cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability of fluorescein-assisted stereotactic brain biopsies in predicting conclusive tissue diagnosis.

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of fluorescein sodium in predicting conclusive tissue diagnosis in stereotactic brain biopsies and to characterize features of contrast-enhancing and non-enhancing MRI lesions associated with fluorescence. A total of 19 patients were studied, 14 of which had contrast-enhancing and 5 of which had non-enhancing lesions on preoperative T1 post-gadolinium MRI scan. All patients received 3 mg/kg fluorescein sodium during anesthesia induction. Biopsy specimens were photographed under the operating microscope, using the Yellow560 module, prior to histopathological analysis. Two observers blinded to the MRI scans and histopathological results categorized the photographs retrospectively as “fluorescent” or “not fluorescent.” Inter-rater agreement was assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of fluorescence reliability were calculated for MRI contrast-enhancing lesions and confirmed location-concordance of tumor pathology based on rater’s fluorescence status assessment. Results were correlated finally with final results on permanent sections. Strength of inter-rater fluorescence status agreement was found to be “substantial” (kappa = 0.771). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for “fluorescent” and “not fluorescent” specimen in comparison with MRI contrast-enhancing lesions were 97%, 40%, and 82%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for confirmed tumor pathology were 100%, 63%, and 91%, respectively. Permanent pathology revealed high-grade glioma n = 5, low-grade glioma n = 3, lymphoma n = 5, pineal tumor n = 2, hamartoma n = 1, and nonspecific hypercellularity n = 3. Fluorescein-assisted stereotactic brain biopsies demonstrated a high likelihood to manifest fluorescence in contrast-enhancing MRI lesions, while adequately predicting conclusive tumor pathology.
Lactogens Reduce Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-induced Rodent and Human β-cell Death and Diabetes Incidence in Akita Mice

Diabetes occurs due to a loss of functional β-cells, resulting from β-cell death and dysfunction. Lactogens protect rodent and human β-cells in vitro and in vivo against triggers of β-cell cytotoxicity relevant to diabetes, many of which converge onto a common pathway of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, whether lactogens modulate the ER stress pathway is unknown. This study examines whether lactogens can protect β-cells against ER stress and mitigate diabetes incidence in Akita (Ak) mice, a rodent model of ER stress-induced diabetes, akin to neonatal diabetes in humans. We show that lactogens protect INS-1 cells, primary rodent and human β-cells in vitro against two distinct ER stressors, tunicamycin and thapsigargin, through activation of the JAK2/STAT5 pathway. Lactogens mitigate expression of proapoptotic molecules in the ER stress pathway that are induced by chronic ER stress in INS-1 cells and rodent islets. Transgenic expression of placental lactogen in β-cells of Ak mice drastically reduces the severe hyperglycemia, diabetes incidence, hypoinsulinemia, β-cell death, and loss of β-cell mass observed in Ak littermates. These are the first studies in any cell type demonstrating that lactogens modulate the ER stress pathway, causing enhanced β-cell survival and reduced diabetes incidence in the face of chronic ER stress.
Technical considerations for medical device manufacturers when designing gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) using the new ISO 80369-3 connector.

Background Gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) are typically used when people cannot eat food by mouth. The connector section that allows G-tubes to connect to other devices, such as feeding sets or syringes, has been modified on some of the devices to reduce misconnections in hospital settings. The narrow internal diameter of the new connector, standardized under ISO 80369-3, has caused some users to express concern about a reduced flow rate. Previous studies performed on commercial devices determined that it was not conclusive how much the ISO 80369-3 connector contributed towards the reduced flow rate, because when manufacturers designed these new connector-based devices, they often changed other geometric variables (such as distal tube diameter, or length) at the same time. Thus, it became difficult isolating the effect of the connector from other geometric variables. Method The key objective of this study was to investigate how different design variables impacted the flow rate through the G-tubes. 3D-printed devices were used to assess the geometric parameters in a systematic manner. Commercial diets and Newtonian analog fluids with matched viscosities were used for testing. Results The flow path length of the "transition section" encompassing the standardized ISO 80369-3 connector in the new devices was found to cause reduced flow. Additionally, results showed that a shortened (≤ 10 mm) transition section, along with a 10% increase in the distal inner diameter of large bore devices (e.g., 24 Fr), can restore flow rates to levels consistent with the previous devices prior to the connector standardization. Conclusions The strategy for restoring flow rates to previous levels may help alleviate concerns raised by multiple stakeholders such as health care professionals, patients, caregivers and device manufacturers. In addition, the approach proposed here can be used as a tool for designing future G-tube devices.
Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery in the Elderly

