cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A solid state nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of plasma-polymerized hydrocarbons

Abstract Solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra are presented for plasma-polymerized ethane, ethylene, acetylene and toluene. The spectra are resolved into five broad components attributable to specific structural environments; trends in these components among the polymers are discussed. Comparison of the polymer derived from toluene with that derived from toluene enriched with methyl 13C demonstrates the ability of the technique to map the destiny of individual carbon atoms.
Rolling motion of a sphere on a plane boundary in oscillatory flow

The rolling motion of a sphere on a smooth plane boundary in a simple-harmonic water motion has been analytically and experimentally investigated. For spheres having specific gravities ranging from 0·09 to 15·18 the sphere motion was found to be sinusoidal for both low and high values of the period parameter defined by Keulegan & Carpenter. The knowledge of the sphere motion, and hence the resultant force, allowed the determination of inertia and drag coefficients from Fourier-averaging techniques. Experiments in the inertial range yielded an added-mass coefficient of 1·2, compared with 0·67 from inviscid theory for translating spheres. For values of the period parameter greater than 30 the drag coefficient is reported to be approximately 0·74.
The effects of normal aging on cortisol and adrenocorticotropin responses to hypertonic saline infusion.

To assess the effects of aging on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responsivity, we compared the plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) responses to hypertonic saline infusion between normal older and young human volunteers. We administered a 90 min hypertonic saline infusion (5% sodium chloride at 0.06 ml/kg/min) and a 90 min placebo infusion (0.9% sodium chloride at 0.06 ml/kg/min) to normal young subjects (n = 13, age = 29 +/- 2 years) and normal older subjects (n = 8, age = 63 +/- 3 years). Plasma cortisol, ACTH, osmolality and arginine vasopressin (AVP) were measured before and at 30 min intervals during the infusions. The rate of increase in plasma osmolality and AVP induced by hypertonic saline infusion was similar between groups. The plasma cortisol increase during hypertonic saline infusion was greater in normal older subjects than in young subjects (p = .03), but a stimulatory effect of hypertonic saline infusion on plasma ACTH was not apparent in either older or young subjects. These results suggest increased sensitivity with human aging to stimulation of cortisol release by hypertonic saline infusion at the adrenocortical level of the HPA axis.
Premature production of late larval storage proteins in larvae of trichoplusia ni parasitized by euplectrus comstockii

Investigations were conducted to determine the titer of storage proteins in larvae of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), that were parasitized by the ectoparasitoid Euplectrus comstockii Howard (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). A gradual increase was noted in the titer of the storage proteins present in the hemolymph of parasitized third and fourth instar larvae and in the hemolymph of isolated thoracic and abdominal tissues of fourth instar larvae. The final amount present in parasitized third and fourth instar larvae was similar to that found in nonparasitized fifth instar larvae. The stimulation of storage proteins in envenomed larvae demonstrates the ability (competence) of early larval stages to produce a gene product that normally occurs in the last larval stadium of the lepidopteran larval host. The gene expression necessary for storage protein production in isolated tissues may be altered by mechanisms separate from inherent developmental processes and the intact endocrine system. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.1
Reflection and Refraction of Partially Coherent Electromagnetic Beams at a Planar Interface

Generalized forms of Fresnel formulas for reflection and refraction of partially coherent electromagnetic beams are presented. We show by applying the new formulas that coherence properties of electromagnetic beams can change on reflection and refraction.
Conduction-electron polarization and magnetic hyperfine fields at nonmagnetic impurities in magnetic materials

Abstract An important contribution to the Fermi contact field at nonmagnetic nuclei in magnetic metals arises from the polarization of the conduction electrons. It is shown that in contrast to what has been generally assumed the density and polarization of conduction electrons at the nuclear site of the impurity are strongly dependent on the size of the impurity in the lattice.
Growth Dynamics during the Vegetative Period Affects Yield of Narrow-Row, Late-Planted Soybean

Narrow-row culture is recommended for increasing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield at late plantings in the southeastern USA. Increased pod number resulting from greater light interception (LI) and crop growth rate (CGR) during the early reproductive period [first flowering to seed initiation (R1 to R5)] is mainly responsible for narrow-row yield increases. However, little is known about rowspacing effects on LI, CGR, and other growth dynamic parameters during the vegetative period [emergence (E) to R1] and how these parameters affect yield. Our objectives were to determine when LI and CGR differences in narrow vs. wide rows appear during E to R1, to determine if these differences contribute to narrow-row effects on CGR(R1 to R5), and to determine the roles of leaf area index (LAI) and light interception efficiency (LIE = LI/LAI) in causing narrow-row LI increases during the vegetative period. Seed of 'Centennial' soybean (Maturity Group VI) was planted in mid-July in 1992 and 1993 at Baton Rouge, LA, on a Commerce silt loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, nonacid, thermic Aeric Fluvaquent). Experimental design was a randomized complete block in a split-plot arrangement. Main plots were row spacings of 100, 50, and 25 cm. Split plots were eight sampling dates during E to R5. The CGR(R1 to R5) advantage of narrow-row culture developed from CGR advantage in the vegetative period, caused by greater LI originating from increased LIE during the first 26 d of the vegetative period. Yield was significantly correlated with CGR during most of the vegetative period. In conclusion, source strength (CGR) during the vegetative period was shown to affect yield at late planting dates.
Decarboxylation of 6-Nitrobenzisoxazole - 3 - Carboxylic Acid Through Phase Transitions in Lyotropic Liquid Crystals

