cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anomalous structural changes and elastic properties of Bismuth oxide superconductors

Abstract Ultrasonic measurement revealed that there are anomalous structural changes near 200 K in single 2212 or 2223 phase samples of Bi(Pb) Sr Ca Cu O. Detailed study showed such anomalous changes are isothermal-like processes and have a characteristics of second order phase transition,accompanying with increase in lattice constants. The elastic properties of these ceramics and related systems are also discussed.
Global Trends in Woodpecker Cavity Entrance Orientation: Latitudinal and Continental Effects Suggest Regional Climate Influence

Abstract. Animal constructions represent an extension of the individual phenotype upon which selection may act to create discernable population level patterns. Here we explore global patterns in woodpecker cavity entrance orientation to infer underlying selective forces that shape cavity construction. We performed a comprehensive systematic meta-analysis of woodpecker cavity entrance orientation from 80 populations of 23 species of woodpeckers and other picids throughout the Northern Hemisphere. We show that woodpecker cavity entrance orientation is typically nonrandom, suggesting that selection acts on cavity entrance orientation. The proportion of studies in which significant results were found increased significantly with sample size, and we estimated that more than half of the studies with a sample size of at least 100 showed non-random cavity entrance orientation. Populations occurring at higher latitudes preferred a more southerly orientation, indicating that temperature or something related thereto...
Temperature dependence of surface crystallization in bimorphic PET fibers

Open-bath, organic liquid treatments may be used to produce high surface area PET fibers through the action of liquid solvent-induced crystallization (SINC). It has been found that as the treatment bath temperature is increased, surface modification suddenly disappears. For a particular treatment method this occurs at a reproducible temperature, well below the liquid boiling point. A qualitative understanding of the mechanism of surface cavitation during liquid SINC is developed based on current descriptions of the component processes involved. These processes are: the glass–rubber transition, diffusion through rubbery and glassy polymer, and polymer–diluent crystallization. Although calculations of the threshold concentration for swelling support this conceptual framework, the absence of surface cavitation at higher treatment bath temperatures is not explained by it and is therefore attributed to an intervening phenomenon. Analysis of penetration depth data together with surface microscopy suggest the formation of a smooth surface layer interfering with normally observed cavitation at elevated temperatures. Manipulation of the extent of vapor precontact shows that vapor SINC prior to liquid exposure is most likely responsible for the smooth layer.
Energy density, nutrient adequacy, and cost per serving can provide insight into food choices in the lower Mississippi Delta.

Abstract Objective To compare differences across food groups for food cost, energy, and nutrient profiles of 100 items from a cross-sectional survey of 225 stores in 18 counties across the Lower Mississippi Delta of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Methods Energy, nutrient, and cost profiles for food items were calculated by using Naturally Nutrient Rich methodology and converting price per 100 g edible portion to price per serving. Foods were grouped into 6 food groups. Mean differences were compared with ANOVA. Results Significant differences existed by food group for each measure. Energy density was highest for fats/oils/sweets, whereas nutrient density was highest for vegetables. Price per serving was lowest for fats/oils/sweets and highest for meats. Conclusions and Implications Educational messages focusing on a complete diet should consider the role of food costs and provide specific recommendations for increasing nutrient-dense foods by replacing a portion of the meat serving at meals with culturally acceptable lower-cost nutrient-dense foods.
Triaxial moisture-controlled creep tests of hardened cement paste at high temperature

Creep tests of sealed specimens as well as unsealed specimens exposed to either pressurized water or air have been conducted at various constant temperatures from 100 to 300°C and durations up to 24 hours. Apart from the need to study multiaxial deformations, the triaxial loading is required to prevent moisture escape from the sealed specimen. The specimens are sufficiently small to achieve uniform temperature and moisture content in less than 3 minutes. Overcoming various difficulties, a triaxial testing device was built. Specimens heated at the time of loading and before loading were tested. Some new and unexpected results are found: (a) unsealed specimens exposed to pressurized hot water creep much less than sealed specimens and the difference in creep rate becomes greater after a few hours; (b) deviatoric creep of sealed specimens is at high temperatures much larger than the volumetric creep; (c) at 100°C, unsealed specimens loaded at the time of heating creep much more than sealed specimens, but at 200°C the situation is reversed; (d) the shrinkage and the additional creep due to drying exhibit great delay after drying. Furthermore, with a several hour increase of the period of preheating before loading, creep is substantially reduced, and the axial creep appears to depend nearly linearly on the axial stress superimposed on a hydrostatic pressure. The results appear to have some new implications for the accident analysis of reactor vessels as well as fire resistance.
Vaccine-preventable pediatric postmeningitic sensorineural hearing loss in southern India.