The management of benign and malignant disease of the liver, pancreas, and biliary tree is challenging and requires a highly specialized team of physicians to achieve optimal outcomes. While there are acceptable nonsurgical options for some benign conditions, surgery remains the only curative option for malignant disease of the liver, pancreas, and biliary tree. Furthermore, as the population ages, the incidence of these malignancies increases, putting more demand on surgeons to perform very complex operations on elderly and, many times, frail patients. Therefore, it is incumbent for the surgeon to have a thorough knowledge of the natural history of these disease processes, as well as the patient’s ability to get through an enormous operation. Hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery can be performed safely in the elderly but requires optimal preoperative preparation, meticulous surgical technique, and intensive postoperative management.
British Music After Britten: by Arnold Whittall (Aldeburgh Studies in Music, v. 14), Woodbridge, Suffolk, Boydell Press, 2020, 338 pp., $115.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-7832-7497-0

Arnold Whittall is, with good reason, a go-to scholar for contemporary British music, with an encyclopedic knowledge of British musical modernism and postmodernism. Consequently, I was surprised by...
Invited) Solid Electrolytes As Thermally Activated Ionic Switches

Inorganic solid electrolytes are naturally less ionically conductive at room temperature than at elevated temperatures where they can be superionic. This intrinsic Arrhenius-type behavior is useful for niche applications that require a thermally activated switch, for example in batteries with long room temperature storage lifetimes, geothermal batteries, or novel circuits. We seek electrochemically stable materials with poor room temperature ionic conductivities and high activation energies, starting with the lithium-stuffed garnet class of solid electrolytes (Li5+xM3N2O12+0.5x). To efficiently identify attractive dopants, we seeded a machine learning algorithm with attributes published in the available literature. This approach confirmed the lithium concentration and dopant electronegativities are important parameters in materials design. We then have explored these predicted relationships through garnet materials synthesis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements up to 400 oC.Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA-0003525.
Membrane Protein Quality Control Mechanisms in the Endo-Lysosome System

Protein quality control (PQC) machineries play a critical role in selective identification and removal of mistargeted, misfolded, and aberrant proteins. This task is extremely complicated due to the enormous diversity of the proteome. It also requires nuanced and careful differentiation between 'normal' and 'folding intermediates' from 'abnormal' and 'misfolded' protein states. Multiple genetic and proteomic approaches have started to delineate the molecular underpinnings of how these machineries recognize their target and how their activity is regulated. In this review, we summarize our understanding of the various E3 ubiquitin ligases and associated machinery that mediate PQC in the endo-lysosome system in yeast and humans, how they are regulated, and mechanisms of target selection, with the intent of guiding future research in this area.
Participatory Research for Environmental Justice: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis.

Background: Environmental health risks are disproportionately colocated with communities in poverty and communities of color. In some cases, participatory research projects have effectively address...
Low duty cycle pulse trains for exchange rate insensitive chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI.

PURPOSE To introduce and validate a pulse scheme that uses low duty cycle trains of π-pulses to achieve saturation that is relatively insensitive to exchange rate yet linearly dependent on labile proton concentration. METHODS Simulations were performed to explore the exchange rate sensitivity of π-pulse trains and continuous wave chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) signals. Creatine phantoms with varying pH and varying concentrations were imaged to demonstrate pH insensitivity and concentration dependence of low duty cycle π-pulse saturation. RESULTS Simulations show decreasing the duty cycle of π-pulse saturation decreases peak sensitivity to exchange rate, and this range of insensitivity can be tuned to different exchange rates through average B1 power. The range of insensitivity is unaffected by changes in relaxation and magnetization transfer, while the sensitivity of CEST signal maintains linear dependence on labile proton concentration. Under B1,avg = 0.48 μT, 30 mM creatine with pHs ranging between 6.36 and 8.21 exhibited CEST contrast ranging between ~6 and 11% under continuous wave and ~4% across all pHs using 10% duty cycle π-pulses. Imaging these phantoms using duty cycles of 5, 10, 25, and 50% showed decreasing pH sensitivity with decreased duty cycle. Creatine phantoms with varied concentrations and pHs reveal that π-pulse train saturation exhibited stricter correlation to concentration at lower DCs. CONCLUSION Low DC π-pulse train is an easy-to-implement way of providing labile proton concentration-dependent CEST MRI signal that is insensitive to exchange rate. This approach can be useful in studies where a change of chemical exchange rate may interfere with accurate assessments of physiology or pathology.
Pediatric pedicle screw (In)accuracy based on postoperative computed tomography

Though pedicle screws are widely used in spinal stabilization, studies evaluating the variables affecting placement accuracy and effects of accuracy on outcome are limited. Using computed tomography (CT), we evaluated the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in pediatric and transitional patient populations. We evaluated screw placement in a series of 276 thoracic, lumbar, and sacral pedicle screws implanted in 41 patients with the assistance of fluoroscopy by a single surgeon at a single institution from September 1, 2007 to December 31, 2012. Postoperative CT was performed and each screw was graded based on relation to neurologic, osseous, and intra thoracic and intra-abdominal landmarks by an independent neuro radiologist: Grade I, entirely intra pedicular; Grade II, violates lateral pedicle but screw tip entirely within the vertebral body; Grade III, tip penetrates the anterior or lateral vertebral body; Grade IV, breaches medial or inferior pedicle; and Grade V, violates pedicle or vertebral body and threatens spinal cord, nerve root, or great vessels, requires immediate revision or removal. The accuracy rate (Grades I and II) was lower than expected (76.8%). Screw misplacements (Grades III, IV, and V) were numerous (23.2%), although the overall complication rate remained low. There was no statistically significant difference in pedicle screw accuracy as a function of surgeon experience, patient age, or patient diagnosis. This suggests the need for advanced intraoperative imaging, such as neuronavigation or CT, to aid placement of spinal instrumentation in the pediatric and transitional patient population. While postoperative CT should be considered gold standard for evaluating pedicle screw placement, further study is warranted to evaluate overall accuracy and assess the need for more extensive intraoperative imaging to improve accuracy.
The Effects of Television on Children: What the Experts Believe