Abstract Kinetics of the spontaneous decarboxylation of 6-nitrobenzisoxazole-3-carboxylic acid have been studied in the lyophases formed by anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), myristyltrimethylammonium bromide (MTAB) and pentaethylene glycol mono-n-dodecylether (C12E5) respectively. This substrate was chosen for study because of the large amount of data available on its behavior in micellar solution. Without surfactants the reaction proceeds slowly in both acidic (pH 4.0) and alkaline (pH 9.0-11.0) water solutions, with the reaction rate ∼0.7×10−5 S−1 (at 25 °C). Anionic SDS has no catalyzing effect on the reaction. Cationic MTAB siguiimtiy accelerates the reaction in all phases: isotropic, lamellar or cylindrical nematic. Nonionic C12E5 is the only surfactant which shows a catalyzing effect dependent on the type of the lyophase. The reaction goes ∼1.5 times faster in the lamellar as compared to the isotropic phase.
Fetal splenic rupture following transfusion.

Abstract Background: Splenic rupture in the newborn is a rare complication in erythroblastosis fetalis. There are no reports of splenic rupture in the fetus affected by hemolytic disease of the newborn. Case: A 41-year-old gravida 3, para 2-0-0-2 with severe rhesus alloimmunization was managed with serial intrauterine transfusions resulting in fetal death after the fourth procedure. Autopsy findings revealed intra-abdominal clotted blood and splenic capsular defects consistent with splenic rupture. Conclusion: Fetal splenic rupture might occur in hemolytic disease of the newborn associated with splenomegaly. Acute hemodynamic changes with increased intra-abdominal pressure from intrauterine transfusion might precipitate splenic rupture. (Obstet Gynecol 2001;97:824–5. © 2001 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.)
Predictors of Persistent Micrometastatic Disease after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

Introduction: Patients who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer typically do not receive further cytotoxic chemotherapy after surgery. We hypothesized that some patients would have micrometastatic disease in the bone marrow (disseminated tumor cells, DTCs) or peripheral blood (circulating tumor cells, CTCs) after NAC. This study documented rates and factors predicting DTCs and CTCs after NAC.Methods: We prospectively evaluated patients undergoing surgery for stage I-III breast cancer. All patients had blood and bone marrow samples taken after completing systemic NAC. CTCs (per 7.5ml blood) were detected using the CellSearchTM system (Veridex). CTCs were defined as nucleated cells lacking CD45 but expressing cytokeratins (CK) 8, 18, or 19. DTCs were assessed using anti-CK antibody cocktail (AE1/AE3, CAM5.2, MNF116, CK8 and 18) following cytospin. The presence of ≥1 CK positive cells and ≥1 epithelial cells meeting morphologic criteria for malignancy was considered a positive result for DTCs and CTCs, respectively. Clinicopathologic factors correlated with DTCs and CTCs and response after NAC included: Her2/neu, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and COX2 status as well as tumor size and grade. Complete pathologic response (pCR) was defined as lack of any residual invasive disease in primary tumor and regional lymph nodes after NAC. Statistical analyses used chi-square and Fischer9s exact test.Results: Results were available for 53 patients who had bone marrow and blood collected after NAC. Median follow-up was 26 months. Mean age was 52 years. NAC included anthracyclines and taxanes +/- trastuzumab. Forty percent of patients had either DTCs or CTCs after NAC. Six patients had DTCs amongst 11 patients (55%) who received trastuzumab as compared to those who did not 6/33 (18%), P=0.019. DTCs and CTCs were found in 10/43 patients (23%) and 11/43 patients (27%), respectively. Factors predicting the presence of DTCs after NAC were Her2/neu positivity (P=0.001) and COX2 positivity determined in the primary tumor at diagnosis (P=0.04). No statistically significant correlations were found between CTCs after NAC and primary tumor characteristics. Thirty percent of patients with evidence of DTCs and 10% with CTCs had a pCR. Among the 7 patients with pCR after NAC, 2 (28%) had DTCs and 2 (28%) had CTCs. Factors predicting pCR following NAC were Her2/neu positivity (P=0.0003) and ER negativity (P=0.044). In our analysis, the best predictor of the presence of DTCs and the most likely reason for pCR following NAC was Her2/neu positivity.Conclusions: A significant number of patients have persistent DTCs and/or CTCs after NAC. Interestingly, HER2 positive patients were more likely to have pCR but were also more likely to show persistence of DTCs following NAC. Follow-up is needed to determine if these patients comprise groups at higher risk for recurrence, and therefore benefit from additional chemotherapy or targeted therapies. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3020.
Dependence of the Properties of Moving Striations in the Plasma of the Positive Column on Some External and Internal Parameters

