cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orbital-Based Interpretation of Electron Density Differences in Ne2 and Polarized Ne and Ne6+

Total and orbital density difference contours have been calculated from Hartree−Fock wave functions (uncontracted 14s9p4d3f basis) for three systems: Ne and Ne6+ polarized by a +1 charge at 4.66 bohr and Ne2 (R = 3.80 bohr). Effects of MP2 correlation corrections are found to be negligible. In Ne, the outer portion of every orbital is polarized toward the +1 charge. The hybrid [2s + (0.0096)2pz] is an excellent approximation to this system's 2s orbital, whose density difference reverses polarity within its circular node. Farther out, a large intermediate region of the 2pσ orbital is also polarized away from the +1 charge. In Ne2, only 1s and 2s densities show dipolar polarization: the 2s toward the other nucleus due to 2pσ electron depletion in the atom-overlap region; the 1s in the opposite direction due to the 2s field. The latter effect is also observed in polarized Ne6+. The total Ne2 density difference exhibits atomic quadrupolar polarization due to unpolarized 2pσ density buildup and 2pπ depletion.
Mutational analysis of the BPTI folding pathway: II. Effects of aromatic → leucine substitutions on folding kinetics and thermodynamics

The rates of the individual steps in the disulfide-coupled folding and unfolding of eight BPTI variants, each containing a single aromatic to leucine amino acid replacement, were measured. From this analysis, the contributions of the four phenylalanine and four tyrosine residues to the stabilities of the native protein and the disulfide-bonded folding intermediates were determined. While the substitutions were found to destabilize the native protein by 2 to 7 kcal/mol, they had significantly smaller effects on the intermediates that represent the earlier stages of folding, even when the site of the substitution was located within the ordered regions of the intermediates. These results suggest that stabilizing interactions contribute less to conformational stability in the context of a partially folded intermediate than in a fully folded native protein, perhaps because of decreased cooperativity among the individual interactions. The kinetic analysis also provides new information about the transition states associated with the slowest steps in folding and unfolding, supporting previous suggestions that these transition states are extensively unfolded. Although the substitutions caused large changes in the distribution of folding intermediates and in the rates of some steps in the folding pathway, the kinetically-preferred pathway for all of the variants involved intramolecular disulfide rearrangements, as observed previously for the wild-type protein. These results suggest that the predominance of the rearrangement mechanism reflects conformational constraints present relatively early in the folding pathway.
Mitochondrial myopathy simulating spinal muscular atrophy

A patient with a severe progressive neuromuscular disorder resembling spinal muscular atrophy is reported. The initial muscle biopsy was consistent with a denervating process. DNA analysis did not reveal deletions in exons 7 and 8 of the survival motor neuron gene. Histology, histochemistry, and biochemistry of a second muscle biopsy suggested mitochondrial myopathy accompanying the denervating features. Immunohistochemistry using anti-DNA antibodies revealed only nuclear staining in skeletal muscle, suggesting mitochondrial DNA depletion. In patients with clinical features of spinal muscular atrophy and no deletions in the survival motor neuron gene, mitochondrial DNA depletion should be considered.
Chinese water culture and implications for cruise tourism – a five-dimension framework

This study aims to examine the Chinese values and beliefs of water and provide insights into the Chinese market of cruise tourism. Chinese classical works on water are reviewed and synthesised through both cultural and historical angles, based on which a five-dimension framework is proposed on Chinese water culture in relation to cruise tourism. The five dimensions are origin of life, sustained energy, purity, freshness, and natural state ofbeing. Two propositions are postulated to suggest Chinese tourists’ expectations and p for cruise vacations. Implications for the cruise industry are discussed. The study informs researchers and practitioners of unique perspectives in understanding Chinese tourists’ motivations, perceptions, expectations, preferences, and decision-making process, particularly for the cruise sector that witnesses a booming Chinese market.
The victim-offender relationship in convicted homicide cases: 1960–1984

In 1958, Wolfgang published his seminal work examining criminal homicide cases that occured in Philadelphia between 1948 and 1952. This work was the beginning of an extensive body of literature focusing on the victim-offender relationship in homicides. Wolfgang and subsequent researchers consistently found that homicides tended to be intra-racial, intra-gender, and occuring overwhelmingly between relatives and friends. However, this body of literature was based largely on data from large cities with very heterogeneous populations and therefore may not be generalizable to smaller American communities. The current research examined all homicides in Delaware County (Muncie, Indiana) that resulted in a conviction for the years 1960 through 1984. Although the demographic characteristics of victims and offenders and their relationships appear consistent with those found in larger cities, noticeable changes were found to have occured over the twenty-five year period.
Hypothesis testing: means.