A national survey of mass media scholars was conducted to answer the question, "What impact do you believe television has on children? The 486 scholars' beliefs are provocative, indicate a disparity exists between published empirical reports and the personal beliefs held by scholars and suggests a research agenda for future mass communication research. Perhaps most interestingly, a negative relationship was observed between academic publication and perceived negative consequences of television.
Ultra high-bit-rate soliton communication systems using dispersion decreasing fibers and parametric amplifiers

Summary form only given. We evaluate the maximum bit rates achievable in communication links made by using dispersion-varying fibers and parametric amplifiers by fixing the total allowed shift of group-velocity dispersion (GVD) per stage at -0.02 ps/sup 2//km. Variation of GVD beyond this value results in distortion of the solitons. The optical phase conjugation occurring within the parametric amplifiers prevents the collision of soliton by periodically inverting their relative motion.
The Supervised Learning No-Free-Lunch Theorems

This paper reviews the supervised learning versions of the no-free-lunch theorems in a simplified form. It also discusses the significance of those theorems, and their relation to other aspects of supervised learning.
Uncommon applications of deep brain stimulation in hyperkinetic movement disorders.

Background : In addition to the established indications of tremor and dystonia, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been utilized less commonly for several hyperkinetic movement disorders, including medication-refractory myoclonus, ballism, chorea, and Gilles de la Tourette (GTS) and tardive syndromes. Given the lack of adequate controlled trials, it is difficult to translate published reports into clinical use. We summarize the literature, draw conclusions regarding efficacy when possible, and highlight concerns and areas for future study. Methods : A Pubmed search was performed for English-language articles between January 1980 and June 2014. Studies were selected if they focused primarily on DBS to treat the conditions of focus. Results : We identified 49 cases of DBS for myoclonus-dystonia, 21 for Huntington's disease, 15 for choreacanthocytosis, 129 for GTS, and 73 for tardive syndromes. Bilateral globus pallidus interna (GPi) DBS was the most frequently utilized procedure for all conditions except GTS, in which medial thalamic DBS was more common. While the majority of cases demonstrate some improvement, there are also reports of no improvement or even worsening of symptoms in each condition. The few studies including functional or quality of life outcomes suggest benefit. A limited number of studies included blinded on/off testing. There have been two double-blind controlled trials performed in GTS and a single prospective double-blind, uncontrolled trial in tardive syndromes. Patient characteristics, surgical target, stimulation parameters, and duration of follow-up varied among studies. Discussion : Despite these extensive limitations, the literature overall supports the efficacy of DBS in these conditions, in particular GTS and tardive syndromes. For other conditions, the preliminary evidence from small studies is promising and encourages further study.
Demonstration of Infectious Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Transformed Cells I. Recovery of Simian Virus 40 from Yielder and Nonyielder Transformed Cells

Abstract Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from virus-free simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed hamster, mouse, and monkey cells and was inoculated into simian cells in the presence of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-dextran; infectious SV40 was recovered by using DNA from cell lines which fail to yield virus by the fusion technique as well as from cell lines which readily yield virus by fusion. The rescued virus was identified as SV40 by three methods: (i) neutralization of plaque formation by specific antiserum; (ii) induction of synthesis of viral-specific antigens detected by immunofluorescence; and (iii) presence of papovavirus particles seen by the electron microscope. Treatment of the transformed cell DNA with deoxyribonuclease or omission of the DEAE-dextran prevented the rescue of virus. Large amounts of transformed cell DNA were required (>10 μg/culture of 106 cells) to effect rescue of SV40 by passage through monkey cells. A linear response was obtained between the input of DNA with inocula between 10 and 45 μg of DNA/culture and the yield of SV40 recovered. Biological activity was demonstrable irregularly when the transformed cell DNA was assayed directly in the presence of DEAE-dextran. The DNA induced plaque formation in about 50% of the trials as well as the synthesis of SV40 tumor and viral antigens in rare simian cells. The infectious DNA appeared to be associated with cellular DNA. The infectivity was found in the pellet of precipitated DNA obtained by the Hirt technique and was inactivated by boiling for 15 min. These properties are characteristic of linear cellular DNA and not of free, circular SV40 DNA.
Detecting color edges in the visible human dataset

