cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiphysics Analysis of Plasma-Based Tunable Absorber for High-Power Microwave Applications

Power handling capability of a tunable plasma-based multilayer absorber is studied using multiphysics analysis, then validated by experimental data. The proposed two-pole absorber is based on conductor-backed thickness customizable high-order bandpass frequency-selective surfaces (FSSs). Such technique allows simple integration of the tuning elements, while simultaneously providing the option to realize FSSs (including absorbers) with specific/desired thicknesses and transfer responses. Lossy magnetodielectric slabs, used to absorb electromagnetic (EM) energy in the $C$ -band, are added between the metallic layers. The lossy slabs are perforated to host discrete, electrically tunable, ceramic gas-encapsulating chambers (plasma-shells), enabling dynamic control of the absorption spectral band. To study the power handling capability of the proposed multilayered tunable absorber, dielectric and air breakdowns within the device are numerically emulated using EM simulation by quantifying the maximum field enhancement factor (MFEF). Furthermore, a comprehensive thermal analysis using a simulation method that couples EMs and heat transfer is performed for the absorber under high-power continuous microwave excitations. Since the heat generated within the absorber is a primary concern, the steady state as well as transient state temperature distributions have been evaluated for various incident power densities. The performance of the proposed absorber is validated for a prototype having a finite size of $13\times13$ cm2.
A SMAD4-modulated gene profile predicts disease-free survival in stage II and III colorectal cancer

Background Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Loss of SMAD4, a critical tumor suppressor and the central node of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, is associated with worse outcomes for colorectal cancer patients; however, it is unknown whether an RNA-based profile associated with SMAD4 expression could be used to better identify high-risk colorectal cancer patients. Aim Identify a gene expression-based SMAD4-modulated profile and test its association with patient outcome. Methods and results Using a discovery dataset of 250 colorectal cancer patients, we analyzed expression of BMP/Wnt target genes for association with SMAD4 expression. Promoters of the BMP/Wnt genes were interrogated for SMAD-binding elements. Fifteen genes were implicated and three tested for modulation by SMAD4 in patient-derived colorectal cancer tumoroids. Expression of the 15 genes was used for unsupervised hierarchical clustering of a training dataset and two resulting clusters modeled in a centroid model. This model was applied to an independent validation dataset of stage II and III patients. Disease-free survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. In vitro analysis of three genes identified in the SMAD4-modulated profile (JAG1, TCF7, and MYC) revealed modulation by SMAD4 consistent with the trend observed in the profile. In the training dataset (n = 553), the profile was not associated with outcome. However, among stage II and III patients (n = 461), distinct clusters were identified by unsupervised hierarchical clustering that were associated with disease-free survival (p = .02, log-rank test). The main model was applied to a validation dataset of stage II/III CRC patients (n = 257) which confirmed the association of clustering with disease-free survival (p = .013, log-rank test). Conclusions A SMAD4-modulated gene expression profile identified high-risk stage II and III colorectal cancer patients, can predict disease-free survival, and has prognostic potential for stage II and III colorectal cancer patients.
Self-Study: Tensions and Growth in Graduate Teaching Assistant Development

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) development is an important undertaking for many higher education institutions in the United States. During the GTA preparation process, tensions can arise when the supervisor challenges GTAs by engaging in critical reflection and pushing them to advance their pedagogical skills beyond their comfort zone. Guided by Berry’s (2008) framework of tensions, this self-study aimed to answer the research question: How do tensions that arise during GTA development contribute to the professional growth of teacher educators and GTAs in their teaching? Self-study was the research method, and the data were analyzed using the strategy of inductive analysis and creative synthesis (Patten, 2002). This self-study reports five types of tensions: telling and growth; confidence and uncertainty; safety and challenge; valuing and reconstructing experience; and planning and being responsive. The findings explain how these tensions pushed the supervisor and the GTA to reflect on teacher preparation, manage challenges, and improve teaching. While tensions place teacher educators and novice teachers in uncomfortable positions, this study shows that reflections on and articulation of tensions in collaborative dialogues can help both discover aspects of their teaching that provide opportunities for growth and lead both to transform tensions into teachable moments.
Replication-dependent histone biosynthesis is coupled to cell-cycle commitment

The current model of replication-dependent (RD) histone biosynthesis posits that RD histone gene expression is coupled to DNA replication, occurring only in S phase of the cell cycle once DNA synthesis has begun. However, several key factors in the RD histone biosynthesis pathway are up-regulated by E2F or phosphorylated by CDK2, suggesting these processes may instead begin much earlier, at the point of cell-cycle commitment. In this study, we use both fixed- and live-cell imaging of human cells to address this question, revealing a hybrid model in which RD histone biosynthesis is first initiated in G1, followed by a strong increase in histone production in S phase of the cell cycle. This suggests a mechanism by which cells that have committed to the cell cycle build up an initial small pool of RD histones to be available for the start of DNA replication, before producing most of the necessary histones required in S phase. Thus, a clear distinction exists at completion of mitosis between cells that are born with the intention of proceeding through the cell cycle and replicating their DNA and cells that have chosen to exit the cell cycle and have no immediate need for histone synthesis.
Implementing a Sensor Fusion Algorithm for 3D Orientation Detection with Inertial/Magnetic Sensors

