cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurements of active myocardial tension under a wide range of physiological loading conditions

Abstract Active tension developed while cardiac muscle shortens has been studied extensively under afterloaded isotonic or isovelocity conditions. However, these are not true in vivo loading conditions. To obtain more physiological loading, we controlled sarcomere length to follow the time courses that we observed previously in a beating canine left ventricle. Sarcomere length was measured by laser diffraction in 12 rat cardiac trabeculae, superfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution (25°C; [Ca] = 1.5 mM). Force was measured by a silicon strain gauge. Sarcomere length time courses were scaled slightly in time to account for temperature and species differences. We examined the relationships between active tension and sarcomere length under loading observed over a wide range of left ventricular preloads and afterloads, and at two sites. Under all loading conditions, active tension was not isotonic but declined steadily throughout the ejection period. While there were major differences in peak tension dependent on loading conditions and the incidence of ‘pre-ejection’ sarcomere shortening, these factors did not influence the relationship between sarcomere length and peak active tension. This study provides excellent illustrations of the potential differences in stress (1) within a ventricular wall, and (2) under different operating conditions. Moreover, it provides data for developing models of fiber contraction to be synthesized into a whole heart for predicting potential differences in stress at all sites and under all loading conditions.
Transcriptional Analysis of Acetylcholine Receptor α3 Gene Promoter Motifs That Bind Sp1 and AP2

In this study, we performed an analysis of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α3 subunit gene promoter region, −238/+47, to identify cis and trans elements that are important for basal activity in PC12 cells. Sequence analyses of the α3 promoter and footprint assays revealed an Sp1 binding site between −79 and −57 (termed the α3 GA motif) and an AP2 binding site between −30 and −7. Using mobility shift analysis, we found that PC12 cell extracts contain proteins that specifically bind to the α3 GA motif and are immunologically related to Sp1. Mutation of the α3 GA motif, which prevented binding of Sp1, resulted in a 75% decrease in promoter activity. Mutation of the AP2 site resulted in only a minor loss of promoter activity, which is consistent with the lack of AP2 binding activity in PC12 extracts. In Drosophila Schneider line 2 (S2) cell cotransfection assays, Sp1 activated the α3 promoter in a GA motif-dependent manner. Furthermore, multimerization of the GA motif upstream of the β-globin TATA box conferred Sp1 responsiveness. Our results indicate that Sp1 can activate transcription through direct interaction with the α3 GA motif and that this motif plays a major role in α3 promoter basal activity in PC12 cells.
Geometrical phase driven predissociation: lifetimes of 2 2 A' levels of H3.

We discuss the role of the geometric phase in predissociation dynamics of vibrational states near a conical intersection of two electronic potential surfaces of a ${D}_{3h}$ molecule. We present a method to calculate lifetimes and positions of predissociated vibrational states (Feshbach resonances) for such ${X}_{3}$ molecules. The method accounts for the two coupled three-body potential surfaces. As an example, the method is applied to obtain vibrational levels of the ${2}^{2}{A}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ electronic state of ${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$. The three-body recombination rate coefficient for the $\mathrm{H}+\mathrm{H}+\mathrm{H}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{H}}_{2}+\mathrm{H}$ process is estimated.
Synthesis of Novel Analgesic Agents II: Pyrazolidines with Nonoxygenated Phenyl Substituents

Several 3- and 4-(m-methoxyphenyl)pyrazolidines as well as 3-alkyl-3- and 4-alkyl-4-(m-methoxyphenyl)pyrazolidines were synthesized. Most of the compounds were demethylated and afforded the corresponding m-hydroxy products. These novel compounds were evaluated for analgesic activity; 1,2-dimethyl-3- n-propyl-3-(m-methoxyphenyl)pyrazolidine (Vic) was the most effective.
Scattering of coastal-trapped waves by irregularities in coastline and topography

Abstract The scattering of freely-propapting coastal-trapped waves (CTWs) by large variations in coastline and topography is studied using a numerical model which accomodates arbitrary density stratification, bathymetry and coastline. Particular attention is paid to the role of stratification which in moderate amounts can eliminate backscattered free-waves which occur. theoretically, in a barotropic ocean. Numerical simulations using widening and narrowing shelf topographies show that the strength of the forward scattering into transmitted CTW modes is proportional to a topographic warp factor which estimates the severity of the topographic irregularities. The forward-scattering is further amplified by density stratification. Within the scattering region itself, the strengths of the scattered-wave-induced currents exhibit substantial variation over short spatial scales. There is generally a marked intensification of the flow within the scattering region, and rapid variations in phase. On narrowing shelves...
Aspirin and Other Antiplatelet Agents and Their Effects on Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes

Reduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in patients with type 2 diabetes remains an area of intense interest and research. Recent trials of lower systolic blood pressure goals and combination lipid therapy have failed to show a significant reduction in CVD events in patients with diabetes. Antiplatelet agents are an additional option for CVD risk reduction in patients both with and without diabetes. However, two recent trials have questioned the role of aspirin in the primary prevention of CVD events in patients with diabetes. Although sub-analyses of larger trials have suggested a potential benefit of thienopyridine therapy in patients with diabetes, direct comparative trials are lacking and aspirin remains the appropriate first-line agent. Recent guidelines issued by the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, and American College of Cardiology Foundation on the use of aspirin for primary prevention in patients with diabetes remain the standard of practice. Two ongoing trials will help to address the question of the relative benefit of aspirin in patients with diabetes. The Aspirin and Simvastatin Combination for Cardiovascular Events Prevention Trial in Diabetes (ACCEPT-D) and A Study of Cardiovascular Events in Diabetes (ASCEND) are both randomized trials of 100 mg of aspirin compared to placebo and will enroll a combined 15,000 patients with diabetes between the two trials. Results may become available as soon as 2012.
Employee Commitment to the AIDS Service Organization: A Study of the Comprehensive AIDS Program in Palm Beach County, Florida

This study analyzes factors affecting employees' commitment to the AIDS Service Organization (ASO). Based on a survey in a community-based ASO, the study reveals that these employees have a high level of commitment to their organization and that their trust and confidence in the organization and dissatisfaction with government's involvement are two major determinants of their commitment. Implications concerning the results of this study are discussed.
Kinetics of Protein Quality Change in an Extruded Cowpea-Corn Flour Blend under Varied Steady-State Storage Conditions

The effect of varied steady-state storage conditions on the in vitro protein quality of a 70:30 (w/w %) cowpea and corn flour blend was examined. Losses of FDNB-reactive lysine due to Maillard browning reactions were best described by a first-order model with rate constants ranging from 8.9 × 10-3 wk-1 for storage at 25°C and aw of 0.55 to 25.9 × 10-3 wk-1 for storage at 55°C and aw of 0.65. Browning pigment production was best described by a zero-order model. A linear effect of temperature increase on the rates of lysine loss was observed in the statistical model. Implications for storage of products with similar compositions are discussed.
Notes on the photon-disequilibrium-amplification scheme (JvN), September 16, 1953

This paper discusses light amplification using semiconductors. Topics considered include the alternation of band energy maximum and minimum positions, crystal radiation, energy conservation, transition probability, matrix elements, energy-density estimates, and current-density estimates.
Parachor and π-bonding relationships in silicon compounds

Abstract It is proposed that the presence of π-bonding in silicon compounds may be inferred if “polar” SiH bond parachors must be used to obtain agreement between calculated and experimental molecular parachors. The surface tension of disilyl sulphide has been measured in vacuo and has been found to be 22·31 dynes/cm at 18°C. The experimental parachor has a value of 221·3 at this temperature and the SiS bond parachor a value of 23·4.
High-temperature expansion for the longitudinal susceptibility of the spin- model

Abstract The exact high temperature series expansion for the longitudinal susceptibility of the spin- 1 2 XY model is given. An expansion for a related quantity, the reduced susceptibility, is also obtained by noting a simple relationship between the two susceptibilities. Both series are nondivergent. The reduced susceptibility is useful for evaluating time-dependent properties of the XY model.
Review: In women 39 to 69 years of age, screening with mammography reduces breast cancer mortality

Source Citation Nelson HD, Tyne K, Naik A, et al. Screening for breast cancer: an update for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151:727-37. [PMID 19920273]
Z0: The extra force

Researchers at CERN (European Center for Nuclear Research) have reason to believe that they have finally observed the elusive superheavy Z0 nuclear particle. The observation is important because it represents the unifying link between the physics of weak-field phenomena and electromagnetic forces. The Z0 particle was predicted by the Salam-Weinberg model, which is an attempt to pull together all physical forces into a single field theory. The as yet uncalibrated experiments at CERN project the new particle's mass at 95±5 GeV, or about the equivalent to the combined masses of 95 protons. What remains in the search for such nuclear particles are “heavier Z0” particles (200 GeV), “top quarks,” and “Higgs particles,” all of which are parts of the Salam-Weinberg model.
Congenital ptosis, longterm results using stored fascia lata

Purpose Frontalis brow suspension, using stored donor fascia lata, allows early correction of severe congenital ptosis. We report longterm results of 18 patients, (29 ptotic eyelids). Methods Patient records were retrospectively reviewed. Lid position at the first and subsequent post-operative visits was recorded, as was the time when ptosis recurred. Results The mean follow-up period was 42.9 months (range 7 to 84 months). All patients achieved a Good initial result. Partial ptosis recurrence was noted in 7 patients (10 eyelids), within 18 months of surgery. One of these patients required reoperation. Lid position did not change after the first 18 months. No late failures were encountered. Conclusion Longterm lid position is remarkably stable after early surgical correction of severe congenital ptosis using stored fascia lata.
Can two solids slide without slipping

Abstract The question posed is whether two solids that are pressed together and at the same time sheared can undergo a sliding motion without slip at the interface. The mechanism involves a propagating separation zone, with the tangential shift between the solids taking place in this zone whilst they are out of contact. It is shown that the applied forces can sustain such motion, and that the separation zones can propagate with velocities above the speed of surface waves and also in the transonic range. If such motion is induced, sliding can occur even at very low levels of applied shearing forces.
An electron microscopic study of picoplanktonic organisms from a Small Lake.