The objective of this research is to provide a new model of color imagery which is metrically consistent and differentiable. The differential-geometric approach of the model is: coordinate consistent, metrically consistent and differentiable. None of the variety of color edge detection algorithms in the literature address the differential geometric aspect proposed in the paper.
Palmitate Activates the NF-κB Transcription Factor and Induces IL-6 and TNFα Expression in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Fatty acids and their metabolites regulate gene expression and immunological pathways. Furthermore, obese individuals frequently have increased circulating fatty acid concentrations, and localized inflammation in adipose tissue may facilitate the systemic inflammation associated with the insulin resistance of obesity. Although palmitate induces inflammation (i.e., activates proinflammatory pathways) in myotubes, the effects of fatty acids on inflammatory processes in adipocytes have not been established. Therefore, we examined the potential for palmitate, laurate, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to modulate inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Palmitate, but not DHA or laurate, induced nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)-driven luciferase activity and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression (P 0.05). However, the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, wortmannin, alone and additively with palmitate, activated the NF-kappaB reporter gene and induced IL-6 expression (P 0.05). These data indicate that palmitate induces inflammation in adipocytes, and that this is not a generalized effect of all SFA. Furthermore, PI3K may act constitutively to suppress inflammation. Consequently, inhibition of this enzyme may promote and exacerbate the inflammation in adipose tissue that is associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
Locke's reply to the skeptic

Given his representationalism how can Locke claim we have sensitive knowledge of the external world? We can see the skeptic as asking two different questions: how we can know the existence of external things, or more specifically how we can know inferentially of the existence of external things. Locke's account of sensitive knowledge, a form of non-inferential knowledge, answers the first question. All we can achieve by inference is highly probable judgment. Because Locke's theory of knowledge includes both first order psychological and second order normative conditions, sensitive knowledge can be non-inferential and less certain than intuitive and demonstrative knowledge.
Protein kinase A and C activities and endogenous substrates in ovine small and large luteal cells.

Protein kinase A (cAMP-dependent) and C (calcium, phospholipid-dependent) activities were measured and in vitro phosphorylation of endogenous proteins by these kinases were observed by SDS-PAGE in 100000 × g supernatant (soluble) fractions of ovine small (12–22 μm) and large (> 22 μm) luteal cells. No differences in stimulation (P 0.05) in large cells. By direct comparison, greater stimulation (P < 0.05) over basal of A versus C kinase (6.1- versus 2.9-fold) was measured in small cells. These stimulations were greater than those observed in large cells (A kinase, 4.8-fold; C kinase, 1.8-fold). Maximal specific activities of both kinases (per mg protein) were greater (P < 0.05) in small than in large cells. Endogenous proteins that could serve as substrates for phosphorylation by A and C kinases differed between small and large cells. Phosphorylation of six proteins by A kinase was consistently greater in small than in large cells. One endogenous protein (37 kDa) appeared to serve as a preferred substrate for phosphorylation by A kinase in small cells and C kinase in large cells. One protein (81 kDa) was predominantly phosphorylated in large rather than small cells by a calcium-dependent, C kinase-indepen- dent mechanism. These results support the accepted role of cAMP via A kinase and a possible role for C kinase in regulating Steroidogenesis in ovine small luteal cells. The inability of large cells to respond to cAMP with enhanced secretion of progesterone may be due to an unavailability of phosphoprotein substrates for A kinase. Furthermore, protein kinase C activity and available protein substrates display quantitative and qualitative differences between small and large cells. Differences in regulation of Steroidogenesis between the cell types may be due to these observed differences.
Teratologic and other embryotoxic effects of beta-aminopropionitrile in rats.

Increased resorption rates and decreased fetal weight were produced by intubating pregnant rats with various single (35001–4000 mg/kg) or multiple (2500–3000 mg/kg) doses of β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) during days 8–17 of gestation. The most embryotoxic gestational intervals were those that included day 15. Resorption (55% ) and ectocardia and/or gastroschisis (16%) resulted when 2500 mg/kg BAPN was administered on days 14–15, whereas no gross congenital malformations occurred when BAPN was administered before day 14. Higher doses of BAPN, such as 5000 m/kg, resulted mainly in fetal resorptions; 2500 mg/kg or greater on day 16 caused only cleft palate in most fetuses. Severe degrees of kyphoscoliosis, bony curvatures, and exostoses at muscleinsertion sites were observed when BAPN was given after day 16. The pathogenesis of these malformations is compatible with the known biochemical effect of BAPN — inhibition of crosslinking of both collagen and elastin — and in doing so: (a) could decrease the tensile strength of the anterior chest wall or abdominal wall to produce ectocardia and/or gastroschisis; (b) interfere with palate closure; and (c) produce osteolathyritic effects late in gestation which resemble the skeletal effects caused postnatally in young weanling animals given this agent.
Dinuclear ruthenium and iron complexes containing palladium and platinum with tri-tert-butylphosphine ligands: Synthesis, structures, and bonding

