cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multivariate transcriptome analysis identifies networks and key drivers of chronic lymphocytic leukemia relapse risk and patient survival

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an indolent heme malignancy characterized by the accumulation of CD5+ CD19+ B cells and episodes of relapse. The biological signaling that influence episodes of relapse in CLL are not fully described. Here, we identify gene networks associated with CLL relapse and survival risk. Networks were investigated by using a novel weighted gene network co-expression analysis method and examining overrepresentation of upstream regulators and signaling pathways within co-expressed transcriptome modules across clinically annotated transcriptomes from CLL patients (N = 203). Gene Ontology analysis was used to identify biological functions overrepresented in each module. Differential Expression of modules and individual genes was assessed using an ANOVA (Binet Stage A and B relapsed patients) or T-test (SF3B1 mutations). The clinical relevance of biomarker candidates was evaluated using log-rank Kaplan Meier (survival and relapse interval) and ROC tests. Eight distinct modules (M2, M3, M4, M7, M9, M10, M11, M13) were significantly correlated with relapse and differentially expressed between relapsed and non-relapsed Binet Stage A CLL patients. The biological functions of modules positively correlated with relapse were carbohydrate and mRNA metabolism, whereas negatively correlated modules to relapse were protein translation associated. Additionally, M1, M3, M7, and M13 modules negatively correlated with overall survival. CLL biomarkers BTK, BCL2, and TP53 were co-expressed, while unmutated IGHV biomarker ZAP70 and cell survival-associated NOTCH1 were co-expressed in modules positively correlated with relapse and negatively correlated with survival days. This study provides novel insights into CLL relapse biology and pathways associated with known and novel biomarkers for relapse and overall survival. The modules associated with relapse and overall survival represented both known and novel pathways associated with CLL pathogenesis and can be a resource for the CLL research community. The hub genes of these modules, e.g., ARHGAP27P2, C1S, CASC2, CLEC3B, CRY1, CXCR5, FUT5, MID1IP1, and URAHP, can be studied further as new therapeutic targets or clinical markers to predict CLL patient outcomes.
Melatonin Administration Patterns for Pediatric Inpatients in a Tertiary Children's Hospital.

OBJECTIVES Melatonin has been trialed with reported increasing use for sleep dysregulation and prevention of ICU delirium in critically ill adults; however, reports of use in hospitalized pediatric patients are limited. We anecdotally observed an increase in prescribing of melatonin in our tertiary care children’s hospital and therefore aimed to retrospectively characterize prescribing practices over time. METHODS Melatonin dispensing data over a 4-year time frame were extracted. Melatonin doses were categorized as being either ICU or non-ICU administered and dosed during daytime versus nighttime, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize patients who were administered melatonin, dosing information, and quantitative change in annual melatonin orders between areas. The comparison of daytime versus nighttime melatonin administrations and ratio of administrations between ICU and non-ICU areas for each study year were compared via χ2 test. RESULTS Administration of melatonin increased 246.2% between years 1 and 3, with a shift from predominance in ICU to non-ICU areas over the study period (P CONCLUSIONS Prescribing of melatonin for pediatric inpatients has increased substantially over a 4-year period, despite limited research on dosing, in this single-center. Further research is needed to determine best practices for melatonin prescribing for hospitalized children.
Comparison of Glass Fragments Using Particle‐Induced X‐Ray Emission (PIXE) Spectrometry*,†

Keywords:forensic science;particle-induced X-ray emission;nondestructive;glass;trace elements;statistical tests Abstract: A procedure has been developed to analyze the trace element concentrations in glass fragments using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectrometry. This method involves using accelerated protons to excite inner-shell electronic transitions of target atoms and recording the resultant X-rays to characterize the trace element concentrations. The protocol was able to identify those glass fragments that originated from different sources based on their elemental analyses. The protocol includes specific approaches to calculating uncertainties and handling measurements below the level of detection. The results indicate that this approach has increased sensitivity for several elements with higher atomic number compared with X-ray fluorescence methods. While not as sensitive as laser-ablation or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methods of dissolved samples, it is entirely nondestructive and entails a much simpler sample preparation process that may be used to presort glass fragments for more comprehensive elemental analysis. As such, the technique described may have a niche role in forensic glass analysis.
Interannual variability of the 30–50 day activity in the Indian summer monsoon

In order to study the interannual variability of the 30–50 day activity in the southwest monsoon, time series at seven levels over India were formed using the NMC global analysis for four summers (1977–1980). After 30–50 day bandpass filtering, graphs of zonal wind, relative vorticity and divergence were plotted. Vertical structure of the activity is complex between 100 kPa and 10 kPa. Activity at 85 kPa moved northward, steadily in the summer of 1979 but less so in the other three summers. At 20 kPa, propagation was northward in the summer of 1979 but southward in the summers of 1977 and 1980. Meridional propagation was not clear at 20 kPa during the summer of 1978. Monsoon onset and breaks are highly correlated with 30–50 day cyclonic and anticyclonic activity, respectively. In addition, about 90% of the depressions in the summers of 1977 and 1979, and about 70% of the depressions in the summers of 1978 and 1980 formed within regions of cyclonic vorticity on the 30–50 day time scale. Rotational circulations are much stronger than divergent circulations on this time scale in the NMC global analyses.
On the Construction of Virtual Backbone for Ad Hoc Wireless Network