Picoplankton, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, are distinguished from other aquatic organisms by their small size (0.1–2.0 μm). Such organisms were recovered from waters of a small oligotrophic lake using screens, filters, and high-speed centrifugation. The majority of the picoplankton were unable to form visible colonies on common media. Cells examined in thin sections by electron microscopy showed that 60–75% of the cells had an average diameter after dehydration of 0.48–0.51 μm. The maximum dimensions of the rest of the cells ranged from 0.56–1.81 μm. Using details of ultrastructure, cells were classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Phototrophs present included two cyanobacterial morphotypes (5–6%) and two eukaryotic algae (less than I%). The arrays of intracytoplasmic membranes in 18–20% of the cells were suggestive of methanotrophic rods and chemoautotrophs. Relatively few prosthecate bacteria were observed in the water column samples. The smallest cells (1–2%) contained magnetosomes, the presence of which were confirmed by x-ray spectroscopy. Iron was also detected in the envelopes of some rod shaped cells by the same technique. The study of in situ picoplankton populations using TEM coupled with other techniques may provide better understanding of picoplankton biomass.
Anomalous microwave melting of zeolites

Abstract Microwave absorption in transparent ceramics or minerals containing no transition metals may be due to losses caused by ionic “rattling” in a rigid cage. Evidence for this appears in the fact that some zeolites can be melted in a matter of seconds in a standard kitchen-type microwave oven with a frequency of 2.45 GHz. This dielectric heating behavior is controlled in part by the topology of the anionic framework, location and nature of the exchange ions within the framework. Faujasite (Linde 13X) and Linde type A saturated with Na + are the strongest absorbers. This rapid heating behavior of zeolites by microwaves opens up a new method for the processing of these important materials, and of ceramic bodies containing them in general.
Mass Loading of First Flush Pollutants with Treatment Strategy Simulations

"First flush" is a term for the initial period of stormwater discharge from a storm event. Conventional thinking is that the first flush exhibits high pollutant concentrations. The existence of a first flush in highway runoff has been documented through a comprehensive 4-year runoff monitoring from three highway sites in Los Angeles, California. As part of this study, a numeric definition of the mass first flush ratio is developed; it characterizes the normalized mass of pollutants in the first portion of the normalized runoff volume. Mass first flush ratios have been developed for more than 30 conventional water quality parameters, heavy metals, nutrients, and organic pollutants. This study explores the improved performance that some best management practices (BMPs) exhibit when they can take advantage of the high concentrations of pollutants at the beginning of a storm event. A range of hypothetical events corresponding to the observed mass first flush ratios were simulated. These simulations demonstrat...
Closed-loop stiffness and damping accuracy of impedance-type haptic displays

Impedance-type kinesthetic haptic displays aim to render arbitrary desired dynamics to a human operator using force feedback. To effectively render realistic virtual environments, the difference between desired and rendered dynamics must be small. In this paper, we analyze the closed-loop dynamics of haptic displays for three common virtual environments: a spring, a damper, and a spring-damper, including the effects of time delay and low-pass filtering. Using a linear model, we identify important parameters for accuracy in terms of “effective impedances,” a conceptual tool that decomposes the display's closed-loop impedance to components with physical analogs. Our results establish bandwidth limits for rendering effective stiffness and damping. The stiffness bandwidth is limited by the virtual stiffness and device mass, and the damping bandwidth is limited by the cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter. Time delay reduces the effective damping of spring and spring-damper displays, reduces the effective mass for damper displays, and can introduce effective jerk feedback; otherwise delay has negligible effect on accuracy (when the system is stable). Experimental data gathered with a Phantom Premium 1.5 validates the theoretical analysis. This work informs haptic display design by presenting how closed-loop behavior changes with key parameters.
Informed Speculation and Hedging in a Noncompetitive Securities Market

The authors examine an adverse selection model of trading in which both informed and uninformed traders are rational, maximizing agents. Replacing the price inelastic "noise" or "liquidity" traders with strategic, utility-maximizing hedgers permits an explicit analysis of the uninformed traders' welfare, and demonstrates that several comparative statics obtained from the standard paradigm of Kyle (1984, 1985) are altered significantly upon endogenizing the trading motives of these agents. In contrast to extant models, market liquidity and price efficiency are both nonmonotonic in the number of uninformed hedgers in the market. Also, the welfare of hedgers monotonically decreases with the number of informed traders, despite greater competition between the informed. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
Modeling Effect of Geocomposite Drainage Layers on Moisture Distribution and Plastic Deformation of Road Sections

