cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic resetting of the human circadian pacemaker by intermittent bright light

In humans, experimental studies of circadian resetting typically have been limited to lengthy episodes of exposure to continuous bright light. To evaluate the time course of the human endogenous circadian pacemaker's resetting response to brief episodes of intermittent bright light, we studied 16 subjects assigned to one of two intermittent lighting conditions in which the subjects were presented with intermittent episodes of bright-light exposure at 25- or 90-min intervals. The effective duration of bright-light exposure was 31% or 63% compared with a continuous 5-h bright-light stimulus. Exposure to intermittent bright light elicited almost as great a resetting response compared with 5 h of continuous bright light. We conclude that exposure to intermittent bright light produces robust phase shifts of the endogenous circadian pacemaker. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that humans, like other species, exhibit an enhanced sensitivity to the initial minutes of bright-light exposure.
Accurate Classification of Chronic Migraine via Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background The International Classification of Headache Disorders provides criteria for the diagnosis and subclassification of migraine. Since there is no objective gold standard by which to test these diagnostic criteria, the criteria are based on the consensus opinion of content experts. Accurate migraine classifiers consisting of brain structural measures could serve as an objective gold standard by which to test and revise diagnostic criteria. The objectives of this study were to utilize magnetic resonance imaging measures of brain structure for constructing classifiers: (1) that accurately identify individuals as having chronic vs episodic migraine vs being a healthy control; and (2) that test the currently used threshold of 15 headache days/month for differentiating chronic migraine from episodic migraine. Methods Study participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging for determination of regional cortical thickness, cortical surface area, and volume. Principal components analysis combined structural measurements into principal components accounting for 85% of variability in brain structure. Models consisting of these principal components were developed to achieve the classification objectives. Tenfold cross validation assessed classification accuracy within each of the 10 runs, with data from 90% of participants randomly selected for classifier development and data from the remaining 10% of participants used to test classification performance. Headache frequency thresholds ranging from 5-15 headache days/month were evaluated to determine the threshold allowing for the most accurate subclassification of individuals into lower and higher frequency subgroups. Results Participants were 66 migraineurs and 54 healthy controls, 75.8% female, with an average age of 36 +/− 11 years. Average classifier accuracies were: (1) 68% for migraine (episodic + chronic) vs healthy controls; (2) 67.2% for episodic migraine vs healthy controls; (3) 86.3% for chronic migraine vs healthy controls; and (4) 84.2% for chronic migraine vs episodic migraine. The classifiers contained principal components consisting of several structural measures, commonly including the temporal pole, anterior cingulate cortex, superior temporal lobe, entorhinal cortex, medial orbital frontal gyrus, and pars triangularis. A threshold of 15 headache days/month allowed for the most accurate subclassification of migraineurs into lower frequency and higher frequency subgroups. Conclusions Classifiers consisting of cortical surface area, cortical thickness, and regional volumes were highly accurate for determining if individuals have chronic migraine. Furthermore, results provide objective support for the current use of 15 headache days/month as a threshold for dividing migraineurs into lower frequency (ie, episodic migraine) and higher frequency (ie, chronic migraine) subgroups.
Comparison of 5 Immunohistochemical Markers of Hepatocellular Differentiation for the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Context.— Several immunohistochemical markers are available to establish the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Judicious selection is essential to achieve a reliable diagnosis in limited tissue provided by liver biopsy. Objective.— To compare the efficacy of 5 hepatocellular markers for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma across various levels of differentiations. Design.— Immunohistochemistry for hepatocyte paraffin antigen 1 (Hep Par 1), polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), glypican-3, arginase-1, and bile salt export pump transporter was performed in 79 hepatocellular carcinomas, yielding 93 observations (13 well-differentiated [14%], 41 moderately differentiated [44%], and 39 poorly differentiated [42%] tumors). Results.— Arginase-1 and Hep Par 1 had the highest sensitivity for well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas arginase-1 and glypican-3 had the highest sensitivity for poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. When staining of more than 50% of the tumor was co...
O-methylation of flavonoids by cell-free extracts of calamondin orange

Abstract Cell-free extracts of calamondin orange (Citrus mitis) catalysed the O-methylation of almost all hydroxyls of a number of flavonoids, indicating the existence in citrus tissues of ortho, meta, para and 3-O-methyltransferases. The latter, hitherto unreported enzyme, catalysed the formation of 3-O-methyl ethers of galangin and quercetin. The stepwise O-methylation of a number of compounds, especially quercetin and quercetagetin, tends to suggest a coordinated sequence of O-methylations on the surface of a multienzyme complex. The methyl acceptor abilities of the flavonoid substrates used are discussed in relation to their hydroxyl substitution patterns and their negative electron density distribution.
Drug-induced migration of cytoplasmic ornithine decarboxylase into rat liver nucleus is not related to increased RNA polymerase activity