In most biomedical research, investigators hypothesize about the relationships of various factors, collect data to test those relationships, and try to draw conclusions about those relationships from the data collected. In many cases, investigators test relationships by comparing the average level of a factor between 2 groups or between 1 group and a standard reference. This framework is as true for understanding the basic role of cardiac myosin binding protein-C phosphorylation in cardiac physiology1 as it is for evaluating non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as a predictor of myocardial infarction in large groups of individuals.2 In this article we describe hypothesis testing, which is the process of drawing conclusions on the basis of statistical testing of collected data, and the specific approach used to test means (or average levels of a collected data element). These concepts are covered in detail in many statistical textbooks at various levels, including Pagano and Gauvreau,3 Zar,4 and Kleinbaum et al.5 The purpose of statistical inference is to draw conclusions about a population on the basis of data obtained from a sample of that population. Hypothesis testing is the process used to evaluate the strength of evidence from the sample and provides a framework for making determinations related to the population, ie, it provides a method for understanding how reliably one can extrapolate observed findings in a sample under study to the larger population from which the sample was drawn. The investigator formulates a specific hypothesis, evaluates data from the sample, and uses these data to decide whether they support the specific hypothesis. The first step in testing hypotheses is the transformation of the research question into a null hypothesis, H, and an alternative hypothesis, HA.6 The null and alternative hypotheses are concise statements, usually in …
Solidarity and Ambivalence in Away From Her

On the surface, the film Away From Her, from Canadian director Sarah Polley, is about Alzheimer's Disease, marital relations, caregiving, and the tug of war between autonomy and paternalism. These ...
Numerical simulation and experimental study of the heat transition in a foam container

This study demonstrated how to predict the temperatures inside of a foam container during transportation via a numerical simulation through MATLAB. The temperature inside of the container at any po...
Lattice Site Exclusion Effect on the Double Layer Interaction

A lattice model for an electrolyte solution is proposed, which assumes that the hydrated ion occupies τi (i = 1, 2) sites on a water lattice. A lattice site is available to an ion “i” only if it is “free” (it is occupied by a water molecule, which does not hydrate an ion) and has also at least (τi − 1) first-neighbors free. The model accounts for the correlations between the probabilities of occupancy of adjacent sites and is used to calculate the “excluded volume” (lattice site exclusion) effect on the double layer interactions. It is shown that at high surface potentials the thickness of the double layer generated near a charged surface is increased, when compared to that predicted by the Poisson−Boltzmann treatment. However, at low surface potentials, the diffuse double layer can be slightly compressed, if the hydrated co-ions are larger than the hydrated counterions. The finite sizes of the ions can lead to either an increase or even a small decrease of the double layer repulsion. The effect can be st...
A General and Convenient Route to Dithiophosphonate Salt Derivatives

Abstract 2,4-Diaryl and 2,4-diferrocenyl-1,3-dithiadiphosphetane disulfide dimmers, (RP(S)S)2, where R = Ph (1a), 4-C6H4OMe (1b) or ferrocenyl (Fc) (1c) react with a variety of alcohols, silanols, or trialkylsilylalcohols to form dithiophosphonic acids in a one-flask procedure. The generated acids have a relatively strong acidity which, upon deprotonation, facilitates the facile high yield conversion to monoanionic salts of the type [S2PR(OR')]−. The present study reports the systematic preparation of these salts with variation in both R and especially R' groups. Compounds were characterized by 31 P[1H] NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. High quality single crystals of (1a) were obtained from the slow cooling of a viscous melt which allowed for the X-ray crystal structure to be determined. Qualitative solubility data have been obtained for several of the isolated salts to provide valuable information for synthesis design, especially with regard to metal complexation. The title salts are effective pr...
Growth of the human heart relative to body surface area.

Abstract To determine the growth rate of the human heart in relation to body surface area, normal data obtained by echocardiography and angiocardiography were analyzed with respect to changes in body size occurring between infancy and adulthood. Published data were used to determine the following for 7 theoretical subjects ranging in sure from 0.2 m2 (normal newborn) to 2.2 m2 (large adult): average left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter; aortic root diameter; right pulmonary artery diameter; aortic valve area; LV end-diastolic volume; and LV mass. Linear dimensions (LV, aortic and right pulmonary artery diameter) increased as a square root function of surface area and could not be described by a constant “index” of dimension to surface area. Aortic valve area was linearly related to surface area and equalled 3.4 cm2/m2 for subjects of all sizes. LV volume and mass were exponentially related to surface area. This study indicates that intracardiac areas may be indexed for body surface area, but that linear dimensions and volumes have a nonlinear relation to surface area and are more appropriately indexed by surface area to the 0.5 and 1.5 power, respectively.
Age related changes of social memory/recognition in male Fischer 344 rats.

