cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disruption of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene: Effect on vascular response to injury

N itric oxide (NO) is a potent vasodilator that regulates vascular tone. It exerts potentially antiatherogenic effects by inhibiting platelet aggregation, leukocyte activation, and proliferation of smooth muscle cells.1 NO is synthesized by the NO synthase (NOS) enzymes, of which there are 3 major known isoforms, encoded by distinct genes.2,3 Endothelial NOS (eNOS) generates NO in blood vessels and is involved in regulating vascular function. Neuronal NOS produces NO in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It plays roles in cell communication, N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate responses, and neurotransmission in nonadrenergic, noncholinergic nerves. Inducible NOS produces NO used (e.g., by macrophages) in immune defense against pathogens. Inhibitors of NOS, such as L-N-arginine-methyl ester (LNAME) and L-N-monomethyl arginine (L-NMMA), are useful to investigate the effects of NO. These inhibitors, however, have nonspecific effects because they affect .1 NOS isoform. In an attempt to better delineate the activities of these isoforms, we and others have targeted deletions or disruptions of the genes for NOS isoforms. Mutant animals lacking each isoform have been successfully produced.4–7 We have performed several studies to characterize the phenotype of endothelial NOS mutant mice, including studies of the effect of endothelial NOS deficiency on the response to vascular injury.5,8
Sox3 and sexual dysfunction: it's in the head

Humans with mutations in SOX3 have panhypopituitarism, but the developmental mechanisms underlying this defect are unknown. Conditional disruption of Sox3 in mice now suggests that anterior pituitary development depends on Sox3 expression in the overlying neural ectoderm, which establishes midline structures and regulates production of inductive BMP and FGF signals.
17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase dysregulation is not caused by mutations in the coding regions of CYP17

Study Objective To determine whether mutations occur in the 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17) gene in patients with mild hyperandrogenism.
Electronic Effect in the Third-Order Elastic Constant C 456 of n -Germanium

The doping of germanium with \ensuremath{\sim}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{19}$/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ arsenic atoms has been observed to change the magnitude and reverse the sign of the third-order elastic constant ${C}_{456}$. Room-temperature measurements of the change of ${C}_{456}$ and of the change of the shear modulus ${C}_{44}$ upon doping are reported for two degenerate samples relative to a pure sample. By attributing these impurity effects to the electronic mechanism proposed by Keyes, the shear deformation potential constant ${\ensuremath{\Xi}}_{u}$ is found to be 17.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 eV, and the carrier densities of the degenerate samples are determined, in excellent agreement with the results of transport measurements.
Skin freckles on solo papaya fruit

Abstract Freckle-like blemishes occur on ripe papaya fruit; the cause and the factors that influence their occurrence are unknown. No freckles were detected on young fruit (less than 40 days old); the skin area affected and freckle diameter (FD) increased during the last phase of fruit growth as the fruit approached maturity. More freckles were seen on the exposed side of the fruit away from the stem. Fruit freckle index and FD were lowest during the late summer-autumn part of the year in Hawaii. Freckle parameters were negatively correlated with minimum and maximum temperatures, especially during the second month before fruit were harvested. Rainfall in the second month before harvest had a significant positive correlation with freckle diameter. There was no correlation between cuticle thickness and freckle appearance. During growth latex volume declined, while latex total soluble solids and freckle incidence increased, suggesting that latex osmotic pressure and fruit growth stresses may play a role in freckle development. Application of anti-transpirants onto young fruits did not reduce the incidence of skin freckles in mature fruit. Wrapping young fruits in white paper bags significantly reduced freckle incidence.
Sunflower dust properties that contribute to increased fire risk during harvest and biorefinery operations

Abstract Ignition hazards of biomass dust present challenges in the agricultural industry and future biorefinery processing. Thermochemical and biochemical conversion processes require reducing biomass particle sizes through milling or grinding stages that may generate excess airborne dust. Ignition properties of potential energy crop residues, namely, corn stover and sunflower stalks, were investigated by conducting ignition point experiments using dust layer samples to describe conditions that could start fires leading to loss of feedstock, equipment damage, and even personal injury or death. Sunflowers in particular possess unique properties that present increased challenges for farmers in which sunflower dust samples were found to have a lower auto-ignition point by 30 °C than comparable corn stover dust samples. Furthermore, the dust ignition points are related to their physical characteristics and calorimetric data to investigate the properties that contribute to the enhanced fire risk of sunflowers. The results suggest sunflower's higher surface area allows greater heat transfer to the particle, and its total pore volume allows additional air near the particle's inner core to decrease the ignition point. Calorimetric data indicates sunflower dust also has a lower de-volatilization point and higher amount of energy released during early stages of combustion, which may also explain sunflower's tendency to easily propagate dust fires. Sunflower dusts exhibit properties that increase the likelihood of fires on any equipment that has sufficiently hot surfaces.
Accurate and efficient detection of pulmonary seed embolization in prostate iodine-125 permanent brachytherapy with a collimated gamma scintillation survey meter.

