cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beamforming and Speckle Reduction Using Neural Networks

With traditional beamforming methods, ultrasound B-mode images contain speckle noise caused by the random interference of subresolution scatterers. In this paper, we present a framework for using neural networks to beamform ultrasound channel signals into speckle-reduced B-mode images. We introduce log-domain normalization-independent loss functions that are appropriate for ultrasound imaging. A fully convolutional neural network was trained with the simulated channel signals that were coregistered spatially to ground-truth maps of echogenicity. Networks were designed to accept 16 beamformed subaperture radio frequency (RF) signals. Training performance was compared as a function of training objective, network depth, and network width. The networks were then evaluated on the simulation, phantom, and in vivo data and compared against the existing speckle reduction techniques. The most effective configuration was found to be the deepest (16 layer) and widest (32 filter) networks, trained to minimize a normalization-independent mixture of the $\ell _{1}$ and multiscale structural similarity (MS-SSIM) losses. The neural network significantly outperformed delay-and-sum (DAS) and receive-only spatial compounding in speckle reduction while preserving resolution and exhibited improved detail preservation over a nonlocal means method. This work demonstrates that ultrasound B-mode image reconstruction using machine-learned neural networks is feasible and establishes that networks trained solely in silico can be generalized to real-world imaging in vivo to produce images with significantly reduced speckle.
A simulation model for PLZT based ferroelectric photovoltaic devices, II. Influence on charge transport and photovoltaic parameters with ITO top and Pt bottom electrodes

This work is an extension of our previously developed photovoltaic (PV) model with ferroelectric PLZT as photoactive layer, metal Pt as top and bottom electrodes. Pt electrodes result in good ferro...
Mechanisms of Nontraditional and Lifestyle Interventions for Bone Health

Abstract A comprehensive approach to optimal bone health should address the full range of modifiable contributing factors. Dietary intake of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and antioxidants, as well as utilization through physical activity, and lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation and moderation of alcohol intake can all potentially affect bone structure and strength. Numerous biochemical mechanisms that underlie the dynamic adaptive bone physiology yield a network of potential targets for nonpharmaceutical interventions. Synergistic effects of multiple approaches may exist, though further study is necessary. An understanding of the mechanisms of specific healthy lifestyle choices and nonpharmaceutical approaches to bone health can enhance clinical decision making.
The Refractive State of the Human Eye

A large portion of the sensory input to the brain arises from the visual system. Visual function is related to the optical properties of the eye dependeny upon its axial length, the corneal curvature, and the crystalline lens. The optical clarity of the cornea and lens are essential to maintain clear vision. Focusing errors can be corrected by prosthetic devices namely spectacles (in use for over a thousand years) and Contact lenses (In use for over 80 years). Recent surgical innovations allow accurate adjustment of corneal optical power and have become an acceptable alternative. There are however complications and safety issues with all technologies that are used to improve vision.
On the Possibility of Computer Aided Diagnosis of Silicone Breast Implant Rupture

Silicone breast implants, used for augmentation and reconstruction, were first developed in 1963; an estimated 1 to 2 million implants have been placed in the United States since that time1. Recent concern about the safety and complications of breast implants has focused interest on methods to evaluate implant integrity. The incidence of implant failure and silicone leakage is unknown. Rupture may be intracapsular i.e. contained by the surrounding fibrous capsule, or extracapsular meaning free extravasation of silicone into the soft tissues of the breast or axilla. Unfortunately, the ability to accurately diagnose implant rupture by physical examination or mammography is limited2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to detect both intracapsular and extracapsular silicone leakage3, but the procedure is time consuming and expensive.
Prolonged QT Interval in Patients Receiving Psychotropic Medications

INTRODUCTION: Prolonged QT interval (PQTI) is a cardiac condition widely documented in the mental health literature and linked to psychotropic medication use. Medications notable for contributing to the condition are antipsychotics, antidepressants, and some mood stabilizers. Although additional medication classes and other contributing risk factors are often present, the prudent mental health provider benefits from having a basic understanding of this condition and how to prevent and manage it with safe prescribing practices. AIMS: This guide seeks to provide mental health prescribers with a basic understanding of the risk factors, pathophysiology, identification, and management of PQTI. METHOD: Relevant literature and practice guidelines were reviewed and summarized with a focus on practical interventions for the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). RESULTS: One of the primary contributing factors to PQTI development and complications is polypharmacy. Patients with co-occurring medical, mental health, and/or substance use disorders may receive medications from multiple providers. Anticancer drugs, antiarrhythmic medications, and even a number of common antibiotics can increase the QT interval, making it a challenge for even the most experienced mental health provider to monitor medication interactions and side effects that contribute to PQTI. Having a sound knowledge base of these factors can guide safe PMHNP practice. CONCLUSIONS: Decision-making trees grounded in evidence-based research were developed in order to direct thorough assessment and safe treatment of patients requiring psychotropic medications.
Boxing or golfing: a view of small business competition