The reaction of Pd(PBu(t)(3))(2) with Ru(CO)(5) yielded the dipalladium-diruthenium cluster complex Ru(2)(CO)(9)[Pd(PBu(t)(3))](2), 10. The reaction of Pt(PBu(t)(3))(2) with Ru(CO)(5) at room temperature afforded the diplatinum-diruthenium cluster complex Ru(2)(CO)(9)[Pt(PBu(t)(3))](2), 12, and the monoplatinum-diruthenium cluster PtRu(2)(CO)(9)(PBu(t)(3)), 11. All three complexes contain a diruthenium group with bridging Pd(PBu(t)(3)) or Pt(PBu(t)(3)) groups. Compound 11 can be converted to 12 by reaction with an additional quantity of Pt(PBu(t)(3))(2). The reaction of 12 with hydrogen at 68 degrees C yielded the dihydrido complex Pt(2)Ru(2)(CO)(8)(PBu(t)(3))(2)(micro-H)(2), 13. This complex contains a Ru(2)Pt(2) cluster with hydride ligands bridging two of the Ru-Pt bonds. The reaction of Fe(2)(CO)(9) with Pt(PBu(t)(3))(2) yielded the platinum-diiron cluster complex PtFe(2)(CO)(9)(PBu(t)(3)), 14, which is analogous to 11. All new complexes were characterized crystallographically. Molecular orbital calculations of 10 reveal an unusual delocalized metal-metal bonding system involving the Pd(PBu(t)(3)) groups and the Ru(2)(CO)(9) group.
Differential membrane-binding and activation mechanisms of protein kinase C-α and -ε

To elucidate the mechanisms of membrane binding and activation of conventional and novel protein kinase C (PKC), we measured the interactions of rat PKC-alpha and -epsilon with phospholipid monolayers and vesicles of various compositions. Besides the established difference in calcium requirement, the two isoforms showed major differences in their membrane-binding and activation mechanisms. For PKC-alpha, diacylglycerol (DG) specifically enhanced the binding of PKC-alpha to phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing vesicles by 2 orders of magnitude, allowing PKC-alpha high specificity for PS. Also, PKC-alpha could penetrate into the phospholipid monolayer with a packing density comparable to that of the cell membrane only in the presence of Ca2+ and PS. When compared to PKC-alpha, PKC-epsilon had lower binding affinity for PS-containing vesicles both in the presence and in the absence of DG. As a result, PKC-epsilon did not show pronounced specificity for PS. Also, PKC-epsilon showed reduced penetration into PS-containing monolayers, which was comparable to the Ca2+-independent penetration of PKC-alpha into the same monolayers. Taken together, these results suggest the following: (1) The role of Ca2+ in the membrane binding of PKC-alpha is to expose a specific PS-binding site. (2) Once bound to membrane surfaces, PS specifically induces the partial membrane penetration of PKC-alpha that allows its optimal interactions with DG, hence the enhanced membrane binding and activation. (3) PKC-epsilon, due to the lack of Ca2+ binding, cannot specifically interact with PS and DG, which implies the presence of other physiological activator(s) for this isoform.
13C-Labeled N-Acetyl-neuraminic Acid in Aqueous Solution: Detection and Quantification of Acyclic Keto, Keto Hydrate, and Enol Forms by 13C NMR Spectroscopy

Aqueous solutions of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac, 1) labeled with 13C at C1, C2, and/or C3 were analyzed by 13C NMR spectroscopy to detect and quantitfy the acyclic forms (keto, keto hydrate, enol) present at varying pHs. In addition to pyranoses, solutions contained the keto form, based on the detection of C2 signals at ∼198 ppm (∼0.7% at pH 2). Spectra of [2-13C] and [3-13C] isotopomers contained signals arising from labeled carbons at ∼143 and ∼120 ppm, respectively, which were attributed to enol forms. Solution studies of [1,2,3-13C3]1 substantiated the presence of enol (∼0.5% at pH 2). Enol was not detected at pH > 6.0. A C2 signal observed at ∼94 ppm was identified as C2 of the keto hydrate (∼1.9% at pH 2), based partly on its abundance as a function of solution pH. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to study the effect of enol and hydrate structure on JCH and JCC values involving C2 and C3 of these forms. Solvated DFT calculations showed that 2JC2,H3 in cis and trans enols ...
Classical and quantum models of strong cosmic censorship

The cosmic censorship conjecture states that naked singularities should not evolve from regular initial conditions in general relativity. In its strong form the conjecture asserts that space-times with Cauchy horizons must always be unstable and thus that thegeneric solution of Einstein's equations must be inextendible beyond its maximal Cauchy development. In this paper we shall show that one can construct an infinite-dimensional family ofextendible cosmological solutions similar to Taub-NUT space-time. However, we shall also show that each of these solutions is unstable in precisely the way demanded by strong cosmic censorship. Finally we show that quantum fluctuations in the metric always provide (though in an unexpectedly subtle way) the “generic perturbations” which destroy the Cauchy horizons in these models.
Myosin Heavy Chain Isoforms Influence the Magnitude of Stretch Activation in Drosophila Muscles