Abstract 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxantine (MIX) caused rapid increases in cytoplasmic and nuclear ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity as well as increases in RNA polymerases I and II. MIX also significantly increased labeling of nuclear proteins with [ 3 H]-leucine while causing only a slight rise in the labeling of the cytoplasm. Cycloheximide prevented the MIX-induced increases in cytoplasmic ODC, RNA polymerases I and II, and radioactive labeling of cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins. Cycloheximide did not prevent the MIX-induced change in nuclear ODC. These data suggest that cytoplasmic ODC migrated in to the nucleus after MIX treatment but this migration was not correlated with increased RNA polymerase activity.
Causal Recursive Parameter Estimation for Discrete-Time Hidden Bivariate Markov Chains

An algorithm for causal recursive parameter estimation of a discrete-time hidden bivariate Markov chain is developed. In this model, a discrete-time bivariate Markov chain is observed through a discrete-time memoryless channel. The algorithm relies on the EM-based recursive approach developed by Stiller and Radons for hidden Markov models. A distinct advantage of the discrete-time hidden bivariate Markov chain model is that the sojourn time distribution of its observable process in each state is phase-type rather than geometric as in the hidden Markov model. Phase-type distributions can approximate any desired sojourn time distribution. Particular phase-type distributions include mixtures and convolutions of geometric distributions. The parameter estimation algorithm requires causal recursive estimation of the relevant statistics in each EM step. These statistics include the number of jumps of the bivariate Markov chain from one state to another, including self transitions, in the given observation interval, and first- and second-order statistical averages of the observable process in each state when the memoryless channel is Gaussian. We develop the explicit recursions and demonstrate the performance of the algorithm in estimating the model's parameter and its sojourn time distribution in a numerical example.
Growth and transport properties of complementary germanium nanowire field-effect transistors

n- and p-type Ge nanowires were synthesized by a multistep process in which axial elongation, via vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth, and doping were accomplished in separate chemical vapor deposition steps. Intrinsic, single-crystal, Ge nanowires prepared by Au nanocluster-mediated VLS growth were surface-doped in situ using diborane or phosphine, and then radial growth of an epitaxial Ge shell was used to cap the dopant layer. Field-effect transistors prepared from these Ge nanowires exhibited on currents and transconductances up to 850 μA/μm and 4.9 μA/V, respectively, with device yields of >85%.
Elevation in intracellular calcium activates both chloride and proton currents in human macrophages.

The transition of a resting macrophage into the activated state is accompanied by changes in membrane potential, cytoplasmic pH, and intracellular calcium (Cai). Activation of Cl− as well as H+-selective currents may give rise to stimulus-induced changes in membrane potential and counteract changes in intra-cellular pH (pHi) which have been observed to be closely associated with respiratory burst activation and superoxide production in macrophages. We carried out whole-cell voltage clamp experiments on human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs) and characterized currents activated following an elevation in Cai using isosmotic pipette and bath solutions in which Cl− was the major permeant species. Cai was elevated by exposing cells to the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (1–10 μm) in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ or by internally exchanging the patch-electrode solution with ones buffered to free Ca2+ concentrations between 40 and 2,000 nm. We have identified two Ca2+-dependent ion conductances based on differences in their characteristic time-dependent kinetics: a rapidly activating Cl− conductance that showed variable inactivation at depolarized potentials and a H+ conductance with delayed activation kinetics. Both conductances were inhibited by the disulfonic acid stilbene DIDS (100 μm). Current activation for both Ca2+-dependent conductances was phosphorylation dependent, neither conductance appeared in the presence of the broad spectrum kinase inhibitor H-7 (75 μm). Inclusion of the autophosphorylated, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in the pipette in the presence of ATP induced a rapidly activating current similar to that observed following an elevation in Cai. Activation of both conductances would contribute to the changes in membrane potential which accompany stimulation-induced activation of macrophages as well as counteract the decrease in pHi during sustained Superoxide production.
Orientalism as Cultural Practices and the Production of Sociological Knowledge

Since the 1990s, sociologists and others have increasingly used the term orientalism to refer commonly to ethnocentrism, Eurocentrism, prejudicial stereotyping, and cultural misrepresentations of non-‘western’ societies, particularly those influenced by Islamic knowledge and practices. I chart how theorist Edward Said has helped initiate the sociology of orientalism by emphasizing the relationship of orientalism as a set of cultural practice and discourse to modern empires and global imperialism. I discuss the prominent clusters of studies published in English in the sociology of orientalism: (i) cultural representations and (ii) cultural regulation and social-identity formation. I argue that these studies have examined the ways orientalisms have deployed signifying practices of abstraction, difference, and desire in constructing problematic images and social relations. Furthermore, I contend that sociology as an intellectual endeavor still needs to confront seriously the issues raised by critics of orientalisms.
Low-temperature elastic constants of Y1Ba2Cu3O7

Abstract Using ultrasonic methods, we studied the 4–295 K elastic constants of a “good” Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 polycrystal. We report the bulk, shear, Young moduli and the Poisson ratio. Except for the Poisson ratio, all elastic constants show smooth temperature behavior. Near T c , during cooling, the Poisson ratio decreases irregularly. Focusing on the bulk modulus B , we use simple thermodynamics to show that the harmonic-observed decrement at T =0 corresponds to expectation, but the temperature effect d B /d T is too large by about a factor of two. We attribute the irregular slope to oxygen-atom reordering. Against many reports, our bulk-modulus value is approximately that found in monocrystals or that predicted by an ionic-crystal model calculation.
Quantitation of plasma membrane fatty acid-binding protein by enzyme dilution and monoclonal antibody based immunoassay.

