cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Electronic Cigarette: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Electronic cigarettes (EC) are battery-powered nicotine delivery systems that have increased in popularity since they entered the US market. EC has been reported to contain less carcinogens than traditional cigarettes, cause less acute lung effects in healthy individuals, and may help with smoking cessation. It has also been viewed as a potential safer alternative for asthmatic smokers, but its effects on lung functions are unclear. However, EC do carry some harmful aspects as they contain formaldehyde and formaldehyde-forming hemiacetals as well as potentially toxic particulate matter that deposits on surfaces. EC are an increasingly popular device that could serve as a gateway into traditional cigarette smoking or illicit drugs. The popularity of EC has brought with it money from large tobacco corporations and mass marketing. Lack of regulation has generated product inconsistency and potential health hazards. This review highlights what is known and what still needs to be answered about EC.
Reef endemism, host specificity and temporal stability in populations of symbiotic dinoflagellates from two ecologically dominant Caribbean corals

Background The dinoflagellate genus Symbiodinium forms symbioses with numerous protistan and invertebrate metazoan hosts. However, few data on symbiont genetic structure are available, hindering predictions of how these populations and their host associations will fair in the face of global climate change.
Initial reactions and silicide formation of titanium on silicon studied by Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is used to study the initial reactions and silicide formation of evaporated and sputtered Ti on Si〈100〉 substrates. The annealings were performed in a vacuum rapid isothermal annealing system or in a UHV chamber. Raman spectra were obtained after various processing stages or in situ in the UHV system. The results indicate that Si interdiffusion precedes the formation of crystalline silicides. It is suggested that the Si is incorporated in the Ti film, possibly leading to a disordered intermixing and also agglomerates near grain boundaries. The formation of the initial phase is limited by nucleation, and the phase exhibits a Raman spectrum distinct from the final phase presumed to be TiSi2 which forms after annealing to greater than 700 °C.
Celiac-sprue Syndrome: Etiologic Considerations

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGTP), an intestinal mucosal enzyme, hydrolyzes γ glutamic carboxyl amide bonds. Subfractions of gluten were obtained by a modification of the hydrolytic scheme of Frazer. A high glutamic acid concentration characterizes gluten (38%) with enrichment of this amino acid in the residue following hydrolysis (68–72%). A γ-carboxyl peptide configuration appears in 2 of the subfractions. An in vitro assay syste utilizing the concept of enzyme inhibition showed the specific hydrolytic action of γGTP to be the γ-glutamic acid site in gluten and its subfractions. When γ-glutamyl beta naphtylamine served as substrate, with guinea pig intestinal mucosal scrapings supplying the enzyme, several of the subfractions acted as potential inhibitor compounds. Intestinal γGTP was determined in jejunal biopsies from 10 adult human subjects, 4 controls and 6 patients with small intestinal pathology including 4 with celiacsprue. Enzyme activity was found to be approximately half that of the normal in 2 sprue patients in clinical remission (normal fecal fat balance, normal morphological appearance of the jejunal biopsy and normal intestinal maltase activity). In the other 2 sprue patients the subjects were not in remission and the γGTP levels were even lower. These preliminary data suggest γGTP may be required to hydrolyze the γ glutamyl moieties in gluten and that a deficiency of this enzyme may result in the clinical entity of celiac-sprue. Whether there is a genetic-molecular basis for celiac-sprue, an acquired deficiency of enzyme, or both, will be answered when additional data become available.
PC/AT-based architecture for shared telerobotic control

A telerobotic control system must include teleoperational, shared, and autonomous modes of control in order to provide a robot platform for incorporating the rapid advances that are occurring in telerobotics and associated technologies. These modes along with the ability to modify the control algorithms are especially beneficial for telerobotic control systems used for research purposes. The paper describes an application of the PC/AT platform to the control system of a telerobotic test cell. The paper provides a discussion of the suitability of the PC/AT as a platform for a telerobotic control system. The discussion is based on the many factors affecting the choice of a computer platform for a real time control system. The factors include I/O capabilities, simplicity, popularity, computational performance, and communication with external systems. The paper also includes a description of the actuation, measurement, and sensor hardware of both the master manipulator and the slave robot. It also includes a description of the PC-Bus interface cards. These cards were developed by the researchers in the KAT Laboratory, specifically for interfacing to the master manipulator and slave robot. Finally, a few different versions of the low level telerobotic control software are presented. This software incorporates shared control by supervisory systems and the human operator and traded control between supervisory systems and the human operator.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Insomnia and its effective non-pharmacologic treatment.

