cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes

Catalytic synthesis of carbon nanotubes has been investigated over supported transition metal catalysts. The samples were characterized by trans-mission electron microscopy. For catalyst preparation, different methods such as ion-exchange, impregnation, etc. were applied. Activity of the catalyst samples prepared in different ways depended on the nature of the catalyst support (silica of different pore diameter, zeolites of various structure) and on the pH of the solution during the synthesis of catalyst samples. Supported cobalt and iron were found to be active in the catalytic decomposition of acetylene and other carbon-containing compounds. While the activity of iron samples is always higher, the quality of the nanotubes (degree of graphitization) is superior in cobalt samples. The quality and the quantity of carbon nanotubes produced in the catalytic reaction have been stud-ied also as a function of reaction time and reaction temperature. Increasing reaction time can result in a greater amount of amorphous carbon due to the deactivation of catalytically active sites in time. The optimum reaction temperature depends on the initial reactant applied in the decomposition. Increasing temperature is favorable for the formation of a wellgraphitized structure, on the other hand, above a certain temperature homogeneous decomposition of the reactant molecules can take place. In summarizing these results some aspects of the mechanism of nanotube formation can be explained.
Tracking cellular features using motion constraints and global information

This paper discusses research directions and results from a multidisciplinary effort to develop feature extraction tools for analysis of the changes in molecular distribution during cell movement. This work is part of a broader effort directed at developing hardware for a new digital imaging microscope, as well as image restoration algorithms which precede the extraction steps, making them simpler. New voxel based display techniques are also being developed for improved visualization of the two and three dimensional data sets. The most complete feature extraction algorithm developed so far analyzes a time sequence of two-dimensional phase contrast images of newt eosinophilic granulocytes (white blood cells). It tracks a moving cell and also identifies the lamellipods of the cell. This allows the extraction of quantitative information relating cell motility to lamellipod formation. The algorithm finds the cell by finding those pixels in the image which belong to the boundary of the cell . Potential boundary pixels are identified by locating intensity changes due to the phase contrast halo surrounding the cell. While most boundary based image segmentation algorthms form a closed boundary by moving from a starting boundary pixel along a path which locally or globally optimizes a cost function our algorithm does not trace a path from a starting point and does not minimize a cost function. Instead, we close the boundary by examining the geometrical and topological relationships among potential boundary pixels. Gaps in the boundary are closed by connecting gap points to the "closest" boundary point. "Close" is determined by a distance metric which combines Euclidean and other types of geometric information about the boundary pixels already found The position of the cell in the previous image is used both to constrain the location of the cell in the image being examined and to insure that the boundary eventually found is indeed closed.
The antipredator vigilance of adult and juvenile thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Sciuridae: Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) : Visual obstruction and simulated hawk attacks

Visual antipredator vigilance was predicted to increase in the presence of visual obstructions that do not otherwise provide cover. This hypothesis was tested using 13-lined ground squirrels as they fed in four Plexiglas boxes that varied in the extent and location of visual obstruction. Adults and juveniles of both sexes were studied. Adults reacted to long-range lateral visual occlusion and total occlusion by withdrawing more often and assuming both more pronounced and lengthy alert postures relative to short-range lateral occlusion and no occlusion. Juveniles were less vigilant than adults and did not behave differently in the four treatment conditions. There were no sex differences. Simulated hawk attacks on squirrels feeding in the boxes indicate that the greater vigilance of adults led to significantly reduced reaction times compared with juveniles.
On Understanding Height Tendency

Abstract Top-down height tendency reasoning is explained and examined. This approach uses the assumption of a stratospheric level of insignificant dynamics (LID)—where height and pressure tendencies are considered negligible—to simplify the understanding of cyclone-scale hydrostatic height (pressure) tendency in the troposphere. Quasigeostrophic analytic model results confirm the existence of such a LID for scales less than approximately 5000 km. An examination of a height tendency equation with the LID assumption shows that there must be net integrated local warming (cooling) between the LID and any level below the LID where heights are falling (rising). The local temperature tendency, which from the thermodynamic equation results from advection, diabatic heating, and the product of vertical motion and static stability, reflects the combined actions of all thermodynamic and dynamic processes that together promote hydrostatic height change in isobaric coordinates. In particular, the important dynamic effe...
The TSC2/mTOR pathway drives endothelial cell transformation induced by the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus G protein-coupled receptor

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the infectious causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), encodes a G protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR) implicated in the initiation of KS. Here we demonstrate that Kaposi's sarcomagenesis involves stimulation of tuberin (TSC2) phosphorylation by vGPCR, promoting the activation of mTOR through both direct and paracrine mechanisms. Pharmacologic inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin prevented vGPCR sarcomagenesis, while overactivation of this pathway was sufficient to render endothelial cells oncogenic. Moreover, mice haploinsufficient for TSC2 are predisposed to vascular sarcomas remarkably similar to KS. Collectively, these results implicate mTOR in KS initiation and suggest that the sarcomagenic potential of KSHV may be a direct consequence of the profound sensitivity of endothelial cells to vGPCR dysregulation of the TSC2/mTOR pathway.
Detecting Web Robots Using Resource Request Patterns

