cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrated magneto–electrophoresis microfluidic chip purification on library preparation device for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy detection

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has revolutionized the field of personalized medicine through providing patient specific diagnostic information on a nucleic acid level. A key bottleneck in the NGS workflow is the preparation of nucleic acids for sequencing, or library preparation. One approach to overcoming this bottleneck on time and resources is through automating library preparation as much as possible from the stage of DNA extraction to a sequence-ready sample. Here, we have integrated microscale purification and macroscale PCR amplification to create an automated platform to replace manual DNA library preparation and magnetic bead-based cleanup steps. This microfluidic chip integrates magnetic bead transport and electrokinetic flow to remove unbound adapter dimers and other impurities from samples. We incorporate this method to develop an automated NGS DNA library preparation device that also includes macro- and microfluidic reagent movement and mixing and a thermoelectric cooler for controlled capillary heating and cooling. We greatly reduce the hands-on time, amount of pipetting required, and volumes of reagents needed as we test the feasibility of the platform on the clinically important diagnostic field of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). We prepared euploid and aneuploid five cell samples for sequencing and found our results were accurate for the cell samples with a sequencing quality equivalent to the standard of the DNA libraries prepared manually. Our device platform utilizes concepts such as: magneto–electrophoresis, integrated capillary PCR, and automated sample loading and unloading onto a microfluidic chip.
Tunneling based ten attomolar DNA biosensor

Early-stage detection prevents disease progression and complications in treatment procedures, especially for infectious diseases. This requires rapid and accurate sensing technologies and techniques that remove the need for expensive and time-consuming sample preparation and transfer to the labs and the running of multiple experiments. To that end, point-of-care (POC) testing has been introduced for quick disease diagnostics that enables caregivers to start early treatment, leading to improved health outcomes. Here, we introduce a tunneling current bio-sensing technology based on a metal–insulator–electrolyte junction, which is highly sensitive to charge variations at the insulator–electrolyte interface. The charge variations occur as a response of hybridization of complementary DNA sequences to DNA primers immobilized on the insulator surface. This leads to the label-free detection of as little as tens of DNA molecules or, equivalently, samples with 0.01 fM concentrations. Since the sensing is based on a single terminal measurement of current with respect to a reference electrode, our technology can enable the creation of novel compact medical and portable POC devices for real-time disease detection.
Meaningfulness and unit of Zipf’s law: evidence from danmu comments

Zipf’s law is a succinct yet powerful mathematical law in linguistics. However, the meaningfulness and units of the law have remained controversial. The current study uses online video comments call “danmu comment” to investigate these two questions. The results are consistent with previous studies arguing Zipf’s law is subject to topical coherence. Specifically, it is found that danmu comments sampled from a single video follow Zipf’s law better than danmu comments sampled from a collection of videos. The results also suggest the existence of multiple units of Zipf’s law. When different units including words, n-grams, and danmu comments are compared, both words and danmu comments obey Zipf’s law and words may be a better fit. The issues of combined n-grams in the literature are also discussed.
The relevance of solar flares to astrophysics

The physical mechanisms associated with solar flares are reviewed. The relevance of flare mechanisms to other astrophysical phenomena is discussed. In this context, specific models of quasars and radio galaxies, Sco X-1 and gamma-ray bursts are examined.
Two meson final states in interactions of 2.7 GeV/c p p

Abstract The cross sections for π+π−, K+K−, and K 0 K0 final states from 2.7 GeV/c p p interactions are: 28±9 γb, 3+6−3 γb, and
ANALYSIS OF A MOUSE α-GLOBIN GENE MUTATION INDUCED BY ETHYLNITROSOUREA

A DBA/2 mouse treated with ethylnitrosourea sired an offspring whose hemoglobin showed an extra band following starch gel electrophoresis. The variant hemoglobin migrated to a more cathodal position in starch gel. Isoelectric focusing indicated that chain 5 of the mutant hemoglobin migrated to a more cathodal position than the normal chain 5 from DBA/2 mice and that the other α-globin, chain 1, was not affected. On focusing gels the phenotype of the mutant allele, Hbay9, was expressed without dominance to normal chain 5, and Hbay9/Hbay9 homozygotes were fully viable in the laboratory. The molecular basis for the germinal mutation was investigated by analyzing the amino acid sequence of chain 5y9, the mutant form of α-chain 5. A single amino acid substitution (His → Leu) at position 89 was found in chain 5y9. We propose that ethylnitrosourea induced an A → T transversion in the histidine codon at position 89 (CAC → CTC). This mutation has apparently not been observed previously in humans, mice or other mammals, and its novel occurrence may be indicative of other unusual mutational events that do not ordinarily occur in the absence of specific mutagen exposure.
A chiral anomaly channel in τ-decay. II

The decay rate for τ→νηππ is calculated from an amplitude that has the chiral anomaly term as low-energy constraint and has realistic vectormeson meson pole continuation to physical energies.
Targeting Stat3 in hepatocellular carcinoma with aberrant TGF-b signaling