Ad hoc wireless network is featured by a dynamic topology. There is no fixed infrastructure as compared with wired network. Every host can move to any direction at any speed. This characteristic puts special challenges in routing protocol design. Most existing well-known routing protocols use flooding for route construction. But, flooding suffers from the notorious broadcast storm problem which causes excessive redundancy, contention and collision in the network. One solution to overcome this problem is to compute a virtual backbone based on the physical topology, and run any existing routing protocol over the virtual backbone. In our study, the virtual backbone is approximated by a minimum connected dominating set (MCDS). We propose a distributed algorithm which computes a small CDS. The performance of our algorithm is witnessed by simulation results and theoretical analysis.
Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of Axitinib (AG-013736) in healthy volunteers

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 233 INTRODUCTION: Axitinib (AG-013736, AG), an oral, potent, and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, 3, is currently in phase III clinical development as an anti-cancer agent. The effect of food as well as the timing of food intake on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of AG was assessed in healthy volunteers. METHODS : In an open-label, crossover study, 42 subjects were randomized to cohorts that included treatment periods separated by ≥5-day washout. The first 2 cohorts involved treatments with fed (high fat, high calorie breakfast) and overnight fasted regimens (10 hours pre dose/4 hours post dose). Cohort 3 involved treatments with fed and 2-hour pre/post-dose fasted (2/2 fast) regimens, and Cohort 4 involved treatments with fed and 1-hour pre/post-dose fasted (1/1 fast) regimens. Each subject received a single 5 mg oral dose of AG in each treatment period. During each treatment period, serial blood samples were collected over 48 hours to assess AG PK. Physical examinations, electrocardiograms, vital sign measurements and laboratory tests were performed and adverse events (AEs) monitored. RESULTS: Compared to overnight fasting, fed conditions decreased the geometric mean AUC0-∞ and Cmax by 23% and 39% respectively. AG AUC0-∞ and Cmax values were relatively unchanged in comparisons of fed versus 2/2 fast and fed versus 1/1 fast conditions. Intersubject variability was consistent across treatment groups and coefficient of variation (CV) for AUC0-∞ ranged from 50-65% for fed and fasting conditions. No serious or clinically significant AEs were reported. CONCLUSIONS: AG administered in the overnight fasted state resulted in increased AG exposure. Limited fasting (1-hour or 2-hour pre- and post-AG dose) does not provide a different PK profile from the fed state. In the interest of obtaining consistent PKs following both daily doses, cancer patients in ongoing trials with AG are required to take AG with food.
Ataxia-Telangiectasia Presenting as Cerebral Palsy and Recurrent Wheezing: A Case Report.

Patient: Male, 8 Final Diagnosis: Ataxia-telangiectasia Symptoms: Ataxia • sinopulmonary infection • telangiectasiae • wheezing Medication: — Clinical Procedure: IVIG supstitution Specialty: Pediatrics and Neonatology Objective: Rare disease
Binding Specificity between Small Organic Solutes in Aqueous Solution: Classification of Some Solutes into Two Groups According to Binding Tendencies

Experimental data have been obtained which appear to show that the binding between organic species dissolved in water apparently takes place most effectively between members of two large, distinct classes of structures, classified arbitrarily as A and B types. Typical examples of Class A are the uncharged alkylxanthines and tetramethylpyrimidopteridinetetrone. Among the compounds in Class B are various benzene derivatives, salicylates, and trans-cinnamic acid anions. Many drugs may be included in the present classification system; some examples for which data are available are caffeine, theophylline, and prednisolone in Class A, and phenacetin, promethazine, and menadione in Class B. The complexing tendencies of series of systems involving pairs of interacting organic molecules in aqueous solution were investigated by the phase-solubility technique. Stability constants for some caffeine interactions were evaluated by means of partitioning studies.
Transparent terabit photonic imaging networks

The next generation of distributed imaging and visualization environments for diagnostic radiography and C4I will require the delivery of a guaranteed quality-of-service by a ultra-high bit rate network. Two aspects of the quality-of-service, the link bit rate and the round-trip packet latency, can be met through the use of transparent third-generation photonic networks. These networks can be implemented using ultra-short optical pulses in conjunction with spectral-domain processing to construct links. These links are combined with transparent photonic packet switches to form the network switching fabric. The quality-of-service is guaranteed by using virtual circuit-switching.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
TRAF3IP2 mediates interleukin-18-induced cardiac fibroblast migration and differentiation