The field of competitive dynamics has relied heavily on observations of large, visible firms while underestimating the nuances of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, due to their si...
Votes and Pogroms: The Electoral Politics of Anti-Jewish Violence

Despite the voluminous research on the genocide of the Jews during World War II, we are now just starting to scratch the surface when it comes to “events at the periphery of the Holocaust.”1 Among ...
Preparation of activated carbon using fruit, paper and clothing wastes for wastewater treatment

Abstract The scarcity of clean drinking water is one of the biggest issues in the world and will be the most studied subject along with food and energy in the near future. Some freshwater sources are contaminated with sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorous, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. Desalination is a solution to this water problem, but it is costly and time-consuming. Thus, there is a growing need for developing an inexpensive water treatment process for various contaminated freshwater sources. The objective of this study was to develop an inexpensive and sustainable processes for cleaning lake water and other drinking water sources using waste materials. Here, old clothes, wastepaper, and fruit waste, such as date and olive seeds, were pelletized, carbonized, and activated to produce activated carbons. Chemical activation was performed using zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Additionally, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were performed to determine the surface area, morphology, and porosity of the produced activated carbon. From BET surface area analysis, it can be seen that activated carbon produced from wastepaper and cotton with ZnCl2 activation provided better values (1496.97 m2/g and 1293.02 m2/g). According to the pore volume analysis, activated carbon produced from cotton with ZnCl2 activation provided higher values (0.68654 cm3/g). This system is a promising approach for wastewater treatment and future commercialization.
Abstract 17335: Cluster Analysis of Cardiac Resynchronization Response Parameters Predicts Long-Term Survival With Heart Failure

Introduction: Machine learning methods such as cluster analysis can identify commonality in patterns of short-term response measures after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) to predict classes...
Out-Party Cues and Factual Beliefs in an Era of Negative Partisanship

The rise of negative partisanship raises the possibility that perceptions of what the partisan out-group believes on a factual matter could serve as a cue for one’s own factual beliefs. In the curr...
Exploratory Study of Determinants of the Spread of COVID-19 before Shelter-in-Place Orders

This study explores the impact of relevant characteristics of counties and their relationship with increases in COVID-19 cases before shelter-in-place (SIP) orders in the U.S. The recent emergence ...
Studies on the characterization of the sodium-potassium transport adenosinetriphosphatase. VII. Comparison of the properties of the membrane-bound and partially purified soluble and insoluble forms of the enzyme.

Abstract Several kinetic parameters of the beef brain NaK ATPase in different physical states at four stages of purification have been compared. These stages were: (a) NaI-treated microsomes (2.5% pure), (b) Lubrol extracts of NaI-treated microsomes (5% pure), (c) a fraction isolated by zonal centrifugation of the Lubrol extracts (10% pure), and (d) an ammonium sulfate fraction (50% pure). The latter two fractions were insoluble and contained 30% and 16% bound Lubrol, respectively. Properties which were compared include the K m for MgATP, Na + -K + activation, temperature and pH effects, and extent of inhibition by cardioactive compounds and oligomycin. The most striking result of these studies has been the finding that most of the kinetic parameters of the enzyme are not influenced by its membranous environment or its state of purity. The fact that membrane-free (albeit insoluble) and considerably purified enzyme shows almost identical parameters to the membrane-bound impure enzyme offers real hope that the NaK ATPase can be studied as a functionally intact unit in the completely purified form.
A machine learning approach to crystal structure prediction

This thesis develops a machine learning framework for predicting crystal structure and applies it to binary metallic alloys. As computational materials science turns a promising eye towards design, routine encounters with chemistries and compositions lacking experimental information will demand a practical solution to structure prediction. We review the ingredients needed to solve this problem and focus on structure search. This thesis develops and argues for a search strategy utilizing a combination of machine learning and modern quantum mechanical methods. Structure correlations in a binary alloy database are extracted using probabilistic graphical models. Specific correlations are shown to reflect well-known structure stabilizing mechanisms. Two probabilistic models are investigated to represent correlation: an undirected graphical model known as a cumulant expansion, and a mixture model. The cumulant expansion is used to efficiently guide Density Functional Theory predictions of compounds in the Ag-Mg, Au-Zr, and Li-Pt alloy systems. Cross-validated predictions of compounds present in 1335 binary alloys are used to demonstrate predictive ability over a wide range of chemistries—providing both efficiency and confidence to the search problem. Inconsistencies present in the cumulant expansion are analyzed, and a formal correction is developed. Finally, a probabilistic mixture model is investigated as a means to represent correlation in a compact way. The mixture model leads to a significant reduction in model complexity while maintaining a level of prediction performance comparable to the cumulant expansion. Further analysis of the mixture model is performed in the context of classification. Unsupervised learning of alloy classes or groups is shown to reflect clear chemical trends. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Incoherent interferometric measurement technique for PLC devices

