cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ferroelectrics and Antiferroeletrics

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a systematic review of the field of ferroelectricity together with a discussion of the behavior of single crystals and polycrystalline material. The ferroelectrics are a subgroup of the pyroelectrics. Their outstanding property is the reversibility of the permanent polarization by an electric field. This reversibility is a consequence of the fact that the polar structure of a ferroelectric is a slightly distorted nonpolar structure. A ferroelectric crystal consists of domains. These are regions of homogeneous polarization that differ only in the direction of the polarization. The domain formation may be called “twinning.” The chapter also discusses the macroscopic dielectric, piezoelectric, elastic, and caloric behavior of ferroelectric crystals. The anisotropy of the dielectric susceptibility is very pronounced for uniaxial ferroelectrics. In most dielectrics the polarization is strictly proportional to the electric field. Finally, the chapter discusses several thermodynamic formalisms for ferroelectric crystals and the role of domain structure in the various processes of these crystals.
Cellulase and Sugar Formation by Bacteroides cellulosolvens, a Newly Isolated Cellulolytic Anaerobe.

A newly isolated mesophilic anaerobe, Bacteroides cellulosolvens, has the ability to produce cellulase and to degrade cellulose to cellobiose and glucose. It does not utilize glucose, and it lacks β-glucosidase activity. This anaerobe appears to degrade cellulose to cellobiose by cellulase action, and the presence of cells appears necessary for the formation of glucose.
Optimal stochastic estimation with exponential cost criteria

The expected value of the exponential of a weighted quadratic sum of the squares of the estimation error is minimized with respect to the state estimate subject to a Gauss-Markov system. The state estimates are assumed to be a function of the measurement history up to the stage time of the state vector. The estimator which optimizes this exponential cost criterion is linear but is not a conditional mean estimator such as the Kalman filter. This shows that the implications of Sherman's theorem are restricted to functions of the estimates which have access to the same measurement history such as in smoothing problems. In the solution process the expectation operation is replaced by an extremization operation allowing the formulation of a deterministic discrete time game. The saddle point estimator resulting from this game is the same as that obtained from the solution of an associated disturbance attenuation problem. This optimal stochastic estimator which generalizes the Kalman filter can feature the estimation error of certain states over others by the choice of the quadratic weighting matrices in the cost criterion. Correlation between the measurement and process noises is included. >
Ariel® and Hospital Libraries

Abstract Hospital library services have to deliver high quality copies of articles from other libraries quickly and inexpensively, especially in clinical emergencies. The Ariel Internet document delivery system is superior to faxing or mailing photocopies, yet relatively few hospital libraries currently use it because of its incompatibility with protective local network firewalls. Some hospital libraries have found a number of different ways to solve the problem and improve their document delivery services.
Characterization of heparan sulphate 3-O-sulphotransferase isoform 6 and its role in assisting the entry of herpes simplex virus type 1

Heparan sulphate (HS) 3-O-sulphotransferase transfers sulphate to the 3-OH position of the glucosamine residue of HS to form 3-O-sulphated HS. The HS modified by 3-O-sulphotransferase isoform 3 binds to HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type 1) gD (envelope glycoprotein D), and the resultant 3-O-sulphated HS serves as an entry receptor for HSV-1. In the present paper, we report the isolation and characterization of a novel HS 3-O-sulphotransferase isoform, designated HS 3-O-sulphotransferase isoform 6 (3-OST-6). Mouse 3-OST-6 gene was identified in the EST (expressed sequence tag) database and cloned into pcDNA3.1/Myc-His vector. A CHO (Chinese-hamster ovary) cell line that stably expresses 3-OST-6 (3OST6/CHO cells) was prepared. The disaccharide analysis of the HS isolated from 3OST6/CHO cells revealed that 3-OST-6 exhibits HS 3-O-sulphotransferase activity. Furthermore, 3OST6/CHO cells were susceptible to infection by HSV-1, but not by other alphaherpesviruses examined, suggesting that 3-OST-6 produces a specific entry receptor for HSV-1. Our results indicate that a new member of 3-OST family generates an entry receptor for HSV-1. The findings add to the growing body of evidence that HSV-1 entry is mediated by 3-O-sulphated HS generated by multiple members of 3-O-sulphotransferases.
Effects of Rotation and Location on Advanced Traveler Information System Displays

This experiment compared the performance of rotated to conventional Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) displays. Rotated and conventional ATIS displays were presented in two locations: Heads-up display (HUD) and instrument panel mounted (IPM). Using a part-task driving simulator, subjects evaluated whether an intersection presented on an ATIS display matched the intersection they were approaching. The results indicated that benefits of rotated displays may be location dependent. Although the results do not clearly indicate an optimal display rotation, the HUD location resulted in improved older driver performance.
Linkages between Attitudes toward Gender Roles, Body Satisfaction, Self-Esteem, and Appearance Management Behaviors in Women