Abstract Objective The study goal was to assess vaccine-preventable pediatric postmeningitic sensorineural hearing loss in southern India. Study design and setting We conducted a prospective pilot study from January through March 2001 in a tertiary pediatric hospital in southern India. Results Sixty-five patients were studied. Thirty-five (54%) patients had positive cerebrospinal fluid cultures, with the most common organisms being Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae . An additional 10 (15%) patients were diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis. Of 28 patients who could comply with audiometric evaluations, 8 (28%) had sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusions The etiologic organisms of bacterial meningitis in this study population are similar to those organisms in the developed world, with the minority exception of tuberculous meningitis. Further, a similar prevalence of postmeningitic sensorineural hearing loss occurred. Significance An effective vaccination program against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type b should reduce the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss due to bacterial meningitis in developing countries with similar bacterial profiles.
A Spatially Augmented Reality Sketching Interface for Architectural Daylighting Design

We present an application of interactive global illumination and spatially augmented reality to architectural daylight modeling that allows designers to explore alternative designs and new technologies for improving the sustainability of their buildings. Images of a model in the real world, captured by a camera above the scene, are processed to construct a virtual 3D model. To achieve interactive rendering rates, we use a hybrid rendering technique, leveraging radiosity to simulate the interreflectance between diffuse patches and shadow volumes to generate per-pixel direct illumination. The rendered images are then projected on the real model by four calibrated projectors to help users study the daylighting illumination. The virtual heliodon is a physical design environment in which multiple designers, a designer and a client, or a teacher and students can gather to experience animated visualizations of the natural illumination within a proposed design by controlling the time of day, season, and climate. Furthermore, participants may interactively redesign the geometry and materials of the space by manipulating physical design elements and see the updated lighting simulation.
Metamagnetic transitions in an Ising antiferromagnet

Abstract An Ising antiferromagnet of arbitrary spin is examined in the molecular field approximation. It is found that the field induced transition can be of four different types: second order, first order, a first order followed by a second order and two successive first order, depending on the temperature and the ratio of the nn to nnn exchange interactions. Landau's theory of second order phase transition in conjunction with a detailed examination of the behavior of the free energy is employed to map the regions of the different types of transition.
Snow scavenging of polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Minnesota

Snow and rain events were collected with concurrent air samples during the winter of 1991−1992 at a suburban site in Minnesota to investigate atmospheric scavenging of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Particle scavenging was the dominant contributor to the total concentrations in snow and was less important in rain. Gas scavenging was only important for low molecular weight PCB congeners and PAHs. Enrichment of dissolved-phase concentrations over levels predicted from temperature-corrected Henry's Law constants was observed for low molecular weight compounds in both rain and snow. The particulate fraction (φ) of atmospheric PCBs and PAHs was the best indicator of total scavenging (WT) by snow according to the equations log WT = 0.71 (±0.08) log φ + 5.34 (±0.08) for PCB congeners (r = 0.62) and log WT = 0.89 (±0.12) log φ + 6.07 (±0.13) for PAHs (r = 0.73).
The redox behavior of the tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone-tetrachlorohydroquinone system in molten aluminum chloride-sodium chloride solvents

Abstract Tetrachloro- p -benzoquinone (chloranil) is chemically stable in the 50/50 mole % AlCl 3 −NaCl melt at 175°C and reduced in an overall two electron process to the complexed dianion. Rotating disc electrode (RDE) and normal pulse voltammetric measurements of chloranil as a function of the acidity of the melt suggest an e.c.e.c. mechanism with initial formation of a semiquinone. The semiquinone undergoes reaction with the acid moiety (Al 2 Cl 7 − ) of the melt ( k =5.5×10 5 M −1 s −1 ), or reduction directly to the dianion at more negative potentials. The monocomplexed chloranil semiquinone is reducible to the dianion at potentials consistent with the reduction of chloranil to the semiquinone. Further complexation of the monocomplexed dianion with Al 2 Cl 7 − completes the sequence of reactions. Cyclic voltammetry and constant potential coulometry confirm the complete chemical reversibility of the chloranil-tetrachlorohydroquinone dianion redox couple. Electrochemical data, which includes cyclic voltammetry, normal pulse voltammetry and RDE voltammetry indicate that the complexed tetrachlorohydroquinone dianion is oxidized via a single wave in two closely spaced one electron processes with rapid intermediate chemical reactions to tetrachloro- p -benzoquinone. Although the oxidation potential is pCl − dependent, the overall process remians mass-transport controlled at both acidic and basic pCl − in the 50/50 mole % tetrachloroaluminate melt in the time window of 10 ms to 1 s and at rotation rates (RDE) of 10 to 1000 radians s −1 .
LC Determination of a Novel Synthetic Thiazolidinedione (BP-1107) in Rat Plasma and Its Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study

