cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of depth selectivity of polarization gating for tissue characterization

Polarization gating has been widely used to selectively probe the structure of superficial biological tissue. However, the penetration depth selectivity of polarization gating has not been well understood. Using polarized light Monte Carlo simulations, we investigated how the optical properties of a scattering medium and light collection geometry affect the penetration depth of polarization gating. We show that, for a wide range of optical properties, polarization gating enables attaining a very shallow penetration depth, which is on the order of the mean free path length. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms responsible for this surprisingly short depth of penetration of polarization gating. We show that polarization-gated signal is generated primarily by photons emerging from the surface of the medium within a few mean free path lengths from the point of incidence.
Studies of insulin sensitivity in vivo in weanling rats with hypothalamic obesity.

Abstract Studies were performed in weanling male rats with bilateral lesions in the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei (VMN) and sham-operated controls to evaluate (1) the endogenous insulin response to glucose, and (2) the sensitivity to exogenous insulin as manifested by both hypoglycemia and the utilization of simultaneously injected 14C-glucose. VMN rats exhibited basal hyperinsulinemia and an increased insulin secretory response to glucose. VMN and control rats exhibited similar hypoglycemic responses to exogenous insulin. Utilization of intraperitoneally injected 14C-glucose by epididymal adipose tissue and diaphragm was similarly increased by insulin in the two groups of animals. The results exclude peripheral insulin resistance as the basis for hyperinsulinemia and support the belief that it is a direct consequence of the hypothalamic lesion.
Maternal Infanticide and Modern Motherhood

Abstract Analyzing qualitative data from fourteen intensive interviews with mothers who fatally injured their infants, this article delineates the stages of the situated context of maternal infanticide. The data suggest that non-complying behaviors such as crying, difficulty in training, and prolonged illness by the infant challenged the mother's self-perception regarding mothering. Transactions are described that demonstrate the mother's failing attempts to comfort her infant and gain compliance. The article argues that the basis for the challenge to the mother's self-perception is the social institutionalization of motherhood norms that leaves the mother powerless to select alternative action or escape the frustrating encounter. It concludes that the infants in this study died as a result of the mother's inability to assuage her own pain produced by these failing attempts.
Detection of binding artifacts in gel electrofocusing using a polymeric dye probe

Poly R-480, an amphoteric dye of molecular weight 160 000,is the product of copolymerization reaction and can be expected to yield a polydisperse pattern in polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing (PAGIF). Such is indeed obtained in conventional PAGIF using commercial synthetic carrier ampholyte mixtures but not in buffer PAGIF, in which a few discrete dye bands are produced. Upon excision of single bands and segments of zones in buffer PAGIF and PAGIF in SCAMs, respectively, the entire original pattern is reestablished in each case, thereby confirming the artifactual nature of both the simple band pattern as well as the polydisperse patten. The simple pattern in buffer PAGIF prevails in the presence of 8 M urea and 8 mM CHAPS, while the polydisperse pattern obtained in SCAMs is resolved into multiple bands in the presence of either one or both of these agents. These observations suggest: a) hydrophobic and hydrogen bond dye-dye and/or dye-SCAM interactions produce the artifactual polydisperse pattern in PAGIF in SCAMs, b) electrostatic dye-dye interactions are responsible for the artifactual simple band pattern in buffer EF, and c) dye-SCAM electrostatic interactions produce the artifactual multiple band pattern in the SCAM-urea-CHAPS system. These data clearly underline the need for critical experimentation in the evaluation of PAGIF bands and band numbers.
NATURAL SELECTION AND THE PROBLEM OF EVIL: AN EVOLUTIONARY MODEL WITH APPLICATION TO AN ANCIENT DEBATE

. Since Darwin, scholars have contemplated what our growing understanding of natural selection, combined with the fact that great suffering occurs, allows us to infer about the possibility that a benevolent God created the universe. Building on this long line of thought, I develop a model that illustrates how undesirable characteristics of the world (stylized “evils”) can influence long-run outcomes. More specifically, the model considers an evolutionary process in which each generation faces a risk from a “natural evil” (e.g., predation, disease, or a natural disaster) subsequent to a basic resource allocation game. This allows both resource allocation and the natural evil to influence the number of surviving offspring. As the model shows, when the risk from the natural evil can be mitigated through the benevolent behavior of neighbors, the population may have increasing benevolence as a result of (1) greater risk from the natural evil and (2) a greater degree to which selfish individuals transfer resources to themselves in the resource allocation game. The main implication is that a world with evolutionary processes (in contrast to a world of static design) can allow two factors that have traditionally been considered “evils”—namely, the indiscriminate cruelty of the natural world and the capacity for humans to harm each other—to promote desirable long-run outcomes.
Cell cycle analysis by culture fractionation.

