cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International Perspectives regarding the Use of Food/Natural Products as Drugs

Even though the American public in 1983 spent in excess of $8.0 billion for prescriptions dispensed from community pharmacies—prescriptions that contained active principles still extracted from higher plants, there is no research program in American pharmaceutical firms designed to discover new drugs from higher plants. In spite of this, more than 119 drugs of known structure that are obtained from higher plants are used by physicians as drugs in countries throughout the world. These 119 drugs are obtained from only about 91 species of plants, of more than 250,000 species known to exist on this planet. The World Health Organization estimates that perhaps 80% of the more than 4 billion inhabitants of the world rely chiefly on traditional medicines (primarily plants) for their primary health care needs. In Japan, Kampo medicines (prescriptions containing several plants) are approved for reimbursement in the National Health Scheme. The value of these Kampo medicines in 1976 was about $12.5 million (US) and t...
Nitric oxide-generating vasodilators inhibit mitogenesis and proliferation of BALBc 3T3 fibroblasts by a cyclic GMP-independent mechanism

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nitric oxide-generating vasodilators and 8-bromo-cGMP on serum-induced mitogenesis in BALBc 3T3 fibroblasts that lack soluble guanylate cyclase activity. Two such vasodilators, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and isosorbide dinitrate, decreased the incorporation of (3H)thymidine in these cells dose-dependently whereas 8-bromo-cGMP was ineffective at concentrations of up to 10 mM. Moreover, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine also inhibited cell proliferation, consistent with the data on (3H)thymidine incorporation. S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine had no effect on cGMP accumulation, confirming previous studies that these cells lack soluble guanylate cyclase activity. Hemoglobin and FeSO4/ascorbate, agents that inhibit the actions of nitric oxide, both decreased S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine-induced antimitogenesis, supporting the view that this effect was related to the generation of nitric oxide. The antimitogenic activity of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine was unlikely to be the expression of nitric oxide-induced degradation of serum mitogens, as indicated by the decrease of the antimitogenic activity on prolonged preincubation of SNAP in serum-containg medium. We conclude that nitric oxide-generating vasodilators inhibit serum-induced mitogenesis and cell proliferation in BALBc 3T3 fibroblasts by a cGMP-independent mechanism.
The impact of database searching on interlibrary loan — ‘eliminating the negative’

These methods are proposed for use by database searchers in structuring online search sessions. The goal is to minimize the negative effects on interlibrary loan operations of online services. Strategies discussed include: forms management, management of printed search results, and the instruction of patrons.
Personality, Family History, and Competence in Early Adult Romantic Relationships

The present investigation tested how well family characteristics and the personality traits assessed by the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (A. Tellegen, 1982) measured in late adolescence predict aspects of romantic relationships in early adulthood. Nurturant-involved parenting practices and personality traits were related to observed negative interactions and to couples' reports of relationship quality. These results from a prospective longitudinal study suggest that the origins of competence in romantic relationships can be found both in individual differences in personality (especially in negative emotionality) and in differences in developmental experiences. Discussion further develops an account of relationship success and dysfunction that integrates proximal factors, such as couple interactions, with more distal factors such as personality and socialization experiences.
Randomized Pursuit-Evasion with Local Visibility

We study the following pursuit-evasion game: One or more hunters are seeking to capture an evading rabbit on a graph. At each round, the rabbit tries to gather information about the location of the hunters but it can see them only if they are located on adjacent nodes. We show that two hunters suffice for catching rabbits with such local visibility with high probability. We distinguish between reactive rabbits who move only when a hunter is visible and general rabbits who can employ more sophisticated strategies. We present polynomial time algorithms that decide whether a graph $G$ is hunter-win, that is, if a single hunter can capture a rabbit of either kind on $G$.
Densities, volumes, expansion coefficients and atomic cell dimensions of metallic mercury for its entire solid and liquid temperature range, i.e., from zero absolute to its critical point (1733°K)

Abstract An attempt is made to present the complete volumetric behaviour of mercury, as a function of temperature, over the entire solid and liquid range, i.e., from 0°K to the critical point, from all available information. In Part I data are presented on solid mercury from 0°K to the melting point. The results, obtained by a wide variety of methods, are consistent and unify microscopic and macroscopic measurements.
Topically applied botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis: results of a randomized, blinded, vehicle-controlled study.

