cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A fast heuristic scheduling algorithm for periodic ConcurrenC models

Embedded system design usually starts from an executable specification model described in a C-based System Level Description Language (SLDL), such as SystemC or SpecC. In this paper, we identify a subset of well-defined C-based design models, called periodic ConcurrenC models, that can be statically scheduled, resulting in significant higher simulation and execution speed. We propose a novel heuristic scheduling algorithm that not only is faster than classic matrix-based synchronous dataflow (SDF) scheduling approaches, but also reduces the model execution time by an order of magnitude over the default discrete event simulation.
Size-Restricted Proton Transfer within Toluene-Methanol Cluster Ions

To understand the interaction between toluene and methanol, the chemical reactivity of [(C6H5CH3)(CH3OH) n=1-7](+) cluster ions has been investigated via tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry and through calculations. Collision Induced Dissociation (CID) experiments show that the dissociated intracluster proton transfer reaction from the toluene cation to methanol clusters, forming protonated methanol clusters, only occurs for n = 2-4. For n = 5-7, CID spectra reveal that these larger clusters have to sequentially lose methanol monomers until they reach n = 4 to initiate the deprotonation of the toluene cation. Metastable decay data indicate that for n = 3 and n = 4 (CH3OH)3H(+) is the preferred fragment ion. The calculational results reveal that both the gross proton affinity of the methanol subcluster and the structure of the cluster itself play an important role in driving this proton transfer reaction. When n = 3, the cooperative effect of the methanols in the subcluster provides the most important contribution to allow the intracluster proton transfer reaction to occur with little or no energy barrier. As n >or= 4, the methanol subcluster is able to form ring structures to stabilize the cluster structures so that direct proton transfer is not a favored process. The preferred reaction product, the (CH3OH)3H(+) cluster ion, indicates that this size-restricted reaction is driven by both the proton affinity and the enhanced stability of the resulting product.
A pharmacokinetic model-independent approach for estimating dose required to give desired steady-state trough concentrations of drug in plasma.

A maintenance dose designed to give a desired minimum concentration of drug in plasma at steady-state can be determined in a model-independent manner assuming that concentration-time data needed for the calculation are obtained after absorption and distribution are complete. Using a few concentration-time points obtained after the first dose, numerical values of β and Z, a parameter consisting of different pharmacokinetic parameters for different models, can be obtained. An administration interval (τ) can be chosen based on β. Using the values of β, Z, and τ, a maintenance dose is calculated. This approach will allow calculation of a maintenance dose when drug is present in plasma at the time the first monitored dose is given.
A subset of human rosetted lymphocytes contains previously unidentified histamine.

By sequential solid-phase immunoadsorption (panning) steps, we have isolated a subset of lymphocytes (comprising 3–7% of rosetted cells) that contains high concentrations of histamine. We have used a radioenzymatic assay for the determination of histamine and have located 117 ng of histamine/1 × 106 cells in Leu-5+ (OKT-11), Leu-15+ cells. This subset did not contain basophils and was negative for Leu-4 (OKT-3), Leu-3 (OKT-4), Leu-2 (OKT-8), and 9.3 antigens. The function of this subset of rosetted cells has not been determined.
Pituitary gland polyribosomal function in rats bearing pituitary hormone-secreting tumors.

Abstract A cell-free system consisting of ribosomes and cytosol fraction, prepared from rat anterior pituitary tissue, was shown to be active in the incorporation of radioactive leucine into protein. The incorporation of radioactive amino acid resembled protein synthesis in its requirement for ribosomes, cytosol fraction, Mg 2+ and an energy source. The incorporation process was inhibited by puromycin. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation of the ribosome preparations revealed the presence of aggregates of ribosomes as well as single ribosomes. Polyribosomes isolated from pituitaries of control rats consistently incorporated more labeled amino acid into protein than did polyribosomes from pituitaries of rats bearing pituitary tumors. Incorporation by either population of polyribosomes was not changed when cytosol from the alternate source was used. Addition of polyuridylic acid caused an increase in the incorporation of [ 3 H] phenylalanine by both polyribosome preparations, however, the functional difference between the two preparations was not eliminated. Sucrose density gradient analysis showed no difference in the sedimentation patterns of polyribosome preparations from pituitary glands of normal and tumor-bearing rats. It is concluded that pituitary polyribosomes from rats bearing hormone-secreting pituitary tumors are less efficient at protein synthesis in vitro than are polyribosomes from glands of normal rats. The defect is suggested to be at the ribosomal level, but the mechanism of this alteration in the ribosomal fraction has not been elucidated.
Patent equivalents: Problems of retrieval and patent family tracing in databases