Abstract The isolation of age-related cell size classes from cultures of the yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, was carried out in a reorienting gradient zonal rotor. Measurements on cell growth, septa formation, and cell division from time-lapse studies were used to establish the average ages of fractions following culture fractionation. DNA levels for the fractions were used to establish the midpoint of DNA synthesis. This method for studying the cell cycle has the advantage over synchronous growth in that it involves no artificial entrainment of the cells before measurements are made.
Teaching Undergraduates to Think Archivally

This case study describes efforts in the L. Tom Perry Special Collections to build and teach an undergraduate course to develop archival literacy skills in undergraduate students. The article reviews current models of archival instruction and describes how these were applied in creating the course content. An evaluation of the course's outcomes and effectiveness is also included.
Ovarian dysfunction in peripubertal hyperinsulinemia.

Increasing evidence suggests that hyperinsulinemia plays an important role in the patho-genesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PC OS). However, the timing for the onset of hyperinsulinemia is not clear. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of peripubertal hyperinsulinemia on the maturing female reproductive axis. Hyperinsulinemia was induced in 28-day-old peripubertal female rats by infusing insulin (0.04 IU/d) via subcutaneously implanted Alzet minipumps (Model #2004; Durect Corp, Cupertino, CA; constant flow rate 0.25 μL/h)for 4 weeks. Control animals were administered normal saline. Estrus cyclicity was monitored regularly. Upon termination of the experimental period, the animals were killed, trunk blood and pituitaries were collected for hormone assays, and ovaries were collected for histological and immunocytochemical studies. In contrast to the control animals, hyperinsulinemic animals had (1) erratic estrus cycles, with prolonged (2 to 3 days) metestrus-diestrus or diestrus-proestrus stages; (2) significantly (P <. 05) decreased levels of serum progesterone, and significantly (P <.05) increased levels of serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrostene sulfate; (3) prematurely luteinized ovarian follicles with prominent thecal and interfollicular stromal proliferation; and (4) markedly reduced expression of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) and activin receptors (ActR) I and IB in the ovaries. Peripubertal hyperinsulinemia in rats causes hormonal and ovarian changes similar to those in women with PCOS. Based on these novel findings, we speculate that peripubertal hyperinsulinemia may be a risk factor for the development of PCOS later in life. (J Soc Gynecol Investig 2006;13: 122–9) Copyright © 2006 by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation.
The observation of a C5 alcohol emission in a North American pine forest

During a recent study carried out at an isolated site in the Colorado mountains, a C5 alcohol, 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, was found to be the most abundant volatile organic compound of biogenic origin present in the atmosphere. This finding, if generally characteristic of the natural chemical species present in the atmosphere in forested areas, has important implications. First, the presence in large quantities of a reactive chemical compound at these high levels can significantly influence the local atmospheric chemistry. Secondly, this compound, although previously identified as a pheromone for Ips typographus (spruce bark beetle), an insect predator responsible for major forest die-backs in this region, is strongly correlated with isoprene. Since isoprene is known to be emitted by the local vegetation, the observed 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol appears also to have a vegetative rather than entomological source.
Adenovirus-engineered human dendritic cells induce natural killer cell chemotaxis via CXCL8/IL-8 and CXCL10/IP-10

Recombinant adenovirus-engineered dendritic cells (Ad.DC) are potent vaccines for induction of anti-viral and anti-cancer T cell immunity. The effectiveness of Ad.DC vaccines may depend on the newly described ability of Ad.DC to crosstalk with natural killer (NK) cells via cell-to-cell contact, and to mediate activation, polarization and bridging of innate and adaptive immunity. For this interaction to occur in vivo, Ad.DC must be able to attract NK cells from surrounding tissues or peripheral blood. We developed a novel live mouse imaging system-based NK-cell migration test, and demonstrated for the first time that human Ad.DC induced directional migration of human NK cells across subcutaneous tissues, indicating that Ad.DC-NK cell contact and interaction could occur in vivo. We examined the mechanism of Ad.DC-induced migration of NK cells in vitro and in vivo. Ad.DC produced multiple chemokines previously reported to recruit NK cells, including immunoregulatory CXCL10/IP-10 and proinflammatory CXCL8/IL-8. In vitro chemotaxis experiments utilizing neutralizing antibodies and recombinant human chemokines showed that CXCL10/IP-10 and CXCL8/IL-8 were critical for Ad.DC-mediated recruitment of CD56(hi)CD16(-) and CD56(lo)CD16(+) NK cells, respectively. The importance of CXCL8/IL-8 was further demonstrated in vivo. Pretreatment of mice with the neutralizing anti-CXCL8/IL-8 antibody led to significant inhibition of Ad.DC-induced migration of NK cells in vivo. These data show that Ad.DC can recruit spatially distant NK cells toward a vaccine site via specific chemokines. Therefore, an Ad.DC vaccine can likely induce interaction with endogenous NK cells via transmembrane mediators, and consequently mediate Th1 polarization and amplification of immune functions in vivo.
Sintering of High‐Purity Magnesia