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder characterized by nocturnal symptoms; difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep; and daytime symptoms, such as difficulty with concentration, memory, fatigue, decrease in pleasurable activities, and impairment in function and mood. Insomnia symptoms and insomnia disorder have been often used interchangeably in the literature. In 2004, sleep researchers proposed the term ‘‘insomnia disorder’’ defined as sleep difficulties associated with daytime impairment or distress about the difficulty sleeping. 1 Insomnia disorder also requires the presence of symptoms for at least 1 month and it is often classified by its duration: transient (<1 month); short term (between 1 to 6 months); and chronic insomnia (more than 6 months). Estimates of prevalence of insomnia disorders vary based on methodologies, with best estimates arising from epidemiologic studies. Such studies suggest that chronic insomnia is present in approximately 6% to 10% of persons in the United States 2,3 and between 5% and 12% in other countries. 4–6 There are two classification systems for the diagnosis of insomnia: the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), which is published by the American PsychiatricAssociation 7 andusedbymentalhealthprofessionals,suchaspsychologists and psychiatrists; andthe International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD), which is most commonly used by sleep specialists. 8 The two diagnostic classifications identify subtypes of insomnia. The current version of the DSM includes primary insomnia, insomnia related to another mental disorder, insomnia caused by a general medical condition, and substance-induced insomnia. The current ICSD system includes insomniathathas10subcategories:adjustmentinsomnia,psychophysiologicinsomnia, paradoxical insomnia, idiopathic insomnia, inadequate sleep hygiene, insomnia caused bymentaldisorder,insomniacausedbydrugorsubstance,insomniacausedbymedical
Performance and applications of a hypertemporal hyperspectral Fourier-transform infrared spectroradiometer

A fast-scanning, high-resolution FTIR spectroradiometer has been designed and built for use in remote sensing, stand-off detection, and spectral-temporal characterization of fast, energetic infrared events. The instrument design uses a Michelson-type interferometer with a rotary modulator which is capable of continuous measurement of infrared spectra at a rate of 1000 scans per second with 4 cm -1 resolution in the 2 - 25 micron spectral range. Sensitivity, spectral accuracy, and radiometric precision are discussed along with specific design parameters. This instrument can be used for passive sensing as a stand-alone sensor, or for active sensing as a receiver when used in conjunction with a highenergy excitation source such as a laser. Applications include muzzle flash signature measurement, ordnance detonation characterization, missile plume identification, and rocket motor combustion diagnostics.
Case report 495: Osteochondroma-like femoral lesions due to chronic professional stress in a Swiss cheese-maker.

Ce renforcement du contraste delimite mieux les tumeurs richement vascularisees, les tissus comprimes qui les entourent et les muscles atrophiques mais hypervascularises. Decouverte chez un homme de 78 ans traite pour cancer metastase de la prostate, d'exostoses du femur droit liees a des fractures de fatigue professionnelles consolidees
Intuitive modeling of right ventricular shape

A quantitative characterization of the shape of the right ventricle (RV) of the heart is needed for accurate modeling of the mechanics of the ventricle as well as for better measuring the volume of the ventricle from technologies such as 2D ultrasound, bi-planar ventriculography, and sonomicrometry. A technique was thus developed for modeling RV shape. First, a high-resolution MR image set was obtained of the freshly excised lamb heart under various passive pressurizations of both ventricles ranging from 5 to 30 cmH2O simulating end-diastole in the beating heart. Typically, 2-3 full images were obtained for each heart. Images were obtained with a multislice spin-echo T1-weighted sequence with the slice plane orientation early equal to the short-axis view of the heart. A 3D characterization of shape was obtained by first characterizing inter-slice changes in shape and orientation and then characterizing the shape of a single representative slice. The slice chosen to represent the RV was in the region directly below the tricuspid valve since it is both near to the apex-base center of the RV and has the greatest size. Intuitive deformations were applied to an initial circular arc anchored at the endpoints of the freewall and initially passing through a point near the center of the freewall contour, so as to best match the true freewall contour. These include a leaning of the circular arc parallel to the septal axis, a flattening perpendicular to the septal axis, a tucking-in or sharpening of the curvature near the junction with the septum, and a pinching- in at a point or points near its center towards the septum, all, in an attempt to account for the asymmetry and non- circularity deformed circular arc which effectively produces tow independent arcs. For all but one of the anterior and posterior arcs in 13 heart shapes, pinch-deformed arcs could be obtained whose average radial distance from the true RV chamber contour was less than 0.9 mm and averaged 0.5 mm for the anterior arc and 0.66 mm for the posterior arc. Worst- case deviation in parameters of the pinched-arc model of cross-sectional shape, and radii of curvature and the RV freewall-septum junction angle due to worst-case deviation in landmark location are 19 percent +/- 11 percent, 10 percent +/- 6 percent, 10 degrees +/- 4 degrees, and 12 degrees +/- 6 degrees. If landmark localization variability is minimized with a rigid translate offset scale model of the landmark region, average measurement error as determined in an adjacent slice comparison was 11 percent +/- 5 percent, -3 percent +/- 2 percent, 7 degrees +/- 2 degrees, and -7 degrees +/- 2 degrees.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Quality improvement and patient care checklists in intrahospital transfers involving pediatric surgery patients.

