cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of ultrasound on drosophila—I killing of eggs exposed to traveling and standing wave fields

Abstract Eggs of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (wild type), were exposed to 1 MHz traveling and standing wave ultrasound at intensities up to 5 W/cm 2 . Traveling waves at 3 W/cm 2 and “1 W/cm 2 standing waves” killed about one third of the exposed population. Death occurred at the egg stage of development. This study was unable to confirm earlier reports of delayed lethality as a result of exposure to ultrasound in that fraction of the population which survived beyond the egg stage.
Oligonucleotide mapping: evaluation of its sensitivity by computer-simulation

A frequently used method of comparing large RNA molecules employs the two-dimensional display of oligonucleotides generated through the action of specific RNases (oligonucleotide mapping, fingerprinting). Using computer simulations and simple analytic expressions the number of large RNase T1-resistant oligonucleotides obtained from random RNA sequences can be estimated. The computer simulations also permit estimation of the number of large oligonucleotides which remain unchanged as random variations are introduced into a random RNA sequence. In addition, computer analysis also provides a means of estimating statistical confidence limits to be used in a quantitative comparison of fingerprints of different RNA molecules. The model shows that two RNA sequences which differ overall by 1%, 5% or 10% share, on average, only 85%, 50% or 25%, respectively, of their large oligonucleotides. Thus, the use of fingerprint analysis is recommended only when closely related RNAs or regions of RNAs are compared (sequence homology greater than 90%).
Inhibition of metabolism by hydrostatic pressure: what limits microbial growth?

Analysis of recent and older published data of many investigators indicates that in prokaryotic organisms normally found in environments at atmospheric pressure, the major biological process which is most sensitive to increased hydrostatic pressure is protein synthesis and its inhibition approximately parallels that for growth under the same physical conditions.
Prediction of incipient shear band trajectories in a thick wall cylinder explosion test

A simple but precise and physical mechanism-based mathematical expression is proposed to predict shear band trajectories in thick wall cylinders subject to external surrounding pressure. The expression is based on the Coulomb-Mohr fracture criterion and can be applied to various compression-sensitive materials, especially ceramics. The predicted result closely matches the experimental observations, which makes this method quite useful in testing material behavior. This expression also permits the extraction of the parameter μ in the Coulomb-Mohr criterion from experimental observations. Furthermore, no pre-assumptions or after-test measurement are necessary in order to carry out the prediction. The only two values needed to conduct the prediction are the initial inner radius and the friction coefficient μ. A comparison between the newly proposed model and existing theory is made to reveal their relations and demonstrate the effectiveness of the newly derived mathematical expression.
Optimal filtering of complex turbulent systems with memory depth through consistency constraints

In this article, we develop a linear theory for optimal filtering of complex turbulent signals with model errors through linear autoregressive models. We will show that when the autoregressive model parameters are chosen such that they satisfy absolute stability and consistency conditions of at least order-2 of the classical multistep method for solving initial value problems, the filtered solutions with autoregressive models of order p>=2 are optimal in the sense that they are comparable to the estimates obtained from the true filter with perfect model. This result is reminiscent of the Lax-equivalence fundamental theorem in the analysis of finite difference discretization scheme for the numerical solutions of partial differential equations. We will apply this linear theory to filter two nonlinear problems, the slowest mode of the truncated Burgers-Hopf and the Lorenz-96 model. On these nonlinear problems, we will show that whenever these linear conditions are satisfied, the filtered solutions accuracy is significantly improved. Finally, we will also apply the recently developed offline test criteria to understand the robustness of the multistep filter on various turbulent nature, including the stochastically forced linear advection-diffusion equation and a toy model for barotropic turbulent Rossby waves.
Climatology of Polar Mesospheric Clouds

Abstract The ultraviolet spectrometer on board the Solar Mesophere Explorer Satellite has measured solar radiation scattered from a diffuse and patchy layer of material near the summer polar mesopause, We call this scattering layer polar mesospheric clouds (PMC) and present here a first climatology of this phenomenon covering three years (six summer seasons). We address these general questions: How bright are PMC and how frequently do they occur in space and time? Are there year-to-year or hemisphere-to-hemisphere differences in PMC seasons? We find that the brightest PMC are found right where they occur most frequently-above 70°C-75°C in latitude and in a season of 60 to 80 days duration centered about the peak which occurs about 20 days after the summer solstice. This holds true for both hemispheres. We find variability on time waves from day-to-day to year-to- year, averaging over large time and space scales does, however, reveal a basic underlying symmetry. A major finding is that for three years (six...
Exchange coupling in Di-μ-hydroxo-bis{bis[(S)alaninato]chromium(III)} trihydrate

