cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Stability of siRNA Modulates Aptamer- conjugated siRNA Inhibition

Oligonucleotide aptamer-mediated in vivo cell targeting of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) is emerging as a useful approach to enhance the efficacy and reduce the adverse effects resulting from siRNA-mediated genetic interference. A current main impediment in aptamer-mediated siRNA targeting is that the activity of the siRNA is often compromised when conjugated to an aptamer, often requiring labor intensive and time consuming design and testing of multiple configurations to identify a conjugate in which the siRNA activity has not been significantly reduced. Here, we show that the thermal stability of the siRNA is an important parameter of siRNA activity in its conjugated form, and that siRNAs with lower melting temperature (Tm) are not or are minimally affected when conjugated to the 3′ end of 2′F-pyrimidine-modified aptamers. In addition, the configuration of the aptamer-siRNA conjugate retains activity comparable with the free siRNA duplex when the passenger strand is co-transcribed with the aptamer and 3′ overhangs on the passenger strand are removed. The approach described in this paper significantly reduces the time and effort necessary to screening siRNA sequences that retain biological activity upon aptamer conjugation, facilitating the process of identifying candidate aptamer-siRNA conjugates suitable for in vivo testing.
Beam width robustness of a 670 GHz imaging radar

Detection of a replica bomb belt concealed on a mannequin at 4 m standoff range is achieved using a 670 GHz imaging radar. At a somewhat larger standoff range of 4.6 m, the radar's beam width increases substantially, but the through-shirt image quality remains good. This suggests that a relatively modest increase in aperture size over the current design will be sufficient to detect person-borne concealed weapons at ranges exceeding 25 meters.
Butylated hydroxyanisole stimulates heme oxygenase-1 gene expression and inhibits neointima formation in rat arteries.

Objective : Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic phenolic compound that is a potent inducer of phase II genes. Since heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a vasoprotective protein that is upregulated by phase II inducers, the present study examined the effects of BHA on HO-1 gene expression and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Methods : The regulation of HO-1 gene expression and vascular cell growth by BHA was studied in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells and in balloon injured rat carotid arteries. Results : Treatment of cultured smooth muscle cells with BHA stimulated the expression of HO-1 protein, mRNA and promoter activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. BHA-mediated HO-1 expression was dependent on the activation of NF-E2-related factor-2 by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. BHA also inhibited cell cycle progression and DNA synthesis in an HO-1-dependent manner. In addition, the local perivascular delivery of BHA immediately after arterial injury of rat carotid arteries induced HO-1 protein expression and markedly attenuated neointima formation. Conclusions : These studies demonstrate that BHA stimulates HO-1 gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells, and that the induction of HO-1 contributes to the antiproliferative actions of this phenolic antioxidant. BHA represents a potentially novel therapeutic agent in treating or preventing vasculoproliferative disease.
Distyly and pollen dimorphism in Linum suffruticosum ( Linaceae )

The Mediterranean distylousLinum suffruticosum has dimorphic pollen. That from short-styled plants has sub-monomorphic surface excrescences with minute papillae; that from long-styled plants has strongly dimorphic excrescences with conspicuous papillae. The differences are much like those described in species of other sections of the genus. Pollen of the related homostylousL. tenuifolium has monomorphic pollen. It combines characteristics of bothL. suffruticosum types but resembles that of the long-styled plants somewhat more closely. Ribbonlike styles of long-styled plants ofL. suffruticosum provide another feature which seems to be controlled by the S supergene thought to be associated with distylic incompatibility. The pollen ofL. suffruticosum andL. tenuifolium is very similar to that of some species of sectionLinastrum and would support their placement in that section.
Effects of corn stalk orientation and water content on passive microwave sensing of soil moisture

A field experiment was conducted utilizing artificial arrangements of plant components during the summer of 1982 to examine the effects of corn canopy structure and plant water content on microwave emission. Truck-mounted microwave radiometers at C (5 GHz) and L (1.4 GHz) band sensed vertically and horizontally polarized radiation concurrent with ground observations of soil moisture and vegetation parameters. Results indicate that the orientation of cut stalks and the distribution of their dielectric properties through the canopy layer can influence the microwave emission measured from a vegetation/soil scene. The magnitude of this effect varies with polarization and frequency and with the amount of water in the plant, disappearing at low levels of vegetation water content. Although many of the canopy structures and orientations studied in this experiment are somewhat artificial, they serve to improve understanding of microwave energy interactions within a vegetation canopy and to aid in the development of appropriate physically based vegetation models.
PERSONALITY PATHOLOGY AND INTERPERSONAL PROBLEM STABILITY

