cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MgB2 thin films

Great progress has been made in the deposition of MgB2 thin films since the discovery of superconductivity at 39 K in this two-band superconductor. In this review, deposition techniques used for MgB2 are described, with an emphasis on their meeting the critical requirements for growing high-quality MgB2 thin films. The availability of these thin films has contributed significantly to the research on the two-gap superconductivity in MgB2. MgB2 thin films have also been investigated for applications in high-field magnets, superconducting electronic devices and circuits, and radio-frequency cavities used in accelerators.
Second messenger specificity of the inositol trisphosphate receptor: reappraisal based on novel inositol phosphates

To further understand how the second messenger D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] interacts with its intracellular receptor, we injected 47 highly purified inositol phosphate (InsP) positional isomers in Xenopus oocytes and compared their potency in releasing intracellular Ca2+. The potency of the Ca(2+)-releasing InsPs spanned four orders of magnitude. Seven compounds, including the novel inositol 1,2,4,5-tetrakisphosphate [D/L-Ins (1,2,4,5)P4] and D/L-Ins(1,4,6)P3, had a very high potency. All of these highly active InsPs shared the following structure: two D-trans-equatorial phosphates (eq-P) and one equatorial hydroxyl (eq-OH) attached to ring carbons D-4, D-5, and D-6 (or to the structurally equivalent D-1, D-6, and D-5 carbons). This permissive structure was not sufficient for Ca2+ release, because it was also found in two inactive compounds, Ins(1,6)P2 and Ins(1,3,6)P3. To be active, InsPs also required the structural equivalent of a D-3 eq-OH and/or a D-1 eq-P. Together, our data reveal how the structure of the InsP molecule affects its ability to release Ca2+.
Sodium Amytal Testing and Language

The amobarbital (sodium amytal) test is a technique used to establish hemispheric language and memory capabilities in epilepsy surgery candidates, but its clinical use has also allowed insights into the neural correlates of cognitive functions, and especially language. In particular, the amobarbital test has contributed to the understanding of inter- and intrahemispheric differences in the organization of language, and how early brain injury may lead to the reorganization of cognitive functions and alter the relationship between language and hand dominance.
Impact of different teaching paradigms on student learning in technically intensive courses: observations from a software analysis and design course

In this paper, we discuss the preliminary results observed from a software analysis and design course offered in the following paradigms: traditional classroom, online, and augmented online classroom. Typically, in many universities, a software analysis and design class is a junior/senior level class with a significant technical/development content. In the classes analyzed there was an extensive writing component which involved a team project comprised of 2-3 students. Often such a class requires a student to be: (i) technically proficient in basic computing concepts and theories, (ii) have the ability to abstract and creatively solve problems of increased software complexity, (iii) have the ability to positively interact with other members and be a productive team member, and (iv) assume appropriate responsibility for specific technical development and documentation portions of the class project. In our student exit interviews and subsequent follow-ups with alumni, many students have indicated that these classes help them develop the necessary technical and social interaction skills that are crucial for real-world jobs. Understanding the factors that impact learning might assist in determination of the "effectiveness" of the different teaching paradigms.
HIV-1 Tat and cocaine mediated synaptopathy in cortical and midbrain neurons is prevented by the isoflavone Equol

Illicit drugs, such as cocaine, are known to increase the likelihood and severity of HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). In the current studies synaptic integrity was assessed following exposure to low concentrations of the HIV-1 viral protein Tat 1-86B, with or without cocaine, by quantifying filamentous actin (F-actin) rich structures (i.e., puncta and dendritic spines) on neuronal dendrites in vitro. In addition, the synapse-protective effects of either R-Equol (RE) or S-Equol (SE; derivatives of the soy isoflavone, daidzein) were determined. Individually, neither low concentrations of HIV-1 Tat (10 nM) nor low concentrations of cocaine (1.6 μM) had any significant effect on F-actin puncta number; however, the same low concentrations of HIV-1 Tat + cocaine in combination significantly reduced dendritic synapses. This synaptic reduction was prevented by pre-treatment with either RE or SE, in an estrogen receptor beta dependent manner. In sum, targeted therapeutic intervention with SE may prevent HIV-1 + drug abuse synaptopathy, and thereby potentially influence the development of HAND.
Thermal analysis of Vectran® fibers and films

Vectra® liquid crystalline polymers (LCP's) were introduced as commercial products in the mid-1980's. The first of these (Vectra A130) was a wholly aromatic thermotropic copolyester ofp-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid. Vectra A130 is a thermotropic LCP that can be melt spun into filaments that on heat treatment are characterized by high strength and high modulus. Vectra resin can also be extruded into films. In the fiber or film form this material is commercially known as Vectran®. Heat treatment enhances the tensile strength of Vectran fiber variants. Because of this, the elucidation of the physical transformations taking place in the internal structure of the material during heating has always been an important subject. Several thermal techniques are used to indicate clearly that what is observed as a “glass transition” is unlike the conventional glass transition in typical semicrystalline polymers. There is also an indication of the presence of multiple states of mesophase aggregation that collapse into a single state when taken to high enough temperatures.
A Poisson model for work-related musculoskeletal disorder cost estimation