Abstract The article describes an experiment to determine the recall and precision characteristics of detected patent equivalents and to compare tje results obtained from the Derwent, INPADOC, INPI, and VNIIPI CSPI-2 and ‘TEMP’ databases. Three basic patent families are used as the bases of the experiment and the results of the retrieval requests in all the above databases are discussed in detail.
Quantum dot material for the detection of explosive-related chemicals

Changes in the fluorescence of semiconductor nanocrystals were explored as a potential sensing mechanism for the detection of chemicals associated with landmines, IEDs and HME materials. A series of quantum dots (QDs) with fluorescence emissions spanning the visible spectrum was investigated using the Stern-Volmer relationship, specifically measuring the effect of quencher concentration on QD fluorescence intensity and photo-excited lifetime. The series of QDs was investigated with respect to their ability to donate excited-state electrons to an electronwithdrawing explosive related compound (ERC). Electron transfer was monitored by observing the steady-state fluorescence signal and the excited-state lifetimes of the QDs in the presence of ERC1. Increased sensitivities of QDs towards ERC1 were observed as the size and emission wavelength of the QDs decreased. As the QDs size decreased, the Stern-Volmer quenching constants increased. The larger QD exhibited the lowest Ksv and is thought to be quenched by a purely static quenching mechanism. As QD size decreased, an additional collisional quenching mechanism was introduced, denoted by a non-linearity in the quenching-vs-concentration Stern-Volmer plot. Increases in quenching efficiency were due to increased excited-state lifetimes, and the introduction of a collisional quenching mechanism. The quenching constant for the smallest QD was approximately an order of magnitude higher than those of similarly evaluated commercially available fluorescent polymers, suggesting that QDs could be exploited to develop sensitive detectors for electron-withdrawing compounds such as nitroaromatics.
Myofibroblastoma in the Irradiated Breast.

▪ Abstract: Myofibroblastoma after wide excision and radiation therapy for intraductal (duct carcinoma in situ) carcinoma is reported. Myofibroblastoma is a benign tumor, largely composed of myofibroblasts arranged in fascicular clusters with interspersed bands of hyalinized collagen, which is well circumscribed and occurs predominantly in men. This is the first documented instance of a postradiation myofibroblastoma of the breast. ▪
A study of triiodothyronine-catecholamine interactions: their effect on plasma fatty acids in Pacific hagfish Eptatretus stouti.

1. 1. Plasma circulating levels of fatty acids (PFA) were measured in intact and in triiodothyronine (T3)-treated Pacific hagfish Eptatretus stouti. Intraperitoneal injection of both pharmacological (200 ng/g) and physiological (1 ng/g) doses of T3 caused an elevation of PFA 24 and 48 hr after treatment. The implantation of capsules containing the antithyroid compound, 6-propylthiouracil (6-PTU) decreased PFA levels. 2. 2. Twenty-four hr after T3-injection the norepinephrine (NE) content of plasma declined, whereas epinephrine (E) titres increased. Forty-eight hr after T3-treatment the mean titres of dopamine (D) and NE were lower than in the control group of hagfish. 3. 3. The treatment of hagfish with E in either pharmacological (2–3 μg/g) or physiological (2–3 ng/g) doses did not cause any elevation of PFA during the 72 hr following injection. In the same experiment the high dose of E induced long-lasting hyperglycemia, whereas the low dose had no substantial effect on glycemic levels. 4. 4. The data provide evidence that in hagfish, unlike in higher animals, the observed lipolytic effect of administered T3 is not mediated through the potentiation of the fat mobilizing action of catecholamines.
Design of IP Media Server for Voice Conference Application

An IP media server based on DSP solution is proposed in this paper for voice conference application, which is a necessary element in next generation network (NGN). In this design, DSP array is used to execute the complex media processing. Compared with solutions based on general purpose processor, it keeps low power consumption and enhances the computation capability. The design includes the standard blade interface with IBM blade server. Therefore, it can be integrated with blade server easily to improve the system capability of media processing.
Enhancement of latent heat energy storage using embedded heat pipes

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) utilizing heat pipes or fins is investigated experimentally. Photographic observations, melting and solidification rates, and PCM energy storage quantities are reported. Heat pipe effectiveness is defined and used to quantify the relative performance of heat pipe-assisted and fin-assisted configurations to situations involving neither heat pipes nor fins. For the experimental conditions of this study, inclusion of heat pipes increases PCM melting rates by approximately 60%, while the fins are not as effective. During solidification, the heat pipe-assisted configuration transfers approximately twice the energy between a heat transfer fluid and the PCM, relative to both the fin-assisted LHTES and the non-heat pipe, non-fin configurations.
Earth Footprints of Satellite Antennas

This paper develops the expressions for computing the footprint on Earth (i.e., power density contours) of a satellite antenna. The expression for determining the antenna pattern coordinate as a function of the Earth coordinates is derived. The antenna pattern operator which converts the pattern function into the available power density is obtained. In this case it is assumed that the Earth-based antenna is directed towards the satellite. The radar operator is also derived; this operator yields the power density intercepted by the Earth.
A Carbon Nanotube Cross Structure as a Nanoscale Quantum Device

Traditional lithographically defined quantum wells in 2D electron gases are often too big (several hundreds of nanometers to a few micrometers) to exhibit single-electron effects at room temperature. Here, a structure is proposed that makes use of the electromechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes to fabricate a quantum well with a width on the order of a few nanometers. As an example, (8, 0) nanotubes are used in the quantum device, and the corresponding electronic structure is calculated.
Regulation of macrophage dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate metabolism by inflammatory cytokines.

Metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) occurs within specific anatomical compartments in vivo through the actions of the enzyme DHEAS sulfatase. This enzymatic activity facilitates the conversion of hydrophilic DHEAS to the hydrophobic species DHEA, which can then be further metabolized to other steroid hormones. High levels of DHEAS sulfatase reside in tissues where the biological activity of DHEA or its downstream metabolites regulate cellular function. Therefore, control over the activity of DHEAS sulfatase may represent an important regulatory process for the production of DHEA and its metabolites. Homogeneous populations of macrophages from normal mice were found to effectively convert DHEAS to DHEA in vitro. DHEAS sulfatase activity could be markedly depressed after exposure of these cells to a variety of nonspecific macrophage activators [i.e. zymosan, polyinosine/cytosine, heat-killed bacteria, or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]. Inhibition of DHE...
Matrix and Temperature Effects on the Electronic Properties of Conjugated Molecules: An Electroabsorption Study of all-trans-Retinal

Using Stark effect (electroabsorption) spectroscopy to study all-trans-retinal (ATR) in a variety of polymer matrices and organic glasses, we have found that the average change in polarizability upon excitation ( ) that we measure is highly dependent on the rigidity of the matrix used. In rigid polymer and organic glass matrices, the measured values of are in the range of 20−50 A3 and those calculated using semiempirical methods are in the range of 60−85 A3. In contrast, 's that are up to an order of magnitude higher are measured when the ATR is entrained in nonrigid polymer matrices such as those that are above their glass-transition temperature, or those containing trapped solvent. We have postulated that large values of may be the result of field-induced orientation of ATR within polymer matrices that are not fully rigid. The |Δμ| of ATR ranges from roughly 3 to 11 D, depending on the polarity and the rigidity of the environment. In addition, vibrational structure is apparent in the electroabsorption s...
Body Heat: Temperature and Life on Earth

M. S. Blumberg 2002. Body Heat: Temperature and Life on Earth. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 240 pp. ISBN 0-674-00762-X, price (hardbound), $22.00. This is a marvelous little book. In a volume no larger than a pocket field guide, Mark Blumberg explains how mammals and some other organisms maintain high, nearly constant body temperatures, and then explores many implications of such body heat. He starts with the physics and physiology of heat exchange and ends with rhythms of body temperature, sleep, and activity. Along the way he expounds on a wide variety of fascinating topics, including behavioral thermoregulation and the design of Roman baths, temperature-dependent …
A Market-Based Approach to Optimal Peak-Load Power Allocation

In this paper we propose a Peak Load Allocation Market framework designed to incentivize organizational units of Commercial and Industrial customers to reduce their peak demand. The market mechanism requires units' bids to indicate the value they associate with power services, and the power requirement for these services. The market resolution produces a service and payment allocation, i.e., determination of power services that are to be running and the payments that the units need to make or receive as part of exchange of peak demand bounds. The market mechanism is based on decision optimization, and guarantees the formally defined properties of Pareto optimality, Nash equilibrium and fairness.
Using biweight m-estimates in the two-sample problem part 1: symmetric populations

We propose replacing the usual Student's-t statistic, which tests for equality of means of two distributions and is used to construct a confidence interval for the difference, by a biweight-“t” statistic. The biweight-“t” is a ratio of the difference of the biweight estimates of location from the two samples to an estimate of the standard error of this difference. Three forms of the denominator are evaluated: weighted variance estimates using both pooled and unpooled scale estimates, and unweighted variance estimates using an unpooled scale estimate. Monte Carlo simulations reveal that resulting confidence intervals are highly efficient on moderate sample sizes, and that nominal levels are nearly attained, even when considering extreme percentage points.
Effects of a new Helicobacter pylori infection on height and weight in Colombian children.