2377 Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, yet there still remain only a few effective therapeutic options for advanced disease. At least 40% of HCCs are clonal and thought to arise from liver progenitor/stem cell transformation, and requiring activation of stem cell renewal factors such as Stat3, Nanog, Oct 3/4. We have found that these HCCs frequently develop in the setting of inactivated TGF-β signaling (Science, 2005, 310(5745):68-71, Oncogene 2007, 26(50):7103-10). The Aims of this study were to expand on our understanding of the intracellular signaling pathways activated in HCC, and to develop new therapeutics targeting HCC-specific signaling pathways. Methods and Results: 1. IL6/Stat3 activity, is markedly increased in 9/10 human HCC tissues and growth of HCC cell lines could be inhibited with the Stat3 inhibitor, NSC 74859. 2. A method was developed to isolate putative HCC progenitor/stem cells, for the purpose of characterizing their response to potential therapeutics. Progenitor/stem cells were isolated from the HCC cell line, Huh7 utilizing antibodies to the stem cell surface marker CD133. We found that CD133+ Huh7 cells differ from CD133- cells with their ability of forming colonies on soft agar with as few as five cells and expression of other stem cell surface markers (Oct4, CD44). 3. These CD133+ cells are more resistant to doxorubicin compared to CD133- cells, consistent with the known resistance of HCC to this agent, yet these CD133+ cells are highly sensitive to Stat3 inhibition. 4. Exposure of CD133+ HCC cells to the Stat3 inhibitor resulted in significant growth suppression, with the most potent effects observed in those lines lacking a functional TGF-β pathway. Conclusion: Inhibiting IL-6/Stat3, a major signaling pathway in HCC stem cell renewal and proliferation might provide a new approach to the targeted treatment of certain forms of HCC.
Global information system issues

A global information system (GIS) is an umbrella system that presents a global schema of the data available in its underlying, component, autonomous information systems and provides its users with the capability to ask queries of the global scheme and to receive integrated answers. The major research areas confronting GIS developers are examined. They are: development of global schema; query processing and data access; security; recovery from failure; integration of the user workstation with the GIS; and support for multimedia objects. >
Guilty Until Proven Innocent: An Analysis of Post-Furman Capital Errors

The issue of erroneous convictions in capital cases has recently gained considerable nationwide media attention. This article builds on prior research by examining 76 cases of inmates who were released from death rows between 1970 and 1998 because of doubts about their guilt. By using sources, or persons who have extensive insider knowledge about these cases, as well as published court opinions, it was possible to identify the causes of the wrongful convictions as well as the significant events that led to the discovery of the miscarriages of justice. The data indicate that prosecutorial misconduct, perjury of witnesses, police misconduct, and racial discrimination were influential factors that led to the wrongful convictions. In addition, continued investigation by the defense attorney, new witnesses coming forward, and/or a confession from another person were the factors most often leading to the discovery of errors. These findings suggest that there have not been any significant changes in causes of er...
AIDS: Viruses, cytokines and Kaposi's sarcoma

HIV infection strongly predisposes people to Kaposi's sarcoma, a complex proliferative lesion driven by autocrine and paracrine cytokine expression; new evidence implicates a second virus in the etiology of the disease.
Concurrent validity between the California Psychological Inventory-revised and the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire.

The present study examined the concurrent validity of the newest version of the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) with the Student Adaptation College Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 142 college students at a midwestern, technically oriented university. Significant differences in the expected directions were found between higher and lower adjusted students with regard to Gough's (1987) new control (p less than .001), flexibility (p less than .003), and consensuality (p less than .005) factors and also with respect to the new norm-favoring (p less than .01) and self-realization (p less than .008) thematic vectors of the revised CPI.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Autoimmune Neuromuscular Diseases

ContextIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) enhances immune homeostasis by modulating expression and function of Fc receptors, interfering with activation of complement and production of cytokines, providing anti-idiotypic antibodies, and affecting the activation and effector functions of T and B cells. These mechanisms may explain the effectiveness of IVIG in autoimmune neuromuscular disorders.ObjectiveTo systematically review the current status of the treatment of autoimmune neuromuscular diseases with IVIG, with emphasis on controlled trials.Data SourcesPeer-reviewed publications identified through MEDLINE (1966-2003), EMBASE (1974-2003), and references from bibliographies of pertinent articles. Each autoimmune neuromuscular disease term was searched in combination with the term intravenous immunoglobulin.Study Selection and Data ExtractionCriteria for selection of studies included controlled study design, English language, and clinical pertinence. Data quality was based on venue of publication and relevance to clinical care.Data SynthesisOutcomes of controlled trials indicate that IVIG at a total dose of 2 g/kg is effective as first-line therapy in Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and multifocal motor neuropathy and as second-line therapy in stiff-person syndrome, dermatomyositis, myasthenia gravis, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. In other controlled studies, IVIG produced a modest, variable, and transient but not statistically significant benefit in patients with inclusion body myositis and paraproteinemic anti–myelin-associated glycoprotein antibody demyelinating polyneuropathy. Intravenous immunoglobulin is not effective in patients with multiple sclerosis who have established weakness or optic neuritis. In myasthenia gravis, it should be reserved for difficult cases or before thymectomy in lieu of plasma exchange.ConclusionIntravenous immunoglobulin is effective in many autoimmune neurologic diseases, but its spectrum of efficacy, especially as first-line therapy, and the appropriate dose for long-term maintenance therapy are not fully established. Further controlled studies of IVIG, combined with a dose-finding effect, pharmacoeconomics, and quality-of-life assessments, are warranted to improve the evidence base for clinical practice.
HLA-DRA promoter polymorphism and diversity generation within the immune system