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) incidence time-interval analysis can provide early indication of a change in WMSDs and provides a budgeting tool for WMSD control. This paper documents research into WMSDs occurring at a used garment sorting facility, with a focus on utilizing the Poisson distribution model and associated time-interval analysis for modeling WMSD occurrence. The resulting WMSDs impact the organization's production capabilities and add both direct and indirect costs to the target company's sorting processes. This research focuses on investigating the applicability of the Poisson distribution to model the target company's history of WMSDs in order to determine an appropriate value for the rate of WMSD per unit time-interval (λ), and subsequently applying the model in estimating near-future WMSD costs.
Petrology of basalts from Loihi Seamount, Hawaii

Abstract Loihi Seamount is the southeasternmost active volcano of the Emperor-Hawaii linear volcanic chain. It comprises a spectrum of basalt compositional varieties including basanite, alkali basalt, transitional basalt and tholeiite. Samples from four dredge collections made on Scripps Institution of Oceanography Benthic Expedition in October 1982 are tholeiite. The samples include highly vesicular, olivine-rich basalt and dense glass-rich pillow fragments containing olivine and augite phenocrysts. Both quartz-normative and olivine-normative tholeiites are present. Minor and trace element data indicate relatively high abundances of low partition coefficient elements (e.g., Ti, K, P. Rb, Ba, Zr) and suggest that the samples were derived by relatively small to moderate extent of partial melting, of an undepleted mantle source. Olivine composition, MgO, Cr and Ni abundances, and Mg/(Mg+Fe), are typical of moderately fractionated to relatively unfractionated “primary” magmas. The variations in chemistry between samples cannot be adequately explained by low-pressure fractional crystallization but can be satisfied by minor variations in extent of melting if a homogeneous source is postulated. Alternatively, a heterogeneous source with variable abundances of certain trace elements, or mixing of liquids, may have been involved. Data for 3 He/ 4 He, presented in a separate paper, implies a mantle plume origin for the helium composition of the Loihi samples. There is little variation in the helium isotope ratio for samples having different compositions and textures. The helium data are not distinctive enough to unequivocally separate the magma sources for the tholeiitic rocks from the other rock types such as Loihi alkalic basalts and the whole source region for Loihi may have a nearly uniform helium compositions even though other element abundances may be variable. Complex petrologic processes including variable melting, fractional crystallization and magma mixing may have blurred original helium isotopic signatures.
Association of Sleep and Co-Occurring Psychological Conditions at 1 Year After Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Fogelberg DJ, Hoffman JM, Dikmen S, Temkin NR, Bell KR. Association of sleep and co-occurring psychological conditions at 1 year after traumatic brain injury. Objectives To compare individuals' sleep 1 year after traumatic brain injury (TBI) with that of a healthy comparison group, and examine the relationship between sleep, co-occurring conditions, and functional status in those with TBI. Design Longitudinal assessment of a prospectively studied sample of individuals with moderate to severe TBI. Assessment of sleep occurred at 1 year after TBI. Setting Inpatient acute rehabilitation for TBI and community follow-up at 1 year postinjury. Participants Individuals with TBI (N=174) were recruited from consecutive admissions to an inpatient rehabilitation unit and enrolled into the TBI Model Systems study. Participant mean age was 38, and mean Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission was 9.3. Seventy-eight percent of the sample were men. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Sleep was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Depression, anxiety, and pain were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale, and an analog pain rating scale, respectively. Results Participants with TBI reported significantly greater sleep difficulties than the healthy comparison group. Forty-four percent of participants with TBI reported significant sleep problems (PSQI>5). Participants with 1 or more co-occurring conditions (depression, pain, or anxiety) had significantly worse sleep than those without such a condition. The highest level of sleep problems was reported by participants with multiple co-occurring conditions. Sleep problems were also associated with poor functional status. Conclusions Sleep difficulties are a frequent problem at 1 year after TBI, and often co-occur with depression, anxiety, and pain. Assessment and treatment of sleep difficulties should be included in clinical practice. Future research on the potential causal relationship among co-occurring conditions may assist in additional intervention planning.
Optimal active pointwise control of vibrating thin plates

Abstract The optimal control of a class of self-adjoint distributed parameter systems using a combined open-closed loop control mechanism is considered. In particular, the proposed method involves the application of a finite number of actuators and sensors to dampen actively the undesirable transient vibrations of a rectangular plate. Necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality of the open-loop control are obtained by a variational approach in conjunction with the convexivity of the quadratic performance index as a system of integral equations. Parameters describing the closed-loop control are determined numerically by a minimization algorithm. Numerical results for a simply-supported plate are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control.
23Na NMR study of ionic mesophases in molten sodium carboxylates

