cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of panobinostat (HDACi) alone and in combination with tamoxifen (PKCi) on glioblastoma cell line viability (1048.3)

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are a new generation of epigenetic modulators class of drugs but with low efficacy as cancer monotherapy, due to the upregulation of several tumor progressive...
Bacterial antigens elicit T cell responses via adaptive and transitional immune recognition.

Abstract T cells are a critical component of host immune responses against bacterial pathogens. T cell activation relies on recognition of antigen(s) derived from the bacteria, and this activation triggers potent biological effector mechanisms. Therefore, the characterization of antigens that are stimulatory for T cells provides insight into host–pathogen interactions and advances rational vaccine design. The adaptive immune response is defined by its ability to detect variable or unique single-gene products, whereas a ‘transitional’ immune system recognizes more conserved structures or products of multigene pathways. This transitional system functionally overlaps the canonical innate and adaptive immune responses. Antigen identification has relied upon biochemistry, genetics and expression cloning strategies. The development of computational approaches, fuelled by advances in immunology and genomic information, will facilitate the discovery of antigens and expand our understanding of both beneficial and pathological immune responses.
Hyperandrogenism Sensitizes Leukocytes to Hyperglycemia to Promote Oxidative Stress in Lean Reproductive-Age Women

Context: Hyperandrogenism and oxidative stress are related in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it is unknown whether hyperandrogenemia can activate oxidative stress. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oral androgen administration on fasting and glucose-stimulated leukocytic reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase p47phox subunit gene expression, and plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in lean healthy reproductive-age women. Participants, Design, and Setting: Sixteen lean healthy ovulatory reproductive-age women were treated with 130 mg dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or placebo (n = 8 each) for 5 d in this randomized, controlled, double-blind study that was performed at an an academic medical center. Main Outcome Measures: Leukocytic ROS generation, p47phox gene expression, and plasma TBARS were quantified in the fasting state and 2 h after glucose ingestion, before and after treatment. Res...
Unbiased feature selection through successive elimination of poor performers for EEG classification

Electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern recognition problem is considered as a composite of three subproblems: feature extraction, feature selection, and pattern classification. Focusing particularly on the feature selection issue, each subproblem is reviewed briefly and a new method for feature selection is proposed. The method suggests that first one shall extract as much information (features) as conveniently possible in several pattern information domains and then apply the proposed unbiased successive feature elimination process to remove redundant and poor features. From this set select a significantly smaller, yet useful, feature subset that enhances the performance of the classifier. The successive feature elimination process is formally described. The method is successfully applied to an EEG signal classification problem. The features selected by the algorithm are used to classify three signal classes. The classes identified were eye artifacts, muscle artifacts, and clean (subject in stationary state). Two hundred samples for each of the three classes were selected and the data set was arbitrarily divided into two subsets: design subset, and testing subset. A proximity index classifier using Mahalanobis distance as the proximity criterion was developed using the smaller feature subset. The system was trained on the design set. The recognition performance on the design set was 92.33%. The recognition performance on the testing set was 88.67% by successfully identifying the samples in eye-blinks, muscle response, and clean classes, respectively, with 80%, 97%, and 89%. This performance is very encouraging. In addition, the method is computationally inexpensive and particularly useful for large data set problems. The method further reduces the need for a careful feature determination problem that a system designer usually encounters during the initial design phase of a pattern classifier.
Local Electronic Properties of Graphene on a BN Substrate via Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

The use of boron nitride (BN) as a substrate for graphene nanodevices has attracted much interest since the recent report that BN greatly improves the mobility of charge carriers in graphene compared to standard SiO2 substrates. We have explored the local microscopic properties of graphene on a BN substrate using scanning tunneling microscopy. We find that BN substrates result in extraordinarily flat graphene layers that display microscopic Moire patterns arising from the relative orientation of the graphene and BN lattices. Gate-dependent dI/dV spectra of graphene on BN exhibit spectroscopic features that are sharper than those obtained for graphene on SiO2. We observe a significant reduction in local microscopic charge inhomogeneity for graphene on BN compared to graphene on SiO2.
Analysis of multiwavelength pyrometry using nonlinear chi-square fits and Monte Carlo methods

An analysis of multiwavelength pyrometry is made using Monte Carlo methods to evaluate the measurement error as a function of temperature for three, four, five, and six channels. Both a graybody and an emissivity with linear wavelength dependence are considered. χ2 is calculated using the observed intensity in each channel and is minimized with respect to the temperature and the emissivity coefficients, using the Levenberg-Marquardt method. The influence of spectral span of the channels and the weight function used in the χ2 fit are exmained. For the case of linear wavelength dependence, the solutions are found to be nonunique, even with six channels. The results show little improvement of precision with increasing number of channels beyond four channels when the nonlinear variable T is free. Both the spectral span and the weight function are shown to be important variables.
Versatile Formulation for Multiobjective Reliability-Based Design Optimization