The purpose of this research was to examine possible linkages between attitudes toward gender roles, body satisfaction, self-esteem, and appearance management behaviors. Results of a survey of 194 undergraduate women indicated that women holding nontraditional attitudes toward gender roles had higher self-esteem (p < .01), but not body satisfaction, than women holding traditional attitudes toward gender roles. A post hoc analysis indicated that body satisfaction and a nontraditional attitude toward gender roles predicted high levels of self-esteem (p < .0001 and p < .01, respectively), whereas the likelihood of using painful appearance management procedures predicted low levels of self-esteem (p < .05). Suggestions are offered for adult education andfor socially responsible marketing practices for appearance-related products.
Sublethal effects of an in Situ oil shale retort water on rainbow trout.

Abstract An in situ oil shale process water, designated Omega-9 water, was used in sublethal concentrations in flow-through bioassays with rainbow trout. Exposure for 96 hr to 0.3% of Omega-9 water (approximately 70% of the LC50) decreased blood packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin concentration. This concentration of Omega-9 water also decreased plasma alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and protein concentration and caused threefold increases in plasma ammonia levels. Exposure to sublethal concentration of a solution of the 13 major inorganic constituents of Omega-9 water also decreased PCV and plasma AP activity and increased plasma ammonia levels. This study also found that no sublethal effects on blood hemoglobin, protein and alkaline phosphatase occurred at a toxic level less than a fifth of the level of the LC50.
Characterization of an estrogen receptor in the turtle testis

Using DNA-cellulose affinity chromatography, an estrogen-binding component having the properties of a classical estrogen receptor was characterized from testicular cytosol of the freshwater turtle, Chrysemys picta. This putative cytoplasmic receptor exhibited high affinity (Kd = 7.0 X 10(-10) M), low capacity (1-4 fmol/mg protein), and steroid binding that was specific for estrogens. It was not present in plasma, muscle, kidney, or lung. A temperature-dependent conversion of turtle testicular estrogen receptor from 4 to 5 S occurred on DNA-cellulose columns, and resembled that in mammalian testis and other target tissues. After a single injection of estrogen at 3 hr, cytoplasmic receptors were depleted with a concomitant increase of nuclear receptors. Identification in turtle testis of an estrogen-binding macromolecule having the physicochemical properties of mammalian estrogen receptors is further evidence that receptors have been widely conserved in many tissue types through vertebrate phylogeny and supports the idea that the testis is an important target of estrogen action.
Brain transcriptome variation among behaviorally distinct strains of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Domesticated animal populations often show profound reductions in predator avoidance and fear-related behavior compared to wild populations. These reductions are remarkably consistent and have been observed in a diverse array of taxa including fish, birds, and mammals. Experiments conducted in common environments indicate that these behavioral differences have a genetic basis. In this study, we quantified differences in fear-related behavior between wild and domesticated zebrafish strains and used microarray analysis to identify genes that may be associated with this variation. Compared to wild zebrafish, domesticated zebrafish spent more time near the water surface and were more likely to occupy the front of the aquarium nearest a human observer. Microarray analysis of the brain transcriptome identified high levels of population variation in gene expression, with 1,749 genes significantly differentially expressed among populations. Genes that varied among populations belonged to functional categories that included DNA repair, DNA photolyase activity, response to light stimulus, neuron development and axon guidance, cell death, iron-binding, chromatin reorganization, and homeobox genes. Comparatively fewer genes (112) differed between domesticated and wild strains with notable genes including gpr177 (wntless), selenoprotein P1a, synaptophysin and synaptoporin, and acyl-CoA binding domain containing proteins (acbd3 and acbd4). Microarray analysis identified a large number of genes that differed among zebrafish populations and may underlie behavioral domestication. Comparisons with similar microarray studies of domestication in rainbow trout and canids identified sixteen evolutionarily or functionally related genes that may represent components of shared molecular mechanisms underlying convergent behavioral evolution during vertebrate domestication. However, this conclusion must be tempered by limitations associated with comparisons among microarray studies and the low level of population-level replication inherent to these studies.
Understanding C-H bond oxidations: H. and H- transfer in the oxidation of toluene by permanganate

The oxidation of toluene by permanganate has been studied as a model for the oxidation of C-H bonds by metal reagents, metalloenzymes, and metal oxide surfaces. In water, the reaction proceeds by hydride (H-) transfer from toluene to a permanganate oxygen, whereas in toluene solution, permanganate abstracts a hydrogen atom (H.). The ability of permanganate to abstract a hydrogen atom is rationalized on the basis of the strong O-H bond formed on H. addition to permanganate. This approach allows understanding and prediction of the rates of hydrogen atom transfer from substrates to metal active sites.
Carrier communication automatic measurement based on computer virtual instrument