Abstract Background Intrahospital transfers are necessary but hazardous aspects of pediatric surgical care. Plan-Do-Study-Act processes identify risks during hospitalization and improve care systems and patient safety. Methods A multidisciplinary team developed a checklist that documented patient data and handoffs for all intrahospital transfers involving pediatric surgical inpatients. The checklist summarized major clinical events and provided concurrent summaries by 3-month quarters (Q) over 1 year. Results There were 903 intrahospital transfers involving 583 inpatients undergoing surgery. Total handoffs were documented in 436 (75% of 583), with greater than 1 handoff in 202 (46% of 436). Documented problems occurred in 31 transfers (3.4%), the most during Q1 (19/191; 9.9%). Incidence fell to 3.5% (9/260) in Q2, 0.4% (1/243) in Q3, and 1.0% (2/209) in Q4 ( P Conclusions Plan-Do-Study-Act review emphasizes ongoing process analysis by multidisciplinary teams. Checklists reinforce communication and provide feedback on whether system goals are being achieved.
Surface effects in crystal plasticity

Abstract This paper includes discussion of not only the phenomenology and current mechanistic understanding of manifestations of surface effects in crystal plasticity, but also the application of these phenomena to technology. At the outset, certain aspects of the surface chemistry and physics of various crystalline inorganic solids are examined in order to illustrate that the surfaces of such solids are likely to be structurally, chemically and electronically distinct from the bulk. This is followed by brief discussion of surface effects in uniaxial plastic deformation, the influence of surface films on mechanical properties, chemisorption-induced variations in the plasticity and fracture of metals and nonmetals, and surface effects in embrittlement phenomena. Throughout these discussions emphasis will be placed on areas of controversy and, likewise, an attempt will be made to invoke some of the principles of surface chemistry and physics in describing each topic. The remainder of the paper is intended to demonstrate that our understanding of surface effects in crystal plasticity, imperfect though it may be, has been applied by various investigators with remarkable success to such technological problems as metal cutting, the machining of ceramics, the rapid excavation of hard rock, improvement in the fatigue life of various alloys, and, potentially, even to the control of earthquakes!
New photoelectric observations and elements of the eclipsing W UMa-type system V839 Oph

The W UMa-type system V839 Oph was observed photoelectrically in two wavebands (B andV) during 1985 at the Kryonerion Astronomical Station of the National Observatory of Greece. The light curves of the system are analysed using the frequency-domain techniques and new geometric and photometric elements are given. The light variations of the system are also discussed.
A COMPARISON OF SIMULTANEOUS AND DELAYED REINFORCEMENT AS TREATMENTS FOR FOOD SELECTIVITY

Abstract This study compared the relative efficacy of providing simultaneous or delayed reinforcement on food acceptance during meals. The participant was a 7 year-old boy with pervasive developmental disorder and a history of food selectivity. Results indicated that both procedures were effective in increasing acceptance; however, the simultaneous reinforcement procedure produced more rapid behavior change and a higher overall percentage of food acceptance.
Neonatal Schizencephaly: Comparison of Brain Imaging

Schizencephaly is a regional disturbance of cerebral hemisphere formation occurring at 3-5 months gestation; neonatal presentation is uncommon. Three neonates with schizencephaly were evaluated with cranial ultrasonography (US), unenhanced computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Common findings in US, CT, and MRI include parasylvian and midline clefts, size asymmetries of the basal ganglia and thalamus, cerebral parenchymal volume loss, ventriculomegaly, ventricular diverticula, and absence of the septum pellucidum. MRI and CT were superior to US in detecting calcification, gyral and sulcal abnormalities, and parasylvian clefts. MRI alone demonstrated homolateral absence of the sylvian vasculature, small medullary pyramids, low position of the fornix, and the thinning of the corpus callosum. Although US appears adequate as a screening test, MRI best defines the precise pathoanatomic findings of neonatal schizencephaly and allows for the prediction of neurologic outcomes in affected newborns.
A Note on Behavioural Contrast and Frustration

The suggestion has been made that positive contrast, the increase in response rate in one successively-presented stimulus following a change in conditions that decreases responding in the other, may not depend on differential stimulus control. Evidence is reviewed suggesting that contrast effects on most multiple interval schedules do depend upon discrimination, but that effects similar to contrast that result from the omission of reinforcement on fixed-interval schedules (the frustration/omission effect) reflect other factors. The link between contrast and the omission effect is the discrimination mechanism which allows animals to respond only at times or places correlated with food delivery. Contrast is a direct result of this mechanism; but the omission effect depends on the difference between the inhibitory discriminative after-effects acquired by food on fixed-interval schedules, and those acquired by a “neutral” stimulus presented in its place.
Student Acceptance of University Web Portals: A Quantitative Study