Multiple major histocompatibility complex (MHC) alleles exist at most class I and II loci. Polymorphism of MHC polypeptides may reflect either different levels of selective pressure operating on each molecule or different mutation rates at different loci. To gain further insight into this issue, we sequenced the non-coding promoter region of the HLA-DRA gene from several Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cell lines and compared the extent of polymorphism found in this region with the known polymorphism of the HLA-DQB promoter. Our results indicate that the HLA-DRA promoter displays a low level of polymorphism while the promoter of HLA-DQB exhibits a nucleotide substitution rate fivefold greater than that of DRA. Moreover, through phylogenetic analysis, the HLA-DRA promoter was found to have diverged much less than the associated alleles of HLA-DRB1 and -DQA1. Taken together, these results suggest that the HLA-DRA promoter is highly conserved and may be under a stronger functional constraint than the promoter regions of other MHC class II genes.
Ethical issues in the development and application of business and management knowledge

This paper deals with four ethical issues in the development and application of business and management knowledge. The issues examined are: (1) failure to adopt or disclose knowledge with proven value that could benefit individuals, organizations, and society; (2) inappropriate implementation or incomplete disclosure of knowledge with proven potential; (3) use of knowledge for the exclusive benefit of a selected interest group even if harm is done to others; and (4) intentional falsification or misrepresentation of knowledge as something other than what it is known to be. Each of these issues are illustrated with actual case histories and are examined using frequently accepted ethical concepts.
Electrical stimulation of thalamic Nucleus Submedius inhibits responses of spinal dorsal horn neurons to colorectal distension in the rat.

Abstract In 78 halothane-anesthetized rats, we characterized the responses of single neurons in the dorsal horn of L6–S1 spinal segments to a noxious visceral stimulus (colorectal balloon distension, CRD), and studied the effects of focal electrical stimulation of Nucleus Submedius (Sm) on these responses using standard extracellular microelectrode recording techniques. A total of 102 neurons were isolated on the basis of spontaneous activity. Eighty (78%) responded to CRD, of which 70% had excitatory and 30% had inhibitory responses. Neurons showed graded responses to graded CRD pressures (20–100 mmHg), with maximum excitation or inhibition occurring at 100 mmHg. Responses to noxious (pinch, heat) and innocuous (brush, tap) cutaneous stimuli were studied in 73 of the spinal dorsal horn neurons isolated. Fifty-seven (78%) of these neurons (46 CRD-responsive and 11 CRD-nonresponsive) had cutaneous receptive fields, of which 35 (61%) were small and ipsilateral, 14 (25%) were large and ipsilateral, 7 (12%) were large or small and bilateral, and 1 (2%) was small and contralateral. Sixty-one percent of these neurons responded to both noxious and innocuous cutaneous stimulation, 35% responded only to noxious stimulation, and 4% responded only to innocuous stimulation. Electrical stimulation (50–300 μA) of the contralateral Sm produced intensity-dependent attenuation of the CRD-evoked activities of most neurons (18/28 of CRD-excited and 7/12 of CRD-inhibited) tested. Sm stimulation produced facilitation of CRD responses of only one neuron (CRD-inhibited). Sm stimulation had no effects on spontaneous activity. These data indicate that Sm may be involved in the descending inhibitory modulation of visceral nociception at the spinal level.
Perovskite solar cells: film formation and properties

Perovskite solar cells have received considerable attention in recent years as a promising material capable of developing high performance photovoltaic devices at a low cost. Their high absorption coefficient, tunable band gap, low temperature processing and abundant elemental constituents provide numerous advantages over most thin film absorber materials. In this review, we discuss the current status of CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I, Br, Cl) based photovoltaic devices and provide a comprehensive review of CH3NH3PbX3 device structures, film properties, fabrication methods, and photovoltaic performance. We emphasize the importance of perovskite film formation and properties in achieving highly efficient photovoltaic devices. The flexibility and simplicity of perovskite fabrication methods allow use of mesoporous and planar device architectures. A variety of processing techniques are currently employed to form the highest quality CH3NH3PbX3 films that include precursor modifications, thermal annealing and post-deposition treatments. Here we outline and discuss the resulting material qualities and device performances. Suggestions regarding needed improvements and future research directions are provided based on the current field of available literature.
Anoxic and ischemic injury of myelinated axons in CNS white matter: from mechanistic concepts to therapeutics.

