cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lupus Serum IgG Induces Skin Inflammation through the TNFR1 Signaling Pathway

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by high autoantibody levels and multiorgan tissue damage, including kidney and skin. Cutaneous manifestations are frequent in patients with SLE, yet the etiology and pathogenesis of skin injury in SLE remains unclear. We reasoned that lupus serum containing high levels of autoreactive Ig contributes to skin injury. In this article, we report that serum from SLE patients and lupus-prone mice induces skin inflammation following intradermal injection into normal mice. Lupus serum depleted of IgG failed to cause skin inflammation. Monocytes, but not lymphocytes, were found to be crucial in the development of lupus serum-induced skin inflammation, and lupus serum IgG induced monocyte differentiation into dendritic cells (DCs). TNF-α and TNFR1, but not TNFR2, were required for the development of lupus serum-induced skin inflammation. TNFR1, not TNFR2, represented the main molecule expressed in the skin lesions caused by injected lupus serum. Our studies demonstrated that lupus serum IgG causes skin injury by involving the TNFR1 signaling pathway and monocyte differentiation to DCs. Accordingly, disruption of the TNFR1-mediated signaling pathway and blockade of DC generation may prove to be of therapeutic value in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
There is no need for complicated equations and mathematical models. Exhaled nitric oxide can be partitioned with two simple exhalations

Background: By measuring eNO at multiple flows and applying mathematical models of eNO exchange dynamics, the signal can be partitioned into its proximal airway [Jno (nl/sec)] and distal airway/alveolar contributions [CA(NO) (ppb)]. This method is time consuming, requires at least 3 exhalations and is affected by a number of limitations such as axial diffusion and turbulent flow. We eveloped a more practical method based on the production of NO (Vno) at two exhalation flow rates. Methods: In a group of 27 normal subjects (38±2 yr; 20 male), 13 steroid naive asthmatic patients (34±3 yr; 6 male, FEV1 70±4% predicted), 14 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (65±2 yr; 10 male, FEV1 58±3%), and 12 patients with cystic fibrosis (21±4 yr; 8 male, FEV1 60±3%) we compared CA(NO) and Jno with the variation of total NO production at 50 and 200 ml/s [Vno50-200 (nl/s)]. Vno was measured by calculating the average area under the curve (NO concentration/time) of two successive exhalations at each flow rate. Results: Vno50-200 was strongly correlated with Jnoin normal subjects (r=0.94, p Conclusions: The flow dependent component of exhaled NO, which is affected by its bronchial production, can be estimated by measuring Vno50-200. This method is simple, does not require sophisticated equipment or equations and is in agreement with Jno calculated mathematically.
Longitudinal vibration effects on a copper/water heat pipe's capillary limit

The effect of longitudinal vibration on the capillary limit of a copper/water heat pipe with a tightly wrapped screen wick was investigated. The capillary limit was measured over a range of operating temperatures under static conditions
Biostructural features of additional jasplakinolide (jaspamide) analogues.

The cyclodepsipeptide jasplakinolide (1) (aka jaspamide), isolated previously from the marine sponge Jaspis splendens, is a unique cytotoxin and molecular probe that operates through stabilization of filamentous actin (F-actin). We have recently disclosed that two analogues of 1, jasplakinolides B (3) and E, were referred to the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Biological Evaluation Committee, and the objective of this study was to reinvestigate a Fijian collection of J. splendens in an effort to find jasplakinolide congeners with similar biological properties. The current efforts have afforded six known jasplakinolide analogues (4−7, 9, 10), two structures requiring revision (8 and 14), and four new congeners of 1 (11−13, 15) including open-chain derivatives and structures with modified β-tyrosine residues. Compounds were evaluated for biological activity in the NCI’s 60 cell line screen and in a microfilament disruption assay in both HCT-116 and HeLa cells. These two phenotypic screens provide evidence...
Thermal conductivity of polyester-amide-imide film

Abstract Thermal conductivity measurements were performed on polyester-amide-imide film from 4 to 323 K. The specimen was in the form of a stack of aluminium discs coated on both sides with film. The results exhibit a temperature dependence similar to varnish, but are about half as large in conductivity. The results, based on nineteen data points, are estimated to be accurate to about 10%.
Familial Aggregation of Quantitative Autistic Traits in Multiplex versus Simplex Autism

Recent research has suggested that the mode of inheritance for simplex autism (SA, one individual in the family affected) may be distinct from that for multiplex autism (MA, two or more individuals affected). Since sub clinical autistic traits have been observed in "unaffected" relatives of children with autism, we explored whether the distributions of such traits in families supported differential modes of genetic transmission for SA and MA autism. We measured patterns of familial aggregation of quantitative autistic traits (QAT) in children and parents in 80 SA families and 210 MA families, using the Social Responsiveness Scale. When considering all SA and MA siblings who scored below a uniform quantitative (clinical-level) severity threshold, MA brothers exhibited a distinct pathological shift in the distribution, compared to SA brothers (P < 0.0001). Such aggregation of QAT was also observed in fathers but not among females in MA families. Significant spousal correlations for QAT-suggestive of assortative mating-were observed in both SA and MA families, but neither group was characterized by a greater-than-chance level of concordant elevation among spousal pairs in this volunteer sample. Among male first degree relatives, there exist distinct patterns of QAT manifestation for simplex versus multiplex autism. These findings are consistent with the results of molecular genetic studies that have suggested differential modes of intergenerational transmission for SA and MA. Characterization of QAT and other endophenotypes among close relatives may be useful for reducing sample heterogeneity in future genetic and neurobiologic studies of autism.
Tamoxifen suppresses histologic progression to atypia and DCIS in MCFIOAT xenografts, a model of early human breast cancer.