In this paper a sensor fusion algorithm is developed and implemented for detecting orientation in three dimensions. Tri-axis MEMS inertial sensors and tri-axis magnetometer outputs are used as input to the fusion system. A Kalman filter is designed to compensate the inertial sensors errors by combining accelerometer and gyroscope data. A tilt compensation unit is designed to calculate the heading of the system.
Food Coupons - Perspective and Update

It started with wooden nickels. Coupons are issued by over 2,000 manufacturers and are used by 86% of all U.S. households. Over 140 billion were distributed in 1984, with a 6% redemption rate (over 8 billion) and with an average face value over 25 cents plus an eight cent handling fee. The industry has grown consistently for over a dozen years, and is the largest single category of consumer promotion at $2.5 billion. The average household redeems about three coupons a week, with the more affluent redeeming more than lower income groups. Once associated almost exclusively with packaged goods, marketers in virtually every sector of our economy now use coupons and rebates in some form.
Immature spinal cord neurons are dynamic regulators of adult nociceptive sensitivity.

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition with unknown mechanism. Nociceptive sensitivity may be regulated by genetic factors, some of which have been separately linked to neuronal progenitor cells and neuronal differentiation. This suggests that genetic factors that interfere with neuronal differentiation may contribute to a chronic increase in nociceptive sensitivity, by extending the immature, hyperexcitable stage of spinal cord neurons. Although adult rodent spinal cord neurogenesis was previously demonstrated, the fate of these progenitor cells is unknown. Here, we show that peripheral nerve injury in adult rats induces extensive spinal cord neurogenesis and a long-term increase in the number of spinal cord laminae I–II neurons ipsilateral to injury. The production and maturation of these new neurons correlates with the time course and modulation of nociceptive behaviour, and transiently mimics the cellular and behavioural conditions present in genetically modified animal models of chronic pain. This suggests that the number of immature neurons present at any time in the spinal cord dorsal horns contributes to the regulation of nociceptive sensitivity. The continuous turnover of these neurons, which can fluctuate between normal and injured states, is a dynamic regulator of nociceptive sensitivity. In support of this hypothesis, we find that promoters of neuronal differentiation inhibit, while promoters of neurogenesis increase long-term nociception. TrkB agonists, well-known promoters of nociception in the short-term, significantly inhibit long-term nociception by promoting the differentiation of newly produced immature neurons. These findings suggest that promoters of neuronal differentiation may be used to alleviate chronic pain.
Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome

Organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) are associated with inhalation of high concentrations of organic materials, particularly agricultural materials such as dust from grain, hay, or silage contaminated with microorganisms (Pratt and May 1984; Lecours,et al. 1986; May et al. 1986; Pratt et al. 1990). Although initial work was associated with farming, one should recognize that workers involved in wood processing, large-scale production of animal feed, treatment and disposal of sewage and garbage by composting, and various bioindugtrial processes may be exposed to high concentrations of microorganisms and their products. HP, also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis, has been recognized for a very long time and occurs in a variety of occupational settings (Parker et al. 1992). Farmer’s lung disease (FLD) is the most familiar form of HP in agriculture. The term “pulmonary mycotoxicosis” was applied to ODTS to differentiate it from FLD and to underscore the apparent importance of fungi and/or their metabolic products (Emanuel et al. 1975). Attempts to implicate mycotoxins in the syndrome were limited, in both number and scope, and failed to reveal significant amounts of those few mycotoxins which were sought in dust samples collected from outbreaks of ODTS (May et al. 1986). New mycotoxins continue to be described and the fumonisins, for example, now considered an especially important group because of the frequency of their occurrence and the severity of their toxicity, were not known until 1988. The presence of high levels of fungi and bacteria in the dust has since been found to be a hallmark of the syndrome (Dutkiewicz et al. 1989; Olenchock et al. 1990). ODTS is a noninfectious flu-like illness, and is characterized by fever, malaise, myalgia, and a neutrophilic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract (Lecours et al. 1986; Parker et al. 1992). Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) has many features in common with ODTS, including similar exposure settings and clinical symptoms (Emanuel et al. 1975; Pratt and May 1984; Parker et al. 1992). Although both illnesses appear to involve inflammation of lung parenchyma, they may not be mediated by the same mechanisms. Notably, HP is characterized by a lymphocytic infiltrate into the lower airways, suggesting that it may be due to a cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. Prevalence of HP in individuals chronically exposed to potential antigens ranges from 0.03 or 0.42% in farming populations to as much as 15% in office workers exposed to contaminated ventilation systems (Parker et al. 1992).
Dissection of abscisic acid signal transduction pathways in barley aleurone layers.

