cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2343: Role of calreticulin in the regulation of MALAT-1 expression in mouse adenocarcinoma cells

Calreticulin (CRT) is a ubiquitously expressed protein, with both calcium binding and chaperone activity. CRT is involved in quality control process during the folding and maturation of proteins in ER. Recently, we showed that overexpression of CRT resulted in the development of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. In order to examine genes involved in the development of lung cancer we carried out microarray analysis on RNA isolated from mouse lung tumors versus control. In this screen we observed a significant increase in long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) MALAT-1 in the lungs of CRT overexpressing mouse models. MALAT-1 is a LncRNA that has been documented to be upregulated in the human lung adenocarcinoma and associated with metastasis. Our study was to investigate the mechanism of regulation of MALAT-1 expression and role of CRT in this process. We hypothesized that CRT as a regulator of intracellular calcium regulated MALAT-1 expression thus inducing the development of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma in our mice model. Our data showed a significant correlation between intracellular calcium levels and MATAT-1 RNA expression and stability. Treatment of adenocarcinoma cells with BAPTA-AM resulted in a significant reduction in MALAT-1 level. Treating the cells with thapsigargin induced a 2 fold increase in MALAT-1 expression. We also demonstrated that knock down of MALA-1 expression using specific siRNA reduces the proliferation of adenocarcinoma cell. Our data demonstrate for the first time involvement of calcium binding protein CRT and intracellular level of calcium on expression and stability of MALAT-1 involved in development of lung adenocarcinoma. Funded by NPRP4-043-3-016 Citation Format: Hamid Massaeli, Divya Viswanathan, Dhanya Pillai, Nasrin Mesaeli. Role of calreticulin in the regulation of MALAT-1 expression in mouse adenocarcinoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2343. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2343
Notes toward higher differential algebra

Abstract This paper is a self-contained introduction to a theory of higher differential algebra. The results were originally accumulated in sporadic attempts to forge a link between differential algebra and the study of formal groups, and one trace of that goal is included here as motivation. Primarily, however, the theory is of interest because it preserves for arbitrary rings much of the formal structure of ordinary differential algebra for Ritt algebras. Some of the results have appeared in weaker form in the literature, so it seems worthwhile to put the theory on record.
Raman spectroscopy study of AgGaSe2, AgGa0.9In0.1Se2, and AgGa0.8In0.2Se2 crystals

Abstract AgGaSe2, AgGa0.9In0.1Se2, and AgGa0.8In0.2Se2 single crystals grown by the horizontal Bridgman technique were studied utilizing Raman spectroscopy excited with 633- and 784-nm lasers at temperatures varied from 77 to 300 K. The resonant Raman scattering associated with a transition from the Γ 6 (B) of the valence band to the conduction band Γ 6 of AgGa0.9In0.1Se2crystal is demonstrated. Resonant enhancements of the longitudinal optical (LO) polar modes of Γ 5 (or E) including Γ 5 L ( W 4 ) , Γ 5 L ( W 3 ) , Γ 5 L ( X 5 ) , and Γ 5 L ( Γ 15 ) , and their overtones and combinations in the crystal at 77 K were observed.
Dual band SAR processing for low dielectric contrast buried IED detection

Detection of buried IED using GPR is possible because the dielectric constant of the buried threat differs from that of the soil. However, this detection is challenging because the dielectric contrast is low for non-metallic mines and the unknown random variation of the ground surface adds significant clutter. This work presents a new dual band SAR processing approach for buried threat detection. High frequencies are used for rough soil reconstruction and low frequencies are used to penetrate the soil and detect anomalies. The combination of the two bands reduces the rough soil effect and thus enables detection of low dielectric contrast buried IEDs.
A writing curriculum for physician faculty members.

As part of a USA government contract in faculty development, the domain of written communication was analysed according to instructional systems methodology. The content of written communication was examined for its rationale, literature base, underlying process skills, products, audiences, and requisite competencies. The context for learning writing skills was reviewed in terms of learners' characteristics, requirements for learning, aspects of the delivery system, and optimal teaching formats and strategies.A wealth of literature was found to support 47 requisite competencies, which were further validated in three separate surveys. The analysis suggests that instruction is most appropriate for tenure-track faculty members and fellows. The recommended curriculum integrates expert consultation with seminars, retreats, and faculty publishing clubs. Most pivotal of these is the writing consultant, who works on-site as a coordinator, editor, and consultant to faculty authors.
Self-discharge characteristics of spacecraft nickel—cadmium cells at elevated temperatures

The effects of heat generation were determined in NiCd cells during high temperature storage on open circuits. The testing was designed to determine the extent to which thermal stability is a valid concern, at temperature of exposure (externally effected) between 40 and 120 C.
Rare earth element complexation by PO43− ions in aqueous solution