Magnetic susceptibility data have been collected in the temperature range 1.8 to 290 K for the di-μ-hydroxo-bridged bimetallic chromium complex di-μ-hydroxo-bis{bis-[(S)alaninato]chromium(III)} trihydrate. The magnetic susceptibility data reflect antiferromagnetic exchange coupling interactions and may be fitted assuming bilinear and biquadratic exchange of the form −2JS1·S2−j(S1·S2)2 using the Van Vleck equation. The best fit of the experimental data yields J=−6.45 cm−1, j=0.65 cm−1, and g=1.98. The magnetic parameters are discussed in terms of the structure of the compound and the correlation between the exchange coupling constant and structural features.
Automated prostate cancer detection using T2-weighted and high-b-value diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

Purpose: The authors propose a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system for prostate cancer to aid in improving the accuracy, reproducibility, and standardization of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: The proposed system utilizes two MRI sequences [T2-weighted MRI and high-b-value (b = 2000 s/mm2) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)] and texture features based on local binary patterns. A three-stage feature selection method is employed to provide the most discriminative features. The authors included a total of 244 patients. Training the CAD system on 108 patients (78 MR-positive prostate cancers and 105 benign MR-positive lesions), two validation studies were retrospectively performed on 136 patients (68 MR-positive prostate cancers, 111 benign MR-positive lesions, and 117 MR-negative benign lesions). Results: In distinguishing cancer from MR-positive benign lesions, an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.83 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76–0.89] was achieved. For cancer vs MR-positive or MR-negative benign lesions, the authors obtained an AUC of 0.89 AUC (95% CI: 0.84–0.93). The performance of the CAD system was not dependent on the specific regions of the prostate, e.g., a peripheral zone or transition zone. Moreover, the CAD system outperformed other combinations of MRI sequences: T2W MRI, high-b-value DWI, and the standard apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map of DWI. Conclusions: The novel CAD system is able to detect the discriminative texture features for cancer detection and localization and is a promising tool for improving the quality and efficiency of prostate cancer diagnosis.
Hemodynamic Performance of Oversized Flow Diverters

Although endosaccular coiling of aneurysms has been shown to be effective and has arguably replaced surgery for the treatment of most aneurysms it has significant limitations in achieving durable occlusion of many large and giant aneurysms because of a propensity for recanalization. For this reason flow diverting stents are increasingly been considered as a therapeutic alternative to surgical clipping and endovascular coiling. The aim of flow diverting stents is to create a stable hemodynamic environment within the aneurysm favorable for thrombosis and aneurysm occlusion, while maintaining the patency of any side branch that may be crossed by the device. The hemodynamic performance of these devices and the outcome of the procedures depend on their porosity and geometric characteristics [1]. However, the local porosity and stent cell geometry after implantation into a given artery depends on the choice of the stent diameter. Typically, stents are oversized to achieve a good wall apposition. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the effect of stent oversizing on its hemodynamic performance.© 2011 ASME
A simple method of obtaining repeated venous blood samples from the conscious rat

A method for repeated venous blood sampling from the conscious, unrestrained rat is described using a silastic femoral vein catheter buried within a scrotal pouch.
Substituent effects on the polycondensation of quinones with aromatic amines to form poly(quinone imine)s

The effect of alkyl groups on the polycondensation of aromatic diamines and quinones to form poly(quinone imine)s was investigated. Models were synthesized under standard conditions: 1 equiv of quinone was reacted with 2 equiv of aniline in the presence of titanium tetrachloride and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. Only modest yields of diimines were obtained when alkyl substituents were introduced. Likewise, alkyl substituents were harmful in the polycondensation of both anthraquinones and benzoquinones with aromatic diamines. As for fluorine substituents, model reactions with either 1,5-difluoroanthraquinone or 1,4-difluoroanthraquinone with aniline proceeded in high yields. These model compounds for aromatic poly(quinone imine)s were characterized with 1H NMR spectroscopy, 19F NMR spectroscopy, variable-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystal structure determination. Polymers of the difluoroanthraquinones with aromatic diamines were obtained in high yields, although not in high molecular weights, and no stereocontrol was found. Both p-benzoquinones and anthraquinones were used as monomers in these polymerizations, and a fundamental difference in reactivity was observed. With the former, the polymerization behaved as a classical polycondensation and demanded exact reagent equivalence. With the anthraquinones, however, the polymerization proceeded by a condensation chain polymerization and was much more forgiving. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 43–54, 2002
Progesterone Inhibition of Estrogen Receptor Replenishment in Ovine Endometrium