The stretch activation (SA) mechanism, a general property of all muscle types, is most prominent in muscles that generate power through cyclical contractions, such as insect indirect flight muscles (IFM) and vertebrate cardiac muscles. SA is defined as phase 3, a delayed tension increase, of the tension transient following a muscle stretch. We are testing our hypothesis that myosin heavy chain isoforms help set SA magnitude and hence power generating ability in different muscle types. The Drosophila thorax contains two muscle types, IFMs and jump muscles. In IFMs, the magnitude of SA is great enough to enable net positive power generation when it is fully calcium activated. In contrast, jump muscles display very little stretch activation and cannot generate net positive power when fully activated. We found that when an embryonic myosin isoform (EMB) is transgenically expressed in the jump muscle, the muscle is transformed and behaves like a moderately stretch-activatable muscle. The transformed muscle can now generate positive power and SA magnitude is increased by ∼60% at 0mM Pi and ∼350% at 16mM Pi. This shows that SA magnitude is influenced by myosin isoforms. We found that power generation is [Pi] dependent as ≥ 2mM Pi is required for power production in jump muscles expressing the EMB isoform. Expressing the IFM isoform in jump muscles did not enable positive power generation or increase SA magnitude. To further test our hypothesis, we are expressing the jump myosin isoform in IFMs to determine if this reduces IFM SA magnitude. We conclude that myosin isoforms can influence the magnitude of SA, but are not the only mechanism responsible for natural differences in SA magnitude.
A comparison of a spectrophotometric and the silver salt titration methods for the determination of theophylline in various pharmaceuticals.

A method is described for the spectrophotometric determination of theophylline in powders, injections, capsules, tablets, and suppositories. The method is based on the absorption of theophylline in 0.1 N hydrochloric acid solution at 270 mμ. The results obtained by the spearophotometric method maintain or improve the precision and accuracy of the results obtained by the silver salt titration method performed on the same pharmaceuticals.
A Novel, Safe, and Environmentally Friendly Technology for Water Production Through Recovery of Rejected Thermal Energy From Nuclear Power Plants

In this work, we describe a novel design that utilizes seawater and a portion of rejected heat from a nuclear plant’s steam cycle to operate a water desalination system using forward osmosis technology. Water produced from this process is of sufficient quality to be readily used to supply plant demands for continuous makeup water. The proposed process minimizes the environmental concerns associated with thermal pollution of public waters and the resulting adverse impact on marine ecology. To demonstrate the technical feasibility of this conceptual design of a water treatment process, we discuss a case study as an example to describe how the proposed design can be implemented in a nuclear power station with a once–through cooling system that discharges rejected heat to an open sound seawater as its ultimate heat sink. In this case study, the station uses a leased (vendor owned and operated) onsite water treatment system that demineralizes and polishes up to 500-gpm of city water (at 100 ppm TDS) to supply high-quality makeup water (< 0.01 ppm TDS) to the plant steam system. The objectives of implementing the new design are three fold: 1) forego current practice of using city water as the source of plant makeup water, thereby reducing the nuclear station’s impact on the region’s potable water supply by roughly 100 million gallons/year, 2) minimize the adverse impact of discharging rejected heat into the open sound seawater and, hence, protect the marine ecology, and 3) eliminate the reliance on external vendor that owns and operates the onsite water treatment system, thereby saving an annual fixed cost of $600K plus 6 cents per 1,000 gallons of pure water. The design will also eliminate the need for using two double-path reverse osmosis (RO) units that consume 425 kW/h of electric power to operate two RO pumps (480V, 281.6 HP, and 317.4 amps).Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Morphology and kinetics of the hamster sperm acrosome reaction

The morphology and kinetics of the normal acrosome reaction were examined in vitro using hamster sperm incubated in detoxified sera. The reaction involved either swelling and elevation or crenulation and fragmentation of the acrosomal cap. Swelling and elevation occurred during both normal and degenerative reactions, as reported by others. Crenulation with subsequent fragmentation of the cap was observed during normal reactions. Early crenulation of the acrosome could be induced by cold shock (5 degrees C, 25 minutes), but this did not decrease the incubation time required (at 37 degrees C) for completion of the normal reaction. In appropriate sera, the occurrence of normal and degenerative acrosome reactions in motile sperm was significantly separated in time to study the reactions independently. The duration of the normal reaction, i.e., the time between the first morphological change in the acrosome (initiation)until the actual detachment of the cap (termination) was estimated to be 20 minutes. Saline dilution of these sera delayed initiation of the reaction and increased the duration of the reaction once it had started. Data from cold-shock and serum dilution experiments indicate that the mechanisms which govern the initiation and termination of the normal reaction are independently variable, and further suggest that initiation involves a change in membrane permeability and that termination includes membrane vesiculation.
Determination of Surface Thickness Assuming a Linear-Density Profile