We evaluated the effects of tamoxifen on the growth and progression of MCFIOAT xenografts, an estrogen responsive model of human breast tumor progression, in which cells are injected orthotopically into the mammary fat pad of female nude mice. At 10 weeks following implantation, histologic sections of each graft were evaluated microscopically for histologic lesions analogous to human breast tumor progression, graded as simple hyperplasia, complex hyperplasia, atypical hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. Three out of five xenografts in (endocrine intact) control animals progressed to atypical hyperplasia, one progressed to ductal carcinoma in situ and one to invasive carcinoma. The latter two control grafts also contained foci of putative precursor lesions (i.e. atypical hyperplasia and in situ carcinoma, respectively). Tamoxifen supplemented xenografts (N=17) were uniformly smaller than controls, but contained invasive carcinoma in a similar proportion (4/17, 24%). However, none of these grafts exhibited ductal carcinoma in situ and only one contained atypical hyperplasia. Most grafts in tamoxifen supplemented animals (10/17, including all four with carcinomas) showed complex hyperplasia, which typically dominated the graft. We conclude that tamoxifen selectively inhibits the appearance or growth of preinvasive index lesions. Development of malignancy in the absence of such precursors, though, implies selection for alternative histogenetic pathways as a result of endocrine manipulation.
Genomics of estradiol-3-sulfate action in the ovine fetal hypothalamus.

In fetal sheep during late gestation sulfoconjugated estrogens in plasma reach a concentration 40–100 times greater than unconjugated estrogens. The objective of the present study was to determine ...
Macrophage activation syndrome secondary to human monocytic ehrlichiosis.

Objectives To present a case of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) that was complicated by macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), also known as secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH).
Changing perspectives on the menopause

Despite the fact that the menopause is an ubiquitous event for women, little attention was directed to it during the first half of this century. Over the past 50 years, however, scientific interest in the menopause has increased. Moreover, numerous controversial issues have attracted scientific attention, from whether there is such a phenomenon as the ‘menopausal syndrome' to the appropriate place of hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of ‘menopausal' complaints. A major philosophic question raised by these discussions is whether the menopause is best regarded as a natural, normal developmental stage or whether it is an example of a deficiency disease requiring medical attention. This article will review the changing conceptualizations of the menopause and the treatment efforts associated with these changing perspectives.
Teaching Uncertainty in Design and Analysis Courses

Uncertainty is ubiquitous in engineering, but everything is modeled perfectly in most of engineering courses. It is critical to expose students to the uncertainty reality in engineering design and make them better prepared for facing and handling uncertainty in the real world. In this paper, we discuss the basics of uncertainty and the need of uncertainty education. We then report what we have done in developing uncertainty teaching materials and using them in several engineering design and analysis courses, including Introduction to Design, Dynamics, and Probabilistic Engineering Design, with demonstrative examples. Using good problems are one of the best ways to teach and learn uncertainty, and creating a repository of engineering uncertainty problems is of great value. We also discuss the progress of our effort in the development of the repository.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy of Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy was used to study polymer matrix nanocomposites containing metal nanoparticles. We have observed emission from the silver and palladium nanoparticles as well as CN and C2 molecules owing to the polymer matrix.
Far-infrared spectra of dysprosium and terbium iron garnet

Far-infrared transmission spectra of dysprosium and terbium iron garnet were measured between 10 and 150 cm−1 at temperatures less than 20 K by Fourier-transform spectroscopy. The temperature and magnetic-field dependence of the transmission spectrum of dysprosium iron garnet was also observed. For dysprosium iron garnet, absorption lines at 22.6, 59.5, 44.0, and 65 cm−1 were identified as low-lying electronic levels. Magnetic resonances at 13.5, 17.0, and 28.0 cm−1 and phonon absorption lines at 81, 107, 112, and 145 cm−1 were found. For terbium iron garnet, two electronic lines at 36 and 68.5 cm−1 and four phonon lines at 80.5, 108, 112, and 145 cm−1 were found.
Reverse drag revisited: Why footwall deformation may be the key to inferring listric fault geometry