Pulmonary seed embolization is frequently observed in permanent prostate brachytherapy. Postoperative chest radiographic examination does not always detect seed embolization. To overcome this deficiency, a low energy gamma scintillation survey meter was converted to a seed-migration detector by adding a cone-shaped single-hole collimation cap to the window end of the scintillation probe. The response functions of the seed-migration detector to iodine-125 (I-125) for different source-to-detector distances in air and in water were measured. The spatial discrimination power of the survey meter, represented by the full width at half maximum measured in water, is typically improved from more than 7 cm to about 3 cm. Seventy-nine patients with I-125 implantation were scanned with the seed-migration detector at the patients’ 30-day postevaluation visit. Fifteen patients showed single-seed embolization to the chest region and four patients displayed two-seed embolization. In other words, 24% of the patients present with embolized seeds. The detection accuracy of each patient was validated by a comprehensive investigation procedure. The comprehensive investigation consists of reviewing the patient’s treatment history, orally questioning the patient for possible seed loss via the urethra route outside the hospital, examining all available chest radiographs before and after the seed implantation, and counting the seeds on the postevaluation CT scans. In comparison, examinations relying only on the analysis of postoperative chest radiographs yielded a false-positive detection in four patients and a false-negative detection in two patients. Another advantage of the seed-migration detector is that multiple seed-migration scans can be performed without exposing the patient to any additional radiation, for this device is a passive detector. Our clinical implementation also demonstrated that the seed-migration detector is a convenient and cost-effective method. As a result of this study, we stopped ordering the postoperative chest radiographs in a patient’s regular postevaluation visit. Only if the detector shows radioactivity outside a patient’s pelvis are a pair of anteroposterior and lateral chest radiographs of the patient ordered to document the location of the embolized seeds.
Contextual Teaching and Learning of science in elementary schools

Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) integrates inquiry, problem- and project-based learning, cooperative learning, and authentic assessment. Case studies were carried out on 21 teachers who used CTL to teach science in elementary schools to diverse groups of children. The findings indicated that the conditions that fostered the implementation of CTL strategies were a collaborative interaction with students, a high level of activity in the lesson, a connection to real-world contexts, and an integration of science content with other content and skill areas. Furthermore, the CTL strategies were best implemented when teachers used them in conjunction with sound classroom management techniques.
A design perspective on modularity

Modularity is essential to software development. Without it, large software systems simply could not be realized. Designers typically strive to achieve a high degree of modularity by separating different concerns over different modules, a process called modularization. Modularity, however, is but one of the goals that the designer has. Furthermore, design does not just take place when the designer decides upon the structure of the code. Instead, design is a multi-dimensional activity that permeates the software life cycle. In this paper, we examine modularity as seen through the lens of design as it takes place across the life cycle, particularly dissecting typical activities in which designers engage to study how these activities involve and relate to modularity. The result is an affirmation that modularity is and always should be an integral part of designers' work, but that our current techniques to achieve modularity fall short in a number of critical ways. A research agenda is laid out toward overcoming these shortcomings.
Governmental entities: Compliance and performance auditing considerations

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants recently issued Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 69 [1996a]. This establishes two parallel hierarchies—one for the public sector (headed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)) and one for the private sector (headed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)). Formerly, governmental accountants had to absorb all FASB pronouncements and then ignore some on command of the GASB. Under the provisions of SAS No. 69, only those future FASB pronouncements that the GASB specifically makes applicable to government entities will be of primary concern to governmental accountants. However, some aspects of the new standard are confusing. The GASB hierarchy of authoritative sources should be understood as having six, not five, levels and some applications—such as accounting for proprietary funds of government entities—need to be clarified by future GASB pronouncements. This study first highlights the provisions of SAS No. 69. Then, based upon the responses to a survey questionnaire, it discusses how the new SAS will affect users of the new authoritative pronouncement.
Jaundice following iproniazid administration with recovery; serial biochemical and histological observations of two patients.

