cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
H2 Ejection from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Infrared Multiphoton Dissociation Study of Protonated 1,2-Dihydronaphthalene

1,2-Dihydronaphthalene (DHN) has been studied by matrix isolation infrared absorption spectroscopy, multiphoton infrared photodissociation (IRMPD) action spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. Formed by electrospray ionization, protonated 1,2-dihydronapthalene was injected into a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer coupled to an infrared-tunable free electron laser and its IRMPD spectrum recorded. Multiphoton infrared irradiation of the protonated parent (m/z 131) yields two dissociation products, one with m/z 129 and the other with m/z 91. Results from density functional theory calculations (B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p)) were compared to the low-temperature matrix isolation infrared spectrum of neutral DHN, with excellent results. Calculations reveal that the most probable site of protonation is the 3-position, producing the trihydronaphthalene (THN) cation, 1,2,3-THN+. The observed IRMPD spectrum of vapor-phase protonated parent matches well with that computed for 1,2,3-...
Investigation and Modification of Available Mechanistic-Empirical Procedures for Reflective Cracking in Asphalt Overlays of Concrete Pavements

In recent decades, state, local, and federal use of asphalt concrete overlays to rehabilitate portland cement concrete pavements has increased significantly. This growth has increased the attention given to mechanistic-empirical modeling of reflective cracking. This paper describes recent research that assessed and modified the state of the art in mechanistic-empirical modeling of reflective cracking. The research reviewed the original Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide model and the CalME reflective cracking model. The paper also details research in which the CalME model was modified to facilitate its integration into the design guide for pavement projects of composite asphalt concrete over portland cement concrete.
ON THE ESTIMATION OF σ AND THE PROCESS CAPABILITY INDICES C p AND C pm

We consider the problem of estimation of the standard deviation σ and the process capability indices Cp and Cpm for a normally distributed process. The problem is addressed with the objective of obtaining optimal estimators under the classic criterion of minimum variance unbiased estimation, as well as under the Pitman measure of closeness.
Communication Accuracy in Lower- and middle-SES children as a function of task abstraction.

The communication encoding performance of lower-SES black, lower-SES white, and middle-SES white children was evaluated when the same familiar stimuli for eliciting communication were presented at three different levels of abstraction. No differences were found between social-class groups. Performance did not differ as a function of level of abstraction. The social group x level of abstraction interaction was not significant. Thus the level of abstraction of the stimuli does not impede the communication encoding performance of lower-SES children. Previous findings of social-class differences in communication accuracy may be an artifact of stimuli that are not equally familiar to all groups.
Debating how to assess hydrological model uncertainty and weaknesses

The projections of hydrological models, as numerical abstractions of the complex systems they seek to represent, suffer from epistemic uncertainty due to approximation errors in the model, incomplete knowledge of the system, and, in more extreme cases, flawed underlying theories or faulty data. These errors can result in complex nonstationary biases in model predictions. Improving hydrological models—whether they be dynamic models attempting to represent the physical system from first principles or statistical, data-driven models—depends on having a way to determine the amount of uncertainty associated with the model's projections and a reliable way to deduce which model components or forcing data are responsible for it.
Cross Species Genomic Analysis Identifies a Mouse Model as Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma/Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma/Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma (MFH) is one of the most common subtypes of human soft tissue sarcoma. Using cross species genomic analysis, we define a geneset from the LSL-KrasG12D; Trp53Flox/Flox mouse model of soft tissue sarcoma that is highly enriched in human MFH. With this mouse geneset as a filter, we identify expression of the RAS target FOXM1 in human MFH. Expression of Foxm1 is elevated in mouse sarcomas that metastasize to the lung and tissue microarray analysis of human MFH correlates overexpression of FOXM1 with metastasis. These results suggest that genomic alterations present in human MFH are conserved in the LSL-KrasG12D; p53Flox/Flox mouse model of soft tissue sarcoma and demonstrate the utility of this pre-clinical model.
Resonance scattering effects in EBR-II reflector and structural-subassembly regions

Abstract Detailed fine-energy spectra in the energy range of resonance scattering effects are shown for an EBR-I1 type core radially surrounded by steel-rich or nickel-rich reflector and for steel-rich or nickel-rich subassembly-sized regions internal to an EBR-II type core. Results of use of fine-group-collapsed spatially dependent and spatially independent coarse-group cross sections for simulations of the resonance scattering effects are described.
Robustness of optimal binary filters