TRAF3IP2 is a cytoplasmic adapter protein and an upstream regulator of IKK/NF-κB and JNK/AP-1. Here we demonstrate for the first time that the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-18 induces TRAF3IP2 expression in primary cardiac fibroblasts (CF) in a Nox4/hydrogen peroxide-dependent manner. Silencing TRAF3IP2 using a phosphorothioated, 2'-O-methyl modified, cholesterol-tagged TRAF3IP2 siRNA duplex markedly attenuated IL-18-induced NF-κB and AP-1 activation and CF migration. Using co-IP/IB and co-localization experiments, we show that Nox4 physically associates with IL-18 receptor proteins, and IL-18 enhances their binding. Further, IL-18 promotes fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, as evidenced by enhanced α-smooth muscle actin expression, types 1 and 3 collagen induction, and soluble collagen secretion, via TRAF3IP2. These results indicate that TRAF3IP2 is a critical intermediate in IL-18-induced CF migration and differentiation in vitro. TRAF3IP2 could serve as a potential therapeutic target in cardiac fibrosis and adverse remodeling in vivo.
Working memory, animacy, and verb class in the processing of relative clauses

Abstract In three eye-movement monitoring experiments, participants’ working memory capacity was assessed and they read sentences containing subject-extracted and object-extracted relative clauses. In Experiment 1, sentences lacked helpful semantic cues, object-relatives were harder to process than subject relatives, and working memory capacity did not moderate syntactic complexity effects. In Experiments 2 and 3, categorical distinctions between critical nouns provided helpful semantic cues to syntactic structure and interpretation. Experiments 2 and 3 showed that helpful semantic cues reduced or eliminated syntactic complexity effects, and that this reduction was not produced by lexical properties of specific verbs. Further, in Experiment 2 working memory capacity moderated the interaction of syntactic complexity and semantic cues.
Collective action: fifty years later

This paper presents a retrospective view of Mancur Olson’s The Logic of Collective Action. The paper’s primary purpose is to investigate the validity of Olson’s propositions concerning group size, group composition, and institutional design. This purpose is accomplished by drawing on the literature and the paper’s game-theoretic representations. Key considerations behind the validity of his propositions concern benefit rivalry, the aggregation technology, strategic assumptions, and participation costs. The difference between public good and commons games is also an essential consideration. Generally, Olson’s propositions fare best for benefit rivalry, a summation aggregator, Nash behavior, and positive participation costs. Because his propositions are true in many important real-world situations, the book remains highly relevant. Efforts to find exceptions to Olson’s propositions have served to further our understanding of collective action.
Least squares regression with censored data

SUMMARY The analysis for a standard linear regression model is extended to the case of data randomly censored on the right. The slope and intercept estimators are weighted linear combinations of the uncensored observations where the weights are derived from the Kaplan-Meier product-limit estimator of a distribution function. Some distribution theory for the slope estimator is given. For illustration the estimators are applied to the Stanford heart transplant data.
Comparison of Different Sampling Scales to Estimate Weed Populations in three Soybean Fields

A study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of different weed sampling scales to accurately describe populations in soybean. Three soybean fields were sampled at 8 and 6 weeks after planting in 1998 and 1999, respectively. All weed species were counted on a 10 m grid, using a 0.58-m2 quadrat. Data were eliminated from the original 10 m grid sample of weeds for each field to develop 40 m, 60 m, and 80 m independent data sets. Distribution and population maps were interpolated using an inverse distance weighted method. Data were extracted from the interpolated maps at known coordinates so that the observed population and the predicted population could be compared. The 10 m grid served as a standard to which all others were compared. No differences in population accuracies between each scale were detected when results were compared on a per weed basis, except when weed populations were very high, generally exceeding 400 plants ha−1. When the weed density was not at an extreme, the results from these data indicate the ability to describe or account for the weed population fairly accurately, when using coarser grid sizes. These results also suggest that when using a regular grid coordinate system as the sampling structure, an increase from a 10 m scale to an 80 m scale will not cause a significant loss of information when weed populations were not extreme and will provide the necessary information for making suitable weed treatment decisions. However, some small weed patches were not detected with the coarser sampling scales, and the larger sampling scales would not meet their needs if the producer’s objective is complete control of a species.
Translation and translocation of defined RNA messengers

