cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of the structure of gas-stabilized and water-stabilized plasma jets

The near-field structures of a gas- stabilized plasma jet and a water-stabilized plasma jet were investigated using a nano-pulsed laser probe and stroboscopic focusing schlieren techniques. The high exit temof the gas caused laminar flow conditions at the exit of the jet, producing instability waves in the region. Significant heat conduction to the ambient fluid and volumetric expansion of the ambient gases in the near- field were observed in the schlieren images of these jets. Considerable asymmetry in the mixing and entrainment region of the water- stabilized plasma jet was also visible, whereas no significant asymmetry occurred in the luminous core of the jet. The particles injected into the plasma jet, which were visualized by the pulsed- laser technique, were confined to a narrow central core of the jet in the near- field of the jet. The combination of the two visualization techniques used in the present study allowed nonintrusive monitoring of the plasma spray process in an effort to enhance the quality of the processed deposits.
Proteins extracted by water or aqueous ethanol during refining of developed wheat dough to vital wheat gluten and crude starch as determined by capillary-zone electrophoresis (CZE)

ABSTRACT Fluids applied to large-sale, technical separation of wheat starch and protein also extract soluble proteins. The degree and rate of extraction and the specific components extracted depend on the flour, the flour hydration and development, the starch-displacing fluid composition, the temperature, and the mechanical processing method. This study sought to identify major extracted protein groups using high-performance capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) applied directly to fluids obtained during laboratory-scale technical separations. A dough-ball or compression separation method was applied using a Glutomatic system and a batter or dispersion method was applied using a a McDuffie mixer and Pharmasep vibratory separator. Process fluids were water at 22°C to model commercial practice and 70 vol% ethanol in water at -13°C to model the cold ethanol process being developed here. Data were referenced to use of 70 vol% ethanol in water at 22°C in the Glutomatic compression method. The dough processed by...
Long-term prospective longitudinal evaluation of emotional distress and quality of life in cervical cancer patients who remained disease-free 2-years from diagnosis

A long-term prospective assessment of QoL in cervical cancer patients is still lacking. Here, we provide the first 2-years prospective, longitudinal study evaluating emotional distress and QoL in early stage (ECC) and locally advanced (LACC) cervical cancer patients who remained disease-free 2-years from diagnosis. The questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Global Health Status items of EORTC QLQ-C30 (GHS), and EORTC QLQ-CX24 (CX24) have been administered by a dedicated team of psycho-oncologists, administered at baseline, and after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months from surgery The Generalized Linear Model for repeated measure was used to analyze modifications of QoL measures over time. In both groups, an early reduction of the percentage of patients with anxiety levels ≥11 was observed at the 3-month evaluation (ECC: 25.7% at baseline Vs 14.7% after 3 months, p value=0.001; LACC: 22.2% at baseline Vs 15.4% after 3 months, p value=0.001). Despite this favorable trend, after 2 years from diagnosis, 11.9% of ECC and 15.6% of LACC patients still showed an anxiety score ≥11. No significant changes over time were observed in term of Depression levels. Focusing on QoL issues, mean GHS and Sexual Activity scores showed an improvement over time in both groups compared to baseline (GHS: 5.7% difference for ECC, p value=0.001, and 11.0% in LACC, p value=0.001; SXA: 13.9% difference for ECC, p value=0.001; and 6.1% in LACC, p value=0.008). On the other hand, Body Image mean scores were significantly impaired by chemoradiation administration in LACC patients, without long-term recovery (7.5% difference, p value=0.001). Finally, in both groups, lymphedema (LY) and menopausal symptoms (MS) showed an early worsening which persisted 2-year after surgery (LY: 19.5% difference for ECC, p value=0.014, and 27.3% in LACC, p value=0.001; MS: 14.4% difference for ECC, p value=0.004, and 16.0% in LACC, p value=0.002). Despite a significant improvement over time, elevated anxiety levels are still detectable at 24 months after surgery in approximately 10% of cervical cancer patients. Much more attention should be focused on surgical/medical approaches able to minimize the negative impact of lymphedema and menopausal symptoms on QoL.
Catalytic Conversion of Fatty Acids to Petroleum-like Paraffins and their Maturation

Experiments on the decarboxylation of n-docasanoic acid and the subsequent cracking of the n-paraffins are described and related to petroleum genesis.
Ultraviolet groove efficiency of a holographic grating: implications for a dual-order spectrograph

The ultraviolet groove efficiency for a holographically ruled diffraction grating with a trapezoidal profile has been measured. The efficiencies for the +/-1 and the zero orders are in good agreement with those derived from scalar theory. The +/-1 orders have equal efficiency as a function of wavelength. The peak of the sum of fitted groove efficiency functions is 76%, a level that is competitive with the groove efficiency of a mechanically blazed grating. We suggest that a normal-incidence grating mount with detectors at both orders will offer a system with twice the efficiency and provide a built-in redundancy. We discuss design considerations for reducing astigmatism equally in both orders in such dual-order mountings.
Recording of spontaneous activity with photoetched microelectrode surfaces from mouse spinal neurons in culture.