A simple, rapid, sensitive and reliable liquid chromatographic method for the quantification of BP-1107 in rat plasma has been established. Plasma samples were prepared by extraction with tert-butyl methyl ether, and troglitazone was used as an internal standard. The analytical separation was performed on a C18 column using acetonitrile–0.3% phosphoric acid in water (pH 4.00 adjusted with triethylamine) (75:25, v/v) as a mobile phase. A detailed validation of the method was performed as per USFDA guidelines. For BP-1107 at the concentrations of 2.42, 16.11 and 32.22 μg mL−1 in rat plasma, the extraction recoveries were 114.14 ± 9.75, 95.37 ± 12.06 and 90.00 ± 6.46%, respectively. The mean recovery for internal standard was 91.96 ± 2.51%. The lower limit of quantitation of BP-1107 was 16 ng. The linear quantification range of the method was 0.81–53.70 μg mL−1 in rat plasma with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.999. The intra-day and inter-day accuracy for BP-1107 at 2.42, 16.11 and 32.22 μg mL−1 levels in rat plasma fell between 97.10–110.02 and 97.52–108.04%. The intra-day and inter-day precision were in the ranges of 1.91–5.63 and 4.43–6.28%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of BP-1107 in rats after an intravenous administration.
Type I insulin-like growth factor receptors in the BeWo choriocarcinoma cell (b30 clone) during cell differentiation.

Abstract The expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptors in the differentiating human trophoblast was studied using the b30 clone of the BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line (BeWo b30 ) as a model system. This clonally derived cell line differentiates over 48–72 h, in culture, to form syncytiotrophoblasts when intracellular cAMP levels are elevated by exposure to 100 μm forskolin (FSK). IGF receptors were studied at various times during the differentiation process by measuring the specific binding of [ 125 I]-IGF-I and [ 125 I]-IGF-II to attached cells. First, [ 125 I]-IGF-I bound to a single class of binding sites in the untreated cells ( K D ≈ 1−2 × 10 −10 m) that exhibited binding specificity characteristic of the type I IGF receptor (IGF-I ≥ IGF-II ⪢ Insulin FSK treatment resulted in a two- to threefold increase in the number of these binding sites. Increased receptor expression was observed as early as 24 h after FSK treatment and remained elevated for at least 72 h. Next, [ 125 I]-IGF-II bound to two classes of binding sites in the untreated cells, a high-affinity (KD 2.5 x 10 −10 m), low-capacity site and a low-affinity (KD ≈ 6 × 10 −9 m), high-capacity site. The B max and K D of the high-affinity site suggested that it represented the type I IGF receptor. Competition studies revealed that 15–20 per cent of total [ 125 I]-IGF-II binding only was sensitive to IGF-I competition in the untreated cells. After FSK treatment, however, unlabelled IGF-I inhibited 60–70 per cent of specific [ 125 I]-IGF-II binding. Scatchard analysis revealed a two- to fourfold increase in the number of both binding sites with no change in their respective binding affinities. Cross-linking analysis demonstrated that [ 125 I]-IGF-II bound to two structurally distinct binding sites in the untreated BeWo b30 cell consistent with both the type I and II IGF receptors. After FSK treatment, however, there was an increase in the relative amount of [ 125 I]-IGF-II associated with the higher affinity type I IGF receptor. The BeWo b30 cells expressed no insulin receptors at any stage of differentiation. These data demonstrate that the BeWob3o choriocarcinoma cell line expresses both type I and II IGF receptors. Induction of cell differentiation is associated with an increase in type I IGF receptors expressed at the cell surface. These receptors bind IGF-II with high-affinity, providing additional binding capacity for locally available IGF-II. These data are consistent with specific roles for the type I IGF receptor in regulating differentiated trophoblast cell function. Furthermore, the early rise in type I IGF receptor number suggests they may play a regulatory role in the differentiation process itself.
Erythrocyte hemighosts: a hallmark of severe oxidative injury in vivo

Erythrocyte hemighosts and ghosts were found in five patients: two with severe oxidant haemolysis caused by chemicals or drugs, and three G6PD deficient subjects with haemolysis triggered by infection and/or drugs. Scanning and transmission electron-microscopy showed that the hemighost consisted of a thinned-out part with antero-posterior apposition of the membrane and a thicker spheroidal part containing most of the haemoglobin. Heinz bodies were found in both parts of the cell close to the membrane. Large number of hemighosts (30-90%) is an ominous sign as three of our five affected patients died. The removal of these cells by exchange transfusion or the induction of forced diuresis probably saved the life of the other two patients. Experiments in rabbits showed that hemighosts were found only with severe oxidative injury induced by a large dose of acetylphenylhydrazine (50 mg/kg) and the spleen was not required for their formation. The marked congestion in the splenic sinusoids and other microcirculation results from sludging of these damaged rigid cells and is an important pathophysiological mechanism in severe oxidant injury.
Hemodynamic manipulation of eNOS in vivo

Comment on Cheng et al, page [3691][1] In this issue of Blood, Cheng and colleagues at Erasmus University in Rotterdam demonstrate that arterial eNOS expression in eNOS-GFP transgenic mice is responsive both to hemodynamic flow characteristics and to the magnitude of shear stress forces (τ).
Tobacco and Shamanism in South America

Tobacco and Shamanism in South America. Johannes Wilbert. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1987. xix. 294 pp., figures, maps, tables, bibliography, index. $30.00 (cloth). ISBN 0-300- 03879-8.
The Biologic Aspects of Cancer of the Breast: A Challenge*