Personality disorders (PDs) are often described as stable, which ignores the important dynamic processes and shifts that are observed clinically in individuals with PD. The current study examined patterns of variability in problematic interpersonal functioning, a core feature of personality pathology. Participants (N = 150) were assessed for personality pathology at baseline and also completed the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems–Circumplex Scales at baseline and every 3 months over the course of a year. Baseline PD was used to predict individual means and variability parameters in generalized interpersonal distress, agentic problems, and communal problems across repeated assessments. Disorders associated with disinhibition predicted variability in generalized distress and agentic problems, whereas only antagonism- related disorders predicted variability in communal problems. These associations reveal dynamic processes involved in multiple dimensions of personality pathology and suggest that future research on instability is needed that expands beyond the historical focus on borderline PD.
Effect of inelastic scattering on polarization asymmetry

The inelastic scattering of polarized relativistic electrons by atoms has been calculated in a modified first Born-approximation. In order to evaluate the matrix elements the Thomas-Fermi model of the atom has been used. The result shows that in the case of gold the asymmetry coming from the inelastic scattering makes a negligible change in the asymmetry to be attributed to the total, inelastic plus Mott, scattering.
Development of a VR-based treadmill control interface for gait assessment of patients with Parkinson's disease

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a commonly observed phenomenon in Parkinson's disease, but its causes and mechanisms are not fully understood. This paper presents the development of a virtual reality (VR)-based body-weight supported treadmill interface (BWSTI) designed and applied to investigate FOG. The BWSTI provides a safe and controlled walking platform which allows investigators to assess gait impairments under various conditions that simulate real life. In order to be able to evoke FOG, our BWSTI employed a novel speed adaptation controller, which allows patients to drive the treadmill speed. Our interface responsively follows the subject's intention of changing walking speed by the combined use of feedback and feedforward controllers. To provide realistic visual stimuli, a three dimensional VR system is interfaced with the speed adaptation controller and synchronously displays realistic visual cues. The VR-based BWSTI was tested with three patients with PD who are known to have FOG. Visual stimuli that might cause FOG were shown to them while the speed adaptation controller adjusted treadmill speed to follow the subjects' intention. Two of the three subjects showed FOG during the treadmill walking.
Sensitization of Porous Silicon with Germanium Quantum Dots for Up-Conversion of Low Energy Photons via Intermediate Band for Third Generation Solar Cells

Incorporation of germanium quantum dots (QDs) in porous silicon (PS) promises foundation of efficient intermediate band (IB) within the bandgap of the host material. We have developed the idealized model for such material system intended to be used for third generation solar cells. We solved Schrodinger equation for a chain of Ge nanodots embedded in a pore of columnar porous silicon material. We have shown that holes induce narrow energy band lined up with the forbidden band gap of Si and spreads over some distance from the chain into Si. The last feature is very desirable for efficient operation of IB structure associated with PS solar cells.
An accurate interaction potential for neon dimer (Ne2)

Abstract The most elaborate ab initio potential of Ne 2 that is available from the literature [S.M. Cybulski, R.R. Toczylowski, J. Chem. Phys. 111 (1999) 10520] is carefully corrected for: (i) the neglect of core–core and core–valence correlation; (ii) basis set incompleteness; (iii) contributions of clusters missing in CCSD(T); and (iv) relativistic effects. These corrections have only a small influence on the potential, e.g., D e and R e are increased by 0.3 cm −1 and 0.002 A. The molecular constants that are derived from the corrected potential are close to those that have been obtained from experiments, but the former are presumably more accurate.
Building the Fabless/Foundry Business Model [Guest Editorial]

From the beginnings of the semiconductor era in the 1950s, and through its first three decades, semiconductor producers were vertically integrated, including both product design and manufacturing. This was natural because everything was new. Materials, devices, manufacturing processes, and design methods were not standardized across the industry. All were evolving rapidly but had to be closely integrated at each point in time to produce useful products. The necessary coordination occurred successfully during these years only within the boundaries of single enterprises.
The unlubricated adhesive wear resistance of metastable austenitic stainless steels containing silicon

Abstract The unlubricated adhesive wear resistance of metastable austenitic stainless steels can be improved by silicon additions. At low surface temperatures (under the Md temperature) metastability appears helpful in maintaining the alloy in a state of mild wear. Silicon was not found to promote alloy metastability but did tend to strengthen the alloy by solid solution hardening. At lower temperatures the silicon had little effect on the mild wear rates of metastable alloys but did act to lower the severe wear rates of stable alloys. At high surface temperatures (above the Md temperature) the silicon additions (2–4%) were found very beneficial in promoting mild wear rates while metastability had little or no effect. Silicon additions were also found to be beneficial to the oxidation resistance and did not increase the running-in period for the alloys. Improving the oxidation resistance of these alloys is more effective in promoting mild wear than is increasing the hardness through metastability.
Squamous cell carcinoma variants of the upper aerodigestive tract: a comprehensive review with a focus on genetic alterations