Complexation of trivalent rare earths by PO43− ions has been assessed at t = 25°C by examining the influence of aqueous phosphate concentrations on the distributions of 144Ce and 153Gd between 0.68 molar NaClO4 and tributyl phosphate (TBP). Estimated Ce3+ and Gd3+ phosphate complexation constants appropriate to zero ionic strength are Ce3+ + PO43− ↔ CePO40; logLβ10 ≤ 11.7Gd3+ + PO43− ↔ GdPO40; logLβ1o = 12.2. Our estimates of these formation constants at zero ionic strength are approximately seven to eight orders of magnitude lower than previously reported estimates for lanthanide and actinide PO43− complexation. Linear free energy relationships relating the complexation of Ca2+ and lanthanides (Ln3+) by a variety of organic ligands, in conjunction with previous direct observations of CaPO4− formation, are consistent with the experimentally derived CePO40 and GdPO40 formation constants reported in this work. Gadolinium speciation calculations indicate that the PO43− ion can effectively compete with the CO32− ion for free Gd3+ in model groundwater at pH 7–9. Rare earth element phosphate complexation is a significant process in natural freshwater systems which are neutral to mildly basic when the concentration ratio [HPO42−][HCO3−] is greater than approximately 1 × 10−3.
Gender Difference in Cardiac Repolarization: A Computational Study

Multiple experimental studies have shown post-pubescent males have shorter QT intervals than females. Clinical studies have revealed that sex differences in QT interval become apparent from puberty, suggesting sex steroid hormones play a role in shortening QT intervals. Testosterone has acute non-transcriptional effects mediated by increased nitric oxide (NO) production, which results in increased slow delayed rectifier K+ currents (Iks) and reduced L-type Ca2+ currents (ICa,L). Like testosterone, progesterone modifies Iks and ICa,L currents via eNOs production of NO. On the other hand, 17β-estradiol inhibits IKr current according to very recent experimental results. To investigate effects of sex hormones on QT interval in males versus females, we constructed “male” and “female” cell models using Faber-Rudy model of the guinea pig myocyte. The female model incorporated physiological concentrations of 17β-estradiol and progesterone measured in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and predicts changes in APD at different stages of the menstrual cycle that are consistent with clinically observed QT interval fluctuations. The male model was developed to reflect changes induced by physiology concentrations of Testosterone. The models suggest protective effects of testosterone and progesterone to prevent APD prolongation and reduce QT interval, while estrogen significantly increase QT and susceptibility to drug-induced arrhythmias.
Coexistence patterns of two invasive thistle species, Carduus nutans and C. acanthoides, at three spatial scales

To better understand the competitive processes involved in invasion by congeners, we examine coexistence patterns of two invasive species, Carduus nutans and C. acanthoides, at three spatial scales. A roadside survey of 5 × 5 km blocks in a previously identified overlap zone provided information about the regional scale. At smaller scales, we surveyed four fields of natural co-occurrence, quantifying the spatial patterns at the field scale by randomly placed 1 × 1 m quadrats and at the smallest scale by detailing plant position within the quadrats. The patterns observed are strikingly different at the different scales. At the regional scale, there is positive local autocorrelation in both species but negative cross-correlation between them, consistent with previous surveys. However, at the field scale, there is positive local autocorrelation in both species, and we generally see a positive association between the two species. At the plot scale, when excluding areas of joint absence, there is again a negative association between the two species. This pattern can also be seen at the field scale when excluding plots with joint absence. These results suggest that, at the scale of a field, the strongest factor determining location is aggregation in favorable habitats, which is a stronger force than the competition-induced segregation evidenced at small scales. Lottery competition for spatially aggregated safe sites thus appears to drive the patterns observed at the field scale, while the regional scale pattern may be a result of restricted natural dispersal and invasion history.
Fearful responding to repeated CO2 inhalation: A preliminary investigation

In an effort to explore factors which maintain fear of physical sensations, repeated administration of 35% CO2 was used with college students scoring high and low on the Anxiety Sensitivity Index. Half of each group was administered 12 CO2 trials, while the other half received 9 CO2 trials, followed by a dishabituation trial (Trial 10) and 2 more CO2 administrations (Trials 11 and 12). Measures included subjective anxiety, heart rate, skin conductance, and number of panic symptoms reported. Results indicated a nonsignificant trend for the High ASI group to show increased pre-inhalation anxiety across trials, while the Low ASI group showed a rapid reduction in pre-inhalation anxiety. Post-inhalation skin conductance mirrored this pattern, although rapid reduction in post-inhalation heart rate was observed. Overall, the High ASI participants showed a notable lack of fear reduction across trials. Results are discussed in light of sensitization as a factor contributing to anticipatory anxiety, with implications for understanding the etiology and maintenance of Panic Disorder.
Multi-Groups Family Resilience Intervention

Families living in poverty face a host of challenges, which creates a multi-stressed environment (Seccombe, 2002). While it is known that poverty disproportionately coexists with lowered mental hea...
Wood fracture, acoustic emission, and the drying process Part 1. Acoustic emission associated with fracture