The crude incidence rate for cancer of the breast far exceeds that for any other type of cancer found in either sex. In women it is nearly twice the rate for the next most common malignant disease found in both men and women. The percentage of patients with localized disease has gradually increased but now is approaching a plateau. There is a definite increase in the incidence of breast cancer in premenopausal women which counterbalances the better results with reference to age-specific death rates. The absolute survival rate indicates that mortality rates continue to be “above normal” for a considerable period beyond the five-year point. It is important, therefore, to study the challenge which confronts us, to keep in mind the natural history of the disease, to review the known high-risk factors and tumor-host relationships, and to evaluate continually all available diagnostic and therapeutic measures. These measures include those not used in routine practice, and especially those involving new concepts.
Differences in folic acid use, prenatal care, smoking, and drinking in early pregnancy by occupation

Objective To describe differences in four high risk periconceptional behaviors (lack of folic acid supplementation, lack of early prenatal care, smoking, and drinking) by maternal occupation.
Retinal function in normal and diabetic eyes mapped with the slow flash multifocal electroretinogram.

PURPOSE. It has been suggested that late components of the standard multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) are preferentially affected by diabetes mellitus. The slow-flash (sf-)mfERG stimulates with flashes separated by dark periods, facilitating interpretation of late first-order response components compared with standard multifocal stimulation. Retinal function and response component changes were examined using the sf-mfERG in diabetic subjects with and without diabetic retinopathy. METHODS. Eighteen control subjects, 12 diabetic patients without retinopathy and 17 diabetic patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), were tested monocularly. A total of 103 areas of the central 45° were stimulated by pseudorandom 100-cd/m 2 flashes separated by at least 53.3 ms. Major components and the amplitude of the first-order sf-mfERGs were examined. Each subject’s N1, P1, and N2 implicit times (ITs) and scalar product amplitudes (SPs) were measured at all 103 retinal locations and converted into z-scores based on the control values. Abnormalities were defined as z-scores greater than 2.33 (P 0.01). RESULTS. Local functional abnormalities were found in both the diabetic patients with NPDR and in those without retinal disease. In both groups of diabetic patients, most abnormalities occurred more frequently in the inferior retina. Later components (P1 and N2) of the local sf-mfERGs were not preferentially affected by diabetes. The local SP and P1 IT measures distinguished the subject groups better than N1 IT and N2 IT. CONCLUSIONS. Local functional retinal abnormalities in diabetic persons with or without NPDR can be detected and mapped by the sf-mfERG. Diabetes and NPDR do not, however, preferentially affect the late P1 and N2 response components. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2004;45:296 ‐304) DOI:10.1167/iovs.030424
Comparison theorems for oscillation of nonlinear, non-self-adjoint equations by use of quadratic forms

The purpose of this paper is to show that the theory of quadratic forms developed by M. R. Hestenes and the author may be used to obtain results for oscillation of nonlinear, non-self-adjoint integral-differential equations. Perhaps more important than the results is the philosophy of developing tools and techniques for a quantitative study of oscillation of differential equations on an interval a < t < b as opposed to the qualitative study on a .< t cz 03 usually developed. In this way our results are “meaningful” for real problems (eigenvalue problems, optimization problems, etc.) and oscillation points can be computed by numerical techniques developed by the author. Section 2 is devoted to explaining the relationships between quadratic forms and linear, self-adjoint, integral-differential equations. Section 3 gives the expected “classical” Sturm separation theorem and the elementary comparison results. In Section 4 we consider nonlinear, nonself-adjoint equations. In Section 5 we consider comparison problems for integral-differential equations. We note that our final example involves techniques that will give further results for linear but non-self-adjoint differential equations (including odd order).
Dead Men Talking: Evidence of Post Death Contact and Continuing Bonds

Post Death Contact (PDC) is when a living individual feels that a person who is deceased is reaching out to connect with the living. Such experiences may be part of a model of grieving called Conti...
Investigational agents for the treatment of growth hormone-insensitivity syndrome

Growth hormone-insensitivity syndrome (GHIS) is usually caused by mutations in the growth hormone receptor. Recombinant IGF-I has been used to treat GHIS either alone (mecasermin) or in combination with IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 (mecasermin rinfabate). IGF-I increases the growth velocity of children with IGF deficiency, which is either as a result of GHIS or an IGF-I gene deletion. Hypoglycaemia has been reported with administration of unbound IGF-I and, in addition, the serum half-life of unbound IGF-I is shorter when administered to patients with GHIS (who have low serum concentrations of its binding protein IGFBP-3) than when administered to normal volunteers or to patients with an IGF-I gene deletion (but normal IGFBP-3 levels). The IGF-I–IGFBP-3 combination was developed to prolong the half-life and counteract the acute adverse events (particularly hypoglycaemia) that are associated with administration of IGF-I. It seems that the IGF-I–IGFBP-3 combination has a longer half-life in patients with G...
Monitoring Carbon Dioxide Floods Using Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT): Sensitivity Studies