Dependence of the Properties of Moving Striations in the Plasma of the Positive Column on Some External and Internal Parameters
Trace Elements in Air Over Lake Michigan Near Chicago During September, 1973

Abstract A high-volume sampler, located on the City of Chicago water intake crib (Dunne Crib) 3 km offshore in Lake Michigan, collected atmospheric particles over each 24-hour period from 12-30 September, 1973. Samples were analyzed via instrumental neutron activation analysis for 20 elements: Al, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Sb, Se, Th, V, Zn. Concentrations of many elements show order of magnitude variations with wind direction. For most elements highest levels occur when southern winds transport airborne material from local sources. Lowest levels, occurring for cross-lake wind trajectories, are still above concentrations observed in remote areas by others. Sources of atmospheric trace elements are identified on the basis of meteorological data, and comparison is made of their concentration in atmospheric paniculate matter with the composition of soils. The dependence of Br concentrations on wind direction indicates Chicago as a primary local source. In contrast, certain metals (Cr, Fe, Mn, and Zn) have peak atmospheric concentrations for winds from the Gary area. Residence times for background elements (Ce, K, Na, Th), calculated using a simple model in which concentrations decrease exponentially during transit of air parcels over the lake, are consistent with previous estimates of over-water residence times (5-20 hrs). Average concentrations in offshore air are generally compatible with particle-size corrected inventories of emissions from local sources.
Accommodating Actuator Failures in Flight Control Systems

A technique for the design of flight control systems that can accommodate a set of actuator failures is presented. As employed herein, an actuator failure is defined as any change in the parametric model of the actuator which can adversely affect actuator performance. The technique is based upon the formulation of a fixed feedback topology which ensures at least stability in the presence of the failures in the set. The fixed compensation is obtained from a loop-shaping design procedure similar to Quantitative Feedback Theory and provides stability robustness in the presence of uncertainty in the vehicle dynamics caused by the failures. System adaptation to improve performance after actuator failure(s) occurs through a static gain adjustment in the compensator followed by modification of the system prefilter. Precise identification of the vehicle dynamics is unnecessary. Application to a single-input, single-output design using a simplified model of the longitudinal dynamics of the NASA High Angle of Attack Research Vehicle is discussed. Non-real time simulations of the system including a model of the pilot demonstrate the effectiveness and limitations of the approach.
Developing a comprehensive school suicide prevention program.

Since the 1950s, the suicide rate for adolescents more than tripled, and suicide currently ranks as the third-leading cause of death among 15-to-24 year-olds. Comprehensive school suicide prevention programs should include primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention components. This paper discusses these components as they relate to suicide prevention, and it provides practical steps for incorporating each component within a school system. All steps are based on a review of the professional literature. Three questions are explored: What can school professionals do to help in preventing adolescent suicide? What should school professionals do when a student threatens suicide? What should school professionals do after a student commits suicide? Language: en
ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION OF NEUTRONS SCATTERED BY THE 2.80-kev RESONANCE IN SODIUM

The angular distribution of neutrons scattered by the 2.80-kev resonance in sodium has been measured with a pile beam and various combinations of boron and sodium filters. This distribution is found to be isotropic to within 10%.
Pumping, spraying, and mixing of fluids by electric fields

The mechanism of electrostatic spraying of insulating fluids, such as air or organic solvents, into relatively conductive fluids, such as water, is investigated in this work. Experiments with air sprayed into water through an electrified capillary showed that the pressure inside the capillary increases, reaches a maximum, and then decreases as the applied voltage is increased. The initial pressure increase is due to the electric stress on the fluid interface, while the decrease is due to the Coulombic electrohydrodynamic flow generated near the end of the capillary. It is shown that electric fields can cause simultaneous pumping, spraying, and mixing of fluids. This phenomenon is demonstrated for air and kerosene in water. On etudie dans ce travail le mecanisme de vaporisation electrostatique de fluides isolants, tels que l'air ou des solvants organiques, dans des fluides relativement conducteurs, tels que l'eau. Les experiences d'air vaporise dans l'eau dans un capillaire electrifie montre que la pression dans le capillaire augmente, atteint un maximum, puis diminue lorsqu'on augmente le voltage applique. L'augmentation de la pression initiale est due a la contrainte electrique sur l'interface du fluide, tandis que sa diminution est due a l'ecoulement electrohydrodynamique Coulombien induit pres de l'extremite du capillaire. On montre que les champs electriques peuvent causer un pompage, une vaporisation et un melange simultanes des fluides. Ce phenomene est demontre pour l'air et le kerosene dans l'eau.
The Nottingham Health Profile as a measure of quality of life in zoster patients: convergent and discriminant validity.