White matter of the brain and spinal cord is susceptible to anoxia and ischemia. Irreversible injury to this tissue can have serious consequences for the overall function of the CNS through disrupt...
in situ measurements of the thermal conductivity of ash deposits

Ash deposits reduce heat transfer rates to furnace walls, superheater tubes, and other heat transfer surfaces in coal-fired power plants. The effective thermal conductivity of a porous ash deposit is one important parameter for determining the magnitude of this reduction. In this paper, we report in situ , time-resolved measurements of the effective thermal conductivity of ash deposits formed under conditions that closely replicate those found in the convective pass of a commercial boiler. Experiments were conducted using an Illinois #6 coal and a blend of Illinois #6 coal and wheat straw to determine the thermal conductivity of highly porous, unsintered deposits and to examine the influence of the initial stages of sintering on these deposits. For deposits formed while firing both fuels the measured thermal conductivity of loose, unsintered deposits is 0.15 W/(m K), almost a factor of three greater than that of air under these conditions. The initial stages of deposit sintering and densification are accompanied by a substantial increase in deposit thermal conductivity. Subsequent sintering continues to densify the deposit but has little effect on deposit thermal conductivity. These trends correspond to anticipated effects of sintering on the development of a layered deposit structure and on particle contact efficiency. Measured values of thermal conductivity are also observed to lie between rational theoretical bounds based on deposit porosity and structure.
A general damage theory: Solution of nth-order equations using Unified Framework

Abstract A general formulation termed the ‘Unified Framework’ is presented in this paper, which yields nth-order expressions governing mode shapes and natural frequencies for damaged elastic structures such as rods, beams, plates and shells of any shape. The formulation is applicable to damaged elastic, self-adjoint systems for arbitrary boundary conditions and applies to structures with any damage profile or those having more than one area of damage. The formulation considers the geometric discontinuity at the damage location and perturbation to modes and natural frequencies. It makes no ad hoc assumptions regarding the physical behavior at the damage location such as added springs or changes in Young’s modulus. The geometric discontinuity manifests itself in terms of discontinuities in cross-sectional properties, such as depth, area or area moment of inertia. Considering the geometric discontinuity along with the perturbation of modes and natural frequencies, the initial homogenous differential equation with non-constant coefficients is changed to a series of non-homogeneous differential equations with constant coefficients. Solutions of this series of differential equations is obtained in this paper. The theory incorporates the change in mass due to damage, where applicable.
Pediatric Psychiatric Emergencies

TOPIC: Pediatric psychiatric emergencies, on the increase in emergency departments, challenge mental health professionals and nurses. PURPOSE: To focus on the information needed to evaluate pediatric psychiatric emergencies and the information-gathering process. SOURCES: Personal observations and experiences, published literature. CONCLUSIONS: The efficiency and efficacy with which pediatric psychiatric evaluations are conducted depend on the evaluator's knowledge of the minimum required information for such assessment and the strategies available for overcoming barriers. Language: en
Structural hierarchies and interactions in the tendon composite

Tendon functions by transmitting tensile loads from muscle to bone. Morphologically, it can be described as a macromolecular multicomposite material, basically consisting of collagen fibrils held together by a soft, hydrated matrix material. Recently, tendon has been deformed beyond the "in vivo" elastic limit and by cyclical loading systematically damaged. Using high-resolution electron microscopy, decomposition of the collagen fibril into subfibrils (15 nm diameter) and microfibrils (3.5 nm diameter) has been noted. The interfacial adhesion between such units is strongly dependent on age, and is probably related with crosslinking phenomena observed by biochemical methods. In addition, tendon collagen contains a considerable amount of water throughout the entire structure which strongly affects its overall mechanical behavior. The various bound states of water have been identified using primarily dynamic mechanical spectroscopy coupled with more conventional methods of structural characterization.
An Indirect Adaptive Velocity Controller for a Novel Steer-by-Wire System

Increased environmental awareness and skyrocketing fuel prices have pressed researchers and engineers to find energy efficient alternatives to traditional approaches. A novel steer-by-wire technology, which is based on pump displacement control actuation, has been proposed by the authors and was shown to improve the fuel efficiency of a wheel loader steering system by 43.5%. Building on this realization, the work in this paper deals with designing an adaptive velocity controller, which takes the form of an indirect self-tuning regulator that has the facility to cope with parametric uncertainties and uncertain nonlinearities associated with hydraulically actuated systems. The indirect self-tuning regulator algorithm is selected given that the uncertain plant parameters are estimated in the process, which is a useful byproduct that gives insight into system properties that will be considered in future investigation. Furthermore, a discrete adaptive control law with low computational cost is required for the application on hand. The designed self-tuning regulator and the estimation algorithm were validated in numerical simulations as well as experimentally on a designated prototype test vehicle, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive scheme in the face of uncertainties. The controller was able to adapt to varying load mass and inertia, which correlate to varying operating conditions that influence the system dynamics. Hence, besides offering improved fuel efficiency, the new steering technology also results in smarter machines.
THE USE OF ADDED VARIABLE PLOTS IN REGRESSION MODELLING WITH SPATIAL DATA

A simple graphical method for developing regression models for spatially referenced data is presented. The method supplements formal testing procedures and provides the analyst with useful information helpful in developing an understanding of data properties without the need for complex data manipulations. The paper includes a worked example and suggests directions for further work in this area.
Identification of lung regions in chest radiographs using Markov random field modeling