RESULTS Two patients were excluded from analyses. At 4 weeks, 10 axillae treated topically with BTXA demonstrated a 65.3 721.5% mean reduction in sweating relative to the same-patient, vehicle-control axillae, which had a 25.3 766.2% mean reduction. The 40% difference in mean sweat reduction between groups was statistically significant (po.05). Quantitative image analysis of the results of the Minor’s iodine starch test confirmed the reduction of sweat production in the BTX-A‐treated versus the vehicletreated axillae. CONCLUSION Topically applied BTX-A appears to be safe and may prove to be effective for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. Dr. Glogau is a consultant to Revance, Inc., and funds for this clinical study were provided by Revance.
Collection and identification of human remains volatiles by non-contact, dynamic airflow sampling and SPME-GC/MS using various sorbent materials

Human remains detection canines are used in locating deceased humans in diverse scenarios and environments based on odor produced during the decay process of the human body. It has been established that human remains detection canines are capable of locating human remains specifically, as opposed to living humans or animal remains, thus suggesting a difference in odor between the different sources. This work explores the collection and determination of such odors using a dynamic headspace concentration device. The airflow rate and three sorbent materials—Dukal cotton gauze, Johnson & Johnson cotton-blend gauze, and polyester material—used for odor collection were evaluated using standard compounds. It was determined that higher airflow rates and openly woven material, e.g., Dukal cotton gauze, yielded significantly less total volatile compounds due to compound breakthrough through the sorbent material. Collection from polymer- and cellulose-based materials demonstrated that the molecular backbone of the material is a factor in compound collection as well. Volatiles, including cyclic and straight-chain hydrocarbons, organic acids, sulfides, aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols, were collected from a population of 27 deceased bodies from two collection locations. The common compounds between the subjects were compared and the odor profiles were determined. These odor profiles were compared with those of animal remains and living human subjects collected in the same manner. Principal component analysis showed that the odor profiles of the three sample types were distinct.
Microbial Community Comparisons as a Function of the Physical and Geochemical Conditions of Galápagos Island Fumaroles

Microbial communities at six fumarole fields on Sierra Negra and Alcedo volcanoes in the Galapagos Islands were examined to test how extreme geochemical conditions affect microbial biodiversity. The geologic substrates consist of basalt and rhyolite with varying amounts of alteration and sulfur precipitates. Collected samples of substrates varied in pH from 0–6, and substrate temperatures were within the mesophilic, thermophilic, and hyperthermophilic temperature ranges. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analyses were done to assess the relationship of communities to each other as a function of geologic substrate, pH, and temperature. Comparative analyses of community diversity define two distinct clusters showing that the relationship between spatially separated microbial communities at the fumaroles is most influenced by the pH of the local environment.
Mobile haptic system design to evoke relaxation through paced breathing

Stress is physical response that affects everyone in varying degrees. Throughout history, people have developed various practices to help cope with stress. Many of these practices focus on bringing awareness to the body and breath. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation and paced breathing are effective tools for stress management [Brown, 2005].
The Bible in two keys: Traditionalism and Evangelical Christianity on the Fort Apache reservation

Abstract This article examines contrasting entextualizations of the Bible across conflicting Traditionalist and Evangelical Christian identities on the Fort Apache reservation in Arizona. On the one hand, each makes use of Apache language idioms and genre precedents to underwrite their respective claims to authentic Apache identities. On the other hand, each selects different components of that loosely shared repertoire of discursive precedents in their entextualizations of the Bible in order to articulate contrasting transformative projects for their community as well as to assert the contemporary relevance of their voices within differently imagined global orders. This analysis constitutes the local speech community as a locus of ethnolinguistic inquiry in which relations to encompassing social orders are mediated in part by the circulation of texts. In this process conventions and precedents serve as a reservoir of resources mobilized for use in competing strategies advanced by differently affiliated actors in dialogue with one another. In this way multiplicity and dynamism as a characteristic of local communities is defined as a crucial dimension of local–global discursive processes.
Intrathoracic ganglioneuroma in an elderly patient over 70 years of age.

We herein present an exceedingly rare case of intrathoracic ganglioneuroma that was surgically resected in an elderly patient over 70 years of age. A 74-year-old woman was asymptomatic, but a computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax indicated the presence of a posterior mediastinal mass paravertebrally. A thoracotomy was thus performed under a strongly suggested diagnosis of a neurogenic tumor because of the appearance and position of the mass on the chest CT and magnetic resonance imaging findings, and measuring 6.9 × 5.8 × 1.6 cm. Not only tumors originating from the nerve sheath, but also neurogenic tumors occurring in young patients such as ganglioneuroma, should be included in the different diagnosis of posterior mediastinal tumor occurring in elderly patients.
Discrimination of Two Functions of Photoreceptor cGMP Phosphodiesterase γ Subunit

Abstract cGMP phosphodiesterase, a key enzyme in phototransduction, is composed of P αβ and two P γ s. P γ has two functions in P αβ regulation: (I) an inhibitor of cGMP hydrolysis and (II) a stimulator of cGMP binding to their noncatalytic sites. Here we show for the first time that these functions can be discriminated. P γ release by GTP-bound transducing from P αβ was stimulated by NaCl in a concentration-dependent manner. However, phosphodiesterase activity in membranes washed with a NaCl-free buffer already reached the maximum level. [ 3 H]-cGMP binding to P αβ in membranes washed with NaCl required more P γ than that in membranes washed without NaCl. Other salts had a similar effect. Identical P γ was released under different [NaCl]. These results indicate that P γ for the function (I) is released in low [salt], but P γ for the function (II) is released in high [salt]. These P γ functions may be expressed separately in phototransduction.
A critique of humanitarian reason: agency, power, and privilege