Abstract A purified system for protein synthesis, derived from Esherichia coli, makes use of small, synthetic mRNA's initiated by the fMet ‡ codon, AUG, followed by a sequence of 3, 6 or 9 uridylic acid residues. These di-, tri- and tetra-codons direct the binding of fMet- and Phe-tRNA to ribosomes and the synthesis of the corresponding fMet-initiated di-, tri- and tetrapeptides. This system, directing the synthesis of unique and conveniently detected oligopeptide products, has permitted us to correlate the soluble elements required for protein synthesis with specific steps in the translation of initial and succeeding codons. Complete translation of these small mRNA's has certain of the stringent requirements necessary for the accurate cell-free translation of naturally occurring RNA messengers. Thus, initiation factors, fMet-tRNA and GTP must be provided. After recognition of the first codon and formation of the initial complex, one of two transfer factors, in the presence of GTP, catalyzes a binding reaction in which the second (first internal) codon is recognized. This permits formation of the dipeptide, fMet-Phe, but does not permit translation of succeeding codons. A second transfer factor, probably an enzyme, participates in a translocation reaction in which the third codon is made available for translation, apparently displacing the second codon at the recognition site on the ribosome. In addition, the complex formed between peptidyl-tRNA, mRNA and ribosome is stabilized, possibly by translocation of the peptidyl-tRNA from a site of lesser affinity to one of greater affinity on the ribosome. The role of GTP in the translocation reaction will be certain only when it has been uncoupled from its participation in the binding reaction. Once requirements for translation of the third codon have been met no further additions are necessary for elongation of the peptide chain.
Suppression of ionization and atomic electron localization by short intense laser pulses

Ionization suppression and electron localization have been observed in numerical modeling of two-photon ionization by very intense short-wavelength laser fields. In this paper we present similar results for one-photon ionization. We find that a one-dimensional atom follows one of three distinct routes to ionization depending whether the field is weak, strong, or superstrong. The first route can be described by perturbation theory. The second route is characterized by very rapid depletion of the bound-state population, leading to 100% ionization. The third route features incomplete ionization and electron localization. The behavior of the atom in both strong and superstrong fields is strongly correlated with the deformation of the atomic binding potential associated with the Kramers-Henneberger frame transformation.
Method for Removal of the St. Jude Valve

A method is presented for removal of the St. Jude Medical valve when it must be replaced with another prosthesis. The sewing ring is transected in the radial direction, freeing the rigid portion of the valve. This is then removed, allowing the remainder of the sewing ring to be excised under direct vision. This method simplifies and increases the safety of this procedure.
A comparison of some lack of fit tests based on near replicates

Several tests for regression lack of fit proposed by Christensen (1989), Shillington (1979) and Neill and Johnson (1985) are compared. The tests considered are applicable for the case of nonreplication and reduce to the classical lack of fit test when independent replications are available. A simulation study is used to compare the size and power of the test procedures for small sample sizes and various configurations of nonreplication. In addition, each test is shown to be consistent as well as invariant with respect to location and scale changes made on the regressor variables.
Sperm‐mediated transformation of the honey bee, Apis mellifera

Our primary objective was to identify techniques to transform the genome of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) with foreign DNA constructs. The strategy we adopted was to linearize foreign DNA and introduce it with sperm during the instrumental insemination of virgin queen honey bees. We analysed extracts from larvae within the same cohort and isolated the predicted fragment by means of PCR amplification of genomic DNA. Larvae that carried the construct also expressed the introduced DNA. We propagated several transgenic lines for up to three generations, which demonstrates its heritability. Once carried by a queen, the construct can be detected in that queen’s larvae over several months. However, there was no evidence of integration of the construct, at least as determined by genomic Southern analysis. Nevertheless, this demonstrates the general viability of the technique for introduction of DNA, and it should be augmented by further use of transposable elements that enhance integration.
Unsteady 360 CFD Validation of a Turbine Stage Mainstream/Disc Cavity Interaction

The amount of cooling air assigned to seal high pressure turbine rim cavities is critical for performance as well as component life. Insufficient air leads to excessive hot annulus gas ingestion and its penetration deep into the cavity compromising disc or cover plate life. Excessive purge air, on the other hand, adversely affects performance. Experiments on a rotating turbine stage rig which included a rotor-stator forward disc cavity were performed at Arizona State University. The turbine rig has 22 vanes and 28 blades, while the cavity is composed of a single-tooth lab seal and a rim platform overlap seal. Time-averaged static pressures were measured in the gas path and the cavity, while mainstream gas ingestion into the cavity was determined by measuring the concentration distribution of tracer gas (carbon dioxide) under a range of purge flows from 0.435% (Cw = 1540) to 1.74% (Cw = 6161). Additionally, particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to measure fluid velocity inside the cavity between the lab seal and the rim seal. The data from the experiments were compared to time-dependent CFD simulations using FLUENT CFD software. The CFD simulations brought to light the unsteadiness present in the flow during the experiment which the slower response data did not fully capture. An unsteady RANS, 360-degree CFD model of the complete turbine stage was employed in order to increase the understanding of the swirl physics which dominate cavity flows and better predict rim seal ingestion. Although the rotor-stator cavity is geometrically axisymmetric, it was found that the interaction between swirling flows in the cavity and swirling flows in the gas path create non-periodic/time-dependent unstable flow patterns which at the present are not accurately modeled by a 360 degree full stage unsteady analysis. At low purge flow conditions, the vortices that form inside the cavities are greatly influenced by mainstream ingestion. Conversely at high purge flow conditions the vortices are influenced by the purge flow, therefore ingestion is minimized. The paper also discusses details of meshing, convergence of time-dependent CFD simulations, and recommendations for future simulations in a rotor-stator disc cavity such as assessing the observed unsteadiness in the frequency domain in order to identify any critical frequencies driving the system.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Study of time-dependent spectral transfer in disordered systems