This paper develops a multiobjective optimization methodology for system design under uncertainty. Model-based reliability analysis methods are used to compute the probabilities of unsatisfactory performance at both component and system levels. Combined with several multiobjective optimization formulations, a versatile reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) approach is used to achieve a tradeoff between two objectives and to generate the Pareto frontier for decision making. The proposed RBDO approach uses direct reliability analysis to decouple the reliability and optimization iterations, instead of inverse first-order reliability analysis as other existing decoupled approaches. This helps to solve a wide variety of RBDO problems with competing objectives, especially when system-level reliability constraints need to be considered. The approach also allows more accurate methods to be used for reliability analysis, and reliability terms to be included in the objective function. Two important automotive quality objectives, related to the door closing effort (evaluated using component reliability analysis) and the wind noise (evaluated using system reliability analysis), are used to illustrate the proposed method.
NCCRP-1 : A NOVEL RECEPTOR PROTEIN SEQUENCED FROM TELEOST NONSPECIFIC CYTOTOXIC CELLS

The recognition structure responsible for binding to conventional antigen on target cells has not previously been described for nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC) or for mammalian natural killer (NK) cells. Although several biochemical pathways may be available for initiation of the lytic cycle in NCC, evidence presented indicates that initial contact with a tumor cell or protozoan parasite is facilitated by recognition of a target antigen by a membrane protein of Mr 34,000 on NCC (NCC receptor protein, NCCRP-1). Binding to NCCRP-1 by monoclonal antibody 5C6, by target cell antigen or by cognate synthetic peptide initiates a signalling response leading to increased cytotoxicity. In the present study, three 20-mer microsequences were obtained from tryptic digests of purified NCCRP-1. Degenerate primers were synthesized (based on each peptide sequence) and were used for RT-PCR with mRNA purified from homogeneous NCC populations. An NCCRP-1 specific cDNA sequence was used to synthesize nondegenerate primers. These primers were used in a 5'/3' RACE PCR to obtain the entire NCCRP-1 specific cDNA. A deduced aa sequence consisted of 235 aa with a derived molecular weight of 30,628 Da. NCCRP-1 is proline rich (9%), has two glycosylation sites and 18% of all amino acids are potential phosphorylation sites (serine, threonine, tyrosine). The identity of the protein was confirmed by finding the previously microsequenced peptides in the derived sequence. Homology searches revealed that NCCRP-1 is a novel protein. Northern blot analysis of mRNA content from teleost NCC, B-cells and T-cells revealed only one band in NCC preparations. Functional studies demonstrated a decrease in membrane NCCRP-1 expression and inhibition of NCC cytotoxicity following treatment with NCCRP-1 anti-sense oligonucleotides. Treatment of NCC with sense oligonucleotides had no inhibitory effects on cytotoxicity. An algorithm predicting the membrane conformation of NCCRP-1 suggests one extracellular proline-rich domain, a transmembrane portion of 15 18 aa and a cytoplasmic tail composed of a high frequency of phosphorylation sites. Current studies suggest that NCC and NCCRP-1 may participate in innate resistance functions in teleost fish.
Statistical properties of neurons in the rat mesencephalic reticular formation

Abstract This paper presents statistical analyses of spontaneous neuronal spike trains recorded from 26 single neurons and 9 simultaneously recorded pairs of neurons in the mesencephalic reticular formation of the rat. The single cells are divided into two categories on the basis of the overall shape of their autocorrelation histograms: Those of the so-called ’typical’ cells display an initial period of subdued firing and a more or less pronounced peak followed by a gradual decay superimposed upon which there may or may not be a low-level rhythmicity. Seventy percent of these cells exhibit a clear low-level rhythmicity including some 55% which exhibit a rhythm with a period 0.640 or 1.30 sec. The so-called ’special’ cells exhibit some pronounced temporal peculiarity quite distinct from the general pattern of the regular cells. These include cells which fire highly similar bursts of spikes at more-or-less regular intervals, and one clock-like cell which fires extremely regularly at intervals of 0.640 sec. Generally, in all cells, the fast or moderate rhythms tend to die out after several recurrences, whereas the slow rhythms seem to be sustained indefinitely. Cross-correlation histograms indicate complete independence in 4 of 9 pairs of neurons, slow rhythmic interdependence in 4 other pairs, and a strong fast interdependence in one pair.
Monte Carlo neutrino oscillations

We demonstrate that the effects of matter upon neutrino propagation may be recast as the scattering of the initial neutrino wave function. Exchanging the differential, Schrodinger equation for an integral equation for the scattering matrix $S$ permits a Monte Carlo method for the computation of $S$ that removes many of the numerical difficulties associated with direct integration techniques.
Amino acid transport into the cerebrospinal fluid of the rat.