A significant proportion of Web traffic is now attributed to Web robots, and this proportion is likely to grow over time. These robots may threaten the security, privacy, functionality, and performance of a Web server due to their unregulated crawling behavior. Therefore, to assess their impact, it must be possible to accurately detect Web robot requests. Contemporary detection approaches, however, may cease to be effective as the behavior of both robots and humans evolves. In this paper, we present a novel detection approach that is based on the contrasts in the resource request patterns of robots and humans. The proposed scheme, which relies on an invariant behavioral difference between humans and robots, builds on the lessons from contemporary approaches. We demonstrate that the proposed approach can accurately detect Web robots and argue that it is expected to remain effective even as they continue their rapid evolution.
Serum Testosterone and the Risk of Prostate Cancer: Potential Implications for Testosterone Therapy

Objective: A potential risk of testosterone replacement therapy is an increase in the incidence of prostate cancer, but it is unclear whether higher levels of serum testosterone are associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. We prospectively evaluated serum androgen concentrations and prostate cancer risk. Method: Included were 794 members of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. We estimated the rate ratio (RR) of prostate cancer by entering serial measures of serum total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex hormone binding globulin, calculated free testosterone, and free testosterone index (FTI) into a Cox proportional hazards regression model with simple updating. Results: Higher calculated free testosterone was associated with an increased age-adjusted risk of prostate cancer {RRs by quartile: 1.00, 1.52 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.93-2.50], 1.16 (95% CI, 0.61-2.20), 2.59 (95% CI, 1.285.25); P trend = 0.03}, which persisted after excluding measures in men <45 years of age [RRs by quartile: 1.00, 1.33 (95% CI, 0.78-2.25), 1.26 (95% CI, 0.68-2.33), 1.89 (95% CI, 0.99-3.61); P trend = 0.03]. Compared to men with eugonadal FTI (z0.153), men with hypogonadal FTI had a decreased risk of prostate cancer (RR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.31-0.82). Conclusion: Higher levels of calculated serum free testosterone are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. These findings suggest that men receiving testosterone therapy should be regularly monitored for prostate cancer and underscore the need for prospective trials of testosterone therapy incorporating incidence of prostate cancer as a primary safety end point. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005;14(9):2257–60)
Modeling magnetic catheters in external fields

We develop a mechanical model for catheters and other interventional devices which are steered by externally applied magnetic fields. Each device contains a permanent magnet near its distal tip. The external magnetostatic field, whose direction and magnitude can be selectively varied, is applied to the vicinity of the tissue where the medical procedure is being performed, in order to orient the catheter tip. At the same time, the length of the catheter is varied by a motorized advancer. The position and orientation of the catheter tip is determined in real-time by electromagnetic means. This information can be fed into a closed-loop control algorithm which would decide how to change the magnetic field and the catheter length. The model includes closed-form solutions of the equilibrium equations, which facilitates accurate estimation of the catheter configuration and the contact force. Once the device is at a target point, the control algorithm can modify the contact force applied to the tissue. Common applications include navigation inside the heart and coronary vessels, electrophysiology (atrial fibrillation, flutter and tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, etc.) and interventional cardiology (angioplasty).
Chlormethiazole as sleep cover for the elderly. Intravenous infusion during local analgesia.

Summary A method of avoiding postoperative confusion when local analgesic techniques are indicated for the elderly is described. Basal sedation using 0·8% chlormethiazole infusion intravenously, was employed. Mental function was not altered when the technique was used and it is suggested that the length of stay in hospital can be reduced.
On the shock-induced ignition of explosive gases

The paper elucidates the distinction between two regimes of ignition, one strong and the other weak, that characterize the onset of combustion in homogeneous gaseous mixtures whose reaction mechanism is controlled by a chain-branching step, such as that associated with the H+O2 collision in the hydrogen-oxygen system. On the basis of experimental observations, made primarily by the use of a stroboscopic laser-schlieren system yielding a sequence of photographic records of the entire flow field behind a reflected shock near the closed end of the tube at a repetition rate of 2 microseconds between frames, it has been revealed that strong ignition is manifested by a practically instantaneous appearance of a relatively plane pressure front associated with the generation of a flow field across the whole cross section of the tube, while mild ignition starts in the form of distinct flame kernels whose growth is comparatively slow and essentially devoid of any gasdynamic effects. The demarcation line between the two regimes of ignition is then shown to be associated with a critical value of the gradient of the induction time with respect to temperature at constant initial pressure. Specifically, for a stoichiometric hydrogen-oxygen mixture, this turns out to be −2 microseconds/°K. Although basically controlled by the same elementary processes as those that establish the second explosion limit, this so-called strong ignition limit differs from the locus of states obtained by direct extrapolation of the second limit. Moreover, it does not intersect with any of the explosion limits, encompassing a region that is fully contained within the classical explosion regime.
Organization of synaptic junction proteins.