The main symptoms of zoster, a disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (that causes chicken-pox) are: rash, associated with pain, burning, or itching, and pain that outlasts the rash sometimes by months or years. The uncomfortable and long-lasting symptoms of herpes zoster are likely to compromise the patient's quality of life. However, the impact of zoster on health-related quality of life has not previously been measured directly. Recent papers have demonstrated the ability of generic measures to discriminate among patients with different clinical symptoms. In this paper, we demonstrate the convergent validity for zoster of a generic measure, the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), by measuring its correlation with rash progression, pain levels, and pain medications. The discriminant validity of the NHP was demonstrated by its ability to distinguish between different levels of pain severity. The NHP dimensions most highly correlated with the pain measures, were pain (0.42–0.50), energy (0.34–0.38) and sleep (0.32–0.38). The NHP scores in all six dimensions show large differences at different levels of pain severity that are statistically significant. These results demonstrate the NHP's validity as a measure of health-related quality of life in zoster patients.
T-ALL: smoking guns and genes of interest

Nonrandom chromosomal translocations are a common finding in the malignant cells of patients with acute and chronic leukemia. In general, these translocations lead to 1 of 2 molecular consequences. One class of translocation leads to the production of a fusion gene, such as the BCR-ABL oncoprotein
D-Grid, an E-Science Framework for German Scientists

The World Wide Web has become pervasive in many facets of our professional and personal lives during the past 10 years. Today, another Internet revolution is emerging: Grid Computing. While the Web offers easy access to mostly static information via Hypertext, the Grid adds another fundamental layer by enabling access to and use of the underlying resources. Based on widely accepted grid and web services standards, resources including computers, storage, scientific instruments and experiments, applications, data, and middleware services communicate with each other and deliver results back to the user. These resources are part of a single service-oriented architecture, called OGSA, the Open Grid Services Architecture. For the past several years, early adopters in research and industry have been building and operating prototypes of grids for global communities, virtual organizations, and within enterprises..
Deformable templates for preoperative computer-aided design and fabrication of large cranial implants

Abstract Prefabricated, patient-specific cranial implants can be designed entirely on computer, from patient 3D head CT scan source data. Implant computer-aided design (CAD) reduces production cost by 50% or more over the present common manual methods utilizing full skull models. We present an overview of how our top-down CAD system utilizes a patient's polygonal mesh skull-surface image derived from CT. We begin by identifying a crestline on that surface which indicates the maximum extent of the cranial defect margin. Next, a skull template surface image (i.e., either a right-left mirror of the patient's image or an average image) is registered to the patient's skull-surface image via globally distributed anatomical landmarks that drive a first-pass thin plate spline (TPS) warp. Landmarks local to the defect site, including the skull defect margin crestline, drive a second-pass TPS warp. The implant template is also smoothed and possibly modified to insure the desired contact with the skull for fixation, as well non-intersection with adjacent skull or soft-tissue structures. Implants designed for five patients with large (greater than 100 cm 2 ) cranial defects show a result that should be clinically effective.
Sdlib: a sensor network data and communications library for rapid and robust application development

Sensor network applications tend to exhibit significant high-level commonalities along several major dimensions that have heretofore been underexposed, particularly in the areas of collection and dissemination. We have developed a component library, Sdlib, which presents the fundamental abstractions of collection and dissemination as part of a dataflow system. This allows application developers to rapidly develop applications at the nesC level. This means that Sdlib maintains significant expressivity while operating efficiently. We have built four applications, each faithful to a mature monolithic application, on top of Sdlib to compare its performance to that of original. We find that applications implemented with Sdlib are much simpler to write, just as resource efficient, and perform comparably to monolithic implementations.
Adsorption and Precipitation of Aqueous Zn(II) on Alumina Powders.

The products of aqueous Zn(II) sorption on high-surface-area alumina powders (Linde-A) have been studied using XAFS spectroscopy as a function of Zn(II) sorption density (Gamma=0.2 to 3.3 µmol/m(2)) at pH values of 7.0 to 8.2. Over equilibration times of 15-111 h, we find that at low sorption densities (Gamma=0.2-1.1 µmol/m(2)) Zn(II) forms predominantly inner-sphere bidentate surface complexes with AlO(6) polyhedra, whereas at higher sorption densities (Gamma=1.5 to 3.5 µmol/m(2)), we find evidence for the formation of a mixed-metal Zn(II)-Al(III) hydroxide coprecipitate with a hydrotalcite-type local structure. These conclusions are based on an analysis of first- and second-neighbor interatomic distances derived from EXAFS spectra collected under ambient conditions on wet samples. At low sorption densities the sorption mechanism involves a transformation from six-coordinated Zn-hexaaquo solution complexes (with an average Zn-O distance of 2.07 A) to four-coordinated surface complexes (with an average Zn-O distance of 1.97 A) as described by the reaction identical withAl(OH(a))(OH(b))+Zn (H(2)O)(6)(2+)--> identical withAl(OH(a)') (OH(b)')Zn(OH(c)')(OH(d)'+4H(2)O+zH(+), where identical withAl(OH(a))(OH(b)) represents edge-sharing sites of Al(O,OH,OH(2))(6) octahedra to which Zn(O,OH,OH(2))(4) bonds in a bidentate fashion. The proton release consistent with this reaction (z=a-a'+b-b'+4-c'-d'), and with bond valence analysis falls in the range of 0 to 2 H(+)/Zn(II) when hydrolysis of the adsorbed Zn(II) complex is neglected. This interpretation suggests that proton release is likely a strong function of the coordination chemistry of the surface hydroxyl groups. At higher sorption densities (1.5 to 3.5 µmol/m(2)), a high-amplitude, second-shell feature in the Fourier transform of the EXAFS spectra indicates the formation of a three-dimensional mixed-metal coprecipitate, with a hydrotalcite-like local structure. Nitrate anions presumably satisfy the positive layer charge of the Al(III)-Zn(II) hydroxide layers in which the Zn/Al ratio falls in the range of 1 : 1 to 2 : 1. Our results for the higher Gamma-value sorption samples suggest that Zn-hydrotalcite-like phases may be a significant sink for Zn(II) in natural or catalytic systems containing soluble alumina compounds. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.
Characterization the microwave properties of SU-8 based on microstrip ring resonator