Abscisic acid (ABA) induces genes that are highly expressed during late embryogenesis, but suppresses gibberellin (GA)-responsive genes essential for seed germination and seedling growth. Promoter elements necessary and sufficient for ABA up- and down-regulation of gene expression have been previously defined in barley aleurone layers. We have studied the effect of a protein phosphatase 2C, ABI1, an ABA-inducible protein kinase, PKABA1, and a transcription factor, VP1, on ABA action in a barley aleurone transient expression system. The observations have allowed us to dissect ABA signal transduction pathways leading to either induction or suppression of gene expression. The ABA induction of embryogenesis genes is highly inhibited in the presence of a mutated protein phosphatase 2C, encoded by the abi1-1 dominant mutant gene that is known to block ABA responses in Arabidopsis. However, the abi1-1 gene product has no effect on the ABA suppression of a GA-responsive α-amylase gene. On the other hand, PKABA1 suppresses the expression of α-amylase genes, but has little effect on ABA up-regulated genes. Therefore, it appears that ABA induction and suppression follow two separate signal transduction pathways with the former inhibited by ABI1 and the latter modulated by PKABA1. The presence of VP1 enhances the ABA induction of late embryogenesis genes, but also suppresses germination specific genes. A schematic model based on these observations is presented to explain the effect of these regulatory proteins on ABA-mediated gene expression.
Progress on the study of self-interaction of a bunch in a bend

When a short (mm-length) bunch with high (nC-regime) charge is transported through a magnetic bending system, self-interaction via coherent synchrotron radiation and space charge may cause emittance growth. Earlier the authors studied analytically the shielded transient self-interaction of a rigid-line bunch entering from a straight path to a circular orbit, and estimated the concomitant emittance degradation in parts of Jefferson Lab`s infrared free-electron laser (IR-FEL). In this paper, they generalize their earlier results by calculating the curvature-induced steady-state longitudinal wakefield on particles with transverse offsets from the design orbit. Recent progress in developing a self-consistent simulation are also presented.
Decomposition of methanol on oxygen-modified Fe(100) surfaces. II. Preadsorbed oxygen as poison, selectivity modifier and promoter

Decomposition of methanol (CH3OH) on the Fe(100) surface modified by low temperature adsorption of oxygen has been studied, using high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS). Fe(100) surfaces studied were modified by adsorption of O2 at 113 K, and methanol decomposition as a function of oxygen coverage was monitored. The effect of pre-heating the oxygen overlayers on the methanol decomposition was also examined. Decomposition of methanol on these O-modified surfaces passes through a methoxy (-OCH3) intermediate. The thermal stability of methoxy increases in the presence of pre-adsorbed oxygen. At low coverage, atomic oxygen occupies four-fold hollow sites. In this case, the effect of oxygen on the methanol decomposition is similar to that observed previously on the annealed O-modified surfaces. At higher oxygen coverage, a more weakly bound non-hollow site oxygen also exists on the surface, which reacts with hydroxyl (-OH) hydrogen of the CH3OH, promoting the formation of methoxy. At high oxygen coverage (close to saturation coverage at 113 K), decomposition of methanol results in the formation of formaldehyde (H2CO), without production of carbon monoxide (CO). This is very different from the decomposition of methanol on the clean Fe(100) surface, where decomposition leads to the formation of CO without H2CO. The effect of oxygen modification is discussed in terms of changing relative probabilities of competing reaction pathways.
Frege's Contribution to Philosophy of Language

Gottlob Frege’s contributions to philosophy of language are so numerous and so fundamental that it is difficult to imagine the field without them. That this should be so was not, however, Frege’s original intent. Frege was trained as a mathematician, and most of his non-foundational mathematical work lay at the intersection of geometry and complex analysis. That makes it at least somewhat surprising that he should have made any contribution to the study of language, let alone one so profound. But mathematics, in Frege’s time, was itself in a state of upheaval, many of its most basic notions being subjected to a thorough re-examination. Among the central issues in Frege’s intellectual environment was how we should understand the relation between geometry and arithmetic, the latter understood in a broad sense, as including the theory of all numbers, natural, real, and complex.1 Though by no means universal, it was a common view that geometry was the more fundamental of the disciplines. In part, this view derived from Kant, who had famously argued that even our knowledge of basic number theory is founded upon pure a priori intuition of roughly the same sort that he claimed underlay our knowledge of the axioms of Euclidean geometry. The view had other sources, too. For example, it was as common then as it is now to think of the complex numbers as points (or perhaps vectors) in the Euclidean plane. Such a treatment of the complex numbers would suggest, again, that geometrical knowledge is more basic than arithmetical knowledge. Frege, like many mathematicians of his time, rejected this Kantian view. His strategy for refuting Kant was to demonstrate that “. . . arithmetic is a branch of logic and need not borrow any ground of proof whatever from either experience or intuition” (Gg, §0) by identifying a small set of recognizably logical principles,
Epitaxial Pb(Zr0.40Ti0.60)O3/SrRuO3 and PbTiO3/SrRuO3 Multilayer Thin Films Prepared by MOCVD and RF Sputtering