Acoustic emission (AE) signals were collected during fracture tests in order to analyze them for characteristics that could be used as parameters in a reactive control system for the wood drying process. Ponderosa pine and California black oak single edge notch tensile specimens were tested in the TR, TL, and mixed mode configurations, at 12 and 18 percent moisture content and at temperatures of 20, 40 and 60 °C. AE was observed in both opening mode and mixed mode tests, but cumulative events to maximum load in mixed mode were 7.4 times greater than in opening mode for oak and 3.4 times greater in pine. It was concluded that mixed mode AE signals were most promising for pattern recognition analysis, which will be the subject of Part II of this study.
A boundary element simulation of compression mold filling

This paper presents the development of the boundary element equations for the compression molding process of isothermal Newtonian fluids. It shows the numerical implementation of the boundary element equations and presents a simple method of carrying out the domain integral present in the governing equations. The results and accuracy of a boundary element simulation are discussed, and the numerical results compared to experimental values.
Visualization techniques for incorporation in forest planning geographic information systems

Visual representations are increasingly used to communicate the impacts of environmental changes. Geographic information systems (GISs) are becoming common sources of the spatially organized data needed to create valid and defensible visualizations. However, these data lack the detail and richness needed to create the realistic imagery felt to be critical for public review. This paper describes exploratory studies in the application of techniques drawn from remote sensing and applied to ground-level photographic images of sensitive locations to achieve realistic images with demonstrable relationships to an underlying GIS. Digital filtering and image sampling processes have been used to simulate the visual consequences of forest pests, of timber management activities, of forest wildfires, and of recovery from all of these impacts. The resulting images have been used to communicate expected outcomes to participants in policy-development settings, and to initiate the development of public perception models relating impacts to public preferences. Although integration of these techniques with GIS systems has not yet been achieved, the necessary development steps are outlined in this paper.
Matrigel enhances myotube development in a serum-free defined medium

Previously reported serum-free defined media for muscle cell culture require supplementation with hormones, purified growth factors or attachment factors. This report describes a culture system that enhances embryonic chick, skeletal muscle cell growth and differentiation in a serum-free defined medium, without added specialized trophic factors. Myoblasts adhered more to and proliferated more rapidly on a reconstituted basement membrane substrate, Matrigel, than on rat-tail collagen. Matrigel contains several basement membrane attachment molecules which apparently obviate the need for added purified attachment factors. Matrigel also appeared to play a trophic role in subsequent development by enabling the serum-free growth of myotubes which suggests that Matrigel mediates the cellular interaction of growth or attachment factors. Collagen, on the other hand, did not support serum-free myotube growth. Supplementation of defined medium with increasing levels of horse serum enhanced total protein in myotubes grown on both substrates; protein was higher in Matrigel cultures for each medium tested. The serum-free defined medium supported complete morphological differentiation of myotubes grown on Matrigel and maintained myotube cultures up to 22 days. Fibroblast proliferation was higher in cultures on collagen in defined medium with high serum levels, but was virtually eliminated in cultures on Matrigel in serum-free defined medium. The culture system described supports the differentiation of embryonic muscle cells in a simple, serum-free defined medium, thus providing an in vitro model of developing myotubes which should be particularly useful for studies of regulation mediated by extracellular factors.
The spirooxirane route to trans-fused γ-lactones

Abstract Convenient access to trans -fused γ-lactones is provided by sodium benzenethiolate promoted ring opening of appropriate γ,δ-spiroepoxyesters.
Crack Opening Behavior of Concrete Reinforced with High Strength Reinforcing Steel

A major difference between high-strength reinforcing steel and conventional steel in concrete is that the service-load steel stress is expected to be greater. Consequently, the service-load steel strains are greater affecting cracking behavior. A parametric study investigating crack widths and patterns in reinforced concrete prisms is presented in order to establish limits to the service-load steel stress and strain. Additionally, based on the results of available flexural tests, crack widths at service load levels were evaluated and found to be within presently accepted limits for highway bridge structures, and were predictable using current AASHTO provisions. A limitation on service-level stresses of fs ≤ 414 MPa (60 ksi) is nonetheless recommended.
Response Time: Linear, Nonlinear, Queer

The asynchronous temporalities Gentile analyzes in her chillingly compelling article are deeply troubling to anyone concerned with gender and racial justice in the United States today. Dinshaw raises questions for further discussion that concern temporality in psychoanalytic theories of the subject and the psychically disenabling nature of temporal linearity and unidirectionality, citing queer theorist Tim Dean’s (2011) work on HIV/AIDS and temporal anxiety. She ends with a medieval narrative that offers an alternative vision that does not fetishize the fetus at the expense of the mother, as do Gentile’s disturbing examples, but rather sees the pregnant body as a site of creative asynchronicity and meaning making.
The Video Analysis Method: An Integrated Approach to Usability Assessment