The influence of exogenous progesterone and estradiol on the concentration of total cytoplasmic and nuclear estrogen receptor in endometrium of ovariectomized ewes was studied and the effect of the respective steroid treatments on the receptor-mediated translocation of estrogen to the nucleus determined. 16 ovariectomized ewes were assigned to treatment groups as follows: Group 1 controls; Group 2 estradiol-17beta (EZ) implants (silastic capsules packed with 54 + or -3 mg); Group 3 progesterone (P) (15 mg twice daily); and Group 4 EZ + P. Control and P-treated animals were implanted with empty silastic capsules. Blood samples were collected on Days 0 and 2-7 for analysis for EZ and P. Ewes were sacrificed on Day 7 and the uteri were removed. Total specific nuclear and cytoplasmic estrogen binding sites were determined by use of tritiated estradiol exchange assay. Tritiated E2 bound to total cytoplasmic and nuclear receptors was greater (p less than .05) in endometirum of E2 treated ewes (10.4 + or -7.27 and .23 + or -.06 fmoles/mcg DNA respectively) than in endometrium of control P- and E2 + P-treated animals (1.62 + or -.26 and .13 + or -.02 fmoles/mcg DNA respectively). An average of 81 + or -1% of the tritiated E2 bound to available cytoplasmic receptors was translocated to the nucleus during incubation of endometrium of ewes from all treatment groups. The concentration of tritiated E2 specifically bound in the cytoplasm and translocated to the nucleus during incubation was greater in the endometrium of controls P-treated and E2 + P-treated groups. Concentrations of labeled E2 in the cytoplasm after in vitro translocation was greater in the endometrium of E2-treated ewes than in the endometrium of the other treatment groups. It is suggested that P antagonizes estrogen binding in the uterus by decreasing the concentration of cytoplasmic estrogen receptor.
Studies on the delayed action of growth hormone on the metabolism of the rat diaphragm.

A study was made of the early time-course of the in vitro stimulatory actions of bovine growth hormone (BGH) on leucine incorporation into protein, AIB transport and glucose oxidation to CO2 by isolated diaphragms of hypophysectomized rats. Diaphragms were preincubated for 1 or 4 hr at 2 C to distribute the hormone throughout the tissue in the absence of metabolism. Then the tissues were incubated for brief periods at 37 C in medium containing BGH and 14C-leucine, 14C-AIB or 14C-glucose. No effects of BGH were detected when incubation at 37 C was for periods of 15 min or less. A similar delayed response was seen in vivo when rats were first injected iv with 0.2 mg BGH and then given an iv injection of 14C-leucine to pulse-label the protein. Attempts were made to shorten the time required to produce the in vitro effect of BGH on protein synthesis by increasing the permeability of the diaphragm to large molecules such as the hormone. Diaphragms were sliced into thin strips dorsoventrally or treated with pho...
Contribution to the mathematical biophysics of visual perception with special reference to the theory of aesthetic values of geometrical patterns

On the basis of previous mathematico-biophysical studies, a theory of visual perception is outlined. The theory is applied to the aesthetic values of polygonal patterns and found in fair agreement with experimental results.
Interference Removal for Autofocusing of GPR Data From RC Bridge Decks

Strong interferences can substantially deteriorate the performance of autofocusing techniques in ground penetrating radar (GPR) data analysis for reinforced concrete (RC) bridge deck evaluation. In this paper, we propose a new approach based on F–K dip filtering to remove interferences, including direct waves and cross rebar reflections. Different from previously related work, the surface roughness and uneven cross rebar reflections resulted from GPR signals propagating through rough surface and inhomogeneous medium are carefully modeled as reflectors with small dipping angles, and hence dip relaxations are introduced in the F–K dip filtering to remove strong interferences. The mechanism of the F–K filter without dip relaxation and the correctness of the rebar modeling are first illustrated using simulation data. Then its effectiveness with adequate dip relaxation is demonstrated by both experimental and field data. Additionally, the performance of the F–K dip filter with adequate dip relaxation is also compared with that of the background subtraction (BS) method that is commonly used for direct wave removal in GPR data processing for RC bridge deck evaluation.
Observations of the Dispersion Characteristics and Meridional Sea Level Structure of Equatorial Waves in the Pacific Ocean

Spectral techniques applied to altimetry data are used to examine the dispersion relation and meridional sea level structure of wavelike variability with periods of about 20 to 200 days in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Zonal wavenumber–frequency power spectra of sea surface height, when averaged over about 7°S–7°N, exhibit spectral peaks near the theoretical dispersion curves of first baroclinic-mode equatorial Kelvin and Rossby waves. There are distinct, statistically significant ridges of power near the first and second meridional-mode Rossby wave dispersion curves. Sea level variability near the theoretical Kelvin wave and first meridional-mode Rossby wave dispersion curves is dominantly (but not perfectly) symmetric about the equator, while variability near the theoretical second meridional-mode Rossby wave dispersion curve is dominantly antisymmetric. These results are qualitatively consistent with expectations from classical or shear-modified theories of equatorial waves. The meridional structures of these modes resemble the meridional modes of equatorial wave theory, but there are some robust features of the meridional profiles that were not anticipated. The meridional sea level structure in the intraseasonal Kelvin wave band closely resembles the theoretically expected Gaussian profile, but sea level variability coherent with that at the equator is detected as far away as 11.75°S, possibly as a result of the forced nature of these Kelvin waves. Both first and second meridional-mode Rossby waves have larger amplitude in the Northern Hemisphere. The meridional sea level structure of tropical instability waves closely resembles that predicted by Lyman et al. using a model linearized about a realistic equatorial zonal current system.
Prostaglandins in Cancer Cell Adhesion, Migration, and Invasion