Abstract Most of the polypeptides of isolated brain synaptic junction preparations are cross-linked by disulfide bonds; these bonds are readily reformed following reduction by β-mercaptoethanol, suggesting that other, non-covalent interactions may hold the polypeptides in close contact. When synaptic junctions were treated with β-mercaptoethanol in conjunction with a large variety of reagents known to disrupt certain types of non-covalent bonds, however, the polypeptides could still be cross-linked. Furthermore, virtually all of these species remained associated with β-mercaptoethanol-reduced membrane in the presence of 0.05 N NaOH or 0.5% Triton X-100, although each of these solvents extracts large amounts of protein from extra-junctional membrane, which has a composition apparently similar to that of synaptic junctions. These results indicate that any non-covalent interactions existing among synaptic junction proteins are inaccessible to treatments at the surface of the membrane, being located within the lipid bilayer or perhaps at points of contact with sub-membranous arrays such as the post-synaptic density. Under special conditions, the polypeptides of extra-junctional membrane can also be induced to form disulfide cross-links among one another, and these bonds can likewise be rapidly reformed following reduction, giving this membrane properties similar to that of the junction. This suggests a model by which stabilized junctional membrane may be formed from fluid extra-junctional membrane during synaptogenesis.
Chemoprevention and Screening for Lung Cancer: Changing Our Focus to Former Smokers

Clinical trials of chemoprevention for lung cancer have yielded negative results, with suggested worsening of cancer incidence in those who continue to smoke. Continued smoking over age 55 is associated with decreased longevity and multiple comorbidities. It is possible that clinical trials focusing on former smokers in both prevention and screening trials will yield significant benefit, now masked by the population of continued smokers.
Intrachip optical interconnects based on a wavelength multiplexed two-layer structure

In this paper, a design on intra-chip optical interconnects based on a wavelength multiplexed two layer structure is presented. The key to this approach is the use of one planar waveguide, covering the whole multichip module and its use of unique tunable diffractive optics elements. In the bottom layer, there are multiple modules. In each module, there is a light receiver to receive the clock signal and another to receive information from other individual processing units (IPUs). There is also a light emitter to send information out to other IPUs. The vertical light emitter will send the signal to the upper layer polymer 2D planar waveguide. To determine which IPUs receive information, a set of fast speed wavelength tunable filters will be fabricated on the polymer waveguide and integrated together with each light source. As a result, we can realize arbitrary reconfigurable interconnects between the entire individual processing units. For examples, is the wavelength for the first processing unit is tuned at (lambda) 2 , only the second processing unit can receive this signal because only the second volume holographic grating can diffract wavelength (lambda) 2 . Since all tunable filters can be addressed simultaneously, the whole interconnect system is parallel processing.
Catecholamine innervation of cervical dendrite bundles: Possible phrenic nucleus innervation

Abstract The catecholaminergic innervation of three recently described dendrite bundles (midline, central and lateral) in the cervical spinal cord of the adult Long-Evans hooded rat [41] was examined using Golgi impregnation, fluorescence histochemistry for catecholamines, and cholinesterase histochemistry. The midline and lateral bundles were similar in appearance to those described by the Scheibel and Scheibel [50,51], while the central bundle, present in the region of the phrenic nucleus, has not been described previously. Analysis of Golgi-Cox impregnated horizontal sections demonstrated the presence of fine varicose fibers within all three bundles. These profiles entered the bundles at right angles, either singly or within small transverse dendritic subunits, then turned in a rostral or caudal direction, and coursed adjacent to dendrites of motoneurons in the bundles. Catecholamine histofluorescence in horizontal sections revealed abundant varicosities within all three bundles, similar in size and appearance to the varicose fibers seen in Golgi-Cox impregnated sections. Catecholamine fibers entered the dendrite bundles at right angles then turned rostrally or caudally and coursed horizontally within the bundles. Varicose fluorescent profiles formed pericellular rings around the motoneurons and linear profiles adjacent to the dendrites, sometimes outlining the entire proximal portion of primary dendrites. Catecholamine fibers entered the dendrite bundles at right angles then turned rostrally or caudally to course adjacent to the dendrites within the bundles. Cholinesterase histochemistry in alternate sections revealed staining of motoneurons and their dendrites, and confirmed the location of the Catecholamine varicosities within the motoneuron dendrite bundles. The presence of discrete, compact bundles of dendrites associated with clusters of motoneurons suggests that these bundles may serve to synchronize neuronal activity for coordination of groups of muscles involved in particular movements. Synchronization of motoneuron groups, including the phrenic nucleus, is a well documented phenomenon. Dendrite bundles also provide a compact anatomical substrate for receiving and integrating synaptic inputs. The presence of specific transmitter inputs such as Catecholamine varicosities, suggests that motoneuronal activity is influenced by Catecholamine terminations onto groups of dendrites or perikarya within the bundles. These Catecholamine inputs may participate in the coordination of groups of neurons that act as a functional unit, such as the phrenic nucleus.
Bumps on the Road to the National Broadband Plan

