability of rhOP-1 to stimulate the metabolism of both rabbit AF and NP cells cultured in alginate beads.
EQUILIBRIUM MODELING OF A DOWNDRAFT GASIFIER I—OVERALL GASIFIER

A model, based on the thermodynamic equilibrium of the C-H-O-Inert system and mass and energy balances, has been applied to the air-blown downdraft gasification of wood. The model predicts the temperature, gas composition and char yield at the exit of the gasifier for a specified set of heat loss and input condition. A parametric study has been conducted to simulate the influences of the air/feed mass ratio and moisture/feed mass ratio on the gasifier's performance. The model predictions are compared with a comprehensive set of experimental data obtained from the gasification of wood in a commercial-scale downdraft gasifier; the air/feed ratios range from 1.1 to 2.1 and the moisture/feed ratios range from 0.05 to 0.3. The predicted trends for variations in the operating parameters are in general agreement with the experimental data. The results of comparisons also indicate that the performance of the wood gasifier can be approximated reasonably well by the equilibrium model.
Gut regression during spontaneous and triiodothyronine induced metamorphosis in Rana catesbeiana tadpoles

Abstract During spontaneous metamorphosis of bullfrog tadpoles, the gut weight/total weight and gut length/body length decreased by stage XVIII and reached maximum reductions of 80 and 85%, respectively, by stage XXII. When triiodothyronine was injected ip at stages X–XII, decreases in gut weight and length ratios were noted as early as 24–36 hr and prior to detectable tail regression. Maximum decreases in gut weight and length ratios of 65 and 69%, respectively, were achieved after 6 days at 25°C. Both endogenous and exogenous thyroid hormones stimulated a pronounced regression of the gut prior to detectable tail resorption. These data suggest the value of further in vivo and in vitro studies using the tadpole gut as a model for tissue regression.
Post-operative drain output as a predictor of bladder neck contracture following radical prostatectomy.

Background Bladder neck contracture (BNC) following prostatectomy has been reported in 0.5–32% of cases. While the etiology of a BNC is unclear, several factors have been associated with this complication, including blood loss, devascularization of bladder neck tissue, poor mucosal apposition and urinary extravasation. To study the impact of urinary extravasation on BNC formation, we used post-operative drain output as a surrogate measure for anastomotic leakage.
How I Do It: Miniplate Reconstruction of the Lateral Thyroid Lamina: One-Stage Restoration of Voice After Teflon Granuloma Resection

Summary This case report describes a one-stage technique for long-term voice restoration and laryngeal reconstruction in the treatment of Teflon (Dupont, Wilmington, Delaware) granuloma. A patient who presented with severe dysphonia underwent resection of a Teflon granuloma via a lateral laryngotomy. A pedicled strap muscle flap was used to reconstruct the paraglottic space. The muscle flap was positioned through the lateral laryngotomy with direct endoscopic visualization of the endolarynx to ensure correct vertical positioning and medialization of the vocal fold. The muscle flap was secured in this position with suture fixation. The trapdoor piece of cartilage that was elevated to create the window in the lateral thyroid lamina was repositioned over the pedicled muscle flap and reinforced with a titanium miniplate, which was secured to the remaining thyroid cartilage. The patient had excellent voice results and has not required revision or augmentation. Reinforcement of the lateral thyroid lamina using titanium miniplate fixation helps to stabilize the muscle pedicle flap and the position of the vocal fold, in this case resulting in good long-term voice results after a single-stage reconstruction.
Glomerular hemodynamics and eicosanoid synthesis in a rat model of IgA nephropathy

Glomerular hemodynamics and eicosanoid synthesis in a rat model of IgA nephropathy. We sought to study glomerular pathophysiology in a model of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Preliminary experiments with oral immunization indicated that Lewis rats had higher IgA levels and IgA/IgG ratios than Wistar, Fischer or Sprague-Dawley rats. Six groups of Lewis rats were studied: four continuously orally immunized for eight weeks with bovine gamma globulin (BGG) in the drinking water, the other two non-immunized controls. Groups of immunized rats were treated with a thromboxane receptor antagonist (SQ 29,485) and/or a thromboxane synthase inhibitor (UK 38,485). After systemic challenge, microscopic hematuria was present in 84% of immunized rats not given anti-thromboxane drugs versus 18% of non-immunized rats (P 2 . Immunized rats also had reduced GFR and RPF, but not a reduced filtration fraction, compared to controls. Thromboxane synthase inhibitor diminished glomerular thromboxane and increased prostaglandin E 2 in immunized rats. Anti-thromboxane therapy reduced hematuria and apparently re-established the RPF but not the GFR in immunized rats, yielding a reduced filtration fraction. We propose that increased thromboxane, in concert with mesangial contraction that is unaffected by anti-thromboxane drugs, contributes to the pathophysiology in this model of IgAN.
Hydronic Coil Performance Evaluation With Nanofluids and Conventional Heat Transfer Fluids