Abstract A matrix of photoetched gold conductors integrated into the floor of a tissue culture chamber has been used to record from mammalian spinal cord neurons grown on the insulation layer of the multielectrode plate. Spontaneous activity has been monitored from tissue microfragments less than 150 μm in diameter and from thin sheets of spinal cell aggregates. Maximum spike amplitudes of 360 μV with signal-to-noise ratios of 8 : 1 have so far been achieved and the spontaneous activity maintained for several days. Recording electrode impedances measured between 4 and 7 MΩ at 1 kHz. Conductor tips were deinsulated with laser pulses that formed shallow craters 2 μm deep and 12 μm in diameter. Addition of colloidal gold or platimum black was not necessary to achieve satisfactory recordings.
Scientists worry about some risks more than the public

A comparison between two recent national surveys among nanoscientists and the general public in the US shows that, in general, nanoscientists are more optimistic than the public about the potential benefits of nanotechnology. However, for some issues related to the environmental and long-term health impacts of nanotechnology, nanoscientists were significantly more concerned than the public.
Iron supplementation maintains ventilatory threshold and improves energetic efficiency in iron-deficient nonanemic athletes.

Iron supplementation maintains ventilatory threshold and improves energetic efficiency in iron-deficient nonanemic athletes
Elastic waves from localized sources in composite laminates

This paper is concerned with the analysis of elastic waves generated by localized dynamic sources in structural composites. The damage can be external, involving low-velocity foreign object impact on the surface of the structure, or internal, as in sudden crack initiation and its rapid growth from existing internal flaws. Both problems are of critical importance in the safe operation of composite structures, due to their vulnerability to hidden delaminations that can occur in composite materials when they are subjected to this type of loads. It is well known that both the dynamic surface loading associated with impact, and the sudden “opening” of an internal crack associated with the extension of a preexisting flaw, act as sources of elastic waves in the material of the structure. The research reported here consists of model-based analysis of the guided waves generated by localized low-velocity impact and microcrack initiation in graphite epoxy composite laminates commonly used in aircraft and aerospace structures. The objective of this study is to develop a mechanics based understanding of the causal relationship between the properties of the source and the characteristics of the waves generated by its initiation and propagation. The results of this research are expected to be useful in developing effective health monitoring systems for new as well as aging aircraft and aerospace structures.
On the Nature of Marital Relationships: Measurable Differences in Spontaneous Agreement

The Spontaneous Agreement (SA) scores on a lengthened form of the Ferreira-Winter Questionnaire of 242 normal and 177 abnormal couples were compared in a cross-sectional study, taking into account the duration of their marriage. For those couples married a short time, SA did not differ for the two groups. The overall SA was higher for normals, and the longer the normal couples were married, the higher their SA. SA did not increase with duration of marriage for abnormal couples. Both groups had higher SA scores than synthetically matched couples.
Lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy are independently associated with hypertension.

Objective Lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy are associated with metabolic abnormalities, but little is known about their impact on hypertension. We conducted this study to determine the associations of lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy with hypertension. Methods A cross-sectional study of HIV-infected patients who completed a self-report body morphology assessment was performed. We defined hypertension as a clinical diagnosis, or a mean systolic blood pressure (BP)>140 mmHg or diastolic BP>90 mmHg in the previous 6 months. We used logistic regression to examine the association between hypertension and body morphology. Results Among 347 patients, there were 2278 BP readings in 6 months. In adjusted analyses, patients with moderate lipoatrophy [odds ratio (OR) 4.3; P=0.03] or moderate lipohypertrophy (OR 4.3; P=0.006) had four times the odds, and patients with mild lipohypertrophy (OR 2.3; P=0.03) had twice the odds of having hypertension compared with patients without changes. We hypothesized that the impact of lipohypertrophy on hypertension was mediated, in part, through body mass index (BMI). When BMI was included in the analysis, increased BMI was significantly associated with hypertension (OR=1.1; P<0.001 per kg/m2), and the association between lipohypertrophy and hypertension was no longer present. However, the association between moderate lipoatrophy and hypertension was strengthened (OR=5.5; P=0.01). Conclusions Lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy are independently associated with hypertension and there is a dose–response effect with more severe lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy. The association between lipohypertrophy (but not lipoatrophy) and hypertension appears to be mediated by BMI. Our results suggest that patient-based body morphology assessments are related to hypertension and may have potential implications for cardiovascular disease.
Resveratrol Induces Growth Arrest and Apoptosis through Activation of FOXO Transcription Factors in Prostate Cancer Cells