An optimal filter estimates an unobserved ideal image from an observed image. Optimality is with respect to some error criterion, which is mean absolute error for the binary images. Both the ideal and observed images are random sets and these are governed by parameterized probability laws. The optimal filter is found relative to these laws and depends on the parameters. Qualitatively, a filter is robust if its performance is acceptable for modest changes in the laws; that is, if a filter is optimal for a given vector of parameters, it performs close to optimal for parameter vectors close to the one for which it has been designed. This problem is crucial for practical application, since filters will always be applied to image processes that deviate from design processes. We provide analytic expressions for measuring filter robustness by first expressing the optimal filter analytically in terms of conditional probabilities of template transitions under the degradation operator transforming the ideal to the observed random set. Tractable expressions are derived for sparse-noise models. Robustness surfaces are computed for various text models: independent sparse noise, sparse edge noise, noise under rotation, and restoration of rotation. We show that even when the noise is independent of the signal, the signal plays an important role in robustness.
A new approach to computer holography

Abstract Instead of encoding the object wavefront at N0 points, we encode a new wavefront which has near-unity intensity at N1 (⪡ N0) of those points and is zero elsewhere. Significant savings in plotting time and in dynamic range requirements result.
Restoration of endodontically treated anterior teeth: An evaluation of coronal microleakage of glass ionomer and composite resin materials

A glass ionomer material was evaluated for coronal microleakage in permanent lingual access restorations of endodontically treated anterior teeth. The material was tested as a restoration, placed over a zinc oxide-eugenol base, and as a base with an acid-etched composite resin veneer and a dentinal bonding agent. Restored teeth were thermocycled, immersed in silver nitrate, developed, and sectioned to assess microleakage. Significant coronal leakage was observed with all materials used.
DNA structure in sheared and unsheared chromatin

Shearing chromatin, by either sonication or vortex homogenization, introduces significant structural artifacts. These may be detected by the anomalously large increase in the number of ethidium bromide binding sites and the large alteration of the circular dichroism spectra of chromatin. Structural alterations are also suggested by the disappearance of differential light scattering after shearing.
Phylogenetic relationships: in the skin-inhabiting Sarcoptoidea (Acari: Astigmata)

A phylogenetic analysis of relationships is carried out among the skin-inhabiting mites presently included in the families Rhyncoptidae, Audycoptidae and Sarcoptidae. The analysis included eight taxa (five genera of follicle associates and three subfamilies of skin-burrowing sarcoptids) and 41 characters, and generated a single most parsimonious tree of length 60 with a consistency index of 0.745. The genus Caenolestocoptes (Sarcoptidae, Caenolestocoptinae) is the sister group of the assemblage of Ursicoptes, Saimirioptes, Audycoptes (all Audycoptidae) and Rhyncoptes (Rhyncoptidae). Within the latter grouping Audycoptes is the sister group of Rhyncoptes. Based on these results the Caenolestocoptinae Fain & Lukoschus, 1976 and Audycoptidae Lavoipierre, 1964 are synonymised with the Rhyncoptidae Lawrence, 1956. The Rhyncoptidae (sensu nov.) appears to be the sister group of the Sarcoptidae (sensu stricto).
Lessons plans: Pierre Panseron and the pedagogy of garden in the late eighteenth-century France

Abstract During the second half of the eighteenth century, a new paradigm of garden design emerged in France. Form-giving in French gardens had long been guided by rules of measure, proportion and symmetry in keeping with principles of architecture. However, a reaction against those practices began to take shape around the mid-r zoos. Many designers abandoned the conventions of regular (i.e., rule-based) design in favour of asymmetrical forms and arrangements with features such as meandering paths and streams, serpentine water basins, uneven ground surfaces and seemingly haphazard plantings.
Controlled versus hyperemic flow during reperfusion of jeopardized ischemic myocardium

Abstract Controlled versus uncontrolled reperfusion of ischemic myocardium after experimental coronary artery occlusion was studied to determine the effect on regional ventricular wall motion and associated blochemical alterations. Fourteen pigs underwent coronary artery occlusion for 1 hour followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. In seven animals uncontrolled reperfusion was achieved by complete release of the arterial occlusion resulting in hyperemic flow. In seven other animals coronary flow during reperfusion was controlled at baseline levels eliminating hyperemic flow. Our results show that controlled reperfusion lessens end-diastolic wall thickness, reduces myocardial calcium deposition, increases the rate of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and preserves cellular high-energy phosphate stores in the ischemic-reperfused myocardium when compared to the uncontrolled reperfusion state. These data suggest that the magnitude of flow at an early stage of reperfusion is one of the important determinants in the outcome of ischemic myocardium.
Structural characterization of Pt nanoclusters deposited on graphite : Effects of substrate and surrounding medium

Abstract The structure of Pt6, Pt13, Pt20, Pt40, Pt60, Pt100, and Pt150 nanoparticles deposited on graphite surfaces, and the changes on such structures induced by the interactions with OH-terminated polyamidoamine dendrimers of the lowest generations G0OH and G1OH are examined using classical molecular dynamics simulations. It is shown that the particle/substrate interaction depends strongly on the particle size, with variations following an oscillatory pattern according to the degree of completeness of the particle's outer atomic shell. The results for the bare clusters suggest the existence of ordered structures with mixed fcc and hcp structures. Less ordered structures show a tendency of the nanoparticle to adopt a spherical shell. Details of the morphology and interactions of Pt6, Pt13, and Pt20 with the substrate in the presence of the dendrimers are compared with those for the bare nanoparticles deposited on graphite. Simulation results reveal a strong attachment of the dendrimer branches to the metal particle. The binding, which is driven by the oxygen and nitrogen amide atoms, the tertiary amines, and the dendrimer terminal groups, has significant effects on the structure of Pt nanoparticles on graphite surfaces, manifested by atomic rearrangements in the metal clusters causing modifications to their initial structure and the appearance of new layers.
Heavy metals in summer squash fruits grown in soil amended with municipal sewage sludge.