Abstract Two different habituation-dishabituation test paradigms were used to evaluate differences in social memory/recognition among 3-, 15- and 22-month-old male Fischer 344 rats. For test 1, males received three 2-min exposures to the same stimulus ovariectomized female, followed by three 2-min exposures to a different stimulus female with an inter-trial interval of 6 min. All groups showed a habituation response with investigation times decreasing on trials 2 and 3. Introduction of a different stimulus female on trial 4 (dishabituation) resulted in significant differences with investigation times of the 3-month animals being significantly greater than both the 15- and 22-month animals and those of the 15- being greater than the 22-month animals. Notably, the 22-month-old animals failed to dishabituate on this task. For test 2, all animals received two trials with different stimulus females used in each trial. While investigation times of the 3-month animals remained clevated in trial 2, indicative of an absence of habituation to these different stimuli, those of the 15- and 22-month-old animals decreased significantly, suggesting that habituation had occurred to the task and these animals failed to recognize differences in the stimuli. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the 22-month-old rats show enhanced habituation, but markedly deficient dishabituation responses compared to the 3-month-old animals, while the performance of the 15-month animals was intermediate. These results suggest an age dependent decrement in social memory recognition processes in the male Fischer 344 rat.
Interpretation of high-resolution spectra of Venus: II. The (102-000)II Band of 12C16O18O at 1.71 microns

Abstract High-resolution spectra obtained by Pierre and Janine Connes in the region of 1.7 microns have been used to obtain a curve of growth for the (102-000)II band of the 12C16O18O isotope of carbon dioxide. Several methods of data reduction have been employed. Assuming a constant rotational line half-width we find a rotational temperature for Venus of Trot = 242° ± 2°K in agreement with our previous results. When a variable line half-width is used, the rotational temperature is increased to 249° ± 3°K.
Super models: The wacky world of analogue physics

What do you need to make a Higgs boson, or travel to the event horizon of a black hole. Answers could be lurking in many a humble physics lab
SPERM DONOR OR THWARTED FATHER? HOW WRITTEN AGREEMENT STATUTES ARE CHANGING THE WAY COURTS RESOLVE LEGAL PARENTAGE ISSUES IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTION CASES

In recent years, the use of assisted reproduction has risen dramatically in the United States, allowing individuals who face various reproductive challenges, including infertility or absence of a heterosexual partner, to conceive biological children. While assisted reproduction has expanded to meet the needs of these parents, the legal system remains years behind, often leading to complicated child custody disputes between the parties. State legislatures have responded to the call for increased regulation of legal parentage in assisted reproduction in varying ways, although one popular statutory approach requires a known sperm provider to preserve his intention to parent in a written agreement with the woman. This article will argue that written agreement statutes are an effective means for resolving parentage disputes because of their ability to protect pre-insemination intent and encourage private ordering of conflicts among the parties. These issues will be explored through the lens of a recent case decided by the Kansas Supreme Court, In Re K.M.H., where the court enforced a written agreement statute against a sperm provider despite his equal protection and due process challenges.
A convenient method for the selective reduction of amides to amines

Abstract A variety of amides have been selectively reduced to the corresponding amines via conversion to their thioamides and treatment with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate followed by sodium borohydride. This procedure is compatible with isolated and conjugated double bonds, esters, intro groups, and sulfonamides.
CHEMOIMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE SOLUBLE SPECIFIC SUBSTANCE OF PNEUMOCOCCUS I. THE ISOLATION AND PROPERTIES OF THE ACETYL POLYSACCHARIDE OF PNEUMOCOCCUS TYPE I

The soluble specific substance of Pneumococcus Type I has been chemically isolated from the bacterial cells and from autolyzed cultures as an acetyl polysaccharide. So far as could be determined by the methods employed, the acetyl polysaccharide in highly purified form absorbs from Type I antipneumococcus serum all demonstrable type-specific precipitins, agglutinins and protective antibodies. Mice injected intraperitoneally with minute quantities of the acetyl polysaccharide develop active immunity to subsequent infection with Pneumococcus Type I. The immunity thus induced is type-specific. In several instances purpura has been observed in mice following the injection of larger amounts of the acetyl polysaccharide. Under the experimental conditions of this study, no type-specific precipitins, agglutinins or protective antibodies were demonstrable in the serum of rabbits following repeated intravenous injections of the Type I acetyl polysaccharide. The treated rabbits were not immune to subsequent infection with Pnemnococcus Type I. The acetyl polysaccharide is readily converted into its deacetylated derivative by treatment with dilute alkali. The chemical and immunological properties of the deacetylated polysaccharide are identical with those of the soluble specific substance in the chemical form in which it was originally isolated; the deacetylated form of the specific carbohydrate is non-antigenic, does not produce purpura in mice, and only incompletely absorbs the type-specific antibodies from Type I antipneumococcus serum. The immunological significance of the acetyl polysaccharide and its possible relationship to the specific substances isolated from Pneumococcus Type I by other workers are discussed.
Protective role of the lung collectins surfactant protein A and surfactant protein D in airway inflammation