This paper offers a critical analysis of the work of western humanitarian NGOs operating in the African continent. We argue that in most cases, NGOs and their supporters are deaf to the actual wants, needs, and desires – or, in other words, the agency – of those they are trying to aid. We do this by first offering a series of ways of understanding the ideological commitments that inform the work of many humanitarian NGOs and those who donate to them. In this, we expose the reasons leading to the failure of such individuals and organizations to recognize and take account of the agency of those they seek to help. Second, we offer evidence of the problematic outcome of this failure when coupled with a lack of recognition of the wider context of many of the conflicts that lead to the suffering of those that such NGOs intend to aid. In doing this, we expose the ways in which an NGO's own position can reinforce and contribute to the continuance of this suffering. This, we argue results from the simplified, inac...
Origins of human leukocyte chromatin-associated RNA

Abstract The nature of the low molecular weight RNA, isolated from the chromosomal proteins of a particular class of human leukocytes was investigated. The yield and nucleoside composition of isolated RNA was found to be dependent upon the degree of purity of the starting chromatin, although, the chromatographic and electrophoretic behavior was not. When sucrose purified chromatin was used as the starting material a small, but reproducible quantity of a chromatin-associated RNA fraction could be isolated. This RNA was found to range in size from 30 to 60 nucleotides. The origin of this distribution was unclear, however, because of an endogenous nuclease activity detected in association with the chromosomal proteins. The origin of the nucleotide sequences present in this RNA fraction was investigated by comparison of the major nucleoside composition and hybridization properties with other RNA fractions isolated from the same cell type. No trivial explanation was apparent. The average guanine plus cytosine content (55 %) was found to be distinctly different from either cytoplasmic RNA (66 %) or heterogeneous nuclear RNA (45 %). The amount of DNA which could be hybridized by this RNA fraction under stringent reaction conditions was found to be 5- to 10-fold less than that hybridizable by total cellular RNA. Total cytoplasmic RNA or highly purified human placental tRNA were found to be ineffective competitors in simultaneous hybridization-competition experiments. Purified heterogeneous nuclear RNA was found to be an effective competitor but only when present in considerable excess. These data are interpreted as suggesting that nucleotide sequences similar to a portion of but not all of the sequences present in the DNA-like heterogeneous nuclear RNA are also present in the chromatin-associated RNA of the same cell type. Possible reasons for published discrepancies are discussed.
Post-occultation Reception of Lunar Ship Endeavour Radio Transmission

THE reception of radio signals from the orbiting lunar spaceship Endeavour after its occupation behind the lunar limb seems to confirm in part a previous suggestion1. Similar observations arranged with the lunar command module during the Apollo 14 mission were unsuccessful because of interference from local emissions.
Discrimination against women in formal credit markets: Reality or rhetoric?

Abstract Microenterprises receive several forms of aid but many still report limited access to formal finance. It is often argued that women entrepreneurs face discrimination in formal credit markets. In this study of Ecuadorian microenterprises, the results of a multinomial logit model show that although a smaller number of women than men entrepreneurs applied for loans, a larger percentage of women than men typically apply for loans. The equally small probabilities of both male and female entrepreneurs being quantity rationed for loans implies that this form of credit rationing is not widely practiced in special microenterprise programs in Ecuador.
Mapping Temperature in OLED Displays Using CCD Thermoreflectance

Effective thermal management is essential to engineering organic devices, since heating accelerates their degradation. However, as pixels in organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays continue to shrink, an important tool for thermal management, infrared thermography, approaches the limits of its spatial resolution. To address this problem, we adapt high-resolution thermoreflectance imaging, which measures minute changes in reflectivity of visible light, to map temperature in a commercial OLED display. We identify a slowly varying thermal signal and find strong evidence of thermal crosstalk, in which a biased pixel heats up its nearest neighbors, even when the neighbors are unbiased. Such crosstalk is indicative of insufficient heat dissipation, which can lead to reduced display lifetime.
Causes of Focal Hepatic Portal Defect on 99mTc-Sulfur Colloid Scintigraphy