The increasing awareness of the value of vegetables and fruits in the human diet requires monitoring of heavy metals in food crops. The effects of amending soil with compost made from municipal sewage sludge (MSS) and MSS mixed with yard waste (MSS-YW) on Cd, Cr, Mo, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni concentrations in soil and the potential bioaccumulation of heavy metals in squash fruits at harvest were investigated. A field study was conducted in a silty-loam soil at Kentucky State University Research Farm. Eighteen plots of 22 × 3.7 m each were separated using metal borders and the soil in six plots was mixed with MSS at 15 t acre−1, six plots were mixed with MSS-YW at 15 t acre−1 (on dry weight basis), and six unamended plots (no-mulch) were used for comparison purposes. Plots were planted with summer squash and heavy metals were analyzed in soil and mature fruits at harvest. Analysis of heavy metals in squash fruits was conducted using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Zinc and Cu concentrations in soil mixe...
Initial data for black hole-neutron star binaries: a flexible, high-accuracy spectral method

We present a new numerical scheme to solve the initial value problem for black hole–neutron star binaries. This method takes advantage of the flexibility and fast convergence of a multidomain spectral representation of the initial data to construct high-accuracy solutions at a relatively low computational cost. We provide convergence tests of the method for both isolated neutron stars and irrotational binaries. In the second case, we show that we can resolve the small inconsistencies that are part of the quasiequilibrium formulation, and that these inconsistencies are significantly smaller than observed in previous works. The possibility of generating a wide variety of initial data is also demonstrated through two new configurations inspired by results from binary black holes. First, we show that choosing a modified Kerr-Schild conformal metric instead of a flat conformal metric allows for the construction of quasiequilibrium binaries with a spinning black hole. Second, we construct binaries in low-eccentricity orbits, which are a better approximation to astrophysical binaries than quasiequilibrium systems.
Evidence for a transforming growth factor(S) in the serum‐free conditioned medium of SV40‐transformed 3T3 fibroblasts

Unlike untransformed 3T3 fibroblasts, Simian Virus 40-transformed 3T3 cells (SV3T3) do not require the presence of exogenous polypeptide mitogens in order to become competent for the initiation of DNA synthesis. As an explanation for this state of perpetual competence, growth activity for 3T3 cells was found in the serum-free conditioned medium of SV3T3 cells. This activity, which is abolished by incubation with pepsin, but withstands to a fair degree denaturants (8 M urea and 4 M guanidinium HCl) and a reducing agent (65 mM dithioerythritol), enhances the growth of Swiss and BALB/c 3T3 cells in 1% (v/v) calf serum medium and ensures the complete survival of Swiss 3T3 cells for several days in the total absence of serum. The growth activity appears to be derived from the SV3T3 cells, since it is not found in the non-conditioned medium (and the insulin and transferrin components of this serum-free medium have only weak growth activity alone) and the chances of it being due to residual serum growth factors are slight because of the method of growing the cells and the collection of the conditioned medium. Moreover, in a separate experiment to test the possible involvement of cell attachment factors, rat fibronectin was found not to affect 3T3 growth in the standard growth assay. The conditioned medium growth activity apparently has the biological capabilities of transforming growth factors. After concentration by ammonium sulfate precipitation, it can stimulate DNA synthesis in confluent, quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells, in both the absence and presence of 10% depleted calf serum. It also permits the growth of large colonies of Swiss 3T3 cells in soft agar. As part of a preliminary characterization of the conditioned medium growth activity, gel filtration in 0.15 M NaCl, 0.001 M HCl resolves the activity into high (mol. wt. greater than or equal to 100,000) and low (mol. wt. 5,000-6,000) molecular weight factors. Since re-chromatography of the high molecular weight factor, which may still be in an aggregated form, does not generate the smaller, the latter is not a dissociation product of the former. The precise relationship of these SV3T3-conditioned medium growth factors to other growth factors, including known transforming growth factors, has not yet been determined.
Anti‐tumor activity in human serum: Antibodies detecting blood‐group‐A‐like antigen on the surface of tumor cells in culture