Abstract The 23 Na NMR lineshapes are reported for the ionic mesophase and isotropic phase of the melts of sodium n -butyrate and sodium isovalerate. The powder pattern for the central transition typical for the second-order quadrupole effect observed in the mesophase melts is of particular interest. Some analogies to 23 Na behavior in sodium β-alumina are pointed out.
MARC 21 Format for Serials Holdings: A Survey on the Acceptance and Use of Standards

Abstract A Web-based survey of librarians and library staff who work with serials reveals a variety of opinions about the desirability of adhering to MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data. The authors review reasons for and against working with the standards and provide suggestions for responding to concerns raised by the survey.
Synthesis and characterization of chiral tetraaza macrocyclic nickel(II) and palladium(II) complexes.

Chiral tetraaza macrocyclic nickel(II) and palladium(II) complexes 2a−e, containing one or two (R,R)-(−)-1,2-cyclohexanediyl bridges, were synthesized by template condensation reactions and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, IR, UV−vis, and mass spectrometry. The electrophilic reactivity of 2a was explored. Crystal structures of Ni complex 2b and metal-free ligand 5 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Crack–grain boundary interactions in zinc bicrystals

In polycrystalline materials that fail by transgranular cleavage, it is known that crystallographic misorientation of preferred fracture planes across grain boundaries can provide crack growth resistance; despite this, the micromechanisms associated with crack transmission across grain boundaries and their role in determining the overall fracture resistance are not well understood. Recent studies on diverse structural materials such as steels, aluminum alloys and intermetallics have shown a correlation between fracture resistance and the twist component of grain misorientation. However, the lack of control over the degree and type of misorientation in experimental studies, combined with a dearth of analytical and computational investigations that fully account for the three-dimensional nature of the problem, have precluded a systematic analysis of this phenomenon. In this study, this phenomenon was investigated through in situ crack propagation experiments across grain boundaries of controlled twist misor...
Optical spectra of thallium-doped ammonium chloride

Abstract The low temperature optical spectra associated with the thallium ion in doped samples of ammonium chloride have been investigated. Absorption, photoluminescence and luminescence excitation spectra are presented for this CsCl-structure (cubic) phosphor.
Editor’s Spotlight/Take 5: A Review of Current Fixation Usage and Registry Outcomes in Total Hip Arthroplasty: The Uncemented Paradox [DOI 10.1007/s11999-013-2941-7]

T he study findings presented by Troelsen and colleagues remind me of the book How We Know What Isn’t So: The Fallibility of Human Reason in Everyday Life, by Thomas Gilovich [1]. After reading it, I remember thinking the title was more interesting than the book. That is not the case here. The Uncemented Paradox is a catchy title, but the work by Troelsen and colleagues is truly fascinating. The paper makes me wonder how many of us think we ‘‘know’’ what the right approach is, even when the data tell us that it ‘‘isn’t so.’’ I can understand if surgeons practicing in the United States or other countries are sometimes at odds with the data from the Norwegian Hip Arthroplasty Registry. The populations may be considered too different for the results to apply. Perhaps the registry data do not fully capture important functional outcomes that guide our implant choices. But when practicing surgeons in Denmark are at odds with widely available data from their own excellent registry, questions emerge. When seven countries with quality registries do this — as Troelsen and colleagues found — it is important to stop and ask why. From 2006 to 2010, the registries of all the countries surveyed in the study by Troelsen and colleagues reported overall increases in the use of uncemented fixation, even in older patients. Yet, those same patients had more durable results with cemented implants, according to their countries’ registries. We know registry data do not provide the entire story, but we also understand that physicians occasionally make practice decisions despite the best evidence, rather than in accord with it. Surgeons still perform arthroscopic debridements for knee arthritis even after a placebo-controlled surgical trial demonstrated these to be ineffective [2, 4]. When the public discovers that patients were harmed as a result of physicians ignoring the evidence, people rightly ask probing questions [3]. The ‘‘art of medicine’’ is too often a euphemism for ‘‘doing what I feel like’’ or ‘‘doing what I have always done.’’ Where does ‘‘the art’’ stop and the science take over? How do we know what we think we know? It is a key question. Whether or not you perform hip replacements is Editor’s Spotlight/Take 5 Published online: 30 April 2013 The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons1 2013
Extension of Power Line Fault Location Techniques to Pressurized Line Diagnostics

Researchers in power systems have investigated fault location methods for many years and have developed mature techniques. Analogies between hydraulic systems and electrical circuits are long established, and are useful for pipeline system analysis. Based on an electric model of the pressurized lines, this paper provides a feasibility study of extending power line fault location techniques to pressurized line leakage diagnostics. Theoretical derivations are presented in the paper.
Expert systems: a view of the field