As an effective way of characterizing PLC devices, the incoherent interferometric technique measures discrete optical paths through the device so that detailed device/material properties and fabrication errors can be isolated. The technique is effective not only for AWGs (feed forward filter), but also ring resonators (auto regressive filter). A single measurement yields both passband power spectrum and dispersion property of the device.
Ultra-low stress coating process: an enabling technology for extreme performance thin film interference filters

We present a record-breaking performance of an ultra-low stress 8-skip-0 100GHz thin film filter enabled by a new coating process. The coating has 17 cavities, over 400 quarter-wave layers, and a physical thickness of 94 micrometers.
Rescue Treatment of Acute Parent Vessel Thrombosis With Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitor During GDC Coil Embolization

To the Editor: Endovascular embolization using Guglielmi electrolytically detachable coils (GDC) is a useful technique for treatment of cerebral aneurysms.1 2 Although safe and effective, it carries a small risk of thrombus formation at the coil mass, with the potential for distal embolization and branch occlusion despite anticoagulation. The risk of thromboembolic complication is approximately 3%,2 3 with a frequency of permanent deficit of 1.7% to 5%.1 Moderate success has been described with fibrinolytic agents,4 though with a risk of aneurysm bleeding. Abciximab is a platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist (ReoPro, Centocor), which inhibits the interaction of activated platelets with the ligand fibrinogen (or fibrin) and has been shown to reduce myocardial infarction and death in patients undergoing coronary intervention.5 6 We present a patient with a basilar apex aneurysm who developed a rapidly progressive thrombus during GDC embolization, which was treated successfully using abciximab. A 55-year-old woman presented to an outside institution 1 month before admission with intraventricular hemorrhage and ensuing hydrocephalus requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. On examination, the patient was disoriented and had poor memory and cognition but was otherwise neurologically intact, with normal cranial nerves, speech, and motor/sensory function, and no visual field defects. A CT scan suggested a small clot in the interpeduncular cistern, prompting …
Prospective multicenter study of acute asthma in younger versus older adults presenting to the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: To describe acute asthma in younger versus older adults presenting to the emergency department (ED). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. Asthmatic adults were divided into three age groups: 18 to 34, 35 to 54, and 55 and older. The analysis was restricted to never smokers and smokers with fewer than 10 pack-years. SETTING: ED. PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand sixty-four patients aged 18 and older with a physician diagnosis of asthma. MEASUREMENTS: Medications and peak expiratory flow. RESULTS: There were 1,158 (56%) subjects aged 18 to 34; 777 (37%) aged 35 to 54; and 129 (6%) aged 55 and older. Older patients were most likely to have a primary care provider (65%, 74%, and 91%, respectively; P< .001); most were not taking inhaled corticosteroids (39%, 55%, and 48%, respectively; P<.001). Older patients reported fewer ED visits for asthma (2, 2, and 1, respectively; P=.001) but were more likely to report asthma hospitalization (24%, 31%, and 37%, respectively; P<.001). All groups had severe exacerbations (initial percentage predicted peak flow: 47, 47, and 47, respectively; P=.50), but older patients were least likely to report severe symptoms (72%, 79%, and 67%, respectively; P=.001). Older patients did not respond as well to bronchodilators, even after controlling for other demographic factors, markers of asthma severity, and ED management (change between initial and final peak expiratory flow, using subjects aged 18 to 34 as reference: aged 35–54, β=–0.7 (95% CI=−9.4–8.0); aged ≥55, β=−18.4 (−31.9 to −4.9)). The smaller change in peak expiratory flow contributed most to older patients' greater likelihood of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Older asthma patients were less responsive to emergency bronchodilation. This may reflect chronic undertreatment with inhaled corticosteroids.
Writing for Science as Scholarly Communication.

A humane method (from the perspective of faculty and of students) to improve the writing of students, from freshmen to graduate, is described. This method follows the standard procedure of submission of a paper to a journal, whereby the students (peer) review each other's work, revise their papers in light of the referee's comments (or rebut them). Then acceptance “for publication” by the editor is marked by a high grade. It has been used in a variety of physics-related courses (astronomy, high-fidelity sound, biophysics), and also in general university-wide courses (The Atomic Bomb, The Bhagavad-Gita). The method introduces students to broadly-accepted scholarly communication modes of communicating ideas, with anonymous reviews. With suitable organization the time spent by faculty can be readily reduced, and faculty efficiency improved, to make the method convenient and viable. Also, it seems that other disciplines can use this method to advantage.
“Yes!”: using tutor and sensor data to predict moments of delight during instructional activities

A long standing challenge for intelligent tutoring system (ITS) designers and educators alike is how to encourage students to take pleasure and interest in learning activities In this paper, we present findings from a user study involving students interacting with an ITS, focusing on when students express excitement, what we dub “yes!” moments These findings include an empirically-based user model that relies on both interaction and physiological sensor features to predict “yes!” events; here we describe this model, its validation, and initial indicators of its importance for understanding and fostering student interest.
Phylogenetic Reconstruction from Gene-Rearrangement Data with Unequal Gene Content