Prostaglandins exert a profound influence over the adhesive, migratory, and invasive behavior of cells during the development and progression of cancer. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E(2) synthase-1 (mPGES-1) are upregulated in inflammation and cancer. This results in the production of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), which binds to and activates G-protein-coupled prostaglandin E(1-4) receptors (EP(1-4)). Selectively targeting the COX-2/mPGES-1/PGE(2)/EP(1-4) axis of the prostaglandin pathway can reduce the adhesion, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Once stimulated by prostaglandins, cadherin adhesive connections between epithelial or endothelial cells are lost. This enables cells to invade through the underlying basement membrane and extracellular matrix (ECM). Interactions with the ECM are mediated by cell surface integrins by "outside-in signaling" through Src and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and/or "inside-out signaling" through talins and kindlins. Combining the use of COX-2/mPGES-1/PGE(2)/EP(1-4) axis-targeted molecules with those targeting cell surface adhesion receptors or their downstream signaling molecules may enhance cancer therapy.
Inactivation of Kv2.1 Potassium Channels

Abstract We report here several unusual features of inactivation of the rat Kv2.1 delayed rectifier potassium channel, expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The voltage dependence of inactivation was U-shaped, with maximum inactivation near 0mV. During a maintained depolarization, development of inactivation was slow and only weakly voltage dependent ( τ =4s at 0mV; τ =7s at +80mV). However, recovery from inactivation was strongly voltage dependent (e-fold for 20mV) and could be rapid ( τ =0.27s at −140mV). Kv2.1 showed cumulative inactivation, where inactivation built up during a train of brief depolarizations. A single maintained depolarization produced more steady-state inactivation than a train of pulses, but there could actually be more inactivation with the repeated pulses during the first few seconds. We term this phenomenon "excessive cumulative inactivation." These results can be explained by an allosteric model, in which inactivation is favored by activation of voltage sensors, but the open state of the channel is resistant to inactivation.
The effect of hydrogen on fracture toughness of the Fe-Ni-Co superalloy IN903

Fracture toughness values and tensile properties were determined in the Fe-Ni-Co superalloy IN903* as a function of hydrogen concentration, loading rate, and grain size to define the effects of hydrogen on fracture toughness and failure modes. Tests using precracked, precharged three point bend samples showed that fracture toughness decreased from 90 to 50 MPa-m1/2 as hydrogen increased from zero to 5000 appm. The decrease in fracture toughness was accompanied by a fracture mode change from microvoid coalescence in the uncharged samples to principally slip band fracture with some twin band and ductile intergranular fracture in the hydrogen charged samples. Fractographic observations and application of ductile fracture toughness models showed that fracture initiated at matrix carbides in all samples. These carbides established the critical fracture distance for all fracture processes observed in the fracture toughness samples. Hydrogen promoted the secondary fracture processes of slip band, twin band, and ductile intergranular fractures which lowered both the critical fracture strain and the fracture toughness of IN903.
Gonadal hormones and behavioral regulation of body weight

Abstract Gonadal hormones have important effects on the behaviors that determine body weight in laboratory rats (i.e., eating, locomotor activity, and thermoregulatory behavior). These effects are most evident in the female where there are consistent, predictable changes in these behaviors which are correlated with fluctuations in plasma hormone levels during estrous cycles, puberty, pregnancy, or after gonadectomy and replacement therapy. Estradiol, which seems to be the principal ovarian steroid affecting body weight, may act directly on separate neural loci to: (a) inhibit food intake and (b) stimulate locomotor activity, possibly by lowering the set-point of a hypothalamic lipostat. Estradiol does not affect eating and running in prepubertal female rats, perhaps because of influences of pituitary hormone(s) at this age. Ovarian hormones also alter the taste preferences of rats and may be responsible for the changes in self-selection of dietary components during different reproductive states. Some implications of this research are discussed and possible directions for future research suggested.
Analyzing Geographical Access to HIV Sentinel Clinics in Relation to Other Health Clinics in Zambia

This paper illustrates that in countries such as Zambia where available sentinel clinic data lack patient use information while including location and clinic type, advanced geospatial modeling can be a good proxy for measuring access to health care facilities including HIV sentinel clinics. The analysis shows mapped patterns of potential accessibility to HIV sentinel clinics versus all other clinics, while taking into consideration the spatial distribution of the country's population. The results indicate that Zambia has developed a relatively impressive set of health facilities—so much so that 98% of the population is within 50 km of a health facility, a reasonable distance for a day's bike ride, and nearly three in four are within 20 km. However, when it comes to HIV sentinel or surveillance clinics, this target is far from being realized, with only 52% percent of the population being within 50 km of a sentinel clinic.
Formation of a 1-D chain structure from Nd(III) and 2,6-bis(methylphosphonic acid)pyridine N-oxide

Abstract The combination of Nd(NO3)3 · 6H2O with 2,6-bis(methylphosphonic acid)pyridine N-oxide (3-H4) in water under hydrothermal conditions results in the formation of a complex Nd ( 3 - H 2 2 - ) ( 3 - H 3 1 - ) ( H 2 O ) 4 / 3 and the molecular structure of the 1-D chain has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods.
Control of respiration in isolated mitochondria: quantitative evaluation of the dependence of respiratory rates on [ATP], [ADP], and [Pi].

