cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Charge-selective fractions of naturally occurring nanoparticles as bioactive nanocarriers for cancer therapy.

A carnivorous fungus, Arthrobotrys oligospora, has been shown to secrete nanoparticles. In the present work, the potential of two charge-selective fractions of fungal nanoparticles (FNPs) as bioactive nanocarriers in cancer therapy is explored by investigating their immunostimulatory activities, cytotoxic mechanisms and in vitro immunochemotherapeutic effects. A surface charge-selective fractionation procedure to purify crude FNPs has been established, and two FNP fractions (i.e. FNP1 and FNP2), with different surface charges and similarly reduced diameters of 100–200 nm, are obtained. Both FNP fractions enhance the secretion of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines from macrophages and splenocytes. However, FNP2 has stronger cytotoxicity than FNP1. It is FNP2 not FNP1 that could clearly inhibit cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and arresting cells at the sub G0/G1 phase. Both the FNP fractions can form pH-responsive nanocomplexes with doxorubicin (DOX) via electrostatic interactions. For direct cytotoxicity, DOX–FNP2 complexes demonstrate higher activity than DOX against multiple tumor cells, while DOX–FNP1 complexes show weaker activity than DOX. Interestingly, in a co-culture experiment where splenocytes are co-cultured with tumor cells, both DOX–FNP complexes demonstrate higher cytotoxicity than DOX. In conclusion, this work proposes a combined therapeutics for cancer treatment using charge-selective fractions of FNPs as bioactive nanocarriers.
Photonic band gap analysis using finite-difference frequency-domain method

A finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) method is applied for photonic band gap calculations. The Maxwell's equations under generalized coordinates are solved for both orthogonal and non-orthogonal lattice geometries. Complete and accurate band gap information is obtained by using this FDFD approach. Numerical results for 2D TE/TM modes in square and triangular lattices are in excellent agreements with results from plane wave method (PWM). The accuracy, convergence and computation time of this method are also discussed.
Periodic operation of continuous recombinant cultures improves antibiotic selection

Abstract While extrachromosomal insertion of plasmid DNA in suitable hosts allows for overproduction of recombinant proteins, sustained production of these over long duration is not possible due to reversion of recombinant cells to unproductive plasmid-free cells. Application of antibiotic selection pressure, the most effective measure to overcome this problem, at a constant rate is prohibitively expensive. Continuous recombinant culture operations where the feed composition is varied periodically (antibiotic being fed only when the culture is dominated by plasmid-free cells) are considered in this work. A mathematical model that accounts for limiting substrate, recombinant and plasmid-free cells, and antibiotic is employed. The two types of antibiotic action considered are: (i) death of plasmid-free cells and (ii) repression of growth of plasmid-free cells. Three types of steady states (periodic states) are admissible in steady state (forced periodic) operations, with only one type being the desired one. Specific forms of kinetics are considered as illustrations, with the cycle-average antibiotic feed concentration being considered the bifurcation parameter. Conditions for existence and multiplicity of varous steady states are obtained analytically. Stability characteristics of periodic states are examined via Floquet stability theory. Two different periodic feeding policies are considered in numerical illustrations. One of these policies, the on-off addition of antibiotic and limiting substrate, results in retention of recombinant cells in continuous cultures over a broader region of operating conditions, increased productivity of recombinant cells, and increased cost-effectiveness. The effects of key operating parameters on the system performance are studied in detail.
Isolation and characterization of cytoplasmic and chloroplastic ribosomes and their ribosomal RNAs from the diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis.

The cytoplasmic and chloroplast ribosomes from the marine diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis were isolated and characterized. The cytoplasmic ribosomes sedimented in sucrose at 84S and dissociated into subunits of 64S and 42S in the absence of Mg2+. It contained ribosomal RNAs with molecular weights of 1.31×106 and 0.70×106. The chloroplast ribosomes sedimented at 70S only in the presence of high Mg2+ concentrations (25–100 mM). No stable subunits were routinely observed and at very high levels of Mg2+ (>100 mM) the 70S species was converted to a form sedimenting at 55S. At 4°C ribosomal RNAs with molecular weights of 1.1×106 and 0.40×106 were detected on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. When the RNAs were resolved at room temperature the large molecular weight component disappeared while RNA with molecular weights of 0.65×106 and 0.53×106 were observed. Apparently the large chloroplast RNAs dissociated into two pieces of unequal molecular weight. These properties of the diatom's chloroplast ribosomes are very similar to those of the counter parts in unicellular green algae, which suggests that both types of algae have a common phylogenetic ancestor.
MALIGNANT CONVERSION OF UV - RADIATION AND CHEMICALLY INDUCED MOUSE SKIN BENIGN TUMORS BY FREE RADICAL GENERATING COMPOUNDS