A plasma membrane fatty acid-binding protein (h-FABPPm) has been isolated from rat hepatocytes. Analogous proteins have also been identified in adipocytes, jejunal enterocytes and cardiac myocytes, all cells with high transmembrane fluxes of fatty acids. These 43 kDa, highly basic (pl = 9.1) FABPpm 's appear unrelated to the smaller, cytosolic FABP's (designated FABP's) identified previously in the same tissues. h-FABPpm appears closely related to the mitochondrial isoform of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (mGOT), and both the purified protein and liver cell plasma membranes (LPM) possess GOT enzymatic activity. From their relative GOT specific activities it is estimated that h-FABPpm constitutes approximately 2% of LPM protein, or about 0.7 × 107 sites per cell. A monoclonal antibody-based competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay (CIEIA) for h-FABPpm is described; it yields an estimate of 3.4 x 107 h-FABPpm sites per hepatocyte. Quantitated by either method, h-FABPPm appears to be a highly abundant protein constituent of LPM.
A holistic optimization framework for improving ceramic pot filter performance

Ceramic pot filters (CPFs) are a promising low-cost option for household water treatment, providing a barrier of protection against microbiological contaminants for households with or without reliable piped water supplies. However, as an open-source design, performance of CPFs is not standard across manufacturers and at times can be suboptimal. Furthermore, no scientific study has provided a holistic framework for optimizing filter performance. The goal of this paper is to provide CPF manufacturers with tools to increase their ability to reach performance objectives for flow rate, bacteria removal and strength. This goal is achieved by experimentally determining relationships between performance and three manufacturing parameters: percentage rice husk, rice husk size and wall thickness. These results are translated into design and manufacturing recommendations, which are as follows: 1) tightly control rice husk size to maintain consistent flow rates; 2) maximize wall thickness within the constraints in order to improve bacteria removal; 3) seek alternative methods of increasing bacteria removal if removal levels greater than 2LRV are needed. To go further and provide a more quantitative and universal optimization framework, we then use the identified functional relationships between the manufacturing parameters and filter performance to formulate a single-criterion optimization. This framework enables manufacturers to determine an ideal combination of manufacturing parameters based on the specific situation of each manufacturing site. The systematic approach to CPF design presented in this paper can be further extended to address additional manufacturing parameters and aspects of filter performance to further improve the CPF design. This work has huge potential to better serve the many people around the world who lack safe drinking water.
The Location of Foreign Direct Investment Activity: Country Characteristics and Experience Effects

This article reviews the role of host country characteristics as determinants of foreign direct investment location patterns. It then analyzes the effects of corporate experience on location decisions. Prior experience in a host country is found to increase the firm's priority for projects in that country relative to other investment options. In addition, the experience level of the firm influences the relative importance of different country characteristics in determining location patterns. Inexperienced firms exhibit greater preference for near, similar markets than firms with broader international operating experience.
Relative importance of some factors affecting the electrophoretic migration of proteins in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels

Abstract The electrophoretic migrations of proteins of similar size in SDS-polyacrylamide gels appear to be a closely related function of their molecular weights only when the macromolecules under investigation have the same hydrodynamic shape and charge-to-mass ratio. These conditions are satisfied only when various proteins react with SDS in a strictly comparable manner. Empirically, it has been found that many proteins do meet this requirement, but the results of the current study indicate that there are probably quite a few exception. Hence, if accurate molecular weights are desired, it would seem advisable to check the results of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis by other methods such as sedimentation analysis, gel filtration, and amino acid analyses.
An effect of Na+ on K+ uptake in intact seedlings of Zea mays

Models for the regulation of K+ uptake in higher plant roots have become more complex as studies have moved from the level of excised low-salt roots to that of intact plants grown under fully autotrophic conditions. In this paper we suggest that some of the differences between the conditions are qualitative, possibly requiring fundamental changes to the model, rather than simply quantitative. The uptake of K+ by low-salt roots of Zea mays L. [(A619 x Oh 43) x A632], was independent of Na+ concentration over a wide range. However, independence of Na+ was not the case in plants grown on complete nutrient medium in the light: inclusion of Na+ in the uptake medium enhanced K+ uptake. In the presence of Na+, K+ uptake rates were similar in whole plants with high root K+ contents to rates in excised or intact, low-salt roots.
Correlation of magnetic properties to oxygen and potassium stoichiometry in single-crystal Ba1?x K x BiO3?y