Phylogenetic reconstruction from gene-rearrangement data has seen increased attention over the last five years. Existing methods are limited computationally and by the assumption (highly unrealistic in practice) that all genomes have the same gene content. We have recently shown that we can scale our reconstruction tool, GRAPPA, to instances with up to a thousand genomes with no loss of accuracy and at minimal computational cost. Computing genomic distances between two genomes with unequal gene contents has seen much progress recently, but that progress has not yet been reflected in phylogenetic reconstruction methods. In this paper, we present extensions to our GRAPPA approach that can handle limited numbers of duplications (one of the main requirements for analyzing genomic data from organelles) and a few deletions. Although GRAPPA is based on exhaustive search, we show that, in practice, our bounding functions suffice to prune away almost all of the search space (our pruning rates never fall below 99.995%), resulting in high accuracy and fast running times. The range of values within which we have tested our approach encompasses mitochondria and chloroplast organellar genomes, whose phylogenetic analysis is providing new insights on evolution.
Characterization of endothelial progenitor cells mobilization following cutaneous wounding

Bone marrow (BM)-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are known to play an important role in neovascularization and wound healing. We investigated the temporal effects of cutaneous wounding on EPC surface markers within the peripheral blood and BM, and to better understand the role of the stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1alpha/CXCR4) axis on EPC mobilization after wounding. FVB/NJ mice were administered bilateral 8 mm circular full-thickness skin wounds. Peripheral blood and BM were isolated at daily intervals postwounding through day 7 and analyzed for EPC mobilization characteristics and levels of SDF-1alpha. Cutaneous wounding was found to cause a transient increase in EPC mobilization that peaked on day 3. In contrast, SDF-1alpha protein within blood plasma was observed to significantly decrease on days 3, 4, and 7 following cutaneous wounding. BM levels of SDF-1alpha protein decreased to a nadir on day 3, the same day as peak mobilization was observed to occur. The decrease in BM SDF-1alpha protein levels was also associated with a decrease in SDF-1alpha mRNA suggesting transcriptional down-regulation as a contributing factor. This study for the first time characterizes EPC mobilization following cutaneous wounding in mice and supports a major role for the SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 axis in regulating mobilization within the BM, without evidence for systemic increases in SDF-1alpha.
Processability and optical properties of impact‐modified polyvinyl chloride and methyl methacrylate copolymer blends

The objectives of this study were to determine the compatibility of various blends of commercially available rigid, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymers. The effects of acrylic type and loading level on compatibility were investigated. The resultant alloys or blends were subsequently evaluated for compatibility through examination of the following properties: processability, rigidity, strength, impact resistance, heat resistance, clarity, and ultraviolet aging. This report limits itself to the discussion of processability and the optical properties of clarity and UV color stability.
CABARET: rule interpretation in a hybrid architecture

Abstract Rules often contain terms that are ambiguous, poorly defined or not defined at all. In order to interpret and apply rules containing such terms, appeal must be made to their previous constructions, as in the interpretation of legal statutes through relevant legal cases. We describe a system CABARET (CAse-BAsed REasoning Tool) that provides a domain-independent shell that integrates reasoning with rules and reasoning with previous cases in order to apply rules containing ill-defined terms. The integration of these two reasoning paradigms is performed via a collection of control heuristics, which suggest how to interleave case-based methods and rule-based methods to construct an argument to support a particular interpretation. CABARET is currently instantiated with cases and rules from an area of income tax law, the so-called “home office deduction”. An example of CABARET's processing of an actual tax case is provided in some detail. The advantages of CABARET's hybrid approach to interpretation stem from the synergy derived from interleaving case-based and rule-based tasks.
A two-dimensional model of the ionosphere of Venus: Thermal structure

A spectral model is defined for the electron and ion temperature profiles of the Venus ionosphere. The model is developed using data collected with the retarding potential analyzer on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter, and account is taken of horizontal bulk heat transport and a heat flux saturation effect. Coupled ion and energy equations and thermal flux equations are defined. A finite difference algorithm is applied to solve the equations, assuming an ionopause at 740 km altitude. Horizontal plasma flow velocities of 2.5-5.6 km/sec are found necessary in order to account for a dip in the ion temperature around the terminator and a sharp rise at about 140 deg, i.e., far past the solar zenith angle. An external heat source of 0.0001-0.0002 ergs/sq cm per sec, uniformly distributed around Venus, is required to maintain observed dayside and nightside ion temperatures. The heat source may be the solar wind, which would be sufficient without shocks.
The Effect of Salt Brine Chilling on Driploss of Ice-Packed Broiler Carcasses

