cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA microarray analysis reveals a role for lysophosphatidic acid in the regulation of anti-inflammatory genes in MC3T3-E1 cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid with functional properties that overlap those of growth factors and cytokines. LPA production in vivo is linked to platelet degranulation and the biological activities of this lipid are associated with wound healing. Osteoblasts and their progenitor cells are exposed to high levels of this lipid factor in regions adjacent to bone fractures and we postulate a role for LPA in skeletal healing. The regeneration of bone injuries requires a complex array of changes in gene expression, but the effects of LPA on mRNA levels in bone cells have not been investigated. We performed a genome-wide expression analysis in LPA-treated MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells using Affymetrix GeneChip arrays. Cells exposed to LPA for 6 h exhibited 513 regulated genes, whereas changes in the levels of 54 transcripts were detected after a 24-h LPA treatment. Gene ontology analysis linked LPA-regulated gene products to biological processes that are known to govern bone healing, including cell proliferation, response to stress, organ development, chemotaxis/motility, and response to stimuli. Among the gene products most highly up-regulated by LPA were transcripts encoding the anti-inflammatory proteins sST2, ST2L, and heat-shock protein 25 (HSP25). RT-PCR analysis confirmed that these mRNAs were increased significantly in MC3T3-E1 cells and primary osteoblasts exposed to LPA. The response of cells to LPA is mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors, and the stimulation of anti-inflammatory gene expression in MC3T3-E1 cells was blocked by Ki16425, an inhibitor of LPA(1) and LPA(3) receptor forms. Pertussis toxin impaired only the LPA-induced expression of sST2. LPA-stimulated levels of sST2, ST2L and HSP25 mRNAs persisted if the cytosolic Ca(2+) elevations elicited by this lipid were blocked with BAPTA. In contrast to the stimulatory effect of LPA, exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to fluid shear reduced the transcript levels of all three anti-inflammatory genes. The induction of sST2, ST2L and HSP25 expression by LPA suggests a role for this lipid factor in the regulation of osteoblastic cell function during periods of inflammation.
Cathode materials for magnesium and magnesium-ion based batteries

Abstract Rechargeable magnesium-ion batteries are a promising candidate technology to address future electrical energy storage needs of large scale mobile and stationary devices, due to the high environmental abundance of magnesium metal and divalent character of magnesium ion. With the recent increase in reports discussing cathode materials for magnesium-ion batteries, it is instructive to assess recent research in order to provide inspiration for future research. This review is a summary of the different chemistries and structures of the materials developed for magnesium ion cathodes. The particular strategies which may lead to future research initiatives are amplified.
Channeling radiation from relativistic positrons in LiF

Unusual features of radiation spectra from relativistic positrons channeled in the ionic crystal LiF have been observed.
High mitochondrial densities in the hearts of Antarctic icefishes are maintained by an increase in mitochondrial size rather than mitochondrial biogenesis

We investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating differences in mitochondrial volume density between heart ventricles of Antarctic notothenioids that vary in the expression of hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb). In mammals, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1) stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and maintain mitochondrial density in muscle tissues. We hypothesized that these factors would also maintain mitochondrial density in the hearts of Antarctic notothenioids. The percent cell volume occupied by mitochondria is significantly lower in hearts of the red-blooded notothenioid Notothenia coriiceps (18.18+/-0.69%) in comparison with those of the icefish Chaenocephalus aceratus (36.53+/-2.07%), which lacks both Hb and cardiac Mb. Mitochondrial densities are not different between hearts of N. coriiceps and Chionodraco rastrospinosus, which lacks Hb, but whose heart expresses Mb. Despite differences in mitochondrial volume density between hearts of N. coriiceps and C. aceratus, the levels of transcripts of the genes encoding PGC-1alpha, NRF-1 and citrate synthase, and the copy number of mitochondrial DNA do not differ. Our results indicate that the high mitochondrial densities in hearts of C. aceratus may result from an increase in organelle size. The surface-to-volume ratio of mitochondria from N. coriiceps is 1.9-fold greater than that of mitochondria from C. aceratus. In addition, the levels of PGC-1alpha correlate with mitochondrial density in muscle tissues of notothenioids possessing mitochondria of similar size and morphology. Finally, the levels of PGC-1alpha are 4.6-fold higher in the aerobic pectoral adductor muscle in comparison with the glycolytic skeletal muscle of N. coriiceps. The potential physiological significance of an increase in mitochondrial size in hearts of Antarctic icefishes is discussed.
N-cadherin mediates angiogenesis by regulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression via PI3K/Akt signaling in prostate cancer cells