— The concentrations of glycine and 6 other amino acids have been assayed in the CSF and plasma of the rat, and regional heterogeneity of CSF amino acid concentration has been found. Steady state flux rates into the cranial and spinal fluid compartments were determined during perfusion with amino acid free medium. The transfer of glycine from blood into both the cranial and spinal subarachnoid fluids was saturable with only several-fold elevations of plasma glycine. The results are discussed with regard to the putative neurotransmitter function of glycine in the spinal cord.
Some effects of asymmetric excitations on dipole radiators

The recent model due to Shen, Wu, and King for the current distribution along the asymmetrically-driven thin cylindrical antenna is used in the calculation of current and far-field values for several cases of interest. The graphs show how the current distribution approaches the limiting sinusoidal assumption as the generator location is moved toward a free end. The antenna conductor thickness is shown to cause decaying sinusoidal variations on the radiation fields from the half-and full-wave dipoles having large excitation asymmetries. The model was found to yield accurate current amplitudes for dipoles at least 0.30\lambda in total lengths; however, the current phase is inaccurate for points closer than about 0.025\lambda from a free end. This latter value is also the restriction on how close the generator may be from the free end.
Effects of Water Vapor on Oxidation of Silicon Carbide

The rate of oxidation of silicon carbide was studied at different partial pressures of water vapor. The diffusion-rate constant was found to vary with the logarithm of the partial pressure of water vapor according to the theory of thin-film oxidation as proposed by Engell and Hauffe. The products of oxidation were cristobalite and tridymite, depending on the temperature. The diffusing species appeared to be the same in the presence of partial pressures of water vapor and in the presence of partial pressures of oxygen.
Immunoglobulin deficiency diseases of the intestine.

Marshak has emphasized the role of the gastrointestinal tract as a major immunologic organ and described the radiologic findings of immunoglobulin deficiency diseases of the small intestine. According to his classification the radiologic findings include multiple nodular defects, edema and increased secretions associated with Giardiasis, a sprue-like patterns, and thickened folds. In this report, the role of the intestine in the immune response is briefly reviewed and several of the radiologic features of immune deficiency diseases and those of benign nodular lymphoid hyperplasia are illustrated.
Creating Consistent Hitters: A Growth Hitting System to Promote a Mastery Climate in Collegiate Baseball

Hitting is, in part, the art of handling failure. Statistically, a 30% success rate is exceptional, meaning 70% of the time hitters fail. Therefore, managing and maintaining personal motivations, particularly mastery beliefs and orientation is imperative in baseball. Accomplishing this goal requires hitters to embrace a new definition of success by developing a deeper intellectual appreciation for hitting. The purpose of this paper is to outline the Growth Hitting System (GHS) which systematically promotes growth mindsets and mastery orientation development by focusing on process goals and redefining outcome goals in baseball by focusing on “quality contact” rather than base hits.
Radiolysis of lipids: mode of cleavage in simple triglycerides.

The effect of gamma radiation on simple triglycerides was investigated. Trilaurin, trimyristin, tripalmitin, tristearin, tripalmitolein, triolein and trilinolenin were irradiated under vacuum at 6 megarads. The volatile breakdown products were separated by vacuum distillation and identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Qualitative and quantitative data show that the cleavage in fatty acids essentially follows a specific pattern and is not random. A mechanism of radiolysis is proposed.
Increased right ventricular uptake on stress SPECT myocardial perfusion images in a patient with severe coronary artery disease

Severe abnormal myocardial perfusion defects on single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) are often related to obstructive coronary artery disease. However, falsenegative results may be encountered in patients with severe and extensive coronary artery disease if all of the myocardial territories are uniformly affected—so-called balanced ischemia. In these cases other clues to high risk on MPI should be ascertained, including increased right ventricular uptake on stress images. Our patient had relatively minor myocardial perfusion defects at rest and stress but had a striking increase in right ventricular uptake on technetium 99m tetrofosmin imaging and other features that prompted appropriate further cardiac workup and management. Case history. A 72-year-old man with chest pain was referred for exercise myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. He had hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and peripheral vascular disease. Six weeks previously, he began to have intermittent chest pain at rest and with exertion. Thinking that this was a result of indigestion, he did not seek medical help. He describes the chest pain as 2/10 substernal nonradiating pressure, which lasts for 1 to 5 minutes and is relieved by rest. He also has had shortness of breath on several occasions while gardening. He normally rides a stationary bike without resistance for 15 minutes every morning and walks 3 miles every other day without having shortness of breath or chest pain. His wife notes that he has been more fatigued over the past 2 months and that he is sleeping more during the day. He denies palpitations, orthopnea, or diaphoresis associated with chest pain. His current medications include aspirin, fosinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, simvastatin, and glipizide. A 1-day stress/rest Tc-99m tetrofosmin perfusion study was performed, with the stress portion being performed on a treadmill via the Bruce protocol. Approximately 12 mCi Tc-99m tetrofosmin was injected at rest, and 32 mCi was injected during stress. Gated MPI was performed with attenuation correction via Vantage software (Vantage Software, Inc, Croyden, England). The patient exercised for 6 minutes 33 seconds via the Bruce protocol, stopping because of chest pain that was the same as that he had been having for the past 6 weeks. His resting standing heart rate and blood pressure were 62 beats/min and 120/68 mm Hg, respectively. His maximum heart rate and blood pressure during exercise were 133 beats/min (89% of maximal predicted heart rate for his age) and 140/80 mm Hg, respectively. His maximum workload was 7.8 metabolic equivalents. There was significant electrocardiographic evidence of ischemia during exercise with 2- to 3-mm horizontal ST depression noted in leads II, III, aVF, and V4 through V6. His Duke treadmill score was 12.0 (high risk).
Case studies of the mesospheric response to recent minor, major, and extended stratospheric warmings