Context.— Squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract is a heterogenous entity. Although conventional squamous cell carcinomas are easily recognized, the morphologic variants of squamous cell carcinoma can present a diagnostic challenge. Familiarity with these variants is necessary because many are associated with unique risk factors and are characterized by specific molecular alterations (eg, nuclear protein in testis midline carcinomas). Perhaps the most important distinction is in identifying viral-related from nonviral-related carcinomas. The accurate diagnosis of these variants is necessary for prognostic and therapeutic reasons. Objectives.— To provide a clinicopathologic overview and summary of the molecular alterations of the common squamous cell carcinoma variants, including verrucous, spindle cell, acantholytic, adenosquamous, basaloid, and papillary squamous cell carcinoma, as well as nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma, and to discuss the distinguishing features of human p...
Simulations of the West African monsoon with a superparameterized climate model. Part I: The seasonal cycle

AbstractThe West African monsoon seasonal cycle is simulated with two coupled general circulation models: the Community Climate System Model (CCSM), which uses traditional convective parameterizations, and the “superparameterized” CCSM (SP-CCSM), in which the atmospheric parameterizations have been replaced with an embedded cloud-resolving model. Compared to CCSM, SP-CCSM better represents the magnitude and spatial patterns of summer monsoon precipitation over West Africa. Most importantly, the region of maximum precipitation is shifted from the Gulf of Guinea in CCSM (not realistic) to over the continent in SP-CCSM. SP-CCSM also develops its own biases—namely, excessive rainfall along the Guinean coast in summer. Biases in rainfall from both models are linked to a misrepresentation of the equatorial Atlantic cold tongue. Warm sea surface temperature (SST) biases are linked to westerly trade wind biases and convection within the intertropical convergence zone. Improved SST biases in SP-CCSM are linked to ...
New Bottles, Old Wine: Hidden Cultural Assumptions in a Computerized Explanation System for Migraine Sufferers

Sophisticated computer programs known as "intelligent systems" have been developed for use in medical settings for over two decades. Such systems explicitly encode information about task domains, problem attributes, and problem-solving strategies. They also embody tacit assumptions held by those who build them, reflecting meanings taken for granted in particular cultural and disciplinary arenas. This article examines assumptions built into the design of a patient education system for migraine sufferers, drawing upon extended participant-observation of the development process. Its designers view the system as neutral, but observation reveals that it embodies a physician's point of view. While intended to support migraine patients by offering useful information not given them by physicians, the system in fact offers information characterized by the same assumptions and deletions as that provided by neurologists. Thus, although intended to empower migraine patients, this system may actually reinforce rather than reduce the power differential between doctor and patient.
A comparison of two interviews for DSM-III-R personality disorders

The study examined agreement between personality disorder diagnoses obtained using two structured interviews and the effect of depression on the diagnoses obtained. Twenty subjects were interviewed while depressed, using the Personality Disorder Examination and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorder; both interviews are designed to yield DSM-III-R personality disorder diagnoses. Eighteen subjects were reinterviewed later, 17 after recovery. Diagnostic agreement between the two instruments for any disorder was fair (kappa = 0.38). Kappas for the personality disorder clusters ranged from 0.08 to 0.83. Kappas for individual personality disorders ranged from 0.18 for paranoid disorder to 0.62 for borderline disorder. While the depressive state did not consistently affect categorical diagnoses, dimensional scores tended to be higher when patients were depressed. A dimensional profile, in which scores on each disorder are generated for subjects, may be more reliable than categorical diagnoses derived from the same instrument.
Effects of copper on species composition of periphyton in a Sierra Nevada, California, stream

SUMMARY. 1. Changes in species composition of the periphyton of an oligotrophic. Sierra Nevada stream continuously dosed for 1 year at three concentrations of copper (2.5, 5 and 10 μg 1−1 CuT; approximately 12, 25 and 50 ng 1−1 Cu2+) were determined. 2. The numerically most abundant taxa were Bacillariophyceae (Achnanthes minutissima, Cocconeis placentula, Cymbella microcephala, C. sinuata, Fragilaria conslruens, F. crotonensis. Navicula spp., Synedra acus and S. rumpens), and the Cyanophyta Lyngbya spp., a co-dominant during spring and summer. 3. Population densities of Lyngbya spp. were markedly reduced at all test concentrations of copper. Population densities of the principal Chlorophyta (Spirogyra spp. and Cladophora spp.) and the diatom Amphipleura pellucida were reduced at 5 μg 1−1 CUT. Of the twenty-two most abundant taxa, sixteen were reduced in abundance by continuous exposure to 10 μg 1−1 CuT. 4. There was no commensurate reduction in standing crop (total number of individuals of all taxa). Achnanthes minutissima, a co-dominant in the control, was the primary replacement species. Other taxa that were more abundant at 5 μg1−1 CuT than in the control were Ceratoneis arcus, Cocconeis placentula, Navicula spp. and Synedra rumpens. Only A. minutissima and Calothrix spp. were more abundant at 10 μg 1−1 than in the control. 5. Three resemblance measures (Canberra metric, Bray-Curtis and Dice) and diversity (Brillouin's) were evaluated for detecting differences in species composition among experimental stream sections. The Canberra metric, an index sensitive to proportional rather than absolute differences, was the most informative of these indices.
Comparison Of Real Foods, Foos Models, and Food Photographs For The Assessment of Fruit and Vegetable Knowledge of Children Aged Three and Four Years