The acute inflammatory airway response is characterized by a time-dependent onset followed by active resolution. Emerging evidence suggests that epithelial cells of the proximal and distal air spaces release host defense mediators that can facilitate both the initiation and the resolution part of inflammatory airway changes. These molecules, also known as the hydrophilic surfactant proteins (surfactant protein [SP]–A and SP-D) belong to the class of collagenous lectins (collectins). The collectins are a small family of soluble pattern recognition receptors containing collagenous regions and C-type lectin domains. SP-A and SP-D are most abundant in the lung. Because of their structural uniqueness, specific localization, and functional versatility, lung collectins are important players of the pulmonary immune responses. Recent studies in our laboratory and others indicated significant associations of lung collectin levels with acute and chronic airway inflammation in both animal models and patients, suggesting the usefulness of these molecules as disease biomarkers. Research on wild-type and mutant recombinant molecules in vivo and in vitro showed that SP-A and SP-D bind carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids with a broad-spectrum specificity and initiate phagocytosis of inhaled pathogens as well as apoptotic cells. Investigations on gene-deficient and conditional overexpresser mice indicated that lung collectins also directly modulate innate immune cell function and T-cell–dependent inflammatory events. Thus, these molecules have a unique, dual-function capacity to induce pathogen elimination and control proinflammatory mechanisms, suggesting a potential suitability for therapeutic prevention and treatment of chronic airway inflammation. This article reviews evidence supporting that the lung collectins play an immune-protective role and are essential for maintenance of the immunologic homeostasis in the lung.
Probability density function of a stochastic linear programming problem

A stochastic linear programming problem under the “wait-and-see” situation is studied. After the conditions for the interchange of the order of integration and differentiation are surveyed, an explicit form of the probability density function of the stochastic linear programming problem is found. An example is also given to illustrate the result.
Single-polarization optical low-noise pre-amplified receiver for heavily coded optical communications links

We report a single-polarization, optical low-noise pre-amplfier (SP-OLNA) that enhances the receiver sensitivity of heavily-coded 1.55-μm optical communication links. At channel bit-error ratios of approximately 10%, the erbium-doped SP-OLNA provides an approximately 1.0-dB receiver sensitivity enhancement over a conventional two-polarization pre-amplfier. The SP-OLNA includes three gain stages, each followed by narrow-band athermal fiber Bragg gratings. This cascaded fiter is matched to a return-to-zero, 2.88-Gb/s, variable burst-mode, differential phase shift keying (DPSK) waveform. The SP-OLNA enhancement of approximately 1.0 dB is demonstrated over a range of data rates, from the full 2.88-Gb/s (non-burst) data rate, down to a 1/40th burst rate (72 Mb/s). The SP-OLNA'sfirst stage of ampli_cation is a single-polarization gain block constructed from polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber components, PM erbium gain fiber, and a PM integrated pump coupler and polarizer. This first stage sets the SP-OLNA's noise figure, measured at 3.4 dB. Two subsequent non-PM gain stages allow the SP-OLNA to provide an overall gain of 78 dB to drive a DPSK demodulator receiver. This receiver is comprised of a delay-line interferometer and balanced photo-receiver. The SP-OLNA is packaged into a compact, 5"x7"x1.6" volume, which includes an electronic digital interface to control and monitor pump lasers, optical switches, and power monitors.
Epileptic neurons during sleep and wakefulness.

Abstract Forty normal and 17 abnormal neurons were recorded from alumina gel-induced chronic neocortical epileptic foci during transitions between sleep and wakefulness. During sleep, normal neurons did not alter their firing patterns from what would be expected from previous reports, i.e., they behaved as normal neurons, althouth they were studied from epileptic cortex. The abnormal neurons (epileptic neurons) were divided into two groups (as defined from a previous report): group-1 neurons (grossly epileptic during wakefulness) did not change firing patterns significantly except for increased number of spikes per burst, whereas group-2 neurons (mildly epileptic during wakefulness) changed drastically, becoming indistinguishable from group-1 neurons in burst structure. Group-1 neurons differed from group-2 neurons in that their burst frequency did not appear to be highly influenced by surface EEG events, whereas group-2 neurons' burst rhythm appeared to be influenced by such events as spindles and K complexes.
A Snapshot of the Modeling and Simulation Community and Education

The Department of Defense's need for modeling and simulation (MS finally, (3) conduct concerted, interdisciplinary research and education efforts in human, social, cultural, and behavioral M&S.
At Issue The Problem of Obstetrical Complications and Schizophrenia

The use of the term "obstetrical complications" (OCs) and its variations to encompass diverse physiological mechanisms (e.g., genetic, ischemic, hemorrhagic, infectious) of disruption to fetal/neonatal brain development has engendered inconsistency, confusion, and controversy. The principal reason is that the term OCs belies the absence of a fully adequate conceptual framework for characterizing neurodevelopmental risk. We propose that neurodevelopmental risk factors for schizophrenia can be assessed more clearly if broad OC scales are replaced by measures representing more homogeneous pathways of disturbed brain development. Using a new OC classification, we found that disordered growth related to hypoxic-ischemic compromise to early brain development may confer an elevated risk of schizophrenia and other adult-onset psychoses, particularly in the presence of familial risk. Abnormal fetal and neonatal brain growth and development in schizophrenia and OCs may also, at least in part, result from genetic factors and could help explain the relation between seemingly inconsistent OCs identified in prior research.
Death education: A survey of american dental schools