[1] We have studied the mesospheric response to two recent stratospheric warmings by performing short-term forecasts at medium (1.5°) and high (0.5°) spatial resolution under different gravity wave drag (GWD) scenarios. We validated our models with our high-altitude analysis that extends from 0 to 90 km. For the minor warming of January 2008, reduced upper-level orographic GWD weakened the downward residual circulation and cooled the mesosphere. Parameterized nonorographic GWD increased the simulated mesospheric cooling. For the prolonged major warming of 2006, heavily attenuated orographic GWD led to pronounced cooling near 50 km. During the extended phase of this event, an unusually strong westerly polar vortex reformed in the lower mesosphere, which allowed westward propagating nonorographic gravity waves to reach the mesosphere and break, with net westward accelerations of over 50 m s−1 d−1. This, in turn, forced a strong residual circulation, yielding descent velocities over 2 cm s−1 between 65°N and 85°N, consistent with previous reports of enhanced downward transport of trace constituents. The resulting adiabatic heating, as evidenced by the unusually vertically displaced stratopause at 80 km, is likely a direct consequence of this enhanced gravity wave driven descent. High-resolution simulations without parameterized GWD were closer to the analysis than medium-resolution simulations with parameterized orographic GWD only, but still did not fully simulate the mesospheric thermal response. Specifically, the 80 km temperature enhancement was still underestimated in these simulations. This suggests that higher spatial resolution is needed to adequately resolve extratropical gravity wave momentum fluxes.
Dynamics of magnetic charges in artificial spin ice.

Artificial spin ice has been recently implemented in two-dimensional arrays of mesoscopic magnetic wires. We propose a theoretical model of magnetization dynamics in artificial spin ice under the action of an applied magnetic field. Magnetization reversal is mediated by domain walls carrying two units of magnetic charge. They are emitted by lattice junctions when the local field exceeds a critical value ${H}_{c}$ required to pull apart magnetic charges of opposite sign. Positive feedback from Coulomb interactions between magnetic charges induces avalanches in magnetization reversal.
Admission Temperature of Low Birth Weight Infants: Predictors and Associated Morbidities

BACKGROUND. There is a paucity of information on the maintenance of body temperature at birth for low birth weight infants. OBJECTIVES. We examined the distribution of temperatures in low birth weight infants on admission to the NICUs in the Neonatal Research Network centers and determined whether admission temperature was associated with antepartum and birth variables and selected morbidities and mortality. METHODS. Infants without major congenital anomalies born during 2002 and 2003 with birth weights of 401 to 1499 g who were admitted directly from the delivery room to the NICU were included. Bivariate associations between antepartum/birth variables and admission temperature and selected morbidities/mortality and admission temperature were examined, followed by multivariable linear or logistic regressions to detect independent associations. RESULTS. There were 5277 study infants and the mean (±SD) birth weight and gestational age were 1036 ± 286 g and 28 ± 3 weeks, respectively. The distribution of admission temperatures was 14.3% at CONCLUSIONS. Preventing decreases in temperature at birth among low birth weight infants remains a challenge. Associations with intubation and center of birth suggest that assessment of temperature control for infants intubated in the delivery room may be beneficial. Whether the admission temperature is part of the casual path or a marker of mortality needs additional study.
PHYLOGENETIC STUDIES OF COADAPTATION: PREFERRED TEMPERATURES VERSUS OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURES OF LIZARDS.

The view that behavior and physiological performance are tightly coadapted is a central principle of physiological ecology. Here, we test this principle using a comparative study of evolutionary patterns in thermal preferences and the thermal dependence of sprinting in some Australian skinks (Lygosominae). Thermal preferences (Tp ) differ strikingly among genera (range 24° to 35°C), but critical thermal maxima (CTMax) (range 38° to 45°C) and optimal temperatures for sprinting (To , 32° to 35°C) vary less. Diurnal genera have relatively high Tp , To , and CTMax. In contrast, nocturnal genera have low Tp but have moderate to high To and CTMax. Both nonphylogenetic and phylogenetic (minimum-evolution) approaches suggest that coadaptation is tight only for genera with high Tp . Phylogenetic analyses suggest that low Tp and, thus, partial coadaptation are evolutionarily derived, indicating that low thermal preferences can evolve, even if this results in reduced performance. In one instance, thermal preferences and the thermal dependence of sprinting may have evolved in opposite directions, a phenomenon we call "antagonistic coadaptation." We speculate on factors driving partial coadaptation and antagonistic coadaptation in these skinks.
Finite strains at the tip of a crack in a sheet of hyperelastic material: III. General bimaterial case