Reports of the decline of expert systems are greatly exaggerated. Survey results indicate impressive growth, as researchers develop systems to tackle difficult but commercially rewarding problems.
Long-term genital tract changes in female mice treated neonatally with coumestrol

The neonatal mouse model has proven to be an effective system to examine long-term reproductive tract abnormalities resulting from early exposure to estrogens. Newborn C57BL/Crgl mice received 8 x 10(-2) micrograms diethylstilbestrol (DES) or 100 micrograms coumestrol (a plant estrogen) in 0.005 mL dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or DMSO alone or received no treatment for the first 5 days of life. Half of the animals were ovariectomized at 40 days of age. Vaginal lavages were examined for 15 consecutive days before termination at 13 months of age, at which time genital tracts and mammary glands were removed for histological examination. Diethylstilbestrol- and coumestrol-treated animals exhibited ovary-independent persistent vaginal cornification as well as cervico-vaginal pegs and downgrowths, uterine squamous metaplasia, and an enhancement of age-related changes in the ovary including hemorrhagic follicles. In general, neonatal exposure to the naturally occurring plant estrogen, coumestrol, has long-term effects similar to those seen following exposure to natural and synthetic estrogens.
Dinuclear iridium complexes with unsupported Ir–Cl–Ir bridges

Abstract Two unusual dinuclear iridium complexes are reported with unsupported bridging chloride ligands. The first comes from an aqueous solution of H 2 ClIr(PMe 3 ) 3 by the addition of KPF 6 . The second is formed in the reaction between H(C 6 H 5 )ClIr(PMe 3 ) 3 and TlPF 6 in dichloromethane. Single crystal X-ray structures are provided for both μ-chlorodiiridium complexes.
Genetic Epidemiology of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is responsible for almost 500,000 deaths each year making it the number one killer of women and men in the United States (1). As many as 1.5 million individuals have a myocardial infarction each year, and at least 250,000 die of their myocardial infarction within 1 hour of symptoms. Over 13 million Americans have a history of symptomatic coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is responsible for more than $90 billion annually in economic costs (1). Coronary atherosclerosis is the major cause of coronary artery disease (2). The atherosclerotic process is an organized, active, lifelong process involving elements of chronic inflammation followed by repair in the artery wall (3). The endothelium and many growth factors, cytokines, and vasoregulatory molecules are involved in the process (3). Atherosclerosis begins with the appearance of fatty streaks in the intima (4). The fatty streaks may evolve into fibrous plaques by accumulation of lipid, smooth muscle, and connective tissue. These plaques undergo vascularization, intraplaque hemorrhage, rupture, ulceration, and calcification and can impede blood flow through an artery. A thrombosis superimposed on a lesion can lead to myocardial infarction or sudden death (4). Comprehensive studies to date have identified risk factors for coronary artery disease endpoints including sudden death, myocardial infarction, or angina pectoris (see table 1). These established risk factors include older age, male sex, elevated total cholesterol levels, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and family history of premature coronary artery disease (5, 6) (see table 1). These factors, however, fail to identify a large proportion of
Decomposition Algorithms for Market Clearing With Large-Scale Demand Response

This paper is concerned with large-scale integration of demand response (DR) from small loads such as residential smart appliances into modern electricity systems. These appliances have intertemporal consumption constraints, while the satisfaction of the end-user from operating them is captured through utility functions. Incorporation of the appliance scheduling flexibility and user satisfaction in the system optimization points to maximizing the social welfare. In order to solve the resultant very large optimization problem with manageable complexity, dual decomposition is pursued. The problem decouples into separate subproblems for the market operator and each aggregator. Each aggregator addresses its local optimization aided by the end-users' smart meters. The subproblems are coordinated with carefully designed information exchanges between the market operator and the aggregators so that user privacy is preserved. Numerical tests illustrate the benefits of large-scale DR incorporation.
INFLUENCE OF PARAFFIN CONTENT ON LOW TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCES OF DIESEL FUEL AND LUBE BASE OIL

The influence of dewaxing ratio, added solid and liquid paraffins on the low temperature performances of Daqing hydrogenated diesel fuel and hydrogenated lube base oil was studied in detail. The experimental results show that the solidification points of samples fall rapidly with the increasing of dewaxing ratio or rise quickly with the adding of solid and liquid paraffins. The quantitative relations between the solidification points of tested samples and the dewaxing ratio or the contents of added solid and liquid paraffins could be exactly expressed by the experiential formula presented in the paper. The sample solidification points predicted by the empirical formula are well identical with ones determined in the test and the error is generally less than 2°C.
Cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic studies of a case of interstitial deletion of proximal 15q