It is known that the free-radical-generating compound, benzoyl peroxide (BPO) enhances malignant conversion of murine skin benign papillomas into carcinomas. To further define the role of free radicals in malignant conversion, we studied the effect of various free-radical-generating compounds on the conversion of benign papillomas into carcinomas in murine skin. Papillomas were induced in Sencar mice by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) initiation and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) promotion and in SKH-1 hairless mice by biweekly exposure to UVB radiation. After 20 and 27 weeks respectively, papilloma yield stabilized and no new tumors developed. Skin application of acetone, TPA, BPO, 2,2-azobis(2-amidino-propane) (ABP) and tert-butyl hydroperoxybenzoic acid (BPB) increased the rate of malignant conversion in both Sencar and SKH-1 mice. In general, the rate of malignant conversion was faster in UVB-induced tumors compared with DMBA-induced tumors. The relative efficacy of each agent was similar in both groups and was in the order: acetone less than TPA less than BPB less than BPO less than ABP. Our data suggest that free-radical-generating compounds may accelerate the malignant conversion of benign papillomas into carcinoma, indicating that epigenetic mechanism(s) may also be involved in this process.
Abstract 1319: Regulation of AR transcriptional activity and prostate cancer cellular proliferation by DACH1/Eya1/Six1 pathway.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Prostate cancer progression from androgen responsive to androgen-depletion therapy resistance is a major cause of treatment failures. Novel therapies targeting this patient are a major clinical challenge. We previously reported that the cell fate determination factor DACH1 inhibits androgen signaling though binding the AR and enhancing co-repressor recruitment in the context of local chromatin at AR responsive genes. The repression of AR function of by DACH1 was partly rescued by the co-activators p300 and SRC. The repression was enhanced by ectopic expression of HDACs. We had previously shown that DACH1 inhibited proliferation of androgen-dependent LnCAP cells. To further explore the significance of DACH1 in human prostate cancer, we established stable cell lines expressing DACH1 or its DS domain deleted mutant (ΔDS) in androgen-independent C4-2 cells and AR-negative PC-3 cells by retrovirus infection. Stable expression of DACH1 inhibited cellular proliferation in both cell lines, requiring the DS domain. Ectopic expression of DACH1 inhibited colony formation of the androgen-independent 22RV1 cells. DACH1 inhibited migration, invasion and tumor growth of AR-negative PC-3 cells. Since DACH1, Eya1 and Six1 function together as a network to control cellular differentiation and organ formation during development, we examined whether other components of RDGN pathway, could regulate androgen signaling. In hormone responsive LnCAP cells, ligand stimulation (DHT, 50nM) induced 17 folds activation of MMTV Luc, co-expression of Eya1 reduced AR transactivation, and the repression required the EYA phophatase domain. Expressions of the AR co-repressors, HDAC1, HDAC3 or SirT1 inhibited the ligand-induced AR activity. Eya1 enhanced co-repressor function at the PSA and MMTV promoters. Consistent with our previous publication, DACH1 repressed ligand-induced activity >70%, Eya1 modified DACH1 repression of AR activity. Together, our studies demonstrated that the RDGN regulates both androgen dependent and independent prostate cancer cellular proliferation and tumorigenesis. Citation Format: Jing Wang, Shaoxin Cai, Ke Chen, Sean Li, Richard Pestell, Kongming Wu. Regulation of AR transcriptional activity and prostate cancer cellular proliferation by DACH1/Eya1/Six1 pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1319. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1319
Flowtube experiments on diamond formation: separating the growth and nucleation kinetics

We have done a series of experiments on diamond microcrystal formation in flowtubes. The system is designed to separate the discharge used to create atomic hydrogen from the organic molecules used as a carbon source. This creates a simplified chemical environment in which the species concentrations are kinetically rather than thermodynamically controlled. The flowtube enables us to examine kinetics of diamond formation under a variety of conditions and gives us some information about the rate of nucleation independently of the growth rate. 1.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Trypanosoma cruzi coaxes cardiac fibroblasts into preventing cardiomyocyte death by activating nerve growth factor receptor TrkA.

Rationale Cardiomyocytes express neurotrophin receptor TrkA that promotes survival following nerve growth factor (NGF) ligation. Whether TrkA also resides in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and underlies cardioprotection is unknown. Objective To test whether CFs express TrkA that conveys paracrine signals to neighbor cardiomyocytes using, as probe, the Chagas disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which expresses a TrkA-binding neurotrophin mimetic, named PDNF. T. cruzi targets the heart, causing chronic debilitating cardiomyopathy in ∼30% patients. Methods and results Basal levels of TrkA and TrkC in primary CFs are comparable to those in cardiomyocytes. However, in the myocardium, TrkA expression is significantly lower in fibroblasts than myocytes, and vice versa for TrkC. Yet T. cruzi recognition of TrkA on fibroblasts, preferentially over cardiomyocytes, triggers a sharp and sustained increase in NGF, including in the heart of infected mice or of mice administered PDNF intravenously, as early as 3-h post-administration. Further, NGF-containing T. cruzi- or PDNF-induced fibroblast-conditioned medium averts cardiomyocyte damage by H(2)O(2), in agreement with the previously recognized cardioprotective role of NGF. Conclusions TrkA residing in CFs induces an exuberant NGF production in response to T. cruzi infection, enabling, in a paracrine fashion, myocytes to resist oxidative stress, a leading Chagas cardiomyopathy trigger. Thus, PDNF-TrkA interaction on CFs may be a mechanism orchestrated by T. cruzi to protect its heart habitat, in concert with the long-term (decades) asymptomatic heart parasitism that characterizes Chagas disease. Moreover, as a potent booster of cardioprotective NGF in vivo, PDNF may offer a novel therapeutic opportunity against cardiomyopathies.
Variations produced by malathion on the serum protein fractions of bluegill sunfish lepomis macrochirus