In this last in a series of three papers, we summarize an asymptotic analysis of the near-tip stress and deformation fields for an interface crack between two sheets of Generalized Neo-Hookean materials. This investigation, which is consistent with the nonlinear elastostatic theory of plane stress, allows for an arbitrary choice, on both sides of the three parameters characterizing this class of hyperelastic materials. The first three terms of the approximation series are obtained, showing the existence of a non-oscillatory and contact-free solution to the interface crack problem. The analytical results are compared with a full-field solution obtained numerically using the finite element method.
Inhibition of DNA polymerase by captan

Captan inhibits DNA polymerases of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic sources. When polymerases were employed in assays with various nucleotides as template-primer, no specificity in the base sequence of polynucleotide was required for inhibition. Sucrose gradient centrifugation and preincubation studies showed the inhibition was caused by an irreversible alteration of the polymerase. Captan and DNA compete for the same site on the polymerase, thus DNA can serve a protective role in the elimination of captan's action. The pyrophosphate exchange activity associated with the polymerase is not inhibited by captan and the fidelity with which DNa polymerase I copies the DNA template also is not altered by captan treatment.
Osteogenic proliferation and differentiation of canine bone marrow and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stromal cells and the influence of hypoxia

The aim of this study was to compare the osteogenic and proliferative potential of canine mesenchymal stromal cells (cMSCs) derived from bone marrow (BM-cMSCs) and adipose tissue (AT-cMSCs). Proliferation potential was determined under varying oxygen tensions (1%, 5%, and 21% O(2)). Effects of reduced oxygen levels on the osteogenic differentiation of AT-cMSCs were also investigated. AT-cMSCs proliferated at a significantly faster rate than BM-cMSCs, although both cell types showed robust osteogenic differentiation. Culture in 5% and 1% O(2) impaired proliferation in cMSC from both sources and osteogenic differentiation in AT-cMSCs. Our data suggests that AT-cMSCs might be more suitable for use in a clinical situation, where large cell numbers are required for bone repair, due to their rapid proliferation combined with robust osteogenic potential. Our data also suggests that the inhibitory effects of hypoxia on both cell proliferation and differentiation should be considered when using MSCs in a potentially hypoxic environment such as a fracture site.
Preparation of SiO2 Glass from Model Powder Compacts: II, Sintering

The sintering behavior of powder compacts formed from spherical, nearly monosized SiO2 particles was investigated. Highly ordered compacts sintered to high density and translucency at 1000°C. In contrast, less homogeneous samples prepared from flocculated suspensions remained highly porous after sintering under the same conditions. Densification kinetics were determined over the temperature range 900° to 1050°C for ordered compacts. The viscosity at each sintering temperature and the activation energy for viscous flow were determined using available sintering models. Sintering of ordered compacts is divided into several stages. Densification, mercury porosimetry, and electron microscopy results indicate that the first stage is dominated by the shrinkage of three-particle pore channels, whereas the second stage primarily involves the shrinkage of four-particle pore channels.
Free nickel ion inhibits growth of two species of green algae

Abstract Two species of green algae, Scenedesmus quadricauda (UTEX 76) and Ankistrodesmus falcatus var. acicularis (UTEX 101), were grown in a chemically defined medium containing 10·2 μm Ni. The concentration of free metal ion was manipulated by adding the chelators EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetate) or NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid). For both algal species, growth rates were inversely related to the calculated concentration of free divalent nickel and independent of the total nickel in solution. For A. falcatus var. acicularis, the 14-day cell number was inversely related to the free divalent nickel concentration, while the mean individual cell volume decreased as the free divalent nickel concentration lessened. Nickel inhibition of algal growth appears to be related to the presence of the free divalent ion and is thus similar to copper, zinc and cadmium.
Micro-ecology of the nasopharyngeal bacterial flora in otitis-prone and non-otitis-prone children

The quantitative bacteriology of the adenoid was studied in otitis-prone and non-otitis-prone children, a-hemolytic Streptococci (Viridans Streptococci) appeared to be predominant normal flora in the healthy nasopharynx. There was a decrease in a-hemolytic Streptococci in the otitis-prone child compared to the non-otitis-prone child. Concomitantly, there appears to be an increase in both nontypable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) and S. pneumoniae in the nasopharyngeal flora in the otitis-prone child. The mechanisms responsible for this alteration of the micro-ecology of bacteria of the nasopharynx may be related, in part, to factors that alter mucociliary function. These factors could be viral infection, allergy, local and systemic immunological deficiency and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. An understanding of the relationship between the normal flora and the potential pathogens may be important in the understanding of both the pathogenesis of otitis media (OM) and possibly the treatment of this di...
Spectroscopy of high rate events during active interrogation