We study the time development of spectral profile of an inhomogeneously broadened system of a low concentration of optically active random two-level impurity ions excited with a narrow-band laser pulse. The spectral transport is due to phonon-assisted spatial migration of optical excitations among the impurity ions. The basic two-site transfer rate is assumed to be site symmetric and independent of the energy levels of the initial and final sites when the thermal energy is much larger than the inhomogeneous width. A ''direct transfer'' model relevant to some current works is solved exactly for dipolar interaction at a low-impurity concentration. In this model transitions are allowed only between the initial site of excitation and rest of the ions. The result agrees well with a previous ''exact'' Monte Carlo calculation for a short time. The result is improved systematically for longer times by using a pair model, a three-site model, and a four-site model. In the first two models, energy transfer is allowed along one and two nearest-neighbor percolation bonds. respectively, starting from the initial site of excitation. In a four-site model additional transfer is included between the initial ion and its second neighbor. Transitions to the background ions without back transfermore » are allowed in all cases. Finally, the theoretical results are compared with recent experimental data.« less
Introduction of a leucine half-zipper engenders multiple high-quality crystals of a recalcitrant tRNA synthetase.

Although Escherichia coli alanyl-tRNA synthetase was among the first tRNA synthetases to be sequenced and extensively studied by functional analysis, it has proved to be recalcitrant to crystallization. This challenge remained even for crystallization of the catalytic fragment. By mutationally introducing three stacked leucines onto the solvent-exposed side of an α-­helix, an engineered catalytic fragment of the synthetase was obtained that yielded multiple high-quality crystals and cocrystals with different ligands. The engineered α-helix did not form a leucine zipper that interlocked with the same α-­helix from another molecule. Instead, using the created hydrophobic spine, it interacted with other surfaces of the protein as a leucine half-zipper (LHZ) to enhance the crystal lattice interactions. The LHZ made crystal lattice contacts in all crystals of different space groups. These results illustrate the power of introducing an LHZ into helices to facilitate crystallization. The authors propose that the method can be unified with surface-entropy reduction and can be broadly used for protein-surface optimization in crystallization.
Triple combination of siRNAs targeting TGFβ1, TGFβR2, and CTGF enhances reduction of collagen I and smooth muscle actin in corneal fibroblasts.

Purpose Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), TGFβ receptor (TGFβR2), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are key regulators of fibrosis in the cornea and in other tissues, including liver, skin, and kidney. We developed an antifibrotic treatment targeting these three critical scarring genes by using a combination of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and assessed its effect on downstream scarring genes, collagen I, and α smooth muscle actin (SMA). Methods Up to six individual siRNAs for each of the three target gene mRNAs were transfected into cultures of rabbit corneal fibroblasts at concentrations from 15 to 90 nM. The knockdown of target gene proteins was measured by ELISA, and the two most effective siRNAs were tested in dual combinations. Knockdown percentages of both individual and dual siRNA combinations were analyzed for synergy by using combination index to predict "effective" and "ineffective" triple siRNA combinations. Effects of both triple siRNA combinations on target and downstream mRNAs were measured by using quantitative RT-PCR, and levels of SMA protein were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results Single and dual siRNA combinations produced a wide range of protein knockdown of target genes (5%-80%). The effective triple siRNA combination significantly reduced mRNA levels of target genes (>80%) and downstream scarring genes (>85%), and of SMA protein (>95%), and significantly reduced cell migration without reducing cell viability. Conclusions Simultaneous targeting of TGFβ1, TGFβR2, and CTGF genes by effective triple siRNA combination produced high knockdown of target and downstream scarring genes without cell toxicity, which may have clinical applications in reducing corneal fibrosis and scarring in other tissues.
Effect of high temperature on albumin and globulin accumulation in the endosperm proteome of the developing wheat grain

The accumulation of KCl-soluble/methanol-insoluble albumins and globulins was investigated in the endosperm of developing wheat (Triticum aestivum, L. cv. Butte 86) grain produced under a moderate (24 °C/17 °C, day/night) or a high temperature regimen (37 °C/28 °C) imposed from 10 or 20 days post-anthesis (dpa) until maturity. Proteins were separated by 2-DE and developmental profiles for nearly 200 proteins were analyzed by hierarchical clustering. Comparison of protein profiles across physiologically equivalent stages of grain fill revealed that high temperature shortened, but did not substantially alter, the developmental program. Accumulation of proteins shifted from those active in biosynthesis and metabolism to those with roles in storage and protection against biotic and abiotic stresses. Few proteins responded transiently when plants were transferred to the high temperature regimens, but levels of a number of proteins were altered during late stages of grain development. Specific protein responses depended on whether the high temperature regimens were initiated early or mid development. Some of the heat responsive proteins have been implicated in gas bubble stabilization in bread dough and others are suspected food allergens.
Structural inhomogeneity and piezoelectric enhancement in ZnO nanobelts