The videotape record of a user-system interaction can be very valuable in locating usability problems. However, the analysis of the videotape record is often unstructured, non-quantitative, and time-consuming. The Video Analysis Method (VAM) provides a method to structure this data and derive measures of usability. A grammar integrates the videotape data with transaction log information and segments of the program code into a single representation of the interaction. Various usability metrics can then be derived from this representation. In addition, the use of the transaction log to edit usability problems from the videotape before the application of the grammar reduces the total analysis time.
Panoramic view and national identity: two of Santiago de Chile's public spaces in the second half of the nineteenth century

This article shows how the panorama, as a modern form of visualization and representation, became a model for the Santa Lucia Hill and the Cousino Park, two emblematic projects of Santiago's transformation, carried out by Benjamin Vicuna Mackenna between 1872 and 1875. On the one hand, supported by the height and location of the hill and its pattern of paths and terraces, the Santa Lucia promenade became an effective mechanism for visual control of the city as a whole, as well as a reference to the new urban order that was to be imposed. On the other hand, by proposing a landscape design that served as an urban window into Santiago's geographical surroundings, the Cousino Park project interpreted the qualities of the panorama from a strongly local sensitivity that highlighted the values of life in contact with nature. The analysis of these two cases will show how the panorama remarkably influenced Santiago's first transformation in the republican era, while representing fundamental values of the emerging ...
Serological Responses of Broiler-Type Chickens, With and Without Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bronchitis Vaccine, to Experimental Infection with Mycoplasma Synoviae by Foot Pad, Air Sac and Aerosol

Abstract Serum plate (SP) and tube agglutination (TA) reactions and geometric mean Mycoplasma synoviae (Ms.) hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) titers were determined on chickens infected at 21 days of age with Ms. by foot pad, air sac and aerosol. One-half had been given Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bronchitis (IB) vaccine in the water at 20 days of age, and the other half had not been vaccinated with ND and IB vaccine. Blood was taken at 3, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after Ms. infection. Geometric mean HI titers were determined on serums of chickens that had a foot pad injection of Ms. 8 weeks after Ms. infection and were bled at 1, 3 and 5 weeks after foot pad booster. Three weeks after aerosol exposure with Ms., the geometric mean HI titer was significantly higher in the ND- and IB-vaccinated birds than in the nonvaccinated birds. In the Ms. air sac-infected group of nonvaccinated birds the geometric mean HI titer had increased significantly 3 weeks after food pad challenge with Ms. In the Ms. air sac-infected group of vaccinated birds, the geometric mean HI titer had significantly increased 3 and 5 weeks after foot pad challenge with Ms.
Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Ketosis

Abstract Ketosis afflicts lactating dairy cattle of all ages, increasing during peak production years. It may occur two to three weeks prepartum to four months Postpartum.Common symptoms are diminished appetite, decreased milk, nervousness, profuse salivation, unnatural gait, licking themselves, grasping hard objects and damaging mouth, becoming explosively excited and unmanageable. clinically, animals reveal lack of alertness, eyes lack luster, rumen is hard and partially empty and noisy, feces are abnormally firm, and urine is clear, showing characteristics color responses to the Ross modification of the Rothera test. Stress factors may cause ketosis such as high production indigestion, milk fever, partial starvation, metritis, mastitis, and ovarian cysts Treatment for ketotic animals varies depending on conditions. Intravenous injection of dextrose is the author's standard treatment. Orally administered propylene glycol after initial use of dextrose or glucocorticoids has given excellent results. Intravenous or intramuscular cortisone has given extremely variable results. Intravenous or intramuscular adrenocorticotropin has given excellent results in prolonged ketosis, preceded by glucocorticoids. Dramatic recoveries have resulted from chloral hydrate for animals suffering from primary ketosis.
Perceiving, learning, and exploiting object affordances for autonomous pile manipulation

Autonomous manipulation in unstructured environments will enable a large variety of exciting and important applications. Despite its promise, autonomous manipulation remains largely unsolved. Even the most rudimentary manipulation task--such as removing objects from a pile--remains challenging for robots. We identify three major challenges that must be addressed to enable autonomous manipulation: object segmentation, action selection, and motion generation. These challenges become more pronounced when unknown man-made or natural objects are cluttered together in a pile. We present a system capable of manipulating unknown objects in such an environment. Our robot is tasked with clearing a table by removing objects from a pile and placing them into a bin. To that end, we address the three aforementioned challenges. Our robot perceives the environment with an RGB-D sensor, segmenting the pile into object hypotheses using non-parametric surface models. Our system then computes the affordances of each object, and selects the best affordance and its associated action to execute. Finally, our robot instantiates the proper compliant motion primitive to safely execute the desired action. For efficient and reliable action selection, we developed a framework for supervised learning of manipulation expertise. To verify the performance of our system, we conducted dozens of trials and report on several hours of experiments involving more than 1,500 interactions. The results show that our learning-based approach for pile manipulation outperforms a common sense heuristic as well as a random strategy, and is on par with human action selection.
Radiographic Evaluation of the Patient With Lung Cancer: Surgical Implications of Imaging

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Despite many advances in treatment, surgery remains the preferred treatment modality for patients presenting with early stage disease. Imaging is critical in the preoperative evaluation of these patients being considered for a curative resection. Advanced imaging techniques provide valuable information, including primary diagnostics, staging, and intraoperative localization for suspected lung cancer. Knowledge of surgical implications of imaging findings can aid both radiologists and surgeons in delivering safe and effective care.
Effect of 4-amino-pteroylglutamic acid (aminopterin) on early pregnancy.