Background Resveratrol, a naturally occurring phytopolyphenol compound, has attracted extensive interest in recent years because of its diverse pharmacological characteristics. Although resveratrol possesses chemopreventive properties against several cancers, the molecular mechanisms by which it inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis have not been clearly understood. The present study was carried out to examine whether PI3K/AKT/FOXO pathway mediates the biological effects of resveratrol. Methodology/Principal Findings Resveratrol inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT and mTOR. Resveratrol, PI3K inhibitors (LY294002 and Wortmannin) and AKT inhibitor alone slightly induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells. These inhibitors further enhanced the apoptosis-inducing potential of resveratrol. Overexpression of wild-type PTEN slightly induced apoptosis. Wild type PTEN and PTEN-G129E enhanced resveratrol-induced apoptosis, whereas PTEN-G129R had no effect on proapoptotic effects of resveratrol. Furthermore, apoptosis-inducing potential of resveratrol was enhanced by dominant negative AKT, and inhibited by wild-type AKT and constitutively active AKT. Resveratrol has no effect on the expression of FKHR, FKHRL1 and AFX genes. The inhibition of FOXO phosphorylation by resveratrol resulted in its nuclear translocation, DNA binding and transcriptional activity. The inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway induced FOXO transcriptional activity resulting in induction of Bim, TRAIL, p27/KIP1, DR4 and DR5, and inhibition of cyclin D1. Similarly, resveratrol-induced FOXO transcriptional activity was further enhanced when activation of PI3K/AKT pathway was blocked. Over-expression of phosphorylation deficient mutants of FOXO proteins (FOXO1-TM, FOXO3A-TM and FOXO4-TM) induced FOXO transcriptional activity, which was further enhanced by resveratrol. Inhibition of FOXO transcription factors by shRNA blocked resveratrol-induced upregulation of Bim, TRAIL, DR4, DR5, p27/KIP1 and apoptosis, and inhibition of cyclin D1 by resveratrol. Conclusion/Significance These data suggest that FOXO transcription factors mediate anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of resveratrol, in part due to activation of extrinsic apoptosis pathway.
The Ethical Decision Making of Men and Women Executives in International Business Situations.

While a number of studies have examined the impact of gender/sex on ethical decision-making, the findings of this body of research do not provide consistent answers. Furthermore, very few of these studies have incorporated cross-cultural samples. Consequently, this study of 222 American and Spanish business executives explored sex differences in ethical judgments and intentions to act ethically. While no significant differences between males and females were found with respect to ethical judgments, females exhibited higher intentions to act more ethically than males. This difference was true of both U.S. and Spanish executives. Further research is warranted to develop a clearer understanding of the linkage between ethical judgment and intention to act in an ethical manner. These findings have implications for global firms, particularly regarding codes of conduct and ethics training.
Entropy, disease, and new opportunities for chemical engineering research

Randomness, diversity, fluctuations, and correlations play a significant role in disease, disease treatment, and the immune response to disease. I suggest that statistical mechanics, the physical theory of randomness that uses a system’s physical behavior at the molecular or atomic scale to synthesize a picture of the behavior at a larger level, can address some of these issues. Theory and mathematical modeling can help design or redesign treatment strategies. Theory can also help determine what makes redesign necessary. I describe three lines of research in my group seeking this new mathematics of biology.
A universal label-free biosensing platform based on opto-fluidic ring resonators

Rapid and accurate detection of biomolecules is important for medical diagnosis, pharmaceuticals, homeland security, food quality control, and environmental protection. A simple, low cost and highly sensitive label-free optical biosensor based on opto-fluidic ring resonator (OFRR) has been developed that naturally integrates microfluidics with ring resonators. The OFRR employs a piece of fused silica capillary with a diameter around 100 micrometers. The circular cross section of the capillary forms the ring resonator and light repeatedly travels along the resonator circumference in the form of whispering gallery modes (WGMs) through total internal reflection. When the capillary wall is as thin as a couple of micrometers (< 4 μm), an evanescent field of the WGMs exists at the OFRR inner surface and interacts with the sample when it flows through the OFRR. In order to detect the target molecules with high specificity, the OFRR inner surface is functionalized with receptors, such as antibodies, peptide-displayed bacteriophage or oligonucleotide DNA probes. The WGM spectral position shifts when biomolecules bind to the OFRR inner surface and change the local refractive index, which provides quantitative and kinetic information about the biomolecule interaction near the OFRR inner surface. The OFRR has been successfully demonstrated for detection of various types of biomoelcuels. Here, we will first introduce the basic operation principle of the OFRR as a sensor and then application examples of the OFRR in the detection of proteins, disease biomarkers, virus, DNA molecules, and cells with high sensitivities will be presented.
Comprehensive Review of Sentinel Lymphadenectomy in Breast Cancer

Sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) is a minimally invasive technique to stage axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer. The complications associated with SLND are minimal, especially when compared to routine axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and it can be performed with an overall identification rate of greater than 90% and a false-negative rate less than 5%. Despite this, SLND is not ready to replace routine axillary dissection, since we have no long-term results for these patients. What the clinical recurrence rates will be in women who undergo SLND only and how that will translate into survival rates has yet to be discovered. SLND is also a difficult technique to perform, as documented in the early SLND studies. It is imperative that each individual surgeon perform a series of cases in which SLND is combined with immediate ALND, so that identification rates and false-negative rates can be determined. Once a track record of successfully performed SLND has been established, SLND can be solely used for node-negative women. It is strongly recommended that all surgeons join one of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored clinical trials for SLND in early breast cancer, so that many of these questions concerning SLND can finally be answered.
Detection of limonoate dehydrogenase activity in albedo tissues of Citrus sinensis

Abstract 19-Deoxylimonoic acid 3-methyl- 14 C ester was converted to 17-dehydro-19-deoxylimonoic acid 3-methyl- 14 C ester in albedo tissues of navel oranges. This conversion is direct evidence of limonoate dehydrogenase activity in the tissues.
Concordance Between Mothers' and Teachers' Perceptions of Behavior Problems of Children with Developmental Delays

The concordance between mothers' and teachers' perceptions of behavior problems and competencies of 74 children with nonspecific developmental delays was assessed using standardized and study-developed scales. Each child was rated by both his or her mother and teacher. The relationship between adults' perceptions and children's cognitive status was also assessed. Mean child chronological age was 131.6 months (SD = 8.2 months); mean Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test was 66.13 (SD = 20.37). Correlations between mothers' and teachers' scores across problem dimensions averaged .43 (range .18–.60). Differences in ratings of boys and girls within rater sources were minimal, although teachers rated boys higher than girls in learning problems. Few correlations between children's cognitive status and adults' ratings of behavior problems and competencies reached statistical significance. Findings underscore the importance of taking child attributes, settings, and observer influences into account when assessing child...
Spin-dependent interactions in heavy quark systems

Abstract Some features of spin-dependent forces in heavy quark-antiquark systems are studied in QCD perturbation theory. The spin-dependent potentials in these systems are shown to depend non-trivially on the heavy quark mass. This dependence arises from processes taking place at distances on the order of the quark Compton wavelength. Using these results, the limitations of schemes which have been introduced recently to compute spin-dependent forces due to instantons are illustrated.
The Search for Cultural Leaders

This study explores how a select group of retired community college presidents constructed their concepts of themselves as leaders. Through in-depth interviews these former presidents mapped the course of their leadership through seven critical approaches: empowering, energizing, healing, inspiring, revealing, cultivating, and humanizing the organization and its participants. From these former leaders we understand further that the quest for cultural leadership is a philosophical one, not simply a managerial one.
Integrating Head Pose Tracking with Eye Tracking for Wider FOV Virtual Environment

In virtual environment based driving experiments, eye-tracking is very helpful for quantitatively investigating driver visual behavior. However, commercial eye trackers usually have a limited maximum tracking range, e.g. ±35 degrees in horizontal direction for Tobii x50. In high fidelity applications with 135 degrees view, or even 360 degrees curved screen, there is a need to extend the range of eye tracking. This paper proposed a method to combine head pose tracking and eye tracking to achieve a large range of sightline tracking in wide field of view applications. Head poses (yaw and pitch) were estimated from head images with Multilayer Perceptrons (MLP). Head images were represented with a combination of coefficients obtained from Principal Component Analysis (PCA). With a 7times6 calibration grid, head pose estimation achieved the mean errors of yaw angle at −2.1° and pitch angle at −6.5°. The standard deviation was about 10°. The estimation process is feasible for real-time wide field of view virtual...
Impact Broadening of Microwave Spectra

Pressure broadening in resonant and in nonresonant microwave spectra of gases, as well as the transition from resonant to nonresonant shape with increasing pressure, are treated in the impact approximation in a unified manner, based on the theories of Baranger, Kolb and Griem, and Fano. The relaxation rate in nonresonant absorption (Debye relaxation) is expressed in terms of collision cross sections; small deviations from a Debye shape are related to a second moment of the relaxation matrix, with illustrative application to C${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$Cl. A new formula is derived for the shape of resonance lines, as a function of frequency and pressure, which takes into account the special effect of collision-induced transitions between the upper and the lower levels of the line; this formula reproduces the shape of the inversion spectra of N${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$ and of N${\mathrm{D}}_{3}$.
Psychoses, PTSD, and depression in Somali refugees in Minnesota

Introduction Initial clinical observation of Somali patients seen at a busy inner-city community clinic (CUHCC) suggested that, in addition to the expected pictures of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression previously seen in the clinic’s Southeast Asian refugee population from 1980 to 2000, there was an unusually high number of young Somali men presenting with acute psychotic disturbances.
TU-EE-A1-01: Accuracy of Clinical Dose Delivery in IOHDR Brachytherapy