Assuming a one-parameter model for the two-particle distribution function of a surface, one can choose a value of the "width parameter" to yield a correct surface tension. In order to then identify the width of the surface layer with the value of the width parameter, as is often done, one can check the validity of the model by verifying that other properties (e.g., surface energy) are correctly calculated, or, as proposed herein, by demonstrating that different formulas for the surface tension give identical results. A new formula is derived, and the relation between the different formulas discussed. Calculations are performed for the Ar system. For the model used, no choice of the parameter can yield identical results for both ways of calculating surface tension. This points to problems in the interpretation of the width parameter. Misleading results may be obtained if one- and two-particle distributions not related by the Born-Green-Yvon equation are used together.
Modulation of delta opioid-evoked hypothermia in rats by WAY 100635 and fluoxetine

Delta opioid receptor and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) interactions in rats were investigated using the endpoint of hypothermia. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of SNC-80, a delta opioid agonist (35 mg/kg, i.p.), produced a significant hypothermia. For combined administration, SNC-80-evoked hypothermia was (1) abolished by pre-treatment with naltrindole (5 mg/kg, i.p.); (2) attenuated by pre-treatment with WAY 100635 (1 mg/kg, s.c.), a 5-HT1A antagonist; and (3) enhanced by pre-treatment with non-hypothermic doses of fluoxetine (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.). The present data reveal that 5-HT1A receptor activation mediates a significant proportion of the hypothermic response to delta opioid receptor activation and that a 5-HT uptake blockade potentiates delta receptor-induced hypothermia.
p38 protects human melanoma cells from UV-induced apoptosis through down-regulation of NF-κB activity and Fas expression

p38 protects human melanoma cells from UV-induced apoptosis through down-regulation of NF-κB activity and Fas expression
Elastic limit of silicane

Silicane is a fully hydrogenated silicene–a counterpart of graphene–having promising applications in hydrogen storage with capacities larger than 6 wt%. Knowledge of its elastic limit is critical in its applications as well as tailoring its electronic properties by strain. Here we investigate the mechanical response of silicane to various strains using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. We illustrate that non-linear elastic behavior is prominent in two-dimensional nanomaterials as opposed to bulk materials. The elastic limits defined by ultimate tensile strains are 0.22, 0.28, and 0.25 along armchair, zigzag, and biaxial directions, respectively, an increase of 29%, 33%, and 24% respectively in reference to silicene. The in-plane stiffness and Poisson ratio are reduced by a factor of 16% and 26%, respectively. However, hydrogenation/dehydrogenation has little effect on its ultimate tensile strengths. We obtained high order elastic constants for a rigorous continuum description of the nonlinear elastic response. The limitation of second, third, fourth, and fifth order elastic constants are in the strain range of 0.02, 0.08, and 0.13, and 0.21, respectively. The pressure effect on the second order elastic constants and Poisson's ratio were predicted from the third order elastic constants. Our results could provide a safe guide for promising applications and strain-engineering the functions and properties of silicane monolayers.
Quantum field theories in classical spacetimes and particles

Abstract According to a Received View, relativistic quantum field theories (RQFTs) do not admit particle interpretations. This view requires that particles be localizable and countable, and that these characteristics be given mathematical expression in the forms of local and unique total number operators. Various results (the Reeh-Schlieder theorem, the Unruh Effect, Haag's theorem) then indicate that formulations of RQFTs do not support such operators. These results, however, do not hold for non-relativistic QFTs. I argue that this is due to the absolute structure of the classical spacetimes associated with such theories. This suggests that the intuitions that underlie the Received View's choice of mathematical representations of localizability and countability are non-relativistic. Thus, to the extent that such intuitions are inappropriate in the relativistic context, they should be abandoned when it comes to interpreting RQFTs.
Multiattribute utility analysis with imprecise information : an enhanced decision support technique for the evaluation of electric generation expansion strategies

Multiattribute decision making (MADM) methods have been widely used in electric utility decision problems. This paper presents an enhanced MADM method to support the evaluation of electric generation expansion strategies. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is incorporated into the construction procedure of linear additive utility models to facilitate the process of eliciting single utility functions and weighting parameters. The composite utility variances are estimated accounting for individual errors from inaccurate attribute measurements and inconsistent subjective judgments. To support the decision analysis with imprecise information, an appropriate confidence interval is defined to determine the likely range of estimated utility values. Such practice could help the decision maker gain insight into how the imprecise data may affect their choice toward the best solution and how a set of acceptable alternatives may be identified.
Computerizing productivity measurement for service installation companies

Abstract Due to the uniqueness of the service sector, attempts to directly apply manufacturing sector productivity measurement models to the service sector meet with difficulty. The major difficulty lies in the definition of output. However, with a step by step computer program, the determination of output along with productivity measurement for Service Installation Companies (SIC) can become a quick and simple process. The computer program prompts the user to input data for the base year along with the comparison year and computes the final productivity for each year. Productivity measurement can then be used as a valuable tool in the overall improvement of the utilization of inputs and outputs for Service Installation Companies. This paper aims at providing a method of productivity measurement for SIC. This approach will guide the user of the program on how to obtain the necessary company data, and implement the program in order to obtain a final productivity measurement for SIC. The information and data used for this research are based on a productivity study conducted in an Air Conditioning & Heating Installation Company. The flexibility of the computer program allows for applications to many types of Service Installation Companies. It is expected that this research will breach the gap that presently exists in the adaption of manufacturing sector models to service sectors, with computational enhancement provided through a computer software.
GSTARS computer models and their applications, part I: theoretical development