The performance of hydronic heating coils with nanoparticle enhanced heat transfer fluids (nanofluids) is evaluated and compared with their performance with a conventional heat transfer fluid comprised of 60% ethylene glycol (EG) and 40% water, by mass (60% EG). The nanofluids analyzed are comprised of either CuO or Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles dispersed in the 60% EG solution. The heating coil has a finned tube configuration commonly used in commercial air handling and ventilating systems. Coil performance is modeled using methods that have been previously developed and validated. The methods are modified by incorporating Nusselt number correlations for nanofluids that have been previously documented in the literature. Similarly, correlations for nanoparticle thermo-physical properties that have been documented in the literature are employed. The analyses show that heating coil performance may be enhanced considerably by employing these nanofluid solutions as a heat transfer medium. The model predicts a 16.6% increase in coil heating capacity under certain conditions with the 4% Al 2 O 3 /60% EG nanofluid, and a 7.4% increase with the 2% CuO/60% EG nanoffuid compared with heating capacity with the base fluid. The model predicts that, for a coil with the Al 2 O 3 /60% EG nanofluid, liquid pumping power at a given heating output is reduced when compared with a coil with the base fluid.
Radar-radiometer soil moisture estimation with joint physics and adaptive regularization in support of SMAP

A combined radar-radiometer soil moisture estimation framework is presented in this work, which utilizes both radar backscatter and radiometer brightness temperature using physics-based models that fundamentally couple the scattering and emission processes. A regularization or tuning parameter is introduced within the optimization algorithm to enable flexibility and adaptability. It is observed that by finding the right balance between radar and radiometer contributions within a “joint” cost function, best estimates over a larger range of surface soil moisture and roughness are achievable. Monte Carlo numerical simulations are performed to highlight how this novel Active-Passive method is capable of fully utilizing emission and scattering sensitivities to surface soil moisture.
Structure of V Centers in Irradiated KCl O 3

On the basis of the electron spin resonance spectra of a single crystal of KCl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ which has been exposed to x-irradiation, a model is proposed for the $V$ center produced. The center proposed consists of a ClO radical covalently bonded to a neighboring Cl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ion. It is shown that the electron spin resonance spectra predicted for this radical agrees with the observed spectra, both in the number and spacing of the hyperfine, components and their orientation dependence in the external magnetic field. It is also proposed that an ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ center is produced rather than the usual $F$ center which one might expect to accompany the $V$ center.
A flexible method for depositing dense nanocrystal thin films: impaction of germanium nanocrystals

Nanomaterials are exciting candidates for use in new optical and electronic devices ranging from solar cells to gas sensors. However, to reach their full potential, nanomaterials must be deposited as dense thin films on flexible substrates using inexpensive processing technologies such as roll-to-roll printing. We report a new, flexible technique for depositing aerosolized nanocrystals that lends itself to roll-to-roll processes. Germanium nanocrystals produced in a plasma are accelerated through a slit orifice by a supersonic gas jet and are impacted onto a translated substrate. A uniform nanocrystal film is quickly deposited over large areas, and features as small as 2 µm can then be patterned using conventional lift-off photolithography. The density of a deposited film depends on the pressures upstream and downstream of the orifice, their ratio, and the distance between the orifice and the substrate. Nanocrystal film densities exceeding 50% of the density of bulk germanium are routinely achieved with several sizes of nanocrystals, approaching the theoretical limit for randomly packed spheres. A simple model is presented that shows that the calculated nanocrystal velocity upon impaction is strongly correlated with the resulting film density.
Finite element modeling of lattice misorientations in aluminum polycrystals

Abstract Finite element simulations are used to study intracrystalline lattice misorientations in a model polycrystal. Heterogeneous deformations arise from crystal interactions and lead to irregular substructures exhibiting misorientations across their boundaries. The highest misorientations occur on interfaces that are normal to the principal loading direction.
Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor induced non-small cell lung cancer invasion and metastasis requires NHE1 transporter expression and transport activity