Use 10 kV medium voltage power line to carry out high-speed data transmission has become a hot spot, but the power line channel is complex, and the traditional measure method is too complicated. This paper describes the automatic measure principle and method of the narrowband channel characteristic for carrier communication, using the computer virtual instrument method can greatly enhance the efficiency of channel measurements, the results of measurement in the chart and text format are stored in the PC automatically and the practical effect of the device is verified by the measurement on the actual line.
Limitations of the use of cetane index for alternative compression ignition engine fuels

Abstract The cetane number of a fuel is an important factor in determining the quality of ignition in compression ignition (CI) engines. The significance of accurate measurement of cetane number has become even greater since the use of alternative fuels and modern CI engines. In this work, the comparison of different methods of cetane value measurement for fuels with different chemical composition such as ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD), synthetic jet fuel (S-8) and military grade jet fuel (JP-8), trace amounts of additives and biodiesel blends under different conditions is reported. The cetane index was calculated by ASTM D4737 and ASTM D976 and the derived cetane number (DCN) was measured using an Ignition Quality Tester (IQT) as a basis of comparison with the cetane index. The best agreement among three methods was observed for ULSD, while S-8 showed the largest discrepancy. The cetane indices for S-8 were 70.2 and 67.3 calculated using D4737 and D976 respectively, while the DCN was 52.8. The addition of biodiesel to ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel alters the chemical properties of the fuel. The derived cetane number reflected the increase in ignition quality with the addition of biodiesel while calculations for cetane index did not. The cetane indices for a commercial B20 were 45.30 and 46.70 while the DCN showed a significantly higher value of 48.50. Blending 5% oxidized biodiesel with ULSD caused an 8% increase in the derived cetane number of the blend. The cetane index of the 5% biodiesel was not significantly affected by oxidation. The effects of fuel additives on cetane measurements were reflected in the DCN measurements, but not with cetane indices.
Regeneration of plants from protoplasts of rapid cycling Brassica oleracea L.

Rapid cycling Brassica species have great potential in plant genetic research because of their short life cycles and their minimal space requirements. Rapid cycling B. oleracea can be grown with up to six generations per year. Protoplast culture of this genotype can be applied for gene transfer by direct DNA uptake and by protoplast fusion. We here report on fast regeneration of flowering plants from protoplasts of rapid cycling B. oleracea. Regeneration frequencies of 27–65% were achieved with multiple shoots developing from individual calli. The regenerated plants were grown to maturity, and flowering and other morphological characteristics were monitored. The regenerants flowered within a similar time frame as plants grown from seeds. The ploidy level of regenerated and seed-grown plants was measured by flow cytometry. Many (20–45%) of the regenerants were tetraploid. Although only few seeds could be obtained from the tetraploids, large numbers of seeds with good germination were recovered from the diploid regenerants.
Turbulent blood flow and the effects of erythrocytes

An experimental investigation is described in which principal emphasis is given to revealing the nature of the contribution of erythrocytes upon turbulence. It has as its central purpose the evaluation of a fluid containing erythrocytes on turbulence intensity. The experimental method consisted of introducing the steady flow of human blood through a precision orifice under controlled conditions at turbulent rates and studying the growth and evaluation of disturbed flow using hot-film methods. A principal conclusion to be drawn is that a new perspective, one that takes erythrocytes into account, is required in connection with the instability of flowing blood.
Astrobiology and missions at NASA.

In his News Focus article “Astrobiology fights for its life” (19 Jan., p. [318][1]), A. Lawler describes NASA's astrobiology program as largely disconnected from its space-flight missions. But recent competitions paint a different picture. For example, Bruce Jakosky, the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution mission (MAVEN), one of two candidates for the next Mars Scout, is also the PI of the NASA Astrobiology Institute's (NAI) University of Colorado team. MAVEN would study atmospheric gas escape from Mars to understand what effect atmospheric evolution has had on the planet's climate and habitability, placing that one piece of the puzzle into the larger context of the planet's biological potential. The NAI stimulates this kind of integrative thinking by bringing together broad, multidisciplinary groups of scientists who might not otherwise have the opportunity to work together and learn how to contribute to each other's research. MAVEN is an example of what can grow from this fertile ground. The Mars Scout selections included two instrument development efforts for ESA's ExoMars mission, both of which are direct products of the NASA Astrobiology program. In addition, two PI instruments on the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) received Astrobiology support to enable their selection for flight. NAI current and former PIs and Co-Investigators are centrally involved in operations and science analysis for the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. The NAI also contributes to future missions through Focus Groups that mobilize expertise from across the Institute and the wider scientific community. The Mars Focus Group began by playing a seminal role in restructuring the Mars Program after the loss of NASA missions launched in 1998. It accomplished this by organizing astrobiology community input to NASA's Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG). Two NAI PIs have served as MEPAG Chair. The NAI Europa and Titan Focus Groups have also provided input to mission planners studying those opportunities, and the Astronomy Focus Group has provided an analysis of the astrobiology potential of the James Webb Space Telescope. Rather than being disconnected from NASA flight opportunities, astrobiology objectives and the astrobiology community are repeatedly found at the heart of NASA's missions. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.315.5810.318
Unified optical symbolic substitution processor