A large number of university web portal's content and design do not meet today's students' expectations and requirements. To address students' expectations, universities spend millions on the redesign and maintenance of their web portals which students say are inadequate and lack basic services. To this end, this study explored the factors that influence students' acceptance of university web portals. It proposed an extension of Davis's 1989 Technology Acceptance Model TAM by adding three user related external constructs in it. A total of 429 usable responses were collected from university students through a web survey. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results of the study revealed that website quality, perceived self-efficacy, and facilitating conditions were significant in explaining students' use of university web portals and therefore, indicated that the extended TAM has sufficient explanatory power to explain students' usage of university web portals. In conclusion, important theoretical and practical implications of the results are presented for both researchers and practitioners.
In situ monitoring and control of multicomponent gas-phase streams for growth of GaN via MOCVD

Abstract A monitoring method based on ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy (UVAS) coupled with a multivariate analysis technique was developed to measure the partial pressure of several metalorganic reactant species and the hydride commonly used for III–V nitride growth. Trimethylaluminum, triethylgallium, dimethylethylamine alane and ammonia are all shown to absorb strongly in the UV with highly overlapping spectra. It was found that a single absorption spectrum can be decomposed to obtain accurate predictions of pure component partial pressures in a multicomponent stream. This method was used to monitor and control the gas-phase concentrations for the multicomponent mixture of triethylgallium and ammonia diluted in nitrogen, which is used to grow GaN thin films via MOCVD. There was a 5% average error for the predicted partial pressure of TEGa in the range 245–700 mTorr and a 2% average error for the predicted partial pressure of NH 3 in the range 15–35 Torr. A detection limit of 10 mTorr and 1 Torr were measured for TEGa and NH 3 , respectively. For simple feedback control and using this method as a measurement device, settling times of 1 min for TEGa and 30 s for NH 3 to reach within 2% of the desired partial pressure have been obtained. Control tests included both setpoint tracking and gas-phase disturbance rejection. These settling times were found to be no greater than 1 40 of the total growth time for a commonly grown GaN thin film.
Inhibition of AMV DNA polymerase by polyriboadenylic acid containing ε-adenosine residues

Summary Polyriboadenylic acid was treated with chloroacetaldehyde under conditions known to introduce e-adenosine groups. The degree of modification was monitored by increase in fluorescence intensity. Modified e-poly rA was found to be inhibitory when unprimed 70S AMV RNA was used as a substrate, suggesting direct competition with the poly rA tract of the RNA. Since e-poly rA cannot effectively base pair with nucleic acids normally involved in cellular processes, it has the potential of being useful as an inhibitor of oncogenic viral polymerases.
Phase equilibria in the H2/CO2 system at temperatures from 220 to 290 K and pressures to 172 MPa

Phase equilibria in the system H2/CO2 have been studied experimentally using a vapor-recirculating apparatus. Measurements of vapor and liquid phase compositions were made for ten temperatures ranging from 220 to 290 K and pressures to 172 MPa. The mixture critical line and the pressure-temperature trace of the three-phase region solid-liquid-vapor have been located. The three-phase region and the critical line intersect at T ⋍ 234.8 K and P ⋍ 198 MPa to form an upper critical end point. Experimental results have been compared with previous studies and with predictions of three equations of state, Peng-Robinson, Redlich-Kwong and Deiters. Expressions have been derived for temperature dependent critical parameters that account for quantum effects in H2, in calculations for H2/X systems using the Peng-Robinson equation.
Progress in the Neural Sciences in the Century after Cajal (and the Mysteries That Remain)

One hundred years after Santiago Ramon y Cajal provided critical evidence for the "neuron doctrine," his cellular view of the brain remains the basis of modern neural science. This article begins with a review of how the early work of Ramon y Cajal, Charles Sherrington, and John Eccles and their contemporaries laid the groundwork for our current understanding of he information processing of neural systems and for understanding the task faced by studies of how the brain develops. The visual system is examined in some detail as a model for experimental investigation into the structure, operational mechanisms, and functions of large neural systems. Discussion of the phenomena of visual awareness and consciousness, links between the visual system and other brain systems, and disorders that disrupt voluntary control of cognition and emotion lead to a broader consideration of the problem of consciousness.
Urban growth and ethnic change in the Ukrainian SSR, 1923–1933

(1989). Urban growth and ethnic change in the Ukrainian SSR, 1923–1933. Soviet Studies: Vol. 41, No. 4, pp. 574-591.
Sickle hemoglobin is more fusogenic than normal hemoglobin at physiological pH and ionic strength conditions

We used electron microscopy, quasi-elastic light scattering and static light scattering to show that human hemoglobin (Hb) interacts with bovine brain phosphatidylserine lipid vesicles and promotes vesicle fusion in an isotonic buffer at pH 7.4. The fusogenic properties of Hb were observed in both small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) and large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). A simple turbidity measurement method was used to follow increases in vesicle size (scattering diameter) as a function of time. For the first 3 h, upon incubation with oxygenated Hb, the scattering diameters of vesicles increased at a rate of 7.8 nm/h for LUVs. Continuous incubation with Hb led to complicated vesicle fusion, probably due to the oxidation products of Hb and lipid molecules. In the absence of both Hb and lipid oxidation, using Hb liganded with carbon monoxide, we obtained, for the entire 20 h incubation period, a fusion rate of 2.9 nm/h for LUVs. We also studied interactions between sickle Hb and vesicles under the same conditions and found that the vesicle fusion rates for sickle Hb were about 2 times faster than those for normal Hb. These results showed that sickle Hb exhibited more extensive interactions with lipid bilayer than normal Hb at physiological pH and ionic strength conditions, and provide insights toward understanding the molecular mechanisms in sickle cell abnormalities.
Oral treatment of pernicious anemia with swine duodenal mucosa and vitamin B12.