Over the past decade, evidence continues to mount showing that N-cadherin is a critical protein in cancer progression and metastasis. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of N-cadherin in human prostate cancer tissue specimens and cell lines. Enhanced expression of N-cadherin was observed in both the malignant and bone-metastasized prostate tissue specimens compared to the healthy prostate tissues. Consistent with the tissue array data, N-cadherin was highly expressed in PC3, but not in Du145 and LNCaP human prostate cell lines. Based on cell to cell binding assay, we found that N-cadherin expression facilitates homotypic interaction between human prostate cancer cells and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC). Human angiogenesis antibody array and in vitro angiogenesis assay showed that siRNA-mediated knockdown of N-cadherin reduced the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which played a potential role in stimulating capillary network formation of HMEC. Additionally, culture supernatant of Du145 cells transfected with full-length N-cadherin expressing plasmid showed increased MCP-1 expression and chemoattractant ability compared to normal Du145 cells. Further, we noticed that blocking PI3K activity inhibited N-cadherin mediated MCP-1 expression. Our data demonstrated that N-cadherin in prostate cancer cell mediates cell-cell adhesion and regulates MCP-1 expression via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Evaluation of the Fate of Ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillin in Domestic Wastewater

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of sorption to the removal of two commonly used antibiotics (amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin) from wastewater. These antibiotics are excreted in large quantities with more than 75% of them being unmetabolized and are therefore likely to end up in domestic wastewater in significant quantities. The specific objectives were to determine the sorption behavior in synthetic wastewater (SWW), the effect of pH and contribution of microbial surfaces, to the sorption of these antibiotics. The SWW, adjusted to various pH levels, was used and sorption kinetics conducted at 100 and 250 μg L−1 concentrations. Adsorption isotherms were determined at different pH levels. The SWW (pH 6.6) was inoculated with Rhodococcus sp. B30 strain to determine the contribution of microbial surfaces to sorption. Generally, both antibiotics revealed a decrease in sorption with pH increase, suggesting that lowering the solution pH of the wastewater may reduce their amounts in wastewater solution. Comparatively, ciprofloxacin exhibited higher sorption than amoxicillin. The sorption distribution coefficient (Kd) values for ciprofloxacin ranged from 0.4356 to 0.8902 L g−1, with pH = 5.5 exhibiting the highest Kd, while that for amoxicillin ranged from 0.1582 to 0.3858 L g−1 with the highest Kd at pH = 3.5. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in Kd values between various pH levels for both antibiotics except between the pH of 5.5 and 6.6. Both antibiotics were not degraded within 48 h by Rhodococcus sp. B30 strain. These results indicate that degradation may not be the major process of removal of compounds from wastewater treatment plants and hence the importance of sorption as an intervention technique.
Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS): Managing strategic and tactical relay for the evolving Mars network

Orbital relay of landed asset data have been a critical component of the Martian communications network for landed Mars missions from 2004 through the current day. Lessons learned from the first several years of the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) and Phoenix lander relay experiences highlighted clear deficiencies with relay processes and tools that directly led to the proposal for and implementation of a new system, the Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS). MaROS provides a central point of coordination between lander and orbiter mission teams for management of strategic and tactical relay activities, and further provides resources to track and correlate relay session performance data. MaROS has been in use by the operations teams of Odyssey, MRO, and MER since mid-2010, and development continues to improve and expand the system capabilities. This paper will discuss the considerations for the MaROS implementation, provide an overview of the architecture and design, and describe the role of the system in the current and next-generation Mars Relay Network.
When Does a Randomly Weighted Self-normalized Sum Converge in Distribution?

We determine exactly when a certain randomly weighted, self--normalized sum converges in distribution, partially verifying a 1965 conjecture of Leo Breiman. We, then, apply our results to characterize the asymptotic distribution of relative sums and to provide a short proof of a 1973 conjecture of Logan, Mallows, Rice and Shepp on the asymptotic distribution of self--normalized sums in the case of symmetry.
Surface Modification of Liquid Crystal Alignment Layer by Photochemical Reaction

Abstract Photochemical attachment of functional group of Liquid Crystal process in the presence of chemical vapor are discussed.
Deconvolution of surface topology for quantification of initial wear in highly cross-linked acetabular components for THA.

Evaluation of the surface morphology of short-term retrieved cross-linked acetabular components requires differentiation between the features generated during machining and the smaller-scale morphologies generated during the in vivo wear process. Previously, the distinction between the waviness of machining and the roughness of wear has been related to the grain size of the UHMWPE. Here a low-frequency cutoff is proposed, based on the maximum spectral frequency of machining marks, rather than on the grain size of the bulk UHMWPE material, as a reliable method for deconvolving machining marks from in vivo wear following short-term implantation. To this end, as-machined articulating surfaces of conventional (GUR 1050) and two groups of highly cross-linked UHMWPE acetabular components were examined to determine whether they exhibited a periodic surface morphology with a well-defined spatial frequency. The surface frequency spectra revealed low-frequency peaks associated with the machining marks, which were unique to each type of implant. Furthermore, the surface frequency spectra appeared uniform within a single group of implants. Statistically significant differences in the surface roughness and waviness were observed between the three groups of new implants. Our research suggests that machining marks can be effectively deconvolved from the articulating surface with the use of a Fourier transform algorithm with a single cutoff frequency of 0.08 1/μm, corresponding to a wavelength of 12.5 μm. The results of this study provide a unified conceptual framework for discriminating between waviness and roughness of the articulating surface for machined orthopedic components. The distinction between waviness and roughness is expected to be crucial for the comprehensive evaluation of wear surfaces after short-term implantation, when machining marks may be partially worn away or plastically deformed in vivo. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res (Appl Biomater) 63: 492–500, 2002
Aggregation Behavior of Aerosol OT in Nonaqueous Solvents and Its Desorption—An ESR Study