B ECAUSE OF A mass lesion in the left lung, a 76-yr-old woman was referred for a 99mTc-sulfur colloid liver/spleen study to rule out metastatic disease. The rapid sequential flow study (Fig. 1) revealed a focal area of decreased activity in the mid-inferior border of the liver and a "'halo" surrounding the cardiac blood pool. On the static images there was a prominent portahepatis, and visualization of bone marrow (Fig. 2). The wide separation between the cardiac blood pool activity and liver activity suggested pericardial effusion, which correlated with the "suddenly" enlarged cardiac shadow by chest radiograph. Subsequent echocardiogram also indicated a large anterior and posterior pericardial effusion. The patient expired on the tenth hospital day. At autopsy, there was a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the left lung with metastasis to the brain, heart, and pericardium. The pericardial cavity contained 700 ml of blood fluid. The liver showed only severe acute and chronic passive congestion with no evidence of metastasis and the normal sized gallbladder was located posteriorly, between the right and quadrate lobes. No abnormalities were observed in the inferior portion of the liver or the region of the porta-hepatis, however, a marked concavity was noted inferiorly between the right and left hepatic lobes (Fig. 3). This concavity correlated with the defect noted on the hepatic radionuclide image (Fig. 2). Focal defects in porta-hepatis and gallbladder regions on 99mTc-sulfur colloid scintigraphy have
Possible division of cardiac mitochondria

Numerous examples of partitioned mitochondria were present in cardiac muscle cells of mice, rats, guinea pigs, and canaries. The partitions, which usually bisected the mitochondria, consisted of two parallel membranes in direct continuity with the inner mitochondrial membrane. Some of these mitochondria showed varying degrees of constriction at the level of the partitions. In many partitioned organelles, the two sets of cristae on opposite sides of the septum were positioned at right angles to one another, so that if one set was seen in profile, the other appeared en face. This arrangement of cristae simplified the detection of partitioned mitochondria even at low magnifications. The number of mitochondria and the frequency of occurrence of partitioned mitochondria were considerably enhanced in heart muscle cells of some weanling mice by feeding them the copper-chelating agent, cuprizone. The mitochondria, both with and without partitions, were identical to those in untreated animals. Based on this and other experimental evidence, and by analogy with other organs, notably mammalian liver and insect fat body, it was concluded that partitioned cardiac mitochondria are in fact dividing.
Types and activities of voltage-operated calcium channels change during development of rat pituitary neurointermediate lobe

Abstract Cultures of pituitary neurointermediate lobe cells were established from rats aged 1, 12, and 42 days to identify the types and assess the activities of Ca 2+ channels present in melanotropes, glial-like cells, and fibroblasts during development. Day 12 represents the time at which dopaminergic axons have become distributed throughout the lobe, glial cells begin to lose their radial orientation, and melanotropes robustly express the short isoform of the dopamine D 2 receptor. Thus, we studied Ca 2+ channels in relation to the event of innervation of melanotropes. Real-time fluorescence video microscopy, in the presence of pharmacological agents, which block L-, N-, P-, and T-type channels, was used as an indirect measurement of channel activity. Assessment of cell type was verified by triple-label fluorescence immunohistochemistry. In melanotropes, extracellular Ca 2+ addition caused Ca 2+ influx through ω-conotoxin GVIA-sensitive, N-type channels on days 1 and 12 but not on day 42. The K + depolarization induced an increase in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration in all age-groups. This effect was decreased by nifedipinc, an L-type channel blocker, at all ages, and by ω-agatoxin IVa, a P-type blocker, only on day 42. These results demonstrate that the predominance of N- or P-type channels on melanotropes is age-dependent and can be correlated with other developmental changes. The T-type blocker, NiSO 4 , had no effect. In glial-like cells of all ages, extracellular Ca 2+ addition resulted in an increase in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration, which was inhibited only by NiSO 4 . The percentage of responsive glial-like cells was equally high in days 1 and 12 cultures, then declined by day 42. The K + depolarization had no effect on glial-like cells. Fibroblasts did not respond significantly to extracellular Ca 2+ or K + depolarization, indicating little detectable activity by this methodology from functional voltage-operated Ca 2+ channels.
Natural Cr(VI) contamination of groundwater in the Cecina coastal area and its inner sectors (Tuscany, Italy)

A detailed hydrogeochemical study of groundwater in the Cecina coastal plain (Livorno province, Italy) and its inner sectors was undertaken in 2008, as chemical analyses carried out on groundwater since 2006 have revealed Cr(VI) concentrations of up to 49 μg/L (well above the permissible limit of 5 μg/L). Ophiolite outcrops are present throughout the study area, and their fragments likely represent a significant portion of the existing multilayered aquifer skeleton. Waters delivered by the serpentinite outcrops have a typically Mg–HCO3 composition, whereas those of the coastal plain are prevailingly of the Ca/Mg–HCO3 type with significant Mg contents. Significant NO3 contamination characterises the studied coastal plain, and an interesting negative correlation exists between Cr(VI) and both NO3 and SO4 deriving from the widespread use of (NH4)2SO4 as a farm fertilizer. Chromium speciation calculations carried out using the EQ3NR code reveal that the prevailing Cr(VI) species in solution is CrO4 2−; however, CaCrO4° and MgCrO4° neutral complexes represent significant percentages (up to 42 %). These findings suggest that the mobility and consequently the bioavailability of Cr(VI) can be significantly enhanced by these neutral complexes, which are not considered to be affected by adsorption/desorption processes. The Cr(VI) source, investigated by means of the Mg/SiO2 molar ratio, seems to be represented mainly by Mg-bearing minerals of the chlorite group. Petrographic observations confirm the occurrence of this mineral group. The interaction between rainwater and the local serpentinite rock was simulated at different $$P_{{{\text{CO}}_{ 2} }}$$ and $$P_{{{\text{O}}_{ 2} }}$$ conditions by reaction path modelling using the EQ3/6 software package. $$P_{{{\text{O}}_{ 2} }}$$ was varied in accordance with the assumption that redox conditions are determined in part by NO3. Results are in good agreement with experimental data on spring waters and subordinately with data on some coastal plain groundwater, which plot in a rather wide $$P_{{{\text{CO}}_{ 2} }}$$ and $$P_{{{\text{O}}_{ 2} }}$$ field. Although the dissolved Cr content is mostly of natural origin, fertilization may affect its fate.
Joint entity resolution on multiple datasets