Purpose The aim of the study is to investigate whether a new infection caused by Helicobacter pylori in preschool children transiently or permanently affects height and weight. Methods A cohort of 347 children from three day care centers was followed up for a median of 494 days. Breath tests and anthropometric measurements were performed every 2 to 4 months. The lag effect of a new infection on linear growth during a period of 8 months was analyzed by using mixed-effects models. Results One hundred five children (30.3%) became infected during the follow-up period and accumulated 92 person-years of follow-up. A significant decrease in growth velocity was observed during the first 4 months after infection. There was no height catch-up in infected children, and after 8 months, an infected child had a cumulative difference of 0.24 cm (growth velocity; 95% confidence interval, 0.22–0.26) compared with an uninfected child. Newly infected children experienced a small decrease in weight at the first visit compared with uninfected children, which became nonsignificant after the second visit without catch-up. Conclusions This study shows a significant and nontransient effect of infection caused by H. pylori on height and weight. Potential interventions that target infected preschool children are likely to prevent growth retardation.
Fixed Vane Stator Development for Axial Fan Performance Improvement in Electronics Cooling

An analysis and development method for augmenting flow and pressure performance of electronic cooling axial fans using a fixed vane stator is established using classical hand calculations, 2-dimensional (2D) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, data from a design of experiments, and 3-dimensional (3D) CFD modeling. Where the size of electronic enclosures may disallow an increase in diameter of axial fans but allow for an increase in depth; a fixed vane stator is implemented to recapture lost dynamic pressure associated with swirl and radial flow vectors from the axial fan blades thus augmenting the pressure/flow curve of the unit. Stator blade effectiveness is evaluated and optimized first using data associated with National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) airfoil shapes and then using 2-dimensional (2D) CFD analyses on both the impeller and stator blades. CFD modeling approaches and solving methods are discussed. A Design of Experiments (DOE) is utilized to verify and optimize the performance of the stator vanes and identifies the effectiveness of the stator vane angle, curvature of the stator leading edge, and number of stator vanes. At a constant back pressure the best performing DOE geometry delivered a 22% improvement in flow at constant electrical power input and a 41% improvement in flow at constant acoustic noise. This result was confirmed using a 3D CFD modeling. This analysis and development method provides a good baseline for evaluating and choosing proper stator vane geometries for flow improvement in axial fans.© 2007 ASME
Oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults: A review

Abstract Oropharyngeal dysphagia is an underestimated symptom in geriatric population. Neurological and neuromuscular diseases, but also structural causes and iatrogenesis are its main and more frequent causes. This symptom should not be neglected, as it may significantly impair the swallowing process and therefore cause malnutrition, dehydration and even worse lead to aspiration pneumonia. Clinical presentation is often insidious and dysphagia's symptoms are seldom mentioned by elder patients. Bedside screening methods could help select the patients needing through instrumental testing, in order to confirm oropharyngeal dysphagia. Subsequently, a multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment could lead to personalized therapeutic interventions, according to the patient's particularities and wishes.
Preparation of fragments 505-582 and 505-573 of bovine serum albumin.

Abstract Peptic fragment 505-582 of bovine serum albumin, the “Phe” fragment, has been found useful in several laboratories for studies of antigenic sites, ligand binding and metabolism. It contains the entire carboxyterminal loop, Loop 9, of the albumin molecule. We present an improved preparation of this peptide. Peptide 505-582 is obtained in about 9% yield, along with a similar yield of the closely associated peptide 505-573 arising from a second peptic cleavage. The unusual ultraviolet absorption spectrum of these peptides shows triple maxima near 259 nm reflective of the high phenylalanine content and the total absence of tyrosine and tryptophan.
Effects of Two Estradiol Regimens on Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors and Trophic Effects in Peripheral Tissues in a Rodent Model

Abstract Background: With aging and menopause, which are associated with decreases in ovarian steroids such as 17β-estradiol (E2), women might experience negative psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Some women use E2-based therapies to alleviate these symptoms, but E2 has been associated with trophic effects that might increase vulnerability to some steroid-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer, in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Objective: This study investigated the relationships between the possible beneficial effects of E2 on anxiety and depressive behaviors concurrent with trophic effects using an animal model of E2 decline and replacement. Methods: Dose-dependent effects of E2 on affective, sexual, and motor behavior of young adult rats were studied. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were administered the chemical carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) 1.25 mg or inactive vehicle (vegetable oil; control) by gavage. E2 (0.03 or 0.09 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered subcutaneously 44 to 48 hours before assessments of anxiety (light—dark transition), depression (forced swim test), sexual (lordosis), and motor (activity monitor) behaviors. Fourteen weeks after carcinogen exposure, E2 concentrations in plasma and brain regions (cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) were determined. Incidences and numbers of tumors and uterine weight were analyzed. Results: Administration of E2 (0.09 mg/kg) was associated with significant increases in antianxiety-like behavior in the light—dark transition task, antidepressant-like behavior in the forced swim test, and physiologic circulating and central E2 concentrations compared with E2 (0.03 mg/kg) and vehicle. Compared with vehicle, E2 (0.9 > 0.3 mg/kg) was associated with significant increases in lordosis and uterine weight. Administration of DMBA was associated with significant increases in the incidences and numbers of tumors; this effect was augmented by E2administration. Conclusions: Based on the findings in this rat model, the hypothesis that E2 may be effective in reducing anxiety and depressive behaviors and enhance sexual behavior in OVX rats, concurrent with trophic effects in the periphery, was supported. Moderate physiologic levels of E2 might have beneficial effects on affective and sexual behaviors in female rodents, but regimens including E2 might increase tumorigenic capacity.
Spoken Web: a mobile cloud based parallel web for the masses