Abstract ESR technique is used in this study to monitor the aggregation behavior of an anionic surfactant Aerosol OT in nonaqueous solvents by measuring the rotational correlation time, τ of a nitroxide labeled fatty acid probe (5-doxyl stearic acid) as a function of the surfactant concentration. These studies reveal that while Aerosol OT can form aggregates in low polarity (reverse micelles) and high polarity (regular micelles) solvents, they do not aggregate significantly in solvents of intermediate polarity. Also, water was not found to have any significant effect on the aggregation behavior of this surfactant in nonpolar solvents. A good correlation is obtained between the surfactant aggregation tendency and its desorption from alumina into different solvents.
Collapse and folding of pressurized rings in two dimensions

Hydrostatically pressurized circular rings confined to two dimensions (or cylinders constrained to have only z -independent deformations) undergo Euler-type buckling when the outside pressure exceeds a critical value. We perform a stability analysis of rings with arclength-dependent bending moduli and determine how weakened bending modulus segments affect the buckling critical pressure. Rings with a fourfold symmetric modulation are particularly susceptible to collapse. In addition we study the initial postbuckling stages of the pressurized rings to determine possible ring folding patterns.
Design and construction of a microcoil NMR probe for the routine analysis of 20-μL samples

Recent advances in microcoil NMR have provided commercially available, robust methodologies for analyzing mass and volume limited samples in the low microliter regime, and the technology has been applied in a number of areas. Unfortunately, due to constraints on sample size and the limited solubility of some compounds of interest, the application of this approach to certain areas of development, such as the structural analysis of chromatography eluates, is restricted. A current challenge is to provide an option within a previously unexplored sample size regime (tens of microliters) while still taking advantage of the increase in mass sensitivity afforded by solenoidal microcoil NMR. In this article, we present the design and construction of a microcoil NMR probe with a custom detection cell for the routine analysis of 20-μL samples. The detection cell is comprised of a CO2-laser-heated HF-etched borosilicate active volume with fused silica transfer lines added to provide sample input and output. This setup produces an enlarged sample bubble within the detection coil and provides easy connection with 1/16 in. standard LC connections, lending itself to applications with HPLC-NMR, online SPE and similar separation techniques, as well as higher-throughput robotic automation. NMR performance characteristics determined using standard compounds showed the probe exhibited reasonable resolution (<0.01 ppm), although sensitivity was less than optimal due to tuning constraints. Future improvements and opportunities are also discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 33B: 1–8, 2008
Elastic contact stress analysis of semi‐crystalline polymers under normal and tangential loading

Stress distribution in a polymeric subsurface under the asperity contact is investigated assuming the well known Hertzian contact stress distribution. Elastic stress analyses for three different materials are performed using a finite element method: (1) isotropic elastic solid, (2) isotropic elastic solid with a soft layer, and (3) isotropic elastic solid with a hard layer. Highly linear polymers as high density polyethylene (HDPE), poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), and polyoxymethylene (POM) which transfer thin wear films are modeled as the elastic solid with a soft layer. Gammaray irradiated highly linear polymers and the other ordinary semi-crystalline polymers which transfer massive lumpy wear debris are considered as the elastic solid without any heterogeneous surface layer. Helium plasma treated polymers are modeled as the elastic solid with a hard layer. Octahedral shear stress and equivalent strain contours in the subsurface are obtained for each case. The octahedral shear stress and equivalent strain distributions are examined to explain various wear behaviors of semicrystalline polymers based on the Mises yield criterion and the delamination theory of wear.
The development and diffusion of customer relationship management (CRM) intelligence in business-to-business environments

Abstract CRM data is among the most important and comprehensive information available to management in many organizations. This is particularly the case in business-to-business marketing, where the firm's extended working relationship with its customers is frequently crucial for the maintenance of a healthy business. However, in many instances management has treated CRM data as highly specific to its client relationships and has therefore neglected to analyze this information across market segments, customer categories, and customer–firm relationship forms in order to draw meaningful conclusions for driving business decisions. The authors present a method for effectively classifying CRM information in ways that may help guide management decisions. This can lead to an improved understanding of the in-forming process in the firm's dealings with its clients, the directionality of customer–firm decision-making, the key decision drivers across deals, and the historical record of the firm's relationship with its customers. The end result will be an improved use of valuable historical information for establishing competitive strategies and the related programs and policies for retaining and growing the firm's customer base and other elements of the firm's value delivery network.
Thin-target bremsstrahlung at 0° from 50 keV electrons