The effect of calcining temperatures on the sinter ability of high-purity magnesia powders was investigated. A marked decrease in the density of sintered (fired) compacts occurred when petro-graphically identifiable periclase was formed in calcining. By employing proper heat-treatment in calcining the powder, ceramic bodies with zero apparent porosities were obtained at sintering temperatures as low as 1650°C. It is suggested that proper calcinations might also facilitate the preparation of dense ceramics of other oxides.
Induction of stress proteins and MMP-9 by 0.8 ppm of ozone in murine skin

Abstract Ozone (O3) is among the most reactive environmental oxidant pollutants to which cutaneous tissues are exposed. O3 exposure has been shown to induce antioxidant depletion as well as the oxidation of lipids and proteins within the outermost skin layer, the stratum corneum. However, relatively little is known regarding the potential effects of O3 on the cellular constituents of the underlying skin epidermis and dermis. In the present study, hairless mice exposed for 6 h to 0.8 ppm O3 showed increases in lipid peroxidation, as quantitated by increases in 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts. O3 exposure caused an induction of the stress proteins HSP27 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), starting at 6 h and increasing up to 18 h after O3 exposure. This was accompanied by an increase in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) mRNA and activity levels, indicative of possible injurious-reparative processes. Collectively, our data demonstrate that skin exposure to O3 not only affects antioxidant levels and oxidation markers in the outermost stratum corneum layer, but also induces cellular stress responses in the deeper cellular layers of the skin.
Coherent Optical System Of Modular Imaging Collectors (COSMIC) Telescope Array: Astronomical Goals And Preliminary Image Reconstruction Results

We are developing numerical methods of image reconstruction which can be used to produce very high angular resolution images at optical wavelengths of astronomical objects from an orbiting array of telescopes. The engineering design concept for COSMIC (coherent optical system of nodular imaging collectors) is currently being developed at Marshall S.F.C., and includes four to six telescope modules arranged in a linear array. Each telescope has a 1.8 meter aperture, and the total length of the array is about 14 meters. This configuration, when controlled to fractional wavelength tolerances, will yield a diffraction pattern with an elongated central lobe about 4 milli-arc-sec wide and 34 milli-arc-sec long, at a wavelength of 0.3 microns, and correspondingly larger at longer wavelengths. The goal of image reconstruction is to combine many images taken at various aspect angles in such a way as to reconstruct the field of view with 4 milli-arc-sec angular resolution in all directions. We are developing a Fourier transform method for extracting from each individual image the maximum amount of information, and then combining these results in an appropriately weighted fashion to yield an optimum estimate of the original scene. The mathematical model is discussed, and the results of preliminary numerical simulations of data are presented.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Vitamin C in mouse and human red blood cells: an HPLC assay.

Although vitamin C (ascorbate) is present in whole blood, measurements in red blood cells (RBCs) are problematic because of interference, instability, limited sensitivity, and sample volume requirements. We describe a new technique using HPLC with coulometric electrochemical detection for ascorbate measurement in RBCs of humans, wild-type mice, and mice unable to synthesize ascorbate. Exogenously added ascorbate was fully recovered even when endogenous RBC ascorbate was below the detection threshold (25 nM). Twenty microliters of whole blood or 10 μl of packed RBCs was sufficient for assay. RBC ascorbate was stable for 24 h from whole-blood samples at 4 °C. Processed, stored samples were stable for >1 month at −80 °C. Unlike other tissues, ascorbate concentrations in human and mouse RBCs were linear in relation to plasma concentrations (R = 0.8 and 0.9, respectively). In healthy humans, RBC ascorbate concentrations were 9–57 μM, corresponding to ascorbate plasma concentrations of 15–90 μM. Mouse data were similar. In human blood stored as if for transfusion, initial RBC ascorbate concentrations varied approximately sevenfold and decreased 50% after 6 weeks of storage under clinical conditions. With this assay, it becomes possible for the first time to characterize ascorbate function in relation to endogenous concentrations in RBCs.
Patterning Your Department After Great Leaders: John D. Rockefeller

Learning through the examples of great leaders can provide pharmacy directors with guidance on how to shape their leadership style. John D. Rockefeller was one of the most successful businessmen in the world, and he is highly regarded as having been a great leader. His example of having the courage of his convictions will be necessary as pharmacy faces drastic changes ahead in pharmacy provider status and practice model changes. His management of his staff serves as an excellent example of the importance of staff retention programs. As health systems strive to do more with less, it is now more important than ever to scrutinize using resources and apply Rockefeller's attention to efficiency and effectiveness when growing patient-centered pharmacy services.
Identification of an endogenous inhibitor of prostatic carcinoma cell growth