Epitaxial SrRuO3 thin films were deposited by RF sputtering on SrTiO3 or MgO substrates for use as underlying electrodes. On these conductive substrates, epitaxial Pb(Zr0.35Ti0.65)O3 (PZT) and PbTiO3 (PT) thin films were deposited by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). X-ray diffraction (XRD), RBS channeling (RBS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and optical waveguiding were used to characterize the phase, microstructure, defect structure, refractive index, and film thickness of the deposited films. The PZT and PT films were epitaxial and c-axis oriented. 90° domains, interfacial misfit dislocations and threading dislocations were the primary structural defects, and the films showed a 70% RBS channelling reduction. Hysteresis and dielectric measurements of epitaxial PZT ferroelectric capacitor structures formed using evaporated Ag or ITO glass top electrode showed: a remanent polarization of 46.2 μC/cm2 a coercive field of 54.9 kV/cm, a dielectric constant of 410, a bipolar resistivity of ∼5.8×109 ω-cm at a field of 275 kV/cm, and a breakdown strength of >400 kV/cm.
Maximum likelihood joint estimation of channel and noise for robust speech recognition

An EM algorithm is formulated in the DFT domain for joint estimation of parameters of distortion channel and additive noise from online degraded speech, and the posterior estimates of short-time speech power spectra are obtained at the convergence of the EM algorithm. Any speech features derivable from power spectra can then be approximately estimated by minimum mean-squared error estimation. Experiments were performed on speaker-independent continuous speech recognition using as features the perceptually based linear prediction cepstral coefficients, energy, and temporal regression coefficients. Speech data were taken from the TIMIT database and were degraded by a distortion channel and colored noise at various SNR levels. Experimental results indicate that the proposed technique leads to convergent identification of channel and noise and significantly improved recognition accuracy.
Why do pathogens carry avirulence genes

Abstract In the gene-for-gene hypothesis, Flor [19] proposed the existence of avirulence alleles of virulence genes, and that the virulence genes actively conditioned cultivar-specific virulence on hosts. Yet cultivar-specific virulence genes have not been found, and many of the avirulence ( avr) genes cloned to date (over 40) do not appear to condition pathogenicity in general, virulence or anything else of value to the microbe. There is strong indirect evidence that many, if not nearly all, Avr proteins are secreted from pathogenic bacteria, enter plant cells and signal a response phenotype, usually associated with a hypersensitive defense response (HR). Why the bother for avirulence? Evidence is accumulating that most avr genes are, or once were, pathogenicity ( pth) genes found in biotrophic pathogens that determine ( d) host range, not in a cultivar-specific manner, but in a host species-specific manner. At least some of these genes appear to function for pathogenicity by encoding protein signals that are “injected” into plant cells by the hrp system, resulting in programmed host cell death, a characteristic normally associated with necrotrophs. A growing body of evidence indicates that most microbial genes conditioning pathogenicity, including the hrp, pth and avr genes, are present because of horizontal gene transfer, often involving movement of large gene clusters on “pathogenicity islands”. Since horizontal transfer is a stochastic process, many avr genes are likely to be maladapted pth genes, following their horizontal transfer to strains in which their function may be either gratuitous or detrimental. The structure of some of these genes may allow rapid adaptive selection for pathogenic function.
Diffusion-negative stroke: a report of two cases.

Summary: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is generally thought to be highly sensitive for the diagnosis of acute stroke. We report two cases of hyperacute stroke with absence of changes on diffusion-weighted images within 4 hours of symptom onset. Follow-up studies, performed 4 days later, showed infarction in regions compatible with the clinical presentation and (in one case) with the initial perfusion deficit. These cases indicate that normal findings on diffusion-weighted images in patients with suspected cerebral ischemia do not rule out impending infarction.
Resolving carrier recombination in CdS quantum dots: A time-resolved fluorescence study

Abstract Trap states in colloidal quantum dots are known to play an important role in exciton recombination dynamics. CdS is an interesting quantum dot system because it exhibits both exciton and trap photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature. Previous ultrafast work has uncovered both electron and hole trapping processes, but the relationship between exciton and trap PL and the nature of the trap states remains poorly understood. In this article we take a detailed look at exciton and trap PL in several CdS samples. By varying temperature as well as excitation and emission energies, we develop a detailed picture of carrier recombination dynamics in these materials and, with the help of dynamical models, assign two distinct recombination pathways involving trapped electrons and holes. These results help us to understand the factors that govern charge carrier trapping in colloidal quantum dots and could help us to optimize their role in future applications.
A new laser trigger system for current pulse shaping and jitter reduction on Z