Abstract New results are reported for the relative doubly differential bremsstrahlung cross section for photons radiated at 0° for 50 keV electrons incident on Ag, TbF 3 , Au and UF 4 targets. A “difference” method, particularly useful at 0°, is used and discussed. Problems and remedies unique to the 0° geometry are presented. A new method of fitting theory to data which includes both detector response and background contributions is also introduced. The measured photon energy dependence of the cross sections are found to agree with the theory within an error of about 3%.
Typed compilation of inclusive subtyping

I present a type-preserving translation that eliminates subtyping and bounded quantification without introducing any run-time costs. This translation is based on Mitchell and Pierce's encoding of bounded quantification using intersection types. I show that, previous negative observations notwithstanding, the encoding is adequate given a sufficiently rich target type theory. The necessary target type theory is made easily typecheckable by including a collection of explicit coercion combinators, which are already desired for eliminating subtyping. However, no form of coercion abstraction is necessary (even to support bounded quantification), leading to a simple target language.
On the k-ϵ model of turbulence

Abstract Starting with the basic conservation laws for the mean turbulent motions and following the conventional methods of continuum thermodynamics, the fundamental equations of the k-ϵ model are rederived. Thus, it is shown that the k-ϵ model of turbulence is consistent with the rational continuum mechanics.
Structure-activity models of oral clearance, cytotoxicity, and LD50: a screen for promising anticancer compounds

Background Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models have become popular tools to help identify promising lead compounds in anticancer drug development. Few QSAR studies have investigated multitask learning, however. Multitask learning is an approach that allows distinct but related data sets to be used in training. In this paper, a suite of three QSAR models is developed to identify compounds that are likely to (a) exhibit cytotoxic behavior against cancer cells, (b) exhibit high rat LD50 values (low systemic toxicity), and (c) exhibit low to modest human oral clearance (favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics). Models were constructed using Kernel Multitask Latent Analysis (KMLA), an approach that can effectively handle a large number of correlated data features, nonlinear relationships between features and responses, and multitask learning. Multitask learning is particularly useful when the number of available training records is small relative to the number of features, as was the case with the oral clearance data.
Melt viscosity behavior of some engineering thermoplastics

Frequently, the enhanced elevated-temperature rigidity of engineering thermoplastics (ETPs) is a consequence of high glass-transition temperature, and many ETPs contain aromatic ring structures in the backbone chain. These factors can lead to difficulty in melt processing, or fabrication, of parts. Thus, the definition of the melt rheology of such systems is of considerable technological, as well as scientific importance. The investigation reported here first defines the viscosity-temperature dependence of five ETPs over a relatively narrow range of temperatures appropriate to melt processing in terms of superposition methodology. The five ETPs studied were bisphenol A polycarbonate, polysulfone, the condensation polymer of bisphenol A and mixed iso- and terephthalic acids, and two experimental condensation polymers: bisphenol A/isophthalic acid and 1,2 bis(4,4′-hydroxy phenyl) ethane/isophthalic acid. Viscous flow energies of activation are examined in terms of polymer chain structure. In the second portion of the investigation it is shown that, for the latter two condensation polymers, the molecular weight, temperature, and shear rate dependence of the viscosity may be expressed in terms of a modified Carreau model. The Newtonian limiting low-shear viscosity dependence on molecular weight and that of the shear rate shift factor (relaxation time) are found to be somewhat greater than that normally observed.
Phase behavior and gelation of solutions of poly(vinylchloride)

Abstract The phase behavior and the thermoreversible gelation of solutions of PVC in nitrobenzene has been studied. Two concentration domains have to be considered. At low polymer concentration isothermal annealing results in a relatively high degree of crystallinity without the formation of a gel network. At higher polymer content, cooling results in the formation of a thermoreversible gel of low crystallinity. This crystallinity increases after isothermal annealing. The influence of polymer content and annealing temperature is investigated. A model, based on the formation of cooperative intermolecular associations, is proposed in order to explain this complex phase behavior.
A liquid drop RC filter apparatus for detection.