ConclusionsThe oral administration of an extract of swine duodenal mucosa and subminimal doses of vitamin B12 to patients with pernicious anemia in relapse is followed by a suboptimal reticulocyte response and satisfactory hematologic and clinical improvement.
Invisible Now: Bob Dylan in the 1960s

In Invisible Now, John Hughes presents a detailed reading of Bob Dylan’s music and lyrics during the 1960s when the singer was proclaimed as the voice of his generation. In seeking to understand Dy...
Evolution and trends of EMI receiver

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) between electrical and electronic devices is an ever growing discipline. As a result, Radio Noise Meter or EMI Receiver is an indispensable apparatus in quantifying the magnitude of radio interference (disturbance) emitted from these devices. They are also used to determine product compliance to national and international EMC standards. This paper takes a look at the development and evolution of EMI Receiver since the early days of radio interference. This paper also discusses technological development factors and trends for the future of EMI Receivers.
Formation of a ternary complex of phenyllactyl-tRNA with transfer factor Tu and GTP.

Abstract Phenyllactyl-tRNA, prepared by deamination of phenylalanyl-tRNA, reacts with Tu-GTP to form a phenyllactyl-tRNA-Tu-GTP complex. Phenyllactyl-tRNA also binds to ribosomes in a T factor and poly(U)-dependent system.
Quantitative small molecule NOESY. A practical guide for derivation of cross‐relaxation rates and internuclear distances

The pure absorption 2D NOE experiment can provide small molecule cross-relaxation rate data suitable for quantitative conformational analysis even when the data are collected in a time-saving manner using preparatory delays (PD) far short of the recommended values of 3–5 times T1. In our experience, the relative NOE intensities and cross-relaxation rates are most readily extracted from cross-relaxation spectra which are sums of adjacent rows (or columns) of the 2D data matrix. Intensity anomalies associated with t1 streaks can be removed by plotting cross-relaxation difference spectra. PD truncation produces significant deviations from diagonal symmetry which must be accounted for in the data analysis. The influence of PD truncation on apparent auto-peak decay rates and cross-/auto-peak intensity ratios is examined in both real and simulated spectra in order to develop appropriate quantitation strategies. These strategies, when applied to NOESY data for aqueous prostaglandin (PG) F2 α and a PG analog in organic media, yield cross-relaxation rates that are within experimental error of those calculated from structural models or determined by more time-consuming 1D NOE methods.
"Ad you like it": advertisement sourcing and selection technique across multiple heterogeneous applications

Sourcing and selection of online advertisement is done with the objective of streaming advertisements that match user's interests and internet surfing habits. Choosing relevant advertisements that bring user's focus and attention have higher click rate. Innovative concepts, such as crawling recently surfed web pages (or websites), user's (or web portal server) geographical location, user's profile, age, gender, and surfing habits., have been used to identify most relevant advertisements. However, selecting and streaming an advertisement that exactly matches user's interest continues to be a challe. This paper proposes and shares an innovative technique that significantly helps in mapping user's interest quotient to streamed advertisements. This technique respects the individuality of a user and is able to differentiate between users. The proposed solution is implemented by enabling communication channels across multiple heterogeneous user-initiated applications. Applications that do not directly communicate with advertisement data sources, leverage other application running on the same user's account and submit their own metadata to the applications attached to advertisement data sources. The proposed paper helps in substituting publisher's assumptions of a user's interest with real-time user's objects of interest.
Models and processes of multisensory cue combination

Fundamental to our perception of a unified and stable environment is the capacity to combine information across the senses. Although this process appears seamless as an adult, the brain's ability to successfully perform multisensory cue combination takes years to develop and relies on a number of complex processes including cue integration, cue calibration, causal inference, and reference frame transformations. Further complexities exist because multisensory cue combination is implemented across time by populations of noisy neurons. In this review, we discuss recent behavioral studies exploring how the brain combines information from different sensory systems, neurophysiological studies relating behavior to neuronal activity, and a theory of neural sensory encoding that can account for many of these experimental findings.
Reactive Oxygen Species Are Downstream Products of TRAF-mediated Signal Transduction