Abstract 1. The objective of this study was to determine the quantitative changes in the different serum protein fractions resulting from the action of sublethal doses of malathion. 2. Bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus were used. 3. The exposure period was 24 hr and the exposure concentrations were 0.002, 0.004, 0.008, 0.016, 0.032 and 0.048 ppm malathion. 4. The results showed a significant increase in the first fraction which contained globulin and a significant decrease in the second fraction which contained albumin, after exposure to different concentrations of malathion. There was no significant change in the quantity of serum protein fractions 3, 4 and 5 in the experimental groups of fish compared to control fish.
Laboratory measurement of opacity for stellar envelopes

Abstract We have measured the frequency dependent opacity of a low density iron plasma in Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (LTE). The measured iron plasma conditions of 20 eV temperature and 10−4 g/cc density, match those of stellar envelopes where iron dominates the radiative transport. Properties of the M-shell Δn = 0 transition arrays in iron are measured in this experiment, providing the first direct test of opacity models used in stellar pulsation and evolution calculations. We describe new methods to obtain LTE opacity data for plasmas at 100 times lower density than previous measurements. Experimental requirements include: high spectral resolution, large homogenous plasma sources, and Planckian radiation fields lasting tens of nanoseconds. These conditions were achieved using the 500 kJ SATURN facility at Sandia National Laboratory.
P‐glycoprotein and alterations in the glutathione/glutathione‐peroxidase cycle underlie doxorubicin resistance in HL‐60‐R, a subclone of the HL‐60 human leukemia cell line

HL-60-R, a multi-drug-resistant (MDR) subclone of the human leukemia cell line HL-60, was selected in continuous culture in doxorubicin (DOX) in the absence of mutagenic agents. When compared to the parent line HL-60, HL-60-R showed greater relative resistance to vinblastine than to etoposide, or to the selecting agent DOX. Co-exposure to verapamil, a known modulator of MDR, partially increased its sensitivity to DOX and vinblastine. The HL-60-R cell line stained positively with the P-glycoprotein-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb), C219, whereas the HL-60 parent was negative. Southern analysis showed 32-fold amplification of the mdrI gene in HL-60-R, whereas slot-blot analysis demonstrated 70-fold over-expression of the specific mdrI message in HL-60-R compared to HL-60. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of 2 species of messenger RNA of sizes 5.1 kb and 4.5 kb. No transcripts were detectable in the parent. Flow cytometric analysis showed significantly reduced cellular retention of DOX as well as rapid efflux from the drug-resistant cell line. HL-60-R proved to be nearly 4 times more resistant to hydrogen peroxide than its parent, and 1,000 times more resistant to inhibition of cellular glutathione synthesis by D,L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Verapamil modulated DOX resistance in HL-60-R incompletely but, in the presence of glutathione depletion, nearly completely reversed DOX resistance. Elevated levels of glutathione and glutathione-peroxidase activity were demonstrated, thereby implicating enhanced activity of the glutathione/glutathione-peroxidase cycle as an additional basis for its resistance to DOX. These findings suggest that an enhanced capacity for detoxifying oxyradicals may contribute to anthracycline resistance in acute leukemia.
Glucose Uptake and Adenoviral Mediated GLUT1 Infection Decrease Hypoxia-induced HIF-1α Levels in Cardiac Myocytes

Hypoxia causes a large array of adaptive and physiological responses in all cells including cardiac myocytes. In order to elucidate the molecular effects of increased glucose flux on hypoxic cardiac myocytes we focused on the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1alpha), which is rapidly upregulated in hypoxic cells and elicits a number of responses including augmentation of glucose uptake. Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes as well as embryonic rat heart-derived myogenic H9c2 cells demonstrated a significant upregulation of HIF-1alpha when subjected to hypoxia of 6-8h in the absence of glucose. Re-addition of extracellular glucose to the medium resulted in a decrease of HIF-1alpha levels by almost 50%. This glucose effect was blocked by addition of glycolytic inhibitors. In addition, glucose uptake and glycolysis resulted in substantial decreased levels of p53, which is regulated by HIF-1alpha. Adenoviral infection of cultures of cardiac myocytes with the facilitative glucose transporter, GLUT1 followed by hypoxia of 24h also resulted in a significant reduction in the protein expression of HIF-1alpha compared to control vector-infected cultures. GLUT1 infected cultures also demonstrated fewer apoptotic cells and a reduction in the release of cytochrome c after hypoxia. Inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway by a variety of 26S proteasomal inhibitors increased HIF-1alpha to similar levels under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions and in the presence or absence of glucose. This result suggested that glucose induces HIF-1alpha degradation via a proteasomal pathway. This conclusion was substantiated by immunoprecipitation experiments of total cell extracts, which demonstrated an increase of ubiquitinated HIF-1alpha relative to total HIF-1alpha in the presence of glucose during hypoxia. Thus, glucose as well as GLUT1 overexpression diminishes hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha protein via an ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway in hypoxic cardiac myocytes. This represents a novel feedback mechanism that may play an important role in adaptation of cardiac myocytes to hypoxia and ischemia.
Spectral Absorption of Solar Radiation in Cloudy Atmospheres: A 20 cm−1 Model