The US Federal Communications Commission's new long-term vision for broadband deployment, featuring connectivity for every citizen, increased spectrum allocation for wireless applications, and so on, has been delayed and perhaps sidetracked. Why? Because of the recent Google-Verizon proposal, network-neutrality disputes, uncertainties about the feasibility of "broadband for everybody" policy, and many more issues.
Nowcasting Thunderstorms: A Status Report

Abstract This paper reviews the status of forecasting convective precipitation for time periods less than a few hours (nowcasting). Techniques for nowcasting thunderstorm location were developed in the 1960s and 1970s by extrapolating radar echoes. The accuracy of these forecasts generally decreases very rapidly during the first 30 min because of the very short lifetime of individual convective cells. Fortunately more organized features like squall lines and supercells can be successfully extrapolated for longer time periods. Physical processes that dictate the initiation and dissipation of convective storms are not necessarily observable in the past history of a particular echo development; rather, they are often controlled by boundary layer convergence features, environmental vertical wind shear, and buoyancy. Thus, successful forecasts of storm initiation depend on accurate specification of the initial thermodynamic and kinematic fields with particular attention to convergence lines. For these reasons ...
A new endosymbiont in Late Ordovician tabulate corals from Anticosti Island, eastern Canada

Cylindrical tubes of the trace fossil Chaetosalpinx occur within the skeletal walls of Late Ordovician sarcinulid tabulate corals preserved on Anticosti Island. A large host-specific embedment structure, Chaetosalpinx rex isp. nov., is described from the reefal sarcinulid genus Columnopora that occurs in (Rawtheyan, Ashgill) coral-stromatoporoid patch reefs of the upper Vaureal Formation (Mill Bay Member). While locally abundant in Columnopora, this newly described embedment structure is absent in other frame-builders in the reefs.
Antigen-presenting cells in essential fatty-acid-deficient murine epidermis: Keratinocytes bearing class II (Ia) antigens may potentiate the accessory cell function of langerhans cells

Abstract Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) is a useful model for studying the role of (n-6) fatty acid metabolism in normal physiology. Because cutaneous manifestations are among the earliest signs of EFAD and because abnormalities in the distribution and function of tissue macrophages have been documented in EFAD rodents, we studied the distribution and function of Class II MHC (Ia) antigen-bearing cells in EFAD C57B1/6 mouse epidermis. Immunofluorescence studies revealed 1.9–9.6 (mean ± SEM=5.2±2.6) times more class II MHC (Ia) antigen-bearing epidermal cells in suspensions prepared from EFAD as compared to normal skin. Analysis of epidermal sheets demonstrated similar numbers of dendritic Ia + and NLDC145 + cells in EFAD and normal epidermis, however. This discrepancy occurred because some keratinocytes in EFAD epidermal sheets expressed class II MHC (Ia) antigens, whereas keratinocytes in normal mouse epidermis did not. Two-color flow cytometry confirmed that all Ia + cells in normal epidermis are Langerhans (Ia + NLDC145 + ) cells, whereas Ia + cells in EFAD epidermis are comprised of Langerhans cells and a subpopulation of keratinocytes (Ia + NLDC145 − ). Similar levels of Ia antigens were expressed on EFAD and normal Langerhans cells. EFAD and normal epidermal cells were also compared in several in vitro assays of accessory cell function. Epidermal cells prepared from EFAD C57B1/6 mice present the protein antigen DNP-Ova to primed helper T cells more effectively than epidermal cells prepared from normal animals. EFAD epidermal cells are also more potent stimulators of T cells in primary and secondary allogeneic mixed lymphocyte-epidermal cell reactions than normal epidermal cells. The functional differences between EFAD and normal epidermal cells do not appear to result from increased cytokine release or decreased prostaglandin production by EFAD epidermal cells. In view of these findings and the observation that the antigen-presenting cell activity of EFAD epidermal cells correlates with the number of Ia + keratinocytes in epidermal cell preparations, Ia + keratinocytes (in the presence of Langerhans cells) may potentiate cutaneous immune responses in vitro and perhaps in vivo as well. These results also suggest that (n-6) fatty acids or metabolites of (n-6) fatty acids are involved in regulating the expression of class II MHC (Ia) antigens by keratinocytes in vivo.
Importance Sampling for Simulation of Markovian Physical Processes

Transient Markov chains are sometimes simulated to estimate rare event probabilities. For illustration, chains defined by an airborne particle dispersion model are used to estimate the probabilities that released particles reach various locations. Such estimated probabilities are needed for many purposes, including exposure calculations for affected populations and optimization of detector placement. By using experimental designs for simulation runs and embedding fitted regression models of output data in importance sampling transition kernels, convergence is improved by factors of tens to hundreds.
Rapid identification and drug susceptibility screening of ESAT-6 secreting Mycobacteria by a NanoELIwell assay