We have conducted a numerical and physical modeling study to evaluate the sensitivity of electrical resistance tomography (ERT) to electrical resistivity changes caused by CO2 injection and sequestration in geologic reservoirs. We chose the Maljamar CO2 flood (pilot study) as a basis for our numerical modeling study. We also constructed physical models consisting of blocks of various materials inserted in a water tank to evaluate some of the conclusions of the numerical study. This study quantifies the effects of a variety of factors that affect the resolution and accuracy of the ERT method, under realistic conditions of scale, contrast, and measurement error. It considers scenarios where vertical arrays of point electrodes are used and where metal-cased boreholes are used as long electrodes. Long electrode tomographs provide information such as the shape, location, and lateral extent of the flood. When point electrode arrays or horizontal wells are available, the approximate vertical extent of the flood ...
High-resolution 3T MR Neurography of Suprascapular Neuropathy

Rationale and Objectives The purpose of this study was to illustrate the imaging findings on high-resolution 3T magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in patients with suprascapular nerve (SSN) neuropathy. Materials and Methods From 3T MRN examinations performed for brachial plexus evaluation in 51 patients over a 3-year period, 15 patients with final diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy were recruited. The diagnosis was confirmed by electrodiagnostic studies (EDS), clinical, and/or surgical follow-up examinations. Studies performed for the evaluation of tumor, neurofibromatosis, or known diffuse polyneuropathy were excluded. Results Two cases were excluded due to suboptimal imaging related to motion degradation and poor signal-to-noise ratio. MRN depicted asymmetric enlargement and/or abnormal T2 hyperintensity of C5 nerve root (10/13 cases), C6 nerve root (10/13 cases), both C5 and C6 nerve roots (7/13 cases), upper trunk (11/13 cases) and SSN (11/13 cases), and other brachial plexus segments involvement (4/13 cases). MR findings of denervation changes in the ipsilateral supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were detected in 12/13 cases. In all seven cases where contrast-enhanced images were available, MRN demonstrated enhancement of the denervated muscles but did not provide any additional information regarding the nerve abnormality. None of the MRN studies revealed a mass lesion along the course of the SSN. Conclusion 3T MRN is a valuable diagnostic tool in clinically suspected cases of suprascapular neuropathy, because it can directly demonstrate the nerve abnormality, as well as secondary muscle denervation changes. The reader should be aware that brachial plexopathy may coexist in patients with clinical diagnosis of SSN neuropathy.
Handedness differences in body image distortion and eating disorder symptomatology

Objective: Previous research has shown decreased access in strong right-handers to processes lateralized to the right cerebral hemisphere. The current studies tested the hypothesis that decreased access to right hemisphere processes, as indexed by increasing strength of right-hand preference, is associated with deficits in body image representation. Method: Experiment 1 measured individual's perceived versus actual BMI values. Experiment 2 involved the administration of the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2). Results: Experiment 1 revealed that strong right-handedness was associated with a larger discrepancy between actual and perceived BMI, relative to mixed-handedness. In Experiment 2, strong-handers scored higher on the EDI-2 than did mixed-handers. Conclusion: The results indicate that strong degrees of handedness are associated with deficits in accurate representation of body image and with increased eating disorder symptomatology in a nonclinical sample. Implications for research into the neural bases of eating disorders are discussed. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Dynamique de la diffusion de l'erreur sur plusieurs polytopes

We discuss algorithms for scheduling, greedy for the Euclidean norm, with inputs in a family of polytopes lying in an affine space and the corresponding outputs chosen among the vertices of the respective polytopes. Such scheduling problems arise in various settings. We provide simple examples where the error remains bounded, including cases when there are infinitely many polytopes. In the case of a single polytope the boundedness of the cumulative error is known to be equivalent to the existence of an invariant region for a dynamical system in the affine space that contains this polytope. We show here that, on the contrary, no bounded invariant region can be found in affine space in general, as soon as there are at least two different polytopes. To cite this article: C. Tresser, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 338 (2004).
Wireline deep drill for exploration of Mars, Europa, and Enceladus

One of the most pressing current questions in space science is whether life has ever arisen anywhere else in the universe. Water is a critical prerequisite for all life-as-we-know-it, thus the possible exploration targets for extraterrestrial life are bodies that have or had copious liquid: Mars, Europa, and Enceladus. Due to the oxidizing nature of Mars' surface, as well as subsurface liquid water reservoirs present on Europa and Enceladus, the search for evidence of existing life must likely focus on subsurface locations, at depths sufficient to support liquid water or retain biologic signatures.
Receptor tyrosine kinase and phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling in malignant mesothelioma.