A radiative transfer model based on both LOWTRAN transmission functions (at a 20/cm resolution), and Monte Carlo simulations of wavelength distributions, is used to determine the spectral absorption of solar radiation in typical water clouds. This yields the relative absorption by the vapor and droplets within each cloud. The results obtained indicate a slightly lower absorption than had previously been found, with boundary layer clouds typically absorbing 9 percent of the terrestrial insolation for an overhead sun. This absorption is strongly dependent on the presence of water vapor above the cloud top and solar zenith angle. Droplets, rather than vapor, are shown to be the dominant absorbers within the cloud except in the absence of water vapor above the cloud top.
The shock dynamics of multidimensional condensed and gas-phase detonations

Detonations are comprised of broad detonation shocks supported by thin reaction zones. Approximations based on weak shock curvature, measured on the inverse reaction zone scale, and quasi-steady flow, measured on the particle passage time through the reaction zone, can be used to simplify the mathematical description of detonations that are governed the gasdynamic equations for a reacting flow. When the detonation reaction zone contains a sonic locus, it is possible to derive intrinsic (coordinate independent) partial differential equations for the lead detonation shock's motion in terms of the normal detonation shock velocity, the shock curvature, and higher normal time derivatives. We refer to this collection of theory and supporting experimental results as detonation shock dynamics (DSD) after Whitham's geometrical shock dynamics (GSD). The reduced detonation dynamics is based on the concept of an eigenvalue (sonic) detonation, an idea that goes back to the original investigations in the 1940s. We present a review of the theoretical and experimental developments and attempt to update Fickett and Davis' discussion of work prior to 1980. We give examples of the theory and applications that include (1) weakly curved, quasi-steady, near-CJ detonation, (2) critical detonation curvature, (3) quasi-steady extinction and ignition (and low-velocity detonation), (4) shock acceleration effects, and (5) cellular and pulsating detonation in gases. We also review the engineering method of DSD as it is applied to explosive systems.
Lunar surface composition and solar wind‐Induced secondary ion mass spectrometry

The Moon has no strong global magnetic field and only a tenuous atmosphere, so solar wind ions (∼95% H+, 5% He++) directly bombard the lunar surface, sputtering atoms and secondary ions from the exposed grains of the regolith. The secondary ions potentially provide surface composition information through secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), a standard laboratory surface composition analysis technique. In this paper we report the results of laboratory SIMS experiments on lunar soil simulants using solar wind-like ions. We find that H+ and He++, while not efficient sputterers, nevertheless produce significant fluxes of secondary lunar ions, including Na+, Mg+, Al+, Si+, K+, Ca+, Ti+, Mn+ and Fe+. We predict that lunar surface secondary-ion fluxes range between ∼10 and 104 ions cm−2 s−1, depending on the species.
Imaging assessment of bone quality in osteoporosis

Noninvasive and/or nondestructive techniques can provide structural information about bone beyond simple bone densitometry. Although bone densitometry provides important information about osteoporotic fracture risk, many studies indicate that bone mineral density only partly explains bone strength. Quantitative assessment of macrostructural characteristics, such as geometry, and microstructural features, such as relative trabecular volume, trabecular spacing, and connectivity, may improve the ability to estimate bone strength.
Effects of infection with enterobacteriaceae enterophathogens on subsequent infection with Ascaris suum in the laboratory mouse

Prior to infection with Ascaris suum, ICR strain mice were inoculated with Salmonella typhisuis intraperitoneally or via gastric gavage. Similarly, Salmonella cholerae-suis var. kunzendorf, Salmonella typhimurium and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were administered to mice via gastric gavage 2 weeks prior to A. suum inoculation. Previous inoculation with S. typhisuis, via the intraperitoneal or gastric gavage routes and S. cholerae-suis var. kunzendorf decreased recovery of ascarid larvae from mice lungs. This effect appeared to be due to entrapment of migrating larvae by inflammatory reactions in the liver. This reaction was suspected to be due to non-specific resistance stimulated by the prior exposure to the bacterial pathogen. The number of A. suum larvae in the lungs of mice previously inoculated with S. typhimurium or enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) was variable and in some cases greater in mice which had received the bacterial inoculation.
Physics of low-energy singlet states of the Kagome lattice quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet

This paper is concerned with physics of the low-energy singlet excitations found to exist below the spin gap in numerical studies of the Kagome lattice quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet. Insight into the nature of these excitations is obtained by exploiting an approximate mapping to a fully frustrated transverse-field Ising model on the dual dice lattice. This Ising model is shown to possess at least two phases---an ordered phase that also breaks translational symmetry with a large unit cell, and a paramagnetic phase. The former is argued to be a likely candidate for the ground state of the original Kagome magnet which thereby exhibits a specific pattern of dimer ordering with a large unit cell. Comparisons with available numerical results are made.
Appropriate timing and velocity of infusion for the selective staining of parathyroid glands by intravenous methylene blue

Abstract Background: Intraoperative parathyroid gland (PTG) identification by selective staining using methylene blue dye (MB) infusion has been shown effective but the degree of gland staining is inconsistent. Methods: The effect of timing and rate of MB infusion on gland uptake was investigated in a canine model by infusing MB either rapidly over 3 to 5 minutes (n = 8) or slowly over 30 minutes (n = 4). The pattern of dye uptake in an exposed PTG was determined by standardized serial photography. Results: Earliest uptake occurred between 10 and 20 minutes after infusion, and maximum uptake averaged 21 minutes, earlier than previously described. Rate of infusion did not affect staining. Conclusions: This rapid uptake of methylene blue by the parathyroid glands suggests that its selective intraoperative use when glands are difficult to locate intraoperatively, rather than a routine preoperative infusion, is possible without significant operative delay. Clinical experience has confirmed this impression.
Efficiency in water allocation under stochastic demand

Efficiency in water allocation for agricultural uses in evaluated here through quadratic programming (QP) models, which explicitly incorporate risk aversion due to yield and price fluctuations and endogenous demand functions econometrically estimated. These models, when empirically applied to Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County over the period 1959–80 generate optimal solutions, through which one can evaluate the shadow price elasticity of demand and the impact of prices on optimum supply. These evaluations show the QP model solutions to be more robust and reliable than the linear programming solutions; hence, their shadow prices may be used in securing efficiency in the allocation of agricultural water.
Perivascular mast cells in urticaria pigmentosa.

We have quantified perivascular mast cells in cases of urticaria pigmentosa, urticaria, and dermal hypersensitivity reactions. To facilitate reproducibility, the mast cells were counted for a precisely defined vessel unit. These vessel units were divided arbitrarily into those 55 microns in largest diameters. Urticaria pigmentosa showed an average of 6.4 +/- 1.9 and 22.8 +/- 13.2 mast cells for vessel unit 55 microns, respectively. Urticaria yielded a lower number of mast cells: 1.5 +/- 0.2 and 2.9 +/- 0.9 for the same respective vessel units. Dermal hypersensitivity reactions revealed an average of 1.6 +/- 0.4 and 2.2 +/- 0.7 mast cells, and the normal skin showed 1.5 +/- 0.3 and 2.4 +/- 0.6 mast cells for each of the vessel units of 55 microns. The perivascular mast cell distributions of urticaria pigmentosa are statistically different from those of urticaria and dermal hypersensitivity reactions with p or = 5 mast cells and vessel units > 55 microns with > or = 10 mast cells were determined for each case. The average percentage of vessel units for the former and latter in urticaria pigmentosa was 82.6% and 58.9%, respectively. Urticaria yielded 0% and 0.2%, respectively. None of vessel units in the dermal hypersensitivity reactions or normal skin contained more than 5 mast cells in vessel units 55 microns. Cases of urticaria pigmentosa can be distinguished from other cutaneous eruptions containing mast cells using a simple counting technique on Giemsa stained sections.
Integrating marketing, operations, and purchasing to create value

Abstract For years many researchers and practitioners have been calling for a more boundary-spanning or cross-functional view of the management of businesses. As any student of optimization will note, the combination of several optimized sub-systems will rarely, if ever, result in a globally optimized system. It is much the same with a business. Decisions that may appear extremely good within the confines of a single organizational area are often clearly dysfunctional when viewed from other areas of the organization. To effectively compete in today's marketplace, firms need to effectively link their diverse functional areas. This article provides an example of how the marketing, operations, and purchasing areas can be effectively linked to accomplish the common goal of effectively competing in the value market segment of consumer goods and services.
Multichannel decision feedback equalizer for high track density in optical recording

A possible approach to high track density in optical recording is to reduce the track widths and eliminate the spacing between consecutive tracks. Parallel readback of several tracks and combined equalization of the multitrack readback signals is a viable approach toward reducing the deteriorating effects of interference in such a high-trackdensity system. Multichannel readback using laser diode arrays has been reported in optical recording. An additional advantage of multitrack readback is a high data rate. A novel multichannel decision feedback equalizer to reduce interference both within and across the tracks using 2-D feedback is presented. Simulation results shows good improvement in error-rate performance by using multichannel decision feedback equalization. By this readback method, tracks can be brought closer, thus increasing the areal density.
Different noise mechanisms in high-k dielectric gate stacks