The authors present an algorithm utilizing Markov random field modeling for identifying lung regions in a digitized chest radiograph (DCR). Let x represent the classifications of each pixel in a DCR as either lung or nonlung. We model x as a realization of a spatially varying Markov random field. This model is developed utilizing spatial and textural information extracted from samples of lung and nonlung region-types in a training set of DCRs. With this model, the technique of Iterated Conditional Modes is used to determine the optimal classification of each pixel in a DCR. The algorithm’s ability to identify lung regions is evaluated on a testing set of DCRs. The algorithm performs well yielding a sensitivity of 90.7%±4.4%, a specificity of 97.2%±2.0%, and an accuracy of 94.8%±1.6%. In an attempt to gain insight into the meaning and level of the algorithm’s performance numbers, the results are compared to those of some easily implemented classification algorithms.
Direct Observation of Surface-Mediated Electron-Hole Pair Recombination in TiO2(110)

The kinetics of surface and bulk electron−hole pair recombination have been measured separately on TiO2(110) in ultrahigh vacuum under well-controlled surface conditions for the first time. Using 100 eV incident electrons, excitation of electron−hole pairs occurs within ∼6 A of the surface, and the rate of stimulated desorption of O2 was measured as a means of determining the charge carrier recombination kinetics, which are found to be mediated by the surface and to be first-order in charge carrier concentration. Comparison with a previous O2 photodesorption experiment, where excitation by 3.4 eV photons was used for electron−hole pair generation in a deeper region below the surface (∼100 A), shows that bulk recombination in TiO2 occurs by second-order kinetics in charge carrier concentration.
Nail Unit Matrix Transplantation: A Plastic Surgeon's Approach

The growth of the nail is primarily from the nail bed and mostly from the germinal matrix component, and to some extent from the sterile matrix as well. The purpose of this article is to describe the approach and technique of a composite nail, nail bed, hyponychium, and perionychium transplant when the total nail and nail bed need reconstruction. A case is presented when a nail bed junctional nevus is excised and reconstruction with nail unit matrix transplantation and the result is shown.
A vascular abnormality in hypertension. A study of blood flow in the forearm.

Forearm blood flow measurements have been made at rest and after 8 to 10 minutes arterial occlusion in 50 normal and 131 untreated hypertensive subjects. The latter group comprised 91 with essential hypertension; 11 with chronic renal disease (nephritis or pyelonephritis); 21 with renovascular disease; and eight with primary aldosteronism. The resting blood flow increased with the rising pressure in patients with mild hypertension but there was a significant increase in the resting resistance in the more severe cases. The average minimal resistance obtained during reactive hyperemia was greater in hypertensive (3.1 SE 1.0 units) than in normal subjects (2.0 SE 0.07 units). This abnormality was related to the level of blood pressure but not to the duration of the disease. Patients with renovascular disease or aldosteronism presented the same vascular fault as the more common causes of hypertension. Evidence is presented to show that the reactive hyperemia produced maximal dilatation of the forearm vasculat...
Sex-specific modulation of spinal nociception by α2-adrenoceptors: Differential regulation by estrogen and testosterone

Abstract Sex-related differences in antinociception produced by the activation of α 2 -adrenoceptors (α 2 -ARs) have been reported, however, the precise role of gonadal steroids is still unknown. Hence, we hypothesized that estrogen and testosterone modulate antinociceptive effects of clonidine (an α 2 -AR agonist) on N -methyl- d -aspartate- (NMDA) and heat-induced spinal nociception. We also investigated whether estrogen or testosterone alters the expression of α 2A -adrenoceptors in the spinal cord. Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were implanted with PE10 cannulae in the intrathecal space of the lumbosacral spinal cord and divided into male, proestrous and diestrous female, ovariectomized (OVX), estradiol-treated OVX (OVX+E), castrated male (GDX), testosterone (GDX+T) and estradiol-treated castrated male (GDX+E) groups. Clonidine dose-dependently inhibited NMDA-induced scratching behavior in the male and OVX groups but to a significantly lesser extent in the OVX+E group. It also increased the tail withdrawal latency in the male, OVX, diestrous and GDX+T groups but not in the OVX+E, proestrous, GDX and GDX+E groups. Levels of α 2A -AR mRNA were significantly higher in the OVX, estradiol-treated OVX, GDX and GDX+E animals. In contrast, α 2A -AR protein levels were higher in estradiol-treated OVX, GDX, GDX+T and GDX+E animals as compared with the male. Indeed, no correlations were observed between changes in the mRNA or protein levels of α 2A -AR and behavioral observations. These results support our hypothesis that sex-related differences in α 2 -AR-mediated modulation of spinal nociception are gonadal hormone-dependent: estrogen attenuates antinociceptive effects in females whereas testosterone is required for the expression of antinociception in males. In addition, results also revealed that the mechanism of action of gonadal hormones may not involve a global alternation in expression of α 2A -AR in the spinal cord. Estrogen-induced attenuation of α 2 -AR-mediated inhibition of nociception could contribute to the higher prevalence of pain syndromes in women.
Control of rRNA production in non-growing cells.