Abstract Although reverse drag, the down warping of hanging wall strata toward a normal fault, is widely accepted as an indicator of listric fault geometry, previous studies have shown that similar folding may form in response to slip on faults of finite vertical extent with listric or planar geometry. In this study we therefore seek more general criteria for inferring subsurface fault geometry from observations of near-surface deformation by directly comparing patterns of displacement, stress, and strain around planar and listric faults, as predicted by elastic boundary element models. In agreement with previous work, we find that models with finite planar, planar-detached, and listric-detached faults all develop hanging wall reverse-drag folds. All of these model geometries also predict a region of tension and elevated maximum Coulomb stress in the hanging wall suggesting that the distribution and orientation of near-surface joints and secondary faults may also be of limited utility in predicting subsurface fault geometry. The most notable difference between the three models, however, is the magnitude of footwall uplift. Footwall uplift decreases slightly with introduction of a detachment and more significantly with the addition of a listric fault shape. A parametric investigation of faults with constant slip ranging from nearly planar to strongly listric over depths from 1 to 15 km reveals that footwall fold width is sensitive to fault geometry while hanging wall fold width largely reflects fault depth. Application of a graphical approach based on these results as well as more complete inverse modeling illustrates how patterns of combined hanging wall and footwall deformation may be used to constrain subsurface fault geometry.
TYMNET - A tutorial survey of a computer communications network

Describes the special features of TYMNET, a computer communications network developed in 1970 by Tymshare, Inc., of Cupertino, CA. Although originally developed for time-shared purposes, TYMNET has taken on a network function as well, much like the GE network [I]. In addition to providing connection to its own computer systems for interactive processing, remote job entry (RJE), and other user data processing requirements, TYMNET provides routing and connection capability to the customer's own facilities. As an example, the U.S. National Library of Medicine uses TYMNET to provide access by remote terminals located anywhere in the United States to its own computer facilities distributed at several locations. Aso f September 1975,40u ser computers,roughly half the computer systems in the network, were connected into the network to be accessed by user terminals.
Sensor Repositioning to Improve Undersea Sensor Field Coverage

The growing demand for persistent underwater surveillance has led to a need to increase reliance on undersea distributed sensor networks for undersea target detection, classi fication and tracking. While tremendous progress has been made in the technology of small, relatively inexpensive sensors over the last decade, progress has lagged in the areas of sensor allocation and sensor management. How best to deploy and reposition sensors and small, unmanned vehicles (movable sensors) are important research questions that must be addressed to realize the intended use of these technologies. Realistic tactical sensor deployment scenarios do not provide the opportunity for a precise placement of sensors. Most likely, initial deployment will be somewhat random (e.g., deployment of sensors from a moving vessel). Additionally, sensors might have to be repositioned due to random sensor failure, degradation, drift due to ocean current or other environmental effects. While it is possible, through the use of geometric probability, to estimate of the coverage of randomly distributed sensor fields, optimum field coverage can only be obtained through the use of deterministic sensor positioning procedures. However, the initial randomly distributed sensor field can be used as a starting point for the optimal sensor placement. The same can be said for networks in which sensors have drifted out of position, experienced failures, or have (through random movement or collision) aggregated into clumps. Sensor redeployment might also be necessary due to changes in mission objectives. For example, improved intelligence might necessitate the need to reconfigure the network in order to detect the target of interest. This paper addresses various issues relating to repositioning of sensors in order to improve the coverage of the distributed sensor network. In addition to more traditional assignment algorithms, which minimize the total (equivalently, average) cost for moving all sensors, we consider various cost-based assignment techniques that aim to minimize maximal displacement. We argue that for some scenarios, especially small to moderate networks of sensors with limited fuel supply, the minimization of the maximal displacement is preferable to the solution of the more traditional assignment algorithm. The latter often produces results with relatively large costs for at least some of its assignments. This leads to diminished effectiveness over time for the sensor field. Since fuel supply is limited for these unmanned vehicles, we consider assignment procedures that will not deplete the vehicles' resources during the maneuvering phase. Finally, we compare the performance of several algorithms used to minimize the maximal cost associated with repositioning a field of movable sensors.
Increased anatomical specificity of neuromodulation via modulated focused ultrasound.

Transcranial ultrasound can alter brain function transiently and nondestructively, offering a new tool to study brain function now and inform future therapies. Previous research on neuromodulation implemented pulsed low-frequency (250–700 kHz) ultrasound with spatial peak temporal average intensities (ISPTA) of 0.1–10 W/cm2. That work used transducers that either insonified relatively large volumes of mouse brain (several mL) with relatively low-frequency ultrasound and produced bilateral motor responses, or relatively small volumes of brain (on the order of 0.06 mL) with relatively high-frequency ultrasound that produced unilateral motor responses. This study seeks to increase anatomical specificity to neuromodulation with modulated focused ultrasound (mFU). Here, ‘modulated’ means modifying a focused 2-MHz carrier signal dynamically with a 500-kHz signal as in vibro-acoustography, thereby creating a low-frequency but small volume (approximately 0.015 mL) source of neuromodulation. Application of transcranial mFU to lightly anesthetized mice produced various motor movements with high spatial selectivity (on the order of 1 mm) that scaled with the temporal average ultrasound intensity. Alone, mFU and focused ultrasound (FUS) each induced motor activity, including unilateral motions, though anatomical location and type of motion varied. Future work should include larger animal models to determine the relative efficacy of mFU versus FUS. Other studies should determine the biophysical processes through which they act. Also of interest is exploration of the potential research and clinical applications for targeted, transcranial neuromodulation created by modulated focused ultrasound, especially mFU’s ability to produce compact sources of ultrasound at the very low frequencies (10–100s of Hertz) that are commensurate with the natural frequencies of the brain.
Fatty Acid Synthase Modulates Intestinal Barrier Function through Palmitoylation of Mucin 2