The rate of expansion of primary prostatic carcinoma is comparatively slow, with tumours frequently taking years or decades to reach clinically relevant size. We now report the presence of an endogenous inhibitor, derived from aqueous extracts of human prostate tissue, which blocks prostatic carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro and prevents subcutaneous tumour expansion in vivo. Purification and characterization revealed the inhibitor to be spermine, a polyamine known to be locally abundant in the prostate. These results suggest that endogenous polyamine can negatively regulate the growth of prostatic carcinoma cells at their primary site in vivo and may explain the slow rate of primary tumour expansion in the prostate.
Angle Of Incidence Reflectance Spectroscopy (Al Rs)ÃÂ¢Ã¢ÂÂ¬Ã¢Â? A Tool For Studying Optical Properties Of Solids And Liquids

Angle of Incidence Reflectance Spectroscopy (AIRS) of specular surfaces of condensed materials (solids and liquids) provides detailed information on the materials' intrinsic properties. By measuring the reflectance at one or more large angles of incidence for radiation, polarized either parallel (Rp) or perpendicular (Rs) to the plane of incidence, one gets the information necessary to solve the Fresnel relationships for the components of the complex dielectric function at the incident radiation wavelength. Experimental difficulties with absolute reflectance measurements make it desirable to measure the ratios RP /RP at a minimum of two angles of incidence. An algorithm for AIRS has been devised for use with optically isotropic materials, which requires Rp/Rs values for two angles of incidence (preferably which include the pseudo-Brewster angle OB). When a thin (d1 /A <0.05) transparent layer coats the substrate, one can solve directly for two of the four parameters (substrate indices n, k; layer index n1; and layer thickness di) given the other two. An example is given for an InGaAsP specimen where k is known, or can be reasonably estimated, as well as the value of n1. Alternatively, when n1 and d1 are known, the substrate indices can be established. The experimental apparatus is essentially the same as that for pseudo-Brewster angle mea-surements. However, because AIRS does not require the direct determination of 'PB and the ratio at that angle, the gathering of spectral data is greatly simplified.
Mathematical modeling of variables involved in dissolution testing

Dissolution testing is an important technique used for development and quality control of solid oral dosage forms of pharmaceutical products. However, the variability associated with this technique, especially with USP apparatuses 1 and 2, is a concern for both the US Food and Drug Administration and pharmaceutical companies. Dissolution testing involves a number of variables, which can be divided into four main categories: (1) analyst, (2) dissolution apparatus, (3) testing environment, and (4) sample. Both linear and nonlinear models have been used to study dissolution profiles, and various mathematical functions have been used to model the observed data. In this study, several variables, including dissolved gases in the dissolution medium, off-center placement of the test tablet, environmental vibration, and various agitation speeds, were modeled. Mathematical models including Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, Weibull, and the Noyes-Whitney equation were employed to study the dissolution profile of 10 mg prednisone tablets (NCDA #2) using the USP paddle method. The results showed that the nonlinear models (Korsmeyer-Peppas and Weibull) accurately described the entire dissolution profile. The results also showed that dissolution variables affected dissolution rate constants differently, depending on whether the tablets disintegrated or dissolved.
Study of on-resin convergent synthesis of N-linked glycopeptides containing a large high mannose N-linked oligosaccharide.

Here we present a convergent on-resin glycosylamine coupling strategy for solid phase N-linked glycopeptide synthesis, and apply it to the synthesis of high mannose containing glycopeptides. In this strategy, the 2-phenylisopropyl protecting group is used as an orthogonal handle to create glycosylation sites on-resin after synthesis of nonglycosylated peptides. In addition to allowing selective deprotection of aspartic acid residues for creation of glycosylation sites, the 2-phenylisopropyl protecting group also efficiently suppresses aspartimide formation during peptide synthesis. The key step of on-resin glycosylamine coupling to an aspartic acid residue was first optimized for a small sugar, N-acetylglucosamine, and then applied to a much larger high mannose oligosaccharide, Man8GlcNAc2. Satisfying coupling yields were obtained for both small and large sugars. The use of on-resin glycosylamine coupling simplifies purification of N-linked glycopeptides, and also allows convenient recovery of unreacted v...
Interaction effects of chlorpromazine and reticular stimulation on visual attention behavior in rats

The effects of electrical stimulation of the reticular formation and of chlorpromazine on a visual attention task in the rat were studied. Stimulation at low intensities tended to improve the performance of the animals; however, at higher intensities of stimulation or after chlorpromazine, performance was significantly impaired. Chlorpromazine given with stimulation resulted in performance levels not different from that seen after saline alone. In one animal in which electrodes were not in the reticular formation, chlorpromazine did not reverse the effects of stimulation. These results support the hypothesis that the arousal-reducing properties of chlorpromazine are mediated by its action on the reticular formation.
Elevated coronary endothelin-1 but not nitric oxide in diabetics during CABG