Recent theoretical calculations have suggested the coupling of electrons to high-energy oxygen phonons as an explanation of superconductivity in the Ba1−x K x BiO3−y system. We have synthesized high-quality single crystals of the material and have examined the behaviors of critical field and critical current parameters as a function of changes in the oxygen content and in the Ba/K ratio. We have determined, via positron lifetime spectroscopy and singlecrystal X-ray measurements, that the oxygen stoichiometry in this system can be varied without significant impact on the metal atom sublattice. These results facilitate an investigation of the dependence of critical parameters on dopant and defect levels in this system.
A barrier model for current flow in lipid bilayer membranes

The shape of the energy barrier inside thin, insulating membranes can be an important factor in determining the detailed behavior of transmembrane ionic flows. In particular, a model is developed in which the shape of the barrier is expected to have direct influence on such experimentally important membrane properties as: (a) the shape of the current-voltage relation; (b) the dependence of zero current conductivity on asymmetric concentrations; (c) the dependence of the rectification ratio on the concentration ratio. Current-voltage curves were measured for a wide range of symmetrical and asymmetrical concentrations in black lipid (phosphatidyl ethanolamine) films in the presence of nonactin and potassium. A single barrier shape was found to describe accurately the experimental results in terms of the model.
Territorial social indicator construction: An alternative perspective and example

examination of efforts to construct territorial social indicators for spatial systems suggests that existing contributions, on the whole, have embraced too broad a quality of life realm, failed to embed indicators in models of social processes, and ignored social change. More varied research designs productive of a broader range of indicators are needed. The advantages of limiting such inquiry to much narrower quality of life domains are demonstrated using the racial inequality problem as an example. Five different kinds of indicators which isolate separate facets of the racial inequality problem within a spatial system are developed and applied to the southeastern United States.
Induction of atrial tachycardia and fibrillation in the mouse heart

Background: Atrial tachycardia and fibrillation in humans may be partly consequent to vagal stimulation. Induction of fibrillation in the small heart is considered to be impossible due to lack of a critical mass of >100–200 mm2. Even with the recent progression of the technology of in vivo and in vitro mouse electrophysiological studies, few reports describe atrial tachycardia or fibrillation in mice. The purpose of this study was to attempt provocation of atrial tachyarrhythmia in mice using transvenous pacing following cholinergic stimulation. Methods and results: In vivo electrophysiology studies were performed in 14 normal mice. A six-lead ECG was recorded from surface limb leads, and an octapolar electrode catheter was inserted via jugular vein cutdown approach for simultaneous atrial and ventricular endocardial recording and pacing. Atrial tachycardia and fibrillation were inducible in one mouse at baseline electrophysiology study and eleven of fourteen mice after carbamyl choline injection. The mean duration of atrial tachycardia was 126±384 s. The longest episode lasted 35 min and only terminated after atropine injection. Reinduction of atrial tachycardia after administration of atropine was not possible. Conclusion: Despite the small mass of the normal mouse atria, sustained atrial tachycardia and fibrillation can be easily and reproducibly inducible with endocardial pacing after cholinergic agonist administration. This finding may contribute to our understanding of the classical theories of arrhythmogenesis and critical substrates necessary for sustaining microreentrant circuits. The techniques of transcatheter parasympathetic agonist-mediated atrial tachycardia induction may be valuable in further murine electrophysiological studies, especially mutant models with potential atrial arrhythmia phenotypes.
Solvation Free Energy of Amino Acids and Side-Chain Analogues

The solvation free energies of amino acids and their side-chain analogues in water and cyclohexane are calculated by using Monte Carlo simulation. The molecular interactions are described by the OPLS-AA force field for the amino acids and the TIP4P model for water, and the free energies are determined by using the Bennett acceptance method. Results for the side-chain analogues in cyclohexane and in water are used to evaluate the performance of the force field for the van der Waals and the electrostatic interactions, respectively. Comparison of the calculated hydration free energies for the amino acid analogues and the full amino acids allows assessment of the additivity of the side chain contributions on the number of hydrating water molecules. The hydration free energies of neutral amino acids can be reasonably approximated by adding the contributions of their side chains to that of the hydration of glycine. However, significant nonadditivity in the free energy is found for the zwitterionic form of amino acids with polar side chains. In serine and threonine, intramolecular hydrogen bonds are formed between the polar side chains and backbone groups, leading to weaker solvation than for glycine. In contrast, such nonadditivity is not observed in tyrosine, in which the hydroxyl group is farther separated from, and therefore cannot form an intramolecular hydrogen bond with, the backbone. For histidine we find that a water molecule can form a bridge when the intramolecular hydrogen bond between the polar group and the backbone is broken.
Auscultatory and phonocardiographic findings in patients with prosthetic ball-valves