A 4-month-old child with multiple anomalies was determined to have an interstitial deletion of chromosome 15, i.e., del(15) (q12q14). The deletion appears not to be a typical deletion of 15q12 such as seen in Angelman and Prader-Willi syndromes, but appears to be more distal, involving either loss of all of 15q12 and part of 15q14, or part of 15q12 and most of 15q14. In either case, 15q13 is missing. Fluorescent in situ hybridization with probes for 15 centromere (D15Z), pericentromeric satellite sequences (D15Z1), and chromosome 15 painting probes shows the deleted chromosome to involve only 15 and no other acrocentric chromosome. Hybridization with probes for the AS and PWS loci (D15S11 and GABAB3, Oncor) show both sites to be intact in the deleted 15. The case is compared with two other reports with overlapping interstitial deletions of proximal 15q, neither of which shows typical features of Angelman or Prader-Willi syndromes.
Rank of the fundamental group of any component of a function space

We compute the rank of the fundamental group of any connected component of the space map(X, Y) for X and Y connected, nilpotent CW complexes of finite type with X finite. For the component corresponding to a general homotopy class f : X → Y, we give a formula directly computable from the Sullivan model for f. For the component of the constant map, our formula retrieves a known expression for the rank in terms of classical invariants of X and Y. When both X and Y are rationally elliptic spaces with positive Euler characteristic, we use our formula to determine the rank of the fundamental group of any component of map(X, Y) explicitly in terms of the homomorphism induced by f on rational cohomology.
Impact of organic ligands on uranium removal during anaerobic biological treatment

Anaerobic batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the reduction and precipitation of U 6+ complexed to acetate, oxalate, citrate and tiron using a pure culture of sulfate reducing bacteria ( Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ). These ligands were chosen to evaluate the nature of complex formation on uranium bioreduction. Experiments in which uranium was initially complexed to the ligand (>92%) indicated that bacteria reduce U 6+ to U 4+ in the presence of each ligand tested. The rate of acetate complexed uranium reduction was fastest and that of citrate complexed uranium was slowest. Precipitation of reduced uranium was evaluated by filtering the reduced complex through 0.2 μm filters. The U 4+ formed after biotransformation in acetate solutions was retained on the filter whereas U 4+ in the oxalate, citrate and tiron solutions passed through the filter. When ligand concentrations were lowered (44–50% of the uranium initially complexed) a greater amount of UO 2 precipitate from oxalate samples was collected on the filter indicating that ligand concentration can impact uranium removal via precipitation. Little or no precipitate was collected from citrate or tiron containing solutions. The preferred reaction of U 4+ appeared to be recomplexation with these ligands rather then precipitation as UO 2 .
Incorporating linkage information into a common disease/rare variant framework

Recent developments in sequencing technology have allowed the investigation of the common disease/rare variant hypothesis. In the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 data set, we have sequence data on both unrelated individuals and eight large extended pedigrees with simulated quantitative and qualitative phenotypes. Group 11, whose focus was incorporating linkage information, considered several different ways to use the extended pedigrees to identify causal genes and variants. The first issue was the use of standard linkage or identity-by-descent information to identify regions containing causal rare variants. We found that rare variants of large effect segregating through pedigrees were precisely the bailiwick of linkage analysis. For a common disease, we anticipate many risk loci, so a heterogeneity linkage analysis or an analysis of a single pedigree at a time may be useful. The second issue was using pedigree data to identify individuals for sequencing. If one can identify linked regions and even carriers of risk haplotypes, the sequencing will be substantially more efficient. In fact, sequencing only 2.5% of the genome in carefully selected individuals can detect 52% of the risk variants that would be detected through whole-exome sequencing in a large number of unrelated individuals. Finally, we found that linkage information from pedigrees can provide weights for case-control association tests. We also found that pedigree-based association tests have the same issues of binning variants and variant counting as those in tests of unrelated individuals. Clearly, when pedigrees are available, they can provide great assistance in the search for rare variants that influence common disorders.
In vivo Dual Substrate Bioluminescent Imaging

