cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SV40 and the pathogenesis of mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma, a tumor of the pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum, is presently a worldwide problem. Current therapy is ineffective in slowing the course of the disease, and median survival from the time of diagnosis is rarely greater than 1 year. While the tumor was almost unknown prior to the second half of the twentieth century, it is presently responsible for more than 2000 deaths per year in the US alone. Mesothelioma is frequently associated with exposure to asbestos, but the incidence of cases involving individuals with low levels of asbestos exposure is increasing. For this reason, there has been much interest in studying whether there are alternative factors that act alone or in conjunction with asbestos in producing this malignancy. In the last decade, simian virus 40 (SV40) has become the most notable suspected agent.
Histoplasmosis: to skin test or not to skin test?

SummaryA single skin test with commercially-available histoplasmin did not stimulate significant antibody response in the sera of 187 persons when measured by the yeast phase complement-fixation, collodion agglutination or histoplasmin latex agglutination tests. Similarly, no effect was noted with the histoplasmin complement-fixation test in the sera of 97 skin-test negative individuals; in contrast 26.7% of skin-test positive persons developed significant titer increases.
Building a competency-based curriculum: the agony and the ecstasy

Physician competencies have increasingly been a focus of medical education at all levels. Although competencies are not a new concept, when the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) jointly agreed on six competencies for certification and maintenance of certification of physicians in 1999, it brought about renewed interest. This article gives a brief overview of how a competency-based curriculum differs from other approaches and then describes the issues that need to be considered in the design and implementation of such a curriculum. In order to achieve success, a competency-based curriculum requires careful planning, preparation and a long-term commitment from everyone involved in the educational process. Building a competency-based curriculum is really about maintaining quality control and relinquishing control to those who care the most about medical education, our students. In the face of the many challenges that are facing undergraduate medical education (UME), including declining availability of teaching patients and over-burdened faculty, instituting quality control and relinquishing control will be necessary to maintain high quality.
Direct access to side chain N,N′-diaminoalkylated derivatives of basic amino acids suitable for solid-phase peptide synthesis

A simple and efficient one-pot procedure that enables rapid access to orthogonally protected N,N′-diaminoalkylated basic amino acid building blocks fully compatible with standard Boc and Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis is reported. Described synthetic approach includes double reductive alkylation of N α-protected diamino acids with N-protected amino aldehydes in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride. This approach allows preparation of symmetrical, as well as unsymmetrical, basic amino acid derivatives with branched side-chains that can be further modified, enhancing their synthetic utility. The suitability of the synthesized branched basic amino acid building blocks for use in standard solid-phase peptide synthesis has been demonstrated by synthesis of an indolicidin analogue in which the lysine residue was substituted with the synthetic derivative N α -(9H-fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl)-N β ,N β ′-bis[2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethyl]-l-2,3-diaminopropionic acid. This substitution resulted in an analogue with more ordered secondary structure in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol and enhanced antibacterial activity without altering hemolytic activity.
Approximate multiplicative groups in nilpotent Lie groups

We generalize a result of Tao which describes approximate multiplicative groups in the Heisenberg group. We extend it to simply connected nilpotent Lie groups of arbitrary step.
Single‐period inventory model with a delayed incentive option for selling excess inventory

The single-period problem (SPP) is to find the order quantity which maximizes the expected profit in a single period probabilistic demand framework. We extend the SPP to a case where a retailer uses delayed incentives in the form of cash mail-in rebates to sell remaining inventory that did not sell at the regular price. The advantage of cash mail-in rebates is that not all consumers will redeem them. We address three cases: (1) rebate value is predetermined and the order quantity is a decision variable; (2) order quantity is a decision variable and rebate value is set to the value needed to sell all excess inventory, and (3) order quantity is a decision variable and the rebate may be used to sell part of or all excess inventory. In the third case, any inventory remaining after the rebate offer is salvaged at reduced price. We provide analytical solutions for uniform and exponential demand distributions. In all cases, rebates can lead to significant increases in expected profit. We first maximize the expected profit. We then maximize the probability of achieving a target profit and show that the use of rebates can lead to a substantial increase in that probability.
Sequential Gestural Passcodes on Google Glass

This paper details an authentication mechanism aimed to aid individuals with visual impairments in accessing online accounts on desktop computers, and decrease the security threat of observers, or shoulder surfer, by providing an alternative to entering typical alphanumeric passwords on keyboards. The mechanism uses a head-mounted wearable device, Google Glass, because it provides feedback directly to the wearer obscuring it from observers, and it--s easy-to-locate and interact with gesture pad, which accepts input from the user. The mechanism is in preparation to enter the testing phase with individuals of the targeted demographic.
Locke's Essay, Book I: The Question‐Begging Status of the Anti‐Nativist Arguments

In this paper I argue against the received view that the anti-nativist arguments of Book I of Locke's Essay conclusively challenge nativism. I begin by reconstructing the chief argument of Book I and its corollary arguments. I call attention to their dependence on (what I label) “the Awareness Principle”, viz., the view that there are no ideas in the mind of which the mind either isn't currently aware or hasn't been aware in the past. I then argue that the arguments' dependence on this principle is question begging on two counts. Unless this principle is defended, Locke's arguments beg the question against Descartes and Leibniz because their nativism implies the denial of the Awareness Principle. And even when Locke defended the principle, his arguments remain question begging because they presuppose the empiricism they aim to prove. The disclosure of the question-begging status of these arguments debunks a seemingly powerful way of attacking nativism.
Roles of metabotropic glutamate receptors in glial function and glial-neuronal communication.