In India and several other countries, most notably in Africa, the penetration of the personal computer and the internet remains relatively low. However, there has been a huge surge in the adoption of simple mobile phones (there are over 700 million mobile phone numbers in India), and this penetration continues to grow at a fast pace. We will present Spoken Web, an attempt to create a new world wide web for the masses in these countries, accessible over the telephone network and hosted in a cloud. The Spoken Web platform facilitates easy creation of user-generated content that populates 'voice sites', and allows contextual traversal of voice sites interconnected via hyperlinks based on the Hyperspeech Transfer Protocol. We present our experience from pilots conducted in villages in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and other states in India. These pilots demonstrate the ease with which a semi-literate and non-IT savvy population can create voice sites with locally relevant content, including schedule of education/training classes, agricultural information, and entertainment related content, and their strong interest in accessing this information over the telephone network. We describe several outstanding challenges and opportunities in creating and using a Spoken Web for facilitating exchange of information and conducting business transactions.
Interactions of the Alveolar Macrophage and the Fibroblast: Regulation of Basal and Silica-Activated Eicosanoid Production

Abstract Intercellular communication between lung cells has been shown to modulate physiology and pathophysiology in the lung. In particular, it is apparent that the alveolar macrophage (AM) and the fibroblast (Fb) interact via soluble signaling molecules to mediate inflammation and fibrosis in response to a variety of noxious substances. To characterize the interaction of the AM and Fb in the relative production of proinflammatory eicosanoids in the lung, we evaluated basal and silica-activated production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane A2 (TXA2), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) by human AM and Fb alone and when cultured together. Unstimulated AM and Fb cultured alone produced equal amounts of PGE2. However, AM produced 20-fold more TXA2 and 3-fold more LTB4 than Fb. When AM and Fb were cultured together, either separated by a membrane or in physical contact with one another, the total production of TXA2 and LTB4 by both cell types was reduced by 70 to 90 percent while production of PGE2 was unaffected...
Pott's disease of the cervico-occipital junction in an AIDS patient

Pott's disease of the cervical spine is relatively rare despite the fact that tuberculous spondylitis is still the most common manifestation of bone and joint infection. We describe a case, the first to our knowledge, of sub-occipital Pott's disease associated with a retropharyngeal abscess in an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient. Neurological signs were the main clinical findings. The patient was successfully treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs combined with external stabilization of the spine.
Trends in the incidence of polycythemia vera among olmsted county, Minnesota residents, 1935–1989

To investigate the suggestion that the incidence of polycythemia vera has increased in recent decades, we ascertained secular trends in the incidence of polycythemia vera in Olmsted County, Minnesota, over the 55-year period, 1935-1989. The inpatient and outpatient medical records of all potential cases of polycythemia vera in Olmsted County residents were reviewed and the diagnostic criteria of the Polycythemia Vera Study Group were applied. We found no indication of an increase in the age- and sex-adjusted incidence of polycythemia vera, which averaged 1.9 per 100,000 person-years (95% C.I., 1.4-2.5) over the study period. Incidence rates increased with age, and age-adjusted incidence rates were greater for men (2.8 per 100,000 person-years; 95% C.I., 1.8-3.9) than for women (1.3 per 100,000 person-years; 95% C.I., 0.7-1.9), with the highest incidence rate (23.5 per 100,000 person-years) among men aged 70-79 years. Survival was reduced in this inception cohort of 50 cases, compared to that expected for individuals of like age and sex (P < 0.0001); median survival following diagnosis was 7.2 years.
Regional gravity survey, northern Marysvale volcanic field, south-central Utah

New gravity data in south-central Utah reveal anomalies over major structural and volcanic features in the northern Marysvale volcanic field. Gravity lows are associated with the Mount Belknap and Big John calderas in the Tushar Mountains, and with the Red Hills caldera in the Antelope Range. Steep gravity gradients mark the locations of the Sevier, Elsinore, Dry Wash, and Tushar faults; gravity lows are observed over the grabens dropped down between these major normal faults. The steep gravity gradient across the Basin and Range–Colorado Plateau transition zone is not necessarily the result of deepening of the Moho, but may simply reflect the thick low-density volcanics in the Marysvale field as well as changes in the density of sedimentary rocks across the Cordilleran hingeline. East-northeast–trending gravity contours follow closely the northern edge of a series of Tertiary intrusive bodies and are generally aligned with the trend of the Wah Wah–Tushar mineral belt of southwestern Utah.
Abstract 3563: Novel anticancer agents modulate multiple signal transduction pathways for cancer therapy