Abstract Two trials were conducted to determine the effect of salt brine (5% NaCl) chilling of broiler carcasses on water pick-up and subsequent drip loss during storage at 4 C. There was no significant difference in percent water pick up of carcasses chilled for 24 hr in unagitated 2 C water or salt brine solution held at the same temperature. Salt brine-chilled carcasses lost significantly less water during the first 24 hr post-chill when compared with water-chilled carcasses. During the nine days of the study period, the rate of drip loss for the water-chilled carcasses was 0.23 petcentage points/day greater than that observed for the brine-chilled carcasses. Thus, the water chilled carcasses had lost 3% more drip than the brine chilled carcasses after nine days.
The implications of injury in the developing nervous system on upper extremity function

Abstract Study design Literature review. Purpose The corticospinal system (CS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) are common sites of damage during the early stages of life. The prenatal or immediately prenatal period is the most common time for damage to occur. Here we briefly review the basic features of the development of the CS and the PNS and the clinical consequences of injury to or improper development of these systems on upper extremity (UE) function. Results The proper development of both the CS and PNS is necessary to achieve adequate function of the (UE). Injury or improper development of these systems can lead to upper extremity dysfunction and limit participation in activities of daily living. Conclusions Both the PNS and CS play major roles in the proper functioning of the UE. A better understanding of their roles and common developmental disorders is needed to move rehabilitation of motor impairments forward.
The minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis).

Abstract Objective To determine the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane for ring-tailed lemurs ( Lemur catta ) and aye-ayes ( Daubentonia madagascariensis ). Study design Prospective experimental trial. Animals Six adult ring-tailed lemurs, aged 1.3-11.2 years (median age: 8.26) and weighing a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 2283 ± 254 g. Five adult aye-ayes, aged 4.4-19.3 years (median age: 8.0) and weighing 2712 ± 191 g. Methods Minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane was determined using a tail-clamp stimulus. The end-tidal sevoflurane ( Fe ’Sevo) concentration was increased or decreased by approximately 10% after a positive or negative response to tail clamping, respectively. This procedure was repeated until a positive and negative result were seen on two consecutive trials (i.e. a negative result was achieved and a single 10% decrease in Fe ’Sevo concentration resulted in a positive test). The MAC for that animal was determined to be the mean of the concentrations at the two consecutive trials. Results The mean ± SD MAC of sevoflurane for ring-tailed lemurs was 3.48 ± 0.55% and 1.84 ± 0.17 for aye-ayes. This represents a 47.1% higher MAC in ring-tailed lemurs compared to aye-ayes. Conclusions and clinical relevance The sevoflurane MAC was significantly higher in ring-tailed lemurs, compared to aye-ayes. The MAC of sevoflurane in aye-ayes is consistent with reported MAC values in other species. Extrapolation of sevoflurane anesthetic dose between different species of lemurs could lead to significant errors in anesthetic dosing.
Refining dermatology journal impact factors using PageRank

Background Thomson Institute for Scientific Information's journal impact factor, the most common measure of journal status, is based on crude citation counts that do not account for the quality of the journals where the citations originate. This study examines how accounting for citation origin affects the impact factor ranking of dermatology journals. Methods The 2003 impact factors of dermatology journals were adjusted by a weighted PageRank algorithm that assigned greater weight to citations originating in more frequently cited journals. Results Adjusting for citation origin moved the rank of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology higher than that of the Archives of Dermatology (third to second) but did not affect the ranking of the highest impact dermatology journal, the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. The dermatology journals most positively affected by adjusting for citation origin were Contact Dermatitis (moving from 22nd to 7th in rankings) and Burns (21st to 10th). Dermatology journals most negatively affected were Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (5th to 14th), the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (19th to 27th), and the Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings (26th to 34th). Limitations Current measures of dermatology journal status do not incorporate survey data from dermatologists regarding which journals dermatologists esteem most. Conclusion Adjusting for citation origin provides a more refined measure of journal status and changes relative dermatology journal rankings.
Determination of the interfacial tension by zero creep experiments on multilayers—II. Experiment

Abstract The zero creep load of a multilayered thin film is calculated for deformation by grain-boundary-diffusion-limited flow (Coble creep). A kinetic model is used to relate the zero creep load for uniaxial tension to the interfacial free energies and the grain dimensions.
One-pot reduction of olefin and ketone moieties by a copper–phosphine catalyst enabled by polar aprotic solvents