EMERSON reported that the rate of rRNA production in contact-inhibited chick skin fibroblasts was lower than that in growing cells1 and attributed this to prolongation of 45S RNA transcription time during contact inhibition. In support of this conclusion, he showed that in contact-inhibited cells, with relatively short labelling times, there was a deficiency in the amount of radioactivity appearing in 18S rRNA relative to that found in 28S rRNA. This would result from prolonged 45S transcription time if a significant number of the 45S precursor molecules converted to 28S and 18S rRNAs during the short labelling period were labelled only in their distal (3′-OH) end, having been in mid-transcription when labelling was begun. If the 28S segment of the 45S precursor lies closer to the 3′-OH terminus than the 18S segment, the latter would receive relatively less label.
Uranium of Mongolia. Yuri B. Mironov. 230 Pp. 2006. V. S. Popov, translator for English version. Centre for Russian and Central EurAsian Mineral Studies, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom. ISBN: 5-93761-078-4. Price £50.

Uranium of Mongolia , by Yuri B. Mironov (originally published in Russian in 2003 and translated here into English), provides a comprehensive overview of the history and current uranium exploration status in Mongolia. The knowledge about this specific topic in the West is limited because very little information is available except for that in the Russian literature. In fact, the volcanogenic uranium deposit type, which is discussed in detail in this book, has not been well documented before in the literature. With the development of new technology, the application of nuclear power is on the verge of achieving widespread acceptance. The demand for uranium resources will be increasing with the subsequent construction of numerous nuclear reactors worldwide. Uranium exploration is thus moving ahead at a rapid pace and this book is being published just in time to fit into the global uranium exploration boom. This book summarizes Mongolian uranium geology based on 50 years of exploration by …
PRODUCTION OF FEMTOSECOND PULSES AND MICRON BEAM SPOTS FOR HIGH BRIGHTNESS ELECTRON BEAM APPLICATIONS

Current and future applications of high brightness electron beams, which include advanced accelerators and beam-radiation interactions require both transverse and longitudinal beam sizes on the order of tens of microns. Ultra-high density beams may be produced at moderate energy (50 MeV) by compression and subsequent strong focusing of low emittance, photoinjector sources. We describe the implementation of this method used at the PLEIADES inverse-Compton scattering (ICS) x-ray source at LLNL in which the photoinjector-generated beam has been compressed to 300 fsec rms duration using the velocity bunching technique and focused to 20 μm rms size using an extremely high gradient, permanent magnet quadrupole focusing system.
TorsinB – perinuclear location and association with torsinA

The torsins comprise a four-member family of AAA+ chaperone proteins, including torsinA, torsinB, torp2A and torp3A in humans. Mutations in torsinA underlie early onset torsion dystonia, an autosomal dominant, neurologically based movement disorder. TorsinB is highly homologous to torsinA with its gene adjacent to that for torsinA on human chromosome 9q34. Antibodies have been generated which can distinguish torsinA and torsinB from each other, and from the torps in human and rodent cells. TorsinB (∼ MW 38 kDa), like torsinA (∼ MW 37 kDa), is an N-glycosylated protein and both reside primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope in cultured cells. Immunoprecipitation studies in cultured cells and human brain tissue indicate that torsinA and torsinB are associated with each other in cells. Overexpression of both wild-type torsinB and mutant torsinA lead to enrichment of the protein in the nuclear envelope and formation of large cytoplasmic inclusions. We conclude that torsinB and torsinA are localized in overlapping cell compartments within the same protein complex, and thus may carry out related functions in vivo.
Graph-based segmentation of the pediatric trachea in MR images to model growth

The upper airways are a major site of congenital and acquired pediatric airway obstruction. Airway size information can be used for pre-surgical planning and post-treatment assessment. The aim of this research is to develop a greater understanding of the growth and variation of the normal pediatric airway to assist a surgeon in optimizing the outcomes for patients by increasing efficiency and accuracy. The standard imaging tool for measuring airway geometry has been CT (computed tomography), but to eliminate the risks of radiation exposure during prospective studies, we have developed an image analysis system to measure airway geometry in MR (magnetic resonance) images of the upper airway. Six adult patients that had CT and MR images of a normal airway were used as the training set to optimize the segmentation cost function to find the appropriate 3D surface. 25 normal pediatric subjects were segmented and measured and then compared to the segmentations of three experts. Dice similarity coefficient and boundary point distances were used for comparison metrics. The automated segmentations correlated well and were not significantly different from those from the group of experts. A group of 90 children were measured and plotted against age, gender, z-scores for weight and height. In an attempt to model growth, cross-sectional area showed a significant correlation with a 4 th degree polynomial of age. This work demonstrates that MR imaging can be used for measuring the pediatric upper airway and to develop growth models to assist in pre-surgical planning.
Overcoming the Cellular Crowding Effect: VlsE-FRET is Destabilized Inside Cells