Objective The phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling pathway is implicated in the development of malignancy and promotes cell-cycle progression and resistance to apoptosis. Malignant mesothelioma tumor specimens demonstrate high levels of the phosphoinositide-3 kinase downstream mediator phosphorylated Akt. Exposure of mesothelioma cell lines to LY294002, a phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibitor, results in apoptotic cell death and decreased phosphorylated Akt in vitro and tumor burden reduction in vivo. Phosphoinositide-3 kinase is activated by cell-surface receptor tyrosine kinases. We sought to determine which receptors are present in mesothelioma and their role in cellular survival and phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling. Methods Western blot analysis was performed to determine the relative expression of epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor in the mesothelioma cell lines I-45 and REN and the mesothelial line Met5a. After exposure of mesothelioma lines to kinase inhibitors, a cell viability assay was performed, cell-cycle analysis was performed to determine the percentage of apoptosis, and Western blot analysis was performed for phosphorylated Akt. Results Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor resulted in apoptotic cell death and Akt hypophosphorylation in mesothelioma cell lines. Insulin-like growth factor receptor inhibition led to apoptotic cell death without affecting Akt phosphorylation. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibition did not affect cellular survival or phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling. Conclusion In malignant mesothelioma constitutive activation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase/Akt results in cellular survival and contributes to the malignant phenotype. We have demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition leads to apoptotic cell death through downregulation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling in mesothelioma cell lines, whereas insulin-like growth factor receptor inhibition leads to apoptosis independent of phosphoinositide-3 kinase. Epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor receptor, and phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibition might be clinically relevant in malignant mesothelioma.
A 3.5 ns/77 K and 6.2 ns/300 K 64 K CMOS RAM with ECL interfaces

A 64 K CMOS RAM with emitter-coupled logic (ECL) interfaces having access times of 6.2 ns at room temperature and with a CMOS process specifically optimized for low-temperature operation, 3.5 ns at liquid nitrogen (LN) temperature, is presented. The CMOS processes feature a 0.5 mu m L/sub eff/, self-aligned TiSi/sub 2/ double-level metal, and an average minimum feature size of 1.35 mu m. Circuits keyed to high-speed operation are described with emphasis on low power and safe operation. Unique aspects of LN-temperature operation including circuit-device interactions, the impact of velocity saturation effects on channel length, temperature and power supply sensitivities, and the characteristics of the ECL-to-CMOS receiver circuits are discussed. >
Mars: Satellite and ring search from viking

Viking Orbiter 1 imaging data were used in a search for possible satellites and rings of Mars in 1980, giving attention to a region within the Phobos orbit and + or - 350 km about the Martian equatorial plane. After picture processing, no images other than stars and Phobos itself were found to be a few brightnesses (or more) above their surrounding, as would be expected in the case of a point-spread, 'smeared' image of either satellites or rings. There is therefore no evidence of any such phenomenon in the 78 pictures studied.
Trapped‐flux spin‐down torques on a spherical superconducting gyroscope

Magnetic flux trapped in the rotor of a superconducting gyroscope can cause the rotor to lose energy through dissipation in a readout loop encompassing the rotor and by the generation of eddy currents in the support electrodes. These losses are calculated and shown to be negligible for the rotor in the gyroscope-relativity experiment, a proposed satellite experiment which is to test predictions of the theory of general relativity.
Design of an Isotopic CT Scanner for Two Phase Flow Measurements

A feasibility study including parametric analysis, bubbly flow experimentation and preliminary hardware design has been completed for an isotopic CT scanner to interrogate two phase flows. The study results indicate a high speed fan beam scanner is feasible for measuring two phase flows under transient conditions by performing sequential scans. The major tradeoffs of this device compared to medical scanners are spatial resolution (1.15 cm), density resolution (3%), and source type (Cesium-137).
The impact of fatty acids on the antibacterial properties of N-thiolated β-lactams

Bacterial fatty acid synthesis (FAS) is a potentially important, albeit controversial, target for antimicrobial therapy. Recent studies have suggested that the addition of exogenous fatty acids (FAs) to growth media can circumvent the effects of FAS-targeting compounds on bacterial growth. Consequently, such agents may have limited in vivo applicability for the treatment of human disease, as free FAs are abundant within the body. Our group has previously developed N-thiolated β-lactams and found they function by interfering with FAS in select pathogenic bacteria, including MRSA. To determine if the FAS targeting activity of N-thiolated β-lactams can be abrogated by exogenous fatty acids, we performed MIC determinations for MRSA strains cultured with the fatty acids oleic acid and Tween 80. We find that, whilst the activity of the known FAS inhibitor triclosan is severely compromised by the addition of both oleic acid and Tween 80, exogenous FAs do not mitigate the antibacterial activity of N-thiolated β-lactams towards MRSA. Consequently, we propose that N-thiolated β-lactams are unique amongst FAS-inhibiting antimicrobials, as their effects are unimpeded by exogenous FAs.
Determination of lattice distortions around impurities by the polarized neutron method

Abstract Diffuse scattering measurements on a Pd-1 at.% Gd alloy are used to illustrate the polarized neutron method for the study of static lattice distortions in dilute alloys. The observed displacements are in semi-quantitative agreement with theoretical values.
Singular solutions of the KdV as interacting particles