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy of clinical dose delivery in intra‐operative high dose rate (IOHDR) brachytherapy.Method and Materials: The IOHDR brachytherapytreatments of 10 patients recently treated at our facility were reconstructed. Treatment geometries reflecting each clinical scenario were simulated by a phantom assembly with no added buildup on top of the applicator. EDR2 radiographic film placed at the prescription depth recorded dose distributions for each clinical case. The treatment planning geometry (full scatter surrounding the applicator) was subsequently simulated for each case by adding bolus on top of the applicator and radiographic film was again exposed at the treatment depth. After careful determination of the film's H&D curve, absolute dose distributions in the plane of the prescription depth were evaluated for both scatter environments in each clinical case. Results: For the geometries simulating the treatment planning conditions of full scatter, the average dose measured at the treatment depths was within 2% of the prescription and dose distributions were in excellent agreement with the respective treatment plan. However, for the geometry simulating treatment conditions (no added scattering material above the applicator), the dose at the prescription depth was on average 11% lower (range 8–14%) than prescribed. An analysis of the delivered dose distributions and treatment plans shows a resulting average decrease of 2 mm (range 1.2–2.4 mm) in prescription depth. Conclusion:Dosimetry calculations for IOHDR brachytherapy are typically done with treatment planning systems with dose calculation algorithms that assume an infinite scatter environment around the applicator and target volume. We have shown that this assumption leads to dose delivery errors which result in significant foreshortening of the prescription depth. It may be clinically relevant to correct for these errors by augmenting the scatter environment or, preferably, by appropriately modifying the prescription dose entered into the treatment planning system.
Does “hot money” drive China's real estate and stock markets?

Abstract The paper investigates the extent of the impact from “hot money” or speculative capital inflow on the fluctuations of China's real estate market and stock market. The results indicate that hot money has driven up property prices as well as contributed to the accelerating volatilities in both markets due to its enormous size and its short-term characteristic of investing. In particular, we find that hot money ranks as the second largest contributor in the fluctuations of China's real estate prices. In the “risky” regime, which corresponds to more inflows and higher volatility of hot money, the effects are even more prominent.
Epidemiology and control of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in an adult and children's hospital

Abstract Background: The incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has reached endemic proportions in many medical centers. To initiate an effective infection control program, an understanding of the epidemiologic attributes of the genus in medical facilities is imperative. Methods: We studied 138 consecutive cases of VRE from April through December 1995. We created a database to analyze the risk factors for patients in both an adult hospital and a children's hospital and screened all specimens, submitted for routine microbiologic analysis, for VRE. Results: One hundred twenty-three cases (89%) occurred in the adult acute care hospital, and 15 (11%) occurred in the children's hospital. Eight patients (58%) were colonized with VRE, and 58 (42%) had an infection with VRE. Eighty-three percent of all the cases of VRE were nosocomially acquired. The majority of cases occurred in the medical service. Urine was the most important clinical specimen infected or colonized. Prior use of an antibiotic, other than vancomycin, was the most important risk factor for all nosocomial cases, followed by prior vancomycin use for surgical patients and residence in a unit with other patients infected with VRE for the medical service. Direct admission from another hospital was the most important risk factor for community-acquired cases. Special microbiologic screening of cultures yielded 48% of all VRE identified. Enterococcus faecium was the predominant resistant isolate recovered. Conclusions: The control of VRE in the hospital setting is difficult for several reasons. Almost half of all patients carrying VRE would not have been identified without special microbiologic screening efforts, as would patients, admitted from the community, who are already colonized with VRE. Controlling antibiotic use both in the hospital and the community is basic for controlling these organisms. Continuous education of all staff about VRE and other nosocomially significant organisms is the key to controlling the spread of these bacteria.
The Pressure Dependence of Oxygen Isotope Exchange Rates Between Solution and Apical Oxygen Atoms on the [UO2(OH)4]2− Ion†

The Pressure Dependence of Oxygen Isotope Exchange Rates Between Solution and Apical Oxygen Atoms on the [UO2(OH)(4)](2-) Ion
An Automatic Plant Dynamics Monitoring System

A system has been developed for monitoring plant dynamic behavior using Power Spectral Density measurements. The data are taken and compared with frequency-dependent limits automatically under computer control. Historical data is maintained and is recallable by the operator for comparison with current data.
Ruptured renal artery aneurysms during pregnancy

Rupture of renal artery aneurysms during pregnancy has been associated with an extremely high mortality rate for both mother and fetus. With this report, 18 cases have been reported in the English language literature, of which only eight mothers (44%) and four fetuses (22%) have survived. Sixteen of the 18 cases (88%) involved rupture of the left renal artery. All ruptures occurred in the third trimester except one, which occurred late in the second trimester. No relationship was noted between maternal age, parity, and rupture of the aneurysm. All patients were normotensive with no significant prior medical history.
Bioinformatic characterization of the trimeric intracellular cation-specific channel protein family.