In this work, piezoelectricity of individual ZnO nanobelts grown along the ( 01 ¯ ) direction is studied using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). It is found that the effective piezoelectric coefficient of these NBs, d eff 33 ,i s in- creasing from 2.7 pm/V at 30 kHz to 44 pm/V at 150 kHz. The results were explained by the Debye model, where structural inhomogeneity in our NBs was shown to be re- sponsible for piezoelectric enhancement.
Eskimo story‐knife tales: Reflections of change in food habits

Modernization has led to new economic adaptations in Eskimo villages in Alaska. Changes in subsistence and dietary patterns are believed to be accompanying these adaptations. Childrens’ story‐knifetales in the Kuskokwim River Delta Region of Alaska were found to reflect economic and dietary changes taking place. In 1966,83 story‐knife tales were gathered in seven Kuskokwim River villages. The traditional food quest pattern for this region is described and those stories which deal specifically with food procurement are evaluated. Stories are divided into three categories—traditional (reflecting no modern influences), transitional (reflecting some modern influences) and modern. Traditional and transitional stories occur most frequently in villages which have been subjected to less intensive Western acculturative forces and tend to reflect the least departure from traditional subsistence pursuits. Modern stories, the most common type found in Bethel, a large trade and administrative center on the Kuskokwim R...
Estimation of average backorders for an assemble-to-order system with random batch demands through extreme statistics

We investigate inventory management for a large-scale multi-product, multi-component Assemble-to-Order system with general random batch demands. Results from extreme statistics theory are applied in developing approximation schemes for a widely used performance measure, customer backorders. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
Themes, Taxons, and Trial Types in Children's Matching to Sample: Methodological Considerations

Five experiments were conducted in which preschool children (29-73 months) matched pictures of common objects. Each trial consisted of a sample and two comparison pictures (all three together defined as a trial type) in which the sample was related to one comparison taxonomically and to the other thematically. The intent of each experiment was to replicate results in the literature in which young children more readily relate objects thematically than taxonomically. Instead, in all five experiments the children more often selected the taxonomic comparisons. These results occurred independently of age, gender, instructions, order of the trial types, nonspecific performance feedback, the presence of a third comparison unrelated to the sample, and the level of the taxonomy (superordinate vs basic). Instructions to select a comparison that was the same as the sample increased responses to the taxonomic comparisons. Comparison selection in this task relates both to the individual trial type and the individual subject.
Evaluation of toluene and acetone inhalant abuse II. Model development and toxicology

Abstract The capacity of toluene and of acetone to cause toxic injury was evaluated under conditions approximating solvent abuse. Exposure of male mice to 4000 ppm toluene 3 hr/day, five times weekly for up to 8 weeks produced no manifestations of toxicity other than minor, transient elevations in SGOT. In order to develop exposure protocols which mimicked typical episodes of solvent “sniffing,” male mice and rats were exposed by inhalation to toluene vapor levels ranging from 4000 to 12,000 ppm for as long as 3 hr. Although toluene is a potent and rapidly acting narcotic, the animals quickly recovered from its CNS depressant effects and had to be administered the solvent repeatedly to be maintained in an inebriated state. On the basis of pilot studies, an intermittent exposure protocol was adopted in which groups of mice and rats were subjected on a daily basis to seven consecutive inhalation cycles, each cycle consisting of a 10-min exposure to 12,000 ppm toluene followed by a 20-min, solvent-free recovery interval. Additional groups of rats were exposed 3 hr daily to 19,000 ppm acetone. These toluene and acetone regimens were repeated 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Groups of each species were sacrificed after 2, 4, and 8 weeks and 2 weeks postexposure. Clinical chemistry indices (i.e., SGOT, LDH, BUN, liver triglyceride content, lung fluid content) and histopathological examination of tissues (i.e., lung, liver, brain, kidney, and heart) failed to reveal manifestations of acute injury or residual organ damage at any sacrifice time. Body weight gain and absolute organ weights of solvent-exposed mice and rats were generally depressed during and in some cases 2 weeks after the 8-week exposure regimens. Our studies indicate that toluene and acetone are relatively nontoxic, even under the extreme exposure conditions of solvent abuse.
The «secularization» question and the United States in the twentieth century

Pourquoi les perspectives seculiaires ont-elles fait si peu de progres aux Etats-Unis au XXe siecle ? Pourquoi le Congres a-t-il attaque Bill Clinton en 1998 ? Pourquoi tant de medecins des Etats-Unis ont-ils ete intimides jusqu'a refuser de fournir des services d'avortements ? Cet article aborde ces questions de l'histoire de la religion americaine, en deplorant que dans un pays si chretien, l'histoire du christianisme joue un role si petit dans la comprehension de la societe.
Improvement to holographic digital data-storage systems with random and pseudorandom phase masks