Abstract Phonocardiographic studies of single and multiple cardiac ball-valve prostheses were described. Slightly prolonged Q-M 1 intervals were correlated with slight gradients between the left atrium and ventricle. A relation between the preceding R-R interval and Q-M 1 interval, as well as the A 2 -opening click interval, was demonstrated. Increased diastolic ventricular pressure prolonged the A 2 -opening click of either the mitral or tricuspid ball-valve. This prolonged opening click has no relation to the surface area of the valve. Progressive shortening of the A 2 -opening click interval of the tricuspid or mitral ball-valve indicates improvement of cardiac status. The presence of ejection midsystolic murmurs with mitral as well as aortic valve prostheses was explained.
Irrigation and community in the Central Peruvian Highlands

Irrigation in Quinua is an adaptation of high altitude agriculture, and its regulation and celebration are significant aspects of the political and ritual life of the community. Comparative data suggest that similar relationships are widespread in Peru. The information from Quinua is used to illuminate the water needs of Huari, an important archaeological site located in the community. The significance of the data for the hydraulic hypothesis of Wittfogel and Steward is discussed.
Refixation of xylem sap CO2 in Populus deltoides

Vascular plants have respiring tissues which are perfused by the transpiration stream, allowing solubilization of respiratory CO2 in the xylem sap. The transpiration stream could provide a conduit for the internal delivery of respiratory CO2 to leaves. Trees have large amounts of respiring tissues in the root systems and stems, and may have elevated levels of CO2 in the xylem sap which could be delivered to and refixed by the leaves. Xylem sap from the shoots of three Populus deltoides trees had mean dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations (CO2+H2CO3+HCO−3) ranging from 0. 5 to 0. 9 mM. When excised leaves were allowed to transpire 1 mM[14C]NaHCO3, 99. 6% of the label was fixed in the light. Seventy-seven percent of the label was fixed in major veins and the remainder was fixed in the minor veins. Autoradiography confirmed that label was confined to the vasculature. In the dark, approximately 80% of the transpired label escaped the leaf, the remainder was fixed in the major veins, slightly elevating dark respiration measurements. This indicates that the vascular tissue in P. deltoides leaves is supplied with a carbon source distinct from the atmospheric source fixed by interveinal lamina. However, the contribution of CO2 delivered to the leaves in the transpiration stream and fixed in the veins was only 0. 5% of atmospheric CO2 uptake. In the light 90% of the label was found in sugar, starch and protein, a pattern similar to that found for atmospheric uptake of[14C]CO2. Compared with leaves labelled in the light, leaves labelled in the dark had more label in organic acid, amino acid and protein and less label in sugar and starch. After a 5-s pulse the majority of the label fed to petioles in both the light and the dark was found in malate. The majority of the label was found in malate at 120 s in the dark; only 2% of the label was found in phosphorylated compounds at 120 s. The proportion of label found in phosphorylated compounds increased from 17% at 5 s to 80% at 120 s in the light. This suggests that CO2 delivered to leaves in the light via the transpiration stream is fixed in the veins, a small portion through dark fixation into malate, the remainder by C-3 photosynthesis.
Parametric converters for detection of small harmonic displacements

Abstract We discuss the construction and operation of a superconducting microwave cavity parametric converter suitable for the measurement of small harmonic displacements. Displacements of one endwall of the cavity produced by a piezoelectric ceramic and of order δx = 3 × 10−17 cm have been detected. Such a device is presently used to search for anomalous long range interactions of a beam of stored high energy particles.
ECRCYL : a code for electron cyclotron radiation transport

Abstract ECRCYL is a code to perform electron cyclotron radiation transport calculations in a magnetized plasma. Ray tracing is performed using the cold-plasma dispersion relation to determine ray trajectories. The plasma is assumed to lie in the annular space between two concentric cylinders which is bounded at both ends. The code takes account of plasma dispersion and collective effects due to finite density. The variation of the absorption coefficient with the angle of propagation, wave frequency and mode type is included. With simple modifications, the code can also take account of spatial variations of wall reflectivity and “polarization scrambling” due to reflection. In its present form the code is valid for low T c (≤10 keV), but this restriction can be removed with some modifications.
Substrate orientation processing effects on GaAs/Si misorientation in GaAs-on-Si grown by MBE

The angular misorientation of GaAs epitaxial layers grown on silicon substrates by molecular beam epitaxy has been measured using x-ray diffraction. A significant misorientation, or tilt, between the epitaxial layer and the substrate has been observed. The magnitude of the tilt depends on the initial substrate orientation, the silicon substrate type (float zone or Czochralski), postgrowth annealing, and epitaxial layer thickness. In almost all cases, the sense of the tilt is such that the GaAs 〈001〉 lies between the surface normal and the silicon 〈001〉. While the presence of interfacial dislocations with Burgers vectors that are approximately parallel to the heterointerface does predict a tilt between the substrate and the epitaxial layer, the sense of the tilt that arises from these dislocations is opposite to that observed experimentally. A model, based on the relief of misfit by dislocations inclined approximately 45 degrees to the interface, is proposed that correctly describes the observed tilt.
Drug delivery: keeping tabs on nanocarriers.