Abstract Assessment of the fruit and vegetable knowledge of preschool children is important for planning and evaluating nutrition education interventions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of real foods, food models, and food photographs as assessment tools. Subjects of the study were 83 children (42 males; 41 females) aged three and four years recruited from local day care centers. Informed consent was obtained from the parents of each child. Study procedures were approved by the University's Human Subjects Approval Committee. A randomized experimental design was used to plan the order of presentation of the twelve fruits and vegetables and three formats. An experienced investigator interviewed each subject individually. Children were asked if they would be willing to play a food "game." The investigator placed one real food, food model, or food photograph on the table in front of the subject, asked the child to identify the food, and recorded the response. The item was removed and the procedure was repeated until all 36 items were shown. Each child received stickers as a reward at the end of the "game." Results were analyzed using the statistical software, SPSS-PC for Windows . Most of the children identified apples (96%) and corn (95%). Strawberries and watermelon were identified by at least 75% of the children. Broccoli (57%) and tomatoes (54%) were identified by more than half of the children. Cantaloupe, green peppers, leaf lettuce and peaches were identified by 39% to 42% of the children. Plums and cauliflower were identified by fewer than 20% of the children. There were no significant differences in the mean number of fruits and vegetables identified among the formats. Children aged four years identified significantly (P
A Wide band Calorimeter for R.F. Power Measurements at 3 cm

The paper describes a calorimeter (consisting of a water load and thermocouple unit) designed for the measurement of r.f. power at 3 cm, where the mean power range involved is 5–200 watts.The design and performance of a water load providing a good match to the guide over a wide frequency band (8% in the 3-cm range is given.Details are also given of a satisfactory thermocouple unit which can be used on both 10 and 3 cm, and relevant precautions in manufacture and operation discussed.
Identification of the pdxK gene that encodes pyridoxine (vitamin B6) kinase in Escherichia coli K-12

We isolated a miniTn 10(Cmr) insertion mutant lacking pyridoxine (PN) kinase and cloned the structural gene, designated pdxK, by complementation. P1 transduction and PCR mapping and DNA sequence analysis showed that pdxK was adjacent to the crr sugar transport gene (53.95 min). Growth properties of pdxK:miniTn 10 mutants supported the hypotheses that PN kinase, which also phosphorylates pyridoxal (PL) and pyridoxamine (PM) in vitro, functions solely in the B6-vitamer salvage pathway and that E. coli contains an additional PL kinase. The amino acid sequence of PdxK has signature motifs of the PfkB superfamily of carbohydrate kinases, which includes phosphofructokinases and ribokinases, and suggests that three unidentified ORFs of Salmonella typhimurium, Haemophilus influenzae, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae correspond to PN/PL/ PM kinases.
New ballistically and thermally activated exchange processes in the vapor deposition of Au on Ag(111): a molecular dynamics study

Abstract Diffusion processes of Au on Ag(111) are examined by molecular dynamics calculations using surface-embedded-atom potentials. We find that complex forms of exchange diffusion dominate the early deposition. The usual direct AuAg exchange is unlikely, but more complicated exchange mechanisms involving multiple substrate atoms and catalyzed by nearby adatoms or clusters have very low activation barriers. These highly collective exchange processes can be activated ballistically by an incoming adatom or thermally on surfaces well below room temperature.
Test target for optical correlators

A simple target which contains a wide variety of spatial frequencies has been developed for use in testing optical correlators. This target is designed to be complicated enough to provide an adequate test of many correlator and filter architectures, but yet simple enough to be used by researchers without the need for special equipment. Computer simulations and experimental results are presented for using the target in testing some correlator filter designs.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Glans Dehiscence After Tubularized Incised Plate Hypospadias Repair

Purpose: We determined the incidence of glans dehiscence and the associated risk factors after tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair.Materials and Methods: All data for patients undergoing tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair, surgical details and postoperative outcomes were prospectively maintained in databases. Data were analyzed with simple and multiple logistic regression to determine if patient age, preoperative testosterone use, meatal location (distal, mid shaft or proximal), glansplasty sutures (chromic catgut vs polyglactin) or primary vs revision tubularized incised plate procedure was associated with an increased risk of glans dehiscence.Results: Glans dehiscence occurred in 32 of 641 patients (5%). Age at surgery, preoperative testosterone use and glansplasty suture did not impact the risk of glans dehiscence. Glans dehiscence occurred in 20 of 520 distal (4%), 1 of 47 mid shaft (2%) and 11 of 74 proximal (15%) tubularized incised plate repairs, with the odds of glans dehiscence...
SU‐GG‐T‐113: Using Probability Density Functions of Respiratory Motion to Model Motion Effects On Dose Distributions and Optimize Treatment Planning for Lung Cancers