AbstractThe effect of geosynthetic layers on moisture distribution and plastic deformation of paved and unpaved road sections is studied using numerical simulations. The geosynthetic layers consisted of, from top to bottom, a transport layer, a geonet, and a nonwoven geotextile (referred to as a geocomposite capillary barrier drain by previous researchers). Two geotextile types were modeled as the transport layer: woven fiberglass and nonwoven polypropylene. The numerical models were verified against published results obtained from a soil-geotextile column. Inclusion of the geosynthetic layers at the interface of the aggregate base course (ABC) and subgrade increased suction in the subgrade and decreased it in the ABC during a simulated rainfall event. The woven fiberglass geotextile led to higher suctions in the ABC compared with the nonwoven polypropylene geotextile. The geosynthetic layers decreased the plastic deformation in both paved and unpaved road sections through combined mechanistic and hydraul...
The role of calcium in cell death.

Abstract Cell death is frequently encountered in human disease. Ischemia, chemicals, viruses, radiation and toxins are among its varied causes. The resulting pathology, however, is very uniform. The common pattern of altered morphology, coagulative necrosis, implies that, at some point, the diverse causes share common mechanisms. Recent evidence suggests that coagulative necrosis may ultimately reflect an alteration in the control of intracellular calcium homeostasis. Studies in intact animals and in cell culture suggest than an ultimate influx of calcium ions across injured plasma membranes and along a steep concentrations gradient converts potentially reversible alterations into the irreversible injury of cell death. The structural alterations in cellular constituents that characterize coagulative necrosis are themselves very likely the direct result of the action of an elevated calcium concentration on cellular macromolecules. The continuing need to identify the membrane alterations induced by the various causes of cell death in order to assess their potential reversibility in the absence of irreversible calcium accumulation is emphasized.
Instruments for the determination of stability of platforms

Instruments for platforms stability determination, considering azimuth, tilt rotation and translational motion
Sample size effect on nanoindentation of micro-/nanostructures

The sample size effect on nanoindentation of micro-/nanostructures was studied by the finite element analysis method. It was found that a significant sample size effect occurs when the sample size is comparable to the indent size. To avoid the sample size effect on mechanical property measurements of micro-/nanostructures, nanoindentation must be done within a certain critical indent size to sample size ratio. The nanoindentation testing criteria for micro-/nanostructures have been established. The indentation deformation behavior of soft and hard micro-/nanostructures is discussed in conjunction with the material properties, sample shape, and three-dimensional geometry length scale.
How the controller is controlled – neonatal Fc receptor expression and immunoglobulin G homeostasis

With the discovery of immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin G (IgG) was recognized to possess two unique properties: selective pre- or postnatal transepithelial transport across the placenta in humans or the intestinal epithelium in rodents, respectively, and a prolonged half-life relative to other serum proteins, suggesting protection from catabolism in adults. These observations were noted by Francis Brambell, who further predicted the presence of a saturable receptor responsible for both biological functions. 1 Two decades after these predictions, biochemical and ultimately molecular biological evidence was obtained, in the late 1980s, for the presence of a receptor that was physiologically active in neonatal rodent epithelium. 2,3 However, not until recently with the generation of X-ray crystallographic structures, subsequent structure–function analyses and the creation of a knock-out animal, has it become clear that the so-called neonatal Fc receptor for IgG (FcRn) is responsible for both of the aforementioned functional attributes of IgG physiology: its transport across the neonatal epithelium of rodents and the avoidance of catabolism. 4–8 FcRn consists of a glycosylated heavy chain that is closely related to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules in non-covalent association with b2microglobulin (b2m). 9 FcRn binds IgG in a strictly pH
Review: hemoccult screening reduces death from colorectal cancer in average-risk patients > 50 years of age.

Source Citation McLeod RS and members of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Screening strategies for colorectal cancer: a systematic review of the evidence. Can J Gastroenterol. 200...
Global Models of Surface Wave Group Velocity

Measurements of group velocity are derived from phase-velocity dispersion curves and modeled with global laterally-varying isotropic structure. Maps for both Love and Rayleigh waves are created in the period range 35 s to 175 s. The data set of group-velocity measurements includes over 50,000 minor-arc observations and 5,000 major-arc observations. The errors in the measurements are estimated by an empirical method of comparing pairwise-similar paths, resulting in uncertainties which are 20% to 40% of the size of the typical measurement. The models are determined by least-squares inversion for spherical harmonic maps expanded up to degree 40. This parameterization allows for resolution of structures as small as 500 km. The models explain 70–98% of the variance relative to the Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM). For the area of Eurasia, the group-velocity maps from this study are compared with those of RITZWOLLER and LEVSHIN (1998). The results of the two studies are in very good agreement, particularly in terms of spatial correlation. The models also agree in amplitude at wavelengths longer than 30 degrees. For shorter wavelengths, the agreement is good only for models at short periods. The global maps are useful for prediction of group arrival times, for revealing tectonic structures, for determination of seismic event locations and source parameters, and as a basis for regional group-velocity studies.
Effects of short- and long-term estrogen and progesterone replacement on behavioral responses and c-fos mRNA levels in female rats after acute cocaine administration.