Cancer is remarkably heterogeneous and is associated with wide variations in biological behavior. Except for some rare cancers whose growth may depend on a single factor, no single signaling pathway drives the oncogenic behavior of all tumors. In fact, most single-target agents that have undergone development in recent years have lacked the exquisite level of effectiveness. Multitarget drugs and the network approach may thus constitute a useful means for discovering novel drugs; such drugs emerge from the sum of the interactions that, together, are the principal determinants of the system-scale behavior of the cell. A multitarget agent is not necessarily more toxic than single-target agents. These multitarget drugs have presumed low-affinity interactions with several of their targets, and do not necessarily shut down a pathway completely or activate it excessively; thus they may have lower side effects. We has developed a novel class of dietary indole analogs with oral anticancer activity against a variety of cancer in animal models, including prostate, breast, lung and ovarian tumors. Western blot analysis shows that SR13654, SRI advanced lead, is able to induce apoptosis by caspase activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavages. Using the Boyden chamber assay, we showed that SR13654 significantly inhibits PC-3 cells’ invasion at low concentration, and its anti-invasive activity is not due to cell killing or simple cell growth inhibition. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies show that SR13654 inhibits Src activation, down-regulates survivn expression, enhances EGFR degradation. SR13654 also produced a decrease in cyclin D1 and B1, and an increase in p21 levels in cancer cells. Screening a full panel of 285 kinases shows that SR13654 is not a kinase inhibitor. More in-depth mechanistic studies are undergoing. Preclinical safety studies indicate that this class of compounds holds great promise for extended therapeutic use to maximize disease control without compromising quality of life. SR13654 has relatively poor water solubility, which could limit its use in intravenous dosing. We have developed the second generation of water-soluble analogs, such as SR13677, which has significantly improved water solubility and is at least 5-fold more potent than SR13654 against various cancer cell lines. With support from the 2009 DOD/Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP) “Laboratory-Clinical Transition” Award, we will advance the optimized candidate through preclinical development and future IND filing. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3563.
Investing in the renewal of urban science teaching

This article provides a conceptual framework for understanding what is involved in improving urban science teaching and what might be implied by conducting research on its improvement. It is argued in this article that three sets of forces and conditions have a direct impact on urban science classrooms: first, the array of interdependent policies at school, district, and state levels about science teaching in particular and about education improvement more broadly construed; next, the investment and use of instructionally relevant resources at each of the three levels and their differing impacts on the renewal of urban science teaching; and finally, the broader context in which urban science teaching occurs mediating how these resources are—or can be—used. Mediating factors include the professional peer community, subject-specific instructional leadership, the professional development infrastructure, the supply of available science teachers, and the broader community context. The article concludes with suggestions for how this framework informs directions for future research on the promise and limits of efforts to renew science teaching in urban settings. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 38: 1089–1100, 2001
Validity of a Demand Curve Measure of Nicotine Reinforcement with Adolescent Smokers

High or inelastic demand for drugs is central to many laboratory and theoretical models of drug abuse, but it has not been widely measured with human substance abusers. The authors used a simulated cigarette purchase task to generate a demand curve measure of nicotine reinforcement in a sample of 138 adolescent smokers. Participants reported the number of cigarettes they would purchase and smoke in a hypothetical day across a range of prices, and their responses were well-described by a regression equation that has been used to construct demand curves in drug self-administration studies. Several demand curve measures were generated, including breakpoint, intensity, elasticity, Pmax, and Omax. Although simulated cigarette smoking was price sensitive, smoking levels were high (8+ cigarettes/day) at prices up to 50¢ per cigarette, and the majority of the sample reported that they would purchase at least 1 cigarette at prices as high as $2.50 per cigarette. Higher scores on the demand indices Omax (maximum cigarette purchase expenditure), intensity (reported smoking level when cigarettes were free), and breakpoint (the first price to completely suppress consumption), and lower elasticity (sensitivity of cigarette consumption to increases in cost), were associated with greater levels of naturalistic smoking and nicotine dependence. Greater demand intensity was associated with lower motivation to change smoking. These results provide initial support for the validity of a self-report cigarette purchase task as a measure of economic demand for nicotine with adolescent smokers.
Gender bias in patients' perceptions of patient-centered behaviors.

