cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New methods for detection, analysis, and isolation of rare cell populations

New methods for flow cytometric detection, analysis and cell sorting of rare (< 0.001 percent) cell subpopulations have been developed. A 2-stage system of high-speed cell (and data) classification (U.S. Patent 5,204,884) allows first-stage cell classifications and error- checking at rates in excess of 100 000 cells/sec. Multi-queuing, secondary-stage electronic processing on the basis of up to 11 parameters, including mathematical functions such as principal components calculated in real-time using lookup tables, allows for reduction of false- positive cells multiply-labeled with positive- and negative-selection fluorescent markers. This has allowed detection of rare cell subpopulations with frequencies below 10-6. Special `flexible sorting' hardware and software (U.S. Patent 5,199,576) permits sorting of cell subpopulations on the basis of mathematical algorithms which are not limited to conventional rectilinear or bitmap sort boundaries. Both high-speed enrichment sorting of live cells and high-resolution sorting for single-cell molecular characterizations are supported. New sampling statistics software allows for prediction of required sorting times for rare cell subpopulations. Home-built `bridging' software facilitates analysis of rare cells by a number of home-built (e.g. PC/Biplot) and commercial software packages (e.g. S-Plus for Windows). 3D stereo visualization and interactive software provide viewing of three raw and/or mathematically transformed or constructed data parameters, to aid in subsequent selection of optimal sort criteria. Special software has been developed for improved data analysis and selection of sort boundaries through the use of cell classification-tagged listmode data mixtures. This permits comparison of different classification algorithms (e.g. cluster analysis, neural networks, or recursive partitioning) for rare cells.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Temporal Fairness of Round Robin: Competitive Analysis for Lk-norms of Flow Time

Fairness is an important criterion considered in scheduling together with overall job latency. Round Robin is a popular scheduling policy that distributes resources to jobs equally at any point in time guaranteeing instantaneous fairness of jobs. In this paper we give the first analysis of Round Robin for the L_2-norm of flow time and show that it is O(1)-speed O(1)-competitive on multiple machines. The L_2-norm is a popular scheduling objective that makes a natural balance between temporal fairness and jobs latency. Prior to our work, Round Robin has not been analyzed for the L_2-norm even in the single machine setting. Our result establishes that Round Robin is fair not only instantaneously but also temporarily.
Ecocriticism in an Age of Terror

In his article "Ecocriticism in an Age of Terror" Simon C. Estok argues that we cannot ignore the context of terror in and through which ecocriticism works and that the relationships between the imagining of terror on the one hand and the conceptualizing of hostile environments on the other is in very serious need of critical analysis. Changes in how we think about nature are also long overdue, as are changes in how we think about doing ecocriticism. Working toward these changes now in our scholarship will take us leaps and bounds closer to the activist intervention about which ecocriticism has always fantasized. The contexts through which ecocriticism work today are much different than they were twenty years ago when ecocriticism made its entrance with such anticipation, hope, naivete, and optimism. To mainstream ecocritics, theory was out, mimetic realism was in, and the future looked bright and restorable. The anti-climax with which the twentieth century rolled into the twenty-first was only outdone by the terror that blindsided the world and has grown like a cancer to involve many an unwitting accomplice. The "theory" that exploded onto the ecocritical scene in 2009 and brought us the term ecophobia has also radically altered things. Simon C. Estok, "Ecocriticism in an Age of Terror" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 15.1 (2013):
Thermal response patterns of septal and preoptic neurons in cats.

The thermosensitivities of preoptic and septal neurons were studied in Urethan-anesthetized or decerebrated cats. Local brain temperature was varied over an 8 C range using water-perfused thermodes while single unit activity was recorded with steel microelectrodes. The thermosensitivities of neurons showing a smooth, continuous relationship of firing rate to temperature were characterized by their Q10. The slopes of the thermal response curves for all such units were positive. The Q101 and Q102 units were distributed widely through the septum and preoptic area, and are assumed to be unspecialized in their thermosensitivity. Units with Q10 > 2 were localized in the dorsal preoptic area and ventral septum, and are considered to be the central thermosensors responsible for monitoring brain or core temperature. The Q101 units showed a marked decrease in firing rate or a change in response pattern following injection of barbiturate (Methohexital Sodium, “Brevital”), while units of Q102 or greater were relatively insensitive to anesthetic depression. Another class of responses was characterized by a sharp change in slope of the thermal response curve at some set temperature. Both units which fired at higher rates when cooled and units with higher firing rates when warm were found. These were distributed through the septum and rostral preoptic area. Units with this type of response were very sensitive to barbiturate anesthetic. Based on their thermoresponsiveness, distribution, and anesthetic sensitivity they are considered to be interneurons in the thermoregulatory pathways. In a given preparation, whether anesthetized or decerebrated, several of these classes of response could be recorded, although all were not obtained from any one animal.
A Comparative Analysis of Male and Female Managerial Communication Style in Two Organizations.