Purpose: Respiratory motion is an important factor potentially contributing to excessive normal tissue irradiation in radiotherapy of lungcancers. This study uses the motion probability density function (PDF) to model the motion effects on dose distributions and incorporates this information to optimize treatment planning for lungcancers.Method and Materials:PDFs were calculated from the respiratory motion signals of 10 representative patients. Motion effects were evaluated by convolving static dose distributions with various PDFs. Based on a differential dose prescription with relative lower dose to the clinical target volume (CTV) than to the gross tumor volume (GTV), two strategies were proposed to incorporate PDFs into optimization of treatment planning. The first strategy used the GTV‐based‐ITV to ensure full dose to the GTV, and utilized the motion induced dose gradient to cover the CTV. The second strategy was to find an intensity‐modulated static dose distribution to best match the prescription dose gradient. Results: Motion effect on dose distributions was minimal in the axial direction. A 10‐mm motion amplitude induced a 3% dose reduction in the peripheral zone of the target. The motion effect was remarkable in the cranial‐caudal direction. It varied with the motion amplitude, but tended to be similar for various respiratory patterns. We found that the motion‐induced gradients resulting from motion with amplitudes of 10–15 mm would adequately cover the CTV (60–70% of the GTV dose). For motions 15 mm, an intensity modulated static dose distribution was generated to decrease the dose to the normal tissue beyond the CTV without compromising the GTV coverage. Conclusion: The effect of respiratory motion on dose gradients can be utilized to individualize treatment planning and minimize the lungdose.
The effect of the zeta potential on pitting

Abstract It is shown that the zeta potential developed between the surface and the components of the lubricant produces tenacious binding at locations of high stresses on the surface owing to defects such as dislocations, cracks and inclusions. Owing to these high stress concentrations, anomalously high rates of diffusion of constituents of the lubricant into the solid can occur resulting in local volumetric changes causing pitting.
Electronic band structure of h. c. p. electron phases based on the noble metals

Measurements of the electronic specific heat coefficient and of the limiting Debye temperature are reported for several close-packed hexagonal intermediate phases in the systems Cu-Ge, Ag-Sn and Ag-Cd. The obtained results, together with previous similar work, conform to a general pattern which suggests that the electronic structure of all h. c. p. phases based on the noble metals can be described in terms of a common nearly rigid band for the conduction electrons. The details of the trend in the density of states are similar to the calculated density of states trends for the h. c. p. metals Zn and Be. The main feature is a large peak in the range of electron concentration between 1.4 and 1.8 which is most likely the result of Fermi surface contacts with the {10.1} Brillouin zone planes, and overlaps across the {10.0} zone planes. A secondary feature is the onset of overlaps across the {00.2} zone planes. A model of an inscribed Fermi sphere into the Brillouin zone is sufficient to indicate the expected behaviour of the trend in the electronic heat capacities in individual phases. Electron-phonon enhancement in the h. c. p. phases appears to be a nearly constant factor, amounting to about 30% of the measured electronic heat capacity values.
Exploring Transnational Civil Society: A Comparative Study of Colombian, Dominican and Mexican Immigrant Organizations in the USA

Abstract The study of Colombian, Dominican and Mexican immigrant organizations in the USA shows that variations by nationality are not only the result of differences in the demographic characteristics of the immigrant populations. Immigrant organizations are immersed simultaneously in two civil society/state dynamics: that of the sending country and that of the receiving country, and both shape immigrant organizations. I argue that the patterns of civic and political association in the immigrants' countries of origin and the continuous relations immigrant organizations maintain with institutions, organizations, political parties and/or the state of the country of origin contribute significantly to defining national differences among immigrant organizations.
Kinematics prediction and experimental validation of machined surface roughness

Online monitoring of surface roughness is a desirable capability for machining processes; however, 100 % inspection of all parts is not feasible unless it can be integrated into the machining process itself through real-time monitoring of cutting conditions. One strategy is to feed these conditions into a predictive modeling kernel which would in turn give the properties of the finished part. In the case of roughness, the surface resulting from turning can be largely represented as the trace of the passing tool geometry. The question addressed herein is whether computationally intensive modeling of the surface accounting for tool nose radius is necessary for online monitoring of surface roughness. This paper presents a predictive modeling methodology wherein the tool-workpiece contact position varies under a simple cutting model, and the resulting surface roughness is estimated. It presents the concept of calculating a “pseudo-roughness” value based only on tool tip locations and to compare this value to that determined by full predictive modeling of the tool geometry. Cutting experimental data has been presented and compared to predictions for model validation. It is found that the root mean square roughness calculation is dominated by tool geometry, rather than tool position deviations and surface roughness estimation could be implemented without a computationally intensive modeling component, thereby enabling online monitoring and potentially real-time control of the part finish.
Targeted therapy of cancer: New roles for pathologists in colorectal cancer