Abstract Pulsed accelerators are being used for radiographic inspections in homeland security applications. Adding spectroscopic detection capability enables additional information to be extracted but challenges signal processing hardware. This work compares two approaches to cost-effective digital spectroscopy systems designed to handle these high rate scenarios. In the first system, the signal from a PMT is directly digitized and then deconvolved on a PC using standard techniques. Bypassing the preamplifier, this system can handle high count rates (>10 6 cps) from an LaCl 3 detector with no dead time and an energy resolution of 5% at 1.33 MeV. Spectra acquired from fission product gamma rays between interrogation pulses are shown. At higher rates, this approach is limited by the DAQ transfer rate to the PC. Instead, we tested a fast ADC (125 MSPS) and an FPGA that performed onboard, real-time digital signal processing (DSP). The energy spectrum is generated on the FPGA board during the measurement and transferred later. This system was tested in nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) experiments. Resonance peaks from NRF reactions are shown.
The relationship between natural killer cells and drugs that modify metastasis of PA-III cells

Rat prostate adenocarcinoma III (PA-III) cells produce in L-W rats local tumors at the implant site, osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions and metastatic tumors in the lungs. Treatment of rats with dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP) prevented the osteolytic lesions, but the drug showed little beneficial effect on the local and/or metastatic spread of tumor cells. While treatment of rats with piroxicam inhibited PA-III cell metastasis, it manifested only moderate protection against the development of osteolytic lesions. Treatments with both Cl2MDP and piroxicam resulted in smaller tumors, no osteolysis and significantly reduced metastasis. Comparisons of natural killer (NK) cell activities in normal and in tumor-bearing rats, with and without drug treatments, showed that NK cell activity was suppressed by Cl2MDP, and enhanced by piroxicam. When treatments included both drugs, NK cell activity was enhanced. Thus, the suppression of NK cell activity resulting from treatment with Cl2MDP was reversed by piroxicam with resultant benefits from both drugs.
Time dependencies in the occurrences of epileptic seizures

Abstract A new method of analysis, developed within the framework of nonlinear dynamics, is applied to patient recorded time series of the occurrence of epileptic seizures. These data exhibit broad band spectra and generally have no obvious structure. The goal is to detect hidden internal dependencies in the data without making any restrictive assumptions, such as linearity, about the structure of the underlying system. The basis of our approach is a conditional probabilistic analysis in a phase space reconstructed from the original data. The data, recorded from patients with intractable epilepsy over a period of 1–3 years, consist of the times of occurrences of hundreds of partial complex seizures. Although the epileptic events appear to occur independently, we show that the epileptic process is not consistent with the rules of a homogeneous Poisson process or generally with a random (IID) process. More specifically, our analysis reveals dependencies of the occurrence of seizures on the occurrence of preceding seizures. These dependencies can be detected in the interseizure interval data sets as well as in the rate of seizures per time period. We modeled patient's inaccuracy in recording seizure events by the addition of uniform white noise and found that the detected dependencies are persistent after addition of noise with standard deviation as great as 1 3 of the standard deviation of the original data set. A linear autoregressive analysis fails to capture these dependencies or produces spurious ones in most of the cases.
Preparing Teachers to Work with Diversity Issues in Israel: Paradigms, Puzzles, and Praxis

This article presents findings from a qualitative study exploring how Israeli teacher educators prepare candidates to address multicultural issues. Background is presented regarding multicultural education in Israel along with a discussion concerning Israel's unique diversity-related challenges. Findings explore multicultural practices that are used by Israeli teacher educators designed to support development of multicultural sensitivity and create deeper understanding of different groups. Discussion of the data and recommendations for Israeli and American schools are presented.
POTENTIOSTATIC TESTING OF THIN SILICON NITRIDE FILMS

Abstract Micron-thick silicon nitride can be plasma-deposited as a conformal coating over complex geometries in microelectronic assemblies. The resulting films are dense and chemically inert, providing an effective diffusion barrier against chemical attack as long as the films remain mechanically intact. Potentiostatic methods have been developed to evaluate the effectiveness of these films over 3-dimensional microelectronic structures. Coated test structures were made the anode in NaCl solution and the resulting anodic dissolution of underlying metal was found to be a sensitive indicator of cracks or pinholes in these films and is similar to the corrosion reactions that pose reliability problems in field usage. This method was used to rank the film's ability to protect flat metalized silicon, stitch bonds, and Al bondwires from chemical attack. The same electrochemical method was used in conjunction with a four-point bending method to detect the onset of microcracking during measurements of the film's ne...
The interaction of No2N2O4 and certain metallic oxides: Terbium sesquioxide, lanthanum oxide, vanadium sesquioxide and perovskite phase PrCrO3☆