To meet the global needs of tuberculosis (TB) control, a nanoELIwell device was developed as a multifunctional assay for TB diagnosis and drug susceptibility testing. The device integrates on-chip culturing of mycobacteria, immunoassay, and high-resolution fluorescent imaging. Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium kansasii were used as models of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to evaluate device integrity by using antigens, Ag85 and ESAT-6, as biomarkers. As a result, the nanoELIwell device detected antigens released from a single bacterium within 24–48-hour culture. Antimycobacterial drug-treated M. smegmatis showed significant decreased in Ag85 antigen production when treated with ethambutol and no change in antigen production when treated with rifampin, demonstrating drug susceptibility and resistance, respectively. The nanoELIwell assay also distinguished the ESAT-6-secreting M. kansasii from the non-ESAT-6-secreting M. simiae. The combination of microwell technology and ELISA assay holds potential to the development of a rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostics and susceptibility testing of TB.
Behavioural neurobiology: females can also be from Mars.

Is the preference to mate as a male or a female irreversibly set during development? Apparently not: a study in mice shows that pheromone perception determines how an adult female behaves sexually.
Quantification of clearance-induced impulsive sources in a torsional system

Abstract The impulse response problem in a multi-degree-of-freedom torsional system with multiple clearances is examined with focus on the quantification of the source. This system is related to a vehicle driveline and a map of external transient torque excitations is defined within the operating range of an internal combustion engine. Nonlinear transient solutions are found numerically for the entire excitation map. Proposed metrics include a global metric that indicates the number and nature of impacts, metrics measured just before impact, the relative kinetic energy and relative acceleration of impacting bodies and metrics measured just after impact, initial torque rise, initial velocity rise, peak to peak acceleration and time-windowed mean-square acceleration. Phase plane analysis is applied to explain the differences between the magnitudes of impulses for impact types, illustrating that the relative acceleration between impacting bodies and the relative kinetic energy determine the impact severity. Analysis shows that the metrics measured after impact correlate well. Nonetheless, using numerical or experimental data sets for systems with multiple clearances, it is demonstrated that the windowed mean-square acceleration metric permits an ‘energy’ calculation with multiple impact events that could be either isolated or combined. Chief contributions of this research include better quantification and an understanding of impulsive sources that arise during rapid changes in external torque excitations.
Cargo Transport at Microtubule Crossings: Evidence for Prolonged Tug-of-War between Kinesin Motors

Intracellular transport of cargos along microtubules is often complicated by the topology of the underlying filament network. The fundamental building blocks for this complex arrangement are filament intersections. The navigation of cargos across microtubule intersections remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that kinesin-driven cargos are engaged in a tug-of-war at microtubule intersections. Tug-of-war events result in long pauses that can last from a few seconds to several minutes. We demonstrate that the extent of the tug-of-war and the duration of pauses change with the number of motors on the cargo and can be regulated by ionic strength. We also show that dwell times at intersections depend on the angle between crossing microtubules. Our data suggest that local microtubule geometry can regulate microtubule-based transport.
Clinical and immunological studies of timothy antigen D immunotherapy

The response to preseasonal immunotherapy with aqueous grass extract, timothy antigen D, or water-soluble timothy (WST) in alginate was compared in patients sensitive to grass pollen. Injections of antigen D in alginate produced little evidence of clinical or immunologic response. Treatment with aqueous grass extract or WST in alginate, on the other hand, significantly reduced the seasonal rise in grass-specific IgE. Aqueous extract therapy was also associated with a decline in leukocyte sensitivity during the pollen season, while WST treatment produced the greatest rise in hemagglutinating antibodies.
Carbon-halogen bond activation mechanism by copper(I) complexes of (2-pyridyl)alkylamine ligands.

The reaction of p-substituted benzyl halides (YBnX; X = Cl, Br, and I; Y = p-substituent, OMe, t-Bu, Me, H, F, Cl, and NO2) and copper(I) complexes supported by a series of (2-pyridyl)alkylamine ligands has been investigated to shed light on the mechanism of copper(I) complex mediated carbon−halogen bond activation, including ligand effects on the redox reactivity of copper(I) complexes which are relevant to the chemistry. For both the tridentate ligand PheLPym2 [N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-2-phenylethylamine] and tetradentate ligand TMPA [tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine] complexes, the C−C coupling reaction of benzyl halides proceeded smoothly to give corresponding 1,2-diphenylethane derivatives and copper(II)−halide complex products. Kinetic analysis revealed that the reaction obeys second-order kinetics both on the copper complex and the substrate; rate = k[Cu]2[YBnX]2. A reaction mechanism involving a dinuclear copper(III)−halide organometallic intermediate is proposed, on the basis of the kinetic results, in...
Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator: current concepts and guidelines for clinical use in acute myocardial infarction. Part I.