It is well established that there are estrous cycle differences in cocaine-induced behavioral activity, implicating fluctuations in levels of estrogen and progesterone throughout the cycle in these alterations in behavior. However, the mechanisms by which steroids alter cocaine-induced behavioral responses have yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine whether short- or long-term estrogen and progesterone administration differentially alters behavioral responses to cocaine. Estrogen (50 μg) was administered 30 min or 48 h before cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) administration; progesterone (500 μg) was administered 30 min or 24 h before cocaine. Short-term estrogen replacement decreased cocaine-induced ambulations. Short-term progesterone decreased rearing, whereas long-term progesterone decreased ambulations. Although cocaine increased levels of c-fos mRNA, none of the estrogen or progesterone replacement paradigms affected this measure. Because long-term estrogen replacement has been shown to have no effect on locomotor activity after acute cocaine administration, our observations suggest that short-term estrogen may underlie behavioral alterations. These findings suggest that after acute cocaine administration, while estrogen may activate only membrane receptors to alter behavioral responses to cocaine, progesterone activates both nuclear and membrane receptors.
Mass–spin relation for quark anti-quark bound states in non-commutative Yang–Mills theory

Abstract We investigate the relationship between mass and spin of quark anti-quark bound state in non-commutative gauge theory with N = 4 supersymmetry. In the large N and large 't Hooft coupling limit, these bound states correspond to rotating open strings ending on a D-brane embedded into the supergravity background dual of the non-commutative field theory. Although the physical configuration of the open strings are drastically deformed by the non-commutativity, we find that the relation between the energy and the angular momentum of the bound state is unaffected by the non-commutativity parameter. We also clarify the holographic interpretation of quark anti-quark potential in non-commutative gauge theories.
Almost global existence to nonlinear wave equations in three space dimensions

On considere l'existence a t grand de solutions de petite amplitude pour des equations d'onde d'ordre 2 non lineaires a 4 dimensions d'espace-temps
ATPases and lens ion balance

In the lens, different cells appear to be specialized such that some have a high capacity for energy-dependent ion transport while others do not. This short review describes the distribution of functional Na,K-ATPase activity and Ca-ATPase activity in the lens. Movement of ions in the extracellular space between lens fibers, a topic studied by David Maurice 25 years ago, is discussed together with cell-to-cell movement of ions which is facilitated by extensive coupling in the lens cell mass. The expression of different Na,K-ATPase and Ca-ATPase isoforms in lens epithelium and fiber cells is considered along with mechanisms that potentially regulate the activity of these transport proteins.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Education, Prioritization, and Self-Perceived Preparedness Among Primary Care Residents: Data From a National Survey

Abstract Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening remains underutilized in the United States. We conducted a national survey of CRC screening education, prioritization, and self-perceived preparedness among resident physicians in Family Practice (FP), Internal Medicine (IM), and Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) training programs. Methods. Directors/administrators from 1085 FP, IM, and OB/GYN training programs were contacted by e-mail with a request to forward an invitation to participate in our Web-based CRC screening education survey to all residents in their program. Willing residents submitted responses in anonymous fashion. Data were analyzed using χ2 tests and analysis of variance methods. Results. In total, 243 program directors/administrators forwarded our invitation, and 835 residents responded (384 FP, 266 IM, 177 OB/GYN, 8 undesignated specialty). Nearly all resident responders (89%) had received CRC screening education, but few content delivery methods were reported. Most felt at least som...
Amalgam restorations with silicate cement facings for anterior teeth.

Abstract Patients accept anterior amalgam restorations with silicate cement facings for their esthetic value. The procedure is simple and inexpensive, and it does not require the use of gold. The technique will suffice for elderly patients or for teeth with questionable prognoses.
ULTRAFAST ELECTRON DYNAMICS IN FEMTOSECOND OPTICAL BREAKDOWN OF DIELECTRICS

We measured the optical breakdown threshold (OBT) in dielectrics with different band gaps for single and double 25-fs 800-nm transform-limited laser pulses. Our pump-probe double pulse measurements indicate that the plasma energy in dielectrics experiences ultrafast decay which lasts only $\ensuremath{\sim}100\mathrm{fs}$ and does not follow an exponential decay curve. Therefore, a decay term must be included in the electron density rate equation. Our double pulse measurements also demonstrate that the OBT is temperature dependent. The OBT in dielectrics was determined using a novel technique, which eliminates the ambiguity in its definition and also allows real-time data acquisition.
Characterization of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell with Different Nanoparticle sizes