Serial observations of hepatic function and histological changes in the liver were made in one case, and of hepatic function in a second case of jaundice, occurring during iproniazid medication. No specific pattern of liver dysfunction could be found to aid in the differentiation from viral hepatitis. This fact alone does not warrant the conclusion that iproniazid reactivates subclinical viral hepatitis. A direct hepatotoxic effect of iproniazid should be considered. Such a possibility finds support in the ability of iproniazid to interfere with the normal detoxification mechanism of the liver. No method of detecting early and unquestionably remedial liver damage by iproniazid has as yet been found. No assurance of safety can be given by the use of a low dosage schedule. At the present time, the dangers of iproniazid should be kept in mind and its use limited to cases where the risk is warranted.
Planet-planet scattering in the upsilon Andromedae system

The planets of our Solar System are all in nearly circular orbits, as expected of the products of coagulation and accretion in a protostellar disk. Yet most of the 150-plus extrasolar planets so far detected around nearby stars are in eccentric orbits. Observations of the three giant planets around upsilon Andromedae — the ‘Rosetta stone’ of planetary dynamics — suggest that these orbital eccentricities can be explained if the planets start life in nearly circular orbits and are later perturbed by interaction with another planet now lost from the system. The study of orbital eccentricity is relevant to models of planet formation, and to astronomers interested in the extent of the so-called habitable zones of terrestrial planets. Doppler spectroscopy has detected 152 planets around nearby stars1. A major puzzle is why many of their orbits are highly eccentric; all planets in our Solar System are on nearly circular orbits, as is expected if they formed by accretion processes in a protostellar disk. Several mechanisms have been proposed to generate large eccentricities after planet formation, but so far there has been little observational evidence to support any particular model. Here we report that the current orbital configuration of the three giant planets around upsilon Andromedae2,3 (υ And) probably results from a close dynamical interaction with another planet4, now lost from the system. The planets started on nearly circular orbits, but chaotic evolution caused the outer planet (υ And d) to be perturbed suddenly into a higher-eccentricity orbit. The coupled evolution of the system then causes slow periodic variations in the eccentricity of the middle planet (υ And c). Indeed, we show that υ And c periodically returns to a very nearly circular state every 6,700 years.
Developmental mouse brain gene expression maps

Brain gene expression databases are providing an increasing amount of information to the neuroscience community. Most databases are focused on the adult mouse rather than embryonic development. Here we survey the major mouse gene expression databases for the developing brain. The high throughput in situ hybridization approach generates large volumes of gene expression data that can be compiled and examined in a relatively short period of time. It is of increasing importance to compare gene expression patterns of neurodevelopment in the brain in relation to the adult. Often clues to adult gene expression and gene function can be determined by examining embryonic development. It is our hope that once all genes are mapped in the brain from the embryo to the adult, studies can be conducting based on information derived from such databases in conjunction with other bioinformatics sources.
Individuality but not Stability in Marmoset Long Calls

Individually distinct communication signals ('signatures') have been documented in a variety of taxa across signal modalities and they serve a host of important functions. However, studies have rarely examined the temporal stability of these signals. Cooperatively breeding species, such as marmosets and tamarins, are characterized by long-term group membership, complex social organization, and high levels of interindividual coordination of behaviour. These social attributes may promote complex, individually distinct and stable acoustic signals to facilitate the expression of cooperative behaviour. In this study, the long calls of socially housed individual Wied's black tufted-ear marmosets, Callithrix kuhli, were examined for a 'signature system' potentially important in such interactions. Vocalizations were recorded at three different times (1993, 1995, 1996), digitized, and then measured by spectrographic analysis. Acoustic and temporal features of the calls were examined, including number of syllables, length of syllables, intersyllable interval, frequency range, start/stop frequency, peak frequency, and total call duration. A number of significant intra-individual changes in acoustic parameters were identified across the recording periods. Discriminant analysis revealed that many variables contributed to differentiation among individuals, and average classification accuracy for calls within a given year was high, ranging from 91.7 % to 93.5 %. However, reclassification accuracy for calls between-years was much poorer, averaging less than 50 %. In addition, classification confidence was higher for within-year scores in contrast to the between-year values. Thus, tufted-ear marmosets have an individually distinct vocalization which is acoustically modified across time. Our finding suggests that to the extent that the vocalization is used for individual recognition, recognition mechanisms must be modified over time as well.
A comparative study of new venture top management team composition, dynamics and performance between university-based and independent start-ups

The current study tests for differences in top management team (TMT) composition (education, functional expertise, industry experience, and skill), dynamics (shared strategic cognition, potency, cohesion, and conflict) and performance (net cash flow and revenue growth) between a sample of 102 high-technology university-based start-ups and an otherwise equivalently matched sample of 154 independent high-technology new ventures. The results find university-based start-ups to be comprised of more homogenous TMTs with less developed dynamics than their independent counterparts. Further, university-based start-ups are found to be significantly lower performing in terms of net cash flow and revenue growth than independent new ventures. © 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Simulation modeling using ProModel for windows

ProModel is a powerful yet easy-to-use simulation tool for modeling all types of manufacturing systems ranging from small job shops and machining cells to large mass production and flexible manufacturing systems. ProModel is a Windows based system with an intuitive graphical interface and object-oriented modeling constructs that eliminate the need for programming. It combines the flexibility of a general purpose simulation language with the convenience of a data-driven simulator. This tutorial provides an overview of ProModel and presents its modeling and analysis capabilities.
Toward a better understanding of kidney stone disease: platinum priorities.