The extraordinarily high prevalence of coronary heart disease, coupled with the alarming incidence of MI in Western society, has encouraged the investigation and development of pharmacologic agents that can be employed widely, quickly, effectively, and safely. Recombinant t-PA has played a vital role in the treatment of MI, restoring coronary arterial patency, limiting infarct size, preserving ventricular function, and improving patient survival. It has been shown to be safe when given to carefully selected patients and, although indications for clinical use have been relatively restricted, they appear to be expanding considerably. Future investigations must continue to focus on patient selection to allow treatment for all patients who would derive benefit and to establish dosing regimens and adjuvant therapies that will maximize coronary reperfusion while concomitantly limiting reocclusion and hemorrhagic complications.
LUNG LINING IN BIRD, REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN.

THE lungs of mammals are lined with a film of lipo-protein, which has the function of reducing the tension of the sharply curved alveolar surface1. A similar film was also found to exist in the pigeon and the frog2. Miller and Bondurant3 and Klaus et al.4 have, however, concluded as a result of a study of the surface properties of saline extracts of minced lung from turtle, frog, and pigeon that a distinctive surface-active material exists in mammalian lungs only. We have, therefore, re-examined the question.
Acute pulmonary toxicity following intralesional administration of bleomycin for a lymphovenous malformation.

Objective To describe the clinical course and treatment of an infant with acute pulmonary toxicity following intralesional administration of bleomycin for a lymphovenous malformation. Design Case report. Setting A tertiary care University-affiliated hospital. Patient, Intervention, and Results An 8-month-old girl developed acute respiratory distress with profound hypoxemia complicated by pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum 1 day following intralesional administration of bleomycin. She was treated with bilateral chest tube insertion, systemic corticosteroids, pentoxifylline, and supportive care. At the most recent follow-up 5 months after the onset of the respiratory event, the patient is active, walks, and talks without any evidence of pulmonary diseases clinically. This is the youngest infant reported, to date, with acute bleomycin pulmonary toxicity following intralesional administration of bleomycin resulting in acute respiratory insufficiency followed by complete recovery. Conclusions This case illustrates the importance of early recognition and aggressive treatment of acute bleomycin toxicity resulting from intralesional administration of this medication for lymphovenous malformations. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:192–196. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Study on Rolling Element Skew Measurement in a Tapered Roller Bearing With a Specialized Capacitance Probe

This paper reports on roller skew in tapered roller bearings. The roller skewing of a tapered roller bearing is experimentally measured with a specialized capacitance probe (Kelvin contact potential difference, CPD, probe). The probe measures the electrochemical potential difference between the probe and roller surfaces. Two probes are inserted through holes in the housing and bearing outer race. The electrical signals from both ends of a roller are used to determine the skewing. The technique, as well as the effect of lubrication and rotational speed on the roller skewing, is presented. It is shown that the skewing increases with an increase in rotational speed, and the lubrication of the large end of the roller. A theoretical analysis has been developed to account for the experimental results.
Rapid detection of cerebrospinal fluid leaks in trauma

Novel point-of-care (POC) rapid diagnostic technologies encompasses many areas like, cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases as well as identifying toxins, drugs and drugs of abuse. There is an urgent need for procuring rapid results of clinical symptoms in any health care setting, as “speed is of essence” to diagnose the disease/symptom. POC rapid tests are used in many settings like physician's offices, emergency rooms, clinical laboratories, home use and even in battle fields. Taking scientific and clinical observations from our clinics and research labs as examples, novel methods and tools to rapidly identify the disease and disease processes were developed. In particular, a specific example of cerebrospinal fluid leak detection will be discussed with special emphasis on trauma associated with accidents and battle field injuries. A technique to identify CSF in biological fluids was developed, which would help the physicians and support personnel to detect CSF leaks in a rapid, simple, inexpensive manner. The technique is based on identifying a CSF specific protein marker by highly specific antibodies against this marker protein. This technology was easily adapted to laboratory settings with a precise and rapid turnover of results, and also as a rapid bedside diagnostic test to be used in Emergency and Trauma first response settings, labor and delivery rooms, Operating rooms as well as to be used by support staff like EMTs, RNs, and PAs. This technique to rapidly identify CSF in body fluids would help the health care provider to diagnose the disease, avoid associated complications in invasive procedures, and serves as a tool to rapidly decide on optimal patient management as well as help assess the efficacy of treatment. It is expected that such a test will be used as a routine safety/diagnostic test for anyone undergoing epidural anesthesia, suffering base of skull fracture, skull based surgery and in any conditions where it is important to detect the presence of CSF.
Amino acid specificity of the transfer RNA species coded for by HeLa cell mitochondrial DNA.