Abstract Objective This research examines whether patient perceptions are equivalently associated with patient-centered behavior in male and female medical students, and tests the impact of a message emphasizing the importance of patient-centeredness on analogue patients’ perceptions of male and female medical students’ performance. Methods Sixty-one medical students interacting with standardized patients (SPs) were viewed by 384 analogue patients (APs). APs were randomly assigned to receive a message emphasizing the value of patient-centeredness or of technical competence, or a neutral message, and then evaluated the medical students’ competence in the interactions. Students’ patient-centeredness was measured using the Four Habits Coding Scheme and Roter Interaction Analysis System. Results APs in the neutral and technical competence conditions gave higher competence ratings to more patient-centered male students, but not to more patient-centered female students. However, APs who received the patient-centeredness message gave higher competence ratings to both male and female students who were higher in patient-centeredness. Conclusion Making it clear that patient-centeredness is a dimension of physician competence eliminated a gender bias in evaluating performance. Practice implications Because patient perceptions are often used in evaluations, gender biases must be understood and reduced so both male and female providers receive appropriate credit for their patient-centered behaviors.
Solvent and double-layer effects on redox reactions in self-assembled monolayers of ferrocenyl—alkanethiolates on gold

Abstract Formal potentials for ferrocene/ferricenium in mixed monolayers of ferrocenyl—hexanethiol with several n-alkanethiol derivatives on gold are apparently shifted positive relative to the formal potential for an alkylferrocene derivative in bulk aqueous solution. The magnitude of the shift varies systematically with the nature of the alkanethiol coadsorbate, reaching a maximum value of 490mV for ferrocenyl—hexanethiol coadsorbed with n-decanethiol. The shift is smaller in monolayers of ferrocenyl—hexanethiol coadsorbed with short-chain alkanethiols and/or alkanethiols substituted with polar functional groups. Two effects, one involving ion solvation energetics and another the ion spatial distribution in the interfacial region, can be invoked to account for this behavior. The first is essentially a solvent effect and the second a double-layer effect on the interfacial redox reaction. Predictions from a Born solvation model and from two recent models describing double-layer effects at monolayer-coated electrodes are presented and compared with the experimental data. A full deconvolution of solvent and double-layer effects on apparent formal potentials was not achieved; however, it still proved possible to draw conclusions about the interfacial microenvironment experienced by immobilized ferrocene groups.
Stellar and galactic jets - Theoretical issues

Theoretical issues pertaining to the modelling of jets in young stellar objects and in active galactic nuclei are reviewed. The strong morphological similarities between these two types of sources are emphasized, and observational constraints on the basic physical mechanisms that may be responsible for the jet phenomenon are outlined. Particular attention is given to the 'momentum-discharge problem' in molecular-cloud outflows and to its possible resolution in terms of a centrifugally driven magnetohydrodynamic wind from an accretion disk. In addition, various propagation effects are discussed, and the relevance to stellar jets of the de Laval collimation mechanism and of the accelerated-clump model for emission knots is assessed. The review concludes with a brief list of potentially useful observational tests.
Heat generation in Nd:YAG and Yb:YAG

The fractional thermal loading, the ratio of heat generated to absorbed energy, at a 6.5 at.% doped Yb:YAG crystal diode pumped at 0.943 mu m has been measured to be >
Application of Distance Geometry to Protein Tertiary Structure Calculations

Synopsis A general approach to the problem of molecular conformation is advanced. We describe a formalism that permits experimental and theoretical information to be incorporated into a set of upper and lower bounds on intramolecular distances. Structures (conformations) meeting these bounds can be readily generated and compared with each other. To illustrate the use of the method, we have employed a simple “firehose” model for protein folding to predict the long-range hydrophobic interactions in a small protein: pancreatic trypsin inhibitor. Models of this type lead to the proper hairpin turns and a reasonable set of long-range contacts for this protein. Application of the distance geometry method then yields backbone conformations with errors of 4-8 A compared to the native structure. We discuss both the merits and shortcomings of the firehose model and the relation between distance geometry and energy minimization techniques.
A Capacitance-Based Technique for Characterization of Dielectric Interfaces Using a Grid of Electrode Junctions

A sensor for detecting imperfections in the distribution of a dielectric thermal interface is proposed. The sensor can detect imperfections such as voids, cracks, and interface gap changes on the millimeter scale. A rake of long, parallel electrodes is imbedded flush into each opposing substrate face of a narrow gap interface, and exposed to the gap formed between the two surfaces. Electrodes are oriented such that their lengthwise dimension in one substrate runs perpendicular to the other. Capacitance measurements taken at each crossing point (junction) allow for characterization of the region, and subsequently, detection of voids present or changes in gap size. The electric field associated with each electrode junction is numerically simulated and analyzed. Design criteria for the electrode junctions that localize the electric fields are presented. The electrode configuration employed gives rise to a non-trivial network of interacting capacitances. Due to these interactions, the actual capacitance at any given junction cannot be measured directly; instead, the measurement represents an equivalent capacitance resulting from this network. A generalized solution for analyzing the circuit network is presented. An experimental test unit is described, and experimental data are presented for measurements from a typical electrode junction. The results agree with predictions from the network model for cases that meet the design criteria for electric field localization; when the localization criteria are not met, the measurements deviate from the model predictions as expected.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Thermal Stability of Self-Assembled Monolayers from Alkylchlorosilanes