This is a review paper summarizing the recent reports on low-frequency noise in Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) with high dielectric constant (high-k) gate oxides. Although several such publications have appeared in the literature recently, the only unified theme among them is that the noise in these high-k gate stacks is considerably higher than that observed on conventional SiO 2 gate oxide transistors. In addition, interface- and bulk-dielectric trap-induced correlated carrier number and mobility fluctuations (Unified Model) seem to be the commonly accepted cause of these fluctuations. This report attempts to compile the published data, make comparisons between different high-k dielectrics with respect to 1/f noise characteristics and reach preliminary conclusions. Since there is still room for improvement in processing of high-k materials for MOSFET applications, the review represents merely a slice in time of the progress made, and not meant to be a fundamental, theoretical review.
Mortality from Diabetes by Hispanic Groups: Evidence from the US National Longitudinal Mortality Study

Diabetes is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, especially in minority communities. In mortality research, Hispanics are frequently studied as a homogeneous group. The present study was undertaken to compare diabetes deaths among persons of Hispanic origin by disaggregating groups in order to determine whether the components in the Hispanic label have differential mortality. Data utilized were from the US National Longitudinal Mortality Study. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fitted to the data. Findings showed that individuals in the broader Hispanic label were 28% more likely to die from diabetes mellitus than non-Hispanic whites (ARR = 1.28, CI = 1.05, 1.55). When groups were broken down, it was observed that Mexicans were 50% more likely to die of diabetes than their non-Hispanic white counterparts. No other Hispanic origin group was significantly associated with diabetes mortality risk. Education and family income were strong predictors of mortality, regardless of Hispanic origin grouping. It was concluded from the analysis that future behavioral and social science research would be more informative if the broader Hispanic label was broken down into subcategories. Failure to do so might lead to drawing false inferences as a finding may well hold for one group within the Hispanic label, but not for others.
The construct validity of burnout

Considerable confusion exists in the burnout literature about the similarities and separateness among the constructs of burnout, depression and job satisfaction. This study examined the construct validity of burnout using Campbell & Fiske's multitrait-multimethod approach. The constructs of burnout, depression and orderliness (chosen as a discriminant construct) were assessed by three types of self-report instruments. Data were analysed for 181 females and 139 male faculty members who spent at least 50 per cent of their time in teaching. Results indicated that measures of burnout largely met Campbell & Fiske's criteria for construct validity: burnout measures possessed adequate to good internal reliability and convergent validity. However, burnout measures also correlated substantially with measures of depression. Results are discussed in terms of possible explanations for the substantial overlap that has been demonstrated among measures of burnout, depression and job satisfaction.
New Developments in Viral Peptides and APL Induction

Abstract The associations of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) with thrombosis and fetal death are well recognized, but the mechanism(s) that induce their production are not. We demonstrated induction of pathogenic aPL antibodies by immunization with foreign β2-GPI, or synthetic peptides representing the PL-binding site of the β2-GPI. These antibodies caused intrauterine fetal death and transverse myelopathy due to spinal cord infarction in mice, and activated endothelial cells
Photodiode operating mode nomenclature.

Nomenclature utilisee pour decrire les circuits pour le traitement des signaux produits par les photodiodes et les photoconducteurs
A Preliminary Note on Tetramitus, a Stage in the Life Cycle of a Coprozoic Amoeba

In 1920 a study of the Entamoeba of the rat was begun and in a culture on artificial medium a number of Coprozoic amoeba appeared, one of which exhibited a flagellate phase which seems to be identical with Tetramitus rostratus Perty.t The appearance of flagellate phases in cultures of Coprozoic amoeba (Whitmore,2 etc.) as well as of soil amoeba (Kofoid,3 Wilson,4 etc.) has been recorded a number of times, but the flagellates which appeared were relatively simple in organization and very transitory in occurrence. Furthermore, some of the simpler flagellates have been observed (Pascher5) to lose their flagella and become amoeboid. In the case here described, however, there is a transformation of a simple amoeba inlto a relatively complex flagellate which multiplies for several days then returns to the amoeboid condition and becomes encysted. Tetramitus rostratus has been studied by a number of investigators since its discovery in 1852, by Perty,1 yet no one has given a full account of its life history. The lack of cyts in previous accounts, mentioned by Dobell and O'Connor,6 is explained by the transformation into an amoeba before encystment. It is believed that this animal presents the extreme in transformations of this sort and'serves to emphasize the close relationship between amoebae and flagellates, and the need for careful studies of life cycles, in pure cultures where possible, in'investigations of coprozoic and other Protozoa. It is proposed to rec0rd at this time a brief account of the life history of this amuoebo-flagellate reserving tlle more extended discussion for future publication. The amoeba in question was first observed on November 5, 1.920 in coecal material which had been taken from the rat and placed in sterile physiological saIt solution on October 28, 1920. This is known as culture 10. After discovery of the amoeba, transplants were immediately made in various media. The amoebae were subcultured several times on solid media over a period of about two months, then two cultures were made in fluid media. In on the formula given by Sellards,7 namely, 1.0 gr. Witte's peptone, 0.5 gr. lactose, 1000 cc. distilled water was used; in another, dextrose was substituted for lactose in Sellards' formula. The medium containing dextrose proved to be much more favorable for the amoeba under consideration. In these liquid media a flagellate appeared which is thought to be Tetramitus rostratus Perty.
Steady flow in a model of the human carotid bifurcation. Part II—Laser-Doppler anemometer measurements