Abstract Background . After coronary artery bypass grafting procedures, a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality has been reported in diabetic patients. We tested whether coronary artery bypass grafting in diabetics affects the endothelin-1 and nitric oxide coronary effluent profile during reperfusion. Methods . Twenty-one consecutive patients (9 with type II diabetes mellitus, 12 non-diabetics) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting by one surgeon. The two groups did not differ in preoperative ejection fraction, Parsonnet score, number of vessels bypassed, or cross-clamp time. Each patient was treated in the same intraoperative manner with single atrial, aortic, and antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia (CPL) cannulas. Cold CPL arrest was by antegrade and retrograde infusion of modified Buckberg CPL solution. Warm CPL solution was infused before reperfusion. Coronary sinus blood samples were obtained for estimation of endothelin-1 and nitrite plus nitrate before CPL arrest and at 1 and 15 minutes after each of 2 reperfusion periods. Results . In diabetics, endothelin-1 was significantly increased at all reperfusion times as compared with non-diabetics. Nitrite plus nitrate levels were significantly higher in patients with diabetes than in those without, but did not change with time in either of the groups. Conclusions . Reperfusion after CPL during coronary artery bypass grafting procedure can trigger the release of endothelin-1 in patients with diabetes mellitus. This may favor increased vascular tone or positive inotropic responses after coronary artery bypass grafting and may contribute to significant cardiovascular consequences in diabetic patients.
Web-based reference sources for engineering

Engineers and engineering students have an ongoing need for access to reference materials. These might include numerical data, formulas, conversion factors, materials property data, information on ...
Effect of density and pore morphology on fatigue properties of sintered Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract The fatigue properties of sintered Ti–6Al–4V were investigated as a function of sintered density and pore morphology. A quantitative analysis of microstructure was conducted to correlate with tensile and fatigue properties to understand the influence of sintered density and pore morphology. Low cycle fatigue (LCF) and high cycle fatigue (HCF) tests were conducted using two alloys with different sintered densities (95% and 99%). It was found that there was no significant difference in tensile strength but the fatigue endurance limit was increased by 20% when the sintered density was increased from 95% to 99%. Fracture surface analysis indicated that the fatigue cracks initiated from clusters of pores either at the surface or at the near sub-surface. The effect of pore morphology and porosity on mechanical behavior and fatigue fracture of P/M Ti–6Al–4V was quantified using the pore shape factor. It was found that specimens with a higher pore shape factor had a higher fatigue endurance limit.
The Impact of Strategic Alliance Experience on Acquisition Premiums and Post-Acquisition Performance

This paper examines the impact of acquirers’ alliance experience on acquisition premiums and post-acquisition performance. Specifically, we investigate whether or not acquirers with alliance experi...
Elevational Shifts of Coleogyne ramossissima in the Mojave Desert during the Little Ice Age

Plant macrofossils from woodrat (Neotoma) middens collected in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada were used to reconstruct the timing and magnitude of vegetation change during the past 1000 yr. Although vegetation at the site now is dominated by the shrub Coleogyne ramossissima, this species does not occur in fossil middens prior to 600 ± 50 yr B.P. The appearance and persistence of C. ramosissima in middens was coincident with the Little Ice Age (ca. 1250 to 1850 A.D.) and was probably related to an increase in precipitation.
When 7 transmembrane receptors are not G protein–coupled receptors

Classically, 7 transmembrane receptors transduce extracellular signals by coupling to heterotrimeric G proteins, although recent in vitro studies have clearly demonstrated that they can also signal via G protein-independent mechanisms. However, the physiologic consequences of this unconventional signaling, particularly in vivo, have not been explored. In this issue of the JCI, Zhai et al. demonstrate in vivo effects of G protein-independent signaling by the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) (see the related article beginning on page 3045). In studies of the mouse heart, they compare the physiologic and biochemical consequences of transgenic cardiac-specific overexpression of a mutant AT1R incapable of G protein coupling with those of a wild-type receptor. Their results not only provide the first glimpse of the physiologic effects of this newly appreciated mode of signaling but also provide important and previously unappreciated clues as to the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Student Placement Utilizing Incomplete Data Records

A method is proposed for the construction of a classification rule based on both complete and incomplete data records. This method incorporates the Hocking-Smith estimation procedure to find estimates of the mean vectors and variance-covariance matrices from samples which may contain incomplete data vectors. The resulting estimates are used to construct a discriminant function. We will demonstrate that these incomplete observation vectors contain information relevant to classification and should not be discarded. The proposed method is applied to the placement of students into one of two college algebra courses at Tarleton State University. The standard procedure that ignores incomplete observation vectors in the construction of a classification rule is also applied to the same data, and comparisons are made between the two methods. The proposed method that utilizes the incomplete observation vectors correctly classifies a higher percentage of students than does the standard method.
Refinement of the Listeria monocytogenes σB regulon through quantitative proteomic analysis.