The amino acid glutamate plays a key role in brain function. One of the major roles of glutamate is to mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission via activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). More recently, however, it has become clear that glutamate also serves a regulatory function through activation of receptors coupled to modulation of second messenger systems [metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs)]. A body of evidence suggests that mGluRs regulate neuronal function through modulation of ion channels and enzymes to modulate cellular excitability and synaptic transmission. Interestingly, it has become clear that in addition to activation of neuronal receptors, glutamate can activate both iGluRs and mGluRs on glia. A growing body of evidence suggests that the mGluRs on glia play important roles in both glial function and mediation of intercellular signaling. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Process equipment modeling: application of cluster tool modeling to a 300 mm fab simulation

300 mm semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities, like conventional semiconductor fabs, contain many different types of tools. In this paper we discuss a realistic way of representing cluster tools in a simulation model of the entire line. A more realistic representation of cluster tools results in greater accuracy in the output of the simulation model.
Temporal adaptive Euler/Navier-Stokes algorithm involving unstructured dynamic meshes

A temporal adaptive algorithm for the time integration of the two-dimensional Euler or Navier-Stokes equations is presented. The flow solver involves an upwind flux-split spatial discretization for the convective terms and central differencing for the shear-stress and heat flux terms on an unstructured mesh of triangles. The temporal-adaptive algorithm is a time-accurate integration procedure that allows flows with high spatial and temporal gradients to be computed efficiently by advancing each grid cell near its maximum allowable time step
Shock-induced reaction synthesis (SRS) of nickel aluminides

Shock-induced chemical reactions between nickel and aluminum powders (mixed in Ni3Al stoichiometry) are used for the synthesis of nickel aluminides. It is shown that the extent of shock-induced chemical reactions and the nature of the shock-synthesized products are influenced by the morphology of the starting powders. Irregular (flaky type) and fine morphologies of the powders undergo complete reactions in contrast to partial reactions occurring in coarse and uniform morphology powders under identical shock loading conditions. Furthermore, irregular morphology powders result in the formation of the equiatomic (B2 phase) NiAl compound while the Ni3Al (L12 phase) compound is the reaction product with coarse and regular morphology powders. Shock-induced reaction synthesis can be characterized as a bulk reaction process involving an intense “mechanochemical” mechanism. It is a process in which shock compression induces fluid-like plastic flow and mixing, and enhances the reactivity due to the introduction of defects and cleansing of particle surfaces, which strongly influence the synthesis process.
Zero order oxidation of tolbutamide in vivo.

IT has been shown that in 4 out of 5 test subjects carboxytolbutamide [1-butyl-3-p-carboxyphenylsulphonylurea] was excreted in the urine by a first-order process following the oral or intravenous administration of tolbutamide [1-butyl-3-p-tolylsulphonylurea]1; furthermore, that the rate constant found for this excretion was the rate constant for the in vivo oxidation of tolbutamide to carboxytolbutamide. An average of about 92 per cent of 465 mgm. oral doses of tolbutamide was recovered in the urine as carboxytolbutamide in 36 hr. from the four subjects that showed first-order excretion of the latter material.
¿ Te simple o te completo?: A Method of Furthering Conversation in Spanish

ALL high-school students and many in college are still young enough to learn best by doing. My Spanish department offers an elective course in conversation. Students choosing this course often are eager to converse in the foreign tongue, but sometimes find it difficult to think of things to say. Because of this fact, and because my class is small (and also because I have an apartment on the campus), I invite my class once each month to a Spanish tea in my sitting-room. This takes the place of the regular class-hour for the day, although we have the tea late in the afternoon, when we do not have to listen for a bell.
Yield Functions, Damage States, and Intrinsic Strength

A recently derived isotropic yield/failure criterion is here shown to give a measure of the state of the damage relative to an intrinsic (ideal) yield strength. The formulation of the intrinsic strength itself is obtained through a spectral analysis. A criterion for the ductile-brittle transition is found in the process of deriving the effect of pressure on the new yield function formalism.
Retinoic acid affects central nervous system development of Xenopus by changing cell fate.