Entity resolution (ER) is the problem of identifying which records in a database represent the same entity. Often, records of different types are involved (e.g., authors, publications, institutions, venues), and resolving records of one type can impact the resolution of other types of records. In this paper we propose a flexible, modular resolution framework where existing ER algorithms developed for a given record type can be plugged in and used in concert with other ER algorithms. Our approach also makes it possible to run ER on subsets of similar records at a time, important when the full data are too large to resolve together. We study the scheduling and coordination of the individual ER algorithms, in order to resolve the full dataset, and show the scalability of our approach. We also introduce a "state-based" training technique where each ER algorithm is trained for the particular execution context (relative to other types of records) where it will be used.
The Effect of a Swarm of Local Tornados on Tornado Preparedness: A Quasi-Comparable Cohort Investigation1

Previous research has indicated that experience with natural disasters appears to affect the extent to which populations act to mitigate and prepare for these events. Such efforts, however, have failed to disclose precisely why this relationship appears viable. Furthermore, rarely have these investigations included pre- and post-tornado data from similar populations. In an effort to investigate further the effects of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between experience with disasters and preparedness actions, relevant data were assessed for 2 samples from the same population before and after the occurrence of a swarm of local tornados. Results indicate that tornado preparedness levels increased significantly following the tornados. Furthermore, appraised threat of tornados and personal responsibility for preparedness actions also increased significantly following the tornados. Implications of these results are discussed.
Karibu Stranger, Come Heal Thy Host: Hospitality as Historical Subject in Southwestern Tanzania, 1600–1900

Abstract This study focuses on hospitality in Tanzania, as a topic of historical importance. Although there are many references to hospitality within both primary and secondary sources and anecdotal accounts, hospitality is effectively unexplored in the historical scholarship for any part of sub-Saharan Africa. Looking at southwestern Tanzania between 1600 and 1900 as a case study, this work aims to make hospitality, for the first time, primary focus of historical study rather than a peripheral and passing allusion. Towards that end, I examine why and when some societies chose to extend hospitality to outsiders and strangers. In southwestern Tanzania between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, extending hospitality to guests, strangers, and ‘foreign residents’ was a paramount value and social expectation, which could result in inclusion of outsiders. Hospitality towards newcomers became a cultural norm. I contend that direct, immediate, and personal gain was far less important than a circulation of ho...
Phase stability diagrams for complex alloys

It is demonstrated that, for a single composition, the phase equilibria of multi-component alloy systems can be represented in a simple two-dimensional diagram. In this ''stability diagram'', the atom fraction of each phase is represented as a function of temperature. Examples are given for simple two and four component systems. (SDF)
Eukaryotic dinucleotide preference rules and their implications for degenerate codon usage

Abstract Eukaryotic nucleotide sequences show a consistent hierarchy of dinucleotides. Not only is e.g. G-C more frequent than C-G, but many other relations exist as well. These dinucleotide patterns “explain”, to a large measure, the degenerate codon usage in genes.
In situ detection of tissue factor in vascular endothelial cells: Correlation with the malignant phenotype of human breast disease

Expression of tissue factor (TF) in the endothelium has been observed only rarely in human disease and has been thought to be elaborated on the surface of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in vitro as an artifact of tissue culture. Using monoclonal antibodies and a novel probe for functional TF, we have localized TF to the VECs (and tumor cells) within the tumors of seven patients with invasive breast cancer but not in the VECs (or tumor cells) of benign tumors from ten patients with fibrocystic disease of the breast. The potent procoagulant TF was shown to be a marker of the initiation of angiogenesis in human breast cancer. Further evidence that the TF was the demonstration of a similar distribution of cross–linked fibrin only in the VECs of the malignant tumors. We interpret these data as further support for the concept that tumor cells can activate nearby VECs and regulate blood vessel growth in vivo. Large clinicalpathologic studies will be necessary to determine whether TF is a useful marker for the “switch to the angiogenic phenotype” in human breast disease and/or correlates with the thromboembolic complications of breast cancer.
Optimization of a small tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone active in mouse models of depression.