One-pot reduction of both olefin and ketone moieties in a non-food biomass derived substrate using simple copper–phosphine catalysts is described. The electron rich, sterically unencumbered bis(diethylphosphino)ethane ligand used here gives an 84% yield of the product where both the olefin and ketone have been reduced in minutes using PhSiH3 and dry acetonitrile as the solvent. The coordinating ability of acetonitrile appears to be critical for effecting this one-pot reduction. Labeling experiments indicate that ketone reduction in benzene occurs predominantly via a sigma bond metathesis pathway.
Transcriptional regulation of decorin gene expression. Induction by quiescence and repression by tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Decorin, a leucine-rich proteoglycan with ubiquitous tissue distribution, may play essential biological roles during inflammation and cancer growth through its ability to bind extracellular matrix constituents and growth factors. In this study, we demonstrate that decorin gene expression is greatly enhanced after normal diploid fibroblasts reach confluency and cease to proliferate. Elevation of decorin mRNA steady state levels was maintained for up to 16 days postconfluency. In vitro transcription analyses indicated enhanced transcriptional activity in quiescent fibroblasts when compared to cells harvested in their logarithmic phase of growth. This phenotypic trait was reversed by the exogenous addition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Furthermore, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) down-regulated decorin gene expression in an additive manner with TNF-alpha. Transient cell transfection assays using plasmid constructs harboring the decorin promoter linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene demonstrated a dose-dependent transcriptional repression by TNF-alpha. These findings were further corroborated by in vitro transcription experiments using nuclear extracts from control and TNF-alpha-treated quiescent fibroblasts. In contrast, the decorin promoter constructs failed to respond to TGF-beta, thus suggesting either post-transcriptional regulation by this growth factor or lack of TGF-beta-responsive elements. Further experiments with 5' deletion constructs showed two TNF-alpha response elements, one residing within the 5'-untranslated region (exon Ib), the other one between residues -188 and -140 of the decorin promoter. Collectively, our results indicate that TNF-alpha, through its ability to transcriptionally inhibit decorin gene expression in growth-arrested cells, may be a key modulator of the biological functions of this proteoglycan.
Fish oil fix

Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties, but for years the mechanism has remained obscure. That mechanism now begins to come to light—and aspirin may feed into the system by promoting the production of lipid mediators derived from the oil.
BIN1 inhibits colony formation and induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma cell lines with MYCN amplification

BACKGROUND MYCN amplification and overexpression occurs in 25% of neuroblastomas and independently predicts for poor prognosis disease, an effect thought to be mediated by its role as a transcriptional activator of growth promoting genes. However, in many mammalian cells, deregulated expression of MYC family genes (including MYCN) induces apoptosis. We hypothesized that BIN1, a MYC interacting protein capable of inducing apoptosis, may be an important regulator of MYCN in neuroblastoma. RESULTS BIN1 expression was found to be reduced in MYCN-amplified cell lines. Further, forced expression of BIN1 markedly reduced colony formation in MYCN-amplified, but not single-copy, cell lines. This effect appeared to be caused by an increase in apoptosis, and was augmented by serum deprivation and concurrent cytotoxic drug therapy in cell culture CONCLUSION BIN1 inactivation may be necessary for MYCN overexpression to lead to cellular proliferation rather than programmed cell death in neuroblastomas with MYCN amplification.
Enhanced extracellular enzymatic peptide hydrolysis in the sea-surface microlayer

Abstract The accumulation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) at the air–sea interface is controlled by dynamic physical processes at the boundary between ocean and atmosphere. Much of the DOM concentrated in the surface microlayer is thought to be protein or glycoprotein. Enzymatic hydrolysis of these and other biopolymers is an important step in the microbial uptake of dissolved and particulate organic matter in many aquatic environments. We employed a sensitive fluorescence technique to investigate differences between extracellular enzymatic peptide hydrolysis in the sea surface microlayer and corresponding subsurface water from Stony Brook Harbor, NY. We separated the microlayer from its underlying water and thus measured hydrolysis potential rather than an in-situ process. Peptide turnover was always faster in the microlayer than in subsurface waters. This was confirmed by allowing a new surface film to form on subsurface water; hydrolysis was still faster in the new surface film. In a year-long study, we found the relative difference between turnover times in the surface film and subsurface waters to vary greatly with season. While rate constants of peptide hydrolysis were generally higher in both microlayer and bulk water samples in spring/summer than in fall/winter, the difference in activity between the two environments was greatest in winter. Enhanced hydrolysis in the sea surface microlayer is likely due to the greater concentrations of DOM in the microlayer. Seasonal changes in distribution of hydrolytic activity between surface film and subsurface water probably reflect seasonal variation in the mechanisms of DOM enrichment, which depend on water temperature, substance and energy fluxes across the water–air boundary, activity of aquatic organisms and other seasonal variables.
Mechanisms responsible for cypermethrin resistance in a strain of German cockroach, Blattella germanica