Summary4-amino-pteroylglutamic acid was found to be lethal to the early embryo of mice and rats. Fetal death was observed with doses which temporarily caused depletion of the bone marrow but no other significant signs of intoxication in mothers.
Effects of Compression During Formation on the Mechanical Strengths and Physical Properties of Composite Hydroxylapatite/Plaster Implants for Bone Reconstruction

Composite hydroxylapatite/plaster of Paris implants, preformed or formed during the surgical implantation procedure, are undergoing study for the surgical reconstruction of craniofacial bones. It is frequently necessary to accelerate setting times of the hydroxylapatite/plaster (HA/PP) mixtures by the addition of potassium sulfate; in many of these cases rapid delivery of the moistened implant mixture to the surgical site may be achieved by employing a non-tapered syringe with a plunger. This device can facilitate implantation of quick-setting moistened mixtures through soft tissue tunnels or small incisions, and can result in a less invasive surgical procedure. During experimental surgery it was found beneficial to effect maximum compression of the moistened HA/PP mixture against a sterile glass plate prior to its extrusion from the cylinder. This resulted in elimination of excess water from the mixture. Discs formed from compressed mixtures showed greater mechanical or breaking strengths after setting than discs formed without prior compression when evaluated with a Stokes Hardness-Tester. Examination by light and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the greater compactness of the compressed mixtures.
A Group-Based Training Format for Basic Skills of Small-Group Leadership.

Abstract A small-group format for the training of basic group leadership skills is presented, and components of the format and methods for their use are given.
61.1: Kinematics of Visual Search by Tunnel Vision Patients with Augmented Vision See-Through HMD

vision see-through HMD, which displays a minified contour view of the real world over the residual visual field of tunnel vision patients, was evaluated in a visual search experiment. Kinematic evaluation of subjects' eye and head movements showed that tunnel vision patients could find and locate targets outside their visual fields faster and more efficiently with the device than without an aid or with an acoustic cue. 1. Objective and background Tunnel vision is a severe restriction of the peripheral visual field (VF), which may be caused by glaucoma or retinitis pigmentosa (RP). In the USA, about 2% of adults 40 years or older suffer from glaucoma, and an estimated 20 to 33.3 per 100,000 individuals suffer from RP (1,2). The impact of visual field restriction on mobility becomes very significant when the loss is severe in both eyes (10° residual field or less). At this level patients face significant difficulties with obstacle avoidance and navigation and may need to use a long cane or a guide dog. To increase the instantaneous field of view of tunnel vision patients, minifying systems may be implemented either as an optical device (3) or as the electronic image remapper (4); but in all cases they result in loss of resolution, which is generally rejected by the patients. Peli proposed a novel method (based on the principle of spatial multiplexing (5)) that increases the instantaneous field of view without loss of central resolution using an augmented-vision see-through HMD (6, 7). A prototype of the system we are developing superimposes a minified edge contour of the real world over the patients' natural view in an optical see- through HMD (Figure 1). Patients continue to benefit from the high resolution of their preserved central vision while accessing additional peripheral visual information outside their visual field through the contour image. Although the edge contour is of low resolution, it may provide tunnel vision patients with important information for mobility and critical warning for obstacle avoidance. The system we are developing is based on MicroOptical Engineering Corp's integrated eyeglasses HMD (8). Before conducting mobility evaluations in which patients walk while wearing the device, we carried out an indoor experiment to study the effect of the HMD on kinematic performance in visual search. Findings should allow us to improve system design and develop a procedure for evaluating adaptation to the device.
Flow Cytometry-Based Analysis of Artemisinin-Resistant Plasmodium falciparum in the Ring-Stage Survival Assay

The ring-stage survival assay (RSA) is a powerful tool for phenotyping artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum but requires experienced microscopists to count viable parasites among 10,000 erythrocytes in Giemsa-stained thin blood smears. Here we describe a rapid flow cytometric assay that accurately counts viable parasites among 250,000 erythrocytes in suspension. This method performs as well as light microscopy and can be used to standardize the collection of RSA data between research groups in laboratory and field settings.
Recognizing domination: recognition and power in Honneth’s critical theory