Contact angle measurements and scanning force microscopy (SFM) have been used to study the morphology of self-assembled monolayers of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and undecyltrichlorosilane (UTS) on silicon oxide surfaces as a function of annealing temperature. Characterization of the monolayers before annealing indicates that the as-formed monolayers cover the substrate fully and have thicknesses of 2.9 and 1.5 nm, respectively, with the average surface having a roughness of approximately 0.3 nm. Water contact angle results and SFM roughness analysis showed that UTS monolayers annealed for 2 h at temperatures over 125 °C exhibited permanent changes in monolayer structure. Experimental data indicated a higher transition temperature for permanent structural changes for the OTS monolayers. Water contact angle measurements indicated a transition centered at 125 °C, hexadecane contact angle measurements indicated a transition around 130 °C, and SFM indicated a transition centered at 155 °C for OTS monolayer...
Stability and reproducibility of the biologic activity of premixed short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins

Abstract Mixtures of short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins often represent an effective regimen to achieve near-normal blood glucose values, yet controversy exists concerning the stability and predictability of such mixtures. In a study of diabetic patients, the biologic activity of a specific intermediate-acting insulin (Insulatard) and a short-acting insulin (Velosulin) premixed in a 70: 30 ratio was reproducible at three intervals and was stable for a period of up to three months. The serum levels of free insulin and the rate of onset and extent of the blood glucose lowering effects were not altered, showed two distinct peaks, and were comparable to those experienced with separate injections of equivalent doses of the intermediate-acting and short-acting insulins.
Postpartum cervix and its relation to cervical neoplasia. A colposcopic study.

Detailed colposcopic observations were made on 100 consecutive normal patients immediately postpartum. Traumatic cervical lesions (lacerations, erosions or bruising) were found in 97% of the patients having their first-term vaginal delivery and in 58% of multiparas. The anterior lip of the cervix was injured more frequently than the posterior lip in statistically significant numbers. Areas of regenerating epithelium also were found significantly more frequently on the anterior lip. The observations that traumatic injuries of delivery, lesions indicative of regenerative processes and early cervical neoplasia are more prevalent on the anterior cervical lip lend credence to the theory that trauma and related healing may play a role in the genesis of cervical carcinoma.
A model of exchange rate policy: evidence for the US dollar–Greek drachma rate 1975–87

This paper represents an attempt to model movements of the exchange rate between the US dollar and Greek drachma. A stuctural model is set up, and then a reduced-form error correction(EC) speicifcation is derived. On the basis of co-integration test, the results do not support the existence of al long-run equilibrium relationship between the exchange rate and price differential. Furthermore, the instrumental variable estimation of the EC model indicates that the monetary authorities have pursued a short-run anti-inflationary exchange rate poilicy that appreciates the exchange rate in the presence of wage inflation as an attempt to mitigate the depreciating pressures on the domestic currency and thus to ease the adjustment required on Greek producers.
Reduction of Aromatic Hydrocarbons by a New Reducing System: Calcium Metal in Amines

Reported are optimal conditions for the preparation of ..delta../sup 9/ /sup 10/-octalin (I), 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindane (II), 1,2,4,5-tetramethyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene (III), 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10-decahydroanthracene (IV) and 1,4-dimethylcyclohexene (V) by this new reducing system. Also reported is a novel method for the purification of I and II by an oxymercuration-demercuration sequence. 9 references.
Approximating the marginal likelihood estimate for models with random parameters

Often a model for the mean and variance of a measurement set is naturally expressed in terms of both deterministic and random parameters. Each of the deterministic parameters has one fixed value while the random parameters come from a distribution of values. We restrict our attention to the case where the random parameters and the measurement error have a Gaussian distribution. In this case, the joint likelihood of the data and random parameters is an extended least squares function. The likelihood of the data alone is the integral of this extended least squares function with respect to the random parameters. This is the likelihood that we would like to optimize, but we do not have a closed form expression for the integral. We use Laplace's method to obtain an approximation for the likelihood of the data alone. Maximizing this approximation is less computationally demanding than maximizing the integral expression, but this yields a different estimator. In addition, evaluation of the approximation requires second derivatives of the original model functions. If we were to use this approximation as our objective function, evaluation of the derivative of the objective would require third derivatives of the original model functions. We present modified approximations that are expressed using only values of the original model functions. Evaluation of the derivative of the modified approximations only requires first derivatives of the original model functions. We use Monte Carlo techniques to approximate the difference between an arbitrary estimator and the estimator that maximizes the likelihood of the data alone. In addition, we approximate the information matrix corresponding to the estimator that maximizes the likelihood of the data alone.