Kidney stones are a common and costly disease, and our epidemiologic understanding is continuing to evolve. In their broadest terms, epidemiologic investigations describe a wide range of scientific efforts that can range from comparing the frequency of stone disease among different populations to identifying nonurologic risk factors for the disease. One of the great values of such epidemiologic investigations is that they can ultimately lead to an interventional study, a scientific inquiry to test whether identified risk factors will predict the disease in question and then whether modification of those risk factors will bring about a decline in the prevalence of the disease. In this way, the health of the larger community can be improved. The epidemiology of kidney stone disease is a relatively young field, with the vast majority of seminal publications
Renal cell carcinoma metastatic to Hürthle cell adenoma of thyroid

Metastases to the thyroid gland are a common finding at autopsy in patients who died of malignancy and are often misdiagnosed as primary thyroid neoplasms clinically. We present a patient with a rare, unusual case of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastatic to a Hurthle cell adenoma of the thyroid. A 53-year-old woman was admitted to a University of Texas Medical Branch Hospital (Galveston, TX) for a large right thyroid mass that was present for 3 months. A fine needle aspiration of the thyroid mass was performed and interpreted as suggestive of a Hurthle cell neoplasm. A total thyroidectomy revealed Hurthle cell adenoma containing clusters of cytologically atypical cells with clear cytoplasm. Subsequent patient evaluation and computed tomography revealed a renal mass. Left radical nephrectomy was performed at a later date for left renal mass and the microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of primary clear cell carcinoma of the kidney. Further studies confirmed that the thyroid mass was metastases from RCC. Although carcinoma of the kidney is responsible in most instances of metastatic disease to the thyroid, metastatic RCC to a thyroid neoplasm is extremely rare, with only two reports found in the English literature. The possibility of metastatic RCC should always be taken under consideration, especially when nests of clear cells are seen infiltrating into the thyroid parenchyma or neoplasm.
Zane B. Carothers (1924–2005)

Zane Bland Carothers died February 3, 2005. He was an outstanding plant anatomist and a pioneer in the comparative studies of bryophyte spermato genesis. Zane was born in Philadelphia in 1924 and, following a stint in the U. S. Army Air Force from March 1943 to February 1946, attended Temple University where he earned both a B.S. in Ed. (1950) and an M.S. in Ed. (1952), specializing in Biology. Dr. Carothers took his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Michigan in 1958, defending a dissertation entitled "Comparative Stem Anatomy of Some Shrubby Members of the Geraniaceae." His academic career began with an instructorship in Botany at the University of Kentucky for the years 1957-1959. His appointment as an assistant professor in Botany in 1959 at the University of Illinois marked the beginning of his 32-year aca demic life there. As a member of that faculty, he taught general plant morphology and plant anatomy in addition to introductory courses in Botany/Plant Biology. He co-authored with Harry Fuller and oth ers the 4th and 5th editions of "The Plant World," a widely used general botany textbook of the 1960s and 1970s. He was named Professor Emeritus of Plant Biology following his retirement in August 1991. Zane was a remarkable anatomist/electron mi croscopist who developed a penchant for bryo phytes and, in particular, the ultrastructural details of these fascinating plants. His many publications with students and colleagues attest to his meticu lous abilities in the medium of transmission elec tron microscopy (TEM). Like any great anatomist, he could examine TEM sections of a structure and
On an accuracy problem of robot manipulators

The problem of robot accuracy is studied. Based on a developed error model [1, 2, 3] describing the accuracy of a robot manipulator resulting from kinematic errors, a statistical analysis is performed to obtain an estimation to the robot accuracy which is measured in terms of the covariance matrix of the Cartesian errors of the end-effector. We derive the maximum likelihood estimate for this covariance matrix. The presented estimate entails a measurement of Cartesian errors at many different arm positions in the known world, without actually dealing with individual kinematic errors.
Binary patterning of polar and nonpolar amino acids in the sequences and structures of native proteins

Protein sequences can be represented as binary patterns of polar ([symbol: see text]) and nonpolar ([symbol: see text]) amino acids. These binary sequence patterns are categorized into two classes: Class A patterns match the structural repeat of an idealized amphiphilic alpha-helix (3.6 residues per turn), and class B patterns match the structural repeat of an idealized amphiphilic beta-strand (2 residues per turn). The difference between these two classes of sequence patterns has led to a strategy for de novo protein design based on binary patterning of polar and nonpolar amino acids. Here we ask whether similar binary patterning is incorporated in the sequences and structures of natural proteins. Analysis of the Protein Data Bank demonstrates the following. (1) Class A sequence patterns occur considerably more frequently in the sequences of natural proteins that would be expected at random, but class B patterns occur less often than expected. (2) Each pattern is found predominantly in the secondary structure expected from the binary strategy for protein design. Thus, class A patterns are found more frequently in alpha-helices than in beta-strands, and class B patterns are found more frequently in beta-strands than in alpha-helices. (3) Among the alpha-helices of natural proteins, the most commonly used binary patterns are indeed the class A patterns. (4) Among all beta-strands in the database, the most commonly used binary patterns are not the expected class B patterns. (5) However, for solvent-exposed beta-strands, the correlation is striking: All beta-strands in the database that contain the class B patterns are exposed to solvent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
High-speed parallel CRC circuits in VLSI