The intestinal mucus barrier prevents pathogen invasion and maintains host-microbiota homeostasis. We show that fatty acid synthase (FAS), an insulin-responsive enzyme essential for de novo lipogenesis, helps maintain the mucus barrier by regulating Mucin 2, the dominant mucin in the colon and a central component of mucus. Inducible Cre recombinase-directed inactivation of the FAS gene in the colonic epithelium of mice is associated with disruptions in the intestinal mucus barrier as well as increased intestinal permeability, colitis, systemic inflammation, and changes in gut microbial ecology. FAS deficiency blocked the generation of palmitoylated Mucin 2, which must be S-palmitoylated at its N terminus for proper secretion and function. Furthermore, a diabetic mouse model exhibited lower FAS levels and a decreased mucus layer, which could be restored with insulin treatment. Thus, the role of FAS in maintaining intestinal barrier function may explain the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation in diabetes and other disorders.
Assessment of depression and diagnosis of depressive disorder among psychiatrically disturbed children

This study examined the relations between performance on alternative measures of childhood depression and diagnosis of depressive disorder. Hospitalized inpatient children (N=770, ages 7–13) with a diagnosis of depressive disorder (Research Diagnostic Criteria) were compared with a matched sample of patients whose diagnoses excluded depression. Children and parents completed four standardized depression scales plus measures designed to assess associated features including hopelessness, selfesteem, and internalizing symptoms. The results indicated that (1) alternative depression measures, whether completed by children or parents, yielded scores that were significantly higher for children with a diagnosis of depression; (2) parent ratings of severity of depression were consistently higher among the measures than the child ratings; (3) optimal cutoff scores derived for each measure correctly classified approximately 60% of depressed and nondepressed cases; (4) different cutoff scores were required for the same measure, depending on whether children or parents were the raters; and (5) using a battery of measures and combining these in a stepwise discriminant function yielded over 80% classification accuracy. The implications of the results for selection of cases for clinical research are discussed.
Rhodospirillum centenum, sp. nov., a thermotolerant cyst-forming anoxygenic photosynthetic bacterium.

A novel non-sulfur purple photosynthetic bacterium, designated Rhodospirillum centenum, was isolated from an enrichment culture designed to favor growth of anoxygenic photosynthetic N2-fixing bacteria. R. centenum grows optimally at 40–42° C and has the capacity to produce cytoplasmic ‘R bodies’, refractile structures not observed hitherto in photosynthetic prokaryotes. The bacterium is also unusual among photosynthetic bacteria in that it forms desiccation-resistant cysts when grown aerobically in darkness with butyrate as the sole carbon source.
Reaction of cyclooctatetraene dianion with halosilanes: Preparation of 3,4-(tetramethyldisiloxy)-1,3,5-cyclooctatriene and 5,8-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,3,6-cyclooctatriene

Abstract The dipotassium salt of cyclooctatetraene dianion, COT2−, reacts at −35° with dimethyldichlorosilane, followed by aqueous workup, to give C8H8[Si(CH3)2]2O (I) in 4.4% yield. On the basis of spectroscopic (IR, mass, 1H and 13C NMR spectra) and chemical data, compound 1 is formulated as 3,4-(tetramethyldisiloxy)-l,3,5-cyclooctatriene. Reaction of COT2− with trimethylchlorosilane yields the compound C8H8[Si(CH3)3]2 in 50% yield, which is shown to be 5,8-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,3,6-cyclooctatriene.
Genetic markers associated with antibody response kinetics in adult chickens

A linkage disequilibrium approach with microsatellites was employed to investigate QTL affecting immune response. Highly inbred males of two MHC-congenic Fayoumi chicken lines were mated with highly inbred G-B1 Leghorn hens. Adult F2 hens (n = 158) were injected twice with SRBC and fixed Brucella abortus (BA). Agglutinating antibody titers were measured. Secondary phase parameters of maximum titers (Ymax) and time (Tmax) needed to achieve Ymax were estimated from postsecondary titers by using a nonlinear regression model. A three-step genotype strategy (DNA pooling, selective genotyping, and whole population genotyping) was used to identify microsatellite markers that are associated with immune response to SRBC and BA. The linkage distances between adjacent markers in the F2 population were estimated by Crimap. The QTL affecting immune response to SRBC and BA were detected based on F statistic by interval mapping. A total of five significant QTL, as determined by a permutation test, were detected at the 5% chromosome-wise level on Chromosomes 3, 5, 6, and Z. Two (Chromosome 3 and 6) of five QTL were significant at the 1% chromosome-wise level. The variance explained by the QTL ranged from 6.46 to 7.50%. The results suggest that regions on Chromosomes 3, 5, 6, and Z contain QTL that affect antibody kinetics in the hen.
Quark-matter formation in the fragmentation rapidity region of ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions

A simple model of ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions is presented for energies above roughly-equal20 GeV/nucleon. The maximum excitation energy and baryon-charge density produced in the fragmentation region of such reactions are estimated analytically. The possibility of forming a quark-gluon plasma of high temperature and low pressure without large compression is pointed out.
Some New Derivatives of Gentisic Acid*: I. Preparation and Proof of Structure of Some New Derivatives of Gentisic Acid

The synthesis of seven new derivatives of gentisic acid is discussed and their analyses and proof of structure are presented. Four derivatives of gentisic acid with amino alcohols were prepared by two type reactions. Three derivatives of gentiric acid with other carboxylic acids were prepared by one type reaction.
Carbohydrate Homeostasis in Children With Leprechaunism.

Leprechaunism is a rare congenital disorder characterized by unique clinical features and profound derangements of carbohydrate metabolism. Extensive studies in 3 patients, ages 3 months to 3 years, revealed the following biochemical abnormalities: fasting hypoglycemia 50μU/ml; post-prandial hyperglycemia and hypersecretion of insulin (IN) >500 μU/ml in response to all known IN secretagogues including glucose, arginine, glucagon, and tolbutamide; marked resistance to exogenous IN and absence of ketosis were consistent findings. Circadian IN secretion assessed by continuous venous blood withdrawal suggests that the pancreatic B-cell remains responsive in some degree to feeding and fasting albeit at hyperinsulinemic baseline levels. IN was normal as to biological, immunological and chromatographic properties. Glucose turnover studies by stable isotope techniques after a 3-hour fast showed 2H-glucose disappearance to be comparable to normal children with a normal response to glucagon. After prolonged fasting (8-12 hrs.), patients were hypoglycemic and unresponsive to glucagon or epinephrine. IN binding to lymphocyte and RBC receptors were at the lower limits of normal. These derangements of carbohydrate metabolism and IN secretion are consistent with the post-receptor defect hypothesis as a plausible explanation for the disturbance in carbohydrate metabolism seen in leprechaunism.
Phase transformations in the Al-Li-Hf and Al-Li-Ti systems

Phase transformations in Al-1, 9Li-1.6Hf and Al-1.5Li-0.7Ti (wt pct) alloys have been analyzed thoroughly using various electron microscopy techniques. An Ll2-ordered ternary Al3 (Li,X) phase, orά (X), forms in both alloys during heat treatment. Theά forms as spherical precipitates by normal nucleation and growth and in the Hf alloy as filaments by discontinuous precipitation. The X:Li ratio in these precipitates is found to be a function of the precipitation mode in the Hf alloy.ά is coherent with the Al matrix and serves as a preferred nucleation site for the precipitation of the Al3Li orδ' phase when the alloy is aged at 190°C. Theδ', also Ll2-ordered, grows as continous envelopes which completely enclose theα' phase. An altered morphology predominates forα'(Ti) after extended heat treatment. The major feature of the altered morphology is the incorporation of spiraled dislocations at theα'/matrix interface, which act to ease the misfit between theα' (Ti) and the matrix.δ' forms as caps on the alteredα'(Ti) in areas away from the dislocations. Disruption of theα' envelopes is attributed to the strain fields and loss of coherency associated with the presence of interfacial dislocations and a possible local shift from Ll2 to DO22 ordering in theα'(Ti) precipitates.
Three-dimensional Elastic Image Registration Based on Strain Energy Minimization: Application to Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in conjunction with an endorectal coil is currently the clinical standard for the diagnosis of prostate cancer because of the increased sensitivity and specificity of this approach. However, imaging in this manner provides images and spectra of the prostate in the deformed state because of the insertion of the endorectal coil. Such deformation may lead to uncertainties in the localization of prostate cancer during therapy. We propose a novel 3-D elastic registration procedure that is based on the minimization of a physically motivated strain energy function that requires the identification of similar features (points, curves, or surfaces) in the source and target images. The Gauss–Seidel method was used in the numerical implementation of the registration algorithm. The registration procedure was validated on synthetic digital images, MR images from prostate phantom, and MR images obtained on patients. The registration error, assessed by averaging the displacement of a fiducial landmark in the target to its corresponding point in the registered image, was 0.2 ± 0.1 pixels on synthetic images. On the prostate phantom and patient data, the registration errors were 1.0 ± 0.6 pixels (0.6 ± 0.4 mm) and 1.8 ± 0.7 pixels (1.1 ± 0.4 mm), respectively. Registration also improved image similarity (normalized cross-correlation) from 0.72 ± 0.10 to 0.96 ± 0.03 on patient data. Registration results on digital images, phantom, and prostate data in vivo demonstrate that the registration procedure can be used to significantly improve both the accuracy of localized therapies such as brachytherapy or external beam therapy and can be valuable in the longitudinal follow-up of patients after therapy.
Global and Local: Measuring Geographical Concentration of China's Manufacturing Industries