Background Non-small cell lung cancers (NSLC) are aggressive cancers that are insensitive to chemotherapies and accounts for nearly 33% of all cancer deaths in the United States. Two hallmarks of cancer that allow cells to invade and metastasize are sustained proliferation and enhanced motility. In this study we investigate the relationship between urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)/uPA receptor (uPAR) signaling and Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) expression and activity.
Development of permanent-mold cast TiAl automotive valves

Abstract This paper presents the results of an EMTEC funded project to develop low-cost TiAl automotive valves. The alloy studied was Ti-47Al-2Nb-1.75Cr (at %). Over 800 valves were cast, using several variations of the permanent-mold process, in a multi-cavity steel mold. Applying pressure during solidification improved the casting fill. However, none of the permanent-mold casting methods produced pore free as-cast valves. The as-cast microstructures of valves produced by permanent-mold casting were much finer than investment castings of similar section sizes. Of the permanent-mold casting methods, the injection cast method exhibited the finest as-cast structure showing a potential for a new high output method for producing fine-grained TiAl components. Room temperature tensile properties of the permanent-mold material were superior to those of investment castings with a similar microstructure. Two sets of valves were road tested for a total of 50000 km with average 2% fuel savings and no valve damage. There is a need to overcome few challenges before this technology can be implemented in the automotive industry.
Cytokines and Perinatal Brain Damage

Perinatal brain damage has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental impairments and psychiatric illnesses. This article reviews evidence that infection outside of the brain can damage the brain, and discusses specific cytokines and pathomechanisms that probably mediate the putative effect of remote infection on the developing brain. Events associated with increased circulating inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and immune cells are described. Finally, studies of genetic variation in susceptibility to cytokine-related brain damage are reviewed.
Difference in Standard Scores of Adults on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (Revised and Third Edition)

Differences in the standard scores for the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R; L. M. Dunn & L. M. Dunn, 1981) and the PPVT-Third Edition (PPVT-III; Dunn & Dunn, 1997b) are known to exi...
Spectrophotometric Method for Assay of Serum Antiprotease: Clinical Applications.*:

SummaryA spectrophotometric method of assay of antiproteolytic material in the serum, using inhibition of trypsin digestion of fibrinogen, has been described. Results obtained in 250 sera by this method have been analyzed statistically and have been found to show a close correlation with the clot formation method.
A tale of two methods: Identifying neuronal CB1 receptors.

A paper by Dr. G. Marsicano's group [1] in this issue of Molecular Metabolism is clarifying and further elaborating on some of their previous results on the action of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) in neuronal mitochondria [2]. This new article was written, at least in part, in response to our finding that anti-CB1 serum used in this as well as in other studies also recognizes mitochondrial stomatin-like protein 2 [3]. Although we did not specifically criticize their major findings and general approach, we did emphasize the possible technical issues that can occur when these antibodies are used. We believe that it is a constructive course of action when different laboratories publicly discuss limitations of methodologies and reliability of the data interpretation in biomedicine. Study of mitochondria in the brain is one of those topics that merit such discourse. “Hard core” mitochondrial bioenergetics has been most extensively studied in tissues with homogenous cell populations, such as the liver, muscle, and heart, that most reliably (albeit not perfectly) provide isolation of mitochondria from the cell type of interest (e.g., hepatocytes and myocytes). The brain, however, consists of multiple cell types and subclasses, and it is virtually impossible to isolate very pure mitochondrial fractions using currently available technologies. In accord, Marsciano and colleagues previously reported that the CB1 agonist, WIN 55,212-2 (WIN), at concentrations of 50 nM and 100 nM, reduced mitochondrial respiration by about 40% and 50%, respectively [2]. In the new study, they report approximately 7% and 20% reduction of mitochondrial respiration at corresponding concentrations of WIN [1]. A confounding factor may be contamination of mitochondrial fractions with the fragments of axonal cell membranes that are known to contain CB1. Hebert-Chatelain et al. [1] also used more sensitive immunoperoxidase cytochemical method with DAB–Ni as a chromogen. They now report mitochondrial labeling in mice of different genotypes, including CB1-KO mice, similar to what we reported. We agree with Dr. Marsicano that adapted experimental procedures and proper controls are essential for correct interpretations of the data. Their and our observations are not too dissimilar; nevertheless, different conclusions may be drawn. We hope that these constructive interactions will increase the drive to improve currently available experimental technologies so that fundamental issues regarding brain mitochondria can be more conclusively addressed in future studies.