Symbolic substitution operations can be realized optically on a correlator. This is a very attractive and efficient architecture for symbolic substitution. It allows parallel multichannel realization with a fixed set of filters (on film or easily realized on low space bandwidth product spatial light modulators) using space and frequency-multiplexing or sequential filters. All basic logic, numeric and morphological image processing functions can be achieved by symbolic substitution. Moreover, all operations are possible on one multifunctional optical processor. Morphological operations are felt to be essential for ATR and pattern recognition preprocessing in clutter. They greatly improve the role for optics by allowing the same optical architecture to be used for low, medium and high level vision.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evidence of conformational exchange averaging in the thermal rotational spectrum of ethyl cyanoformate.

The Stark modulated low resolution microwave spectrum of ethyl cyanoformate between 21.5 and 24.0 GHz at 210, 300, and 358 K, which shows the J + 1 ← J = 8 ← 7 bands of three species, is compared to simulations based onelectronic structure calculations at the MP2/6-311++G** theory level. Calculations at this theory level reproduce the relative energies of the syn-anti and syn-gauche conformers, obtained in a previous study, and indicate that the barrier to conformer exchange is ∼360 cm - 1 higher in energy than the syn-anti minimum. Simulated spectra of the eigenstates of the calculated O-ethyl torsional potential function reproduce the relative intensities and shapes of the lower and higher frequency bands which correspond to transitions of the syn-anti and syn-gauche conformers, respectively, but fail to reproduce the intense center band in the experimental spectra. A model incorporating exchange averaging reproduces the intensity of the center band and its temperature dependence. These simulations indicate that a large fraction of the thermal population at all three temperatures undergoes conformational exchange with an average energy specific rate constant, , of approximately 25 GHz. This model can explain anomalies present in rotational spectra of many other compounds composed of mixtures of conformers.
A Case Study: Linda

SUMMARY An oncology chaplain illustrates The Discipline for Pastoral Care Giving by recalling interactions with a breast cancer patient.
Cross-Bridge Cycling Kinetics in Intact Multicellular Cardiac Muscle at Physiological Temperature: Impact of Muscle Length

The contractility of the heart is physiologically determined by load, frequency and β-adrenergic stimulation. It has been shown that these regulatory mechanisms involve post-translational modifications of myofilament proteins that can potentially influence the rate of cross-bridge cycling, an important determinant of cardiac output. We set out to develop a method for measuring cross-bridge cycling rate in intact cardiac muscle preparations where the cascades of post-translational signaling are functionally intact. With the use of a K+ contracture protocol, we were able to induce a steady-state tension in intact trabeculae and measure the rate of tension redevelopment (ktr), an index for cross-bridge cycling rate. We utilized this technique in order to investigate the effect of load on cross-bridge cycling rate. In cardiac trabeculae isolated from Brown Norway rats (n=11), the rate of tension redevelopment was measured twice at Lopt (optimal length) and at L90 (corresponding to 90% of optimal length) in each muscle. The ktr for the L90 was 45.1 ± 7.6 s−1 and it was significantly decreased to 27.7 ± 3.3 s−1 as the muscles were stretched to their Lopt (P < 0.05). The ktr for each length was measured a second time in order to show the reproducibility of the system. There was no significant difference between the duplicate measurements of each length (P = 0.84). In addition, we were able to apply these experiments in mammals that more closely reflect the human situation (such as the rabbit and dog) and muscle preparations isolated from explanted human hearts. This technique permits the studying of cross-bridge cycling kinetics in intact muscles in a reproducible and reliable manner, where the impact of signaling cascades leading to post-translational modifications can be studied.
Ferroelectricity Driven by Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction in an Anisotropic Heisenberg Antiferromagnetic Chain

We have made a theoretical study on the ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism in an antiferromagnetic Heisenberg chain with a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction which may induce ferroelectricity in some low-dimensional magnetic materials. Based on the transfer-matrix method, we obtain the analytical results of the average magnetization, polarization and magnetic susceptibility. And these physical quantities as functions of temperature and applied field are discussed respectively under various conditions. We find that the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility exhibits different responses for the external field applied along the chain and perpendicular to the chain, demonstrating the important role of anisotropy.
Medial septal lesions: body weight loss and its relationship to polyuria in rats.