Abstract The interaction of NO 2 N 2 O 4 with terbium sesquioxide, lanthanum oxide, vanadium sesquioxide, and perovskite phase PrCrO 3 has been studied as a function of the temperature of interaction and the pressure of NO 2 . Two methods of investigation have been employed: (a) analysis of the reacted species and (b) the infra-red spectra of the reacted products. It has been found that the interaction leads to oxidation, nitration and nitrition as competing processes.
Convergence of a relaxed Newton's method for cubic equations

Abstract This paper presents new results on the behavior of Newton's method when it is used to search for the roots of a cubic equation. When the equation has one real root and two real singular points, Newton's method can exhibit chaotic or periodic behavior. Asymptotic methods are used to derive results for the period p solutions of the iterative map for large p. The effect of introducing a relaxation parameter on the chaotic and periodic behavior is also discussed. The applicability of the results to more general nonlinear functions and to the solution of equations of state is discussed.
Pulse Combustion in a Traveling Wave Thermoacoustic Engine

This work describes the use of pulse combustion for increasing the acoustic power output of a thermoacoustic engine. Such engines directly convert thermal energy into acoustic energy, which is typically used to drive a thermoacoustic refrigeration process that can achieve cryogenic temperatures without the use of moving parts. After a brief overview of thermoacoustics, the design of the thermoacoustic engine is discussed, and a perturbation analysis of the thermoacoustic energy fluxes and pulse combustion process is presented to quantify the extent to which pulse combustion has the potential to add to the engine’s acoustic power output. Guided by this analysis and the requirements of the engine design, various active and passive combustion control strategies for the reactant injection configuration and combustion chamber design are discussed.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Effect of cyclosporine administration on renal hemodynamics in conscious rats.

Effect of cyclosporine administration on renal hemodynamics in conscious rats. The effect of acute and chronic administration of cyclosporine on systemic and renal hemodynamics was studied in conscious rats. Infusion of cyclosporine in a dose of 20 mg/kg (Cy 20) resulted in a significant fall in renal blood flow (RBF) (3.4 vs. 6.5 ml/min/g, P 1α excretion increased from control values of 14.0 ± 2.0 ng/6hr to 22.7 ± 2.2 with 10 mg/kg and 25.0± 2.0 with 20 mg/kg. Similar effects on RBF, RVR, PRA, and 6-keto-PGF 1α excretion were seen after chronic administration of cyclosporine (20 mg/kg i.p. for 7 days). Pretreatment of animals with captopril did not prevent the fall in RBF after cyclosporine, suggesting that the vasoconstriction was not mediated by angiotensin II. Animals treated with meclofenamate demonstrated reduction in RBF with 10 mg/kg cyclosporine (4.3 vs. 7.0ml/min/g, P
Hydrothermal alteration of organic matter in sediments of the Northeastern Pacific Ocean: Part 2. Escanaba Trough, Gorda Ridge

Samples from the Ocean Drilling Program Leg 169 in Escanaba Trough, Gorda Ridge, NE Pacific Ocean, were analyzed to study maturation by accelerated diagenesis and/or by catagenesis of the sedimentary organic matter to hydrothermal petroleum. At Site 1038 the hydrothermal petroleums have migrated after generation to shallower horizons. The n-alkane maturation was indicated by the strong even C number preference (i.e., CPI <1.0) as in the case of Middle Valley. All samples contained admixed organic matter of terrigenous and marine components as indicated by the distributions of the biomarkers. The biological precursors were catagenetically altered to their equivalent mature compounds. The presence of high molecular weight PAHs in some sediment sections at Site 1038 reflected the high temperature alteration and reworking of organic matter into mature hydrothermal petroleum. At Site 1037, the reference hole in the Escanaba Trough, the n-alkanes with a strong predominance of odd C number homologs reflected immature non-marine lipid components essentially throughout the hole. Maturation of organic matter was only observed below 450 mbsf with n-alkanes showing a CPI <1.0. The strong even C number predominance in those intervals was attributed to initial maturation by high heat flow during the early rifting process.
Nonlinear compressive deformation of viscoelastic porous materials

Abstract Two nonlinear viscoelastic solutions are presented for a porous, foam type material. The first is for the hydrostatic compression of the foam, while the second is for the one-dimensional compression of an infinite slab of the material. Relative to the particular viscoelastic constitutive equation employed, the first solution is exact, whereas the second, obtained through the use of a physical hypothesis, is approximate. Both solutions predict the macroscopic, average stress in the foam, required by the corresponding deformation processes. The theoretical results are compared with experimental measurements on a foam material at a porosity of 48.5%. The effect of material hysteresis is revealed and discussed.
Fibroblasts Expressing the Thyrotropin Receptor Overarch Thyroid and Orbit in Graves' Disease