Sera from many patients with tumors showed demonstrable cytotoxic antibody activity against selected human tumor cells in culture. The antibody activity detected in the present study was not found to be specific for tumors, but was shown to be directed against an antigen that is serologically related to blood group A. Direct cytotoxicity and absorption analyses, blocking tests, and erythrocyte adherence tests confirmed this conclusion. Antibody activity was found, as expected, frequently in sera from patients with blood-groups O and B phenotypes, and not in patients belonging to blood-groups A or AB. In view of the ubiquitous occurrence of blood-group antibodies, their possible role in some human tumor serological studies should not be ignored.
Performance and maintenance of storage phosphor plates and cassettes in digital radiography

Projection radiography, based on the storage phosphor (SP) imaging medium is a promising but challenging technology. SP plates consist of phosphor particles that are embedded in a polymer binder like film and then coated onto a flexible backing. Image quality is dependent not only on the performance of the plate, but also on the handling of the plate-cassette combination by the user and the reading system itself. The imaging plates included in this study are the 14' X 17' and 10' X 12' standard plates (ST-V) used for general radiography and the high resolution (HR-V) plates used in mammography and for extremity exams. The cassettes or image plate holders correspond to the plate sizes with the 14' X 17' being lead backed. Recorded downtime of the reader due to plate-cassette operation failures, diagnostic image quality affected by plate artifacts, and plate and cassette replacement rates are for a period of twelve months. Records are maintained through a detailed maintenance log, the image reader's internal record for plate use, and the system's internal error log for physical malfunctions. By keeping a detailed log on maintenance and performance of specific system components, communication to the vendor has been timely and effective in solving equipment failures. Plate-cassette maintenance must be an integral part of overall quality control (QC) that includes technologist training, physical plant (clinical environment) changes, and routine evaluation of the operation and performance of CR system components. Quality control combined with equipment improvements have minimized the downtime of the system, image artifacts and replacement rates of plates and cassettes.
Congenital and acquired cytomegalovirus infection and hearing evaluation in children

Abstract Objectives Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most common intrauterine diseases. In all, 1% of live births is affected by cytomegalovirus infection, while 90% neonates with perinatal infection do not show symptoms of disease. Symptomatic CMV is present in 5–10% of children. Typical clinical signs of CMV infection are microcephalia, mental retardation, progressive major amblyacousia, and neuromuscular infection. Hypoacusis is present in 30–60% of children with congenital symptomatic CMV – in most cases it is bilateral and applies to high frequency hearing loss. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the importance of hearing evaluation in children with congenital and acquired cytomegalovirus infection. Patients and methods A group of 70 children had serological and genetic screening for CMV DNA, using PCR method, in urine and blood. In this group, 52 children were diagnosed with congenital CMV and 18 children had acquired CMV. Audiological examinations including PTA, ABR, TEOAE and immittance audiometry were performed. Results Bilateral sensorineural hearing losses were found in 9 children, associated with mental and physical retardation, brain malformation and microcephalia, and unilateral losses in 3 children. In 40 cases, we did not observe hearing loss, although the level of bilirubin was high, and splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and paralysis of facial nerve were present. In the group of children with acquired CMV, we did not notice hearing loss. Conclusions This research proved that CMV infection often caused hearing loss. In spite of this, all children with congenital and acquired CMV should be monitored and assessed throughout their lifetime by an audiologist.
A GIS-based model to estimate the regionally distributed drought water demand

Abstract A GIS-based Water Resources and Agricultural Permitting and Planning System (GWRAPPS) was developed by integrating the Agricultural Field Scale Irrigation Requirements Simulation (AFSIRS) crop water model, a geographic information system (GIS) and a database management system within an ArcGIS framework. GWRAPPS facilitates the quantification of irrigation water for regional planning and farm scale permitting purposes under statistically average to drought conditions using spatially distributed soils, land-use, and long-term daily climate data. In addition, the system provides regional estimates of daily water withdrawals that are necessary for input into conjunctive surface/groundwater models. This paper presents two Florida case studies that demonstrate GWRAPPS’ ability to characterize irrigation needs based on spatially heterogeneous soil and climate data in contrast to a spatially lumped model. The results show that while inclusion of soil heterogeneity is important to capture water requirements at individual farms, regional water demands are adequately captured using each farm’s predominant soil.
Wnt inhibitors Dkk1 and Sost are downstream targets of BMP signaling through the type IA receptor (BMPRIA) in osteoblasts.