A new laser trigger system (LTS) has been installed on Z that benefits the experimenter with reduced temporal jitter on the X-ray output, the confidence to use command triggers for time sensitive diagnostics and the ability to shape the current pulse at the load. This paper presents work on the pulse shaping aspects of the new LTS. Pulse shaping is possible because the trigger system is based on 36 individual lasers, one per each pulsed power module, instead of a single laser for the entire machine. The firing time of each module can be individually controlled to create an overall waveform that is the linear superposition of all 36 modules. In addition, each module can be set to a long-pulse mode or short-pulse mode for added flexibility. The current waveform has been stretched from /spl sim/100 ns to /spl sim/250 ns. A circuit model has been developed with BERTHA Code, which contains the independent timing feature of the new LTS to predict and design pulse shapes. The ability to pulse-shape directly benefits isentropic compression experiments (ICE) and equation of state measurements (EOS) for the shock physics programs at Sandia National Laboratories. With the new LTS, the maximum isentropic loading applied to Cu samples 750 um thick has been doubled to 3.2 Mb without generating a shockwave. Macroscopically thick sample of Al, 1.5 mm, have been isentropically compressed to 1.7 Mb. Also, shockless Ti flyer-plates have been launched to 21 km.s/sup -1/, remaining in the solid state until impact.
Differences in RBV strategic factors and the need to consider opposing factors in turnaround outcomes

The resource-based view-related empirical literature has focused on one-industry–one-focal-resource studies to provide support for its core tenets. We complement that literature with a first empirical analysis of multiple strategic factors, including opposing factors, and covering multiple industries, based on a recent survey of turnaround professionals. We focus on two issues. First, we explore what factor characteristics correlate to differences in the level of impact on firm performance that different types of factors have. Second, we explore the balance between opposing strategic factors (i.e., beneficial versus detrimental factors) relating to which turnaround outcome occurs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predominance of corticothalamic synaptic inputs to thalamic reticular nucleus neurons in the rat

Quantitative electron microscopy was used to examine the relative contributions of different types of synapses to the circuitry of the thalamic reticular nucleus (RTN) in the rat. Single RTN cells were injected with Lucifer Yellow (LY) in fixed brain slices and examined after photoconversion; corticothalamic axons and terminals were labeled by anterograde transport of Phaseolus vulgaris–leucoagglutinin (PHA-L); and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic terminals were labeled by postembedding immunocytochemistry. Three types of synapses, made by morphologically distinguishable small terminals (ST), large terminals (LT), and GABAergic terminals, were distributed on all portions of the dendritic trees of injected RTN cells. ST and LT terminals formed asymmetrical, presumed excitatory, synaptic contacts. On proximal dendrites, approximately 50% of the synapses were ST, 30–40% were LT, and 10–25% were GABAergic. On distal dendrites, 60–65% were ST, 20% were LT, and 15% were GABAergic. PHA-L labeling showed that labeled corticothalamic terminals and ST terminals have identical morphological features and the same distribution patterns on RTN dendrites, indicating that the majority of excitatory afferents to RTN neurons are derived from the cerebral cortex. The LT terminals found in smaller numbers are probably derived from collateral axons of thalamocortical relay cells. GABAergic terminals formed by LY-labeled, intra-RTN axon collaterals were relatively few in number, and no dendrodendritic synapses were observed. J. Comp. Neurol. 414:67–79, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Response of Rhizobium leguminosarum isolates to different forms of inorganic nitrogen during nodule development in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Abstract Combined nitrogen inhibits nodule development and nitrogen fixation in Rhizobium -legume symbioses. Isolates of R. leguminosarum which had been shown to vary in symbiotic effectiveness in the presence of NN 4 NO 3 were used as inoculum for peas grown with NH 4 NO 3 KNO 3 or NH 4 Cl and harvested between 14 and 24 days after planting. Plants grown in 2m m NH 4 NO 3 showed inhibition of nodule development and function 17 days after seeding but there were no significant differences (SDs) between isolates of high and low effectiveness. In the presence of 5 m M NH 4 NO 3 nodule development and C 2 H 2 reduction were severely inhibited from 14 days onwards. Plants inoculated with isolates of high effectiveness had more tap-root nodules, higher C 2 H 2 reduction rates and higher leghemoglobin content than those inoculated with isolates of low effectiveness. In plants grown with 5 m m KNO 3 or 5 m m NN 4 Cl, NO 3 − had the major inhibitory effect on nodulation and nodule development, but NH 4 + began to show inhibitory effects on nodule development after 17 days. There were no SDs between isolates of low and high effectiveness at these concentrations of NO 3 − and NH 4 + . Differences in symbiotic response of R. leguminosarum to combined nitrogen are small and appear during nodule development rather than at nodule initiation.
Gender Differences and Managerial Competencies Federal Supervisor Perceptions of the Job of Management

The basic competencies underlying the task of management are examined using the U S Merit Systems Protection Board's 1991 Federal First-Line Supervisors survey (based on the US. Office of Personnel Management's Management Excellence Inventory "job analysis") This paper tests whether male and female supervisors perceive the essential responsibilities of the managenal job similarly
Single-patient (n-of-1) trials: a pragmatic clinical decision methodology for patient-centered comparative effectiveness research.