A new analytical detector based on a liquid drop resistor–capacitor (RC) filter is described, in which transformed gain vs. frequency curves are used to analyze compounds. This detector can be used to detect either charged or neutral species (that are dielectrically different) which are dissolved in a liquid (e.g., water, alcohol, solvent mixtures, etc.). This device was fabricated by modifying an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD)-based experimental setup. When a liquid drop is placed on a dielectric surface, the system acts as a RC filter. At a given frequency, gain is a function of conductivity, surface tension, dielectric constant, double-layer thickness of the solid–liquid drop interface, as well as the applied voltage. Since different liquids and solutions have different physical properties, each liquid/solution has a unique curve (peak) in gain vs. frequency plot. This is the basic principle behind the detector. Different amounts of zinc chloride dissolved in water, benzalkonium chloride in water, 1-methylimidazole in water, cetyltrimethyl-ammonium chloride (CTAC) in water, and CTAC dissolved in ethylene glycol solutions were tested with the detector as proof of principle. The device can be used as a stand-alone detector or can easily be coupled with droplet based microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems such as EWOD-based microfluidic chips.
Identification and characterization of auto-anti-idiotypic antibodies specific for antibodies against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus envelope glycoprotein (GP5)

Auto-anti-idiotypic antibodies (Aab-2s) were detected from pigs experimentally infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The Aab-2s were specific against the idiotypic antibodies (Ab-1s) to the envelope glycoprotein GP5 of PRRSV and were detected from serum samples collected between 21 and 98 days post-infection (DPI). Serological characterization indicated that the Aab-2s recognized the idiotype located within or near the antigen-combining sites of the anti-GP5 antibodies, which was shared by both mouse MAb anti-GP5 and swine polyclonal antibodies. The fact that the Aab-2 inhibited the anti-GP5 antibodies from binding to PRRSV and that they were detected at different time periods in pigs that cleared the infection prior to 98 DPI versus pigs in which virus was detected at 98 DPI suggests that Aab-2 antibodies may play a role in immunity to PRRSV infection.
Metabolites of cis,trans, and trans,cis isomers of linoleic acid in mice and incorporation into tissue lipids.

Abstract Metabolism of octadecadienoic acid isomers in weanling mice was studied by feeding fat-free diets supplemented with 2% by weight of cis-9, trans-12-octadecadienoic acid (c,t-18:2-d0), tetradeuterated trans-9, cis-12-octadecadienoicacid (t,c-18:2-d4) or dideuterated cis-9,cis-12-octadienoic acid (c,c-18:2-d2). Rates of conversion of c,t-18:2-d0 and c,c-18:2-d2 to c,t-20:4-d0 and c,c-20:4-d2 were identical and both were 5-times higher than conversion of t,c-18:2-d4 to t,c-20:4-d4. Accumulation of t,c-18:2-d4 in liver lipids was 2–4 times higher than for c,t-18:2-d0 or c,c-18:2-d2. The t,c-18:2 diet significantly increased woth the 20:3(n−9) and total lipid concentrations in liver but not in heart, plasma or brain. The 20:3 (n−9)/20:4(n−6) ratio in the liver lipidswas 2–4 times higher for t,c-18:2-d4 than c,c-18:2-d2 fed mice. The position of the trans bond had a marked influence on the distribution of the various intermediate desaturation and elongation products. Intermediate metabolite data for the liver lipids indicated t,c-18:2-d4 was preferentially converted to 5c,11c,14t-20:3 (‘dead end’ product) rather than to t,c-20:4. Concentration of the 18:3(n−6) metabolite of c,t-18:2-d0 was about 10-times greater than the 18:3(n−6) metabolite of c,c-18:2-d2. Conversely, the concentration of the normal 20:3(n−6) metabolite from c,c-18:2-d2 was 4-times higher than the 20:3(n−6) metabolite of c,t-18:2-d0. Compared to the c,c-18:2 diet, the t,c-18:2 diets significantly increased the total n−3, but not the total n−6 fatty acid content of heart lipids. These results illustrate that the position of the trans double-bond influences a variety of enzyme activities and the isomers differ in their physiological effects.
Modifiers of active chloride transport across Aplysia californica intestine

Abstract 1. 1. The transepithelial resistance of Aplysia californica intestine increased in a sodium-free medium. 2. 2. The short-circuit current is carried by a net active chloride transfer from the mucosa to serosa in a sodium-free medium. 3. 3. Piretanide inhibited sodium-independent active chloride absorption whereas furosemide or SITS did not. 4. 4. Thiocyanate inhibited sodium-independent active chloride absorption whereas d -glucose or l -phenylalanine had no effect on chloride movement.
A new flyback DC-to -three-phase converter with sinusoidal outputs

Systematic extension of any dc-to-dc converter leads to its dc-to-three-phase equivalent characterized by sinusoidal output voltages and fast dynamic responses. This genralization principle is illustrated for the special case of the flyback topology. State-space averaging has modeled with a high degree of accuracy the performance of dc-to-dc converters. Here it is combined with the stationary-to-rotating coordinate transformation, customarily used in plyphase ac systems, to results in an effective analysis method for switched-mode dc-to-polyphase converters.
Currents Limited by Space Charge between Coaxial Cylinders