The use of VLSI technology to speed up cyclic redundancy checking (CRC) circuits used for error detection in telecommunications systems is investigated. By generalizing the analysis of a parallel prototype, performance is estimated over a wide range of external constraints and design choices. It is shown that parallel architectures fall somewhat short of ideal speedups in practice, but they should still enable current CMOS technologies to go well beyond 1 Gb/s data rates. >
Multiscale modeling of structural dynamics underlying force generation and product release in actomyosin complex.

To decrypt the mechanistic basis of myosin motor function, it is essential to probe the conformational changes in actomyosin with high spatial and temporal resolutions. In a computational effort to meet this challenge, we have performed a multiscale modeling of the allosteric couplings and transition pathway of actomyosin complex by combining coarse-grained modeling of the entire complex with all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of the active site. Our modeling of allosteric couplings at the pre-powerstroke state has pinpointed key actin-activated couplings to distant myosin parts which are critical to force generation and the sequential release of phosphate and ADP. At the post-powerstroke state, we have identified isoform-dependent couplings which underlie the reciprocal coupling between actin binding and nucleotide binding in fast Myosin II, and load-dependent ADP release in Myosin V. Our modeling of transition pathway during powerstroke has outlined a clear sequence of structural events triggered by actin binding, which lead to subsequent force generation, twisting of central β-sheet, and the sequential release of phosphate and ADP. Finally we have performed atomistic simulations of active-site dynamics based on an on-path “transition-state” myosin conformation, which has revealed significantly weakened coordination of phosphate by Switch II, and a disrupted key salt bridge between Switch I and II. Meanwhile, the coordination of MgADP by Switch I and P loop is less perturbed. As a result, the phosphate can be released prior to MgADP. This study has shed new lights on the controversy over the structural mechanism of actin-activated phosphate release and force generation in myosin motor. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Optimized two-dimensional thin layer chromatography to monitor the intracellular concentration of acetyl phosphate and other small phosphorylated molecules

Acetyl phosphate (acetyl-P) serves critical roles in coenzyme A recycling and ATP synthesis. It is the intermediate of the Pta-AckA pathway that inter-converts acetyl-coenzyme A and acetate. Acetyl-P also can act as a global signal by donating its phosphoryl group to specific two-component response regulators. This ability derives from its capacity to store energy in the form of a high-energy phosphate bond. This bond, while critical to its function, also destabilizes acetyl-P in cell extracts. This lability has greatly complicated biochemical analysis, leading in part to widely varying acetyl-P measurements. We therefore developed an optimized protocol based on two-dimensional thin layer chromatography that includes metabolic labeling under aerated conditions and careful examination of the integrity of acetyl-P within extracts. This protocol results in greatly improved reproducibility, and thus permits precise measurements of the intracellular concentration of acetyl-P, as well as that of other small phosphorylated molecules.
A note on topology and magnetic energy in incompressible perfectly conducting fluids

In an incompressible perfectly conducting fluid the Navier-Stokes equations become \[ \frac{\partial v}{\partial t} + v.\nabla v = -\nabla {\rm P} - \nu\Delta v + j\times {\boldmath H}, \] where j = curl H, div H = 0, div v = 0, and dH/dt = curl (v × H). The last equation follows from the Maxwell equation dH/dt = − curl E and the assumption of perfect conduction — that the electric field in the frame of the fluid vanishes, E′ = E + v × H = 0. In geometric terms, it says that the system evolves so that the time derivative of H is equal to minus its spatial Lie derivative: \[ \frac{{\rm d}{\boldmath H}}{{\rm d}t} = -L_{\rm v}{\boldmath H}. \]Thus H is equivariant with respect to the evolution (or ‘frozen in the fluid’) as long as the evolution follows these equations. Since the first equation tends to dissipate magnetic energy E = ∫ ∥H∥2 the question naturally rises whether the topology of H determines lower bounds on E. We treat this question in the general context of a divergence-free vector field H on a closed Riemannian 3-manifold M. We obtain a result bounding E from below but make no assertion on the existence of extremals. Arnol'd (1986) has defined a quadratic form for any ‘null-homologous’ H
Estradiol-17β-Induced Human Neural Progenitor Cell Proliferation Is Mediated by an Estrogen Receptor β-Phosphorylated Extracellularly Regulated Kinase Pathway