Personalized/individualized/tailored therapy for each patient is an important goal for improving the outcome of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma and includes the intention to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Numerous barriers must be overcome to reach this goal because outcome is affected by an unholy trinity of tumor characteristics that include somatic alterations at the DNA, RNA, and protein level; patient characteristics that include germline genetic differences such as polymorphisms in enzymes affecting the metabolism of chemotherapeutic agents; and environmental exposures and factors that include diet and physical activity. At present, evaluation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression by immunohistochemistry in colorectal adenocarcinoma is generally required for treatment with one of the monoclonal antibody therapies directed against that target, despite the absence of evidence for predictive value of the assay, whereas EGFR fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) may be predictive. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States now requires a 'black box' warning on the packaging of irinotecan for evaluation of germline polymorphism in UGT1A1, the gene mutated in Gilbert's syndrome, for potential reduction of drug dosage in patients with the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism. Numerous other potential markers have been identified but have not yet reached levels of evidence that support their routine usage. For example, KRAS gene mutation appears to preclude improved survival after therapy with monoclonal antibody therapy directed at EGFR, and extensive DNA methylation is associated with lack of efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy. Additional markers will come into routine usage as reports of research studies continue to appear in the literature. Clinical trials driven by molecular targets and agents directed against them, and understanding of the conflicting data on utility of markers reported in the literature, are needed to advance the field.
Single-parent family structure and sleep problems in black and white adolescents

Abstract Objectives Sleep is critical for adolescent health and is influenced by the family environment. In our study, we examined if family structure defined as single- vs two-parent households affected adolescent sleep. Methods Participants were 242 (57% black; 47% boys) healthy adolescents (mean age, 15.7 years). Sleep was measured using self-report and wrist actigraphy over seven consecutive nights. Outcomes were actigraphy-assessed sleep duration and sleep efficiency (SE) for the full week and weekends and weekdays separately, as well as self-reported sleep–wake problems and variability in bedtimes. Linear regression examined the relationship between family structure and sleep, after adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, and depressive symptoms, parental education, family conflict, and financial strain. Race and sex were examined as potential moderators. Results After adjusting for covariates, adolescents from single-parent households had poorer SE across the week and shorter sleep duration on weekends. White adolescents from two-parent households had fewer sleep–wake problems and lower bedtime variability, whereas black adolescents from single-parent households had the lowest weekend SE. There were no significant differences in family structure–sex interactions. Conclusion Our findings are the first to demonstrate that single-parent family structure is an independent correlate of sleep problems in adolescents and they highlight the moderating role of race.
T cell signaling: Protein kinase Cθ, the immunological synapse and characterization of SLAT, a novel T helper 2-specific adapter protein

Triggering of the antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) can lead to various functional outcomes, such as activation and proliferation, anergy or cell death. This differential signaling is mainly determined by the quality and quantity of TCR signals, the nature of accessory signals and the differentiation/maturation status of the T cell. In this regard, T cell development and differentiation of the two major T helper (Th) subsets, namely Th1 and Th2 cells, can also be viewed as examples of differential signaling. In the present report, we review two T cell-selective signaling molecules (protein kinase C (PKC) θ and SLAT), which we have studied extensively and that appear to play important roles in the process of differential signaling. The novel PKC isoform PKCθ is selectively expressed in T lymphocytes and is essential for TCR-triggered activation of mature T cells via activation of the nuclear factor-κB and activator protein-1 pathways. Productive engagement of T cells by antigen-presenting cells (APC) results in recruitment of PKCθ to the T cell-APC contact area, the immunological synapse (IS), where it interacts with several signaling molecules to induce activation signals essential for productive T cell activation and interleukin-2 production. These events are associated with PKCθ translocation to membrane lipid rafts, which also localize to the IS. The Vav/Rac pathway promotes the recruitment of PKCθ to the IS or lipid rafts as well as its activation. SLAT is a novel adapter protein, which we isolated recently. It is selectively expressed in Th2 lineage cells, where it is found associated with the TCR-coupled protein tyrosine kinase ZAP-70. Our initial characterization of SLAT indicates that, by regulating the overall strength of TCR signaling, it may play an important role in differential signaling processes, which promote the differentiation and activation of allergy promoting and anti-inflammatory Th2 cells.
Ibuprofen-mediated infarct size reduction: Effects on regional myocardial function in canine myocardial infarction