Abstract The evidence for hypothesizing a relationship between hemodynamics and atherogenesis as well as the motivation for selecting the carotid bifurcation for extensive fluid dynamic studies has been discussed in Part I of this two-paper sequence. Part II deals with velocity measurements within the bifurcation model described by Fig. 1 and Table 1 of the previous paper. A plexiglass model conforming to the dimensions of the average carotid bifurcation was machined and employed for velocity measurements with a laser-Doppler anemometer (LDA). The objective of this phase of the study was to obtain quantitative information on the velocity field and to estimate levels and directions of wall shear stress in the region of the bifurcation.
Fine structure of the ciliated epidermis on the tentacles ofOwenia fusiformis (Polychaeta, Oweniidae)

The ultrastructure of the epithelium on the oral surface of the tentacles ofOwenia fusiformis has been studied by light and electron microscopy. Unspecialized monociliated cells are the dominant cell type of the epithelium; however, biciliated epidermal cells, monociliated mucous cells and non-ciliated cells are also present. In all of the ciliated cells each cilium is provided with a diplosomal basal body and two striated rootlets. The cytological features of this unspecialized epithelium strongly resemble those of similar epithelia in the Phoronida, Brachiopoda and Hemichordata. So far,O. fusiformis is the only polychaete known to possess an unspecialized monociliated epidermis. Other characters ofOwenia are also mentioned. The relationship between the nervous system and the epidermal cells on the tentacles is examined. It is proposed thatOwenia should assume an important role in discussions of the phylogeny of the Polychaeta.
Optimization of the chemoenzymatic epoxidation of soybean oil

The lipase Candida antarctica (Novozyme 435) immobilized on acrylic resin was used as an unconventional catalyst for in situ epoxidation of soybean oil. The reactions were carried out in toluene. The peracid used for converting TG double bonds to oxirane groups was formed by reaction of FFA and hydrogen peroxide. The reaction conditions were optimized by varying the lipase concentration, solvent concentration, molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to double bond, oleic acid concentration, and reaction temperature. The kinetic study showed that 100% conversion of double bonds to epoxides can be obtained after 4 h. The addition of free acids was not required for the reaction to proceed to conversions exceeding 80%, presumably owing to generation of FFA by hydrolysis of soybean oil. The enzyme catalyst was found to deteriorate after repeated runs.
Resilience in the Face of a Superstorm A Transportation Firm Confronts Hurricane Sandy

A resilient system is able to adjust its functioning prior to, during, or following changes and disturbances, so that it can continue to perform as required after a disruption or a major mishap, and in the presence of continuous stresses. This paper examines decision making in a large transportation firm as it anticipated and dealt with major disruptions resulting from hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012. Results offer lessons of interest to researchers as well as organizations seeking to bolster their own resilience.
Ghost fishing activity in derelict blue crab traps in Louisiana

Derelict crab traps impact the coastal ecosystem through continued catch of target species and species of conservation, economic, or recreational importance. During volunteer-supported crab trap cleanups in 2012 and 2013, we quantified ghost fishing activity in derelict crab traps in coastal Louisiana through a citizen scientist program. Volunteers removed 3607 derelict traps during these events, and over 65% of traps analyzed by citizen scientists were actively ghost fishing. Additionally, volunteers identified 19 species enmeshed in derelict traps, including a combination of fresh and saltwater species. We also detected a significant difference in the number of blue crab in actively ghost fishing derelict traps across removal locations with estimated catches varying between 2.4 and 3.5 crabs/trap. Our instantaneous estimates of ghost fishing activity are greater than those previously thought in Louisiana, further justifying current derelict crab trap prevention and removal extension and outreach programs in Louisiana and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
Optimized multilayered wideband absorbers with graded fractal FSS

Various approaches have been followed for the reduction of radar cross section (RCS), especially of aircraft and missiles. In this paper we present the use of multiple layers of FSS-like fractal geometries printed on dielectric substrates for the same goal. The experimental results shown here indicate 15 dB reduction in the reflection of a flat surface, by the use of this configuration with low loss dielectrics. An extensive optimization scheme is required for extending the angle coverage as well as the bandwidth of the absorber. A brief investigation of such a scheme involving genetic algorithm for this purpose is also presented here.
Melt Fracture of Polymer Thin Film at Strongly Attractive Surfaces