Singular solutions of the potential KdV and KdV equation can be interpreted as particle interactions.
Your Shelter or Mine? Romantic Relationships Among the Homeless

The topic of sex and love is notable by its absence within the research literature on homelessness. If these topics are discussed, they are generally approached from a negative standpoint with a focus on topics such as HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual victimization, or sexual abuse. With growing bodies of literature on homelessness and the many benefits of committed relationships, it is surprising that there is a lack of studies on these intersecting topics. By way of in-depth interviews, this article takes an initial look at the neglected study of the love lives of the homeless. These narratives provide information on the lives of homeless individuals, the importance of romantic relationships and sex, and challenges to these relationships. Recommendations for further research are provided.
U.S. biological experiments in space

Past U.S. space biological experiments in space, using non-human specimens, are discussed and evaluated. Current plans for future experimentation in this field are also given.
MMPI-2/A assessed personality differences in people who do, and do not, stutter

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2 and MMPI-A) was administered to 60 subjects who stutter (SWS) and to 60 matched subjects who do not stutter (SWNS). Computer scored results indicate a statistically significant (p = .017) greater average tendency toward psychosocial-emotional disorder in SWS than in SWNS. Also, mean T-scores in 24 of the 93 scales/subscales assessed were statistically significantly higher for SWS than for SWNS, especially in personality characteristics related to schizophrenia, depression, healthy concerns-somatic complaints, psychasthenia, anxiety-fearfulness, and self-doubt/self-depreciation. Overall, these findings tend to support the tendency toward psychopathology (TTP) pole of the etiologic bipolar stuttering threshold hypothesis (Treon, 1995, 2002). In accord with this hypothesis, average MMPI-2/A T-scores for SWS were within the normal range of psychosocial-emotional functioning.
Neuromodulatory role of endogenous interleukin-1β in acute seizures: Possible contribution of cyclooxygenase-2

Abstract The function of endogenous interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling in acute seizure activity was examined using transgenic mice harboring targeted deletions in the genes for either IL-1β ( Il1b ) or its signaling receptor ( Il1r1 ). Acute epileptic seizure activity was modeled using two mechanistically distinct chemoconvulsants, kainic acid (KA) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). KA-induced seizure activity was more severe in homozygous null (−/−) Il1b mice compared to their wild-type (+/+) littermate controls, as indicated by an increase in the incidence of sustained generalized convulsive seizure activity. In the PTZ seizure model, the incidence of acute convulsive seizures was increased in both Il1b and Il1r1 −/− mice compared to their respective +/+ littermate controls. Interestingly, the selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib, mimicked the effect of IL-1β deficiency on PTZ-induced convulsions in Il1r1 +/+ but not −/− mice. Together, these results suggest that endogenous IL-1β possesses anticonvulsive properties that may be mediated by arachidonic acid metabolites derived from the catalytic action of COX-2.
Technique for Measuring Grain‐Boundary Mobility: Application to MgO‐Doped Al2O3

An experimental technique employing localized laser heating has been developed to seed abnormal grain growth in Mg-doped Al2O3 permitting the migration behavior of individual grain boundaries to be investigated. Nonuniform growth of both naturally nucleated and laser-nucleated abnormal grains was observed. Calculated boundary mobilities exceeded those characterizing grain growth in both doped and undoped porous Al2O3).
Feeding behavior of 6- to 12-month-old infants: assessment and sources of parental information.

Both the infant's development of feeding skill and self-regulatory competenceduring the second 6 months of life have implications for weaning and for a weaning diet. This article examines four categories of feeding skills: taking food from a spoon; handling thicker, lumpy foods and foods that require chewing; self-feeding with fingers or a spoon; and drinking from a cup and managing the bottie. These skills are fundamental for the development of self-regulatory competence through the phases of sensorimotor modulation (from 3 months of age to approximately 9 to 12 months) and control (9 to 12 months of age). Available instruments to assess feeding skill and self-regulatory competence are described. Questions concerning feeding practices in relation to the infant's development of feeding skill and self-regulatory competence are raised. Potential conflicts between professional and lay sources, informational methods used and preferred, and the types of problems for which help is sought are discussed.
Calibrating and Analyzing a Mathematical Model of Human Circulation and its Response to Hemorrhage

Complex physiological events such as hemorrhage are met with a continuum of responses in individual test subjects that range from complete compensation to circulatory failure. Predicting the circulatory outcome of an individual potentially affects treatment modalities, for example, by indicating that aggressive intervention is justified based on the likelihood of a negative result with a more passive therapy. We have previously determined an algorithm for calibrating and sampling parameter distributions that generate experimentally verified output distributions via an application of the Metropolis algorithm. This technique is advanced here by the addition of a three-pronged post hoc analysis. First is an inductive algorithm generating minimal parameter sets yielding efficient classification (MER). This algorithm is validated with PCA on the resulting parameter subsets. Finally, we provide an analysis on the response characteristics of clusters determined by a density dependent algorithm on the parameter/variable subspace indicated by the MER.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Coordination mechanisms for a three‐stage reverse supply chain to increase profitable returns