Limiting current between coaxial cylinders; calculation of the function $\ensuremath{\beta}=\mathbf{f}(\frac{\mathbf{r}}{{\mathbf{r}}_{\ensuremath{\circ}}})$ in the space charge equation $i=\frac{(\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{9})\sqrt{(\frac{e}{m})}{V}^{\frac{3}{2}}}{(r{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2})}$. Two different infinite series were obtained for $\ensuremath{\beta}$ and the coefficients for fourteen terms of each were determined. These two sets were checked against each other. Thus values of ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}$ were obtained accurate to 1 in 10,000. These were checked by an integration method which was also used to calculate values in the region where the series failed. For a cathode of radius ${r}_{0}$ inside an anode of radius $r$, ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}$ increases from 1 at $\frac{r}{{r}_{0}}=11.2$ to a maximum value 1.0946 at $\frac{r}{{r}_{0}}=42$, decreases to a minimum value 0.9990 at $\frac{r}{{r}_{0}}=30,000$, and becomes 1 at $\frac{r}{{r}_{0}}=\ensuremath{\infty}$. The customary assumption ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}=1$ has therefore led to errors up to 9.5 per cent in previous calculations, but this error is usually about equal and opposite to that introduced by neglecting the effect of initial velocities. For the cathode outside the anode, ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}$ is given very closely by the equation ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}=4.6712 (\frac{{r}_{0}}{r}) {[{log}_{10}(\frac{{r}_{0}}{r})\ensuremath{-}{log}_{10}\sqrt{2}]}^{\frac{3}{2}}$, for $\frac{{r}_{0}}{r}g10$. The empirical constant \ensuremath{\surd}2 is interpreted to mean that the potential distribution near the anode is unaltered if the hot cathode is replaced by a cold cylinder having one half the cross-section of the original cathode. The correction for initial velocities is less for a cylindrical cathode inside an anode than for parallel planes. In the inverted case it is much greater than in the case for parallel planes, and the effect of the tangential component of the initial velocity may greatly decrease the current that flows.
A feasibility trial of a video intervention to improve informed consent for parents of children with leukemia

Background Research on parental understanding of informed consent for pediatric randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has highlighted weaknesses in understanding of key aspects of informed consent. The goals of the current study were to assess the feasibility of and parental satisfaction with a video intervention to improve informed consent for pediatric leukemia RCTs and to compare parental question asking during informed consent conferences (ICCs) for parents in the current study with historical control data. Procedure A 20-min video was produced. Utilizing the principles of anticipatory guidance, it included information delivered by nurses and physicians about leukemia and key aspects of informed consent. Parents were encouraged to be active participants in ICCs. Participants included 12 parents of children newly diagnosed with pediatric leukemia. The video was viewed by local pediatric oncologists prior to utilization with families. Results Ninety-two percent of parents reported that the video made it easier to understand information that their child's physician later provided; 83% of parents reported that it helped them to think of questions to ask the physician; and 67% of parents indicated that the video made them feel more comfortable with asking questions of the physician. Results of a t-test comparing question asking during ICCs revealed that parents who participated in the intervention asked a higher rate of questions than parents from a historical control sample (t = 1.95, P = 0.05). Discussion Our study supports the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief video intervention employing anticipatory guidance to prepare parents for future discussions about RCTs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:113–118. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Abi-1 forms an epidermal growth factor-inducible complex with Cbl: role in receptor endocytosis.

Abstract The Abl-interactor (Abi) proteins are involved in the regulation of actin polymerization and have recently been shown to modulate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) endocytosis. Here we describe the identification of a novel complex between Abi-1 and the Cbl ubiquitin ligase that is induced by stimulation with EGF. Notably, an Abi-1 mutant lacking the SH3 domain (ΔSH3) fails to interact with Cbl and inhibits EGFR internalization. We show that expression of the Abi-1ΔSH3 mutant inhibits Cbl accumulation at the plasma membrane after EGF treatment. We have previously shown that the oncogenic Abl tyrosine kinase inhibits EGFR internalization. Here we report that the oncogenic Abl kinase disrupts the EGF-inducible Abi-1/Cbl complex, highlighting the importance of Abl kinases and downstream effectors in the regulation of EGFR internalization. Thus, our work reveals a new role for oncogenic Abl tyrosine kinases in the regulation of the Abi-1/Cbl protein complex and uncovers a role for the Abi-1/Cbl complex in the regulation of EGFR endocytosis.
Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor and subsequent endotoxin shock by pirfenidone.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) is an extremely potent cytokine which is involved in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. Interruption of its synthesis can result in a reduction of inflammation and subsequent pathology. A new experimental drug pirfenidone (5-methyl-L-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone, trade name: Deskar) has been reported to have beneficial effects for the treatment of certain fibrotic diseases. The present study describes the inhibition of TNF in vitro as well as the inhibition of circulating TNF in vivo by pirfenidone. Isolated, thioglycollate-induced peritoneal macrophages (Mphi) from C57BL/6 mice were exposed to either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or mannosylated bovine serum albumin then incubated with 0.1-0.9 mg/ml of pirfenidone. This substance inhibited the production of TNF in a dose-dependent manner as measured by ELISA. One i.p. injection of either 100 or 200 mg/kg pirfenidone inhibited the induction of circulating TNF following a single i.v. injection of LPS. Endotoxin shock was induced in mice using an i.p. injection of galactosamine and LPS. The higher dose of pirfenidone (200 mg/kg) completely inhibited shock and subsequent mortality. Lower doses of pirfenidone or administration either prior to or post challenge only partially inhibited symptoms. These results indicate that pirfenidone is able to inhibit both TNF induction and subsequent endotoxin shock. Additional studies are warranted to establish this drug as a potential treatment for diseases where TNF plays a major role.
Telecommunications and computer science: two merging paradigms