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Wnt signaling pathways both contribute essential roles in regulating bone mass. However, the molecular interactions between these pathways in osteoblasts are poorly understood. We recently reported that osteoblast-targeted conditional knockout (cKO) of BMP receptor type IA (BMPRIA) resulted in increased bone mass during embryonic development, where diminished expression of Sost as a downstream effector of BMPRIA resulted in increased Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Here, we report that Bmpr1a cKO mice exhibit increased bone mass during weanling stages, again with evidence of enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling as assessed by Wnt reporter TOPGAL mice and TOPFLASH luciferase. Consistent with negative regulation of the Wnt pathway by BMPRIA signaling, treatment of osteoblasts with dorsomorphin, an inhibitor of Smad-dependent BMP signaling, enhanced Wnt signaling. In addition to Sost, Wnt inhibitor Dkk1 also was downregulated in cKO bone. Expression levels of Dkk1and Sost were upregulated by BMP2 treatment and downregulated by Noggin. Moreover, expression of a constitutively active Bmpr1a transgene in mice resulted in the upregulation of both Dkk1 and Sost and partially rescued the Bmpr1a cKO bone phenotype. These effectors are differentially regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 because pretreatment of osteoblasts with SB202190 blocked BMP2-induced Dkk1 expression but not Sost. These results demonstrate that BMPRIA in osteoblasts negatively regulates endogenous bone mass and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and that this regulation may be mediated by the activities of Sost and Dkk1. This study highlights several interactions between BMP and Wnt signaling cascades in osteoblasts that may be amenable to therapeutic intervention for the modification of bone mass density. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Simulated Deep Flexion With Muscle Loading: Whole Leg Versus Knee Kinematics

Many activities of daily living during work, exercise, religious worship, and hobbies require deep knee flexion. Activities such as rising from a low chair or getting into or out of a bath require between 100° and 160° of knee flexion [1]. Other activities such as kneeling or squatting to pick an item off the ground can be difficult with a limited range of motion. Beside deep knee flexion being important for daily living activities, it is essential in non-Western cultures that commonly sit in deep knee-bending positions. In vitro studies looking at knee function often focus solely on the knee joint, ignoring the effect of the muscle, ligament, and tendon constraints of the ankle, and simplifying or neglecting muscle loads. The effects of these assumptions on kinematics are unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare a squatting activity for: 1) whole leg versus knee specimens, and 2) different combinations of quadriceps and hamstrings loading.© 2008 ASME
Major Depressive Disorder Is Associated With Broad Impairments on Neuropsychological Measures of Executive Function: A Meta-Analysis and Review

Cognitive impairments are now widely acknowledged as an important aspect of major depressive disorder (MDD), and it has been proposed that executive function (EF) may be particularly impaired in patients with MDD. However, the existence and nature of EF impairments associated with depression remain strongly debated. Although many studies have found significant deficits associated with MDD on neuropsychological measures of EF, others have not, potentially due to low statistical power, task impurity, and diverse patient samples, and there have been no recent, comprehensive, meta-analyses investigating EF in patients with MDD. The current meta-analysis uses random-effects models to synthesize 113 previous research studies that compared participants with MDD to healthy control participants on at least one neuropsychological measure of EF. Results of the meta-analysis demonstrate that MDD is reliably associated with impaired performance on neuropsychological measures of EF, with effect sizes ranging from 0.32 to 0.97. Although patients with MDD also have slower processing speed, motor slowing alone cannot account for these results. In addition, some evidence suggests that deficits on neuropsychological measures of EF are greater in patients with more severe current depression symptoms, and those taking psychotropic medications, whereas evidence for effects of age was weaker. The results are consistent with the theory that MDD is associated with broad impairment in multiple aspects of EF. Implications for treatment of MDD and theories of EF are discussed. Future research is needed to establish the specificity and causal link between MDD and EF impairments.
Types of Response to Prejudice and Discrimination

Probably no two persons respond in exactly the same way to the problems they face as members of a minority group. It is possible, however, to classify the patterns of adjustment into broad types for purposes of analysis and to point out the kinds of persons and groups most likely to adopt each type as the primary mode of response to prejudice and discrimination. Response to the dominant world is not simply a matter of individual trial and error, for the culture of a minority group contains traditional adjustment techniques that are passed on, intentionally and unintentionally, to the oncoming generation. These techniques will vary from group to group; there will be many variations, moreover, within each group. To speak simply of “Americans of Mexican descent,” for example, is to miss sharp contrasts among them. Both the nature of their problems and the modes of response are quite different for immigrant farm laborers, second-generation urban dwellers, and those families of Mexican ancestry who have roots in the Southwest going back in some instances 400 years. As Charles S. Johnson pointed out (1943, p. 231) with respect to Blacks, the response to prejudice varies with the regional and cultural setting, social status, the specific situational factors, and the basic personality type of the individuals, among other factors.
A preliminary study of the coronary circulation post mortem

Abstract The need for an objective, rapid, and complete method of routinely studying the coronary arterial circulation post mortem is presented with suggestive lines of investigation. A technique so qualified which combines natural latex as injection compound with Schlesinger's method of unrolling the heart is described. A method of cooling is described which facilitates the setting of the injection mass. A method of preparing cannulae is also given.
HuR binds to a single site on the C/EBPβ mRNA of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