Abstract Changes in body weight in relation to water intake and urine output were examined in male rats bearing medial septal lesions. Medial septal ablation resulted in an alteration in urinary secretion which was paralleled by an alteration in body weight. Immediately following surgery body weight dropped. Over the remainder of the observation period body weight increased at a normal rate; however, the animals bearing medial septal lesions never recovered to the level of the sham operated group. Immediately following medial septal ablation there was a marked increase in urine output. Urine volume subsequently declined but remained elevated in relation to control animals throughout the 3 weeks of observation. When isotonic saline was substituted for drinking water, body weight, fluid intake and urine volume increased with both groups; however, the body weight increase was less pronounced in the medial septal animals as a result of a higher level of urine excretion than sham operated animals. Food intake, fecal output, rectal temperature, and urine pH were also examined, but appeared to have no bearing on the weight loss, either following surgery or during saline ingestion. On the basis of these results it was suggested that the medial septal nucleus, in response to increases of blood osmolarity, normally facilitates the activity of hypothalamic structures responsible for the secretion of pituitary anti-diuretic hormone.
Multi-model inference for incorporating trophic and climate uncertainty into stock assessments

Abstract Ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approaches allow a broader and more extensive consideration of objectives than is typically possible with conventional single-species approaches. Ecosystem linkages may include trophic interactions and climate change effects on productivity for the relevant species within the system. Presently, models are evolving to include a comprehensive set of fishery and ecosystem information to address these broader management considerations. The increased scope of EBFM approaches is accompanied with a greater number of plausible models to describe the systems. This can lead to harvest recommendations and biological reference points that differ considerably among models. Model selection for projections (and specific catch recommendations) often occurs through a process that tends to adopt familiar, often simpler, models without considering those that incorporate more complex ecosystem information. Multi-model inference provides a framework that resolves this dilemma by providing a means of including information from alternative, often divergent models to inform biological reference points and possible catch consequences. We apply an example of this approach to data for three species of groundfish in the Bering Sea: walleye pollock, Pacific cod, and arrowtooth flounder using three models: 1) an age-structured “conventional” single-species model, 2) an age-structured single-species model with temperature-specific weight at age, and 3) a temperature-specific multi-species stock assessment model. The latter two approaches also include consideration of alternative future climate scenarios, adding another dimension to evaluate model projection uncertainty. We show how Bayesian model-averaging methods can be used to incorporate such trophic and climate information to broaden single-species stock assessments by using an EBFM approach that may better characterize uncertainty.
Nitrated α–Synuclein Immunity Accelerates Degeneration of Nigral Dopaminergic Neurons

Background The neuropathology of Parkinson's disease (PD) includes loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, nitrated α-synuclein (N-α-Syn) enriched intraneuronal inclusions or Lewy bodies and neuroinflammation. While the contribution of innate microglial inflammatory activities to disease are known, evidence for how adaptive immune mechanisms may affect the course of PD remains obscure. We reasoned that PD-associated oxidative protein modifications create novel antigenic epitopes capable of peripheral adaptive T cell responses that could affect nigrostriatal degeneration. Methods and Findings Nitrotyrosine (NT)-modified α-Syn was detected readily in cervical lymph nodes (CLN) from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) intoxicated mice. Antigen-presenting cells within the CLN showed increased surface expression of major histocompatibility complex class II, initiating the molecular machinery necessary for efficient antigen presentation. MPTP-treated mice produced antibodies to native and nitrated α-Syn. Mice immunized with the NT-modified C-terminal tail fragment of α-Syn, but not native protein, generated robust T cell proliferative and pro-inflammatory secretory responses specific only for the modified antigen. T cells generated against the nitrated epitope do not respond to the unmodified protein. Mice deficient in T and B lymphocytes were resistant to MPTP-induced neurodegeneration. Transfer of T cells from mice immunized with N-α-Syn led to a robust neuroinflammatory response with accelerated dopaminergic cell loss. Conclusions These data show that NT modifications within α-Syn, can bypass or break immunological tolerance and activate peripheral leukocytes in draining lymphoid tissue. A novel mechanism for disease is made in that NT modifications in α-Syn induce adaptive immune responses that exacerbate PD pathobiology. These results have implications for both the pathogenesis and treatment of this disabling neurodegenerative disease.
A Photographic Study of the Effect of an Air Bubble on the Growth and Collapse of a Vapor Bubble Near a Surface

Interaction of an individual vapor bubble formed by a spark gap in water at room temperature with a neighboring air bubble, such as could have significance in cavitation, was investigated using high speed photography. Air bubbles were located both on and far from boundaries. An air bubble located on the solid boundary was able to protect the surface from damage. Two effects of the interaction which appeared to be important in the damage prevention were energy transfer from the vapor bubble to the gas bubble and repulsion of the vapor bubble by the gas bubble. Gas bubbles far from boundaries absorbed less energy and had less repulsive effect than those on solid boundaries.
Optical sensing characteristics of nanostructures supporting multiple localized surface plasmon resonances