A novel method for characterizing the microwave properties of SU-8, an epoxy photoresist, using a microstrip ring resonator (MRR) is presented in this paper. In the presence of SU-8 overlay on the surface of the MRR, a deviation in the effective dielectric constant can be accurately detected by measuring the resonance frequency shift. In addition, the loss tangent of the SU-8 can also be extracted based on the fractional decrease in the Q-factor of the device induced by additional losses associated with the SU-8 coating. S-parameter measurements are conducted using a vector network analyzer in order to explore the variation in the frequency responses (e.g., resonance frequency, bandwidth and insertion loss) of the MMR device in its fundamental and higher resonance modes affected by the SU-8 coating. The dielectric constant and loss tangent of the overlay can be extracted precisely at the fundamental and higher-mode resonance frequencies. The design procedure, fabrication process and the parameter extraction method are detailed in this paper. The measured frequency-dependent dielectric constant of SU-8 is also reported up to 6GHz at discrete resonance frequencies of the MMR device for the first time.
Clinical data versus noninvasive testing as an estimate of coronary status.

Abstract The step from coronary angiography to surgery is taken primarily on the basis of the ejection fraction (EF) and number of diseased vessels (NV), taken jointly as coronary status (CS). This study reviewed (1) how well EF, NV and CS are estimated from clinical data, (2) how much improvement is gained by adding noninvasive data, (3) how good this model is when applied to a larger cohort and (4) whether the decision to angiography can be made on the basis of CS estimated from clinical data alone. A quantitative definition of CS was established as a principal component of EF and NV. Estimates of EF, NV and CS were made from clinical data of 60 patients. Correlations with the actual values were EF 87%, NV 93% and CS 93%. When noninvasive data were added to this model, the correlations increased to EF 95%, NV 99% and CS 98%. When the clinical data model was applied to 169 patients, the correlations decreased to EF 77%, NV 71 % and CS 74%. CS estimated from clinical data alone was set up as a test for angiography for 169 patients. This test had a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 63%, demonstrating the feasibility of using clinical data alone in deciding angiography.
A Comparison of Heavy Metal Concentrations and Health Assessment in Asian Clams Corbicula fluminea from Florida and North Carolina

The Asian clam Corbicula fluminea was introduced into the United States in 1938 and has since become established in much of the country. This invasive species can compete with native bivalves and compromise industrial water supply systems and power plants. Numerous studies have examined bivalves as bioindicators. The purpose of this study was to compare the heavy metal concentrations of the hard and soft tissues of specimens from Florida and North Carolina and to assess the clams' health by microscopic examination of their soft tissues. Although the sample size was small, this study suggests that the Asian clams from the watersheds examined are healthy and that they accumulate lower levels of heavy metals than have been reported for clams from other, more polluted aquatic environments.
E-plane coupling between two rectangular microstrip antennas

A model which theoretically characterises end coupling (E-plane coupling) between two rectangular microstrip antennas is discussed. Computer generated S-parameter results for this particular type of mutual coupling are presented.
Potential cancer chemopreventive agents from Arbutus unedo.

A phytochemical study of the petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of the entire plant of Arbutus unedo led to the isolation of a new sterol, 7β-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (1), and nine known compounds of the flavan, steroid, and terpenoid types. The structure of 1 was determined by spectroscopic data interpretation in combination with molecular modeling calculations. The absolute stereochemistry of C-7 was assigned as S for compound 1 based on the obtained CD spectral data. Activity in the JB6 cell transformation assay was found for pomolic acid 3-acetate (4). All isolates obtained were evaluated in a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition assay.
Nanomechanical Characterization of the Triple β-Helix Domain in the Cell Puncture Needle of Bacteriophage T4 Virus