Axel Honneth frames his contribution to the tradition of critical theory as an attempt to do justice to both the structures of social domination in contemporary Western societies and the practical resources for their overcoming. This paper assesses how well Honneth’s critical theory, which centers on the notion of the struggle for recognition, accomplishes the first of these two tasks. I argue that Honneth has yet to offer a fully satisfactory analysis of domination because his recognition model is unable to make sense of modes of subordination that function without producing any struggle.
Metamaterials with ultralow index of refraction: properties and applications

There has been a growing interest in the design and fabrication of composite materials to enhance the flexibility in specifying their optical properties for device applications. Here we show that metamaterials composed of metal-dielectric nano-structures can be engineered to have an effective refractive index below unity at optical wavelengths. These materials show intriguing optical properties including total external reflection. Different rigorous and approximate modeling techniques will be compared. We will show a novel approach to derive a realistic value of the effective refractive index from the reflection coefficients of finite slabs. The effect of losses and dispersion will be analyzed in the visible range of frequencies considering the properties of real metals. We explain the differences among ultra-low refractive index metamaterials, photonic bandgap materials, and metals. Finally, we propose the application of these metamaterials to waveguide structures that guide light in air by total external reflection.
The “Frankenplasmid” lab: An investigative exercise for teaching recombinant DNA methods

We describe an investigative laboratory module designed to give college undergraduates strong practical and theoretical experience with recombinant DNA methods within 3 weeks. After deducing restriction enzyme maps for two different plasmids, students ligate the plasmids together in the same reaction, transform E. coli with this mixture of ligated DNA, and plate the cells on media that specifically select for hybrid plasmids. The main goal of the assignment is for students to deduce the gene map of one hybrid “Frankenplasmid” using the LacZ phenotype of its transformants, PCR, and restriction mapping. Our protocol results in a number of possible outcomes, meaning that students are mapping truly unknown plasmids. The open-ended nature of this assignment results in an effective module that teaches recombinant DNA procedures while engaging students with its investigative approach, increasing complexity, and puzzle-like quality. Moreover, the modular design of the activity allows it to be adapted to a more limited schedule, introductory courses, or more advanced courses. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 2011
Cyclic Hydraulic Pressure and Fluid Flow Differentially Modulate Cytoskeleton Re-Organization in MC3T3 Osteoblasts

Mechanical loads are essential toward maintaining bone mass and skeletal integrity. Such loads generate various stimuli at the cellular level, including cyclic hydraulic pressure (CHP) and fluid shear stress (FSS). To gain insight into the anabolic responses of osteoblasts to CHP and FSS, we subjected MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts to either FSS (12 dynes/cm2) or CHP varying from 0 to 68 kPa at 0.5 Hz. As with FSS, CHP produced a significant increase in ATP release over static controls within 5 min of onset. Cell stiffness examined by atomic force microscopy increased after 15 min of either CHP or FSS stimulation, which was attenuated when extracellular ATP was hydrolyzed with apyrase. As previously shown FSS induced polymerization of actins into stress fibers. However, the microtubule network was completely disrupted under FSS. In contrast, CHP appeared to maintain strong microtubule and f-actin networks. The purinergic signaling was found to be involved in the remodeling of f-actin, but not microtubule. Both CHP and FSS applied for 1 h increased expression of COX-2. These data indicate that, while CHP and FSS produce similar anabolic responses, these stimuli have very different effects on the cytoskeleton remodeling and could contribute to loss of mechanosensitivity with extended loading.
Plasma reformer-fuel cell system for decentralized power applications

A plasma-driven process is described for the reforming of hydrocarbon fuels into hydrogen-rich gases for use in fuel cells. High temperature non-catalytic reforming offers many advantages over thermal catalytic reforming. The high gas temperatures obtained via plasmas reduce the volume and weight of the reformer, due to the fast kinetic rates. In addition, it allows fast response to changing fuel requirements, a characteristic needed in mobile applications. A plasma reformer-fuel cell system could provide a means to increase fuel flexibility and cost reduction of systems for both stationary and mobile fuel cell systems, over a wide range of operating modes. In addition to steam reforming and partial oxidation, thermal decomposition could be used to provide hydrogen-rich gas with greatly reduced production of carbon dioxide. Plasma reformer-fuel cell systems could utilize a wide range of hydrocarbon fuels including diesel, gasoline, biomass, natural gas and alcohols.
Strain variation in thrust sheets across the sevier fold-and-thrust belt (Idaho-Utah-Wyoming): implications for section restoration and wedge taper evolution