Objective To raise awareness among clinicians and epidemiologists that single-patient (n-of-1) trials are potentially useful for informing personalized treatment decisions for patients with chronic conditions.
Phosphoinositide regulation of non-canonical transient receptor potential channels

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, and characterized by diverse activation mechanisms. Phosphoinositides, especially phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PIP(2), or PtdIns(4,5)P(2)] recently emerged as regulators of many TRP channels. Several TRP channels require PIP(2) for activity, and depletion of the lipid inhibits them. For some TRP channels, however, phosphoinositide regulation seems more complex, both activating and inhibitory effects have been reported. This review will discuss phosphoinositide regulation of members of the TRPM (Melastatin), TRPV (Vanilloid), TRPA (Ankyrin) and TRPP (Polycystin) families. Lipid regulation of TRPC (Canonical) channels is discussed elsewhere in this volume.
Growth, CO2 uptake, and responses of the carboxylating enzymes to inorganic carbon in two highly productive CAM species at current and doubled CO2 concentrations

In Agave salmiana Otto ex Salm. var. salmiana grown for 4 1/2 months in open-top chambers, 55% more leaves unfolded and 52% more fresh mass was produced at 730 than at 370 μmol CO 2 mol -1 . A doubling of the CO 2 concentration also stimulated growth in another highly productive CAM species, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller, leading to earlier initiation and 37% more daughter cladodes. Substantial net CO 2 uptake occurred earlier in the afternoon and lasted longer through the night for A. salmiana at 730 than at 370 μmol CO 2 mol -1 , resulting in 59% more total daily net CO 2 uptake. The Michaelis constant (HCO 3 - ) for PEPCase was 15% lower for A. salmiana and 44% lower for O. ficus-indica when the CO 2 concentration was doubled ; the percentage of Rubisco in the activated state in vivo was on average 64% higher at the doubled CO 2 concentration. Thus the substantial increases in net CO 2 uptake and biomass production that occurred in these two CAM species when the ambient CO 2 concentration was doubled resulted mainly from higher inorganic carbon levels for their carboxylating enzymes, a greater substrate affinity for PEPCase, and a greater percentage of Rubisco in the activated state.
Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord in cblC disorder despite treatment with B12

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord is a characteristic complication of vitamin B12 deficiency, but it has never been neuropathologically demonstrated in a B12-inborn error of metabolism. In this report SCD is documented in a 15-year-old boy with early-onset cobalamin C (cblC) disorder. The neuropathologic findings included multifocal demyelination and vacuolation with predilection for the dorsal and lateral columns at the mid-thoracic level of the spinal cord, confirming the similarity of SCD in cblC disorder to the classic adult SCD due to vitamin B12 deficiency. SCD developed in this boy despite treatment for cblC disorder that began at 3 months of age. There is clinical and experimental evidence to suggest that a deficiency in remethylation with concomitant reduction in brain methionine may be the cause of SCD. In this patient plasma methionine levels were low without betaine and/or l-methionine supplementation and in the normal range for only a 2-year period during compliance with therapy. In cblC disorder, a consistent increase in blood methionine to high normal or above normal levels by the use of betaine and l-methionine supplementation may be helpful in preventing SCD. This is especially important now that the presymptomatic detection of cblC disorder is possible through the expansion of newborn screening.
Clonal variants of constitutive heterochromatin of human fibroblasts after recovery from mitomycin treatment.

Presumptive clones of human skin fibroblast-like cells surviving mitomycin C treatments show a variety of intra- and interchromosomal rearrangements limited to the constitutive heterochromatic regions. Starting with a wild-type line polymorphic for chromosome no. 1 heterochromatin, we have observed clones with complete symmetry and varying degrees of asymmetry of the no. 1 heterochromatin, translocations of “excess” chromosome 1 heterochromatin to one no. 9 member, interstitial translocations to sites normally devoid of heterochromatin, and duplication of the Y chromosome long arm heterochromatin. In the case of the chromosome no. 1 pair, the extent of heterochromatin variation was quantitated to test the hypothesis that discrete classes of variants occur. There appear to be two types of variants: Those showing reciprocal changes between homologues (2 examples) and those showing a change in the amount of heterochromatin of a single homologue (5 examples). The latter group showed an approximately linear series of variants. Unequal cross-over following repair after damage from the alkylating agent is considered the most likely explanation for the observed changes, given the repetitive nature of DNA at these heterochromatic sites.
Kairos revisited: An interview with James Kinneavy