Abstract Retinoic acid (RA) may play a role in anterior-posterior (A-P) patterning in the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. To understand this role, Xenopus embryos were treated with increasing doses of all- trans RA at the late gastrula to early neurula stage, and changes in the brain were assessed. When embryos were treated with a low dose of 10 −8 M RA, alterations of the brain were observed: a 20% increase in the expression of a neural-specific marker, XIPOU 1 , in the brain and eye with a concurrent loss of the forebrain. Higher doses of RA led to progressively more severe truncations in the brain and a loss of XLPOU 1 expression. Most importantly, after observing changes in the RA-treated embryos, we determined that the lineage of cells that contribute to the brain of these embryos do not die but change their fate. With higher doses of RA (≥10 −7 M ), the normal cell fate of the A1 lineage was changed from a mostly neuronal phenotype to an epidermal one. Our data suggest that exogenous RA or a closely related derivative causes changes in cell fate of the A1 lineage which may in part be responsible for alterations in the developing CNS.
A method applicable to the standardization of influenza virus vaccines.

SummaryA procedure applicable to the standardization of influenza virus vaccines has been described. The total time required for completion of the test can be as little as 16 days. The procedure, referred to as the anti-genic extinction titration, determines the highest dilution of antigen capable of inducing the formation of demonstrable amount of virus-neutralizing antibody in the pooled serum of groups of 10 mice. The test for neutralizing antibody is carried out in ovo and may; therefore, be used in those instances in which the strain of virus that may be included in a vaccine has been adapted only to the chick embryo and is not pathogenic for mice.The use of chick embryos rather than mice as the indicator medium for virus neutralization offers the advantages of completion in 2 days rather than 10 days, applicability to egg-adapted strains and sharpness of results, as well as being less costly.The importance of maintaining the identity of virus in vaccine and virus used as test antigen for measuring t...
Microcounseling: The Counselor As Trainer.

The skills of the counselor are too important to be used only in the guidance office. The counselor should move into the school and the community to teach others the various skills of counseling and interpersonal communication. Microcounseling is a systematic method for teaching counseling skills in a short period of time. The author explains the relationship of microcounseling and counselor education to the role of the practicing counselor. He believes that conducting systematic training programs in such skills as microcounseling should become an important role for counselors.
The design and synthesis of novel derivatives of the dopamine uptake inhibitors GBR 12909 and GBR 12935. High-affinity dopaminergic ligands for conjugation with highly fluorescent cadmium selenide/zinc sulfide core/shell nanocrystals

There is a growing demand for compounds with very high affinities for the dopamine transporter protein (DAT) that can be conjugated to fluorescent markers such as cadmium selenide/zinc sulfide core/shell nanocrystals. This paper describes the design and synthesis of two derivatives of the DAT antagonists GBR 12935 and GBR 12909. These compounds have a high biological affinity for DAT and may be conjugated to nanocrystals via a thiol linkage without a significant reduction in their biological activity. Such conjugates may be used in fluorescent imaging studies.
A RECONSIDERATION OF LIVING AND FOSSIL PYROPHACUS STEIN, 1883 (DINOPHYCEAE)1,2

SUMMARY Three previously described dinoflagellates (2 “varieties” and a “form”) that comprise the marine genus Pyrophacus Stein, 1883, are allocated, to 3 separate species for the first time after demonstration of appropriate discontinuities in their respective theca and cyst morphologies. Formerly they were called P. horologium Stein var. horologium, P. horologium var. steinii Schiller and, Pyrophacus Form B1 of Steidinger and Davis; they become P. horologium Stein, P. steinii (Schiller) nov. comb., and P. vancampoae (Rossignol) nov. comb. The newly discovered cyst stage of the latter is identical with the fossil dinoflagellate Tuberculodinium vancampoae (Rossignol) Wall, whose unusual morphology is reinterpreted to include an oblate body, 4 rows of intratabular tubercules, and a uniquely located hypotractal (posterior antapical) archeopyle. The outer wall of the newly discovered benthic encysted stage of P. horologium Stein is gelatinous and agglutinating in behavior and comparable with the amorphous “Kalyptra” that constitutes the outer wall layer of several extinct Mesozoic and Danian fossil dinoflagellates.
Why equity cannot be separated from efficiency II: when should social pricing be progressive?

Abstract This paper corrects and extends Baiman (2001) by deriving valid conditions that determine when equity factors outweigh efficiency factors in the progressive Ramsey pricing, or “Progressive Social Pricing Rule,” derived in that paper. When these conditions hold, that rule becomes a rule for “progressive social pricing in the usual sense” of lower-income consumers getting relatively lower prices. When price elasticities are directly correlated with income, this becomes a “direct-elasticity” pricing rule.
Systematics of Mesocestoides (Cestoda: Mesocestoididae): evaluation of molecular and morphological variation among isolates