Noble metal nanoparticles supporting localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) have been extensively investigated for label free detection of various biological and chemical interactions. When compared to traditional propagating surface plasmon based sensors, LSPR sensors offer extensive wavelength tunability, greater electric field enhancement and sensing in reduced volumes. However, these sensors also suffer from a major disadvantage – LSPR sensors remain highly susceptible to interference because they respond to both solution refractive index changes and non-specific binding as well as specific binding of the target analyte. These interactions can compromise the measurement of the target analyte in a complex unknown media and hence limit the applicability and impact of the sensor. Despite the extensive amount of work done in this field, there has been an absence of optical techniques that make these sensors immune to interfering effects. Recently, our group experimentally demonstrated a multi-mode LSPR sensor that exploits three resonances of a U-shaped gold nanostructure to differentiate the target interaction from bulk and surface interfering effects. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive description of the electric field profiles of the three resonances of the U-shaped nanostructure. We will also evaluate the sensitivities of the nanostructure to the various bulk and surface interactions using numerical simulations.
Socio-technical aspects of video phones

The widespread use of voice over Internet protocol has paved the way for video over Internet protocol. In the past, certain technical shortcomings have prevented the popularity of videophones in the market. With present-day technology, videophones have just about everything required for day-to-day functions. Under such circumstances, certain socio-technical aspects require attention so that videophones can become as widespread and as technically streamlined as a plain old telephone system (POTS) with its additional benefits. A frequently brushed-upon topic is optimum features in the video phone for day-to-day social interactions. We carried out several experiments on different kinds of codecs and video formats to address two issues: i) the size of a video screen and ii) perception of motion and distance. From the measurements, we observed that a small frame rate with low bandwidth is adequate and can result in satisfactory video quality. We also observed that H263 performs well for all the day-to-day social networking activities. Standing 4 feet from the camera can still give reasonably good video quality in the currently available codecs. We believe that socio-technical issues will emerge more clearly over the next several years and they are germane to deployment of PC-based soft phones as well as hard phones.
Overexpressed Raf‐1 and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine 3′‐5′‐monophosphatate response element‐binding protein are early markers for lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PAC) is the leading type of lung cancer and has a high mortality. The tobacco carcinogen nicotine-derived nitrosamine 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) stimulates the proliferation of human PAC cells and small airway epithelial cells through β-1 adrenorecptor-mediated transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). METHODS Using the NNK hamster PAC model and human PAC tissue arrays with matched and unmatched normal lung tissues, the authors tested the hypothesis that Raf-1, an effector of the EGFR, and P-CREB, an effector of the β-adrenoreceptor, are overexpressed in a significant subset of human PACs and are early markers of PAC development. Western blots from respiratory epithelial cells and microadenomas harvested by laser-capture microdissection from hamster lungs accompanied by immunostains were used to monitor the expression levels of Raf-1 and P-CREB after 5 weeks, 10 weeks, and 20 weeks of NNK treatment. Expression levels of these markers in human PAC tissue arrays were assessed by immunostains. Reverse-phase proteomics, Western blot analysis, and immunoprecipitation in immortalized human small-airway epithelial cells and in a human PAC cell line in the presence and absence of dominant-negative Raf were used to determine Raf dependence of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation in response to NNK or isoproterenol. RESULTS The data showed a time-dependent increase in the expression of Raf-1 and P-CREB after NNK treatment in small-airway epithelial cells and microadenomas of hamsters. The majority of human lung adenocarcinomas simultaneously overexpressed Raf-1 and P-CREB. Dominant-negative Raf completely abrogated ERK1/2 activation by NNK and isoproterenol. CONCLUSIONS The current results indicated that RAF-1 and P-CREB may contribute to the development of a significant subset of human lung adenocarcinomas and may offer promising targets for early detection and treatment. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Determination of a Wide Range of Volatile Organic Compounds in Ambient Air Using Multisorbent Adsorption/Thermal Desorption and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Adsorption/thermal desorption with multisorbent air-sampling cartridges was developed for the determination of 87 method analytes including halogenated alkanes, halogenated alkenes, ethers, alcohols, nitriles, esters, ketones, aromatics, a disulfide, and a furan. The volatilities of the compounds ranged from that of dichlorofluoromethane (CFC12) to that of 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene. The eight most volatile compounds were determined using a 1.5-L air sample and a sample cartridge containing 50 mg of Carbotrap B and 280 mg of Carboxen 1000; the remaining 79 compounds were determined using a 5-L air sample and a cartridge containing 180 mg of Carbotrap B and 70 mg of Carboxen 1000. Analysis and detection were by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The minimum detectable level (MDL) concentration values ranged from 0.01 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) for chlorobenzene to 0.4 ppbv for bromomethane; most of the MDL values were in the range 0.02−0.06 ppbv. No breakthrough was detected with the prescribed samp...
Nondestructive evaluation of bonding characteristics of TiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 gas sensor

Ceramic sensor based on TiO2-Al2O3 systems were thermally cycled in the temperature range of 21 degree(s)C to 685 degree(s)C for different number of cycles. Thermal wave imaging technique (TWI), a non-destructive and non-contact evaluation method was used to characterize the bonding of sensor films with the substrate. Based on the thermal wave signal amplitudes, an assessment of bond strength was made. The results indicate that samples with 700 degree(s)C heat treatment show the best bonding characteristics. Furthermore, with increasing number of thermal cycles, bonding quality turns out to decrease as damage occurs. Thermal wave imaging is a powerful NDE tool. Results from a number of material evaluation efforts indicate that the technique has great promise.
Altered global gene expression in first trimester placentas of women destined to develop preeclampsia.