Abstract Cypermethrin resistance level and mechanisms responsible for the resistance were investigated in a strain (Aves) of German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), collected recently from a Gainesville, Florida residence. Topical bioassay data revealed that the Aves strain was highly resistant to cypermethrin, exhibiting a resistance ratio of 93-fold, which was reduced to 29-fold when cockroaches were pretreated with piperonyl butoxide and reduced to 18-fold when pretreated with S,S,S -tributyl phosphorotrithioate. The synergist data implicated enhanced oxidative and hydrolytic metabolism as resistance mechanisms in the Aves German cockroach strain. This conclusion was further supported by significantly higher oxidative (2.4- to 4.2-fold) and hydrolytic (1.6- to 3.6-fold) detoxification enzyme activities toward surrogate substrates and significantly higher in vitro [ 14 C]cypermethrin metabolism. Microsomal NADPH-dependent (1.8-fold) and NADPH-independent (2.2-fold) [ 14 C]cypermethrin metabolism were significantly greater in the Aves strain than in the Orlando insecticide-susceptible strain. In vivo penetration studies with [ 14 C]cypermethrin indicated that decreased cypermethrin penetration may also be a contributing resistance mechanism in the Aves strain. Finally, the Leu993Phe mutation, shown previously to be associated with knockdown resistance ( kdr ), was present in the Aves strain.
Automated analysis of plasma and whole blood ascorbic acid.

An automated method using 2,6-dichloroindophenol is described for quantitatively determining ascorbic acid in plasma, whole blood and urine. Comparison with the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine procedure for plasma ascorbic acid plus dehydroascorbic acid shows the former procedure to be as sensitive and easier to perform than the latter and reliable for assessing the vitamin C status of individuals. In a national sample of preschool children, plasma ascorbic acid determinations were obtained from 996 children. We demonstrated a progressive rise in plasma ascorbic acid levels with rise in intake; the rate of increase in plasma levels being greatest with intakes less than 90 mg/day (r=0.371, N=545), while a lower rate of increase was noted with intakes above 90 mg/day.
The effects of group systematic desensitization on secondary erectile failure

Sixteen subjects were assigned to group desensitization (SD) or treatment control groups. The groups were balanced with respect to age, education, severity of disorder, duration of disorder, number of sexual partners, cooperativeness of female partner, and marital status. The SD group received 15 45-min sessions of relaxation plus a common hierarchy of sexual scenes, while the control group received 15 sessions of relaxation alone. Subjects in the SD group reflected significant positive changes when compared with control subjects on measures of sexual performance and satisfaction and satisfaction with nonsexual aspects of their relationship with their most frequent sexual partner. These gains were maintained over a 3-month follow-up period. The control subjects who received subsequent treatment made substantial gains which persisted over 3 months. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Shape Memory Alloy Tuned Vibration Absorbers: Robustness Analysis

A conventional passive tuned vibration absorber (TVA) is effective when it is precisely tuned to the frequency of a vibration mode; otherwise, it may amplify the vibrations of the primary system. In many applications, the frequency often changes over time. For example, adding or subtracting external mass on the existing primary system results in changes in the system’s natural frequency. The frequency changes of the primary system can significantly degrade the performance of TVA. To cope with this problem, many alternative TVAs (such as semiactive, adaptive, and active TVAs) have been studied. As another alternative, this paper investigates the use of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) in passive TVAs in order to improve the robustness of the TVAs subject to mass change in the primary system. The proposed SMA-TVA employs SMA wires, which exhibit variable stiffness, as the spring element of the TVA. This allows us to tune effective stiffness of the TVA to adapt to the changes in the primary system’s natural frequency. The stimulation model, presented in this paper, contains the dynamics of the TVA along with the SMA wire model that includes phase transformation, heat transfer, and the constitutive relations. The robustness analysis is then performed on both the SMA-TVA and the equivalent passive TVA. For our robustness analysis, the mass of the primary system is varied by 30% of its nominal mass. The simulation results show that the SMA-TVA is more robust than the equivalent passive TVA in reducing peak vibrations in the primary system subject to change of its mass.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Dissection of human vitreous body elements for proteomic analysis.

The vitreous is an optically clear, collagenous extracellular matrix that fills the inside of the eye and overlies the retina. 1,2 Abnormal interactions between vitreous substructures and the retina underlie several vitreoretinal diseases, including retinal tear and detachment, macular pucker, macular hole, age-related macular degeneration, vitreomacular traction, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and inherited vitreoretinopathies. 1,2 The molecular composition of the vitreous substructures is not known. Since the vitreous body is transparent with limited surgical access, it has been difficult to study its substructures at the molecular level. We developed a method to separate and preserve these tissues for proteomic and biochemical analysis. The dissection technique in this experimental video shows how to isolate vitreous base, anterior hyaloid, vitreous core, and vitreous cortex from postmortem human eyes. One-dimensional SDS-PAGE analyses of each vitreous component showed that our dissection technique resulted in four unique protein profiles corresponding to each substructure of the human vitreous body. Identification of differentially compartmentalized proteins will reveal candidate molecules underlying various vitreoretinal diseases.
Low-threshold multiple-wavelength vertical-cavity laser arrays obtained by postgrowth wet oxidation

A mask-defined array of multiple-wavelength verfical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with submilliamp threshold currents over a 22 nm wavelength span has been fabricated with a single epitaxial growth on a conventional substrate. Tuning is achieved by using the combination of lateral and vertical wet oxidation of an AlGaAs layer inside the cavity.
Experimental observation of ultra-low-frequency waves generated in the ionosphere