Abstract GSTARS is a series of computer models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for alluvial river and reservoir sedimentation studies while the authors were employed by that agency. The first version of GSTARS was released in 1986 using Fortran IV for mainframe computers. GSTARS 2.0 was released in 1998 for personal computer application with most of the code in the original GSTARS revised, improved, and expanded using Fortran IV/77. GSTARS 2.1 is an improved and revised GSTARS 2.0 with graphical user interface. The unique features of all GSTARS models are the conjunctive use of the stream tube concept and of the minimum stream power theory. The application of minimum stream power theory allows the determination of optimum channel geometry with variable channel width and cross-sectional shape. The use of the stream tube concept enables the simulation of river hydraulics using one-dimensional numerical solutions to obtain a semi-two- dimensional presentation of the hydraulic conditions along and across an alluvial channel. According to the stream tube concept, no water or sediment particles can cross the walls of stream tubes, which is valid for many natural rivers. At and near sharp bends, however, sediment particles may cross the boundaries of stream tubes. GSTARS3, based on FORTRAN 90/95, addresses this phenomenon and further expands the capabilities of GSTARS 2.1 for cohesive and non-cohesive sediment transport in rivers and reservoirs. This paper presents the concepts, methods, and techniques used to develop the GSTARS series of computer models, especially GSTARS3.
A systems approach to evaluating the impact of technician training

Performance technologists have known for years how to measure the performance of individuals in semiconductor manufacturing fabs. The ability to measure this performance allows them to evaluate the impact of the training and performance interventions they prescribe to resolve performance problems. Unfortunately this ability has not existed due to limitations in existing manufacturing execution systems and the ability to modify these systems has been out of their sphere of influence. Intel's introduction of a new MES and its stated goal of greatly increasing the automation level of its new 300 mm fabs provided an opportunity for a team to incorporate the changes in the automation systems and database schema to allow such a system to be built. This paper outlines the design specifications and rationale for such a system
Analytical determination of the complex dielectric function of an absorbing medium from two angles of incidence of minimum parallel reflectance

The real and imaginary parts of the complex dielectric function (or complex refractive index) of an opaque substrate or a thick film can be determined from two pseudo-Brewster angles measured in two transparent incidence media of different refractive indices. This two-angle method is simple in that it involves no photometric or polarimetric analysis and in that the solution for the optical properties in terms of the measured angles is explicit, analytical, and direct (i.e. noniterative). The two-angle method is demonstrated for an opaque TiN film on a Cleartran ZnS substrate as a specific example. The effect of angle-of-incidence errors on the determination of the optical properties is investigated, and the domain of applicability of this new and interesting method is also delineated.
Extracting displacement data from coregistered ultrasound for brain modeling

Image guided neurosurgery systems rely on rigid registration of the brain to preoperative images, not taking into account the displacement of brain tissue during surgery. Co-registered ultrasound appears to be a promising means of detecting tissue shift in the operating room. Although the use of ultrasound images alone may be insufficient for adequately describing intraoperative brain deformation, they could be used in conjunction with a computational model to predict full volume deformation. We rigorously test the assumption that co-registered ultrasound is an accurate source of sparse displacement data. Our co-registered ultrasound system is studied in both clinical applications as well as in a series of porcine experiments. Qualitative analysis of patient data indicates that ultrasound correctly depicts displaced tissue. The porcine studies demonstrate that features from co-registered ultrasound and CT or MR images are properly aligned to within approximately 1.7 mm. Tissue tracking in pigs suggests that the magnitude of displaced tissue may be more accurately predicted than the actual location of features. We conclude that co-registered ultrasound is capable of detecting brain tissue shift, and that incorporating displacement data into computational model appears feasible.
Thermodynamics of the solid solutions of mercury in silver and gold

Abstract Thermodynamic properties of the silver-mercury and gold-mercury f.c.c. solid solutions have been determined using an isopiestic technique, the equilibrium compositions of the alloys being mainly obtained by X-ray analysis. Dilute solutions in the two systems have similar entropies and may be “regular”. Excess entropies occur in the mercury-rich gold-mercury solutions. Integral heats of solution for the gold-mercury system are parabolically related to composition throughout the solid solution range, but for silver-mercury alloys the relationship is more complicated, as shown by the partial heat curves. Partial heats of solution of liquid mercury in solid silver and gold at infinite dilution are −4.05 and − 2.19 kcal/g atom, respectively. The magnitudes of the heats of solution for silver-mercury and gold-mercury are discussed and compared with those in closely related systems. The present data are used to evaluate conflicting results regarding the position of the solidus in the silver-mercury equilibrium diagram.