The Dye-sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) has been regarded as the next-generation solar cell because of its simple and low cost fabrication process. The experiments for optimizing the cell efficiency were carried out in this work include varying the TiO2 layer thickness on the working electrode and determining the most favorable nanoparticle size in the TiO2 paste. The TiO2 electrode or working electrode was fabricated using screen printing technique with the Coatema tool with thicknesses ranging from ~20 to 66 μm. It was observed that both open circuit voltage and short circuit current were found to have measurable dependence on the TiO2 layer thickness. The open circuit voltage changed from 0.77 to 0.82 V and correspondingly the short circuit current also varied from ~19 to 23 mA/cm2 depending on the TiO2 layer thickness. Additionally, the cell with 40 μm TiO2 thickness showed 9.06% photo conversion efficiency compared to 6.4% and 8.5% efficiency obtained for the cells with 20 μm and 66 μm TiO2 thicknesses respectively. The second part of the experiment was conducted using three different nanoparticle sizes of 13 nm, 20 nm and 37nm in the TiO2 layer to identify optimum nanoparticle size by maintaining the TiO2 film thickness at 40 μm. The cell with 20 nm size nanoparticle, in combination with 40 μm TiO2 thickness showed 11.2% efficiency that is in par or slightly better than the efficiency value reported for the DSSC in the literature as of now. The work described in this paper showed best possible values for the TiO2 layer thickness and nanoparticle size in the TiO2 for obtaining improved cell efficiency of 11.2%.
State-level institutional effects on legislative coalition unity in Brazil

How do subnational factors affect the proclivity of legislators from the same party or coalition to vote together? We estimate the effects of two institutional forces operating at the state level�intralist electoral competition and alliance with governors�on voting unity among coalition cohorts to the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. Larger cohorts, in which the imperative for legislators to distinguish themselves from the group is stronger, are less unified than smaller cohorts. We find no net effect of alliance with governors on cohort voting unity. Governors are not dominant brokers of legislative coalitions, a result suggesting that the net gubernatorial effect is contingent on factors that shape governors' influence relative to that of national-level legislative actors.
Pacemaker mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum.

Abstract In this paper, I report measurements of the time intervals between aggregation waves in two morphogenetic mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum NC-4. The mutants both have abnormal wave periodicity and their abnormalities are interpreted in terms of defects in the cellular properties which underlie wave propagation. The main results are as follows: 1. (1) The two mutants each have the same categories of waveforms as wild-type Dictyostelium discoideum NC-4 (concentric ring and spiral waves). The two kinds of waveforms have characteristic temporal intervals in the wild-type and mutant strains. 2. (2) In the mutant 91A, concentric ring and spiral waves resemble equivalent wild-type waves in their temporal periodicity, but the mutant has a high proportion of spiral waves (60% as compared to 16% in NC-4). This abnormality is shown to be due at least partly to a low rate of emergence of autonomous signaling competence in 91A cells during early aggregation. 3. (3) The mutant Fr17 has normal spiral waves but abnormal concentric ring waves. The concentric ring waves of Fr17 are aperiodic and separated by irregularly sequenced intervals between about 3 and 40 min long. Those of NC-4 are usually either approximately periodic, with 5-or 10-min periodicity or are separated by steadily decreasing intervals between and 7 and 2.5 min ( Durston, 1974 ). I suggest that Fr17 lacks two cell properties manifested in NC-4 (periodic and continuous autonomous signaling) and instead has a new property (aperiodic autonomous signaling).
Symmetric hyperbolic systems with a large parameter

(1986). Symmetric hyperbolic systems with a large parameter. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 11, No. 15, pp. 1627-1651.
Primer: signal transduction in rheumatic disease—a clinician's guide

Signaling pathways enable cells to respond and adapt to environmental stimuli. For instance, extracellular ligands, such as proinflammatory cytokines or pathogen components, bind receptors on the surface of cells that trigger downstream signaling cascades driven by enzymes called kinases. Ultimately, kinases activate transcription factors that bind to DNA and alter the expression of target genes, the products of which allow the cell to respond to the initial stimulus. A variety of chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with altered cellular signaling. Some of the signal cascades that are involved in inflammation and autoimmunity include those mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-kappaB, interferon regulatory factor and Toll-like receptors, NOD-like receptors and the inflammasome, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases. Understanding these intracellular pathways might lead to new approaches to the treatment of inflammatory disease, including the use of orally bioavailable small molecules that regulate cytokine function and production.
Use of cDNA microarrays to analyze dioxin-induced changes in human liver gene expression.