In the spring of 1998, Richard Leo Enos, as chair of the Lorraine Sherley lecture series, invited James Kinneavy and Linda Ferreira-Buckley to speak to the faculty and students at Texas Christian University. As a graduate student working on a dissertation involving kairos and American literature, I saw in Professor Kinneavy's arrival a significant opportunity to clarify some of the ideas I had been considering. In particular, I had read Kinneavy's article on kairos as a "Neglected Concept" and saw in his ideas a great potential for the integration of literary and rhetorical studies. Nonetheless, I felt Professor Kinneavy had failed to address fully the transcendental aspect of kairos (best articulated by Paul Tillich) that, I felt, was central to the type of interdisciplinary work I was interested in pursuing. When I approached Kinneavy at TCU, then, I was, truth be told, on a naive mission to right a wrong I felt he had committed. Needless to say, I was quickly disabused of my perception. Professor Kinneavy and I began a conversation on the complexities of kairos, and he carefully illustrated the significance of the term to both rhetoric and literature. Most importantly Kinneavy asserted that kairos was transcendent in that it worked across culture lines and that it offered a subtle way of addressing the situations in which rhetoric is born. Indeed, kairos, he argued, actually explained how rhetoric was born. He felt the term expressed how certain cultural movements and conditions united with special moments to create ripe times for the rhetorical act. In this way kairos was a cornerstone for rhetoric. When Professor Kinneavy left TCU, he and I began a dialogue through email and phone that culminated in the interview printed here for the first time. The interview was conducted at his home in Austin, Texas, in August 1998 and was initially meant simply as background research for my dissertation and an article I was writing. My hope for the interview was that Professor Kinneavy would expand upon his idea of kairos and that he would clarify his position in relation to those of other theorists.
Age-related differences in the maintenance of frontal plane dynamic stability while stepping to targets

Older adults may be vulnerable to frontal plane dynamic instability, which is of clinical significance. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the age-related differences in frontal plane dynamic stability by quantifying the margin of stability and hip abductor moment generation of subjects performing a single crossover step and sidestep to targets that created three different step widths during forward locomotion. Nineteen young adults (9 males, age: 22.9±3.1 years, height: 174.3±10.2 cm, mass: 71.7±13.0 kg) and 18 older adults (9 males, age: 72.8±5.2 years, height: 174.9±8.6 cm, mass: 78.0±16.3 kg) participated. For each walking trial, subjects performed a single laterally-directed step to a target on a force plate. Subjects were instructed to “perform the lateral step and keep walking forward”. The peak hip abductor moment of the stepping limb was 42% larger by older adults compared to younger adults (p<0.001). Older adults were also more stable than younger adults at all step targets (p<0.001). Older adults executed the lateral step with slower forward-directed and lateral-directed velocity despite similar step widths. Age-related differences in hip abduction moments may reflect greater muscular effort by older adults to reduce the likelihood of becoming unstable. The results of this investigation, in which subjects performed progressively larger lateral-directed steps, provide evidence that older adults may not be more laterally unstable than younger adults. However, age-related differences in this study could also reflect a compensatory strategy by older adults to ensure stability while performing this task.
THERMAL DEGRADATION OF OIL SHALE WITH MOLTEN NITRATES

Abstract The present study was conducted at the Bureau of Mines to explore the effect of a variety of molten nitrate salts on the thermal decomposition of one oil shale sample from the Green River Formation. Thermal analysis, coupled with effluent gas analysis, was used for all the tests in which the samples were heated at a constant heating rate. Weight losses of heated oil shale in the presence of nitrates were found to be higher than similar losses in the absence of nitrates. Ammonium nitrate degraded the oil shale at a lower temperature than that at which oil shale started to decompose when heated by itself, or in the presence of sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate. From scanning electron microscopy of the heated oil shale samples, it appears that ammonium nitrate attacked both the inorganic and the organic portions of the shale. These results indicate that a more detailed investigation of the effects of ammonium nitrate, and perhaps other nitrates, on fuel recovery from oil shale will be a worthwhile undertaking.
Production of milligram concentrations of free prostate specific antigen (fPSA) from LNCaP cell culture: Difference between fPSA from LNCaP cell and seminal plasma

We have established a procedure for the production of milligrams of free PSA (fPSA) from LNCaP cells derived from a human carcinoma of the prostate. By growing LNCaP cells in a serum-free medium in the presence of a synthetic androgen (R1881) and taking advantage of the special design of the Micro-mouse Hollow Fiber Bioreactor, relatively pure fPSA could be obtained. We found that columns containing either Sephacryl S-100 or S-200 could be used to remove the small amount of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and PSA-alpha 1-antichymotrypsin complex (PSA-ACT) from the preparation. More than 90% of the PSA from LNCaP cell cultures are fPSA. Like fPSA from seminal plasma, two fractions of fPSA differing in protease activity can be separated by DEAE-Sepharose chromatography. Based on the band pattern exhibited on the Western blot following sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis separation, fPSA from LNCaP contains more inactive PSA isoforms. This was confirmed by chromatofocusing: the isoelectric point (pl) of the major PSA isoforms from the LNCaP cell culture were higher (6.8 and 6.6) than that (6.4 and 6.1) of fPSA from seminal fluid. We conclude that the LNCaP cell culture is a reliable source for obtaining large quantities of pure fPSA both for the preparation of assay calibrators and controls and for studying the difference in fPSA between benign prostate disease and prostate cancer.
Multi-Functional Fullerene Soot/Alumina Composites