Members of the TNFR (tumor necrosis factor receptor) superfamily are involved in regulating activation and differentiation of cells as well as cell survival and programmed cell death/apoptosis. Multimerization of TNFRs can lead to recruitment of TRAFs (TNFR-associated factors) by the receptors resulting in activation of kinases and transcription factors, such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Signal transduction triggered by TNF-α also induces an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS have been suggested to play a role in NF-κB activation, which is thought to promote cell survival. However, oxidation of proteins and lipids by ROS can also result in apoptosis. The processes generating intracellular ROS and the mechanism(s) regulating the cellular redox status have not been fully elucidated. We investigated whether TRAFs play a role in controlling intracellular ROS levels. Our results indicate that recruitment of TRAFs to the plasma membrane of human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells is crucial for activation of signaling pathways, which regulate ROS production in mitochondria. TRAF-mediated changes in ROS levels enhanced NF-κB activation but were not dependent on NF-κB-inducing kinase. Consistent with its anti-apoptotic function, Bcl-xL interfered with TRAF-mediated ROS generation but not NF-κB activation. Taken together, our results suggest a novel role of TRAFs in signal transduction pathways triggered by TNFR-related proteins, which balance cell survival and apoptosis by regulating the electron transport in mitochondria.
The effect of ethylene on the development of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in potato tuber disks

Summary PAL activity in potato tuber disks was markedly increased during the course of incubation. The amounts of ethylene from the disks were very low. Removal of ethylene from the disks slightly stimulated the increase in PAL activity while the addition of ethylene suppressed it. These results are in contrast with other system in which the development of PAL was greatly stimulated by ethylene.
Extracting information from resolution proof trees

Procedures for generating proofs within a logical inference system can be applied to many information-retrieval and automatic problem-solving tasks. These applications require additional procedures for extracting information from the proofs when they are found. We present an extraction procedure for proofs generated by the resolution principle. The procedure uses a given proof to find solutions for existential quantifiers in the statement proved in terms of known quantities in the initial data. This procedure relies heavily on basic subfunctions in the resolution program, so that it requires relatively little additional programming. The correctness of the procedure is proved, and examples are given to illustrate how it operates and to show that it cannot be simplified at certain points without loss of generality.
Lebesgue measure of the range of additive Lévy processes

We prove a theorem on the Lebesgue measure of the range of additive Levy Processes and then use this theorem to remove Condition (1.3) of Theorem 1.5 of Khoshnevisan et al. (Ann Probab 31:1097–1141, 2003).
Mechanisms of Treg Suppression: Still a Long Way to Go

How do natural, thymus-derived Tregs work? This question has preoccupied and perplexed T cell biologists for nearly two decades (Tang and Bluestone, 2008; Vignali et al., 2008; Workman et al., 2009). As with all important questions, there are some issues where there is a general consensus and others where there is still considerable disagreement. I would venture that most would agree with the following four basic tenets related to Treg function.
Process-Guided Multicriteria Analysis in Wastewater Planning

One of the key challenges for municipalities provided by Agenda 21 is the management of water resources. A central aim of the Agenda is for municipalities to take increased responsibility for the planning of wastewater handling. This implies finding proper decisionmaking methods with which to assess and handle conflicts of interest due to the multiple criteria and multiple users. The author describes the development of a process-guided multicriteria analysis (MCA) method and discusses its use as a decisionmaking tool for wastewater planning in a Norwegian municipality. A number of alternatives and criteria considered to be relevant in the evaluation of wastewater planning were developed in a dialogue between a decisionmaker, an expert, and the author. Various techniques for the aggregation of alternatives, criteria, decisions, and actors preferences with different claims to comparability and commensurability were used. The decision actors found it easier to rank then to weigh criteria. The use of process-guided MCA in decisionmaking provides a structured way of articulating alternatives and preferences and a transparent way of showing the success and the robustness of the alternatives. The preferences were articulated after the calculation of scores, implying that the decisions were less generalisable but better informed than those achieved through prior articulation. By integrating the decision actors in the decisionmaking process, uncertainties about the relevant preferences and alternatives may have been reduced—thereby increasing the robustness of the results.
Leachability of lead from lead tailings

Laboratory column studies were used to predict the effect on the leachability of lead when using fly ash or a fly ash/sludge mixture as a cover for a lead tailings site. A high pH fly ash cover produced a leachate with a pH 12. This was sufficiently high to allow for the formation of lead hydroxide complexes which are slightly soluble. Therefore, the leachate had an average lead concentration of about 5 mg L-1, while the pH in the leachate from the column with only tailings was 7.8 and a lead concentration below the detection limit (≤0.1 mg L-1). The fly ash cover changed the availability of the remaining lead, making it less available. Rainfall rate did not affect the fly ash cover, but did have an effect on the fly ash/sludge cover.
Analysis of the Vehicle Brake Judder Problem by Employing a Simplified Source—Path—Receiver Model:

An analytical formulation of the brake judder problem caused by disc thickness variation is described by using a simplified source—path—receiver model. Eigenvalue analysis is first conducted to determine the transfer mechanism from the brake source to the steering-wheel receiver. Calculations show that the peak vibration levels of the steering wheel are seen when the rotational frequency of the tyre coincides with the resonant frequency of the transfer path; in this case, only the first-order disc thickness variation is considered. The effects of two key parameters, associated with the source and the path respectively, are analytically and computationally studied. Analysis suggests that the lower pad stiffness and/or the higher bushing stiffness should effectively reduce the vibration levels. Finally, a new vibration control concept is proposed that modulates the actuation pressure; it is based on an approximate solution for the angular displacement of the disc in the model developed here. Preliminary wor...
Sorption Capacity of Ferromagnetic Microparticles Coated with CMPO

Abstract Magnetically assisted chemical separation (MACS) was developed at Argonne National Laboratory as a compact process for reducing the volume of high-level aqueous waste streams that exist at many U.S. Department of Energy sites. In the MACS process, ferromagnetic particles coated with solvent extractants are used to selectively separate transuranic nuclides and heavy metals from aqueous wastes. The contaminant-loaded particles are recovered from the waste stream by using a magnet. For the recovery of transuranic species the extractant used is octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) dissolved in tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP). To better understand the extraction chemistry of this solvent/particle system, europium was used to monitor the sorption capacity of the MACS particles for lanthanides and actinides. Europium concentrations varying from 10−7 M to 10−1 M were prepared with 3M NaNO3 in 0.1M HNO3. Neutron activation analysis was used to measure the concentration of europium...
Static random-access memory based on self-aligned-gate (Al,Ga)As/n+-GaAs superlattice modulation-doped FETs

A 64 bit, fully decoded static random-access memory (SRAM) has been fabricated utilising self-aligned-gate (Al,Ga)As/n+-GaAs superlattice modulation-doped FETs (MODFETs) for the first time. Read access times of 1.1 ns at 270 μW/bit and minimum write-enable pulse widths less than 2 ns were demonstrated at room temperature. Typical room-temperature extrinsic transconductances and output conductances of 240 mS/mm and 7 mS/mm, respectively, were observed for the superlattice MODFET devices.
Gonadoblastoma: ultrastructural evidence for testicular origin.

A gonadoblastoma arising in the dysgenetic gonad of a virilized 17-year-old Caucasian with a female phenotype and with a 45,X0/46, X-ring-Y genotype was studied by light microscopic histochemistry, electron microscopy, and ultrastructural histochemistry. The gonadoblastoma was composed of nests of cells containg large germ cells and small "granulosa-Sertoli-like cells," and stromal tissue containing "Leydig-like cells." The germ cells were identical to those found in normal fetal gonads and in germ cell tumors. Charcot-Bottcher crystalloids present in the "granulosa-Sertoli-like cells" strongly suggest that they are, in fact, Sertoli cells. Multilayered basal laminae located in the periphery of the tumor nests and in "hyaline bodies" were identical to those surrounding the seminiferous tubules of the adult testis. The "Leydig-like cells" present in the stroma contained occasional dense bodies and crystalloids which characterize the Leydig cells of the fetal testis. Delta 5-3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was demonstrated in the periphery of lipid droplets and lysosome-like dense bodies of the Leydig cells, and in some Sertoli cells. The findings support the theory that gonadoblastoma arises in a dysgenetic testis rather than in a dysgenetic ovary.
An Absorbing Markov Chain approach to understanding the microbial role in soil carbon stabilization

The number of studies focused on the transformation and sequestration of soil organic carbon (C) has dramatically increased in recent years due to growing interest in understanding the global C cycle. While it is readily accepted that terrestrial C dynamics are heavily influenced by the catabolic and anabolic activities of microorganisms, the incorporation of microbial biomass components into stable soil C pools (via microbial living cells and necromass) has received less attention. Nevertheless, microbial-derived C inputs to soils are now increasingly recognized as playing a far greater role in stabilization of soil organic matter than previously believed. Our understanding, however, is limited by the difficulties associated with studying microbial turnover in soils. Here, we describe the use of an Absorbing Markov Chain (AMC) to model the dynamics of soil C transformations among three microbial states: living microbial biomass, microbial necromass, and C removed from living and dead microbial sources. We find that AMC provides a powerful quantitative approach that allows prediction of how C will be distributed among these three states, and how long it will take for the entire amount of initial C to pass through the biomass and necromass pools and be moved into atmosphere. Further, assuming constant C inputs to the model, we can predict how C is eventually distributed, along with how much C sequestrated in soil is microbial-derived. Our work represents a first step in attempting to quantify the flow of C through microbial pathways, and has the potential to increase our understanding of the microbial role in soil C dynamics.
Albumins as a model system for investigating separations of closely related proteins on DNA stationary phases in capillary electrochromatography