Normal, marginal, and central ischemic regional myocardial function were evaluated in a canine model of myocardial infarction during 90 minute left circumflex coronary artery occlusion in 25 anesthetized dogs randomly assigned to intravenous ibuprofen infusion (n = 13,5.36 mg/kg/h beginning 1 hour before occlusion) or vehicle solution as control (n = 12) and in 15 conscious, unsedated dogs 48 and 72 hours after 90 minute circumflex artery occlusion followed by reperfusion (ibuprofen, 5.36 mg/kg/h by intravenous infusion over 7 hours beginning 1 hour before occlusion, n = 7; or vehicle solution infusion as control, n = 8). Miniature subendocardial sonomicrometer crystal pairs were used to calculate left ventricular regional end-diastolic segment length, end-systolic segment length, and regional percent systolic shortening. Infarct size was estimated in 72 hour animals by a postmortem dual perfusion technique using triphenyltetrazolium histochemical dye and Evan’s blue dye for determination of infarct area, risk area, and area not at risk. Ibuprofen treatment significantly reduced infarct size expressed as percent of risk area (mean f standard deviation of 44.6 f 18 versus 64.4 f 16% for control dogs, p <0.05) but it did not improve normal, marginal, or ischemic region end-diastolic length, end-systolic length or percent systolic shortening during coronary occlusion in anesthetized dogs or after reperfusion in conscious animals at 48 and 72 hours, and it did not enhance inotropic reserve at 72 hours in conscious animals. During 90 minute circumflex occlusion in anesthetized dogs, ibuprofen was associated with increases in systemic arterial pressure and worsened ischemic regional percent systolic shortening. Thus, ibuprofen does not improve normal, marginal, or ischemic zone regional myocardial function during acute ischemia or 48 or 72 hours after myocardial reperfusion despite a significant reduction of infarct size.
Two-dimensional chiral crystals of phospholipid.

Epifluorescence optical microscopy has been used to show the formation of solid phase domains from fluid phase domains on compression of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) mono-layers at the air–water interface1–4. These monolayers can be transferred to solid substrates4, and in certain conditions exhibit X-ray diffraction characteristic of highly ordered two-dimensional cyrstals5. In previous work, the crystal domains, visualized by the exclusion of fluorescent lipid probes, were often round and arrayed within a continuous fluid phase domain in a hexagonal pattern4. We report here that when DPPC monolayers are more rapidly compressed, at a rate of the order of a 2% decrease in area per second, chiral solid domains of lipid are formed. The handedness of the solid domains is directly related to the enantiomorphic configuration of the lipids composing the monolayer. The shape of these domains provides direct visual evidence for long range orientational order in two-dimensional crystals.
An information processing model for tactile perception.

Sensory information processing model for tactile perception using array of airjet and piezoelectric stimulators applicable to display design and nervous system investigation
PRIMARY RADIATION THERAPY FOR EARLY BREAST CANCER: THE EXPERIENCE AT THE JOINT CENTER FOR RADIATION THERAPY

Abstract The results of primary radiation therapy in 176 consecutive patients with clinical Stage I and II carcinoma of the breast were reviewed. Median follow-up time was 47 months. The overall breast relapse rate was 7%. Patients undergoing interstitial implantation had a significantly lower breast relapse rate (1%) than patients not undergoing implantation (11 %). Breast relapse was more common in patients undergoing incisional or needle biopsy (17 %), compared to patients treated after excisional biopsy (5 %). In patients undergoing excisional biopsy, but not interstitial implantation, breast relapse was related to external beam dose. Twelve percent of the patients who received less than 1600 ret dose relapsed in the breast, compared to none of the 19 patients who received more than 1700 ret dose. These results imply that supplemental irradiation to the primary tumor area is required following excisional biopsy of a primary breast cancer when 4500–5000 rad is delivered to the entire breast.
The effect of malonyldialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, on the deformability, dehydration and 51Cr-survival of erythrocytes.

Summary. Erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation has been reported to occur in various haemolytic anaemias. In the present study, treatment of human erythrocytes with malonyldialdehyde (MDA). a product of fatty acid peroxidation, induced membrane rigidity, cellular dehydration and reduced whole cell deformability. These effects of MDA were blocked by histamine and fluorescamine, which can act as alternate substrates for MDA. Additionally, reduced deformability of MDA-treated rabbit cells was associated with shortened 51Cr survival in vivo. These findings suggest a biochemical basis for decreased survival of erythrocytes undergoing peroxidative damage of the membrane.
Microwave Thermal Emission from Periodic Surfaces

The emissivity of a periodic surface is calculated from one minus the reflectivity by using the reciprocity principle. The reflectivity consists of the sum of all scattered power as determined from the modal theory which obeys both the principle of reciprocity and the principle of energy conservation. The theoretical results are matched to experimental data obtained from brightness temperature measurements as functions of viewing angle for soil moisture in plowed fields. The threshold phenomenon with regard to the appearing and disappearing of modes in their contributions to the scattered field amplitudes is discussed in connection with the theoretical results. It is shown that this approach for calculating the emissivity greatly reduces computational efforts by requiring substantially smaller matrix sizes.
Finite orbit energetic particle linear response to toroidal Alfven eigenmodes