σB is an alternative σ factor that regulates stress response and virulence genes in the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. To gain further insight into σB-dependent regulatory mechanisms in L. monocytogenes, we (i) performed quantitative proteomic comparisons between the L. monocytogenes parent strain 10403S and an isogenic ΔsigB mutant and (ii) conducted a meta-analysis of published microarray studies on the 10403S σB regulon. A total of 134 genes were found to be significantly positively regulated by σB at the transcriptomic level with >75 % of these genes preceded by putative σB-dependent promoters; 21 of these 134 genes were also found to be positively regulated by σB through proteomics. In addition, 15 proteins were only found to be positively regulated by σB through proteomics analyses, including Lmo1349, a putative glycine cleavage system protein. The lmo1349 gene is preceded by a 5′ UTR that functions as a glycine riboswitch, which suggests regulation of glycine metabolism by σB in L. monocytogenes. Herein, we propose a model where σB upregulates pathways that facilitate biosynthesis and uptake of glycine, which may then activate this riboswitch. Our data also (i) identified a number of σB-dependent proteins that appear to be encoded by genes that are co-regulated by multiple transcriptional regulators, in particular PrfA, and (ii) found σB-dependent genes and proteins to be overrepresented in the ‘energy metabolism’ role category, highlighting contributions of the σB regulon to L. monocytogenes energy metabolism as well as a role of PrfA and σB interaction in regulating aspects of energy metabolism in L. monocytogenes.
Simulation Study of Electrode System Optimization in Electrical Impedance Tomography

Electrode lies in the front of the Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) system and contacts with human body directly. It is one of the most sensitive and the pivotal parts of EIT system. The type and the configuration of electrode system influence the reconstruction image greatly, especially for the central area of body, where the measurement sensitivity is very low. A simulation platform is developed to optimize the electrode structure parameter based on the coercive equipotential nodes model for the imaging object of the deep area of body. The influences on the measurement sensitivity and the image reconstruction quality have been studied using different electrode types and configurations. The simulation results suggest that optimal selection of electrode types and configurations can helpfully increase the image quality and measurement sensitivity of the image especially in central area. Several type and configuration parameter of EIT electrode that fit for central object imaging are also presented.
Common Atrium and Pulmonary Vascular Disease

This report describes a case series of six patients with congenital common atrium who developed pulmonary vascular disease. Three developed early pulmonary vascular disease within their first year of life, while the others became symptomatic at ages 2, 5, and 17. Four of the six underwent surgical repair, and five of the six patients are being treated on targeted pulmonary hypertension therapy. Based on our observations, the clinical course of children with common atrium may differ from patients with a large atrial septal defect. Early monitoring and surgical correction, if necessary, may prevent the onset of severe pulmonary vascular disease.
Treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in Rabbits With 3-Isobutyl-1-Methylxanthine

Objective: To examine the effects of topical 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine treatment on tear-film osmolarity, conjunctival goblet-cell densities, and corneal epithelial glycogen levels in a rabbit model for keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Methods: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca was surgically induced in the right eyes of 16 rabbits. In a masked protocol, eight of these operated-on eyes underwent treatment for 12 weeks with a 3.0-mmol solution of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. The remaining eight operated-on eyes were left untreated and served as controls. Results: The 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine treatment resulted in a rapid and significant decrease in tear osmolarity and sodium (P Conclusions: 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine rapidly and significantly decreased tear-film osmolarity in this rabbit model for keratoconjunctivitis sicca and restored conjunctival goblet-cell densities and corneal glycogen levels, thus reversing the disease process.
Reliability modeling of cyber-physical electric power systems: A system-theoretic framework

This paper proposes a framework for developing systematic reliability analysis tools to address planning and operation challenges of future electric power systems. These systems are undergoing a radical transformation in structure and functionality enabled by new technologies, e.g., advanced communication and control, renewable-based generation, and advanced power electronics. The added functionality comes with side effects of increased system complexity and the introduction of new sources of uncertainty in systems already inherently complex. Current reliability analysis tools are inadequate to capture the impacts of integrating this new technology. Without proper reliability analysis tools, poorly understood, unreliable and unsafe systems will result, leading to catastrophic consequences if deployed. Thus, it is key to create systematic analytical tools to capture the impacts of new technology integration on power system reliability. In this paper, the discussion focuses on tools for quantifying power system reliability when there is coupling between cyber and physical components, and there is coupling between system dynamics and component stress.
A second-order correction to singles and doubles coupled-cluster methods based on a perturbative expansion of a similarity-transformed Hamiltonian

Abstract We present a new ansatz for deriving perturbative corrections to single-reference coupled-cluster based methods. The methods are based on a perturbative expansion of the Hamiltonian formed by a similarity transformation of the normal Hamiltonian. These new methods naturally contain triple and quadruple excitations at second order. However, because of a factorization approximation, the cost of the method only scales as n 7 . Results are presented for a second-order correction to the optimized-orbital coupled-cluster doubles method [OD(2)]. For cases where the standard CCSD(T) method performs poorly, OD(2) gives significantly improved results.
Recurrent upper airway obstruction

Two case reports document airway reobstruction following the use of hemostats by paramedics (EMT-P) to successfully relieve meat impaction of the hypopharynx. In one, the obstruction was the result of local edema and, in the other, there was imcomplete removal of the obstruction.
Temporal interferometric measurement of femtosecond spectral phase