Abstract With a rapidly aging population and with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) increasing the population of terminally ill patients for dentists, preparation in dealing with dying, death, and bereavement could enhance the dentist's role as a health care provider. A survey of American dental schools was performed to assess the current status of thanatology offerings in the curriculum. Results received from 97% of the schools revealed that only 7 offer anything in death and dying, and 50 have no formal death education. Eighteen dental schools, however, have plans to include thanatology in their curriculum within the next 10 years.
Nonlinear feedback in simple locomotion systems

The purpose of this short paper is to analyze postural stability and periodic motion of a simple model of a locomotion system. Nonlinear feedback is used to linearize the system. The effects of discretization, quantization and noise are studied via simulation of a compound inverted pendulum with realistic actuator models.
Large-particle calcium hydroxylapatite injection for correction of facial wrinkles and depressions

Background Small-particle calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse, Merz, Frankfurt, Germany) is safe and effective for facial wrinkle reduction, and has medium-term persistence for this indication. There is patient demand for similar fillers that may be longer lasting. Objective We sought to assess the safety and persistence of effect in vivo associated with use of large-particle calcium hydroxylapatite (Coaptite, Merz) for facial augmentation and wrinkle reduction. Methods This was a case series of 3 patients injected with large-particle calcium hydroxylapatite. Results Large-particle calcium hydroxylapatite appears to be effective and well tolerated for correction of facial depressions, including upper mid-cheek atrophy, nasolabial creases, and HIV-associated lipoatrophy. Adverse events included erythema and edema, and transient visibility of the injection sites. Treated patients, all of whom had received small-particle calcium hydroxylapatite correction before, noted improved persistence at 6 and 15 months with the large-particle injections as compared with prior small-particle injections. Limitations This is a small case series, and there was no direct control to compare the persistence of small-particle versus large-particle correction. Conclusions For facial wrinkle correction, large-particle calcium hydroxylapatite has a safety profile comparable with that of small-particle calcium hydroxylapatite. The large-particle variant may have longer persistence that may be useful in selected clinical circumstances.
Acidity of H-Y Zeolites: Role of Extralattice Aluminum

Abstract The nature of extralattice aluminum and its effect on acidity in zeolites was studied. A series of zeolites (some commercial), dealuminated by various methods, were obtained having Si/Al ratios between 1.5 and 20. These were characterized using volumetric sorption, XRD, AA, NMR, and reaction studies. Samples dealuminated using ammonium hexafluorosilicate were found to contain little or no extralattice aluminum. In contrast, steam-dealuminated zeolites had large amounts of extralattice aluminum. In some cases a significant portion of the extralattice aluminum was unobservable by 27Al NMR, suggesting the existence of an aluminum species of low symmetry. Proton NMR indicated that all the protons were associated with the lattice aluminum atoms. Depending on the preparation history, different groups of H-Y zeolites exhibited different maxima in catalytic activity as a function of aluminum content. The maxima in catalytic activity for n-pentane cracking was found to be a function of both lattice and extralattice aluminum contents.
Parenting Alliance: A Multifactor Perspective

The Parenting Alliance Measure (PAM) provides an operational representation of Weissman and Cohen's theory of parenting that has both clinical and research applications. The PAM is a 20-item, self-report instrument that measures the strength of the perceived alliance between parents of children ages 1 to 19 years. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine whether the PAM measures the same constructs for mothers and fathers. In addition, a formal comparison between a one- and two-factor solution was conducted, and the invariance of parameter estimates for the preferred model was tested for mothers and fathers. Results indicated that the PAM measures the same dimensions for these two groups. A formal comparison between the one- and two-factor solutions favored the less parsimonious two-factor model. At the same time, the relationship between these constructs was sufficiently high to warrant interpretation of an overall parenting alliance score. Accordingly, results from the current investigation support two levels of interpretation on the PAM. Normative raw score conversions to percentile and standardized T scores are provided.
NF-κB activation-induced anti-apoptosis renders HER2-positive cells drug resistant and accelerates tumor growth.

Breast cancers with HER2 overexpression are sensitive to drugs targeting the receptor or its kinase activity. HER2-targeting drugs are initially effective against HER2-positive breast cancer, but resistance inevitably occurs. We previously found that NF-κB is hyperactivated in a subset of HER2-positive breast cancer cells and tissue specimens. In this study, we report that constitutively active NF-κB rendered HER2-positive cancer cells resistant to anti-HER2 drugs and cells selected for lapatinib resistance upregulated NF-κB. In both circumstances, cells were antiapoptotic and grew rapidly as xenografts. Lapatinib-resistant cells were refractory to HER2 and NF-κB inhibitors alone but were sensitive to their combination, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy. A subset of NF-κB–responsive genes was overexpressed in HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers, and patients with this NF-κB signature had poor clinical outcome. Anti-HER2 drug resistance may be a consequence of NF-κB activation, and selection for resistance results in NF-κB activation, suggesting that this transcription factor is central to oncogenesis and drug resistance. Clinically, the combined targeting of HER2 and NF-κB suggests a potential treatment paradigm for patients who relapse after anti-HER2 therapy. Patients with these cancers may be treated by simultaneously suppressing HER2 signaling and NF-κB activation. Implications: The combination of an inhibitor of IκB kinase (IKK) inhibitor and anti-HER2 drugs may be a novel treatment strategy for drug-resistant human breast cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 12(3); 408–20. ©2013 AACR.
Disciplined Preferences: Explaining the (Re)Production of Latino Endogamy