Abstract Mitochondrial preparations with respiratory control ratios greater than 10 have been isolated from dog and pigeon heart muscle. Suspensions of these mitochondria have been tested for the qualitative and quantitative dependence of the respiratory rate on the extramitochondrial ATP, ADP, and orthophosphate (P i ) concentrations. Reciprocal dependence is observed for [ATP] and [P i ] (the [ADP] required for a given rate of oxygen consumption is proportional to [ATP] and inversely proportional to [P i ]) which indicates that these two reactants are of equal importance in regulating the mitochondrial respiratory rate. Analysis of the [ATP], [ADP], and [P i ] in suspensions of mitochondria at various respiratory rates shows that the respiratory rate is proportional to the logarithm of the [ATP]/[ADP][P i ] for values between 10 3 and 10 5 , m −1 . Similar results are obtained for suspensions of mitochondria prepared from rat brain, rat kidney, and rat liver. These data demonstrate that, in mitochondria with high respiratory control, the rate of respiration is dependent on extramitochondrial [ATP]/[ADP][P i ] and not on [ATP]/[ADP]. It is concluded that [P i ]-independent adenine nucleotide translocation across the inner mitochondrial membrane is not a rate-limiting reaction in oxidative phosphorylation.
Solute effect of Cu on interdiffusion in Al3Ti compound films.

We study the interdiffusion and formation of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}$Ti, in bimetallic thin films of Al/Ti and (Al\char21{}0.25 at. % Cu)/Ti, both with and without W diffusion markers, in the temperature range 350\char21{}500 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The growth kinetics of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}$Ti and marker displacement were measured by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. Complementary structural and compositional information were obtained by glancing-incidence x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Auger-electron spectroscopy, and secondary-ion-mass spectroscopy. The effect of Cu, revealed by marker analysis of the intrinsic diffusivities of Al and Ti in ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}$Ti, is to increase the activation energy of Ti diffusion from 1.68 eV to 2.17 eV while the diffusion of Al is much less affected. By examining the crystal structure of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}$Ti, a vacancy mechanism with Cu occupying Al sites is proposed to explain the solute effect.
Neurotoxicity and Neurodegeneration When PrP Accumulates in the Cytosol

Changes in prion protein (PrP) folding are associated with fatal neurodegenerative disorders, but the neurotoxic species is unknown. Like other proteins that traffic through the endoplasmic reticulum, misfolded PrP is retrograde transported to the cytosol for degradation by proteasomes. Accumulation of even small amounts of cytosolic PrP was strongly neurotoxic in cultured cells and transgenic mice. Mice developed normally but acquired severe ataxia, with cerebellar degeneration and gliosis. This establishes a mechanism for converting wild-type PrP to a highly neurotoxic species that is distinct from the self-propagating PrP Sc isoform and suggests a potential common framework for seemingly diverse PrP neurodegenerative disorders.
Delayed immune reconstitution after cord blood transplantation is characterized by impaired thymopoiesis and late memory T-cell skewing

Advances in immune assessment, including the development of T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) assays of thymopoiesis, cytokine-flow cytometry assays of T-cell function, and higher-order phenotyping of T-cell maturation subsets have improved our understanding of T-cell homeostasis. Limited data exist using these methods to characterize immune recovery in adult cord blood (CB) transplant recipients, in whom infection is a leading cause of mortality. We now report the results of a single-center prospective study of T-cell immune recovery after cord blood transplantation (CBT) in a predominantly adult population. Our primary findings include the following: (1) Prolonged T lymphopenia and compensatory expansion of B and natural killer (NK) cells was evident; (2) CB transplant recipients had impaired functional recovery, although we did observe posttransplantation de novo T-cell responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in a subset of patients; (3) Thymopoietic failure characterized post-CBT immune reconstitution, in marked contrast to results in other transplant recipients; and (4) Thymopoietic failure was associated with late memory T-cell skewing. Our data suggest that efforts to improve outcomes in adult CB transplant recipients should be aimed at optimizing T-cell immune recovery. Strategies that improve the engraftment of lymphoid precursors, protect the thymus during pretransplant conditioning, and/or augment the recovery of thymopoiesis may improve outcomes after CBT.
Spectral Absorption Pattern Detection and Estimation. I. Analytical Techniques