Here are presented the results of characterization and mechanical testing of composites consisting of alumina matrix reinforced with fullerene soot. The composites were manufactured by mechanical milling, sonication, and spark plasma sintering. Small amounts of Ni and Ti were added as catalyst to in situ synthesize complex carbon structures during thermomechanical processing. Some of the carbon in the soot showed phase transformations to diamond, fullerite, graphene-like particles, etc. that act as effective reinforcement. This resulted in significant improvements in fracture toughness in fully dense samples while preserving relatively high hardness. Electrical resistivity decreases by 15 orders of magnitude. The abovementioned improvements are attributed to the formation of a homogeneous carbon coating on the alumina particles and the in situ synthesized carbon nanostructures. The type of carbon nanostructure synthesized depends on the catalyst, SPS conditions, and the amount of fullerene soot added. A small amount of ruby is present as an impurity in the alumina serving as a pressure sensor through its stress-dependent luminescence and gives additional multi-functionality to the composite.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Mechanical detection of magnetic resonance

CONVENTIONAL techniques for measuring magnetic resonance involve the detection of electromagnetic signals induced in a coil or microwave cavity by the collective precession of magnetic moments (from nuclei or electrons) excited by an alternating magnetic field. In a different approach1, isolated electron spins have been detected by scanning tunnelling microscopy, with the spin precession inducing a radiofrequency modulation in the tunnelling current. Here, we describe a new and extremely sensitive method of detection, the principles of which derive from magnetic force microscopy2–5 and a recent proposal6,7 by one of us (J.A.S.). We measure the small, oscillatory magnetic force (10−14 N) acting on a paramagnetic sample (a few grains of diphenylpicrylhydrazil, weighing < 30 ng) which has been excited into magnetic resonance in the presence of an inhomogeneous magnetic field. This force is detected by optically sensing the angstrom-scale vibration of a micromechanical cantilever on which the sample is mounted. The sensitivity of this technique to the spatial distribution of the spins suggests that mechanical detection of magnetic resonance has the potential for imaging microscopic samples in three dimensions. So far, we have achieved a spatial resolution of 19 μm in one dimension.
Photo-degradation of methylene blue in the presence of 2-anthraquinone sulfonate and cyclohexanol

Abstract Hydroxyl radical is a highly reactive oxygen species and can be used to oxidize many pollutants and toxic organic compounds. 2-Anthraquinone sulfonate (2-AQS) was found capable of producing hydroxyl radicals under UVA exposure. In this study, the photo-induced oxidative degradation of methylene blue (MB) by 2-anthraquinone sulfonate was investigated. Results indicated that 2-anthraquinone sulfonate was able to photo-degrade methylene blue. Addition of some chemical such as cyclohexanol could significantly increase the photo-degradation of methylene blue by 2-anthraquinone sulfonate. The degradation process was investigated by using LC–MS. Potential photochemical reaction mechanism of 2-anthraquinone sulfonate was proposed in this paper. Influence of solution pH value and different ratios of 2-AQS, cyclohexanol and MB mixture on the degradation of methylene blue were also studied.
Light inactivation of transaldolase in pea leaf chloroplasts

Abstract Transaldolase is inactivated when intact pea leaf chloroplasts are irradiated. This light inactivation is 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea, arsenite and sulfite-sensitive, implicating the Light Effect Mediator system in light inactivation of this oxidative pentose phosphate pathway enzyme.
The Effect of Phase Volume Ratio on Emulsion Type*: I. Beeswax-Borax Ointments

A systematic method for the investigation of three component systems is used for the investigation of the system beeswax-borax, liquid petrolatum, and water, in an effort to determine the emulsion type of beeswax-borax ointments. In the event that a beeswax-borax emulsifier is capable of forming both oil in water and water in oil emulsions the component ratios at the point of change in emulsion type will be determined. Investigation of the emulsion type of a basic cold cream consisting of beeswax-borax, liquid petrolatum, and water shows that the resulting ointment may be either oil in water or water in oil. It has been established that in this particular system the ointment will be water in oil if the aqueous phase of the ointment is less than 45 per cent. If the aqueous phase is 45 per cent or more, the ointment will be of the oil in water type.
The analysis of high energy heavy-ion transfer reactions

The regions of validity of quantal and semiclassical theories are discussed for high energy transfer reactions with heavy-ions. After demonstrating the equivalence of the two formalisms, they are applied quantitatively to predict spectroscopic factors, the energy dependence and Q dependence of single nucleon transfer on lead. The power of semiclassical theory for making wide surveys is shown. The discovery of simple cluster states in multinucleon transfer reactions on lighter nuclei is discussed using semiclassical theory. Finally the guantal analysis of new effects due to multistep processes in high energy heavy-ion reactions is presented.