Combining the optical properties of quantum dots with the ability of carbon nanotubes to carry pharmaceutical cargos could prove highly beneficial in the field of drug delivery.
Thermal Performance of a Wire-Mesh/Hollow-Glass-Sphere Composite Structure

DOI: 10.2514/1.T3609 Anexperimentalinvestigationexploringtheuseofawire-screen-mesh/hollow-glass-microspherecombinationasa thermal insulation media was conducted with three primary variables. These included the number of wire-mesh layers, the size of microsphere filler material, and temperature range. The test facility used included vertically stacked samples that were thermally and mechanically controlled (e.g., via gas bellows that controlled its vertical movement). From the temperature profile in the upper and lower samples, the value of the effective thermal conductivity was determined with use of the Fourier law of heat conduction. The number of screen mesh layers investigated were two, four, six, and eight, with each separated by a metallic liner. The filler materials included air andS15,S35,andS60HShollow-glassmicrospherestestedattemperaturesof27,57,93,and127Cwithaninterface pressure of 138 kPa (20 psi). The experimental results indicated that the number of layers was the primary factor in determining the effective thermalconductivity value andthusthe structure’sinsulation effectiveness. Increasing the number of wire-mesh layers resulted in acorresponding increase in effective thermal conductivity, whereas changes in temperature had negligible effect. The effective thermal conductivity values for the proposed structure ranged from 0.22 to 0:65 W=m-K, the lowest was for the two-layer case with air as filler material. Wire-screen-mesh insulation with air in the interstices leads to improved insulation, but the use of hollow-glass microspheres does not improve the insulation capabilities.
Size dependent melting and freezing behavior of In metal confined in porous glasses

Abstract The melting and freezing behavior of In metal injected into well characterized porous CPG glasses has been studied as a function of pore size by differential scanning calorimetry. The melting and freezing temperatures of the pore In were found be strongly depressed from the bulk value with decreasing pore size. In the smallest pores, where the melting and freezing signals of the confined and bulk In could be cleanly separated, the latent heat of the pore In was determined, and also found to be strongly reduced from the bulk value. Both of these results are consistent with classical thermodynamics treatments of melting and freezing in small spherical particles and narrow cylinders which predict an inverse pore size dependence of the transition temperature, as well as the latent heat. No evidence for hysteresis effects between melting and freezing was found.
Treatment of oral pemphigoid with intravenous immunoglobulin as monotherapy. Long‐term follow‐up: influence of treatment on antibody titres to human α6 integrin

SUMMARY: Oral pemphigoid (OP) is a chronic autoimmune disease, involving the oral cavity, characterized by a homogenous linear deposition of immunoglobulins, complement, or both along the basement membrane zone (BMZ) and a subepithelial blister formation. The alpha6/beta4 heterodimer is an integrin family of adhesion receptors, which mediates basal cell to matrix interactions. Recent evidence suggests a pathophysiologic role for antibodies against human alpha6 integrin in blister formation in OP, in organ culture studies. Fifty percent of OP patients have been reported to experience disease progression to involve other mucosal tissues, including the eye and larynx. To prevent this extension of disease, systemic therapy with systemic corticosteroids, dapsone, and immunosuppressive agents has been recommended. The use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in the treatment of pemphigoid has been recently described. In this study, we present the use of IVIg, in a group of seven patients, with severe OP, in whom systemic conventional treatment was contraindicated. To determine the influence of treatment on antibodies to human alpha6 integrin in OP, seven patients with OP treated with IVIg therapy and a comparable control group of seven patients with OP, treated with conventional therapy, were evaluated at monthly intervals, for a 12 consecutive month treatment period. An effective clinical response was observed in all seven patients treated with IVIg therapy, after a mean treatment period of 4.5 months. IVIg therapy induced a prolonged and sustained clinical remission in all seven patients after a mean treatment period of 26.9 months. A statistically significant difference was observed in the quality of life pre- and post-IVIg therapy (P < 0.001). Both the study and the control groups had a very similar initial serological response to treatment. A statistically significant reduction in the antibody titres was observed after four months of treatment, in both groups (P = 0.015). Thereafter, patients treated with IVIg therapy had a faster rate of decline in the antibody titres, and the difference in the rate of decline between the study and control groups became statistically significant after six months of treatment (P = 0.03). The use of IVIg therapy resulted in reduction of antialpha6 antibody titres and in inducing and maintaining both a sustained, clinical and serological remission.
The U.S. Navy's Maiden Voyage Effects of Integrating Sailors and Civilian Mariners on Deployment