Various effects associated with using a random phase mask in holographic data storage are analyzed. It is shown that the nonlinear nature of recording a phase hologram coupled with the highly nonuniform profile of the object beam is the major source of interpixel cross talk. It is also shown that, although the nonlinear effects are reduced by an increase in the reference-to-object beam ratio, the scattering noise is increased. Thus an optimal beam ratio must be used to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. It is demonstrated as well that the interpixel interference noise can be suppressed effectively by use of a multilevel pseudorandom phase mask, which also significantly reduces the nonlinear noise. These findings are supported by experimental results that show the signal-to-noise ratio and efficiency are improved significantly by use of a six-level pseudorandom phase mask.
Wet oxidation of Ti34Si23N43 thin films with and without pre-annealing

Abstract Films of a ternary alloy of composition Ti 34 Si 23 N 43 and of a structure consisting of homogeneously distributed ∼2 nm sized TiN-like grains in an amorphous matrix were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering to thicknesses of 250–1000 nm and then oxidized with steam at 600, 800, or 1000°C, with and without first annealing the film in vacuum at 800°C for 1 h. The microstructure of the nitride and the oxide was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and plan-view transmission electron microscopy. The thickness of the grown oxide scale was monitored by backscattering spectrometry. At 600 and 800°C, the oxide scale has the composition of Ti 20 Si 13 O 67 , corresponding to a full and lossless oxidation of Ti and Si to TiO 2 and SiO 2 . During that process, the nano-grains in the alloy grow several-fold. The oxide is also a two-phase mixture of TiO 2 nano-grains in an amorphous matrix. As a function of the oxidation duration, t , the oxide grows in a log( t )-like fashion. Pre-annealing in vacuum reproduces the growth of TiN grains in the alloy observed during oxidation. This structural change does not alter the log( t )-type dependence but drastically reduces the rate of oxidation. The observations are interpreted as resulting from the compositional changes of the matrix induced by the growth of the TiN grains in the alloy.
Serum Cholinesterase Activity and Arterial Blood Pressure

Conflicting data have appeared in the literature regarding serum cholinesterase and blood pressure. The studies reported here were undertaken to establish or refute the existence of a direct relationship between these two factors. Two types of studies were performed. First, serum cholinesterase activity was measured in 63 unselected hypertensive patients. Second, a selected group of seven hypertensive patients and three healthy subjects was studied with a variety of drugs known to influence either blood pressure or serum cholinesterase. Results indicate that no direct relationship exists between blood pressure and serum cholinesterase and that fluctuations in these two factors occur independently of each other.
(η6-Hexamethylbenzene)(mesidine)-ditriflatoruthenium(II)

The crystal structure of the title complex, (η6-hexamethylbenzene)bis(trifluoromethanesulfonato-O)(2,4,6-trimethylanil­ine-N)ruthenium(II), [Ru(CF3O3S)2(C12H18)(C9H13N)], is described. The complex has the classic three-legged piano-stool structure with a planar arene 1.667 A from the metal, two monodentate O-bound tri­fluoro­methane­sulfonate ligands [Ru—O 2.169 (2) and 2.174 (2) A] and one N-bound mesidine ligand [Ru—N 2.198 (2) A]. The Ru—N distance is relatively long and the average Ru—O distance is relatively short when compared with previously characterized RuII complexes.
An analysis of injury claims from low-seam coal mines.

INTRODUCTION: The restricted workspace present in low-seam coal mines forces workers to adopt awkward working postures (kneeling and stooping), which place high physical demands on the knee and lower back. METHOD: This article provides an analysis of injury claims for eight mining companies operating low-seam coal mines during calendar years 1996-2008. All cost data were normalized using data on the cost of medical care (MPI) as provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. RESULTS: Results of the analysis indicate that the knee was the body part that led in terms of claim cost ($4.2 million), followed by injuries to the lower back ($2.7 million). While the average cost per injury for these body parts was $13,100 and $14,400, respectively (close to the average cost of an injury overall), the high frequency of these injuries resulted in their preeminence in terms of cost. Analysis of data from individual mining companies suggest that knee and lower back injuries were a consistent problem across companies, as these injuries were each among the top five most costly part of body for seven out of eight companies studied. APPLICATION/IMPACT: Results of this investigation suggest that efforts to reduce the frequency of knee and low back injuries in low-seam mines have the potential to create substantial cost savings. Language: en
Thermodynamics of the Hydrolysis Reactions of Nitriles