The purpose of this paper is to call attention to trends and curricula in the two areas of telecommunications and computer science. Telecommunications is in its infancy as an interdisciplinary academic subject which spans primarily the disciplines of electrical engineering, computer science and management. There are few telecommunications degree programs or identifiable specializations. Networks in the telecommunications industry are rapidly becoming very large distributed computing systems.In the computer industry, as well as the computer science research community, the dominant model for general purpose computing is also becoming distributed computing. However, in contrast to telecommunications, computer science is beginning to mature as an academic discipline also having interdisciplinary roots. Since many of the technologies which are critical to the successful development of the intelligent multimedia network of the future lie within the domain of computer science, there are opportunities for computer science to make a major impact on the emerging telecommunications field.
Evaluation of phacoemulsification-induced oxidative stress and damage of cultured human corneal endothelial cells in different solutions using redox fluorometry microscopy.

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: e323–e327 Abstract. Purpose: To describe the basic concept of redox fluorometry microscopy and investigate its efficacy in evaluating the state of cultured human corneal endothelial cells in different solutions when ultrasonic energy was applied in vitro. Methods: Human corneal endothelial cells from human donor tissue not suitable for transplantation were cultured. A phacoemulsification probe with a 30° round, 1.1- mm TurboSonics® ABS™ Tip (Alcon, Fort Worth, Texas) was introduced into culture dishes filled with balanced salt solution (BSS) and BSS plus (Alcon, Fort Worth, Texas). Cellular autofluorescence images were obtained using a Zeiss inverted microscope. The redox fluorometric ratio, which can be related to cellular metabolism, mitochondrial distribution patterns, which can shift in reaction to environmental changes, and cell size were analysed with a software program. Results: Human corneal endothelial cells exposed to increasing phacoemulsification times and ultrasonic energy displayed dose-dependent decreases in redox ratios. At a lower ultrasonic power and time, BSS plus showed significantly less change in redox ratio than BSS and control (p < 0.05, Mann–Whitney test). As ultrasonic power and time increased, BSS plus had no more significance. Conclusion: Redox fluorometry, with further technological improvement, might be an interesting and potentially useful tool for evaluation of phacoemulsification-induced corneal endothelial damage and screening of protective agents in vitro.
Co-planar bi-metallic interdigitated electrode substrate for spin-coated organic solar cells

Abstract A bulk heterojunction organic solar cell with co-planar interdigitated electrodes was fabricated and tested. The co-planar electrodes had a separation distance of 1–3 μm and were fabricated from aluminum and nickel on a heavily oxidized silicon wafer using photolithography. The device was prepared by spin-coating MEH-PPV:PCBB in a 1:3 wt ratio with a total donor:acceptor solution concentration of 2.44%. The device demonstrated a strong photovoltaic response under AM1.5 illumination of 80 mW/cm2 with an open circuit voltage of 0.704 V. The co-planar electrode design offers advantages in terms of electrode material selection and reliability as well as simplified device fabrication.
Application of under-approximation techniques to functional test generation targeting hard to detect stuck-at faults

Running at-speed functional tests has shown to be a very effective method to detect faulty chips. In our previous paper we presented a methodology for generating functional tests aimed at hard to detect gate level faults in the control logic of a processor. In that methodology gate level tests were mapped to the register transfer level (RTL) and a faulty RTL model was built. The propagation constraints of the fault through the design were captured as linear temporal logic (LTL) properties. These constraints reduced the search space. Further, the constraints also allowed us to do structural reductions like cone of influence reduction and removal of irrelevant duplicated signals. Overall the constraints provided improved scaling. Not all the design behaviours are required to generate a test for a fault. In this paper we use this insight to scale our previous methodology further. Under-approximations are design abstractions that only capture a subset of the orignial design behaviors. The use of RTL for test generation affords us two types of under-approximations: bit-width reduction and operator approximation. Our experiments show that the use of these two under-approximations can achive 2× to 3× reduction in test generation time without compromising the fault coverage.
Evaluation of white plastic flags as visual repellents for Snow Geese on coastal salt marshes