While racial intermarriage is heralded as the last stage in integration processes, endogamy (intragroup marriage) is the overwhelming norm in the United States. What are the familial, dating, and community processes that produce endogamy? Drawing from 70 in-depth interviews with heterosexual Latinos concerning dating and marriage, this article reports that surveillance, punishment, and self-discipline harden racial boundaries and induce endogamy. Typically construed as highly personal, romantic preferences are, in fact, socially constructed and policed through family, peer, and community-level processes. “Third parties” such as family members, friends, and community members enforce intramarriage via advice, threats, censure, and violence. In turn, outsiders’ surveillance and punishment converts into self-discipline, which constrains romantic preferences and choices. To maintain social distance, both non-Hispanic whites and Latinos discipline their kin and their kin’s cross-racial romantic interests away from those who stand lower on the racial order. Latinos enjoy racial privilege relative to African Americans and preserve privilege by excluding blacks as romantic possibilities. Latino endogamy is a disciplined response to accumulated racial messages and racial boundary policing. Results show that racial communities are invested in perpetuating endogamy to preserve relative privilege and exert social pressures that largely support the contemporary racial hierarchy.
A high-efficiency, miniaturized sensor node with machined-substrate antennas for embedded wireless monitoring

This paper presents a compact, energy efficient sensor node for narrow-band embedded wireless monitoring. The communication system is based on the RF interrogation approach that employs a passive frequency doubler to return the second harmonic of the interrogation signal. The compactness and high efficiency of the node were achieved by employing 3-D, machined-substrate small antennas on the transceiver design. The node operates by receiving a signal at 2.4 GHz and re-radiating an amplitude-modulated signal at 4.8 GHz, and is optimized for an RF input power level range between -30 and -20 dBm. The node fits within a 21 mm diameter sphere (λ/6 at 2.4 GHz) and its measured efficiency is 10% at -20 dBm input power. The voltage generated by a commercial piezoelectric vibration sensor is used to modulate the return signal.
Imaging Lipid Synthesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with [Methyl-11C]Choline: Correlation with In Vivo Metabolic Studies

PET with [methyl-11C]-choline (11C-choline) can be useful for detecting well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is not 18F-FDG–avid. This study was designed to examine the relationship between choline metabolism and choline tracer uptake in HCC for PET with 11C-choline. Methods: Dynamic PET scans of 11C-choline were acquired using the woodchuck models of HCC. After imaging, [methyl-14C]-choline was injected, and metabolites from both HCC tissue samples and the surrounding hepatic tissues were extracted and analyzed by radio–high-performance liquid chromatography. The enzymatic activities of choline kinase and choline-phosphate cytidylyltransferase were assayed for correlation with the imaging and metabolism data. Results: PET with 11C-choline showed an HCC detection rate of 9 of 10. The tumor-to-liver ratio for the 9 detected HCCs was 1.89 ± 0.55. Hematoxylin-eosin staining confirmed that all spots with high tracer uptake were well-differentiated HCCs. Variation of radioactivity distribution within HCCs indicated a heterogeneous uptake of choline. The activities of both choline kinase and choline-phosphate cytidylyltransferase were found to be significantly higher in HCC than in the surrounding hepatic tissues. The major metabolites of 11C-choline were phosphocholine in HCC and betaine and choline in the surrounding hepatic tissues at 12 min after injection; in HCC, phosphocholine rapidly converted to phosphatidylcholine at 30 min after injection. Conclusion: HCCs display enhanced uptake of radiolabeled choline despite a moderate degree of physiologic uptake in the surrounding hepatic tissues. Initially, increased radiolabeled choline uptake in HCCs is associated with the transport and phosphorylation of choline; as time passes, the increased uptake of radiolabeled choline reflects increased phosphatidylcholine synthesis derived from radiolabeled cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) in HCCs. In contrast, the surrounding hepatic tissues exhibit extensive oxidation of radiolabeled choline via the phosphatidylethanolamine methylation pathway, a major contributor to the observed physiologic uptake.
Hepatic ulstrastructure changes associated with the parr‐smolt transformation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Liver samples of two groups of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were collected fall through spring and examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. One group of fish was maintained under simulated natural photoperiod (SNP), the other under an 8 month advanced, phase-shifted photoperiod (8MA). As indicated by changes in branchial Na+/K+ATPase activity, salinity tolerance, and morphological characteristics, fish in the SNP group underwent parr-smolt transformation in the spring. Smoltification-associated changes in ultrastructure were observed in liver parenchymal cells only. Hepatocytes of SNP smolts were smaller with markedly decreased glycogen content as compared to cells of SNP parr. An increase in mitochondrial size and a decrease in numbers of mitochondria per hepatocyte were also seen during smoltification. In smolt hepatocytes, the nucleus and mitochondria occupied a greater percent of the cell volume than in parr liver parenchymal cells. Rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, dense bodies, and Golgi profiles also appeared to occupy more of the cell volume of smaller hepatocytes seen during smoltification. No smoltification-associated changes were seen in hepatocyte nuclear size, chromatin state, or nucleolar frequency. During the fall, Atlantic salmon in the 8MA group underwent some morphological and osmoregulatory changes associated with smoltification. Hepatic fine structure of these fish in the fall resembled that seen in SNP smolts. In spring, 8MA fish exhibited no indications of smoltification, and hepatocyte ultrastructure of these fish was similar to that of SNP parr. Biological implications of observations are discussed, particularly in light of other investigations concerning the liver and smoltification.
ROUTES AND MECHANISM OF FLUID TRANSPORT BY EPITHELIA