Abstract Background Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder that remains a leading cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and is associated with risk for future cardiovascular disease. There are no reliable predictors, specific preventative measures or treatments other than delivery. A widely held view is that the antecedents of preeclampsia lie with impaired placentation in early pregnancy. Accordingly, we hypothesized dysregulation of global gene expression in first trimester placentas of women who later manifested preeclampsia. Methods Surplus chorionic villus sampling (CVS) tissues were collected at 10–12 weeks gestation in 160 patients with singleton fetuses. Four patients developed preeclampsia, and their banked CVS specimens were matched to 8 control samples from patients with unaffected pregnancies. Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChips were utilized for microarray analysis. Naive Bayes prediction modeling and pathway analysis were conducted. qRT-PCR examined three of the dysregulated genes. Results Thirty-six differentially expressed genes were identified in the preeclampsia placentas. qRT-PCR verified the microarray analysis. Thirty-one genes were down-regulated. Many were related to inflammation/immunoregulation and cell motility. Decidual gene dysregulation was prominent. No evidence was found for alterations in hypoxia and oxidative stress regulated genes. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to show dysregulation of gene expression in the early placentas of women ∼6 months before developing preeclampsia, thereby reinforcing a placental origin of the disorder. We hypothesize that placentation in preeclampsia is compromised in the first trimester by maternal and fetal immune dysregulation, abnormal decidualization, or both, thereby impairing trophoblast invasion. Several of the genes provide potential targets for the development of clinical biomarkers in maternal blood during the first trimester. Supplementary materials are available for this article via the publisher's online edition.
Examining a Possible Triangle Effect: Risk Perception, Sensation Seeking and Focused Attention:

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between risk perception, sensation seeking, and focused attention. Participants were given a set of colors and symbols to rate using a nine ...
Transdermal hormonal contraception: benefits and risks

Transdermal drug delivery systems have been available in the United States for >20 years. Since the introduction of the first transdermal patch (scopolamine) for the treatment of motion sickness, >35 transdermal patch products have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for a variety of indications that include hormone replacement therapy, nicotine replacement therapy, chronic pain (fentanyl), angina (nitroglycerin), hypertension (clonidine), and more recently, overactive bladder (oxybutynin), and contraception (ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin). Clinical data demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the contraceptive patch; however, concerns regarding estrogen levels and reports of venous thromboembolism led to the development of 2 epidemiologic studies and, subsequently, revised product labeling. Despite this, the contraceptive patch may be an appropriate option for some patients.
Anti-erythropoietin antibodies in hyperviscosity syndrome associated with giant lymph node hyperplasia (GLNH; Castleman's disease).

The authors report a case of GLNH, plasma cell type, with demonstration of anti-Ep antibodies, hyperviscosity, anaemia, and subsequent response to steroid therapy
Inversions of data from the thermohaline staircase in the western tropical North Atlantic

Abstract Analyses of data gathered in spring and fall, 1985, in the thermohaline staircase east of Barbados have been made with a more extensive treatment of the tracer problem. The results of calculations with various models suggest that the minimum balance consistent with the observations is between advection along the layers and through the interfaces and vertical diffusion and that horizontal mixing is only a minor process in the staircase region. With positive vertical diffusion coefficients for salt and heat the estimations for vertical flux across the interfaces indicate the presence of salt-fingering. The horizontal velocity in the fall is an order of magnitude stronger than in the spring, and the vertical velocity, which may be related to salt-fingering, is downward in both seasons. It is also shown that the velocity derived from the tracer distributions and the one based on geostrophic balance are not the same. Generally speaking, the results obtained with the fall data other than the horizontal velocity are consistent with those from the spring data.
Physics: a quantum less quirky.

What physicists want for Christmas is a solution to the philosophical conundrums of quantum mechanics. They will be disappointed, but work that dissolves one aspect of quantum weirdness is some consolation.
Radiation recall phenomenon secondary to capecitabine: possible role of thymidine phosphorylase.