A hypothesis-based framework was used to test if 3 genetic strains of Mesocestoides (clades A, B, and C) are distinct evolutionary lineages, thereby supporting their delimitation as species. For comparative purposes, 3 established cestode species, Taenia pisiformis, Taenia serialis, and Taenia crassiceps were assessed using the same methods. Sequence data from mitochondrial rDNA (12S) and the second internal transcribed spacer of nuclear rDNA (ITS-2) revealed derived (autapomorphic) characters for lineages representing clade A (n = 6 autapomorphies), clade B (n = 4), and clade C (n = 9) as well as T. pisiformis (n = 15) and T. serialis (n = 12). Furthermore, multivariate analysis of morphological data revealed significant differences among the 3 genetic strains of Mesocestoides and between T. pisiformis and T. serialis. The level of phenotypic variation within evolutionary lineages of Mesocestoides and Taenia spp. tapeworms was similar. Results from this study support recognizing Mesocestoides clades A, B, and C as separate species, and provide evidence that clade B and Mesocestoides vogae are conspecific.
Thermogenic response to insulin and glucose infusions in man: A model to evaluate the different components of the thermic effect of carbohydrate

Abstract The thermogenic response to an insulin and glucose infusion was determined in 10 healthy lean volunteers using a euglycemic clamp technique in conjunction with respiratory exchange measurements. The progressive rise in resting metabolic rate (RMR) from 4.295 ± 0.360 kJ/min during the baseline to 4.771 ± 0.410 kJ/min during the 90–120 min period of the euglycemic clamp (p
Anomalous posterior vitreous detachment: a unifying concept in vitreo-retinal disease

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is the consequence of changes in the macromolecular structure of gel vitreous that result in liquefaction, concurrent with alterations in the extracellular matrix at the vitreo-retinal interface that allow the posterior vitreous cortex to detach from the internal limiting lamina of the retina. Gel liquefaction that exceeds the degree of vitreo-retinal dehiscence results in anomalous PVD (APVD). APVD varies in its clinical manifestations depending upon where in the fundus vitreo-retinal adhesion is strongest. At the periphery, APVD results in retinal tears and detachments. In the macula, APVD causes vitreo-macular traction syndrome, results in vitreoschisis with macular pucker or macular holes, or contributes to some cases of diabetic macular edema. At the optic disc and retina, APVD causes vitreo-papillary traction and promotes retinal and optic disc neovascularization. Unifying the spectrum of vitreo-retinal diseases into the conceptual framework of APVD underscores that to more effectively treat, and ultimately prevent, these disorders it is necessary to replicate the two components of an innocuous PVD, i.e., gel liquefaction and vitreo-retinal dehiscence. Pharmacologic vitreolysis is designed to mitigate against APVD by chemically breaking down vitreous macromolecules and weakening vitreo-retinal adhesion to safely detach the posterior vitreous cortex. This would not only facilitate surgery, but if performed early in the natural history of disease, it should prevent progressive disease.
Casein kinase-2-type protein kinases in plants: possible targets of polyamine action during growth regulation?

The biochemical mechanisms by which polyamines influence plant growth and development are not known. One of mechanisms frequently proposed is that polyamines can bind to key cellular enzymes and modulate their activity. Polyamines have been reported to alter the activity of a number of enzymes in vitro. Among these the casein kinase-2 protein kinases are of particular interest, not only because of increasing recognition of the major role of protein phosphorylation in regulating plant cell metabolism, but also because these kinases have been specifically implicated in the phosphorylation of trans-acting factors and thus could regulate gene expression. Casein kinase-2-type protein kinases have been purified and characterized from both plants and animals. Their structural and biochemical properties appear to have been remarkably conserved throughout evolution. Most are stimulated by mM levels of polyamines. Although this concentration is within the range estimated to occur in plant cells, not enough is known about [polyamine] in subcellular compartments and about how rapidly this concentration can be altered by hormonal and environmental signals to predict whether polyamines play a major role in the regulation of casein kinase-2 protein kinase activity in vivo.
Simultaneous planning and scheduling of single-stage multi-product continuous plants with parallel lines

In this paper we present a multi-period mixed integer linear programming model for the simultaneous planning and scheduling of single-stage multi-product continuous plants with parallel units. While effective for short time horizons, the proposed scheduling model becomes computationally expensive to solve for long time horizons. In order to address this problem, we propose a bi-level decomposition algorithm in which the original problem is decomposed into an upper level planning and a lower level scheduling problem. For the representation of the upper level, we propose an MILP model which is based on a relaxation of the original model, but accounts for the effects of scheduling by incorporating sequencing constraints, which results in very tight upper bounds. In the lower level the simultaneous planning and scheduling model is solved for a subset of products predicted by the upper level. These sub-problems are solved iteratively until the upper and lower bounds converge. A number of examples are presented that show that the planning model can often obtain the optimal schedule in one single iteration.
Specialized Partitioned Additive Runge-Kutta Methods for Systems of Overdetermined DAEs with Holonomic Constraints