Based on a county-level Chinese industry survey data set, this article aims to extend the agglomeration literature by applying and comparing selected combination indexes of geographical concentration that incorporate both traditional indexes of inequality and measures of spatial autocorrelation at the global level and by applying and comparing a new measure, the focal location quotient (FLQ), to the local Moran's I, a commonly used local indicator of spatial association, at the county level. At the global level, the results show that the combination indexes used are generally effective for comparing the extent of geographical concentration across industries, and they could serve as useful dependent variables in modeling agglomeration effects across industries. At the local level, specific spatial patterns of production concentrations are identified for textiles, machinery, food manufacturing, and the electronics and telecommunication industries. FLQ tends to generate more generalized patterns than does th...
Nickel speciation of fly ash by phase extraction

Abstract Chemical speciation of nickel is necessary for risk assessment of fossil fuel fly ash. We have used a standard coal fly ash in sequential extraction to show reproducibility and mass balance of nickel phase fractionation, and applied it to two field samples of oil fly ash. Nine distinct nickel phases were quantitated by voltammetry and characterized by cumulative extraction plots and dissolution kinetics. They are further correlated with SEM/EDX analysis of the fly ash. This nickel speciation method reflects the difference in the combustion process in generating the two oil fly ash and allows comparison of their nickel distribution and bioavailablity.
Contribution of Volcanic Sulphur Compounds to the Stratospheric Aerosol Layer

SULPHUR bearing compounds constitute a major portion of globally distributed persistent aerosol layer in the lower stratosphere1–3 and some considerations1 indicate that the particles are formed in situ, presumably by the oxidation of gases containing sulphur. The relative importance of various terrestrial sources, however, has not been ascertained.
Desired, Repeated, Replaced: Power and Loss in Titian's Noli Me Tangere

The depiction of larger unconscious symbols, such as popular Gospel themes, can become particularized through the individual experience of the artist. They can express sublimated desires or displaced wishes, disguised like dream-elements in a work of art. Classical Freudian theory explores the process of sublimation and dream-work as two sides of the psychoanalytic interpretation of art. Titian’s Noli Me Tangere represents his efforts to sublimate his sexual and aggressive drives through this Gospel theme. It also suggests his Oedipal feelings of love and competition for his mentor Giorgione, as he anxiously maneuvered to take his mentor’s place. The death of his mentor and his own anxiety are worked out in his art, exemplified by his appropriation of Giorgione’s style and the repetition of Giorgione’s landscapes in Titian’s early work. As Titian reworked and radically changed this painting, he expressed his own ambivalence through this most ambivalent of Gospel scenes.
Vapor sorption in plasma polymerized vinyl acetate and methyl methacrylate thin films

Abstract Vapor sorption isotherms of vinyl acetate (VAc) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) plasma polymer thin films are measured and compared with those for cast films of the conventionally polymerized analogs. Sorption isotherms are collected for methanol, acetone, hexane, and water at 30°C using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). The isotherms are analyzed using both Dual-Mode and Flory–Huggins sorption models. In general, plasma polymer sorption isotherms approximate those of the conventional polymer analogs, but exhibit an enhanced Langmuir-type sorption component at low activity. Accordingly, Dual-Mode model parameters show roughly equivalent Henry's Law solubility coefficients with the Langmuir-type capacity parameters (CH′) being 5–20-fold higher than those for the conventional polymer materials.
Cyperus spp. control with reduced methyl bromide plus chloropicrin doses under virtually impermeable films in pepper

Abstract Two field trials were conducted to determine if reduced doses of methyl bromide plus chloropicrin (MBr+Pic) applied under two types of virtually impermeable films (VIF) could provide the same extent of Cyperus spp. control and pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) crop yield as the commercially used MBr+Pic dose with low-density mulch. Various treatments compared 98 and 196 kg MBr+Pic/ha under VIF versus 392 kg/ha of the fumigant with conventional polyethylene mulch. Results showed that there were no differences in Cyperus control and pepper yield with both reduced MBr+Pic and the commercially applied dose with low-density mulch. It appeared that the increased fumigant retention by the VIF gave the same weed control as the high MBr+Pic dose.
Enantioselective ring opening of epoxides with TMSN3 by macrocyclic oligomer-supported Cr(III)–salen catalysts

Abstract Three Cr(III)–salen catalysts supported onto macrocyclic oligomeric cyclooctene through linkers of different lengths were synthesized. The influences of the linker length and the oligomeric support on the activity and the enantioselectivity of catalysts were investigated in the asymmetric ring opening of a meso -epoxide and the kinetic resolution of terminal epoxides. For both reactions all three catalysts exhibited significantly higher catalytic efficiency than the unsupported monomeric Cr(III)–salen catalyst. The catalyst with the shortest linker 1 showed the highest reaction rate while the catalyst with the longest linker 3 afforded the highest enantioselectivity in both reactions. The recoverability of catalyst 1 was also studied.
Internalization and Degradation of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Ovine Luteal Cells: Kinetic Studies