The mechanism of fluid transport by leaky epithelia and the route taken by the transported fluid are in dispute. A consideration of current mathematical models for coupling of solutes and water, as well as the methodologies for the study of fluid transport, shows that local osmosis best accounts for water movement. Although it seems virtually certain that the tight junctions are water permeable, the fraction of absorbed fluid that crosses the tight junction cannot yet be determined with confidence.
Transistor sizing issues and tool for multi-threshold CMOS technology

Multi-threshold CMOS is an increasingly popular circuitapproach that enables high performance and low power operation.However, no methodologies have been developed to size the highV{t} sleep transistor in an intelligent manner that trades off area andperformance. In fact, many attempts at sizing the sleep transistorwithout close consideration of input vector patterns or internalstructures can lead to large overestimates or large underestimatesin sleep transistor sizing. This paper describes some of the issuesinvolved in sizing transistors for MTCMOS and also introduces avariable breakpoint switch level simulator that can rapidly calculatedelay in MTCMOS circuits as functions of design variablessuch as V{dd}, V{t}, and sleep transistor sizing.
A physical large signal Si MOSFET model for RF circuit design

A new physically based Si MOSFET large signal model, BSIM3v3, developed by UC Berkeley, has been evaluated for high-frequency mixed-signal circuit analysis in a frequency domain, harmonic balance simulator. The model is validated using simulated RF power characteristics of automatic load pull measurement at different bias and matching conditions.
Single molecule spectroscopy of tetrahedral oligophenylenevinylene molecules

Abstract We probe the fluorescence from single molecules of a new class of tetrahedral oligo(phenylenevinylene) (OPV) molecules. Our results show that the tetrahedral molecules contain multiple chromophores with limited inter-arm coupling, but significant molecular motion about the central carbon results in fluctuations in the polarizability axis of the molecule. Loss in luminescence intensity is also observed during the fluctuations which is attributed to inter-arm coupling occurring when adjacent arms come close together. These fluctuations occur on the timescale of 100 ms to 10 s and are shown to be absent in the ‘arm’ molecules alone.
Improved Cyclic Performance of Si Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries by Forming Intermetallic Interphases between Si Nanoparticles and Metal Microparticles

Silicon, an anode material with the highest capacity for lithium-ion batteries, needs to improve its cyclic performance prior to practical applications. Here, we report on a novel design of Si/metal composite anode in which Si nanoparticles are welded onto surfaces of metal particles by forming intermetallic interphases through a rapid heat treatment. Unlike pure Si materials that gradually lose electrical contact with conductors and binders upon repeated charging and discharging cycles, Si in the new Si/metal composite can maintain the electrical contact with the current collector through the intermetallic interphases, which are inactive and do not lose physical contact with the conductors and binders, resulting in significantly improved cyclic performance. Within 100 cycles, only 23.8% of the capacity of the pure Si anode is left while our Si/Ni anode obtained at 900 °C maintains 73.7% of its capacity. Therefore, the concept of employing intermetallic interphases between Si nanoparticles and metal particles provides a new avenue to improve the cyclic performance of Si-based anodes.
High-Dose Parenteral Ascorbate Enhanced Chemosensitivity of Ovarian Cancer and Reduced Toxicity of Chemotherapy