We consider a general class of systems of overdetermined differential-algebraic equations (ODAEs). We are particularly interested in extending the application of the symplectic Gauss methods to Hamiltonian and Lagrangian systems with holonomic constraints. For the numerical approximation to the solution to these ODAEs, we present specialized partitioned additive Runge-Kutta (SPARK) methods, and in particular the new class of $(s,s)$-Gauss-Lobatto SPARK methods. These methods not only preserve the constraints, symmetry, symplecticness of the flow, and variational nature of the trajectories of holonomically constrained Hamiltonian and Lagrangian systems, but they also have an optimal order of convergence $2s$. A corrected version of this article has been appended at the end of the pdf file.
The Semiconductor Fast-Neutron Dosimeter-Its Characteristics and Applications

The characteristics and most recent results with a semiconductor fast-neutron dosimeter are dTscribed. This device is a wide-base silicon n+ - p - p+ junction whose forward resistance is controlled by the density of injected charge carriers in the base region. The injected carrier density profile is a function of the carrier diffusion length. Upon neutron bombardment, the diffusion length is decreased, which results in a decrease in injected carrier density within the base region and thus an increase in the forward resistance of the device. A sensitivity range from 1010 nvt to > 1014 nvt is presently attainable. The accuracy of readout ranges from ± 50 per cent at 1010 nvt to ± 5 per cent at 1011 nvt and continues to improve at higher integrated fluxes. The effect of base width, forward current level, material properties, and processing parameters on the sensitivity and uniformity of device characteristics are discussed. The current-voltage behavior of the device is shown to correspond to a model by Rose(l) for diffusion-dominated double injection in semiconductors. The small size and ruggedness of the dosimeter and the simplicity of readout make it particularly suited for radiation-effects experimentation, accident dosimetry, and biological dosimetry.
Experiments on the time of application of insecticide to decrease the spread of yellowing viruses of sugar beet, 1954-66

SUMMARY Sprays of demeton-methyl insecticide decreased the spread of yellowing viruses by aphids in sugar-beet crops in England. Between 1957 and 1960, when yellows was prevalent, the incidence, assessed as ‘infected-plant-weeks’, was decreased by 36–41 % by one spray, depending on when it was applied, and by 55 % by two sprays, giving average yield increases of 1½ and 2 ton/acre of roots respectively. Between 1962 and 1966, when yellows spread less, a spray at the time when growers were advised to spray by the British Sugar Corporation decreased yellows incidence by 37 %, whereas sprays 2 weeks earlier or later decreased it by 24 % and 25 % respectively. Between 1958 and 1966 an annual average of 160000 of the country's 440000 acres of sugar beet has been sprayed, often to control Aphis fabae as well as to check the spread of yellows. A spray gives a profitable yield increase when yellows incidence in unsprayed plots is 20 % at the end of August.
Optical and conductive properties of pyrazine-bridged iron, ruthenium and osmium octaethylporphyrin coordination polymers

Abstract The optical and conductive properties of neutral and partially oxidized pyrazine-bridged polymers of iron, ruthenium and osmium octaethylporphyrin are reported. Analogies between these systems and the Creutz-Taube mixed valence dimers are drawn. Analysis of the infrared spectra of the neutral polymers establishes a lower limit for the polymer chain lengths. Examination of a broad transition that develops in the infrared upon partial oxidation of these polymers offers insight into the degree of delocalization of the conduction electrons, which is found to increase on descending the iron triad. Varying the degree of oxidation affects both the features of this broad transition and the d.c. conductivities.
Correction of total incontinence in male and female epispadias

Between 1946 and 1980, 54 patients with epispadias and total urinary incontinence were evaluated at our institution. Factors critical to the achievement of complete continence include deferral of surgery until at least 3 yr of age, the patient having a well-developed bladder with adequate capacity and musculature, and maturation of the prostate at puberty in males. Complete continence was obtained in 9 of 11 female patients (82%). Fourteen of 35 male patients obtained complete urinary continence in the initial postoperative period. Complete urinary control was delayed until puberty in 11 additional patients, for an overall success rate of 25 of 35 males (71%). The significant increase in continence with the onset of puberty in males demonstrates the importance of expectant management of the child's progress in relation to the potential contribution of prostatic maturation in the development of urinary control.
Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: Legal Framework and Therapeutic Indications and Limitations

The most important message that physicians must communicate to persons with chronic pain is that, currently, no medication exists that will take away more than 30% of the pain they experience. Chronic pain is a chronic disease and, like diabetes or hypertension, requires chronic concessions and lifestyle modifications. In controlled trials of short duration and small sample size with highly selected patients, patients sustaining moderate-to-severe pain still experience moderate pain even on opioid medication. Adverse drug effects are predictable and common, and, in fact, long-term compliance with opioids is low owing to side effects. Screening for substance abuse by history taking, observing behavior, obtaining old medical records,and using UDS in patients before initiating opioid therapy is important to identify patients with comorbid addictive disease who require coincident or antecedent treatment. Familiarity with federal and state controlled substance legislation and state health care provider and pain treatment acts is a mundane but essential educational endeavor for all physicians prescribing opioids. If physicians educate their patients with chronic pain about the limited efficacy of the medications, patients' expectations for drug treatment can be more realistic.
Synthesis of 8,8‘-Disubstituted 1,1‘-Binaphthyls Stable to Atropisomerization: 2,2‘-Dimethyl-1,1‘-binaphthalene-8,8‘-diol and 2,2‘-Dimethyl-8,8‘-bis(4-tert-butyloxazolyl)-1,1‘-binaphthyl