Beta-solenoids are a class of protein nanotube structures that are observed in virulence factors, prion proteins and amyloid fibrils. Here we investigate the compressive strength of the triple-beta-helix solenoid structure found in the cell puncture needle of the bacteriophage T4 virus. We characterize the compressive mechanical strength of this protein nanotube using full-atomistic molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent over a wide range of deformation speeds. We observe that the dynamical behavior, stiffness and failure strength of the structure are strongly dependent on the deformation rate. We illustrate that H-bond rupture initiation is the atomistic mechanism that leads to instability and buckling of the protein nanotube at the peak force. We show that the behavior of the protein under small compressive deformation can be approximated by a rate-dependent linear elastic modulus, which can be used in context of a continuum Euler buckling formula for the triple-helix geometry to predict the failure load. Our work provides a link between the structure and biofunctional properties of this beta-solenoid topology, and illustrates a rigorous framework for bridging the gap between experimental and simulation time-scales for future compression studies on proteins. Our study is relevant to self-assembling peptide nanotube materials, and may provide insight into the influence of mechanical properties on the pathological pathways of virulence factors, prions and amyloids found in neurodegenerative diseases.
Monte Carlo Study Elucidates the Type 1/Type 2 Choice in Apoptotic Death Signaling in Healthy and Cancer Cells

Apoptotic cell death is coordinated through two distinct (type 1 and type 2) intracellular signaling pathways. How the type 1/type 2 choice is made remains a central problem in the biology of apoptosis and has implications for apoptosis related diseases and therapy. We study the problem of type 1/type 2 choice in silico utilizing a kinetic Monte Carlo model of cell death signaling. Our results show that the type 1/type 2 choice is linked to deterministic versus stochastic cell death activation, elucidating a unique regulatory control of the apoptotic pathways. Consistent with previous findings, our results indicate that caspase 8 activation level is a key regulator of the choice between deterministic type 1 and stochastic type 2 pathways, irrespective of cell types. Expression levels of signaling molecules downstream also regulate the type 1/type 2 choice. A simplified model of DISC clustering elucidates the mechanism of increased active caspase 8 generation and type 1 activation in cancer cells having increased sensitivity to death receptor activation. We demonstrate that rapid deterministic activation of the type 1 pathway can selectively target such cancer cells, especially if XIAP is also inhibited; while inherent cell-to-cell variability would allow normal cells stay protected.
The incidence of thyroid cancer by f ine needle aspiration varies by age and gender

Abstract Background Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the standard to evaluate thyroid nodules for malignancy. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of patient age and gender on the rate of thyroid nodule malignancy by FNA. Methods A database of 3981 consecutive patients who underwent thyroid FNA between 2002 and 2009 was reviewed. The percentages of benign, indeterminate, and malignant biopsies based on patient age and gender were determined. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Results Our patient population included 2766 women (mean age ± SD, 52 ± 15.2) and 964 men (mean age ± SD, 59 ± 13.8). Of the 3722 (93.5%) patients with diagnostic FNAs, 196 (5.3%) had malignant FNA cytology. Malignant FNAs were twice as frequent in patients age ≤45 versus those >45 (8.1% versus 4.0%, P versus 6.3%, P versus 4.8%, P = 0.034) FNAs than women. Malignant FNAs in men were greatest in patients over age 45 (6.0% versus 3.2%, P = 0.001). The incidence of malignant FNAs for women peaked in their age 30s (10.4%), whereas the incidence of malignant FNAs for men peaked 10 y later in their age 40s (12.1%). Both men and women had the lowest incidence of malignant FNAs in their age 70s (2.3% and 1.9%, respectively). Conclusions The typical 5% risk of thyroid nodule malignancy on FNA varies depending on a patient’s age and gender. A patient’s age and gender should, therefore, be considered when counseling someone of his or her risk of thyroid cancer by FNA.
Subregion- and Cell Type–Restricted Gene Knockout in Mouse Brain

Using the phage P1–derived Cre/loxP recombination system, we have developed a method to create mice in which the deletion (knockout) of virtually any gene of interest is restricted to a subregion or a specific cell type in the brain such as the pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region. The Cre/loxP recombination–based gene deletion appears to require a certain level of Cre protein expression. The brain subregional restricted gene knockout should allow a more precise analysis of the impact of a gene mutation on animal behaviors.
Effect of chelating agent on urinary lead excretion; comparison of oral and intravenous administration.

Summaryseven patients with abnormally elevated blood lead and or urinary lead excretion values are presented who received CaEDTA orally, intravenously, or by both routes. This organic chelating agent effected a marked increase in urinary lead excretion by both routes. Intravenous administration was more effective than oral therapy. Preliminary results indicate that CaEDTA is the most effective agent proposed for the treatment of plumbism. Side-reactions were minimal with the dosage schedule employed.
The ordering of expression among a few genes can provide simple cancer biomarkers and signal BRCA1 mutations.