Abstract The amino acid specificity of the tRNA species coded for by HeLa cell mitochondrial DNA has been investigated by carrying out hybridizations between amino acid-tRNA complexes labeled in the amino acid and separated mitochondrial DNA strands. The results indicate that there are in HeLa cell mitochondria at least 17 distinct tRNA species hybridizable with mitochondrial DNA, which are specific for 16 amino acids. For 14 of the 16 amino acids, amino-acyl-tRNA synthetase activities distinct from the cytoplasmic ones have been detected in mitochondria. The remaining four amino acids (asparagine, glutamine, histidine and proline) have consistently failed to charge to any detectable extent mitochondrial tRNA species hybridizable with mitochondrial DNA. No obvious relationship appears to exist between the amino acids incorporated into tRNAs hybridizable to mitochondrial DNA and the previously observed pattern of chloramphenicol-sensitive amino acid incorporation by HeLa cell mitochondria.
FTS infrared measurements of the rotational and vibrational spectrum of LiH and LiD

Abstract Fourier transform spectra have been measured for the rotational (Δ v = 0) and vibrational (Δ v = 1) spectra of lithium hydride and lithium deuteride in the gas phase. Dunham potential constants and rovibrational constants are given for LiH and LiD. Difficulties were encountered in attempts to fit all four isotopic species to a single modified Dunham potential function. Even data for a single isotopic species could not be fit to a Dunham potential function without significant systematic deviations. These problems are attributed to breakdown in the Born-Oppenheimer approximation.
The Fifth Annual q-bio Conference on Cellular Information Processing

The full text of the Editorial is given in the PDF file. References [1] Wang R-S et al 2012 Phys. Biol. 9 055001 [2] Zuk P J et al 2012 Phys. Biol. 9 055002 [3] Tiwari A and Igoshin O A 2012 Phys. Biol. 9 055003 [4] Drocco J A et al 2012 Phys. Biol. 9 055004 [5] Seamster P E et al 2012 Phys. Biol. 9 055005
Bubbles without cores

The decay of a false vacuum in a theory without a true vacuum is studied. Using variational arguments, we find that for a class of potentials of the type a${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{i}$+b${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{j}$ (ag0,bl0 and ilj) the necessary condition for the existence of bounce solutions in four dimensions is 2\ensuremath{\le}iljl4. The thin-wall condition breaks down for these solutions, but not necessarily for the semiclassical approximation. A bounce solution associated with potential ${m}^{2}$${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{2}$-\ensuremath{\eta}${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{3}$+\ensuremath{\lambda}${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ is presented to discuss the transition from a thin-wall bubble to a thick-walled one. The validity conditions of using these solutions to describe the false vacuum decay within the framework of the semiclassical approximation are discussed.
Programming without pointer variables

The presence of pointer variables in high level programming languages constitutes an artifact originally introduced to support the representation of recursive data structures. Programming practice has come to rely on pointer variables for their originally intended use, and for several others as well. Their use adds to the complexity of stating algorithms by forcing one to conceptualize data representations in which storage addressing is made manifest. In addition, the use of pointer variables allows one to refer to a common data object by a multiplicity of names, a phenomenon we call the alias variable problem, Alias variables make the verification of program behavior substanially more difficult, and frustrate the goals of modular decomposition.In this paper, we consider alternatives to the use of pointer variables in programming. One of these alternatives is the inclusion of a class of data abstractions based on recursively defined data types. The representational power of the proposed data types is characterized formally, and some issues of implementation and efficiency of programs are discussed.
Physiologic responses to severe hemorrhagic shock and the genesis of cardiovascular collapse: Can irreversibility be anticipated?

* Corresponding author. Department of Surge MD 20814, USA. Tel.: þ1 301 295 2552; fax: þ E-mail address: hassan_tetteh@hks09.ha 0022-4804/$ e see front matter a 2013 Elsev doi:10.1016/j.jss.2012.02.024 The study Physiologic Responses to Severe Hemorrhagic Shock and the Genesis of Cardiovascular Collapse attempts to elucidate the cause of cardiovascular collapse using an animal traumatic hemorrhage model and observed measured arterial pulse pressure/stroke volume index ratios. The observed vascular tone index is hypothesized to characterize cardiovascular collapse in test animals and the study offers that irreversibility of cardiovascular collapse can be anticipated [1]. Several studies have previously described mechanisms [2] of cardiovascular collapse [3], and this report attempts to highlight the specific effect of a measured arterial pulse pressure/stroke volume index ratio and vascular tone index on cardiovascular collapse as a method to predict the phenomenon. Three unique characteristics distinguish this study from others. First, the authors describe and maintain consistent experimental conditions for all study animal subjects and detail the reproducibility of the operative conditions to mitigate the potential affect that variable environmental factors (i.e., surgical technique or temperature, resuscitation) could
Molecular beacon-based photodynamic therapy

A new concept for photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed based on incorporating a photosensitizer (PS) and a singlet oxygen (1O2) quenching/scavenging molecule (Q) onto a disease-targeting carrier, such that the PS becomes activatable by light only when targeting has occurred. This has the potential to give very high disease specificity in PDT treatment. The first model compound designed using this concept was synthesized containing a pyropheophorbide as the PS and a carotenoid as the 1O2 quencher. These were kept in close proximity by the self-folding of a caspase-3 specific peptide sequence. Upon caspase-3-induced cleavage, the 1O2 production increase has been validated by direct 1O2 luminescence and lifetime measurements, providing proof-of-concept of this 'PDT beacon.'
Total reaction cross sections for 29 MeV protons