Abstract One mechanism by which cells adapt to environmental changes is by altering gene expression. Here, we have used cDNA microarrays to identify genes whose expression is altered by exposure to the environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD). The goal of our study was to enhance our understanding of toxicity mediated through the pathway by which TCDD stimulates gene expression. To model this toxicity response, we exposed human hepatoma (HepG2) cells to TCDD (10 nM for 18 h) and analyzed mRNA by two-color fluorescent hybridization to cDNA sequences immobilized on glass microscope slides (2.5×7.5 cm) covering a surface area of 2.25 cm 2 . We analyzed approximately one-third of the genes expressed in HepG2 cells and found that TCDD up- or down-regulates 112 genes two-fold or more. Most changes are relatively subtle (two- to four-fold). We verified the regulation of protooncogene cot, XMP, and human enhancer of filamentation-1 (HEF1), genes involved in cellular proliferation, as well as metallothionein, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI1), and HM74, genes involved in cellular signaling and regeneration. To characterize the response in more detail, we performed time-course, dose-dependence studies, and cycloheximide experiments. We observed direct and indirect responses to TCDD implying that adaptation to TCDD (and other related environmental stimuli) is substantially more complex than we previously realized.
Entrapment of DFPase in titania coatings from a biomimetically derived method

Silicon oxide has been widely used to encapsulate biomolecules to preserve their activity in less than ideal environments. However, there are other inorganic oxides with inherent properties that would be advantageous in creating a multifunctional material. Titanium oxide exhibits properties that have applications in areas such as electronics, energy conversion, and decontamination. Herein is reported the formation of titania coatings fabricated on polymer beads using a biomimetic approach and characterized with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The approach involves the use of functionalized polymer beads, which initiate oxide formation from a water-soluble titanium complex. The method was used to encapsulate the enzyme diisopropylfluorophosphatase, in situ, within the oxide matrix under buffered aqueous conditions while retaining its enzymatic activity against diisopropylfluorophosphate. In addition, the biomimetically produced titania was shown to exhibit UV-assisted degradation activity against an ethidium bromide dye, upon liberation from the coating template.
MULTISCALE COMPLEXITY/ENTROPY

We discuss the role of scale dependence of entropy/complexity and its relationship to component interdependence. The complexity as a function of scale of observation is expressed in terms of subsystem entropies for a system having a description in terms of variables that have the same a priori scale. The sum of the complexity over all scales is the same for any system with the same number of underlying degrees of freedom (variables), even though the complexity at specific scales differs due to the organization/interdependence of these degrees of freedom. This reflects a tradeoff of complexity at different scales of observation. Calculation of this complexity for a simple frustrated system reveals that it is possible for the complexity to be negative. This is consistent with the possibility that observations of a system that include some errors may actually cause, on average, negative knowledge, i.e. incorrect expectations.
Past, present and future of a rapid-responding ecosystem: California grasslands

Natural historians came late to California. By the time they arrived, there were but remnants left of the type of grasslands that had assembled and evolved under the influence of the prevailing Mediterranean-type climate. Deducing the character of the pristine grassland has been a very difficult task. However, it is clear that the original grassland was completely transformed in a very short period of time by aggressive introduced annual grasses from the Mediterranean Basin that became dominant throughout virtually the entire state.
Geographic Barriers to Community-Based Psychiatric Treatment for Drug-Dependent Patients

The World Health Organization has urged governments worldwide to implement evidence-based treatment services for drug addiction and mental health disorders, but the role of geographic characteristi...
Multi-angle generalized ellipsometry of anisotropic optical structures

A new technique for simultaneous multi-angle ellipsometric measurements of anisotropic optical structures such as films used in the display industry is introduced. A very small area on the sample is illuminated with a focused beam which after it interacts with the sample and is polarization analyzed is spread across a CCD. Each pixed collects light from a different angle incident on the sample allowing data collection at numerous incident angles simultaneously. The small but significant polarization aberrations of the microscope objectives provide a significant challenge to accurate measurement A mathematical description of the ellipsometric technique is presented. The optical properties of two biaxial samples, a stretched plastic retarder element used for correcting angle of incident effects in LC displays, and a thin layer of E-type polarizing dried liquid crystal material are measured and maps of the ellipsometric parameters Ψ and u as a function incident and azimuthal angles are presented. Data from both samples are reduced using an iterative algorithm with a biaxial thin film modeling software package to compute all three principle components of the dielectric tensor as well as it's orientation.
Understanding the response to immunotherapy in humans

Whether the efforts of the last decade aimed at the development of vaccines against tumor-specific antigens encountered success or failure is a matter of expectations. On the bright side, we could optimistically observe that anti-cancer-vaccines stand as an outstanding example of the successful implementation of modern biotechnology tools for the development of biologically sound therapeutics. In particular, vaccines against melanoma (the prototype model of tumor immunology in humans) can reproducibly induce cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses exquisitely specific for cancer cells. This achievement trespasses the specificity of any other anti-cancer therapy. The skeptics, on the other end, might point out that immunization only rarely leads to cancer regression, labeling, therefore, this approach is ineffective. In our opinion this judgment stems from the naive expectation that CTL induction is sufficient for an effective immune response. Here we propose that more needs to be understood about the mechanisms required for the induction of a therapeutically relevant immune response in humans. In particular, we will discuss the variables related to cancer heterogeneity, the weight of individual patients’ polymorphism(s), the role of the T cell activation and differentiation and, finally, the complex relationship between immune and cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment.
Development of L12-ordered Ni3(Al,Ti)-strengthened alumina-forming austenitic stainless steel alloys