Background: The first reported case of radiation (XRT) recall related to capecitabine described dermatitis in a previously radiated field in a breast cancer patient (Ortman; JCO). We previously reported the first case of recall syndrome manifesting as diffuse gastritis and duodenitis related to capecitabine with prior XRT with 5-FU in a pancreatic cancer patient (Saif; JARCET). We report here another pancreatic cancer patient with a radiation recall receiving capecitabine following capecitabine-XRT. Patients and methods: From April 2004 to June 2005, 20 patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma were treated with capecitabine 1,600 mg/m2 daily with concomitant radiation (5040cGy) Monday–Friday (weekends off) for a total of 6 weeks, followed by capecitabine 2,000 mg/m2 daily for 14 days every 3 weeks. One male patient with tumor in the neck and body of pancreas and not infiltrating the duodenum dropped hemoglobin to 7.3 g/dl at the end of the ninth week, and melena on rectal examination. Specimen of primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was obtained via EUS-guided biopsy before starting XRT on day 1 and utilized for RNA extraction. TP mRNA level was determined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-Q-PCR). Results: Upper endoscopy revealed gastritis consistent with radiation toxicity. Colonoscopy was negative. Transfusion of three units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) was given. The dose of capecitabine was reduced by 25%. His anemia continued to progress, a CT scan revealed 39% decrease in the tumor size (PR). Analysis of tumor specimen prior to the start of capecitabine-XRT showed TP expression of 183.16 (high). In addition to TP, DPD was 7.40, and TNF-alpha 4,114.56. Conclusion: We believe this case to be the second case of radiation recall presenting as diffuse gastritis in a patient receiving capecitabine after previous treatment with XRT. Further studies, including the role of TP are warranted into the pathogenesis of this unique phenomenon.
Estimating Intertemporal Supply Response in the Fed Beef Market

A partial adjustment model with monthly lag structures on expected output and input prices is used to estimate intertemporal supply behavior of fed beef. Previous research has provided conflicting supply elasticities. The present work reconciles the conflicts by integrating different lengths of run into cattle marketing and placement decisions. For example, the model dynamics incorporate short-run changes in cattle asset values and long-run adjustments in resource use. Empirical results provide no evidence of short-run supply fixity; supply elasticities switch from negative to positive over time.
Introducing an environmental assessment and intervention program in inner-city schools

Home-based environmental interventions have demonstrated clinical benefit for children with asthma. Although much is known about school-based exposures, few studies have comprehensively examined the role the school environment plays in asthma and how effectively changing the environment might reduce morbidity when adjusting for exposures in the home. This review summarizes the importance and common challenges of school-based environmental assessment and intervention studies linked to health effects. We focus on the key components of study development and the challenges and benefits to implementation.
The Whisky Flat pronghorn trap complex, Mineral County, Nevada, Western United States: Preliminary report

A big-game wing-trap complex in Mineral County, Nevada, seen standing and in apparently usable condition in 1845, is described, with interpretations on the manner in which it likely was used to capture Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). The complex occurs at an elevation of 2000 m in a valley narrows, and was built mostly of juniper posts set in the ground, with bracing rocks as needed. When first seen, sagebrush also was used in its construction. It consists of several features, including a drift fence more than a kilometer long; a large oval-shaped corral with flagstones across the entrance, and containing stone blinds or shooting stations; an adjoining small corral; various other structures; and a nearby campsite. Faunal remains from the looted campsite are mostly those of large mammals, and all of the identified elements are of pronghorn. Interpretation of the manner in which the trap probably functioned conflicts in many ways with descriptions of communal pronghorn trapping provided by Great Basin ethnographers. But there is good reason to believe that descriptions of pronghorn trapping in regional ethnographies are seriously flawed. Study of this and other nearby wing-traps suggests that by late prehistoric and historic times the Indians of the southwestern Great Basin relied heavily on a set of similar communal strategies for mass entrapment of large game animals, especially pronghorn, but including also deer. They employed a built environment consisting of large wing-traps, perhaps using several such traps annually while pursuing a seasonally nomadic foraging cycle. If pronghorn trapping was paired with pine-nut gathering, exploitation of pronghorn may of necessity have occurred in different localities in successive years, allowing local populations to restore themselves. This pattern apparently prevailed in southwestern Nevada and eastern California for at least several thousand years.
Biasing Potential Replica Exchange Multisite λ-Dynamics for Efficient Free Energy Calculations

Traditional free energy calculation methods are well-known for their drawbacks in scalability and speed in converging results particularly for calculations with large perturbations. In the present work, we report on the development of biasing potential replica exchange multisite λ-dynamics (BP-REX MSλD), which is a free energy method that is capable of performing simultaneous alchemical free energy transformations, including perturbations between flexible moieties. BP-REX MSλD and the original MSλD are applied to a series of symmetrical 2,5-benzoquinone derivatives covering a diverse chemical space and range of conformational flexibility. Improved λ-space sampling is observed for the BP-REX MSλD simulations, yielding a 2–5-fold increase in the number of transitions between substituents compared to traditional MSλD. We also demonstrate the efficacy of varying the value of c, the parameter that controls the ruggedness of the landscape mediating the sampling of λ-states, based on the flexibility of the fragm...