HuR is a ligand for nuclear mRNAs containing adenylate-uridylate rich elements in the 3'- untranslated region. Once bound to the mRNA HuR is recognized by adapter proteins which then facilitate nuclear export of the complex. In the cytosol HuR is thought to function to control stability and translation of its ligand message. In the 3T3-L1 cells HuR is constitutively expressed and localized predominantly to the nucleus in the preadipocytes. However within 30 min of exposure to the differentiation stimulus the HuR content in the cytosol increases consistent with HuR regulating the availability of relevant mRNAs for translation. Using in vitro RNA gel shifts we have demonstrated that the C/EBPAŸ message is a ligand for HuR and that the single binding site is an adenylate-uridylate rich element in the 3'untranslated region. Originally published Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications Vol. 355 No. 1 Mar 2007
Facile pyrolytic synthesis of silicon nanowires

One-dimensional nanostructures are attractive candidates for low power density electronic and optoelectronic devices. Currently, silicon nanowires are receiving significant attention in this regard because of their coherent transport of charge carriers and observations of photo and electroluminescence from them. However, these promising materials remain difficult to synthesize on a bulk scale. Standard methods include chemical vapor deposition, laser ablation, and microwave or oxide assisted growth. A new facile method for SiNW bulk synthesis[2],[1] is demonstrated in this work which is inexpensive and uses low toxicity material thereby offering a safe, energy efficient and green approach towards this goal.
Conventional and Organic Soil Fertility Management Practices Affect Corn Plant Nutrition and Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Larval Performance

Few studies compare how different soil fertilization practices affect plant mineral content and insect performance in organic systems. This study examined: 1) The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), larval response on corn (Zea mays L.) grown in field soils with different soil management histories; and 2) resilience of these plants to O. nubilalis herbivory. Treatments included: 1) standard organic--organically managed soil fertilized with dairy manure and 2 yr of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in the rotation; 2) basic cation saturation ratio--organically managed soil fertilized with dairy manure and alfalfa nitrogen credits, plus addition of gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) according to the soil balance hypothesis; and 3) conventional--conventionally managed soil fertilized with synthetic fertilizers. Corn plants were reared to maturity in a greenhouse, and then infested with 0-40 O. nubilalis larvae for 17 d. O. nubilalis exhibited negative competitive response to increasing larval densities. Mean development time was significantly faster for larvae consuming basic cation saturation ratio plants than those on standard organic plants, with intermediate development time on conventional plants. Neither total yield (number of kernels) nor proportion kernels damaged differed among soil fertility treatments. Soil nutrients differed significantly in S and in Ca:Mg and Ca:K ratios, but principal components analysis of plant tissue samples taken before O. nubilalis infestation showed that S, Fe, and Cu contributed most to differences in plant nutrient profiles among soil fertility treatments. Results demonstrate that different fertilization regimens can significantly affect insect performance within the context of organic systems, but the effects in this study were relatively minor compared with effects of intraspecific competition.
An efficient near-optimal algorithm for the joint traffic and trunk routing problem in self-planning networks

The configuration and routing problem (or the joint trunk and traffic routing problem) is first formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear minimization problem. Then certain properties are proved about the problem structure. These properties lead to an efficient algorithm that determines near-optimal configurations and routing assignments. A lower bound is also computed in order to evaluate the quality of the solution. The algorithm was coded and tested on several networks. Present computational experiments clearly show that the performance of a self-planning network is always better than that of the same network without the trunk routing capability. The reduction in average packet delay is as much as 67%. >
Eptifibatide for the Treatment of HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device Thrombosis

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) thrombosis is a life-threatening complication occurring in ≈6% of patients receiving a HeartMate II (HMII) LVAD (Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA) within 24 months after implantation.1 Prophylactic therapy with aspirin and warfarin to an international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.5 to 2.5 is recommended to prevent LVAD thrombosis in most HMII recipients.2 For device malfunction because of pump thrombosis, surgical device exchange may be necessary but carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Alternate treatment approaches include the addition of clopidogrel, tirofiban, and thrombolysis.3 We report our experience with eptifibatide (Merck & Co, Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ), a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor, for the treatment of LVAD thrombosis in 2 patients. A 66-year-old male with ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent HMII implantation as a bridge to cardiac transplantation developed LVAD thrombosis 42 days after his surgery while taking 325 mg of aspirin and warfarin. His INR was subtherapeutic at 1.3. Hematuria, a lactate dehydrogenase level of 2326 IU/L, direct bilirubin of 0.8 mg/dL, a lower pulsatility index, and pump flow compared with previous levels, which suggested hemolysis and …
Congress has full science agenda