Structure–activity relationship study shows that the catechol group in 7,8-dihdyroxyflavone, a selective small TrkB receptor agonist, is critical for agonistic activity. To improve the poor pharmacokinetic profiles intrinsic to catechol-containing molecules and to elevate the agonistic effect of the lead compound, we initiated the lead optimization campaign by synthesizing various bioisosteric derivatives. Here we show that the optimized 2-methyl-8-(4′-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl)chromeno[7,8-d]imidazol-6(1H)-one derivative possesses enhanced TrkB stimulatory activity. Chronic oral administration of this compound significantly reduces the immobility in forced swim test and tail suspension test, two classical antidepressant behavioral animal models, which is accompanied by robust TrkB activation in hippocampus of mouse brain. Further, in vitro ADMET studies demonstrate that this compound possesses the improved features compared to the previous lead compound. Hence, this optimized compound may act as a promisin...
Identification of a tunable site in bryostatin analogs: C20 Bryologs through late stage diversification.

The C20 region of our bryostatin analogs was identified as a nonpharmacophoric site that could be varied to tune analogs for function and physical properties without significantly affecting their binding affinity for PKC. The use of this site in a late-stage diversification strategy has enabled the facile synthesis of a variety of new C20 analogs, all of which retain nanomolar affinity for PKC, in agreement with our pharmacophore hypothesis.
ISAR image formation and feature extraction using adaptive joint time-frequency processing

We address two ISAR imaging problems by utilizing adaptive joint time-frequency (JTF) processing ideas. In the first application, the adaptive JTF processing is applied to extract non-point scattering resonant features from an ISAR image. By applying JTF processing to the down range dimension,w e show that it is possible to extract the strongly frequency-dependent components from the data that correspond to resonant features on the target.Our results show that non-point scattering mechanisms can be completely removed from the original ISAR image, leading to a cleaned image containing only physically meaningful point scatterers. The non-point scattering mechanisms, when displayed in the frequency-aspect plane, can be used to identify target resonances and cut-off phenomena. In the second application, we utilize adaptive JTF processing to address the motion compensation issue. By applying JTF processing to the cross range dimension, we track how the Doppler frequency varies as a function of imaging time. We then derive the target motion and remove this effect from the data. In both applications, the adaptive JTF engine preserves the phase information in the original data. Consequently, the two processing blocks can be cascaded to achieve both motion compensation and feature extraction.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Malignant glomus tumor originating in the superior mediastinum: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

An extremely rare case of malignant glomus tumor originating in the superior mediastinum was evaluated immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. A 78-year-old woman who had been suffering from dysphagia and dyspnea had poorly-defined soft tissue mass, 4.5 x 2.5cm, in the superior mediastinum with direct invasion into the esophagus, trachea, and bilateral thyroid glands. This case is believed to be unique in several respects. There were neither recognizable findings of benign glomus tumor nor sarcomatous areas, in contrast to the previously reported cases. A definite direct invasion into the surrounding organs was identified. We therefore interpreted this case as primary malignant glomus tumor, not as glomangiosarcoma arising in a benign glomus tumor.
Perspective on “Molecular dynamics study of liquid water”

The first molecular dynamics simulation of liquid water by Rahman and Stillinger was the cornerstone of much subsequent research, including molecular dynamics of proteins and other biological systems
Mechanical Vibrations of Thermally Actuated Silicon Membranes

A thermally-actuated micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device based on a vibrating silicon membrane has been proposed as a viscosity sensor by the authors. In this paper we analyze the vibration mode of the sensor as it vibrates freely at its natural frequency. Analytical examination is compared to finite element analysis, electrical measurements and the results obtained through real-time dynamic optical surface profilometry. The vertical movement of the membrane due to the applied heat is characterized statically and dynamically. The natural vibration mode is determined to be the (1,1) mode and good correlation is found between the analytical predictions, the simulation analysis, the observed mechanical displacement and the electrical measurements.
Single pulse interferometric coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS)

The non-resonant background signal has been the major obstacle in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy and microscopy. This unwanted background is generated by the electronic response of the sample. It not only obscures the desired signal but also results in spectral interference with the desired vibrationally resonant CARS signal, making it difficult to assign vibrational peaks using characteristic spontaneous Raman spectra. We show that the non-resonant background can be used as a local oscillator for spectral interferometric CARS spectroscopy. Two different techniques are discussed to extract the vibrationally resonant multiplex CARS spectrum and discriminate it against the much larger non-resonant background. The pump, Stokes and probe pulses are all selected inside a single broadband ultrafast pulse (bandwidth ~1800 cm-1) by a phase- and/or polarization-controlled pulse-shaping technique. The first technique generates two spectral interference CARS signals simultaneously, and the normalized difference of these two signals provides an amplified background-free broadband resonant CARS spectrum over 400-1500 cm-1. The second method generates a single spectral interference CARS signal by a phase-only pulse shaping. A Fourier transform spectral interferometry (FTSI) method is used to retrieve the Raman-equivalent CARS spectrum from the measured spectral signal. Both methods enhance the resonant CARS signal by utilizing the non-resonant background as a local oscillator for homodyne mixing.
A Quantitative Morphometric Analysis of Rat Spinal Cord Remyelination Following Transplantation of Allogenic Schwann Cells