Spectroscopic techniques have been widely employed in the middle infrared and other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum for the identification and concentration measurement of atmospheric constituents. A principal consideration in such applications is the discrimination of target gas effects from a whole background of interference effects, especially from other known or unknown gases that are present. The primary results presented in this paper concern the development of a unified theory and optimum signal processing techniques that specifically address this problem. Both active and passive, narrowband (laser), and broadband systems are treated simultaneously by adopting a vector space formalism whereby Euclidian coordinates represent appropriate spectral samples. Linear hypothesis testing and LMS estimation theory are then applied in order to derive mathematical expressions for optimum linear weights under various constraints. Both single and multiple targets are considered and a systematic approach to linear weight design is developed.
Dismounting the MDR horse

P-gp (also termed MDR1, or multidrug resistance-1) is a member of the membrane ATP cassette family that mediates efflux of several drugs commonly used to treat AML. Its expression has been correlated with an adverse outcome, 1 which was thought to occur because it mediates resistance to chemotherapy.
Molecular Analysis by Mass Spectrometry

New ionization methods combined with powerful analyzers, detectors, and data systems have made mass spectrometry a versatile tool for molecular analysis. Samples consisting of nanogram quantities of hundreds of unique components are routinely analyzed. In favorable cases samples as small as 2.5 x 10–14 gram and samples with masses of more than 3000 atomic mass units have been successfully examined.
There's No Place Like Home for a Neural Stem Cell

Neural precursor cells (NPCs) reside in the subventricular zone in association with blood vessels and ependymal cells. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Kokovay et al. (2010) show that SDF1 directs the association of NPCs with this niche and regulates their lineage progression in a stage-specific manner.
Adverse pregnancy outcome after a false-positive screen for Down syndrome using multiple markers.

Objective: To assess the relative risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome in women whose multiple-marker screening (maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein [MSAFP], unconjugated estriol [E3], and hCG levels, and age) indicating an increased risk for Down syndrome (more than 1:250) was not confirmed by amniocentesis. Methods: Fifty-eight women with false-positive screens for Down syndrome were matched with a control group of 116 women whose screens indicated a risk for Down syndrome of less than 1:250. The risk for adverse pregnancy outcome was compared for the two groups, and the roles of MSAFP, unconjugated E3, and hCG as predictors of adverse pregnancy outcome were determined. Results: Women with false-positive screens for Down syndrome were significantly different from their matched controls in the incidence of preterm delivery (20.6 versus 8.6%, respectively), preeclampsia (6.9 versus 0%), small for gestational age newborns (5.2 versus 0%), and fetal demise after 20 weeks' gestation (5.2 versus 0%). An adverse outcome occurred in 19 of 58 pregnancies (32.8%) in the study group and in 14 of 116 matched control pregnancies (12%) (odds ratio [OR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–7.8; P Conclusion: One in three women with a false-positive screen for Down syndrome may experience an adverse pregnancy outcome. In this study, unconjugated E3 of 0.75 MoM or less appeared to be a better predictor of adverse pregnancy outcome than were MSAFP and hCG levels.
Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and tropospheric O3 on tree branch growth and implications for hydrologic budgeting.

The forest hydrologic budget may be impacted by increasing CO2 and tropospheric O3. Efficient means to quantify such effects are beneficial. We hypothesized that changes in the balance of canopy interception, stem flow, and through-fall in the presence of elevated CO2 and O3 could be discerned using image analysis of leafless branches. We compared annual stem flow to the results of a computerized analysis of all branches from the 2002, 2004, and 2006 annual growth whorls of 97 ten-year-old trees from the Aspen Free-Air CO2 and O3 Enrichment (Aspen FACE) experiment in Rhinelander, WI. We found significant effects of elevated CO2 and O3 on some branch metrics, and that the branch metrics were useful for predicting stem flow from birch, but not aspen. The results of this study should contribute to development of techniques for efficient characterization of effects on the forest hydrologic budget of increasing CO2 and tropospheric O3.
Student Motivation and Internet Technology: Are Students Empowered to Learn Science?

The Kids as Global Scientists (KGS) project engages students in the study of atmospheric science through the use of current imagery and on-line communication in a reform-minded, inquiry-based curricular program. This article presents case study data on one sixth-grade classroom of KGS participants during the 8-week program. Six students representing three motivation levels were selected for intensive study to help illustrate how different students view learning science and the use of technology both before and after a technology-rich program. Pre- and postassessment scores were analyzed for the entire class, and the six students' comments from individual interviews served as one example of voices for each motivation group. Results indicated that students made significant gains in weather content knowledge as measured by written assessments, and interviews revealed a high level of student motivation and satisfaction with the project. We conclude with a discussion of the program characteristics we believe are important for creating a learning environment that fosters the motivation and achievement we observed. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 37: 459–479, 2000.
New Methods to Electrospin Nanofibers