Context: Graves' disease (GD) is a systemic autoimmune syndrome comprising manifestations in thyroid and orbital connective tissue. The link between these two tissues in GD eludes our understanding. Patients with GD have increased frequency of circulating monocyte lineage cells known as fibrocytes. These fibrocytes infiltrate orbital connective tissues in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and express functional TSH receptor (TSHR). Objective: The aim of the study was to identify and characterize CD34+ fibrocytes in thyroid tissue. Design/Setting/Participants: Patients undergoing surgical thyroidectomy at two academic medical centers were recruited to the study. Main Outcome Measures: We performed immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, cytokine-specific ELISA, and cell differentiation. Results: CD34+ColI+CXCR4+TSHR+ cells can be identified in situ in thyroid tissue from donors with GD, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or in normal-appearing tissue. Thyroid fibroblasts cultivated from these glands exp...
Upper Middle Cambrian Stratigraphy of Western Utah

The Wheeler, Marjum, and lower Weeks Formations of western Utah contain from 1600 to 2000 feet of limestone and shale in one of the thickest, best exposed, and most fossiliferous successions of upper Middle Cambrian rocks in North America. Three laterally interfingering lithofacies belts, viz. inner detrital, middle carbonate, and outer detrital, are recognized. Rocks of the inner and outer belts are characterized by a high content of detrital argillaceous and arenaceous material, whereas rocks of the middle belt are composed of relatively clean carbonates. Lithotope boundaries shifted extensively, but sedimentation appears to have been continuous from middle Middle to early Late Cambrian time. The biostratigraphic boundary between the Bathyuriscus-Elrathina and Bolaspidella Assemblage Zones coincides with the lithostratigraphic boundary between the Swasey Limestone and Wheeler Shale, and the biostratigraphic boundary between the Bolaspidella and Cedaria Assemblage Zones occurs in the lower part of the Weeks Formation. Interpretations based on physical and biological evidence indicate that faunal change at the base of the Bolaspidella Zone resulted from simultaneous widespread shift of lithotopes and biotopes, whereas faunal change at the top of the Bolaspidella Zone resulted from evolution in situ while lithotopes were relatively stationary.
Discovery of a New Gravitational Lens System

A new gravitational lens system, the triple radio source MG2016+112, has been discovered. Five emission lines at a redshift of 3.2733±0.0014 have been identified in the spectra of two stellar objects of magnitude 22.5 coincident with radio components 3.4 arc seconds apart. The lines are the narrowest ever observed in objects at such a large redshift. The redshift of a 23rd-magnitude extended optical object coincident with the third radio component has not been determined spectroscopically, but its known optical properties are consistent with those of a giant elliptical galaxy with a redshift of about 0.8.
Displacement Damage Testing Results for Intersil Bipolar and BiCMOS Analog Parts

We summarize the results of 1MeV neutron displacement damage (DD) testing of several Intersil bipolar and BiCMOS analog and power management functions, including voltage references, comparators and point of load regulators.
Resolution of mixtures of sugars by means of partition chromatography on columns: resolution of a mixture of the four aldopentoses and 2-deoxyribose and of certain hexoses.

Abstract A preparative partition column technique has been developed which will resolve mixtures of monosaccharides of the pentose and hexose series. the sugars are quantitatively eluted from the columns and the use of volatile salt-free solvents simplifies final recovery.
Acceptability of solar disinfection of drinking water treatment in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

This research examines the acceptability of solar disinfection of drinking water (SODIS) in a village in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, using constructs from the Health Belief Model as a framework to ide...
Effective thermal conductivity of sintered heat pipe wicks

The effective thermal conductivity of sintered metal materials similar to those used in heat pipe wicks has been investigated. Experimental tests were conducted using both sintered Nickel 200 and sintered copper powders over a temperature range of 25°C to 100 QC. Data were obtained for samples with several porosities in both dry and water-saturated conditions. The effective thermal conductivity of the sintered materials was found to be a function of the thermal conductivity of the solid material from which the sintered metal was made, the porosity, the mean sample temperature, and whether the material was dry or saturated. The results of the experimental investigation are presented and compared with the experimental results and analytical solutions of other investigators. Nomenclature b = dummy variable c = dummy variable ke = effective thermal conductivity k( = thermal conductivity of the liquid ks = thermal conductivity of the solid r == radius of the contact point R = radius of the powdered particles x = dummy variable a = experimental parameter P =(l-v)/(l+v) g = porosity v =*,/*. pb = bulk density of the sintered material pg = density of the solid material
An unpopular essay on transportation

Several popular notions exist in the transportation and transport geography literature that should more properly be viewed as popular myths. Several of these myths are examined using a combination of existing research, data analysis and certain theoretical constructs. Among the areas addressed are transport and economic development, the likelihood of telecommuting reducing urban travel, the promise of ethanol as an alternative transport fuel, the future demand for public transit by senior citizens, the role of network connectivity in accessibility and economic growth, and the relationship between vehicle speed and motor vehicle accidents. An examination of several of these myths and some others reveals that they clearly need to be researched in further detail, or in other cases they are patently wrong.