Quantitative morphometric techniques were used to assess the extent and pattern of remyelination produced by transplanting allogenic Schwann cells into demyelinated lesions in adult rat spinal cords. The effects of donor age, prior culturing of donor cells, prior lesioning of donor nerves, and host immunosuppression were evaluated by transplanting suspensions of 30,000 acutely dissociated or cultured Schwann cells from neonatal, young adult, or aged adult rat sciatic nerves into X-irradiation and ethidium bromide-induced demyelinated dorsal column lesions, with or without co-transplantation of neonatal optic nerve astrocytes. Three weeks after transplantation, spinal cords were processed for histological analysis. Under all Schwann cell transplant protocols, large areas containing many Schwann cell-like myelinated axon profiles could be readily observed throughout most of the lesion length. Within these "myelin-rich" regions, the vast majority of detectable axons showed a peripheral-like pattern of myelination. However, interaxonal spacing also increased, resulting in densities of myelinated axons that were more similar to peripheral nerve than intact dorsal columns. Freshly isolated Schwann cells remyelinated more axonal length than cultured Schwann cells, and cells from younger donors remyelinated slightly more axon length than cells from older donors, but all Schwann cell transplant protocols remyelinated tens of thousands of millimeters of axon length and remyelinated axons at similar densities. These results indicate that Schwann cells prepared under a variety of conditions are capable of eliciting remyelination, but that the density of remyelinated axons is much lower than the myelinated axon density in intact spinal cords.
Mechanisms of cyclosporine protection against spontaneous diabetes mellitus in the BB/Wor rat

Abstract Anti-islet cell-mediated immunity in the Bio-Breeding/Worcester (BB/Wor) rat was studied by measuring the cytotoxic activity of splenic lymphoid cells from diabetes-prone (DP) rats receiving either oral cyclosporine (Cy-A, 10 mg/kg/d) or olive oil vehicle (DP control) from age 40 to 105 d. Splenic cells were incubated with concanavalin A (Con-A) for 16 h, then used as effector cells in cytotoxicity assays with 51 Cr labeled cells from a rat islet cell line (RIN) as targets. Lysis of RIN cells (% 51 Cr release) by Con-A-activated splenic cells from control DP rats increased from age 40 d (5.4 ± 1.6%) to 105 d (32.7 ± 1.8%). This increase was significantly less in Cy-A-treated DP rats (14.5 ± 3.2%) and remained low at 15 d after stopping Cy-A (14.8 ± 2.5%). Diabetes developed in control DP rats between 74 and 120 days of age, and in none of the Cy-A-treated DP rats by age 105 d, nor for 15 d after stopping Cy-A. The Con-A-activated splenic cells responsible for lysis of RIN cells also lysed normal rat islet cells and had the functional and phenotypic properties of natural killer (NK) cells. In contrast to the lower Con-A-inducible NK cell cytotoxic activity in Cy-A-treated DP rats, basal NK cell activity and monoclonal antibody-defined NK cell subsets were increased in the Cy-A-treated DP rats. Therefore, Cy-A had inhibited the ability of NK cells to respond to cytotoxic activation despite their increased numbers. To investigate the mechanism(s) of the protective effect of Cy-A, we examined the direct effects of Cy-A in vitro . Cy-A (100 ng/ml) inhibited completely Con-A activation of DP splenic cells cytotoxic to islet cells, and this was accompanied by a similar inhibition of interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. Also Cy-A (300 ng/ml) inhibited partially (∼65%) IL-2 activation of DP splenic cells cytotoxic to islet cells. In addition, Cy-A inhibited the cytotoxic effects of DP cells previously activated by Con-A, and 300 ng/ml Cy-A produced a maximum inhibition of 47 ± 5%. These studies suggest that islet beta cell destruction in DP BB/Wor rats may be associated with an age-dependent development of activated NK cells, and that the protective effects of Cy-A may derive from (a) inhibition of IL-2 production, (b) interference with the action of IL-2 to activate cytotoxic NK cells, and (c) inhibition of the cytotoxic action of activated NK cells, independent of IL-2 action.
A fast voltage security assessment method using adaptive bounding

This paper presents a fast method for use in power system online voltage security assessment. The objective here is to quickly assess the effects of large numbers of contingencies (line outages) to determine the worst case. The methodology is intuitively focused on the relationship between a node voltage and the availability of reactive power in the local neighborhood, and it also takes advantage of other information from the power flow solution. The concept of electrical distance is introduced for choosing the corresponding voltage control area locally around the contingency event. For the calculation of post-contingency electrical distance and power flow, the computation efficiency can be achieved by utilizing many mature algorithms from static security analysis (SSA).
Pursuing capabilities of flexibility and quality: financial performance implications for mass customisers