Background: A major challenge in computational biology is to extract knowledge about the genetic nature of disease from high-throughput data. However, an important obstacle to both biological understanding and clinical applications is the "black box" nature of the decision rules provided by most machine learning approaches, which usually involve many genes combined in a highly complex fashion. Achieving biologically relevant results argues for a different strategy. A promising alternative is to base prediction entirely upon the relative expression ordering of a small number of genes. Results: We present a three-gene version of "relative expression analysis" (RXA), a rigorous and systematic comparison with earlier approaches in a variety of cancer studies, a clinically relevant application to predicting germline BRCA1 mutations in breast cancer and a cross-study validation for predicting ER status. In the BRCA1 study, RXA yields high accuracy with a simple decision rule: in tumors carrying mutations, the expression of a "reference gene" falls between the expression of two differentially expressed genes, PPP1CB and RNF14. An analysis of the protein-protein interactions among the triplet of genes and BRCA1 suggests that the classifier has a biological foundation. Conclusion: RXA has the potential to identify genomic "marker interactions" with plausible biological interpretation and direct clinical applicability. It provides a general framework for understanding the roles of the genes involved in decision rules, as illustrated for the difficult and clinically relevant problem of identifying BRCA1 mutation carriers.
Sharp Tips from Crumples and Capillary Bridges

We describe two techniques to create sharp tips. The first involves the buckling of thin metal films deposited on soft, stretchable substrates. The second involves the formation of narrow necked capillary bridges.
Definitive experimental evidence for Microwave Effects: radically new effects of separated E and H fields, such as decrystallization of oxides in seconds

Inspite of overwhelming evidence showing that a variety of solid state reactions were radically different when performed in a multimode microwave chamber compared to conventional heating some still question whether there is direct link to the radiation field. The present study has been conducted, for the first time ever, in a single mode TE103 cavity at 2.45 GHz. A large variety of materials have been reacted as ≈1 cm φ, 2 mm thick samples within the same cavity, at the positions of the E field and H field maxima. Enormous differences are shown to occur for certain families of common ceramic phases depending only on which of the E or H fields were used. The most extraordinary effects and sharpest differences (noted to date) between reactions at the E and H nodes have been found in ferroic oxides. Phases such as Fe3O4 or binary compounds such as BaFe12O19 are rendered non-crystalline to XRD in a few seconds in the H field, although they show no bulk evidence for melting. The microstructures are unique, showing smooth glass-like regions with regular waves parallel to each other. In the E field node the identical pellet components react completely and form large euhedral crystals of a single phase. The phenomenon of de-crystallization or formation of nano-glasses was confirmed for all the 3d ferrite phases. The magnetic properties of these decrystallized ferro-magnetic phases also show remarkable changes from the original very hard, transforming to very soft, magnets.
REACTIONS OF N-AMINOPHTHALIMIDE WITH ELECTROPHILES. PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF SOME NEW TRIACYLHYDRAZINES

(1981). REACTIONS OF N-AMINOPHTHALIMIDE WITH ELECTROPHILES. PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF SOME NEW TRIACYLHYDRAZINES. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 421-424.
Modeling Nuisance Variables for Prediction of Service Sire Fertility

The purpose of this research was to determine which (available) nuisance variables should be included in a model for phenotypic evaluation of US service sire conception rate (CR), based on field data. Alternative models were compared by splitting data into records for estimation and set-aside records, computing predictions using the estimation data, and then comparing predictions to bulls' average CR in the set-aside data. Breedings for estimation were from January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2005, and set-aside records spanned July 1, 2005, to June 30, 2006. Only matings with known outcomes were included in either data set. Correlations and mean differences were the main statistics used to compare models. Nuisance variables considered were management groups based on herd-year-season-parity-registry (HYSPR) classes, year-state-month, cow age, DIM, and various combinations of lactation, service number, and milk yield. Preliminary analyses led to 1) selection of standardized lactational milk yield as the production variable for consideration and 2) modeling quantitative independent variables as categorical factors rather than linear and quadratic covariates. Two general strategies for management groups were tested, one where HYSPR groups were required to have an absolute specified minimum number of records and a second where groups were combined across registry, season, and parity subclasses until a minimum group size was achieved. Combining groups to a target size of 20 and including a herd-year into the evaluation provided it had a minimum of 10 breedings maximized correlation with future year CR and was chosen as the management grouping strategy for implementation. Combining groups implied that some groups had multiple seasons as well as parities, which was the reason for consideration of year-state-month and lactation as additional factors. The final nuisance variables selected for inclusion in the model for prediction of service sire CR were, in addition to HYSPR, year-state-month, lactation, service number, milk yield, cow age at breeding, an interval between breedings variable to account for lower CR following short estrus cycles, and the cow effect, partitioned as permanent environment and breeding value. This model maximized correlation with future year CR (55.14%), minimized mean square error (3.255), and had a mean difference of essentially 0.
An overview of high-level languages

A lengthy overview article on high-level languages could be written from many different viewpoints. . . . I have tried to make this contribution very broad, rather than deep in any particular area. . . . Each potential reader will find at least one section of direct interest. . . . Language specialists will find much of this material to be technically superficial. I have tried to provide an overview of all the issues which I think are worth mentioning in 1980. As a result, the coverage of most sections is superficial. —From the Introduction
Effects of cold temperatures on the excitability of rat trigeminal ganglion neurons that are not for cold sensing.