Estradiol-17β (E2) induces rodent hippocampal neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation in vitro, in vivo, and after brain injury. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether E2-induced proliferation observed in rodent model systems generalized to cells of human neural origin and the signaling pathway by which E2 promotes mitosis of human NPCs (hNPCs). Results of these analyses indicate that E2 induced a significant increase in hNPC proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. E2-induced hNPC DNA replication was paralleled by elevated cell cycle protein expression and centrosome amplification, which was associated with augmentation of total cell number. To determine whether estrogen receptor (ER) and which ER subtype were required for E2-induced hNPC proliferation, ER expression was first determined by real-time RT-PCR, followed by Western blot analysis, and subsequently verified pharmacologically using ERα or β-selective ligands. Results of these analyses indicated that ERβ ...
When and Why Might a Computer-aided Detection (CAD) System Interfere with Visual Search? An Eye-tracking Study

Rational and Objectives: Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems are intended to improve performance. This study investigates how CAD might actually interfere with a visual search task. This is a laboratory study with implications for clinical use of CAD. Methods: Forty-seven naive observersin two studies were asked to search for a target, embedded in 1/f 2.4 noise while we monitored their eye movements. For some observers, a CAD system marked 75% of targets and 10% of distractors, whereas other observers completed the study without CAD. In experiment 1, the CAD system’s primary function was to tell observers where the target might be. In experiment 2, CAD provided information about target identity. Results: In experiment 1, there was a significant enhancement of observer sensitivity in the presence of CAD (t(22) = 4.74, P < .001), but there was also a substantial cost. Targets that were not marked by the CAD system were missed more frequently than equivalent targets in no-CADblocks of the experiment (t(22) = 7.02,P < .001).Experiment 2 showedno behavioral benefit from CAD, but also no significant cost on sensitivity to unmarked targets (t(22) = 0.6, P = NS). Finally, in both experiments, CAD produced reliable changes in eye movements: CAD observers examined a lower total percentage of the search area than the no-CAD observers (experiment 1: t(48) = 3.05, P < .005; experiment 2: t(50) = 7.31, P < .001). Conclusions: CAD signals do not combine with observers’ unaided performance in a straightforward manner. CAD can engender a sense of certainty that can lead to incomplete search and elevated chances of missing unmarked stimuli.
IgE bullous disease.

We report two patients with the typical clinical picture of bullous pemphigoid who lacked two critical diagnostic immunopathological features of the disease, namely IgG or C3 bound to the epidermal basement membrane and circulating IgG antibodies directed against the basement membrane zone (BMZ). Both patients had dense infiltrates of eosinophils within their skin lesions, as well as markedly elevated serum IgE levels, while immunofluorescent studies with anti-IgE antibody revealed heavy IgE deposition on inflammatory cells within the dermis surrounding the bullae. These cells were confirmed to be eosinophils by means of specific staining with antibody to major basic protein (MBP). We speculate that this 'IgE bullous disease' resulted from IgE-mediated hypersensitivity induced by focal infection, both patients initially being helped by antibiotics. However, dramatic clearing of bullae was seen following surgical removal of a battery implant (Patient 1), and bilateral above-the-knee amputations of gangrenous legs (Patient 2).
Analysis of Polarized Light with NICMOS

The Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST ) contains optics in Cameras 1 and 2 (NIC1 and NIC2) that enable imaging polari- metry at D1 and 2 km, respectively, with unprecedented spatial detail. Pre—ight thermal vacuum tests revealed that the three polarizers in each camera have unique polarizing efficiencies and that the rotational orientations within each set depart from the nominal 120i intervals. To properly interpret polarimetric data obtained with these optical systems, a reduction algorithm was developed which diUers from the standard approach used for ideal polarizers. We discuss this technique, its successful application to selected NICMOS observations, and the uncertainty distributions associated with three- and four-polarizer schemes. We also present information on the NICMOS instrumental polarization, the nature and origin of image artifacts in the polarized images, and suggest observational techniques for obtaining high-quality polarimetry with the instrument. With the large number of observations already taken and the exciting prospects for an extended mission with a retro—t closed-cycle turbine cooler, NICMOS will continue to produce high-resolution imaging polarimetry in the near-infrared for many years to come.
Light-absorbing components in Lake Superior