Fourier spectral analysis of temporal interference resulting from beats between a reference optical frequency and a number of spectral components of a femtosecond optical pulse yields the spectral phase directly without the need for iterative calculations. A periodic multiple-slit mask placed in the Fourier plane of a femtosecond pulse shaper selects an ensemble of frequency components for measurement by cross correlation. An additional, out-of-period slit selects the reference frequency so that none of the desired beat tones overlaps redundant tones. We measure positive and negative cubic phase distortion introduced when the pulse shaper lens is tilted and the phase discontinuity of a 0–π pulse (odd pulse) with a 13-slit mask. Finally, we demonstrate measurement of the spectral phase associated with true time delays with 17 slits.
Self-splicing activity of the mitochondrial group-I introns from Aspergillus nidulans and related introns from other species.

The mitochondrial genome of Aspergillus nidulans contains several group-I introns. Each one has been assayed for its ability to self-splice in vitro in the absence of proteins. The intron from the apocytochrome b gene is unusual among subgroup IB4 introns in being able to self-splice, unlike a similar intron from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The first intron in the cytochrome oxidase subunit-1 gene self-splices but only correctly completes the first step of splicing; cryptic 3′ splice-sites are recognized instead and these are also used at a low frequency in vivo. The highly homologous intron from Podospora anserina completes both steps in vitro. The remaining introns do not self-splice. The correlation between subgroup category, the likely presence of specific tertiary interactions, and self-splicing activity is discussed.
Multicomponent Assembly of Cavitand‐Based Polyacylhydrazone Nanocapsules

The thermodynamically controlled syntheses of different di-, tetra-, and hexacavitand polyacylhydrazone nanocapsules are reported. [2+4]-, [4+8]-, and [6+12]-nanocapsules assemble upon reacting a tetraformyl cavitand with two equivalents of isophthalic dihydrazide, or terephthalic dihydrazide in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid, whereby the building blocks are linked together through 8, 16, or 24 newly formed acylhydrazone bonds. Futhermore, the reaction of the tetraformylcavitands with different trigonal planar trihydrazides, simultaneously leads to the formation of [2+4]- and [6+8]-nanocapsules in varying ratios that depend on the cavitand to trihydrazide ratio and the nature of the cavitand and trihydrazide building blocks. The product ratios are rationalized with the different conformational strain of the acylhydrazone linkages in these nanocapsules. Diffusion NMR experiments with the hexacavitand polyacylhydrazone nanocapsules yield solvodynamic radii that range from 1.6 to 2.5 nm, consistent with estimates from force field calculations, and support, that these capsules have solvent filled, spherical interiors, the sizes of which approaches those of smaller proteins.
Nodamura Virus Nonstructural Protein B2 Can Enhance Viral RNA Accumulation in both Mammalian and Insect Cells

During infection of both vertebrate and invertebrate cell lines, the alphanodavirus Nodamura virus (NoV) expresses two nonstructural proteins of different lengths from the B2 open reading frame. The functions of these proteins have yet to be determined, but B2 of the related Flock House virus suppresses RNA interference both in Drosophila cells and in transgenic plants. To examine whether the NoV B2 proteins had similar functions, we compared the replication of wild-type NoV RNA with that of mutants unable to make the B2 proteins. We observed a defect in the accumulation of mutant viral RNA that varied in extent from negligible in some cell lines (e.g., baby hamster kidney cells) to severe in others (e.g., human HeLa and Drosophila DL-1 cells). These results are consistent with the notion that the NoV B2 proteins act to circumvent an innate antiviral response such as RNA interference that differs in efficacy among different host cells.
Coupling of electronic charge and spin at a ferromagnetic-paramagnetic metal interface.

Microscopic models are presented to elucidate the concept of interfacial charge-spin coupling. At the interface between a ferromagnet and a paramagnet, the spin subbands are loosely coupled, an interfacial conductance may be defined for each, and a result of their inequivalence is that an electric current flowing from a ferromagnetic metal into a paramagnetic metal will be partially spin polarized, i.e., will have an associated current of magnetization. The inverse is also true; nonequilibrium magnetization present in a paramagnetic metal can be detected as an open circuit voltage across an interface between the paramagnet and a ferromagnet. Using this effect, a new technique to measure conduction electron relaxation times is described.
Binary Vickrey auction - A robust and efficient multi-unit sealed-bid online auction protocol against buyer multi-identity bidding

The multi-unit Vickrey-Clark-Groves (VCG) mechanism has two major weaknesses: it has high computational complexity and monotonicity problems [Paul Milgrom. Putting Auction Theory to Work. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2004] such that if goods are not substitutes for all bidders and if a bidder can submit bids under multiple identities, then the VCG is no longer strategy-proof. To address these two weaknesses, we introduce a Binary Vickrey Auction (BVA) where goods are allocated in bundles of sequentially-decreasing power-of-two items in multiple rounds. Because of the discrete allocation operations, the BVA is computationally efficient. It is also robust against buyer multi-identity bidding by discouraging a bidder splitting his single bid for a larger bundle into several bids under multiple bidder identities for smaller bundles because the BVA favors bids for larger bundles with earlier considerations and cheaper prices.
Insulin antibodies in insulin-dependent diabetics before insulin treatment