Ovine luteal cells grown in suspensions and/or monolayer culture were used to study the rates of internalization and degradation of [125I]hCG. At specified times after a 5- to 7- min exposure to [125I]hCG, cells were treated with acidic buffer (pH 3.9) to elute membrane-bound hormone, which left the internalized radioactivity associated with the cell pellet. Radioactivity released into the medium during the incubation periods was subjected to 20% trichloroacetic acid and/or thin layer chromatography to monitor the extent of degradation of the radioactive hormone. Secretion of progesterone into the medium and exclusion of trypan blue were used to monitor the viability of the cells in each experiment. Radioactivity was lost from the plasma membrane with a t½ of 9.6 h, with approximately 85% of the radioactivity being lost within 24 h. Cell-associated radioactivity increased linearly with time to a plateau at 4 h, remained stable until 12 h, and then decreased between 12–24 h. The plateau between 4–12 h refl...
A novel DNA-binding motif in the nuclear matrix attachment DNA-binding protein SATB1

Abstract The nuclear matrix attachment DNA (MAR) binding protein SATB1 is a sequence context-specific binding protein that binds in the minor groove, making virtually no contact with the DNA bases. The SATB1 binding sites consist of a special AT-rich sequence context in which one strand is well-mixed A's, T's, and C's, excluding G's (ATC sequences), which is typically found in clusters within different MARs. To determine the extent of conservation of the SATB1 gene among different species, we cloned a mouse homolog of the human STAB1 cDNA from a cDNA expression library of the mouse thymus, the tissue in which this protein is predominantly expressed. This mouse cDNA encodes a 764-amino-acid protein with a 98% homology in amino acid sequence to the human SATB1 originally cloned from testis. To characterize the DNA binding domain of this novel class of protein, we used the mouse SATB1 cDNA and delineated a 150-amino-acid polypeptide as the binding domain. This region confers full DNA binding activity, recognizes the specific sequence context, and makes direct contact with DNA at the same nucleotides as the whole protein. This DNA binding domain contains a novel DNA binding motif: when no more than 21 amino acids at either the N- or C-terminal end of the binding domain are deleted, the majority of the DNA binding activity is lost. The concomitant presence of both terminal sequences is mandatory for binding. These two terminal regions consist of hydrophilic amino acids and share homologous sequences that are different from those of any known DNA binding motifs. We propose that the DNA binding region of SATB1 extends its two terminal regions toward DNA to make direct contact with DNA.
A taxonomic revision of the genus Heterosmilax (Smilacaceae).

Heterosmilax, a small southeastern Asiatic genus in the Smilacaceae, comprises 11 species in two sections, includingH. micrandra, which is described as new from Hainan, China. These taxa are taxonomically discussed, described, illustrated, and a key is provided to differentiate them.
N-dimension geometry used in the design of a dynamic neural-network pattern-recognition system

If the main features, or the skeleton (e.g., the corner points and the boundary lines,) of a 3D moving object can be represented by an ND analog vector, then the whole history of movement (rotation, translation, deformation, etc.) of this object can be described by an ND curve in the ND state space. Each point on the curve corresponds to a snap-shot of the 3D object at a certain time during the course of movement. We can approximate this ND curve by an ND broken line just like the linearization of a 2D curve by a 2D broken line. But the linearization of a branch of an ND curve is just to apply the ND convex operation to the two end points of this branch. Therefore remembering all the end points (or all the extreme points) in the ND curve will allow us to approximately reconstruct the ND curve, or the whole 3D object's moving history, by means of the simple mathematical operation, the ND convex operation. Based on this ND geometry principle, a very simple, yet very robust, and very accurate dynamic neural network system (a computer graphic program) is proposed for recognizing any moving object not only by its static images, but also by the special way this object moves.
SOUL HANDS CLAP IN THE 60S: HISTORY AND AFRICAN AMERICAN POETRY

Just as the modern Civil Rights Movement differed from previous ones in style and substance, the poetry of the 1960s, and especially the late 60s, offered a new way of talking, an especially noticeable sea change in mood, that was, I argue, a consequence of two sets of significant events: one, the 1966 "Black power" speech of Stokely Carmichael ( Kwame Toure) in Greenwood, Mississippi, and, in tandem, the deaths of Medgar Evers (1963), Malcolm X (1965), and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1968).
Spindle formation and cleavage in Xenopus eggs injected with centriole-containing fractions from sperm

Abstract The eggs of Xenopus laevis are capable of initiating spindle formation and cleavage in response to microinjection of partially purified components of sea urchin sperm. High activity was assayed from a sperm head fraction obtained after removal of the plasma and nuclear membranes, acrosome, midpiece mitochondrion, and tail. Chromatin, the basal plate, and the distal centriole comprised the components of the head fraction. Disruption of the chromatin did not impair activity and purified chromatin lacked activity, suggesting the centriole and basal plate as the active materials. Low doses of active material induced apparently normal cleavage at 90 min after injection, with 16% of the eggs reaching the late blastula stage. High doses of active material induced precocious multiple cleavage, with some eggs cleaving into 3–10 segments within 20 min after injection. These eggs contained numerous spindles and asters in the animal hemisphere, as judged by light microscopy of stained sections. Microinjection of eggs is presented as a semi-quantitative bioassay for agents initiating spindle formation and cleavage.
A sub- and near-threshold current model for silicon MESFETs

An analytical model for silicon MESFETs that predicts static current-voltage characteristics continuously from subthreshold through above-threshold operation has been developed. The model is based on an expression for the channel charge density derived from an analytical solution of Poisson's equation in one dimension including mobile electrons and holes. The closed-form current model is verified with measured data in all regimes of operation. >
Observations of the Gum nebula with a Fabry-Perot spectrometer.