Our understanding of how and when breast cancer cells transit from established primary tumors to metastatic sites has increased at an exceptional rate since the advent of in vivo bioluminescent imaging technologies 1-3 . Indeed, the ability to locate and quantify tumor growth longitudinally in a single cohort of animals to completion of the study as opposed to sacrificing individual groups of animals at specific assay times has revolutionized how researchers investigate breast cancer metastasis. Unfortunately, current methodologies preclude the real-time assessment of critical changes that transpire in cell signaling systems as breast cancer cells (i) evolve within primary tumors, (ii) disseminate throughout the body, and (iii) reinitiate proliferative programs at sites of a metastatic lesion. However, recent advancements in bioluminescent imaging now make it possible to simultaneously quantify specific spatiotemporal changes in gene expression as a function of tumor development and metastatic progression via the use of dual substrate luminescence reactions. To do so, researchers take advantage for two light-producing luciferase enzymes isolated from the firefly (Photinus pyralis) and sea pansy (Renilla reniformis), both of which react to mutually exclusive substrates that previously facilitated their wide-spread use in in vitro cell-based reporter gene assays 4 . Here we demonstrate the in vivo utility of these two enzymes such that one luminescence reaction specifically marks the size and location of a developing tumor, while the second luminescent reaction serves as a means to visualize the activation status of specific signaling systems during distinct stages of tumor and metastasis development. Thus, the objectives of this study are two-fold. First, we will describe the steps necessary to construct dual bioluminescent reporter cell lines, as well as those needed to facilitate their use in visualizing the spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression during specific steps of the metastatic cascade. Using the 4T1 model of breast cancer metastasis, we show that the in vivo activity of a synthetic Smad Binding Element (SBE) promoter was decreased dramatically in pulmonary metastasis as compared to that measured in the primary tumor 4-6 . Recently, breast cancer metastasis was shown to be regulated by changes within the primary tumor microenvironment and reactive stroma, including those occurring in fibroblasts and infiltrating immune cells 7-9 . Thus, our second objective will be to demonstrate the utility of dual bioluminescent techniques in monitoring the growth and localization of two unique cell populations harbored within a single animal during breast cancer growth and metastasis.
A time and cost analysis of the management of incomplete abortion with manual vacuum aspiration

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Traditionally, management of incomplete abortion involves use of D&C or suction curettage in the operating room. Such management is costly and time-consuming. In order to potentially save time and money, we studied the use of manual vacuum aspiration curettage (MVAC) for the management of this problem. METHODS: Data on hospital charges and times (e.g. waiting time, procedure time) were obtained for all cases of incomplete abortion presenting to hospital between January 1990 and July 1992. Between January 1990 and July 1991, all cases were managed traditionally. After July 1991, all cases were managed using MVAC in either the emergency room or the labor ward. RESULTS: Compared to the use of electrical suction equipment in the operating theatre, MVAC procedures resulted in significant savings in terms of both waiting times and costs. Waiting time was reduced by 52% and procedure time was reduced from a mean of 33 min to 19 min (P
Zirconyl hematoxylin vs. alcian blue staining in a case of extramammary Paget's disease

Background: Despite its occasional unavailability, alcian blue has long been the stain of choice for the pathognomonic mucin-secreting cells of extramammary Paget's disease. Zirconyl hematoxylin is a recently developed substitute for alcian blue, which is made from common laboratory materials. Methods: We have stained sections from three different areas of the same case of extramammary Paget's disease with zirconyl hematoxylin, destained in 7% HCl in ethanol, restained with alcian blue at pH 2.5, destained in 2.5% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane, and restained with zirconyl hematoxylin. Results: Each staining procedure stained the same cells. Conclusions: Zirconyl hematoxylin is a useful alternative to alcian blue in the diagnosis of extramammary Paget's disease.
Family-Centered Practice with Stepfamilies:

The stepfamily is one of the fastest growing family forms, and family-centered practitioners can expect to have such families in their case loads. Differences between stepfamilies and biologically based families need to be understood by practitioners, because work with these families requires different approaches. The author notes these differences as well as the usefulness and problematic aspects of the systemic and behavioral approaches traditionally used by family-centered practitioners in work with stepfamilies. An integrated model for working with stepfamilies, developed by the author, is presented. This model integrates postmodern approaches into eco-systemic and behavioral work.
Matricial logarithmic derivatives

Abstract If θ is a norm on Cn, then the mapping A→ lim h↓0 ‖I+hA‖ θ −1 /h from Mn(C) (=Cn × n) into R is called the logarithmic derivative induced by the vector norm θ. In this paper we generalize this concept to a mapping γ from Mn(C) into Mk(R), where k ⩽ n. Denoting by α(B) the spectral abscissa of a square matrix B (the largest of the real parts of the eigenvalues), we show, in particular, that α(A) ⩽α(γ(A)). As a byproduct we obtain simple sufficient conditions for the stability of a matrix.
Therapeutic gene delivery in human B-lymphoblastoid cells by engineered non-transforming infectious Epstein-Barr virus.

Therapeutic gene delivery in human B-lymphoblastoid cells by engineered non-transforming infectious Epstein–Barr virus
Mechanical behavior of glass and blackglas® ceramic matrix composites