A sensitive assay was used to measure the binding of iodine-125-labeled insulin in serum obtained from 112 newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetics before insulin treatment was initiated. Two groups of nondiabetics served as controls: children with a variety of diseases other than diabetes and nondiabetic siblings of insulin-dependent diabetics. Eighteen of the diabetics were found to have elevated binding and 36 were above the 95th percentile of control values. The insulin-binding protein is precipitated by antibody to human immunoglobulin G, has a displacement curve that is parallel and over the same concentration range as serum from long-standing insulin-dependent diabetics, and elutes from a Sephacryl S-300 column at the position of gamma globulin. These insulin antibodies are present in a large percentage of newly diagnosed, untreated diabetics and may be an immune marker of B-cell damage.
On the road to DSM-V and ICD-11.

Development of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) has been ongoing since 1994, though official release will not occur for another 4 years. Potential revisions are being derived from multiple sources, including building on perceived limitations of DSM-IV; broad-based literature reviews; secondary and primary data analyses; and discussions between global members of the mental health community. The current focus on aligning DSM with the International Classification of Diseases-11 (ICD-11) speaks to the importance of creating a unified text that embraces cross-cutting issues of diagnostics, such as developmental, age-related, and cultural phenomena. International discourse is vital to this process and has been fostered by a National Institutes of Health-sponsored conference series on diagnosis-specific topics. From this series, the DSM-V Task Force developed the following set of revision principals to guide the efforts of the DSM-V Work Groups: grounding recommendations in empirical evidence; maintaining continuity with previous editions of DSM; removing a priori limitations on the amount of changes DSM-V may incur; and maintaining DSM’s status as a living document. With work group formation complete, members are currently carrying out the research and revision recommendations proposed during the conference series. Ongoing activities include adding specialized advisors to each work group; completing literature reviews and planning data analyses; and forming study groups to discuss integration of cross-cutting issues (e.g., developmental lifespan factors; formation of diagnostic spectra). The road to DSM-V and ICD-11 has been challenging, but members continue to work diligently in their goal of constructing the most harmonious, scientifically sound, and clinically relevant DSM to date.
Poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinylcatecholborane): A new precursor for carbon containing B/C, B/N and B/O species

This paper describes a new PAN copolymer, poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinylcatecholborane), which is a precursor for carbon material containing B/C, B/N and B/O species in its molecular structures. Vinylcatecholborane, containing an appropriate protecting group in the borane moiety, can be copolymerized with acrylonitrile to high molecular weight copolymers under free radical polymerization conditions. The copolymers are processible by solution and melt methods. From 11B NMR studies, a clear B-N complex was formed in poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinylcatecholborane) copolymer. The carbonation and oxidative studies of poly(acrylnitrile-co-vinylcatecholborane) indicate effective interconversions of copolymers to various graphite-like structures containing B/C, B/N and B/O species, which show significantly higher oxidative stability than pure carbon material obtained from PAN under the same conditions.
Trends in Funding, Markets and Entrepreneurship: Effect on Micro and Nano Technologies

As regions compete, they have made significant changes to the way they attract new business including activities that increase funding opportunities, enhance market penetration and sustainability and encourage more entrepreneurial activities. This has implications for Nano- and Micro-technologies and seems to encourage the integration of market forces with technological capabilities.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Incidental orbital cavernous hemangiomas

Orbital tumors are rarely noted on routine imaging studies performed for complaints unrelated to the tumor. The authors present three patients in whom cavernous hemangiomas were found on routine imaging studies performed on patients with no ocular symptoms. The clinical course and imaging studies of these patients are described along with a brief discussion and literature review of cavernous hemangiomas and their treatment.
CO2 Sequestration Potential of Steel Slags at Ambient Pressure and Temperature

A study of carbon dioxide sequestration has been performed in aqueous electric arc furnace (EAF) and ladle furnace (LF) slag suspensions, in leached hydrated-matrixes, and in leachates to estimate their intrinsic sequestration potential at ambient conditions (temperature of 20 ± 1 °C and atmospheric pressure). The CO2 sequestration was tested in aqueous suspensions of steel slags at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 10 kg/kg as well as in leached hydrated-matrixes and leachates isolated from these fresh slag suspensions after three consecutive leachings. The sequestration assays were performed at 20 °C with a flow rate of 5 mL/min of a CO2 concentration of 15.00 vol %. The results have revealed that the CO2 sequestration capacity of the LF slag suspension (24.7 g of CO2/100 g of slag) is 14 times superior to that of the EAF slag suspension. This greater CO2 sequestration capacity of the LF slag suspension may be associated in large part to its higher content of portlandite, which reacts with CO2 relative to the ...