Scans have been made of H-alpha, 6584-A forbidden N II, 5007-A forbidden O III, and 5876-A He I emissions in selected directions in the Gum Nebula. Analyses of the line profiles and line intensities indicate that much of the emitting gas in the Gum Nebula is confined to an expanding shell which has a radius of about 125 pc, an expansion velocity of approximately 20 km/s, an emission measure which ranges from about 15 units to about 500 units, and a temperature near 11,000 K. The ultraviolet flux from zeta Pup and gamma-2 Vel appears to be capable of producing most of the observed ionization, although the origin of the shell structure and high expansion velocity is not certain.-
An information integration approach to serial effects in verbal discrimination learning

New experimental designs and analytic techniques are presented for investigating serial effects in verbal discrimination. These designs and techniques derive from earlier studies of serial information integration. On a given study trial, feedback is presented for a fixed percentage of the items. Across items in the list, feedback-nonfeedback sequences are generated by factorial designs that permit assessment of how the probability of a correct response on a given trial is influenced by feedback presentations on each preceding trial. The relative influence of each of the preceding feedback presentations is compared to provide an analysis of intertrial serial effects. Preliminary work showed nonmonotonic serial curves.
The mechanics of toughness development in ductile phase reinforced brittle matrix composites

Abstract This study is a numerical exercise to theoretically analyze toughening in brittle materials consisting of ductile reinforcements, on the basis of crack bridging by ductile particles. The effects of the particle constitute behavior, the shape of the stress-displacement law, the matrix fracture toughness and the overall elastic modulus of the composite on toughness have been illustrated by simple fracture mechanics calculations of self-consistent crack opening displacement profiles and crack bridging stress distributions. An approach to calculate the crack surface displacements, crack bridging stresses and stress intensity factors in any specimen geometry, using weight functions, is presented. Different types of idealized particle stress-displacement responses were used in the calculations. The opening characteristics of a bridge crack and the evolution of toughness for these types have been examined. The conditions for maximum bridging and toughness as well as the conditions at which a fully bridged crack transforms to a partially bridged one have been identified. The role of individual parameters used in constructing the stress-displacement law on composite toughness has been assessed. The toughness has been found to manifest from a complex interaction of the matrix fracture toughness, the composite modulus and the flow behavior of the ductile particle.
Nuclear Arms Reductions after New START: Incremental or Transformative?

Ratification of the New START agreement by the United States and Russia opens the door to further progress as between Moscow and Washington on strategic nuclear arms reductions. As well, fulfillment of New START requirements and post-New START agreements will add credibility to Russian and American claims for international leadership on nuclear nonproliferation. New START also helps to clear the way for progress on the larger Obama denuclearization agenda, including ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and an international agreement to regulate production of fissile materials. However, nothing is guaranteed in politics, including arms control politics, and New START could backslide on account of U.S.-Russian disagreements over missile defenses, NATO enlargement or other issues.
On the "Disappearance" of Hysteria: A Study in the Clinical Deconstruction of a Diagnosis

L'histoire de la psychiatrie est marquee par un ballet de maladies qui apparait et disparait au cours des siecles. Parmi celles-ci, l'hysterie, tres repandue du temps de Freud et de Charcot semble avoir disparue en cette fin du 20 e siecle
Novel Hybrid Positive Feedback control for active vibration suppression in flexible structure

A new controller is introduced in this paper as a novel approach toward active vibration suppression in flexible structures. Hybrid Positive Feedback (HPF) uses a second- and a first-order compensator that are fed by displacement and velocity feedbacks, respectively. Parallel pairs of the HPF controller are implemented when suppression in multimode condition is issued. Since the controller uses two gains for each pair of actuator/sensor patched of each mode, an optimized gain selection task is essential. Hence, H 2 and ℋ ∞ optimization approaches are utilized to provide the best level of suppression using the HPF controller. Numerical simulations and a set of experiments are implemented to evaluate the performance of the controller. Comparison of the HPF controller result with the Positive Position Feedback (PPF) method demonstrates the superiority of the new method. HPF controller using either of the optimization methods attenuates the vibration displacement amplitude to at least 85% of the uncontrolled amplitude. However, best result is achieved using the ℋ ∞ -optimized process as the net value of vibration displacement amplitude caused by a multimode disturbance is reduced by 90% of the uncontrolled displacement amplitude.