Nonlinear properties of the ionosphere can be used to produce electromagnetic waves of ultra-low frequencies (ULF, 0–300 Hz). This can be achieved either by modulating one strong high-frequency (HF, 3–30 MHz) wave or by beating two strong radio-waves with a frequency difference Δf which lies in the ULF band. I report here observations of such ULF signals in two experiments. In the first, four HF transmitters were split into two pairs and operated with a frequency separation Δf between each of the pairs. In the second experiment, all of the transmitters were operated at the same high frequency and were pulsed. The ULF signals at 3, 5 and 6.25 Hz and with intensities of ∼150–350 × 10−11 G Hz−1/2 were received on the island of Mona, which is ∼ 150 km west of the transmitting site.
Noradrenaline and monoaminoxidase content in immunosympathectomized animals

Summary Newborn mice and rats were injected at birth with an antiserum to a nerve growth factor (N.G.F.) isolated from mouse submaxillary salivary glands. The antiserum resulted in permanent destruction of sympathetic ganglia in all treated animals. These animals and an equal number of controls were used in this investigation for measuring the noradrenaline and monoaminoxidase content in peripheral organs and in the central nervous system. The noradrenaline content was markedly decreased in heart, spleen and other tissues of the immunosympathectomized animals. Levels of MAO activity were found to be lower in periphereal organs of the treated animals than in controls. No detectable difference was found in noradrenaline and MAO in the central nervous system of experimental and control animals.
Enzyme Induction and Comparative Oxidative Desulfuration of Isothiocyanates to Isocyanates

Enzyme induction of oxidative metabolism of isothiocyanates to isocyanates by rat liver microsomes and comparative metabolic conversion of some isothiocyanates were investigated. Metabolic activity was assayed by trapping the isocyanate metabolites from isothiocyanates with the inclusion of 2-aminofluorene to form the respective mixed ureas as previously described for the 2-naphthyl isothiocyanate. Male F344 rats were fed either a conventional grain diet for induction with Aroclor 1254 or AIN 76A diet without antioxidant beginning 2 weeks before treatment with Aroclor 1254, beta-naphthoflavone, isosafrole, or phenobarbital. Enzymes responsible for the metabolism of 1- and 2-naphthyl isothiocyanate were inducible by all four agents, Aroclor being the best under the current induction protocol and metabolic conversion assay procedure. On the other hand, enzymes responsible for the metabolism of benzyl isothiocyanate were induced only by Aroclor and, to a lesser extent, by phenobarbital. For the comparative metabolic conversion studies, using the microsomes from Aroclor-treated rats fed a conventional grain diet, the rates of metabolic conversion followed the order of 1-naphthyl > > phenyl > benzyl and phenethyl > > propyl, ethyl, and methyl isothiocyanates.
Role of H1 and H2 receptors in increased small airways resistance in the dog.

The relative importance of H1 and H2 receptors to central and peripheral airways resistance in the anesthetized intact dog lung were determined through the use of pharmacologically specific antagonists during graded intravenous infusions of histamine. The indirect effects of infused histamine were also tested via alpha and beta adrenergic blockade (α + β blk) and post-ganglionic parasympathetic blockade (vagal blk). We measured pulmonary resistance (RL), dynamic compliance (Cdyn), thoracic gas volume (Vtg), and partitioned oscillatory pulmonary resistance (RLosc) into a peripheral (Rp) and central component with an intrabronchial catheter. Infused histamine caused a significant increase in RL, primarily the result of the increase in RP, with substantial dose-dependent reductions in Cdyn, and increases in Vtg. These effects were not altered by vagal blk, were increased by α + β blk, and were completely prevented by H1 receptor blockade, but not by H2 receptor blockade. We conclude that histamine infusion causes bronchoconstriction in the canine lung, primarily inperipheral airways (< 3 mm diameter), by its direct action in H1-type receptors.
Adiabatic approximation as a tool in image estimation

The problem of image estimation is posed in a Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) framework. Gibbs distributions are used for the prior and degradation models. Finding the MAP estimate then reduces to obtaining the global minimum of a non-convex energy function defined over the intensity and line processes. The latter are used to model discontinuities like edges present in any scene. When several constraints on the interactions between the line processes are removed, deterministic algorithms have been used to find "good" suboptimal solutions. These deterministic algorithms perform relaxation on the intensities alone. We have added the missing constraints on the line process interactions. Deterministic algorithms have been suggested which now perform relaxation on the intensities and the line processes. In the absence of the interaction constraints, our algorithms are shown to be equivalent to the previously suggested algorithms. This has been achieved by invoking the adiabatic approximation. The adiabatic approximation eliminates the dynamics of "fast" relaxing variables which in our case are the line processes. In demonstrating this equivalence, we describe the utility of two new processes; the gradient (GRAD) and gradient magnitude (GMAG) processes. The line process can be obtained through a monotonic transformation of the GMAG process.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.