Abstract Features of light absorption are critical to optical aspects of water quality and in regulating the signal available for remote sensing. Spectral characteristics and spatial patterns of light-absorbing components, and their relationships with optically active constituents, are documented for the Sturgeon River, Keweenaw Bay, and Lake Superior based on analyses of samples collected on two cruises (2006 and 2007, 20 sites). The absorption coefficient, a (m − 1 ), is partitioned according to the additive components ( a x ) of colored dissolved organic matter ( a CDOM ), non-algal particles ( a NAP ), phytoplankton ( a ϕ ), and water itself ( a w ; known). The role of minerogenic particles and their iron content in regulating a NAP is evaluated based on paired measurements by an individual particle analysis technique (Peng et al., 2009), through empirical analyses and Mie theory calculations of absorption by these particles ( a m ). Spectral characteristics of a NAP and a ϕ were consistent with those reported for other case 2 (i.e., phytoplankton not dominant) systems. However, the slope values that describe a CDOM spectra for the bay and the lake were unusually low, suggesting an atypical composition for the lake's CDOM. The dominant absorbing component in the blue wavelengths was CDOM, representing ≥ 75% of a at a wavelength of 440 nm at all sites in the 2006 survey. A general gradient in both a CDOM and a NAP extended from the Sturgeon River, through the bay, into eastern Lake Superior in that survey. Relationships between a x and optically active constituents were within the broad ranges reported for other case 2 systems. Minerogenic particles, related to their iron content, are demonstrated to be an important component of a NAP .
Large-Signal Equivalent Circuit for IMPATT-Diode Characterization and Its Application to Amplifiers

A frequency-independent lumped equivalent circuit is proposed for characterizing the large-signal behavior of IMPATT diodes. It has five elements including a negative resistance, two of which are quadratic functions of the single-frequency RF voltage across the device. It is used for computer-aided analysis and the design of reflection-type negative-resistance amplifiers employing IMPATT diodes. The frequency response of the amplifier is calculated for different input power levels and the nature of the results is found to be in agreement with published experimental results.
Derivation of the Schrodinger equation from Newtonian mechanics

We examine the hypothesis that every particle of mass $m$ is subject to a Brownian motion with diffusion coefficient $\frac{\ensuremath{\hbar}}{2m}$ and no friction. The influence of an external field is expressed by means of Newton's law $\mathbf{F}=m\mathbf{a}$, as in the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck theory of macroscopic Brownian motion with friction. The hypothesis leads in a natural way to the Schr\"odinger equation, but the physical interpretation is entirely classical. Particles have continuous trajectories and the wave function is not a complete description of the state. Despite this opposition to quantum mechanics, an examination of the measurement process suggests that, within a limited framework, the two theories are equivalent.
SSRIs have a smaller benefit in paediatric when compared to adult major depressive disorder

ABSTRACT FROM: Varigonda AL, Jakubovski E, Taylor MJ, et al . Systematic review and meta-analysis: early treatment responses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in pediatric major depressive disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015;54:557–64. Depressive disorders are frequent in children and adolescents.1 ,2 Several classes of antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are being used to treat paediatric depression.1 ,2 However, the management of depression in children and adolescents remains a difficult medical and social problem, especially taking into account that depression in adolescents is frequently associated with substance abuse, suicidal behaviour, inferior school functioning, problems in peer and family relationships.2 The authors searched PubMed and CENTRAL for randomised controlled trials which compared SSRIs to placebo for the treatment of major …
Preparation and properties of DMFC membranes from polymer-brush nanoparticles

Abstract We describe a novel approach for the preparation of proton-conducting membranes using polymer brush nanoparticles (PBNPs). PBNPs can be assembled into the membranes directly, or the membranes can be prepared by first assembling porous scaffolds from unmodified NPs followed by surface modification with polymer brushes. In both cases, proton-conducting channels are formed in the interstitial spaces between the nanoparticles. First, proton-conducting membranes were prepared using silica nanoparticles (SNPs) surface-grafted with 40–400 nm sulfonated polymer brushes, poly(3-sulfopropylmethacrylate), pSPM, and poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid), pSSA, grown via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The membranes prepared from the NPs carrying longer polymer chains possessed polymer-like characteristics, compared to the stiffer membranes made with shorter polymer brushes. All these membranes showed comparable proton conductivities, with a maximum value of ~ 0.06 S/cm at 98 °C and 70% R. H. Second, we prepared proton-conducting pore-filled membranes. In this case, nanoporous colloidal crystals were first assembled from unmodified SNPs, followed by filling the pores with pSPM or pSSA brushes covalently attached to the pore surface using SI-ATRP. The membranes could be hydrated almost completely and did not swell. The proton conductivity was similar for both polymer-filled membranes, with a maximum value of ~ 0.02 S/cm achieved at 30 °C and 94% R. H. A sigmoidal dependence of the proton conductivity on the amount of sulfonic acid groups was found for pSPM pore-filled membranes. The proton conductivity remained relatively low at low degrees of sulfonation, increased rapidly around 50% sulfonic acid group content, and did not increase significantly after reaching ca. 75% sulfonic acid group content. We found that OCV for DMFC MEAs built using these membranes reached its maximum at 65% sulfonic group and decreased after that. We attribute this effect to the increased methanol cross-over, which was confirmed by methanol uptake measurements for the membranes.
Effects of Deep Abdominal Muscle Strengthening Exercises on Pulmonary Function and the Ability to Balance in Stroke Patients