Axially chiral binaphthyls 3a and 3b were synthesized taking, advantage of Ullman coupling of 4a and 4b, respectively. The binaphthyls were shown to be stable to atropisomerization. Binaphthol 3b was resolved with (−)-(1S)-menthyl chloroformate (11). R-axis diastereomer of bisoxazoline 3b was used for enantioselective cyclopropanation of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate.
Sounds audible to migrating birds

Abstract We have measured sound levels from frog choruses in eastern New York State at altitudes of up to several hundred metres. Rana pipiens choruses from small ponds often could be recorded by a radio microphone up to 500 m, and on an especially favourable night with light winds they were clearly audible even at 965 m at about 20 dB SPL in the 1·5 to 2·5 2·5 kHz frequency band. Sound travels upward much farther and more predictably than along the surface. Many natural sounds, including those from frogs, insects, whitecaps, and perhaps wind-blown vegetation, arise from large areas and therefore act as extended sources. The intensities of such sounds decrease with altitude more slowly than expected from the inverse square law. Natural sound fields provide migrating birds with a potential source of information about the kind of land or water below them, and their progress over acoustic landmarks could inform them about wind velocity. Because atmospheric absorption increases with frequency, several hundred metres of air act as a low-pass filter, so that altitude could be estimated from the relative reduction of higher frequencies in a familiar sound.
Independent power plant using wood waste.

Abstract A 1 MWe power plant using waste wood fuel is to be installed at a US Marine Corps base, which will supply all wood from a landfill site. The core energy conversion technology is a down-draft gasifier supplying approximately 150 Btu/scf gas to both spark ignition and Diesel dual-fuel engine-generator sets. Features of the plant design include 1) grinding wood fuel from a wide range of water resources, 2) specialized screening for fines removal, 3) complete tar and other waste product control without landfill disposal, and 4) use of process heat for bulk fuel drying, gasifier air pre-heating, and wastewater evaporation.
Deep network packet filter design for reconfigurable devices

Most network routers and switches provide some protection against the network attacks. However, the rapidly increasing amount of damages reported over the past few years indicates the urgent need for tougher security. Deep-packet inspection is one of the solutions to capture packets that can not be identified using the traditional methods. It uses a list of signatures to scan the entire content of the packet, providing the means to filter harmful packets out of the network. Since one signature does not depend on the other, the filtering process has a high degree of parallelism. Most software and hardware deep-packet filters that are in use today execute the tasks under Von Neuman architecture. Such architecture can not fully take advantage of the parallelism. For instance, one of the most widely used network intrusion-detection systems, Snort, configured with 845 patterns, running on a dual 1-GHz Pentium III system, can sustain a throughput of only 50 Mbps. The poor performance is because of the fact that the processor is programmed to execute several tasks sequentially instead of simultaneously. We designed scalable deep-packet filters on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to search for all data-independent patterns simultaneously. With FPGAs, we have the ability to reprogram the filter when there are any changes to the signature set. The smallest full-pattern matcher implementation for the latest Snort NIDS fits in a single 400k Xilinx FPGA (Spartan 3-XC3S400) with a sustained throughput of 1.6 Gbps. Given a larger FPGA, the design can scale linearly to support a greater number of patterns, as well as higher data throughput.
Monitoring Mitochondrial Membrane Potential with Mitoview 633: A New Molecular Probe