Trimeric intracellular cation-specific (TRIC) channels are integral to muscle excitation–contraction coupling. TRIC channels provide counter-ionic flux when calcium is rapidly transported from intracellular stores to the cell cytoplasm. Until recently, knowledge of the presence of these proteins was limited to animals. We analyzed the TRIC family and identified a profusion of prokaryotic family members with topologies and motifs similar to those of their eukaryotic counterparts. Prokaryotic members far outnumber eukaryotic members, and although none has been functionally characterized, the evidence suggests that they function as secondary carriers. The presence of fused N- or C-terminal domains of known biochemical functions as well as genomic context analyses provide clues about the functions of these prokaryotic homologs. They are proposed to function in metabolite (e.g., amino acid/nucleotide) efflux. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TRIC channel homologs diverged relatively early during evolutionary history and that horizontal gene transfer was frequent in prokaryotes but not in eukaryotes. Topological analyses of TRIC channels revealed that these proteins possess seven putative transmembrane segments (TMSs), which arose by intragenic duplication of a three-TMS polypeptide-encoding genetic element followed by addition of a seventh TMS at the C terminus to give the precursor of all current TRIC family homologs. We propose that this family arose in prokaryotes.
Asymmetric sensing by decoupling scheduling from switching

As a key approach to achieve energy efficiency in sensor networks, sensing coverage has been studied extensively. Researchers have designed many coverage protocols to provide various kinds of service guarantees within the network. While the state-of-the-art is encouraging, we believe there are some aspects that need further investigation. First, currently different sensing coverage algorithms focus on different service guarantees. Any single design is not general enough to meet a wide range of sensing requirements under different operating scenarios. Second, lifetime extension in most algorithms is essentially achieved through coordination among neighboring nodes. The local node density, therefore, imposes a theoretical upper bound on the system lifetime.
Raman Spectra of Some Organic Halides

Raman spectra obtained by helium excitation from nineteen organic compounds, CH${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$, C${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$Br, C${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$MgBr, C${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$I, C${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$MgI, ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{5}$Cl, ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{5}$Br, ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{5}$I, ClC${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$C${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$Cl, BrC${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$C${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$Br, C${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$CH${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$, C${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$CH${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cl}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Br}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{6}$${\mathrm{H}}_{6}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{5}$${\mathrm{H}}_{5}$N, ${\mathrm{C}}_{6}$${\mathrm{H}}_{5}$C${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$Cl, ${\mathrm{C}}_{6}$${\mathrm{H}}_{5}$Cl, ${\mathrm{C}}_{6}$${\mathrm{H}}_{5}$Br, five of which have not been reported on before, are described and discussed. It is shown that in many cases the observed frequencies can be expressed in terms of four assumed fundamentals (five in the cyclic compounds), two of which are not observed, and which may prove to be illusory. The bearing of such theory as is available is discussed.
Presenilin 1 Regulates β-Catenin-mediated Transcription in a Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3-independent Fashion

Presenilin 1 (PS1) is linked with Alzheimer's disease but exhibits functional roles regulating growth and development. For instance, PS1 binds to beta-catenin and modulates beta-catenin signaling. In the current study, we observed that knockout of PS1 inhibited beta-catenin-mediated transcription by 35%, as shown by a luciferase reporter driven by the hTcf-4 promoter. Overexpressing wild-type PS1 increased beta-catenin-mediated transcription by 37.5%, and overexpressing PS1 with mutations associated with Alzheimer's disease decreased beta-catenin-mediated transcription by 66%. To examine whether regulation of beta-catenin by PS1 requires phosphorylation by glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK 3beta), we examined whether inhibiting GSK 3beta activity overcomes the inhibition of beta-catenin transcription induced by mutant PS1 constructs. Cells expressing wild-type or mutant PS1 were treated with LiCl, which inhibits GSK 3beta, or transfected with beta-catenin constructs that lack the GSK 3beta phosphorylation sites. Neither treatment overcame PS1-mediated inhibition of beta-catenin signaling, suggesting that regulation of beta-catenin by PS1 was not affected by the activity of GSK 3beta. To investigate how PS1 might regulate beta-catenin signaling, we determined whether PS1 interacts with other elements of the beta-catenin signaling cascade, such as the Tcf-4 transcription factor. Coimmunoprecipitation studies showed binding of PS1 and hTcf-4, and examining nuclear isolates indicated that nuclear hTcf-4 was decreased in cells expressing mutant PS1. These data show that PS1 interacts with multiple components of the beta-catenin signaling cascade and suggest that PS1 regulates beta-catenin in a manner independent of GSK 3beta activity.
The intertubular cleft and membranous whorl in the rabbit placenta