The U.S. federal government is increasingly civilianizing the military as a manpower-management strategy. Effects of this policy are not well understood. Data from a case study of civilian mariners...
Hypersonic Swizzle Sticks: Protostellar Turbulence, Outflows and Fossil Outflow Cavities

The expected lifetimes for molecular clouds has become a topic of considerable debate as numerical simulations have shown that MHD turbulence, the nominal means of support for clouds against self-gravity, will decay on short timescales. Thus it appears that either molecular clouds are transient features or they are resupplied with turbulent energy through some means. Jets and molecular outflows are recognized as a ubiquitous phenomena associated with star formation. Stars however form not isolation but in clusters of different density and composion. The ubiquity and high density of outflows from young stars in clusters make them an intriguing candidate for the source of turbulence energy in molecular clouds. In this contribution we present new studies, both observational and theoretical, which address the issue of jet/outflow interactions and their abilityto drive turbulent flows in molecular clouds. Our studies focus on scales associated with young star forming clusters. In particular we first show that direct collisions between active outflows are not effective at stirring the ambient medium. We then show that fossil cavities from “extinct” outflows may provide the missing link in terms of transferring momentum and energy to the cloud.
Problems and Pitfalls in the Performance and Interpretation of Color Doppler Flow Imaging

Color Doppler flow imaging has become an integral part of the echocardiographic examination. By providing real-time, two-dimensional spatial maps of normal and abnormal cardiac blood flows, this technique provides important information that may be used to guide patient management. The acquisition and display of color Doppler flow information may be influenced by technical factors, by the physiological condition of the patient, by abnormalities of cardiac morphology, and, on occasion, by artifact. In this article, the results of a study performed to evaluate the influence of technical factors on the color Doppler assessment of mitral regurgitation are reported. Mitral regurgitation jet area size changed significantly with variation in the control settings for color gain, color process, color map, color image resolution, and sector width. A review of those factors that influence the performance and interpretation of the color Doppler flow examination is provided and their significance discussed.
Detection of protein conformation defects from fluorescence microscopy images

A diagnostic method for protein conformational diseases (PCD) from microscopy images is proposed when such conformational conflicts involve muscular intranuclear inclusions (INIs) indicative of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), one variety of PCD. The method combines two techniques: (1) the Histogram Region of Interest Fixed by Thresholds (HRIFT) is designed to capture the color information of INIs for basic feature extraction; (2) an automated feature synthesis, based on the HRIFT features, is designed to identify OPMD by means of Genetic Programming and the Expectation Maximization algorithm (GP-EM) for classification improvement. With variations in size, shape, and background structure, a total of 600 microscopic images are analyzed for the binary classes of healthy and sick conditions of OPMD. The integrated technique of the approach reveals a sensitivity of 0.9 and an area of 0.961 under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) at a specificity of 0.95. Furthermore, significant improvements in classification accuracy and computational time are demonstrated by comparison with other methods.
Discrete scan statistics with applications to minefield detection

The Navy and the Marine Corps have been continually concerned about the antivehicle and antiship mines. The development of effective minefield detection procedures are of great importance as they will enhance the ability of the Navy and the Marine Corps to perform their tasks safely. The need for effective minefield detection procedures based on tests of randomness have been addressed by navy researchers. In this article we present a survey of recent results in the area of one and two dimensional discrete scan statistics and discuss the relevance of these results to minefield detection. The testing procedures based on the discrete scan statistics rely heavily on accurate approximations of their distributions. A brief survey of the methods employed to arrive at these approximations is presented. Numerical results illustrating the use of the testing procedures based on the discrete scan statistics are given. Directions for future research are presented as well.
A choice of diastolic Korotkoff phases in mercury sphygmomanometry of children.

Abstract Blood pressure, anthropometric variables, and blood hemoglobin were measured in 3,524 children, ages 5–14 years, of a total geographic community. Six blood pressures were taken on each child by trained observers on mercury sphygmomanometers in a rigid, randomized design. At the end of each examination day, a random sample of children was reexamined by the same observers. Both Korotkoff fourth and fifth phases were recorded, and measurement reliability was systematically maintained. Six percent of the fifth phase pressures were 0 mm Hg. After elimination of the children with recorded fifth phases under 20 mm Hg, the difference between age-specific mean fourth and fifth phase pressures was 16 mm Hg. The standard deviation of the mean difference between station pressures was 8.2 mm Hg for fourth and 12.3 mm Hg for fifth phase, the latter significantly larger than the former. Likewise, the standard deviation of the mean difference (keeping the same examiner) between examined and reexamined pressure was 6 mm Hg for fourth and 9 mm Hg for fifth phase, the latter again significantly larger than the former. In multiple regression analysis with fourth and fifth phase pressure as the respective dependent variables, the significant effects due to the individual examiners averaged 4.7 mm Hg for fourth and 7.5 mm Hg for fifth phase. Despite painstaking efforts, fifth phase measurements did not seem to approach the consistency and replicability of the fourth phase measurements as an index of diastolic blood pressure in children in a survey conducted by trained observers.
Promoting Sexy Images: Case Study Scrutinizes Maxim's Cover Formula for Building Quick Circulation and Challenging Competitors