Abstract Although strain in fold-and-thrust belts is typically inhomogeneous, on the largest scale strain within thrust sheets shows regular patterns. The strain, which is a quantitative measure of the deformation of any thrust sheet is independent of the translation of the sheet. The internal deformation can be represented by a deformation profile (the change in shape during thrusting of a fault perpendicular line) which can then be used to unstrain the sheet during restoration in cross-section balancing. Deformation profiles in well-studied thrust sheets show regular geometric patterns, and compatibility constraints can be used to minimize the data needed to define the profiles in other sheets. From the geometry of deformation profiles and direct field observations, the most important component of internal deformation of thrust sheets in many fold-and-thrust belts is early layer parallel shortening (LPS). This can be removed in a straightforward manner during restoration, and significantly affects the geometry (i.e. taper) of the restored section. Original basin wedge taper may have important implications for the mechanical evolution of fold-and-thrust belts. Thus changes in original basin taper resulting from strain removal may affect significantly the way in which we interpret the evolution of a fold-and-thrust belt in an area.
GENE THERAPY FOR LUNG CANCER

Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer-related mortality, 180 accounting for approximately 30% of all such deaths in the United States per year. Despite newer therapeutic strategies, the overall cure rate for all patients with lung cancer is only 13%, and surgery for early-stage disease remains the only dependable curative option. It is estimated that in 1997 alone, there were more than 178,000 new cases and more than 160,000 deaths due to lung cancer, 171 emphasizing the need for new and effective therapies. Gene therapy employs the specific transfer of genetic materials to have an impact upon a disease process. This form of therapy, therefore, requires a basic understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the targeted diseases. 29 As research continues to provide new understanding about the molecular pathogenesis of lung cancer, gene therapy will have the capacity to offer an array of possibilities for the treatment of lung cancer by specifically addressing underlying molecular and immunologic deficits. 2 This approach may be particularly advantageous for the treatment of lung cancer, because most patients have either locally advanced or metastatic disease at the time of presentation. Several gene therapy strategies have the potential to eradicate both local and systemic disease, offering possible curative options where none now exist. In addition, gene therapy may play an adjuvant role, one designed to complement conventional strategies in reducing lung cancer morbidity and mortality. 57 As with any therapeutic modality, effective gene therapy for lung cancer requires that criteria be met for safety and efficacy. In broad terms, safety concerns relate to specifically targeting the tumor cells and optimizing the risk/benefit ratio. Efficacy will be determined by which therapeutic genes are employed and how they are delivered in each clinical stage. The answers to many questions in each of these broad areas are starting to emerge. This review focuses primarily on the genes that hold promise for the treatment of lung cancer.
A Blueberry-Enriched Diet Attenuates Nephropathy in a Rat Model of Hypertension via Reduction in Oxidative Stress

Objective and Background: To assess renoprotective effects of a blueberry-enriched diet in a rat model of hypertension. Oxidative stress (OS) appears to be involved in the development of hypertension and related renal injury. Pharmacological antioxidants can attenuate hypertension and hypertension-induced renal injury; however, attention has shifted recently to the therapeutic potential of natural products as antioxidants. Blueberries (BB) have among the highest antioxidant capacities of fruits and vegetables. Methods and Results: Male spontaneously hypertensive rats received a BB-enriched diet (2% w/w) or an isocaloric control diet for 6 or 12 weeks or 2 days. Compared to controls, rats fed BB-enriched diet for 6 or 12 weeks exhibited lower blood pressure, improved glomerular filtration rate, and decreased renovascular resistance. As measured by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, significant decreases in total reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite, and superoxide production rates were observed in kidney tissues in rats on long-term dietary treatment, consistent with reduced pathology and improved function. Additionally, measures of antioxidant status improved; specifically, renal glutathione and catalase activities increased markedly. Contrasted to these observations indicating reduced OS in the BB group after long-term feeding, similar measurements made in rats fed the same diet for only 2 days yielded evidence of increased OS; specifically, significant increases in total ROS, peroxynitrite, and superoxide production rates in all tissues (kidney, brain, and liver) assayed in BB-fed rats. These results were evidence of ‘‘hormesis’’ during brief exposure, which dissipated with time as indicated by enhanced levels of catalase in heart and liver of BB group. Conclusion: Long-term feeding of BB-enriched diet lowered blood pressure, preserved renal hemodynamics, and improved redox status in kidneys of hypertensive rats and concomitantly demonstrated the potential to delay or attenuate development of hypertension-induced renal injury, and these effects appear to be mediated by a short-term hormetic response.
The SHR as a Small Animal Model for Radiocontrast Renal Failure. Relation of Nephrotoxicity to Animal's Age, Gender, Strain, and Dose of Radiocontrast

The male spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), as it ages, suffers many of the renal and cardiovascular complications that are recognized in humans as risk factors for radiocontrast (RC) agent induced renal failure (RF). Knowledge of this led us to test this strain of rats as a small animal model for RC-induced renal failure (RC-RF). Functional studies demonstrated a significant fall in GFR in the recovery period after RC administration. In addition, histopathologic evaluation of the kidneys was done in this study. Our results are based on assigning separate scale values to the histopathological evaluation of the (a) glomeruli, (b) tubules, (c) interstitium, and (d) arteries and arterioles of the kidneys. Saline (S) was administered to one group and the RC agent Hypaque-76 (diatrizoate meglumine sodium) to paired groups of 5-, 8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-month-old male SHR. The results indicated that younger animals (5 and 8 months old) were resistant to the nephrotoxic effects of the RC, but developed susceptib...
Sequential Staudinger/Pictet–Spengler cyclization strategy for the construction of tetrahydroisoquinolines of the bioxalomycin and ecteinascidin family of alkaloids