Room temperature tensile tests are reported on two low-cost ceramic matrix composite materials, comprised of matrices of Blackglas(R) and a proprietory glass composition each reinforced with Nicalon(R) SiC-based fibers. The measured mechanical behaviors, supplemented by post-fracture analysis of fiber pullout and fiber fracture mirrors, are compared in derail to the performance predicted theoretically. This allows for an assessment of the roles of the matrix, fiber srength, residual stresses, fiber geometry, and the fiber/matrix interfacial properties in determining mechanical response. Tile Blackglas(R) matrix cracks extensively during processing, and so the mechanical response is controlled by the deformation and fracture of the fiber bundle. The interfacial sliding resistance, tau, is determined to be approximate to 17 MPa and the in-situ (post-processed) fiber characteristic strength, sigma(c) is found to be approximate to 2.0 GPa, both similar to values reported in the literature for Nicalon(R)/CAS-glass systems. For the glass matrix, the unidirectional and cross-ply materials show marked differences in mechanical behavior. In the cross-ply composites, tau approximate to 14 MPa and sigma(c)-2.9 GPa; in the unidirectional variants, these values were 1.7 MPa and 1.6 GPa, respectively. With these data and other derived micromechanical parameters, the stress-strain and failure point of these materials was predicted using existing models, and excellent agreement with the experiments was obtained. These materials thus perform as expected given the in-situ fiber and interface properties. Notably, the cross-ply glass matrix composites exhibit high fiber strength retention and hence show tensile strengths that are better than other Nicalon(R)-based materials tested to date. (C) 1997 Acta Metallurgica Inc.
Young children’s recognition as a function of the spacing of repetitions and the type of study and test stimuli

Preschool and second-grade children studied a list of either pictures or their corresponding labels (words) and, 48 h later, received a yes/no recognition test involving either the same or the opposite type of stimuli. Some items on the study list were presented twice, with repetitions either massed or distributed (spaced). The results indicated that, when both study and test stimuli were pictures, the children’s recognition was better than when study and/or test stimuli were words. The children also recognized distributed repetitions better than massed repetitions (a spacing effect). However, the spacing effect was not altered by the type of stimuli presented for study and/or test. The results suggest that the spacing effect is mediated by a semantic representation and that, under these circumstances, it is produced by relatively automatic processes.
The relationship between postwar reconstruction contracts and political donations: The case in Afghanistan and Iraq

This research examines the relationship between postwar reconstruction contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan and subsequent federal – level election campaign contributions using a case control design. The cases represent all companies that received postwar contracts and are matched with a random sample of companies that did not receive postwar contracts. Regression results suggest that, even after controlling for previous federal-level election campaign contributions and company characteristics, postwar contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan that were awarded between 2002 and 2004 predict campaign contributions for the 2004 presidential and congressional elections. These results are discussed in the context of literature on the rationality of political donations and indicate that corporate donors appear to behave in a rational manner.
X-chromosome inactivation: molecular mechanisms and genetic consequences

Mammalian X-chromosome inactivation results in dosage compensation for X-linked genes. More than 30 years after its discovery, the molecular bases of this inactivation are being revealed. Multiple mechanisms are responsible for the initiation of this developmental event and the maintenance of the inactive state. Somatic cellular mosaicism, which is the genetic consequence of X-chromosome inactivation, has a profound influence on the phenotype of mammalian females.
Calculation of the uncertainty in the dose delivered during radiation therapy

There is, inevitably, uncertainty in our knowledge of the dose at any point within an irradiated patient. A technique is presented for estimating this uncertainty by performing three parallel calculations, one using nominal values and the others extreme values of the parameters upon which the dose depends. Such calculations can be made with almost any algorithm for calculating dose. They result in an estimate, at some specified confidence level which is determined by the data used, of the range of dose likely at any point. Such calculations should help therapists to avert over- or underdosage which might not be evident in conventional calculations of the nominal dose.
Similarity Solution for a Turbulent Round Jet

Turbulent round jets are encountered in a variety of forms in engineering and natural systems. Among the similarity solutions, Wollmers and Rotta used the self-preserving property of a turbulent jet and developed a k-kl model to solve the turbulence closure problem. So obtained similarity solutions for a round jet by assuming a velocity profile in the form of a gaussian error function. This assumption is very restrictive because it does not allow the shape of the velocity profile to evolve from the governing equations, but compels them to accommodate the assumed velocity profile. Paullay et al. used the principle of moving equilibrium, to derive a similarity solution for plane and radial jets. Their solution is not general enough to include the round axisymmetric jets, which are most commonly met in engineering practice, because the governing equations used are not applicable to round jets. The authors followed essentially the method by Paullay et al. and derived a similarity solution for the turbulent, axisymmetric round jet, without using any assumptions about the shape of the velocity profile. In this short paper, they present the results of calculations based on the similarity solution and compare these results with experimental data and 2-D numericalmore » computations obtained with a commercial package. The agreement of the results and experiments shows that the similarity solution yields accurate results.« less
Socioeconomic context and the food landscape in Texas: results from hotspot analysis and border/non-border comparison of unhealthy food environments.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the food landscape of Texas using the CDC’s Modified Retail Food Environment (mRFEI) and to make comparisons by border/non-border. Methods: The Modified Retail Food Environment index (mRFEI (2008)) is an index developed by the CDC that measures what percent of the total food vendors in a census track sell healthy food. The range of values is 0 (unhealthy areas with limited access to fruits and vegetables) to (100—Healthy). These data were linked to 2010 US Census socioeconomic and ethnic concentration data. Spatial analysis and GIS techniques were applied to assess the differences between border and non-border regions. Variables of interest were mRFEI score, median income, total population, percent total population less than five years, median age, % receiving food stamps, % Hispanic, and % with a bachelor degree. Results: Findings from this study reveal that food environment in Texas tends to be characteristic of a “food desert”. Analysis also demonstrates differences by border/non-border location and percent of the population that is foreign born and by percent of families who receive food stamps. Conclusions: Identifying the relationship between socioeconomic disparity, ethnic concentration and mRFEI score could be a fundamental step in improving health in disadvantage communities, particularly those on the Texas-Mexico border.
Construction and validation of the Gender Attitude Inventory, a structured inventory to assess multiple dimensions of gender attitudes