Ascorbate (vitamin C) was an early, unorthodox therapy for cancer, with an outstanding safety profile and anecdotal clinical benefit. Because oral ascorbate was ineffective in two cancer clinical trials, ascorbate was abandoned by conventional oncology but continued to be used in complementary and alternative medicine. Recent studies provide rationale for reexamining ascorbate treatment. Because of marked pharmacokinetic differences, intravenous, but not oral, ascorbate produces millimolar concentrations both in blood and in tissues, killing cancer cells without harming normal tissues. In the interstitial fluid surrounding tumor cells, millimolar concentrations of ascorbate exert local pro-oxidant effects by mediating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation, which kills cancer cells. We investigated downstream mechanisms of ascorbate-induced cell death. Data show that millimolar ascorbate, acting as a pro-oxidant, induced DNA damage and depleted cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), activated the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)/adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, and resulted in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition and death in ovarian cancer cells. The combination of parenteral ascorbate with the conventional chemotherapeutic agents carboplatin and paclitaxel synergistically inhibited ovarian cancer in mouse models and reduced chemotherapy-associated toxicity in patients with ovarian cancer. On the basis of its potential benefit and minimal toxicity, examination of intravenous ascorbate in combination with standard chemotherapy is justified in larger clinical trials.
Inflammation induces ectopic mechanical sensitivity in axons of nociceptors innervating deep tissues.

A variety of seemingly diverse pain syndromes are characterized by movement-induced pain radiating in the distribution of a peripheral nerve or nerve root. This could be explained by the induction ...
Interpreting medical risk at the bedside using fuzzy measures

Medical risk is assessed when clinical decisions are made for prediction in the individual patient. These involve usually diagnosis, choice of diagnostic testing or treatment. Evidence- based medicine is the accepted method by which medical risk is quantified. Evidence based medicine relies on scientific truth being defined from systemic observation of patients, the information from which is statistical, but also based on probabilities. Translation of the results of large double blind randomized trials to the individual patient who has different context and genetic makeup from any other patient presents a dilemma for the physician. Methods and Results: Fuzzy measures of matching based in fuzzy subsethood allow the individual patient to be matched to the average patient, or any other patient, of a clinical trial. The measure of match is applied to the trial statistic in order to come up with a prediction for the patient's clinical course. The same fuzzy measure of matching is able to compare the results of experimental groups when expressed as members of a fuzzy set. In this fashion the results of large clinical trials can be compared to the statistical “significance” of the trial. The fuzzy prediction measure, F Pred, has embedded within it a measure of different unknown conditions of the subjects being compared. Conclusion: Fuzzy measures based in fuzzy subsethood allow for the comparison of individuals and groups while accounting for different conditions. The measures provide non probabilistic information for decision making at the bedside.
109Cadmium Absorption, Excretion, and Tissue Distribution Following Single Tracer Oral and Intravenous Doses in Young Goats

Abstract Cadmium metabolism was studied in six 2.5-month-old goats following a single oral or intravenous tracer dose of 109 Cd. Whereas, more than 90% of the oral dose was excreted in the feces within five days after dosing, only 5.6% of the intravenous dose was excreted via feces during this time. Feces was the predominant route of excretion regardless of method of dosing. Following a peak level of endogenous excretion on the second day after intravenous dosing, there was a very sharp reduction ia rate of endogenous excretion so that 12 days after dosing endogenous excretion was only 7% of the peak. Fourteen days after intravenous dosing, highest concentrations were observed in the liver, kidney, and spleen, in descending order. In contrast, following oral dosing highest concentrations were found in the small intestine wall, kidney, and liver. A much higher level of 109 Cd was found in the liver, heart, and spleen of intravenously dosed animals relative to other tissues than in orally dosed ones. It is theorized that intravenously administered cadmium is transported in a different form from that absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and that this materially affects cadmium metabolism.
Geometrical Features of the Vascular System

Biomechanics relates the function of a physiological system to its structure. The objective of biomechanics is to deduce the function of a system from its geometry, material properties, and boundary conditions based on the balance laws of mechanics. Geometry clearly plays a major role in formulation of boundary value problems in biomechanics and is intimately related to function and physiology. Here, we shall provide an overview of the geometric features of the vascular system with special emphasis on the vascular system of the heart (coronary circulation).
Sorption in Proton-Exchange Membranes An Explanation of Schroeder’s Paradox

A physicochemical model is proposed to describe sorption in proton-exchange membranes (PEMs), which can predict the complete isotherm as well as provide a plausible explanation for the long-unresolved phenomenon termed Schroeder's paradox, namely, the difference between the amounts sorbed from a liquid solvent vs. from its saturated vapor. The solvent uptake is governed by the swelling pressure caused within the membrane as a result of stretching of the polymer chains upon solvent uptake, Π M , as well as a surface pressure, Π σ , due to the curved vapor-liquid interface of pore liquid. Further, the solvent molecules in the membrane are divided into those that are chemically, or strongly, bound to the acid sites, λ C i, and others that are free to physically equilibrate between the fluid and the membrane phases, λ F i. The model predicts the isotherm over the whole range of humidities satisfactorily and also provides a rational explanation for the Schroeder's paradox.
Polyamines regulate Rho-kinase and myosin phosphorylation during intestinal epithelial restitution.

Polyamines are required for the early phase of mucosal restitution that occurs as a consequence of epithelial cell migration. Our previous studies have shown that polyamines increase RhoA activity ...