Excessive grazing by Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens) causes severe damage to salt marshes along the eastern seaboard of the United States and to traditional agricultural practices such as salt hay farming. The effectiveness of white plastic flags as visual repellents to Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens) on six Delaware Bay salt hay (Spartina sp.) marshes was evaluated. At each site, two 20 ha plots were selected, and then randomly assigned to the treatment (1 flag/0.4 ha) or the control (1 bare stake/0.4 ha) condition. From November 1993 until April 1994, faeces were collected at weekly intervals along transects established in each plot. The mean dry weight of faeces in flagged plots was significantly less than the mean dry weight of faeces in control plots, indicating relatively lower levels of goose activity in flagged areas. These findings are consistent with growing evidence that plastic flags are a simple, economical method of repelling Snow Geese.
The professional development school as learning organization

Many US teacher education programmes have developed learning environments in partnership with local school districts. A professional development school (PDS) is a learning organization formed through the collaboration of a university‐based teacher education programme with its K‐12 school partners. The resulting organization focuses simultaneously on the learning of school students and of preservice and inservice educators. This manuscript presents the PDS work of two different teacher education programmes and their alignment with the Standards for Professional Development Schools, published by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The first and most important of the five PDS standards addresses the qualities of the learning community. The contribution of the standards to the viability of the PDS learning community as an emerging organization is discussed. Plusieurs programmes d'enseignement de professeurs ont developpe un environnement d'apprentissage en conjonction avec les distric...
Keeping Teachers Happy: Job Satisfaction among Primary School Teachers in Rural Northwest China.

Numerous empirical studies from developing countries have noted that parental education has a robust and positive effect on child learning, a result that is often attributed to more educated parents making greater investments in their children's human capital. However, the nature of any such investment has not been well understood. This study examines how parental education affects various parental investments in goods and time used in children's human capital production via an unusually detailed survey from rural China. It is found that more educated parents make greater educational investments in both goods and time and that these relationships are generally robust to a rich set of controls. Evidence suggests that making greater investments in both goods and time stems both from higher expected returns to education for children and from different preferences for education among more educated parents. A second key finding is that the marginal effect of mother's education on educational investments is generally larger than that of father's education. Disciplines International and Comparative Education Comments Copyright The University of Chicago Press. Reprinted from Comparative Education Review, Volume 49, Issue 2, May 2005, pages 173-204. Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/503582 This journal article is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/gansu_papers/1 Comparative Education Review, vol. 49, no. 2. 2005 by the Comparative and International Education Society. All rights reserved. 0010-4086/2005/4902-0003$05.00 Comparative Education Review 173 Keeping Teachers Happy: Job Satisfaction among Primary School Teachers in Rural Northwest China TANJA SARGENT AND EMILY HANNUM
Social anxiety as a barrier to treatment for eating disorders

Background The goal of this pilot investigation is to determine the relationship between social anxiety and treatment- seeking behavior for eating disorders in an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Method Twenty-eight patients seeking treatment for anorexia or bulimia at an outpatient eating disorders clinic completed a battery of self-report measures on eating pathology, attachment style and functioning, and social anxiety at initial intake appointment. Levels of eating pathology and social anxiety at consult were compared with service utilization records on entry into treatment. Results Individuals who did not engage in treatment had significantly higher levels of social anxiety (F = 8.29, df = 1, p < .05) compared with those who did engage in treatment. There were no differences in demographic characteristics, diagnoses, or level of eating pathology at intake. Conclusions Social anxiety may act as a barrier to effective helpseeking and utilization of mental health treatment among individuals with eating disorders. Replication of these findings in a larger sample and more in-depth study of the mechanism of the observed association between use of services and social anxiety may be useful in planning more effective outreach in the community to underserved populations in need of treatment for eating disorders. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 32:103–106, 2002.
Invited Commentary: Co-occurring Health Conditions Among Women Living With Profound Life Challenges

People challenged by homelessness are living with several losses including the loss of a home, employment, economic security, health or well-being, and personal security. Assistance programs for people who are homeless consist of housing, emergency shelter, food services, employment assistance, peer support, medical care, and mental health services. An article by Riley et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2011;175(5):515-522) appearing in this issue of the Journal examines the relation between basic subsistence needs and health outcomes in a cohort of 129 human immunodeficiency virus-infected women who were recruited from a probability sample of low-income hotels, homeless shelters, and free food programs in San Francisco, California. The results of their study underscore the importance of addressing subsistence needs and providing access to medical and psychological treatment for homeless and unstably housed women. In addition to subsistence needs, more attention should be given to comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions that occur among homeless women, including trauma-related disorders.
Surgery: Risks of pituitary surgery in the elderly.

Surgical resection of pituitary tumors is the treatment of choice for patients with hormone-secreting tumors or those that impair vision and other neurological functions. A recent study by Grossman et al., however, found transsphenoidal surgery to be associated with increased mortality and morbidities in elderly patients, which suggests the need for careful individualized decision-making in this vulnerable population.