The chorio-allantoic placenta of the rabbit is of the labyrinthine hemodichorial type where the outer trophoblastic layer next to the maternal blood space is syncytial and the inner is cellular. The syncytium has thick and thin areas. It is at the thick areas that the trophoblast from either side of the maternal blood tubule encloses a narrow intertubular cleft which has numerous interdigitating microvilli and desmosomes. Intravenously injected thorotrast (an electron dense particle) and maternal plasma readily enter the intertubular cleft. Along the intertubular cleft numerous caveolae, arrays of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are present in the syncytium suggesting that the clefts are areas in which fluid and certain metabolites are absorbed. The agranular membranous whorls are found in the syncytial thick areas. They enclose central or eccentric masses of lipid droplets. Small whorls are found during early pregnancy; smaller and larger ones, however, are found from midpregnancy to term. The whorls progressively increase in size as pregnancy advances. Membranes of the whorl and the rough endoplasmic reticulum are interrelated and contiguous.
Direct measurement of the C2H5C(O)O2 + NO reaction rate coefficient using chemical ionization mass spectrometry

The rate coefficient for the reaction of the peroxypropionyl radical (C2H5C(O)O2) with NO was measured with a laminar flow reactor over the temperature range 226–406 K. The C2H5C(O)O2 reactant was monitored with chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The measured rate coefficients are k(T) = (6.7 ± 1.7) × 10−12 exp{(340 ± 80)/T} cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and k(298 K) = (2.1 ± 0.2) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. Our results are comparable to recommended rate coefficients for the analogous CH3C(O)O2 + NO reaction. Heterogeneous effects, pressure dependence, and concentration gradients inside the flow reactor are examined. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet: 31: 221–228, 1999
Method of measuring nanosecond isomeric states produced in (particle, xn) reactions

Abstract A simple method for measuring the lifetimes of gamma-transitions from nanosecond isomeric states is described. The method depends on the phase grouping of beam pulses in a cyclotron and the fast timing properties of Ge(Li) detectors.
Neutron Activation Analysis of Milligram Quantifies of Lunar Rocks and Soils

A neuttron activation scheme for determining 25 elements in lunar samples weighing 20 milligrams is described and applied to a suite of Apollo 11 lunar materials. Concentrations of titanium, chromium, scandium, tantalum, hafnium, and rare earths are higher than in avercage basalt, whereas cobalt, nickel, and copper are lower. Chemical variations show groupings of elements possibly associated with the major phases, pyroxene, plagioclase, and ilmenite. The high concentration of "refractory oxides" and low volatile content implies that the raw material for the Apollo 11 samples was condensed from the primitive solar nebula at high temperatures.
Calculated band structures and optical properties of lead chalcogenides PbX (X=S, Se, Te) under hydrostatic pressure

Abstract The hydrostatic pressure dependence of the principal energy gaps and of the optical properties of PbX (X=S, Se, and Te) has been calculated with the use of the self-consistent full-potential linear muffin-tin orbital method. The local density approximation and density functional theory are applied. Structural properties such as the equilibrium lattice constants, the bulk modulus, and its pressure derivatives were calculated for lead chalcogenides in the rock salt structure (NaCl). We have found that the results of the structural properties calculations are in agreement with those of ab initio and experimental data. In the rock salt structure, the pressure dependence of the energy gaps of these compounds is overestimated compared to the available experimental data. However, for the same structure, the comparison of our results with those of ab initio calculations shows good agreement. On the other hand, the effect of the applied pressure is clearly seen in the optical response spectrum, especially near the energy transition regions.
The relationships among saccharin consumption, oral ethanol, and IV cocaine self-administration

The purpose of the present experiment was to replicate previously reported observations of a relationship between saccharin consumption and oral ethanol self-administration in rats using operant measures (2,8) and to determine whether saccharin intake was related to the rate of acquisition of IV cocaine self-administration. Groups of Wistar rats selected for high and low saccharin (0.1% wt/vol) intake were tested for rate of acquisition of IV cocaine (0.2 mg/kg/infusion) self-administration using an autoshaping procedure. They were subsequently tested for self-administration of oral ethanol (8% wt/vol) under ascending fixed-ratio (FR) schedules (FR 1, 2, 4, and 8). Finally, ethanol deliveries were compared under food-deprivation and food-satiation conditions under an FR 8 schedule. Saccharin intake was redetermined after each phase of the experiment. No significant differences between high and low saccharin groups were found in rate of acquisition of IV cocaine self-administration, and there was not a significant correlation between saccharin and cocaine consumption. However, the high saccharin group drank significantly more ethanol than the low saccharin group during the FR 8 food satiation component. A significant correlation between saccharin and ethanol consumption was also found. For high and low saccharin groups, responding for ethanol increased proportionally with increases in FR such that consumption of ethanol remained relatively constant as FR increased. Ethanol consumption was significantly increased under food deprivation relative to food satiation conditions for both saccharin groups. A significant correlation between ethanol consumption and cocaine consumption was also found. Significant increases in saccharin consumption across successive saccharin consumption tests were found for both groups, although relative intake for the high and low saccharin groups remained stable throughout the experiment. These results indicate that higher ethanol intake is predicted by higher saccharin intake, but saccharin intake did not predict the rate of acquisition of IV cocaine self-administration.
Anisotropic and selective grain growth during ohmic contact formation