Aside from a small population of primary afferent neurons for sensing cold, which generate sensations of innocuous and noxious cold, it is generally believed that cold temperatures suppress the excitability of primary afferent neurons not responsible for cold sensing. These not-for-cold-sensing neurons include the majority of non-nociceptive and nociceptive afferent neurons. In this study we have found that the not-for-cold-sensing neurons of rat trigeminal ganglia (TG) change their excitability in several ways at cooling temperatures. In nearly 70% of not-for-cold-sensing TG neurons, a cooling temperature of 15°C increases their membrane excitability. We regard these neurons as cold-active neurons. For the remaining 30% of not-for-cold-sensing TG neurons, the cooling temperature of 15°C either has no effect (cold-ineffective neurons) or suppress their membrane excitability (cold-suppressive neurons). For cold-active neurons, the cold temperature of 15°C increases their excitability as is evidenced by increases in action potential (AP) firing numbers and/or the reduction in AP rheobase when these neurons are depolarized electrically. The cold temperature of 15°C significantly inhibits M-currents and increases membrane input resistance of cold-active neurons. Retigabine, an M-current activator, abolishes the effect of cold temperatures on AP firing, but not the effect of cold temperature on AP rheobase levels. The inhibition of M-currents and the increases of membrane input resistance are likely two mechanisms by which cooling temperatures increase the excitability of not-for-cold-sensing TG neurons. This article is part of the special article series "Pain".
Cosmopolitanism Inside Out: International Norms and the Struggle for Civil Rights and Local Justice

Examines the ill effects of accepting the cosmopolitan ideal of advanced countries as a basis for asserting group rights. Avenues for redress will be too narrow to relieve harms to developing countries and subjugated groups. Indeed, many of those harms will be wrought by the very group that espouses the cosmopolitan ideal. Placing faith in international forums for human rights may be unwarranted if those bodies do not recognize claims for group uniqueness.
SEXTANT X-ray Pulsar Navigation demonstration: Flight system and test results

The Station Explorer for X-ray Timing and Navigation Technology (SEXTANT) is a technology demonstration enhancement to the Neutron-star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) mission. NICER is a NASA Explorer Mission of Opportunity that will be hosted on the International Space Station (iSS). SEXTANT will, for the first time, demonstrate real-time, on-board X-ray Pulsar Navigation (XNAV), a significant milestone in the quest to establish a GPS-like navigation capability available throughout our Solar System and beyond. This paper gives an overview of the SEXTANT system architecture and describes progress prior to environmental testing of the NICER flight instrument. It provides descriptions and development status of the SEXTANT flight software and ground system, as well as detailed description and results from the flight software functional and performance testing within the high-fidelity Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) X-ray Navigation Laboratory Testbed (GXLT) software and hardware simulation environment. Hardware-in-the-loop simulation results are presented, using the engineering model of the NICER timing electronics and the GXLT pulsar simulator — the GXLT precisely controls NASA GSFC's unique Modulated X-ray Source to produce X-rays that make the NICER detector electronics appear as if they were aboard the ISS viewing a sequence of millisecond pulsars. SEXTANT is funded by the NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate, and NICER is funded by the NASA Science Mission Directorate.
Evaluation of Extrapolation-Based Discretization Error and Uncertainty Estimators

The largest and most difficult numerical approximation error to estimate is discretization error. This study investigates the accuracy of various Richardson extrapolation-based discretization error and uncertainty estimators for problems in computational fluid dynamics. Richardson extrapolation uses two solutions on systematically refined grids to estimate the exact solution to the partial differential equations and is accurate only in the asymptotic range (i.e., when the grids are sufficiently fine). The uncertainty estimators that will be investigated are different implementations and the Grid Convergence Index and include a globally averaged observed order of accuracy, a least squares calculation of the observed order of accuracy, the Factor of Safety method, and the Correction Factor method. Two twodimensional, inviscid, supersonic flow fields with exact solutions and a twodimensional, turbulent flat plate are used to evaluate the extrapolation-based discretization error and uncertainty estimators. The conservativeness (percent of cases where the exact solution is bracketed by the estimated uncertainties) and the effectivity (how accurately the discretization error estimate approximates the exact error) are used to assess the relative merits of the different approaches. The overall trend suggests a trade-off between conservativeness and effectivity (e.g. the most conservative uncertainty estimator was the least accurate and vise-versa). The least squares method showed the best trade-off between conservativeness and effecitivity under specific conditions.
Crystal structure of {(but-3-en-1-yl)bis­[(pyridin-2-yl)meth­yl]amine-κ3N,N′,N′′}di­chlorido­copper(II) diethyl ether hemisolvate

The five-coordinate CuII atom in the title complex [CuCl2(C16H19N3)]·0.5C4H10O, adopts a near-ideal square-pyramidal geometry (τ-5 = 0.01). The apical Cu—Cl distance is 0.2626 (6) A longer than the basal Cu—Cl distance. Weak C—H⋯Cl interactions between pyridine rings and the Cl atoms of adjacent complex molecules are present. The solvent molecule, located on a twofold rotation axis, is situated in the voids of this arrangement. Copper atoms coordinated by tridentate nitro­gen-containing ligands have been found to be excellent promoters of Atom Transfer Radical Addition (ATRA) reactions.