Background: Noninvasive mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨm) measurement has been largely constrained to the use of fluorescent probes. These probes accumulate in the mitochondrial inner membrane according to the Nernst equation. In this manner, ΔΨm can be measured indirectly by the intensity of the fluorescent dye.Objective: MitoView 633 is a new fluorescent probe in the far-red spectrum, which has great potentials in bioenergetics studies. However, its application in live cell imaging has not been well characterized. We aimed to determine the spectrum of MitoView using a spectrophotometer and characterized its dynamics in cardiomyocyte during live cell imaging.Method: H9C2 cells or adult rat cardiomyocytes were stained with MitoView or TMRM. The mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP was used to induce mitochondrial depolarization and the change of ΔΨm was recorded using a confocal microscope. Imagines were processed using ImageJ and the dynamics of MitoView and TMRM were compared. In some experiments, cells were co-stained with MitoSOX for simultaneous ROS and ΔΨm recording.Results: Spectrum analysis showed that MitoView emission could be detected at 660+50 nm. In addition, MitoView perfectly located in mitochondrial matrix, as demonstrated by its colocalization with Mito-eYFP or TMRM in H9C2 cells and rat cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, the photobleaching of MitoView was insignificant and comparable to that of TMRM and the FCCP-induced decay of MitoView fluorescence was faster than TMRM, indicating its superior sensitivity to ΔΨm. Finally, MitoView could be co-stained with MitoSOX, allowing for simultaneous measurement of ROS and ΔΨm in live cell imaging.Conclusion: We showed that MitoView is very sensitive to ΔΨm. Due to its minor photobleaching effect, high sensitivity to ΔΨm, and far-red emission spectrum, MitoView could be an idea molecular probe to monitor ΔΨm alone or together with other indicators in live cell imaging.
miRNA-34 prevents cancer initiation and progression in a therapeutically resistant K-ras and p53-induced mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and current therapies fail to treat this disease in the vast majority of cases. The RAS and p53 pathways are two of the most frequently altered pathways in lung cancers, with such alterations resulting in loss of responsiveness to current therapies and decreased patient survival. The microRNA-34 (mir-34) gene family members are downstream transcriptional targets of p53, and miR-34 expression is reduced in p53 mutant tumors; thus, we hypothesized that treating mutant Kras;p53 tumors with miR-34 would represent a powerful new therapeutic to suppress lung tumorigenesis. To this end we examined the therapeutically resistant KrasLSL-G12D/+;Trp53LSL-R172H/+ mouse lung cancer model. We characterized tumor progression in these mice following lung-specific transgene activation and found tumors as early as 10 weeks post-activation, and severe lung inflammation by 22 weeks. Tumors harvested from these lungs have elevated levels of oncogenic miRNAs miR-21 and miR-155; are deficient for p53-regulated miRNAs; and have heightened expression of miR-34 target genes, such as Met and Bcl-2. In the presence of exogenous miR-34, epithelial cells derived from these tumors show reduced proliferation and invasion. In vivo treatment with miR-34a prevented tumor formation and progression in KrasLSL-G12D/+;Trp53LSL-R172H/+ mice. Animals infected with mir-34a-expressing lentivirus at the same time as transgene activation had little to no evidence of tumorigenesis, and lentivirus-induced miR-34a also prevented further progression of pre-formed tumors. These data support the use of miR-34 as a lung tumor-preventative and tumor-static agent.
DeltaFosB is increased in the nucleus accumbens by amphetamine but not social housing or isolation in the prairie vole

The nucleus accumbens is a key region that mediates aspects of immediate and long-term adaptations to various stimuli. For example, both repeated amphetamine and pair-bonding increase dopamine D1 receptor binding in the nucleus accumbens of the monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). This upregulation has significant and stimulus-dependent behavioral consequences. A promising candidate for these and other adaptations is the transcription factor ΔfosB. ΔfosB is a highly stable protein that persists in the brain over long periods of time, leading to increasing and accumulating levels with repeated or continuous exposure to specific stimuli. Within the nucleus accumbens, ΔfosB is specifically increased in medium spiny neurons containing D1 receptors. To explore whether ΔfosB is altered by drug and social experience in prairie voles, we performed three separate experiments. In the first experiment, animals were treated with repeated injections of amphetamine and then brain tissue was analyzed for ΔfosB expression. As expected, 4 days of amphetamine treatment increased ΔfosB in the nucleus accumbens, consistent with previous findings in other laboratory species. In the second experiment, animals were housed for 10 days with one of three social partners: a familiar same-sex sibling, an unfamiliar same-sex partner, or an unfamiliar opposite-sex partner. Here, we predicted that 10 days of housing with an opposite-sex partner would act as a "social reward," leading to upregulation of ΔfosB expression in the nucleus accumbens. In a third experiment, we also investigated whether 10 days of social isolation would result in altered ΔfosB activity. We hypothesized that isolation would lead to decreased levels of nucleus accumbens ΔfosB, as seen in other studies. However, neither opposite-sex cohabitation nor social isolation affected ΔfosB expression in the nucleus accumbens. These findings suggest that social stimuli, in contrast to drugs of abuse, are not mediators of ΔfosB in this region in prairie voles.
Electron microscopy of porcine synovial cell layer

Abstract A fine structural study of the normal synovial cells from 8 pigs revealed 3 cell types as evidence of variation in the presence of cytoplasmic organelles. One was a cell with a well developed, rough endoplasmic reticulum, an occasional Golgi apparatus and mitochondria. The second type contained a poorly developed, rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous pinocytic vesicles and membrane-bound vesicles. The third type had a relative absence of cytoplasmic organelles. Acid phosphatase staining was associated with membrane vacuoles at the margin of the cell and discrete foci within the cytoplasm. No distinct basement membrane was observed.
On the nilpotency class and solvability length of nonabelian tensor products of groups