Abstract Microcalorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography (h.p.l.c) have been used to conduct a thermodynamic investigation of the following nitrilase catalyzed reactions: (1) benzonitrile(aq) + 2H2O(l) = benzoic acid(aq) + ammonia(aq), (2) benzylcyanide(aq) + 2H2O(l) = benzeneacetic acid(aq) + ammonia(aq), (3) 3-phenylpropionitrile(aq) + 2H2O(l) = 3-phenylpropanoic acid(aq) + ammonia(aq), (4) 4-phenylbutyonitrile(aq) + 2H2O(l) = 4-phenylbutyric acid(aq) + ammonia(aq), (5) α-methylbenzyl cyanide(aq) + 2H2O(l) = α-methylbenzene acetic acid(aq) + ammonia(aq), and (6) 3-indoleacetonitrile(aq) + 2H2O(l) = indole-3-acetic acid(aq) + ammonia(aq). The equilibrium measurements showed that these reactions proceeded to completion. Thus, it was possible to set only lower limits for the values of the apparent equilibrium constants K′. However, it was possible to obtain precise values of the calorimetrically determined molar enthalpies of reaction ΔrHm(cal). These values were then used in conjunction with an equilibrium model to calculate values of the standard molar enthalpies for chemical reference reactions that correspond to the above overall biochemical reactions.
HOLOBOMOLOCHUS (COPEPODA: BOMOLOCHIDAE) REDEFINED, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF THREE NEW SPECIES FROM THE EASTERN PACIFIC

ABSTRACT The genus Holobomolochus is redefined based primarily on the absence of rostral hooks. Five species are presently considered members of the redefined genus. They are: Holobomolochus glyphisodontis (Kroyer), H. vervoorti Cressey, H. chilensis, new species, H. dawsoni, new species, and H. wilsoni, new species. The first author is reassigning to other genera those species with rostral hooks formerly included in Holobomolochus. The genus is so far known only from the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific.
Oxygen consumption can regulate the growth of tumors, a new perspective on the Warburg effect.

Background: The unique metabolism of tumors was described many years ago by Otto Warburg, who identified tumor cells with increased glycolysis and decreased mitochondrial activity. However, ‘‘aerobic glycolysis’’ generates fewer ATP per glucose molecule than mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, so in terms of energy production, it is unclear how increasing a less efficient process provides tumors with a growth advantage. Methods/Findings: We carried out a screen for loss of genetic elements in pancreatic tumor cells that accelerated their growth as tumors, and identified mitochondrial ribosomal protein L28 (MRPL28). Knockdown of MRPL28 in these cells decreased mitochondrial activity, and increased glycolysis, but paradoxically, decreased cellular growth in vitro. Following Warburg’s observations, this mutation causes decreased mitochondrial function, compensatory increase in glycolysis and accelerated growth in vivo. Likewise, knockdown of either mitochondrial ribosomal protein L12 (MRPL12) or cytochrome oxidase had a similar effect. Conversely, expression of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) increased oxygen consumption and decreased tumor growth. Finally, treatment of tumor bearing animals with dichloroacetate (DCA) increased pyruvate consumption in the mitochondria, increased total oxygen consumption, increased tumor hypoxia and slowed tumor growth. Conclusions: We interpret these findings to show that non-oncogenic genetic changes that alter mitochondrial metabolism can regulate tumor growth through modulation of the consumption of oxygen, which appears to be a rate limiting substrate for tumor proliferation.
The baladi curative system of Cairo, Egypt.

The article explores the symbolic structure of the baladi (traditional) cultural system as revealed in everyday narratives, with a focus on baladi curative action. The everyday illness narrative provides a cultural window to the principles of fluidity and restorative balance of baladi curative practices. The body is seen as a dynamic organism through which both foreign objects and physiological entities can move. The body should be in balance, as with any humorally-influenced system, and so baladi cures aim to restore normal balance and functioning of the body. The article examines in detail a narrative on treatment of a sick child, and another on treatment of fertility problems. It traces such cultural oppositions as insider : outsider; authentic: inauthentic; home remedy: cosmopolitan medicine. In the social as well as the medical arena these themes organize social/medical judgements about correct action and explanations of events.
The relationship between emotional eating and weight problem perception is not a function of body mass index or depression

Weight problem perception (WPP) refers to the belief that one is overweight. Previous research suggests that WPP, even in the absence of actual overweight status, is associated with disordered eating, binge eating, and body image dissatisfaction. However, the relationship between emotional eating, BMI, and WPP has not yet been explored. This investigation recruited a total of 409 college students who completed a web-based survey. An additional 76 participants were recruited to complete an identical survey with the addition of a depression measure to evaluate the contribution of this potentially important covariate. As hypothesized, WPP was associated with emotional eating, while actual BMI was not. In the second sample, WPP remained significantly associated with emotional eating, even after depression was included as a covariate. Results suggest that non-overweight young adults who express the belief that they are overweight may be at risk for emotional eating, which, over the long term, could indeed adversely impact BMI. Cognitive approaches to address disordered eating may benefit from addressing WPP.
Comparison of model predictions with LDEF satellite radiation measurements

Some early results are summarized from a program under way to utilize LDEF satellite data for evaluating and improving current models of the space radiation environment in low Earth orbit. Reported here are predictions and comparisons with some of the LDEF dose and induced radioactivity data, which are used to check the accuracy of current models describing the magnitude and directionality of the trapped proton environment. Preliminary findings are that the environment models underestimate both dose and activation from trapped protons by a factor of about two, and the observed anisotropy is higher than predicted.