Electrospinning from a single jet is commonly used to produce very fine polymeric fibers. The mass production rate of the electrospinning from a single jet is relatively low. Alternative methods to launch multiple jets and increase production rates are described here. Few variations on the electrospinning process are reported in literature. In this paper we discuss three novel methods to launch polymer jets via electric fields. Multiple pendant drop electrospinning jets from porous tubes produced fibers with average fiber diameter smaller than 400 nanometers. Bubble launched electrospinning and blown-film methods also result in multiple jets but of larger fiber diameters. These processes have not been optimized to produce small fibers. The three methods here have production rates on the order of 0.03 to 9.00 g/hr per jet. These methods should be scalable.
Songbirds learn songs least degraded by environmental transmission.

Communication depends on accurate reception of signals by receivers, and selection acts on signals to transmit efficiently through the environment. Although learnt signals, such as birdsong, vary in their transmission properties through different habitats, few studies have addressed the role of cultural selection in driving acoustic adaptation. Here, we present a test of the hypothesis that song-learning birds choose to copy songs that are less degraded by transmission through the environment, using swamp sparrows ( Melospiza georgiana ) as our study species. We found that all subjects discriminated between undegraded and naturally degraded song models, and learnt only from undegraded song models, demonstrating a role for cultural selection in acoustic adaptation of learnt signals.
A cell‐free expression and purification process for rapid production of protein biologics

Cell-free protein synthesis has emerged as a powerful technology for rapid and efficient protein production. Cell-free methods are also amenable to automation and such systems have been extensively used for high-throughput protein production and screening; however, current fluidic systems are not adequate for manufacturing protein biopharmaceuticals. In this work, we report on the initial development of a fluidic process for rapid end-to-end production of recombinant protein biologics. This process incorporates a bioreactor module that can be used with eukaryotic or prokaryotic lysates that are programmed for combined transcription/translation of an engineered DNA template encoding for specific protein targets. Purification of the cell-free expressed product occurs through a series of protein separation modules that are configurable for process-specific isolation of different proteins. Using this approach, we demonstrate production of two bioactive human protein therapeutics, erythropoietin and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, in yeast and bacterial extracts, respectively, each within 24 hours. This process is flexible, scalable and amenable to automation for rapid production at the point-of-need of proteins with significant pharmaceutical, medical, or biotechnological value.
Freedom and Loyalty

I T IS BEST to begin with what is familiar and, I hope, noncontroversial. Until the first World War there was no problem of freedom and loyalty to speak of in the United States. There were no un-American activities committees either because there were no un-American activities or because the government had no knowledge of or concern with them. Americans enjoyed personal freedom and, generally, the nineteenth century was marked by a high degree of mutual trust. Or, one might also say, the nineteenth century was marked by a high degree of mutual trust and therefore Americans enjoyed personal freedom. When people trust one another, there can be personal freedom; when people do not trust one another, there is not likely to be personal freedom; when there is good reason not to trust one another, there should not be unlimited personal freedom. The twentieth century brought some changes in the social climate without a commensurate change in our notions of the place of freedom in America, althought some changes here, and in our political understanding generally, are certainly in order.1 I need not dwell on the well-known fact that during the period of the first World War, and for a few years thereafter, not all Americans were trusted by the community. However unjustified this distrust, it is a fact that many of the distrusted were jailed and two were put to death; it was at this time that Congress made its first law abridging the freedom of speech and press since the Alien and Sedition Acts, and made it in the face of a First Amendment that absolutely forbids Congress to make such laws. And it was at this time that the Supreme Court laid down the "clear and present danger" principle, designed to permit Congress to send people to jail despite the words of the First Amendment. Many people protested in Justice Holmes' words, "There was a lot of jaw about free speech" but the federal government never lost a case. In fact, the federal government, despite its increasing demands for loyalty in speech and deed, was destined never to lose a case.
Complexes of on-line self assembly

The Tile Assembly Model (TAM) is a mathematical model of nanoscale self-assembly. In this paper we this model to define an on-line self assembly models called Fair Online Assembly(FOAF) and its variation called the Bounded Fair Online Assembly (FOAB). We show that these two models are not equivalent to each other. We also introduce the concepts of Binary and Trinary Complexes for a Tile Assembly System (TAS) and show if the complexes have a special property (called Frontier Turn Off Point-FTP) then the corresponding Self Assemblies are FOAF. Finally we argue that FOAF, FOAB and the size of the T-frontier at the frontier turn off point may be used to measure the complexity of the TAS.
Identification of Causal Parameters in Randomized Studies With Mediating Variables

Treatments in randomized studies are often targeted to key mediating variables. Researchers want to know if the treatment is effective and how the mediators affect the outcome. The data are often a...
Capacity of an IEEE 802.6 based cellular packet switch