Abstract The linear response of energetic particles of the TAE modes is calculated taking into account their finite orbit excursion from the flux surfaces. The general expression reproduces the previously derived theory for small banana width; when the banana width Δ b is much larger than the mode thickness Δ m , we obtain a new compact expression for the linear power transfer. When Δ m / Δ b ⪡1, the banana orbit effect reduces the power transfer by a factor Δ m / Δ b from that predicted by the narrow orbit theory. A comparison is made of the contribution to the TAE growth rate of energetic particles with a slowing-down distribution arising from an isotropic source, and a balanced-injected beam source when the source speed is close to the Alfven speed. For the same stored energy density, the contribution from the principal resonances (| v ‖ |= v A ) is substantially enhanced in the beam case compared to the isotropic case, while the contribution at the higher sidebands (| v ‖ |= v A /(2 l −1) with l ⩾2) is substantially reduced.
Multirate Timestepping Methods for Hyperbolic Conservation Laws

This paper constructs multirate time discretizations for hyperbolic conservation laws that allow different timesteps to be used in different parts of the spatial domain. The proposed family of discretizations is second order accurate in time and has conservation and linear and nonlinear stability properties under local CFL conditions. Multirate timestepping avoids the necessity to take small global timesteps (restricted by the largest value of the Courant number on the grid) and therefore results in more efficient algorithms. Numerical results obtained for the advection and Burgers' equations confirm the theoretical findings.
Space Tribometers: Design for Exposed Experiments on Orbit

Eight pin-on-disk tribometers have been made for testing materials in space on board the International Space Station. They will be exposed directly to the low earth orbit (LEO) environment on board the ''Materials on the International Space Station Experiments'' platform where they will experience extreme conditions including atomic oxygen, ultrahigh vacuum, radiation (including UV radiation), and thermal ranges from -40 to 60 C. In order to survive launch and LEO, these tribometers were designed to be extremely compact, rugged, and reliable. Pin-on-disk tribology experiments are now being per- formed with a 13.2 mm/s sliding velocity (14 RPM at 9 mm wear track radius) and a 1 N normal load with hemispherical pin of 1.5875 mm radius. Materials tested include MoS2/Sb2O3/Au, MoS2/Sb2O3/C, YSZ/Au/MoS2/ DLC, and SiO-doped DLC coatings, and bulk samples of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) alumina nanocomposites and gold.
A Gain-Based Lower Bound Algorithm for Real and Mixed μ Problems

In this paper we present a new lower bound algorithm for real and mixed μ problems. The basic idea of this algorithm is to use a related worst-case gain problem to compute the real blocks and, if the block structure is mixed, the standard power iteration to compute the complex blocks. Initial numerical tests indicate that the algorithm is fast and provides good bounds for both real and mixed μ problems of small to moderate size.
“Anticamente moderna et modernamente antica”: Imitation and the ideal in 16th-century Italian painting

This essay examines the relationship between sixteenth-century critical texts that define the stylistic accomplishments of Renaissance painters and the evidence of the paintings themselves. Central to this relationship was the synthesis of past and present in the formation of a new style, where ancient visual models and theoretical principles were creatively blended with modern cultural ideals within an atmosphere of political and religious change. Two historical frescoes by the Florentine painter, Franceso Salviati (1510–1563) are discussed in detail along with selected passages from the texts of Giorgio Vasari, Franceso Bocchi, Antonfrancesco Doni, Ludovico Domenichi, and Giovan Battista Armenini, among others.
Chromosome anomalies as predictors of recurrence risk for spontaneous abortion

Reproductive histories and chromosomes of spontaneous abortions were studied by segregation analysis in 1890 sibships ascertained through a cytogenetically studied abortion. Normal karyotypes are associated with recurrent abortion. Among abnormal karyotypes, trisomy has an elevated recurrence risk even after adjustment through a liability indicator for maternal age. Possible mechanisms and conflicting evidence in the literature on trisomy are discussed. None of these differences in recurrence risk is large enough to play a significant numerical role in genetic counseling.
The pathogenesis of lactate dehydrogenase elevating virus in mice.

Abstract The pathogenesis of lactate dehydrogenase elevating virus (LDV) and the mechanism of raised plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in mice were studied. Virus was first recovered from spleens, lungs and livers 9 h. after infection. Clinical disease or excess mortality was not seen in mice infected for 16 months. Infected mice developed persistent splenomegaly at 5 days Microscopic lesions consisted of depletion of small mononuclear cells in splenic red pulp with pyknosis and karyorrhexis of the remaining mononuclear cells. A transient lymphopaenia of 3 days duration was present in infected mice. A cytopathic effect in peritoneal macrophages collected from mice infected for 16 to 24 h. was observed. Cyclophosphamide treatment, splenectomy, thymectomy or x-irradiation had no noticeable effect on plasma LDV titres. Plasma LDH levels of x-irradiated and splenectomized mice corresponded with plasma levels of untreated mice, both before and after infection. Cyclophosphamide-treated mice had LDH levels about half those of the controls, either before or after LDV infection. Infected mice had an increase of all 5 LDH isoenzymes and there was some indication that the increase of LDH isoenzymes in thymectomized mice was less than in non-thymectomized controls.