Abstract The USC proton linear accelerator is being used in a programme of measuring the energy dependence of proton total reaction cross sections. As a first step in this programme measurements were made using the full beam energy. The anticoincidence beam attenuation technique was used. The following cross sections were obtained for 29 MeV protons: C, 418 ± 18 mb; Al, 775± 37 mb; 1023 ± 40 mbAg, 1471 ± 71 mb; and Au, 2209 ± 118 mb. These cross sections are compared to other measurements and optical model analyses.
Thrombus Formation within the Right Ventricle-to-Pulmonary Artery Conduit (Sano Shunt) as a Cause of Acute Cyanosis in a Patient with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

We describe a case of thrombus formation within a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit (Sano shunt) in a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome with resulting acute cyanosis and hypotension requiring emergency balloon angioplasty.
Volunteerism as an aspect of women's work lives

Abstract Results of a mail survey of 292 female volunteers, aged 23–44, indicate that the role of volunteer work may be that of consciously chosen primary work, a supplement to primary work, or a vehicle for entry or return to employment. The three roles are associated with differences in relationship to the labor market, satisfactions sought, nature and amount of volunteer work done, satisfaction, involvement, commitment, and plans for continued membership. The survey instrument incorporated the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, which was evaluated for its applicability to a volunteer population.
Aflatoxigenesis induced in Aspergillus flavus by oxidative stress and reduction by phenolic antioxidants from tree nuts.

Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts grown in California have an aggregate value of over $3.3 billion, with a large proportion of the crop being exported. Mycotoxin contamination affects this value, because importing nations, and in particular the European Community (EC), apply strict regulatory levels for aflatoxins, formed by infection of the product by Aspergillus species. Conformance with such limits can best be achieved by capitalising on natural resistance factors inherent to the nuts. Differential resistance of tree nut species to aflatoxin formation, with walnuts being least susceptible, led to research which established that the hydrolysable tannins in walnut pellicle were responsible for this effect. This observation has now been extended to show that the addition to Aspergillus flavus growth media of natural antioxidants present in tree nuts, such as hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids and phenolic acids, decrease maximum aflatoxin by as much as 99.8%. There is evidence that aflatoxin formation is exa...
Downslope Windstorms of San Diego County. Part I: A Case Study

AbstractThe “Santa Ana” wind is an offshore flow that affects Southern California periodically during the winter half of the year, typically between September and May. The winds can be locally gusty, particularly in the complex terrain of San Diego County, where the winds have characteristics of downslope windstorms. These winds can cause and/or rapidly spread wildfires, the threat of which is particularly acute during the autumn season before the onset of winter rains. San Diego’s largest fires, including the Cedar fire of 2003 and Witch Creek fire of 2007, occurred during Santa Ana wind events.A case study of downslope flow during a moderately intense Santa Ana event during mid-February 2013 is presented. Motivated by the need to forecast winds impinging on electrical lines, the authors make use of an exceptionally dense network of near-surface observations in San Diego County to calibrate and verify simulations made utilizing the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) M...
Selection of a preribosomal RNA processing site by a nucleolar endoribonuclease involves formation of a stable complex

Abstract A nucleolar endoribonuclease from mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, that has been implicated in the endonucleolytic cleavage of mouse precursor ribosomal RNA, specifically and stably binds an in vitro-derived rRNA transcript containing the +650 early processing site. The specificity of binding was demonstrated by mobility shift analysis, glycerol gradient velocity sedimentation analysis, and UV-crosslinking studies. Binding did not require Mg2+ and therefore was not dependent on cleavage; however, binding was dependent on the presence of the early +650 processing site since a pre-rRNA transcript with the +650 processing site deleted failed to compete in binding. A small nucleolar RNA component was not required for the formation of this stable complex or for the specific cleavage of a processing competent pre-rRNA transcript. UV crosslinking studies using 32P-labeled 5-azidouridine-substituted pre-rRNA with bound nucleolar endoribonuclease identified three closely sized polypeptides of approximately 50, approximately 48, and approximately 45 kDa, respectively, that specifically crosslinked to the processing competent rRNA transcript. These three polypeptides species were identified following ribonuclease digestion and electrophoresis on a SDS-polyacrylamide gel. An identical pattern of labeled polypeptides was also identified from gel mobility shift analysis where the specifically shifted material was U.V. crosslinked. The largest of these polypeptides corresponded to the estimated size of the nucleolar endoribonuclease, while the lower molecular weight species may represent partially proteolyzed enzyme. Overall, these results suggest that the unique specificity of the nucleolar endoribonuclease may, in part, be attributed to the formation of a stable complex at the +650 processing site for mouse preribosomal RNA, and that formation of this unique stable complex affords a means to specifically label the limited amount of available partially purified enzyme for sequence analysis.