In this article, we consider a generic electronic product that can be remanufactured or recycled at the end of its life cycle to generate new profit. We first describe the product return process and then present a customer segmentation model to capture consumers' different behaviors with respect to product return so that the retailer can work more effectively to increase the return volume. In regard to the collaboration between the retailer and the manufacturer, we explore a revenue-sharing coordination mechanism for achieving a win-win outcome. The optimality and sensitivity of the critical parameters in four strategies are obtained and examined both theoretically and numerically, which generate insights on how to manage an efficient consumer-retailer-manufacturer reverse supply chain, as well as on the feasibility of simplifying such a three-stage chain structure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013
In vivo hemodynamic performance of the Cleveland Clinic CorAide blood pump in calves.

Abstract Background . The Cleveland Clinic CorAide left ventricular assist system is based on a small implantable continuous-flow centrifugal blood pump with a completely suspended rotating assembly designed for long-term circulatory support (5 to 10 years). Methods . Between June 1999 and August 2000, the CorAide blood pump was implanted in 10 calves for 1 month and in 3 calves for 3 months. Results . The mean pump flow and arterial pressure were 6.1 ± 1.1 L/min and 97 ± 5 mm Hg, respectively. The mean plasma free-hemoglobin level after postoperative day 3 was 2.0 ± 1.8 mg/dL. Renal and hepatic function remained normal in all cases. There was no incidence of mechanical failure, hemolysis, bleeding, or systemic organ dysfunction in any of the cases. Significant findings at autopsy were limited to two cases of renal infarction, one of which was associated with an outflow graft infection. Conclusions . The CorAide blood pump is easily implanted, reliable, nonhemolytic, and nonthrombogenic, positioning it as a leading third-generation, continuous-flow left ventricular assist system with a completely suspended rotor.
ArrayIDer: automated structural re-annotation pipeline for DNA microarrays

Systems biology modeling from microarray data requires the most contemporary structural and functional array annotation. However, microarray annotations, especially for non-commercial, non-traditional biomedical model organisms, are often dated. In addition, most microarray analysis tools do not readily accept EST clone names, which are abundantly represented on arrays. Manual re-annotation of microarrays is impracticable and so we developed a computational re-annotation tool (ArrayIDer) to retrieve the most recent accession mapping files from public databases based on EST clone names or accessions and rapidly generate database accessions for entire microarrays. We utilized the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre 13K chicken cDNA array – a widely-used non-commercial chicken microarray – to demonstrate the principle that ArrayIDer could markedly improve annotation. We structurally re-annotated 55% of the entire array. Moreover, we decreased non-chicken functional annotations by 2 fold. One beneficial consequence of our re-annotation was to identify 290 pseudogenes, of which 66 were previously incorrectly annotated. ArrayIDer allows rapid automated structural re-annotation of entire arrays and provides multiple accession types for use in subsequent functional analysis. This information is especially valuable for systems biology modeling in the non-traditional biomedical model organisms.
Dactylogyrus larrymilleri n. sp. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) from the Greenhead Shiner Notropis chlorocephalus (Cope) and Yellowfin Shiner Notropis lutipinnis (Jordan and Brayton) (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from North Carolina and South Carolina, U.S.A

Abstract Dactylogyrus larrymilleri n. sp. is described from the greenhead shiner, Notropis chlorocephalus (Cope), and yellowfin shiner, Notropis lutipinnis (Jordan and Brayton) (Pisces: Cyprinidae), from North Carolina and South Carolina, U.S.A. Dactylogyrus larrymilleri differs from its closest apparent relative, Dactylogyrus ornatus Rogers, 1967, by possessing a recurved accessory piece attenuating to a sharp point. The occurrence of Dactylogyrus larrymilleri only on the greenhead shiner and yellowfin shiner corroborates ichthyological evidence that these 2 species of minnows are closely related.
Evolutionarily stable range limits set by interspecific competition

A combination of abiotic and biotic factors probably restricts the range of many species. Recent evolutionary models and tests of those models have asked how a gradual change in environmental conditions can set the range limit, with a prominent idea being that gene flow disrupts local adaptation. We investigate how biotic factors, explicitly competition for limited resources, result in evolutionarily stable range limits even in the absence of the disruptive effect of gene flow. We model two competing species occupying different segments of the resource spectrum. If one segment of the resource spectrum declines across space, a species that specializes on that segment can be driven to extinction, even though in the absence of competition it would evolve to exploit other abundant resources and so be saved. The result is that a species range limit is set in both evolutionary and ecological time, as the resources associated with its niche decline. Factors promoting this outcome include: (i) inherent gaps in the resource distribution, (ii) relatively high fitness of the species when in its own niche, and low fitness in the alternative niche, even when resource abundances are similar in each niche, (iii) strong interspecific competition, and (iv) asymmetric interspecific competition. We suggest that these features are likely to be common in multispecies communities, thereby setting evolutionarily stable range limits.