The understanding of protein folding dynamics inside cells is crucial for the development of new therapies against protein folding and aggregation diseases. In addition, many processes inside cells such as gene expression, association and dissociation processes, as well as protein degradation are controlled by protein stability and kinetics. Fluorescence Relaxation Imaging (FReI) instrument combines temperature jump, FRET and cell imaging to study dynamic processes inside cells from the microseconds to the seconds time scales. using FReI, we have carried out experiment to calculate the melting temperature (Tm) and relaxation time (τ) of a constructed FRET pair protein of the Variable Lyme Disease Surface Antigen E (VlsE). VlsE-FRET has an in vitro Tm= 38 ± 1 °C and τ = 0.5 ± 0.1 s. In contrast, VlsE-FRET has an in cell Tm = 35 ± 1 °C and τ = 2 ± 2 s. Also, the in vitro data support a single exponential unfolding process with β = 1.0 ± 0.1, but the in cell data does not with β = 0.8 ± 0.2. Interestingly, VlsE-FRET has two distinct populations in cell with melting temperatures of 33 ± 1 °C and 36 ± 1 °C. These data support that some proteins can overcome the crowding effect inside cells due to the contribution of chemical/electrostatic forces. VlsE has different regions that undergo antigenic variation in order to evade the immune system of the host. Probably, the VlsE-FRET destabilization in cell is part of the trigger mechanism for the extensive genetic and antigenic variation that allows VlsE to evolve.
Dissipative divertor operation in the Alcator C-Mod tokamak

The achievement of large volumetric power losses (dissipation) in the Alcator C-Mod divertor region is demonstrated in two operational modes: radiative divertor and detached divertor. During radiative divertor operation, the fraction of SOL power lost by radiation is P R /P SOL 0.8 with single null plasmas, n e < 2 × 10 20 m −3 and I p < 1 MA. THESE PLASMAS SOMETIMES HAVE VERY HIGH RECYCLING, WITH N e, div ≤ 6 x 10 20 m −3 . As the divertor radiation and density increase, the plasma eventually detaches abruptly from the divertor plates: I SAT drops at the target and the divertor radiation peak moves to the X-point region. Probe measurements at the divertor plate show that the transition occurs when T e 5 eV. The critical n e for detachment depends linearly on the input power. This abrupt divertor detachment is preceded by a comparatively long period (∼ 1-200 ms) where a partial detachment is observed to grow at the outer divertor plate
Responses to hemorrhagic arterial pressure reduction in different ischemic renal failure models

Responses to hemorrhagic arterial pressure reduction in different ischemic renal failure models. Renal blood flow (RBF) autoregulation has been found to be impaired in both norepinephrine (NE) and renal artery clamp (RAC) rat ischemic acute renal failure models. However, the decline in RBF at the normal lower limit of autoregulation is greater in NE-ARF. The present study was designed to determine if this difference in autoregulatory profiles has potential functional and morphologic significance. After demonstrating a fall in RBF to renal perfusion pressure reduction to 90 mm Hg that was twofold more in one week NE- than RAC-ARF (p Cr ) and creatinine clearance (C Cr ) showed continued improvement in RAC-ARF, but there were significant increases in BUN (46 ± 22 to 72 ± 10 mg/dl) and S Cr (1.2 ± 0.2 to 1.5 ± 0.2 mg/dl) and a decline in C Cr (0.434 ± 0.127 to 0.334 ± 0.079 ml/min) in the NE-ARF group (all P
Sibling incest in the royal families of Egypt, Peru, and Hawaii

Abstract Analysts of the incest taboo who believe that cultural determinants alone are a sufficient explanation of human incest avoidance frequently cite alleged sibling marriages in the royal families of Egypt, Hawaii, and Peru as supporting evidence. If full‐sibling incest were common in intact families in several populous societies (where mates other than siblings were available) incest avoidance theories involving genetic components, and natural selection theory itself, would be seriously challenged because there would then exist successful societies which employ a relatively inefficient reproductive strategy. This review of historical sources regarding the actual practices of royal families reveals that full‐sibling marriages were extremely rare, except during the Ptolemaic reign. Futhermore, succession to the throne was almost never by an offspring of siblings. Brother‐sister marriage was frequent among commoners in Roman Egypt during the first two or three centuries after Christ. Because it is the ...
Diversity in a democracy: Expanding the recreation opportunity spectrum

Abstract Diversity in tastes among the public for outdoor recreation has been a consistent finding from more than two decades of research. A number of planning and management systems have been designed to accommodate this diversity. The most recent and highly developed design has been the recreation opportunity spectrum, which suggests, among other things, relatively standard relationships between recreation setting conditions to produce a variety of opportunity classes. This paper suggests that these relationships may, ironically, limit rather than encourage potential diversity in outdoor recreation. More liberal interpretation of these relationships is suggested.
Through-Bond Interactions in the Diradical Intermediates Formed in the Rearrangements of Bicyclo[n.m.0]alkatetraenes