The capacity of the Cellular Packet Switch (CPS), proposed as a distributed switching architecture capable of handling the increasing needs of high-density personal communication systems (PCSs), is calculated. Capacity is measured with four different metrics. Results quantify the effect of set-up procedures, handovers, and registrations for systems using a single CPS. Clusters of CPSs with each CPS connected to each of its neigbors are considered. Numerical examples based on International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR) estimates of traffic are used to illustrate the procedures. The author describes how MAN bandwidth gets divided between user and signaling information. >
Upper Echelons: The Organization as a Reflection of Its Top Managers

Theorists in various fields have discussed characteristics of top managers. This paper attempts to synthesize these previously fragmented literatures around a more general “upper echelons perspective.” The theory states that organizational outcomes—strategic choices and performance levels—are partially predicted by managerial background characteristics. Propositions and methodological suggestions are included.
Geographic variation of wing morphology in three Eurasian populations of the fruit fly, Drosophila lummei

Differences in wing morphology are described for three Eurasian populations of Drosophila lummei. A truss network of wing characters was used to quantify wing size and shape for 149 individuals from Japan, Sweden and Russia. Sexual dimorphism in wing size and shape was not substantial, so the sexes were pooled and multivariate analyses conducted. Both principal components analysis and discriminant analysis of wing morphology revealed significant differences among all geographic groups. These differences indicate that morphometric analysis of wing characters can reliably discriminate between geographic groups and accurately classify individuals of the three Drosophila lummei populations. Principal components analysis also revealed that characters occurring in the same section of the wing formed correlated suites which corresponded to morphologically and functionally distinct areas of the wing. This study is unique because it detects subtle morphological differences within a single species of fruit fly across an intercontinental distribution.The results corroborate genetic studies in which geographic variation was found for inversion polymorphisms among spatially separated populations of Drosophila lummei.
An Efficient Method for Compressed Sensing

Compressed sensing or compressive sampling (CS) has been receiving a lot of interest as a promising method for signal recovery and sampling. CS problems can be cast as convex problems, and then solved by several standard methods such as interior-point methods, at least for small and medium size problems. In this paper we describe a specialized interior-point method for solving CS problems that uses a preconditioned conjugate gradient method to compute the search step. The method can efficiently solve large CS problems, by exploiting fast algorithms for the signal transforms used. The method is demonstrated with a medical resonance imaging (MRI) example.
Controlling biofilm growth using reactive ceramic ultrafiltration membranes

Fouling due to biofilms composed primarily of microorganisms and extracellular polymeric substances is a significant hindrance to membrane filtration in water treatment. The goal of this work was to use a reactive membrane surface to reduce membrane biofouling by coating a ceramic ultrafiltration membrane with the nanoparticulate photocatalyst, TiO2. 10-Day biofilm growth experiments were conducted to determine the effect of photocatalytic coatings on the formation of a Pseudomonas putida biofilm and subsequent changes in membrane flux. Results indicate that a highly hydrophilic, photoreactive coating of mixed phase TiO2 nanoparticles is effective for the control of biofouling on ceramic ultrafiltration membranes.
Inhibition of [3H] prostaglandin F2α binding to its receptors by progesterone

Abstract The specific binding of [ 3 H] prostaglandin (PG) F 2 α to bovine corpus luteum cell membranes was inhibited by progesterone. Progesterone Inhibition of binding was dependent on membrane protein and independent of [ 3 H] PGF 2 α concentrations in the medium. The lower inhibition of binding at high protein concentrations can be overcome by increasing the amounts of progesterone added. Progesterone inhibition of binding appears to be due to a decrease in the receptor number rather than a decrease in the receptor affinities. The kinetic properties (association and dissociation rates) of the remaining receptors were unchanged. The inhibition of [ 3 H] PGF 2 α binding was observed by preincubating the membranes with progesterone or by adding at the beginning but not during incubation. The concentrations of progesterone that inhibited binding by about 50% do occur in bovine corpora lutea of estrous cycle and pregnancy.
Comparison of turbulent thermal convection between conditions of constant temperature and constant flux.

We report the results of high-resolution direct numerical simulations of two-dimensional Rayleigh-B\'enard convection for Rayleigh numbers up to $\mathrm{Ra}={10}^{10}$ in order to study the influence of temperature boundary conditions on turbulent heat transport. Specifically, we considered the extreme cases of fixed heat flux (where the top and bottom boundaries are poor thermal conductors) and fixed temperature (perfectly conducting boundaries). Both cases display identical heat transport at high Rayleigh numbers fitting a power law $\mathrm{Nu}\ensuremath{\approx}0.138\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{Ra}}^{0.285}$ with a scaling exponent indistinguishable from $2/7=0.2857\dots{}$ above $\mathrm{Ra}={10}^{7}$. The overall flow dynamics for both scenarios, in particular, the time averaged temperature profiles, are also indistinguishable at the highest Rayleigh numbers.