Congress reconvened last week, and if early indications are correct, its various committees will have plenty to keep them busy in the area of science policy. The Senate, in addition to authorization and appropriations legislation, must act on a number of nominees for various high-level science positions.
Duloxetine in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain is a common complication of diabetes mellitus that adversely affects the quality of life of these patients. Many antidepressants and anticonvulsants are effective in relieving diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Duloxetine, a dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, was very effective in reducing diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and improving quality of life and was the first antidepressant approved by regulatory authorities for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Safety was evaluated in 1074 diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain patients representing 472 patient-years exposure. More duloxetine-treated (79/568, 13.9%) than placebo-treated (16/223, 7.2%; p = 0.008) patients discontinued owing to adverse events. Duloxetine should be used with similar cautions to the newer antidepressants. In addition, rare duloxetine-induced hepatic enzyme elevations should result in discontinuation of duloxetine therapy. Duloxetine should prove effec...
Estimation of atmospheric PSF parameters for hyperspectral imaging

Summary We present an iterative approach to solve separable nonlinear least squares problems arising in the estimation of wavelength-dependent point spread function parameters for hyperspectral imaging. A variable projection Gauss–Newton method is used to solve the nonlinear least squares problem. An analysis shows that the Jacobian can be potentially very ill conditioned. To deal with this ill conditioning, we use a combination of subset selection and other regularization techniques. Experimental results related to hyperspectral point spread function parameter identification and star spectrum reconstruction illustrate the effectiveness of the resulting numerical scheme. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conservation cotton production in the southern United States: herbicide dissipation in soil and cover crops

Abstract Soil and surface residues from cotton field studies in Stoneville, MS (1994 through 1996) and Florence, SC (1995 through 1996) were sampled to evaluate effects of cover crop and tillage on herbicide dissipation. Mississippi treatments included tillage (conventional [CT]; none [NT]) and cover crop (ryegrass; none [NC]). South Carolina treatments included tillage (CT; reduced tillage [RT]) and cover crop (rye; NC). Fluometuron was applied preemergence (PRE) in both Mississippi and South Carolina, and norflurazon was applied PRE in Mississippi. Soils were sampled various times during the growing season (depths: 0 to 2 cm, 2 to 10 cm). Cover crop residues were sampled from RT or NT cover crop areas. Soil and cover crop sample extracts were analyzed for herbicides. Soil organic carbon tended to increase with tillage reduction and presence of cover crop and was positively correlated with herbicide sorption, especially in the surface. Across locations, herbicide half-lives ranged from 7 to 15 d in the s...
ED utilization: The effect of changing demographics from 1992 to 2000

To explore factors contributing to increased emergency department (ED) utilization, this retrospective chart review compared ED visits for a 2-week period in both 1992 and 2000 at a rural, tertiary medical center. Total ED visits increased 455 between the periods (% increase = 28.6%), whereas county population increased 18,253 (% increase = 16.1%) (P < 0.005). Average age increased from 35.2 +/- 23.8 years to 40.1 +/- 23.6 years (95% confidence interval, difference of means, 3.34 to 6.45). Patients over 80 years increased by 83%, whereas those over 90 years increased 138%. The admission rate, increased from 21.9% to 25.6% (P < 0.005). Patients with Medicare as primary insurance increased from 17.9% to 23.6% (P < 0.005). Increased age of the population, increased acuity as shown by 4 different measurements, and limited access to primary care physicians all contributed to increased ED demand in this study.
Variable Temperature Sample Holder for Raman Spectroscopy

This note describes a simple, convenient sample holder for laser Raman spectroscopy of liquids and powders at any temperature between −196° and +200°C. It was designed for the Spex Ramalog system, which uses 90° viewing. With this system a liquid or powdered sample is contained in a thinwalled melting point tube which is oriented crosswise to the slit, i.e., parallel to the plane of the slit jaws and perpendicular to the long axis of the slit.1 The laser beam impinges on the sample vertically, and the tattered radiation is viewed horizontally.
Mining adverse drug reactions from online healthcare forums using hidden Markov model.

Adverse Drug Reactions are one of the leading causes of injury or death among patients undergoing medical treatments. Not all Adverse Drug Reactions are identified before a drug is made available in the market. Current post-marketing drug surveillance methods, which are based purely on voluntary spontaneous reports, are unable to provide the early indications necessary to prevent the occurrence of such injuries or fatalities. The objective of this research is to extract reports of adverse drug side-effects from messages in online healthcare forums and use them as early indicators to assist in post-marketing drug surveillance. We treat the task of extracting adverse side-effects of drugs from healthcare forum messages as a sequence labeling problem and present a Hidden Markov Model(HMM) based Text Mining system that can be used to classify a message as containing drug side-effect information and then extract the adverse side-effect mentions from it. A manually annotated dataset from http://www.medications.com is used in the training and validation of the HMM based Text Mining system. A 10-fold cross-validation on the manually annotated dataset yielded on average an F-Score of 0.76 from the HMM Classifier, in comparison to 0.575 from the Baseline classifier. Without the Plain Text Filter component as a part of the Text Processing module, the F-Score of the HMM Classifier was reduced to 0.378 on average, while absence of the HTML Filter component was found to have no impact. Reducing the Drug names dictionary size by half, on average reduced the F-Score of the HMM Classifier to 0.359, while a similar reduction to the side-effects dictionary yielded an F-Score of 0.651 on average. Adverse side-effects mined from http://www.medications.com and http://www.steadyhealth.com were found to match the Adverse Drug Reactions on the Drug Package Labels of several drugs. In addition, some novel adverse side-effects, which can be potential Adverse Drug Reactions, were also identified. The results from the HMM based Text Miner are encouraging to pursue further enhancements to this approach. The mined novel side-effects can act as early indicators for health authorities to help focus their efforts in post-marketing drug surveillance.
Efficient Charge Transport in Assemblies of Surfactant‐Stabilized Semiconducting Nanoparticles