Abstract The use of the Staudinger ketene–imine β-lactam-forming cycloaddition reaction and the Pictet–Spengler cyclization reaction in sequence, has been used to prepare highly functionalized tetrahydroisoquinolines relevant to the bioxalomycin and ecteinascidin family of antitumor alkaloids.
Decentralized nonimaging micro-optical concentrator

A novel non-imaging micro-concentrator concept and its development in Sandia National Lab’s microsystems-enabled photovoltaics (MEPV) program are described in this paper. Key notions of the compact 2-element optical concentrator are toroidal lens surfaces that decentralize the focused beam and a reflective cone structure that enhances light collection and illumination onto micro-scale solar cells (e.g., ~100’s microns in diameter). The optical configuration therefore provides a low-intensity, hot-spot-free illumination pattern on the receiver while achieving a concentration-acceptance angle product (CAP) over 1. Designs taking into account practical factors (such as fabrication capabilities, misalignments) achieve a 400X geometric concentration with a ±2.4° (90% of peak) acceptance angle (CAP = 0.84) and a 600X geometric concentration with a ±2° acceptance angle (CAP = 0.85), allowing low cost, mass production using injection molding. Development and experimental evaluation of a baseline prototype module is also described.
Natural genetic engineering of the bacterial genome.

Abstract The term ‘natural genetic engineering’ means viewing genetic change as a coordinated cell biological process, the reorganization of discrete genomic modules, resulting in the formation of new DNA structures. Examples of natural genetic engineering continue to accumulate, and the concept can be used to integrate observations which demonstrate the similarity between in vitro genetic engineering and the action of in vivo agents of genetic change.
Dopamine overflow is increased in olfactory bulbectomized rats: an in vivo microdialysis study.

Abstract Olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) in rats produces behavioral, physiological, and neurochemical changes that resemble symptoms of depression in humans. The procedure thus serves as a rodent model of affective disorder. Many of the behavioral effects of OBX resemble psychomotor agitation. The possible role of dysregulation of ventral striatal dopamine (DA) systems in this phenomenon was investigated. Basal levels of DA, norepinephrine (NE), homovanillic acid, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were examined in the striatum of OBX and sham-operated controls using in vivo microdialysis. OBX rats exhibited significantly higher basal DA levels (192%) and lower NE levels (12%) than sham-operated controls. Locomotor activity in response to novelty and footshock stress was elevated in OBX rats. The finding of higher DA levels in striatum may explain this “agitation-like” behavior, a commonly observed phenomenon in the OBX model.
A Second-Generation Total Synthesis of (+)-Phorboxazole A

A highly convergent second-generation synthesis of (+)-phorboxazole A has been achieved. Highlights of the synthetic approach include improved Petasis-Ferrier union/rearrangement conditions on a scale to assemble multigram quantities of the C(11-15) and C(22-26) cis-tetrahydropyrans inscribed with the phorboxazole architecture, a convenient method to prepare E- and Z-vinyl bromides from TMS-protected alkynes utilizing radical isomerization of Z-vinylsilanes, and a convergent late-stage Stille union to couple a fully elaborated C(1-28) macrocyclic iodide with a C(29-46) oxazole stannane side chain to establish the complete phorboxazole skeleton. The synthesis, achieved with a longest linear sequence of 24 steps, proceeded in 4.6% overall yield.
Revisiting the Meaning and Purpose of the “National Park Service Organic Act”

National parks have long endured controversy concerning their fundamental purpose. Is their purpose to conserve natural resources and scenery? Provide for the use and enjoyment of people? Or balance conservation with use and enjoyment? Most people involved in the controversy have taken a view that supports one of the three purposes above. In this article, I contend that the fundamental mandate for parks is conservation of natural resources and scenery but that the mandate is “weak” both as a matter of law as well as because of other factors that weaken it.
El significadode Patagonia

El significado del toponimo Patagonia nos ha eludido, a pesar de intentos tales como un no verificable "pies grandes" para designar a los indios americanos de Tierra del Fuego. Presento aqui una posibilidad que me sugirio el estudio del Diccionario Yamana de Thomas Bridges. Este diccionario esta ordenado por agrupaciones de los morfemas de modo similar a como esta siendo compilado el diccionario sumerio en la Universidad de Pensilvania. El diccionario Yaman refleja la vision de mundo de estos pueblos del extremo sur del continente. Parece demostrar como el cerebro organiza y designa los diferentes elementos y artefactos del mundo de acuerdo a su percepcion humana y usa la lengua para etiquetarlos.