Researchers illustrate many theoretical concepts of mass customisation with case examples. Although case examples provide interesting stories, these concepts have not been thoroughly tested and have limited generalisability. Few studies provide broader rigorous tests of mass customisation concepts. This study addresses mass customisation from a broader perspective using 126 mass customising companies to test the tactical requirements of a mass customisation strategy. This paper focuses on the competitive capabilities of quality and flexibility, and links the workforce management practices of mass customisers to financial performance. This study also addresses the softer managerial issues of mass customisation and finds that teamwork and worker flexibility lead to increased financial performance for mass customisers.
Recommendations for Improved Assessment of Noise Impacts on Wildlife

Research to determine noise impacts on animals benefits from methodology that adequately describes the acoustical stimulus as well as the resulting biological responses. We present acoustical considerations and research techniques that we have found to be useful. These include acoustical definitions and noise measurement techniques that conform to standardized acoustical practice and advice for controlled experimentation to supplement behavioral observation. Specific considerations include characteristics of noise stimulus, selection of noise metrics, use of frequency-weighting algorithms tailored to a specific animal species, selection and placement of noise measurement equipment, and methods for documenting animal responses. We also present arguments for measuring the noise stimulus at the location and time of each response observation. Our purpose is to recommend some baseline terminology, metrics, and techniques prerequisite to effective assessment of noise impacts on terrestrial wildlife whenever and wherever potential conflicts arise.
InGaAs and graphene as high mobility channels for post Si-CMOS applications

The continuous device scaling and performance improvements required by the International Technology Roadmap of Semiconductors (ITRS) are facing a grand challenge as conventional Si CMOS scaling comes to its fundamental physical limits. We review the research progress recently at Purdue University using In-rich InGaAs and epitaxial graphene on SiC as the novel channel materials for post Si CMOS applications suitable for the 15 nm node and beyond.
ASHES TO ASHES The Rahbani Empire

PAJ 95 (2010), pp. 55–61.  55 Mansour Rahbani’s new musical play, The Return of the Phoenix, has the flashy production values of a bad Las Vegas extravaganza. High-kicking dancers in sequin-studded Lycra costumes traverse the stage like winged creatures in migratory formation, sometimes falling a few “flaps” behind their choreographic leader. The recorded music, piped through stadium speakers, provides MIDI orchestration and vocal backup for lip-syncing innamorati (humorless comic lovers) who sing contemporary Arabic pop about chaste, sentimental desire. The lugubrious central story—she’s a princess with an overbearing daddy, and he’s a poor shipwright—owes a distant legacy to the ancient Phoenician traders who lived along the Lebanese coast, but Rahbani relaxes the historical facts.
Gaseous slip flow in long microchannels

An analytic and experimental investigation into gaseous flow with slight rarefaction through long microchannels is undertaken. A two-dimensional (2-D) analysis of the Navier-Stokes equations with a first-order slip-velocity boundary condition demonstrates that both compressibility and rarefied effects are present in long microchannels. By undertaking a perturbation expansion in /spl epsiv/, the height-to-length ratio of the channel, and using the ideal gas equation of state, it is shown that the zeroth-order analytic solution for the streamwise mass flow corresponds well with the experimental results. Also, the effect of slip upon the pressure distribution is derived, and it is obtained that this slip velocity leads directly to a wall-normal migration of mass. The fabrication of wafer-bonded microchannels that possess well-controlled surface structure is described, and a means for accurately measuring the mass how through the channels is presented. Experimental results obtained with this mass-flow measurement technique for streamwise helium mass flow through microchannels 52.25-/spl mu/m wide, 1.33-/spl mu/m deep, and 7500-/spl mu/m long for a pressure range of 1.6-4.2 atmospheres (outlet pressures at atmospheric) are presented and shown to compare favorably with the analysis.
Granzyme A, which causes single-stranded DNA damage, targets the double-strand break repair protein Ku70.

Granzyme A (GzmA) induces caspase-independent cell death with morphological features of apoptosis. Here, we show that GzmA at nanomolar concentrations cleaves Ku70, a key double-strand break repair (DSBR) protein, in target cells. Ku70 is cut after Arg301, disrupting Ku complex binding to DNA. Cleaving Ku70 facilitates GzmA-mediated cell death, as silencing Ku70 by RNA interference increases DNA damage and cell death by GzmB cluster-deficient cytotoxic T lymphocytes or by GzmA and perforin, whereas Ku70 overexpression has the opposite effect. Ku70 has two known antiapoptotic effects—facilitating DSBR and sequestering bax to prevent its translocation to mitochondria. However, GzmA triggers single-stranded, not double-stranded, DNA damage, and GzmA-induced cell death does not involve bax. Therefore, Ku70 has other antiapoptotic functions in GzmA-induced cell death, which are blocked when GzmA proteolyses Ku70.