Charge transport through a semiconducting nanoparticle assembly is demonstrated. The hole mobility of low and high molecular weight and regioreglular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanoparticles is on the order of 2 × 10(-4) to 5 × 10(-4) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) , which is comparable to drop-cast thin films of pristine P3HT. Various methods are employed to understand the nature and importance of the nanoparticle packing.
Componentwise energy amplification in channel flows

We study the linearized Navier–Stokes (LNS) equations in channel flows from an input–output point of view by analysing their spatio-temporal frequency responses. Spatially distributed and temporally varying body force fields are considered as inputs, and components of the resulting velocity fields are considered as outputs into these equations. We show how the roles of Tollmien–Schlichting (TS) waves, oblique waves, and streamwise vortices and streaks in subcritical transition can be explained as input–output resonances of the spatio-temporal frequency responses. On the one hand, we demonstrate the effectiveness of input field components, and on the other, the energy content of velocity perturbation components. We establish that wall-normal and spanwise forces have much stronger influence on the velocity field than streamwise force, and that the impact of these forces is most powerful on the streamwise velocity component. We show this using the relative scaling of the different input–output system components with the Reynolds number. We further demonstrate that for the streamwise constant perturbations, the spanwise force localized near the lower wall has, by far, the strongest effect on the evolution of the velocity field. In this paper, we analyse the dynamical properties of the Navier–Stokes (NS) equations with spatially distributed and temporally varying body force fields. These fields are considered as inputs, and different combinations of the resulting velocity fields are considered as outputs. This input–output analysis can in principle be done in any geometry and for the full nonlinear NS equations. In such generality, however, it is difficult to obtain useful results. We therefore concentrate on the geometry of channel flows, and the input–output dynamics of the linearized Navier–Stokes (LNS)
Purification of early-B-cell factor and characterization of its DNA-binding specificity

Early-B-cell factor (EBF) is a nuclear protein that recognizes a functionally important sequence in the promoter of the mb-1 gene. Like the mb-1 gene, which encodes an immunoglobulin-associated protein, EBF is specifically expressed in the early stages of B-lymphocyte differentiation. We purified EBF by sequence-specific DNA affinity chromatography and examined its biochemical properties and DNA-binding specificity. Crude nuclear extract and affinity-purified EBF generated protein-DNA complexes with the mb-1 promoter that were indistinguishable in electrophoretic mobility shift and DNase I footprint assays. Fractionation of affinity-purified EBF by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and renaturation of isolated polypeptides indicated that EBF DNA-binding activity could be reconstituted from polypeptides with molecular masses of 62 to 65 kDa. Gel filtration chromatography suggested that native EBF has a molecular mass of 140 kDa, if a globular shape of the protein is assumed. Thus, EBF appears to be a dimer with subunits of 62 to 65 kDa. To characterize the DNA-binding specificity of purified EBF, we performed two sets of experiments. First, we examined various mutant EBF-binding sites for interaction with purified EBF in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Second, we used oligonucleotides containing pairs of randomized bases in a binding-site selection and amplification experiments to determine a preferred sequence for DNA binding by EBF. Taken together, the results of these experiments indicated that EBF recognizes variations on the palindromic sequence 5'-ATTCCCNNGGGAAT, with an optimal spacer of 2 bp between the half-sites.
Effects of Adult Attachment and Emotional Distractors on Brain Mechanisms of Cognitive Control

Using data from 34 participants who completed an emotion-word Stroop task during functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined the effects of adult attachment on neural activity associated with top-down cognitive control in the presence of emotional distractors. Individuals with lower levels of secure-base-script knowledge--reflected in an adult's inability to generate narratives in which attachment-related threats are recognized, competent help is provided, and the problem is resolved--demonstrated more activity in prefrontal cortical regions associated with emotion regulation (e.g., right orbitofrontal cortex) and with top-down cognitive control (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and superior frontal gyrus). Less efficient performance and related increases in brain activity suggest that insecure attachment involves a vulnerability to distraction by attachment-relevant emotional information and that greater cognitive control is required to attend to task-relevant, nonemotional information. These results contribute to the understanding of mechanisms through which attachment-related experiences may influence developmental adaptation.
The RNA World: 4,000,000,050 years old

The RNA World is now some four billion years behind us, but only recently turned 50 as a human hypothesis. [...].