The nonabelian tensor product $G \otimes H$ is defined for a pair of groups G and H, provided G and H act on each other in a compatible fashion. The goal of this paper is to give bounds on the nilpotency class and solvability length of $G \otimes H$ , provided such information is given in context with G and H. The bounds are given in terms of D H (G), the derivative subgroup of G afforded by the action of H on G, and D G (H), the analogous subgroup of H. These derivative subgroups reduce to the commutator subgroup of G if G = H with all actions conjugation. We conclude with an example showing that, in contrast to the cases of the tensor square, the tensor product of a pair of groups of nilpotency class two is not necessarily abelian.
Concurrent error recovery with near-zero latency in synthesized ASICs

The importance of fault tolerant design has been steadily increasing as reliance on error free electronics continues to rise in critical military, medical, and automated transportation applications. While rollback and checkpointing techniques facilitate area efficient fault tolerant designs, they are inapplicable to a large class of time-critical applications. We have developed a novel synthesis methodology that avoids rollback, and provides both zero reduction in throughput and near-zero error latency. In addition, our design techniques reduce power requirements associated with traditional approaches to fault tolerance.
Ultrafine Particle Concentrations in a Hospital.

Ultrafine particles (UFP) may contribute to the morbidity and mortality associated with exposure to ambient particles, but few data are available on ultrafine particle numbers in indoor air, where susceptible subjects spend most of their time. We measured particle number, UFP size distribution, and total suspended particulate (JSP) mass in three locations: (I) a medical floor in a large tertiary care hospital, (2) outdoor air above a construction site outside the hospital, and (3) an environmental exposure chamber with purification of intake air. Mass and number concentrations were recorded continuously in each location over 70-110 h. Mean ± SD particle (p) numbers were 3.63 ± 1.l5 } 10(3) p/cm(3) in the hospital, 3.05 ± 6.65 } 10(4) p/cm(3) outside, and 5.86 ± 2.11 } 10(2) p/cm(3) in the environmental chamber. In the hospital, particle number and mass declined during the evening hours when the unit was less active, with the particle number as low as 1.15 } 10(3) p/cm(3). Particle numbers peaked (2.78 } 10(4) p/cm(3)) in the morning hours when activity on the unit was the most intense. "Spikes" in fine particle number were often not accompanied by increases in TSP mass. In the hospital, a distinct population of ultrafine particles (median diameter approximately 23 nm) was observed during the lunch hour, suggesting a change in particle source during this time. Outdoor fine particle numbers above the construction site were highly variable, reaching peaks of greater than 1.7 } 10(6) p/cm(3). These data suggest that, in the indoor environment, particle numbers and size distribution vary with intensity and type of local activity, and significant peaks in particle number are not detected with daily averages. Monitoring of particle mass may be an inaccurate measure of exposure to ultrafine particles indoors.
Novel Approach to Integration of Numerical Modeling and Field Observations for Deep Excavations

Precedent and observation of performance are an essential part of the design and construction process in geotechnical engineering. For deep urban excavations designers rely on empirical data to estimate potential deformations and impact on surrounding structures. Numerical simulations are also employed to estimate induced ground deformations. Significant resources are dedicated to monitor construction activities and control induced ground deformations. While engineers are able to learn from observations, numerical simulations have been unable to fully benefit from information gained at a given site or prior excavation case histories in the same area. A novel analysis method, self-learning in engineering simulations (SelfSim), is introduced to integrate precedent into numerical simulations. SelfSim is an inverse analysis technique that combines finite element method, biologically inspired material models, and field measurements. SelfSim extracts relevant constitutive soil information from field measurements of excavation response such as lateral wall deformations and surface settlement. The resulting soil model, used in a numerical analysis, provides correct ground deformations and can be used in estimating deformations of similar excavations. The soil model can continuously evolve using additional field information. SelfSim is demonstrated using two excavation case histories in Boston and Chicago.
Comparison of nonciliated tracheal epithelial cells in six mammalian species: ultrastructure and population densities.

Three types of nonciliated epithelial cells in mammalian conducting respiratory airways are thought to be secretory: mucous (goblet) cells, serous epithelial cells, and Clara cells. Mucous and serous cells are considered to be the secretory cells of the trachea. Clara cells are considered to be the secretory cells of the most distal conducting airways or bronchioles. To ascertain if mucous and serous epithelial cells are common to the tracheal epithelium of mammalian species, we characterized the ultrastructure and population densities of tracheal epithelial cells in six species:- hamster (H), rat (Rt), rabbit (Rb), cat (C), Bonnet monkey (M. radiata) (B), and sheep (S). Following fixation by airway infusion with glutaraldehydelparaformaldehyde, tracheal tissue was processed for light and electron microscopy (EM.) by a selective embedding technique. Tracheal epithelium over cartilage was quantitated by light microscopy and characterized by transmission EM. Mucous cells were defined by abundant large nonho...