G-quartet DNA stationary phases prepared by covalent attachment of the oligonucleotides to capillary surfaces were investigated for separations of albumins of different species in open tubular capillary electrochromatography (OTCEC). Albumins were chosen as a model system of proteins that do not exhibit strong, specific binding to G-quartet DNA, in order to determine if weak interactions with the stationary phases would be useful for separation of proteins that are highly similar in structure, function, and sequence. Results were compared with results obtained using capillary zone electrophoresis with a bare capillary and OTCEC results obtained using a scrambled sequence oligonucleotide that does not form a G-quartet structure. The comparison indicates advantages associated with the G-quartet phases for protein separations.
Numerical study on steady-state cracking of composites

This article presents a numerical study on the steady-state cracking in brittle matrix composites. While steady-state cracking underlies the phenomenon of multiple cracking, an important mechanism to achieve tensile ductility in such materials, it is difficult to capture experimentally. This paper provides a numerical approach to simulate steady-state cracking behavior in reinforced brittle matrix composites. From computational results, the previously derived analytic condition of steady-state cracking is confirmed and steady-state crack propagation can be digitally visualized.
An augmented approach to the desirability function

The desirability function is widely used in the engineering field to tackle the problem of optimizing multiple responses simultaneously. This approach does not account for the variability in the predicted responses and minimizing this variability to have narrower prediction intervals is desirable. We propose to add this capability in the desirability function and also incorporate the relative importance of optimizing the multiple responses and minimizing the variances of the predicted responses at the same time. We show that the benefits of our augmented approach using two real data sets by comparing our solutions with those obtained from the desirability approach. In particular, it is shown that our approach offers greater flexibility and the solutions can reduce the variances of all the predicted responses resulting in narrower prediction intervals.
Spectroscopic characterization of bionanoparticles originating from newly developed self-forming synthetic PEGylated lipids (QuSomes)

In this work, we have aimed to merge the advantages of nanotechnology and biophotonics in conjunction with vibrational spectroscopic techniques in order to understand the various aspects of new kinds of synthetic bionanoparticles originating from self-forming synthetic biopolymers known as polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated lipids. In particular, two complementary molecular spectroscopic techniques based on thin-layered Fourier transform infrared and confocal laser tweezers. Raman spectroscopy has been employed for the investigations of newly developed artificial PEGylated lipids trademarked as QuSomes. These novel types of synthetic lipids are composed of 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycerol-3-dodecaethylene glycol (GDM-12), 1,2-dioleoyl-rac-glycerol-3-dodecaethylene glycol (GDO-12), and 1,2-distearoyl-rac-glycerol-3-triicosaethylene glycol (GDS-23). The lipid labeled GDM-12 has saturated 14 acyl chains whereas GDO-12 is characterized by monounsaturated 18 acyl chains, and GDS-23 is composed of saturated 18 acyl chains in their hydrophobic chain. Similarly, GDM-12 and GDO-12 contain 12 units, and GDS-23 contains 23 units of hydrophilic PEG head groups. In contrast to conventional phospholipids, this novel kind of lipid can form liposomes spontaneously upon hydration, without the input of external activation energy. In addition, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy has been utilized to measure the size distribution of such nanoparticles in suspension as well as scanning electron microscopy has been applied for the imaging purposes. Although such PEGylated lipids show a common spectral pattern, important differences in the spectra have been observed, enabling us to distinguish these different lipids on the basis of characteristic features calculated from the spectroscopic band component analysis. Finally, in this study, detailed spectroscopic results due to the vibrational band assignments and band component analysis corresponding to various functional groups for individual nanoparticles have been analyzed and discussed.
The ability of multimerized cyclophilin A to restrict retrovirus infection

In owl monkeys, the typical retroviral restriction factor of primates, TRIM5α, is replaced by TRIMCyp. TRIMCyp consists of the TRIM5 RING, B-box 2 and coiled-coil domains, as well as the intervening linker regions, fused with cyclophilin A. TRIMCyp restricts infection of retroviruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), with capsids that can bind cyclophilin A. The TRIM5 coiled coil promotes the trimerization of TRIMCyp. Here we show that cyclophilin A that is oligomeric as a result of fusion with a heterologous multimer exhibits substantial antiretroviral activity. The addition of the TRIM5 RING, B-box 2 and Linker 2 to oligomeric cyclophilin A generated a protein with antiretroviral activity approaching that of wild-type TRIMCyp. Multimerization increased the binding of cyclophilin A to the HIV-1 capsid, promoting accelerated uncoating of the capsid and restriction of infection.
Solvothermal synthesis of carbon nanotube-B2O3 nanocomposite using tributyl borate as boron oxide source

Abstract Single-walled carbon nanotube-B2O3 nanocomposite has been prepared using solvothermal technique. Tributyl borate was explored as the boron oxide reagent using toluene and water as the solvent, respectively. Characterization of the reaction products using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the formation of the CNT-B2O3 nanocomposite. The solvothermal approach may serve as a facile strategy for synthesis of nanocomposites of metal oxides and carbon nanotubes especially when metal alkoxides is utilized as precursor for the metal oxides.