We examine the grain formation during annealing of metallic contacts on multiple semiconductor layers by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The system investigated is Ni/Ge/Au on GaAs/InGaP/InGa(Al)As. Heterointerfaces set vertical limits for the growth of various grains leading to an evident anisotropic lateral-grain expansion. The Au-containing grains selectively locate in the proximity of the InGaAs layer. Using nanoprobe x-ray energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS) analysis, the compositions of those different types of grain have been determined. The microstructure of the grains correlates with the contact resistance and on-resistance of the devices.
A shortened Barnes maze protocol reveals memory deficits at 4-months of age in the triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that manifests as memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. Animal models of Alzheimer's disease have been instrumental in understanding the underlying pathological mechanism and in evaluation of potential therapies. The triple transgenic (3×Tg) mouse model of AD is unique because it recapitulates both pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease - amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The earliest cognitive deficits in this model have been shown at 6-m of age by most groups, necessitating aging of the mice to this age before initiating evaluation of the cognitive effects of therapies. To assess cognitive deficits in the 3×Tg mice, originally we employed a typical Barnes maze protocol of 15 training trials, but found no significant deficits in aged mice. Therefore, we shortened the protocol to include only 5 training trials to increase difficulty. We found cognitive deficits using this protocol using mainly measures from the probe day, rather than the training trials. This also decreased the effort involved with data analysis. We compared 3×Tg and wild-type mice at 4-m- and 15-m of age using both the original, long training, and the short training paradigms. We found that differences in learning between 3×Tg and wild-type mice disappeared after the 4th training trial. Measures of learning and memory on the probe day showed significant differences between 3×Tg and wild-type mice following the short, 5-training trial protocol but not the long, 15-training trial protocol. Importantly, we detected cognitive dysfunction already at 4-m of age in 3×Tg mice using the short Barnes-maze protocol. The ability to test learning and memory in 4-m old 3×Tg mice using a shortened Barnes maze protocol offers considerable time and cost savings and provides support for the utilization of this model at pre-pathology stages for therapeutic studies.
The effects of anxiety, substance use and conduct disorders on risk of major depressive disorder

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly co-morbid with other Axis I disorders, which commonly precede its onset. We sought to determine the level and periods of risk for MDD posed by prior or co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Method Using retrospective data from a longitudinal, population-based sample of 2926 male and 1929 female adult twin subjects, we predicted the hazard rates for MDD from a Cox proportional hazards model with same-year or prior onsets of co-morbid Axis I disorders as time-dependent covariates. Results All axis I disorders studied (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobia, alcohol dependence, psychoactive substance use disorders and conduct disorder) significantly predicted increased risk for developing MDD. The highest hazard rates occurred for MDD onsets that co-occurred with those of the co-morbid disorder. However, the risk for onset of MDD subsequent to that of prior disorders is also significantly increased and remains relatively unchanged over time. Although the risk for onset of MDD is significantly higher in women than men, this was not explained by gender differences in prior disorder prevalence or increased sensitivity in women to the effects of prior disorders on risk for depression. Conclusions Prior psychiatric disorders are significant risk factors for the development of MDD, independent of the length of the intervening period between the onset of the first disorder and that of MDD.
THE X CHROMOSOME BENDING SITE IN THE HUMAN, GORILLA, AND CHIMPANZEE: LOCATION AND EVOLUTION OF THE X INACTIVATION CENTER

THE X CHROMOSOME BENDING SITE IN THE HUMAN, GORILLA, AND CHIMPANZEE: LOCATION AND EVOLUTION OF THE X INACTIVATION CENTER
Thermal macular injury from a 154 mW green laser pointer

We report a case of accidental thermal injury due to improper use of a laser pointer obtained outside of the United States. A 13-year-old received a laser pointer as a gift and looked at a reflection of the beam. The patient underwent full ophthalmologic examination with fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography. Visual acuity in the left eye was 20/100 at presentation. Fundus examination and ancillary tests were consistent with thermal macular injury. The laser pointer was analyzed and found to be a green diode laser with average power output of 154 mW.
Implementation is semantic interpretation: further thoughts

This essay explores the implications of the thesis that implementation is semantic interpretation. Implementation is (at least) a ternary relation: I is an implementation of an ‘Abstraction’ A in some medium M. Examples are presented from the arts, from language, from computer science and from cognitive science, where both brains and computers can be understood as implementing a ‘mind Abstraction’. Implementations have side effects due to the implementing medium; these can account for several puzzles surrounding qualia. Finally, an argument for benign panpsychism is developed.