The stability of coherent L12-ordered Ni3(Al,Ti) intermetallic precipitates was studied in Fe–14Cr–32Ni–3Nb–(3–4)Al–(1–3)Ti (wt.%) based alumina-forming austenitic stainless alloys. Computational thermodynamics predicted the formation of multi-intermetallic phases, including L12 and β-NiAl (B2), in an austenite matrix below ∼900 °C. Microstructure characterization revealed a significant stabilization of the L12 phase by Zr addition, with the amount of L12 increasing with increasing Ti addition. However, the Ti addition also degraded the oxidation resistance. Further additions of C and B successfully improved both creep and oxidation properties.
Electrocatalytic amplification of nanoparticle collisions at electrodes modified with polyelectrolyte multilayer films.

We report electrochemical catalytic amplification of individual collisions between ∼57 nm diameter Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) and 12.5 μm diameter Au ultramicroelectrodes modified with passivating, electrostatically assembled polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films prepared by the layer-by-layer deposition method. Two key findings are reported. First, despite the thicknesses of the insulating PEM films, which range up to 5 nm, electrons are able to tunnel from the Pt NPs to the electrode resulting in electrocatalytic N2H4 oxidation at the PEM film–solution interface. These single-particle measurements are in accord with prior reports showing that the electrochemical activity of passive PEM films can be reactivated by adsorption of metallic NPs. Second, it is possible to control the frequency of the collisions by manipulating the net electrostatic charge present on the outer surface of the PEM thin film. These results, which demonstrate that chemistry can be used to control electrocatalytic amplification, se...
Protecting Adults From Influenza: Tis the Season to Learn From the Pandemic

influenza vaccination of older adults, pregnant women, and others with chronic medical conditions [2]. Vaccination rates among the elderly increased substantially during the 1990s [3] but subsequently plateaued at approximately 60% to 70%. Older adults continue to experience a disproportionate burden of severe illness caused by influenza. Unfortunately, influenza vaccine effectiveness is generally lower among older populations, even during seasons when vaccine strains are well matched to circulating viruses. Efforts to overcome immune senescence and identify formulations with improved immunogenicity and clinical protection have been a focus of researchers, manufacturers, and the government. The potential roles of highdose antigen formulations as well as adjuvants in improving immune response have been of particular interest with respect to both avian and seasonal influenza vaccines. Jackson investigated effects of dose, adjuvant, and age on the immunogenicity of pandemic vaccine [1]. Of note, the study used antigen from 1 manufacturer extemporaneously mixed with an oil-inwater emulsion adjuvant of another, mimicking a potential real-life need to expand vaccine coverage during a pandemic. The immunogenicity of 2 doses of 3.5, 7.5, and 15 μg of split inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine with AS03 adjuvant or 7.5 and 15 μg without adjuvant was assessed in adults aged 18–64 and ≥65 years. Confirming the results of earlier 2009 H1N1 vaccine studies, a single dose of unadjuvanted vaccine at either standard (15 µg) or half (7.5 µg) dose induced serum hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody responses in the majority of adults in either age group, although a greater proportion of older adults receiving the standard dose achieved HI titers of ≥40 [4–6]. Rising HI antibody titers were evident as early as 8 days after a single dose of either unadjuvanted or adjuvanted vaccine, consistent with other reports [7]. Adjuvanted vaccine elicited more robust responses in adults aged ≥65 years compared with the standard dose of unadjuvanted vaccine, and a second dose of adjuvanted vaccine boosted titers in seniors as well as in younger adults, with a notable increase in the durability of the response at 6 months. Significantly lower responses were detected within each vaccine group in those aged 36–50 and 51–64 years compared with the youngest group aged 18–35 years.
Sigma-delta ADC characterization using noise transfer function pole-zero tracking

This work presents a new characterization method for SigmaDelta ADCs using noise transfer function pole zero tracking. In this scheme, the ADC poles and zeros are extracted from the measured FFT-plot. Furthermore, the pole-zero behavior with respect to test conditions including supply voltage, bias current and reference voltage can be analyzed. As a result, the pole-zero sensitivity to each test condition can be separately obtained. This can overcome the drawbacks of the conventional test method which mainly focuses on analyzing the FFT-plots and SNR value.
Excitation by and surface reflection of fast hydrogen atoms in low-pressure hydrogen discharges.

Fast excited H atoms produced in collisions of fast H atoms with ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and observed by Doppler spectroscopy and quantitative radiometry are the dominant H\ensuremath{\alpha} source in low-current, low-pressure ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ dc discharges. For heavy-metal cathodes, backscattered fast H atoms from incident H and ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ atoms and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ molecules excite most of the H\ensuremath{\alpha}. For graphite cathodes, backscattering is small and H\ensuremath{\alpha} is produced by electrons and by approaching fast H atoms produced by charge transfer in ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ collisions and dissociation in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ collisions. Excitation of H\ensuremath{\alpha} by ion collisions with ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and the cathoode is small.