Three studies describe the development and initial validation of the Gender Attitude Inventory (GAI), a structured inventory that assesses attitudes toward the multiple objects that organize college students' thoughts and feelings about sex and gender. An intergroup relations perspective was used to specify the universe of gender-related targets and to construct a preliminary instrument. Factor analyses of the results of two sequential studies yielded a 109-item inventory with 14 content-specific attitude areas and three second-order factors. In Study 3 GAI scales were shown to have acceptable internal consistency and temporal stability, as well as convergent and discriminant validity. In terms of race/ethnicity, most respondents were white (ranging from 69% to 82% across the three studies).
Vaccination-related shoulder dysfunction

We present two cases of shoulder pain and weakness following influenza and pneumococcal vaccine injections provided high into the deltoid muscle. Based on ultrasound measurements, we hypothesize that vaccine injected into the subdeltoid bursa caused a periarticular inflammatory response, subacromial bursitis, bicipital tendonitis and adhesive capsulitis. Resolution of symptoms followed corticosteroid injections to the subacromial space, bicipital tendon sheath and glenohumeral joint, followed by physical therapy. We conclude that the upper third of the deltoid muscle should not be used for vaccine injections, and the diagnosis of vaccination-related shoulder dysfunction should be considered in patients presenting with shoulder pain following a vaccination.
Enhancing data cache reliability by the addition of a small fully-associative replication cache

Soft error conscious cache design is a necessity for reliable computing. ECC or parity-based integrity checking technique in use today either compromises performance for reliability or vice versa, and the N modular redundancy (NMR) scheme is too costly for microprocessors and applications with stringent cost constraint. This paper proposes a novel and cost-effective solution to enhance data reliability with minimum impact on performance. The idea is to add a small fully-associative cache to store the replica(s) of every write to the L1 data cache. The replicas can be used to detect and correct soft errors. The replication cache can also be used to increase performance by reducing the L1 data cache miss rate. Our experiments show that more than 97% read hits of the L1 data cache can find replicas available in a replication cache of 8 blocks.
Structure of conversational argument: Pragmatic bases for the enthymeme

Conversational argument is characterized as sequential expansion of adjacency pairs aimed at regulating disagreement. The preconditions and embedded propositons of the speech act performed in the arguable turn define the sorts of expansions recognizable as arguments. General properties of adjacency pairs explain the prevalence of enthymemes in conversation.
Approximate Bayes factors and accounting for model uncertainty in generalised linear models

SUMMARY Ways of obtaining approximate Bayes factors for generalised linear models are described, based on the Laplace method for integrals. We propose a new approximation which uses only the output of standard computer programs for estimating generalised linear models; this appears to be quite accurate. A reference set of proper priors is suggested, both to represent the situation where there is not much prior information, and to assess the sensitivity of the results to the prior distribution. The methods can be used when the dispersion parameter is unknown, when there is overdispersion, to compare link functions, and to compare error distributions and variance functions. The methods can be used to implement the Bayesian approach to accounting for model uncertainty. We describe an application to inference about relative risks in the presence of control factors where model uncertainty is large and important. Software to implement the methods is available at no cost from StatLib.
Influence of intravesical administration of tumor necrosis factor alpha and systemic gamma-interferon on murine bladder cancer: lack of dose response.

The effect of intravesical administration of high dose recombinant tumor necrosis factor-α (rTNF) and in combination with systemic recombinant γ-interferon (rIFN) on murine bladder cancer was studied. RTNF was given at 12.5 μg/mouse on days 7, 11 and 15 after tumor instillation or at 2.5 μg/mouse on days 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15. Some groups were also injected i.v., 24-h prior to each rTNF treatment with rIFN at a dose of 1.3 μg/mouse. RTNF treatment suppressed tumor growth up to 48% of control, although the difference was not statistically significant. Combined administration of rIFN did not provide additional benefit.
Averages of Real Character Sums

Abstract Two mean-value estimates are proved for sums of real charactersχ(n) defined by Kronecker's symbol (D/n), whereDranges over Q , the set of quadratic discriminants.