The intermediates and transition structures in the degenerate thermal rearrangements of bicyclo[4.4.0]deca-2,4,7,9-tetraene (1c), bicyclo[5.5.0]dodeca-2,4,8,10-tetraene (11b), and bicyclo[5.4.0]undeca-2,4,8,10-tetraene (14) have been located by (U)B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculations. The singlet-triplet energy differences (ΔE(ST)) in the diradical intermediates (tricyclo[4.4.0.0(2,7)]deca-3,8-dien-5,10-diyl (2c), tricyclo[5.5.0.0(5,11)]dodeca-2,8-dien-4,10-diyl (12b), and tricyclo[5.4.0.0(5,11)]undeca-2,8-dien-4,10-diyl (15)) have been computed, using both UB3LYP and (6/6)CASPT2 calculations. ΔE(ST) in 2c, in which a four-membered ring is anti-bridged by two allylic radicals, is computed to be larger by a factor of 5 than ΔE(ST) in 15, in which the anti-bridged ring is five-membered, and by a factor of 10 than that in 12b, in which the anti-bridged ring is six-membered. The reasons for the much larger interaction between two allylic radicals through the bonds of the four-membered ring in 2c than through the bonds of the five-membered ring in 15 or the six-membered ring in 12b are discussed, and the consequences of the large, through-bond stabilization of the singlet state of 2c are described.
Evaluation of fluorescence quenching for assessing the importance of interactions between nonpolar organic pollutants and dissolved organic matter

The assumptions behind the fluorescence quenching (FQ) method were thoroughly evaluated to assess its potential for quickly and accurately assessing the importance of hydrophobic organic contaminant−macromolecular organic carbon interactions in aquatic systems. Perylene was used as the probe molecule to avoid problems encountered with other fluorescent probes. Results from a wide range of wetland samples suggest that static quenching dominates, that other quenchers do not interfere with analyses, and that full quenching on sorption does not occur for all samples. The latter result indicates that the quantum yield of the sorbed probe must be accounted for in quantifying the magnitude of Kmoc values by FQ. Observed Kmoc values compared favorably with those measured by the solubility enhancement method. Overall, our results suggest that FQ can be used as a quick and reliable screening tool as long as precautions are taken to ensure the validity of the results.
Immunostaining for MART‐1 in the interpretation of problematic intra‐epidermal pigmented lesions

The histopathologic distinction between pigmented actinic keratosis (PAK) and atypical junctional melanocytic proliferations (AJMP) is a common problem, and it is one with meaningful clinical significance. Previous publications have suggested that Melanocyte Antigen Related to T-cells-1 (MART-1)--a melanocytic marker related to host immune response--was not useful in making this interpretative separation. To revisit that assertion, the authors selected 68 specimens that concerned the diagnosis of PAK vs. AJMP. The degree of morphologic difficulty attached to each case was rated semiquantitatively using a three-tiered scale, and interpretative problems were caused by cytologic similarity between atypical keratinocytes and aberrant melanocytes, obscuring lichenoid inflammation, subepidermal fibrosis, and an absence of clearly defined cell nests at the dermoepidermal junction. Each biopsy sample was immunostained for MART-1 (using antibody clone A103) with azure-B counterstaining; the principal criterion for a diagnosis of AJMP was that of confluent cellular positivity over at least 1 high-power (x400) microscopic field, in conjunction with nested cell growth. The specimens were then re-examined diagnostically. Immunostaining definitely improved interpretative certitude in 65 examples (96% effectiveness); the final diagnosis was that of PAK for 21 lesions and AJMP for 47. Three specimens--all of which represented AJMP--did not benefit by MART-1 staining. It is concluded that MART-1 immunostaining with azure-B counterstaining is a useful adjunct in the interpretation of problematic intra-epidermal pigmented lesions.
Multiply-graded InGaAlAs heterojunction bipolar transistors

InGaAlAs/InP double heterojunction bipolar transistors with continuously graded base–emitter and base–collector junctions were successively fabricated, and their DC characteristics measured. The devices exhibited a lower offset voltage (Voffset 13 V, BVCBO > 20V) than are typically achieved in single heterojunction InGaAlAs devices.
Low-temperature heat capacity of some alkali metal tungstates☆

Abstract Heat capacity measurements have been made on the two triclinic tungstates, Li 0.2 WO 3 and Na 0.33 WO 3 from 1 to 60 K. In addition to the normal Debye term the data show a large contribution which can be fit to a single Einstein mode associated with the oscillation of the alkali ions in the holes formed by the corner bonding of six WO 6 octahedra. The Einstein characteristic temperatures obtained are 71 ± 2 and 78 ± 2 K for Li 0.2 WO 3 and Na 0.33 WO 3 , respectively. The results are compared with those reported earlier for the hexagonal tungsten bronzes.
Vibrational spectroscopic characterization of ethylene-Co-vinyl cinnamate copolymers before and after UV exposure

Vibrational spectroscopic studies of a series of ethylene-co-vinyl cinnamate (EVCIN) copolymers, before and after exposure to UV radiation, are reported. The purpose of these studies is to determine whether or not significant reaction (photo-crosslinking) of the cinnamate groups in EVCIN copolymers occurs upon UV exposure in the solid state as the concentration (fraction) of cinnamate groups is systematically reduced. By increasing the ethylene concentration in the EVCIN copolymers the cinnamate groups are diluted and progressively spaced apart in the copolymer. Somewhat surprisingly, we find that an EVCIN copolymer containing only 5 mole % vinyl cinnamate still undergoes a facile crosslinking in the solid state upon UV exposure.