SUMMARY Maxim features a scantily dressed woman on its cover each month, persuading readers to buy its erotically branded magazine with a repetitive cover formula. Based on descriptive and ethnographic analyses, this exploratory case study addresses Maxim's cover formula and the competitive response from other men's lifestyle magazines. The formula has influenced several new men's magazines, and Maxim's success tempted at least one existing men's magazine to switch its own identity to the lad-mag style, but without Maxim's success. The predictable formula presented complex challenges for men's titles, in terms of creating brand identity, building circulation, and maintaining advertising revenue.
Implementation of a pharmacist-managed diabetes program.

When pharmacists are included as part of the health care team, clinical outcomes often improve.[1][1]-[5][2] Despite this, many community pharmacists do not participate in clinical pharmacy services because of a lack of time, a perceived lack of ability, a lack of comfort in performing such services
An EEG workload classifier for multiple subjects

EEG data has been used to discriminate levels of mental workload when classifiers are created for each subject, but the reliability of classifiers trained on multiple subjects has yet to be investigated. Artificial neural network and naive Bayesian classifiers were trained with data from single and multiple subjects and their ability to discriminate among three difficulty conditions was tested. When trained on data from multiple subjects, both types of classifiers poorly discriminated between the three levels. However, a novel model, the naive Bayesian classifier with a hidden node, performed nearly as well as the models trained and tested on individuals. In addition, a hierarchical Bayes model with a higher level constraint on the hidden node can further improve its performance.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN IMMUNOGLOBULIN ALLOTYPES AND IMMUNE RESPONSES TO HÆMOPHILUS INFLUENZÆ AND MENINGOCOCCUS POLYSACCHARIDES

Serum samples were collected from 20 healthy White and 33 Black infants before and after immunisation with three doses of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine and with one dose of Haemophilus influenzae type b polyribose phosphate vaccine and meningococcal group A and group C polysaccharide vaccines. Antibodies to these immunogens were measured and sera were allotyped for several Gm, A2m, and Km antigens. A highly significant association was found between the Km(1) allotype and the immune responses (difference between post-immunisation and pre-immunisation antibody levels) to H. influenzae and meningococcus C polysaccharides in the White children.
Commercial Banks' Role in Privatization: The Case of Poland

Poland has made rapid economic advancement since introducing its shock therapy program January 1,1990. Inflation is now below 22 percent and real growth exceeds 5.1 percent. Poland's future will be highly dependent on the development of its financial institutions. The commercial banks that had been branches of the National Bank of Poland and several other major banks are leading the privatization process. Five banks have been privatized and others will follow shortly. Cooperative — twinning — arrangements are being developed to provide international banking expertise and financial support for Poland's commercial banks. The profit maximizing financial institutions will be the primary vehicles to fund the development of Poland's market‐based economy. The privatized institutions will support the planned initial public offerings and joint business arrangements that are developing with western companies.
Formation of a novel arachidonic acid metabolite in peroxisomes

A new radiolabeled metabolite was released into the extracellular fluid by normal human skin fibroblasts that were labeled with [5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15-3H] arachidonic acid. This product continued to accumulate during a 24 h incubation, and its formation was not saturated at arachidonic acid concentrations up to 15 μmol/L. The compound, identified as hexadecatrienoic acid, was not produced by Zellweger fibroblasts which are deficient in peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation. By contrast, radiolabeled hexadecatrienoic acid was produced by mutant fibroblasts having other peroxisomal defects, including X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, adult Refsum's disease, and rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata. This radiolabeled metabolite also was produced by mutant fibroblasts that cannot oxidize long-chain fatty acids in the mitochondria. These results indicate that hexadecatrienoic acid is synthesized from arachidonic acid by peroxisomal β-oxidation. The absence of this pathway may account for some of the biochemical and functional abnormalities that occur in Zellweger's syndrome.
A comparison of chemical peeling, dermabrasion, and 5‐fluorouracil in cancer prophylaxis

The results of a clinical comparison among chemical peeling, dermabrasion, and topical application of 5-fluorouracil show that the last treatment is the most efficacious, both as a treatment for actinic keratoses and as a prophylaxis against new lesions. The application of 5-fluorouracil is also the easiest method to use and the most economical.
Muon spin relaxation measurements of LiV2O4

Abstract We report low-temperature (20 mK-5 K) muon spin relaxation (μSR) measurements of the geometrically spin-frustrated LiV 2 O 4 . We find that the spin dynamics of the ground state are very sensitive to magnetic impurities of the specimens. We discuss the similarities of the ground state with spin glasses.