Purpose: This study investigated effects of deep abdominal muscle strengthening exercises on pulmonary function and the ability to balance in stroke patients and was conducted to propose an exercise program for improving cardiovascular function. Methods: Study subjects were 20 patients with hemiplegia due to stroke, who were divided into the deep abdominal muscle strengthening exercise group (experimental group), 10, and the control group, 10. Pulmonary function tests measured FVC and FEV1, dynamic balance ability was measured using TUG. Static and dynamic balance ability was measured using BBS. The experimental group performed exercises during a period of 6 weeks, 5 times a week for 40 minutes, whereas the control group did not participate in regular exercise. The difference before and after the exercise was compared using paired t-test, difference in exercise before and after between groups was ANCOVA and level of significance was set at α=0.05. Results: The changes in FVC and FEV1 within the group showed a significant difference only in the experimental group (p<0.001) (p<0.01), between-group difference was statistically significant only in FVC and FEV1 changes in the experimental group (p<0.001). The TUG changes within the group showed a significant difference in the experimental group and control group (p<0.001) (p<0.05), while BBS changes showed a significant difference only in the experimental group. Between-group difference was statistically significant only in TUG and BBS changes in the experimental group. The experimental group showed a more effective significant difference than the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Can exercise involving a deep abdominal muscle strengthening program be applied in patients with stroke with difficulty in control of trunk and decreased breathing ability?
A second-order structural identification procedure via state space-based system identification

A theory is presented for transforming the system theory-based realization models into the corresponding physical coordinate-based structural models. The theory has been implemented into a computational procedure and applied to several example problems. The results show that the present transformation theory yields an objective model basis possessing a unique set of structural parameters from an infinite set of equivalent system realization models. For proportionally damped systems, the transformation directly and systematically yields the normal modes and modal damping. When non-proportional damping is present, the relative magnitude and phase of the damped model shapes are separately characterized, and a corrective transformation is then employed to capture the undamped normal modes and non-diagonal modal damping matrix.
How to Improve Graduates’ Comprehensive Quality

At present times,it is very important to improve graduates’ comprehensive quality.This is not only needs of improve talents’ whole quality,but of participation of internal competition.We should have several principles to conduct it,that is,ideological and political principle,special philosophy principle,scientific systematic principle,multi-oriented teaching principle,times characteristic and human spirituality.
Development of N-95Cleaning Fluid for Bearing Liner Production Line

The technology of N-95cleaning fluid with DJ specific additive special for bearing liner production line is introduced.With producti on practice for seven years,it is proved that this cleaning fluid is superior t o the imported508cleaning fluid in cleaning ability,rust prevention effect a nd surface appearance of cleaned parts.It can avoid the problems of easy-rust ing and guide rail corrosion caused by imported508cleaning fluid,and save fo reign exchange and lower costs and improve product quality.
The association between unemployment status and physical health among veterans and civilians in the United States.

ABSTRACTThis study analyzed data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to examine the association between unemployment status and physical health among a sample of 170,924 civilians and 12,129 veterans (aged 18–50 years). Multivariate regression analysis was used to test the interaction effect between employment status and veteran/civilian status on physical health. Veterans who were unemployed long term (longer than 27 weeks) reported a significantly greater number of days with poor physical health than civilians who experienced long-term unemployment. Timely prevention and intervention efforts to integrate veterans into the workforce could lead to substantially improved physical health outcomes. Public health policies and programs that are funded to assist veterans in securing and maintaining gainful employment can have lasting implications for their overall improved health and physical well-being.
Building, Managing, and Motivating Great Teams

While technology and market traction are essential to any successful biotechnology organization, the importance of the team cannot be overemphasized. Without an effective team, most companies will not achieve their potential, or will fail. The entrepreneurial leadership team needs to have an understanding that building and sustaining an entrepreneurial culture is what differentiates and sustains successful organizations. The leadership must also be sure to recognize and reward team (and partner) contributions to company value creation, and to incorporate mechanisms and processes to encourage employees to “own” and identify with their organization. Employee ownership includes both equity participation and psychological ownership and identification with the enterprise. Emerging collaborative-networked partnerships in the biopharmaceutical industry incorporate teams that must be constructed and managed to perform effectively across the entire biotechnology value chain including geographically dispersed team members and partners. These new organizations are presented with challenges regarding team development, management, and performance. This chapter covers the topic of building and growing collaborative, interdisciplinary teams that identify and commercialize promising biotechnology innovations, and grow successful companies.