In this study, we report an interesting phenomenon of “melt fracture” which was observed when a high viscosity film dewets from a film of lower viscosity. We propose that this phenomena is similar to the “melt fracture” or “shark skin” that is observed when extruding bulk polymer. We hypothesized that the “melt fracture” occurs as a result of shear which is imposed by the dewetting layer on the visco-elastic lower layer. The dewetting layer is adhered to the lower layer via entanglements across the polymer/polymer interface. When the other interface of the liquid film is adsorbed to an attractive substrate interface, a velocity gradient occurs in the film and therefore can result in the shear gradient. We proposed that if this shear rate exceeds the natural reptation time, melt fracture of thin film resulted. Screening the substrate interaction by first deposition a very thin layer of immiscible polymer such as poly (vinyl-pyridine) PVP reduced the degree of melt fracture. A DI 3000 Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to quantify the depth and the dynamics of the melt facture process.
Systems-Level Approach to Sustainable Urban Arterial Revitalization: Case Study of San Pablo Avenue, San Francisco Bay Area, California

Many cities in the United States are facing challenges associated with antiquated urban arterials, whose purpose has changed greatly since their development. Once considered the main streets of the city, with thriving businesses and attractive residential development, many have deteriorated over the decades for a number of reasons, including shifting demand for housing and retail development and the construction of parallel high-speed urban expressways. Because of the complexity of the problems associated with these arterials, a great challenge of transportation and land use planners is to develop a systems-level approach to revitalize and reinvent these arterials in a manner that encourages environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Presented is a methodology to revitalize multimodal urban arterials that includes land use planning, traffic and transit operations management, street redesign, and community participation to improve the conditions of such arterials. Analysis is carried out by using these principles on San Pablo Avenue, a major arterial in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. By using these analysis techniques, land use and transportation recommendations are made that will facilitate sustainable development along this corridor.
Kinetics of hyperosmotically stimulated Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

A detailed study of hypertonically stimulated Na-K-2Cl cotransport (NKCC1) in Xenopus laevis oocytes was carried out to better understand the 1 K+:1 Cl− stoichiometry of transport that was previous...
Treatment of alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains a major cause of liver-related mortality in the US and worldwide. The correct diagnosis of ALD can usually be made on a clinical basis in conjunction with blood tests, and a liver biopsy is not usually required. Abstinence is the hallmark of therapy for ALD, and nutritional therapy is the first line of therapeutic intervention. The role of steroids in patients with moderate to severe alcoholic hepatitis is gaining increasing acceptance, with the caveat that patients be evaluated for the effectiveness of therapy at 1 week. Pentoxifylline appears to be especially effective in ALD patients with renal dysfunction/hepatorenal syndrome. Biologics such as specific anti-TNFs have been disappointing and should probably not be used outside of the clinical trial setting. Transplantation is effective in patients with end-stage ALD who have stopped drinking (usually for ≥6 months), and both long-term graft and patient survival are excellent.
Morphology of integral-skin layers in hollow-fiber gas-separation membranes

The morphologies of polymeric integrally skinned asymmetric gas-separation membranes are typically visualized as a thin gas-selective skin region supported by a nonselective, low-resistance porous structure. The validity of this visualization for defect-free and defective membranes was investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in combination with traditional gas-permeation measurements for previously reported ultrathin defect-free hollow-fiber membranes. Hollow-fiber membranes were formed via a dry-jet, wet-quench process with a spinning solution composed of Matrimid® polyimide and components of varying volatility. For all the defect-free membranes formed, SEM images revealed a prominent dense skin layer across the fibers' entire outer circumference. Skin-thickness estimates from 36 SEM images and N2, O2, and He pure gas-permeation measurements agreed to within 9, 7, and 24% for defect-free membranes with 150-, 300-, and 600-nm skin thicknesses, respectively. Defective membranes with O2/N2 gas selectivities of Knudsen values, nominally 50 and 80% of dense film values, exhibited a well-developed nodular, partially developed nodular, and uniform dense layer (no nodules) skin morphologies, respectively. These results provide in-depth experimental evidence for the existence of a distinct dense integral-skin layer and suggest that the presence of nodules in the membrane's final skin morphology correlate to gas-permeation defects. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 399–411, 2003
Axon Morphologies and Convergence Patterns of Projections from Different Sensory-Specific Cortices of the Anterior Ectosylvian Sulcus onto Multisensory Neurons in the Cat Superior Colliculus

Corticofugal projections to the thalamus reveal 2 axonal morphologies, each associated with specific physiological attributes. These determine the functional characteristics of thalamic neurons. It is not clear, however, whether such features characterize the corticofugal projections that mediate multisensory integration in superior colliculus (SC) neurons. The cortico-collicular projections from cat anterior ectosylvian sulcus (AES) are derived from its visual, auditory, and somatosensory representations and are critical for multisensory integration. Following tracer injections into each subdivision, 2 types of cortico-collicular axons were observed. Most were categorized as type I and consisted of small-caliber axons traversing long distances without branching, bearing mainly small boutons. The less frequent type II had thicker axons, more complex branching patterns, larger boutons, and more complex terminal boutons. Following combinatorial injections of 2 different fluorescent tracers into defined AES subdivisions, fibers from each were seen converging onto individual SC neurons and indicate that such convergence, like that in the corticothalamic system, is mediated by 2 distinct morphological types of axon terminals. Nevertheless, and despite the conservation of axonal morphologies across different subcortical systems, it is not yet clear if the concomitant physiological attributes described in the thalamus are directly applicable to multisensory integration.