Abstract This study addresses the question: Do male and female managers demonstrate a significantly different communication style with subordinates in staff meetings? A category system was developed for coding communicative behaviors as components of communication style. Audio-recordings of staff meetings conducted by male or female managers in a social service agency and bank branch offices were content analyzed using the category system. Chi-square analyses were used to test for differences between male and female managerial communication style. In addition, managers were administered the Bem Sex Role Inventory to assess their perceived sex type. The results of the study indicated that male and female managers in both organizations demonstrated a similar communication style in their staff meetings. Moreover, they indicated a similar “masculine” perception of themselves as managers on the BSRI. Implications for organizational researchers and managers are drawn.
Chiton integument: Ultrastructure of the sensory hairs of Mopalia muscosa (Mollusca: Polyplacophora)

The dorsal integument of the girdle of the chiton Mopalia muscosa is covered by a chitinous cuticle about 0.1 mm in thickness. Within the cuticle are fusiform spicules composed of a central mass of pigment granules surrounded by a layer of calcium carbonate crystals. Tapered, curved chitinous hairs with a groove on the mesial surface pass through the cuticle and protrude above the surface. The spicules are produced by specialized groups of epidermal cells called spiniferous papillae and the hairs are produced by trichogenous papillae. Processes of pigment cells containing green granules are scattered among the cells of each type of papilla and among the common epidermal cells. The wall or cortex of each hair is composed of two layers. The cortex surrounds a central medulla that contains matrix material of low density and from 1 to 20 axial bundles of dendrites. The number of bundles within the medulla varies with the size of the hair. Each bundle contains from 1 to 25 dendrites ensheathed by processes of supporting cells. The dendrites and supporting sheath arise from epidermal cells of the central part of the papilla. At the base of each trichogenous papilla are several nerves that pass into the dermis. Two questions remain unresolved. The function of the hairs is unknown, and we have not determined whether the sensory cells are primary sensory neurons or secondary sensory cells.
Nonlinear ir properties of an LO phonon in thin KRe O 4 films

Nonlinear ir absorption has been measured in an LO phonon in thin KRe${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ films at room temperature. The excited-state lifetime is at least two orders of magnitude longer than that observed for the corresponding single-ion vibrational mode in matrix-isolated Re${\mathrm{O}}_{4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. We attribute the long lifetime to the restrictions imposed by phonon momentum conservation within the film.
The chemistry of functionalised N-heterocyclic carbenes

This tutorial review presents the synthesis, chemistry and applications of functionalised N-heterocyclic carbenes NHC and their transition metal complexes. Functionalised NHC comprise those carrying a phosphino-, amino-, imino- or oxygen-containing functionality on the imidazole sidechain. Main applications have been the modification of catalysts and their immobilisation by fixation on a polymeric support using the functional group. Whereas the functionalisation of the NHC has not improved their performance in catalysis, new developments have occurred in the use of imidazole-containing biomolecules such as L-histidine or caffeine as precursors for NHC.
Sensitivity Enhancement System for Pulse Compression Weather Radar

AbstractThe use of low-power solid-state transmitters in weather radar to keep costs down requires a pulse compression technique that maintains an adequate minimum detectable signal. However, wideband pulse compression filters will partly reduce the system’s sensitivity performance. In this paper, a sensitivity enhancement system (SES) for pulse compression weather radar is developed to mitigate this issue. SES uses a dual-waveform transmission scheme and an adaptive pulse compression filter. The waveforms’ diversity can be done in the frequency domain or the time domain. The adaptive filter is designed based on the self-consistency between signal returns from the two waveforms. Analysis based on radar-simulated data and observations from NASA’s dual-frequency dual-polarized Doppler radar (D3R) shows that by using SES, the system sensitivity can be improved by 7–10 dB when compared to that of the conventional matched filter.
Structure of 22 Mg and its implications for explosive nucleosynthesis

The locations of ${}^{18}\mathrm{Ne}+\ensuremath{\alpha}$ resonances have been measured as excited states in ${}^{22}\mathrm{Mg}$ using the ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}{(}^{16}\mathrm{O}{,}^{6}\mathrm{He}{)}^{22}\mathrm{Mg}$ reaction. Eighteen new levels were discovered in the range $0l~{E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}l~3\mathrm{MeV}$ above the ${}^{18}\mathrm{Ne}+\ensuremath{\alpha}$ threshold. The ${}^{18}\mathrm{Ne}(\ensuremath{\alpha}{,p)}^{21}\mathrm{Na}$ reaction rate in the temperature range $0.2l~Tl~1.0\mathrm{GK}$ has been calculated using the results from the present measurements, and the implications for nuclear burning in explosive stellar scenarios are discussed. This study also yielded energy-level information on low-lying ${}^{21}\mathrm{Na}+p$ resonances of importance to the ${}^{21}\mathrm{Na}(p,\ensuremath{\gamma}{)}^{22}\mathrm{Mg}$ reaction, one of the key links in the NeNa cycles in novae.
Ionizing radiation-induced foci persistence screen to discover enhancers of accelerated senescence.

Much like replicative senescence, the irreversible cell-cycle arrest induced by eroded telomeres, accelerated senescence occurs when replicative cells suffer irreparable DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Along with apoptosis and necrosis, senescence is a desirable outcome in cancer treatment with ionizing radiation (IR) or chemotherapy. In both normal and cancer cells, DSBs promote the assembly of IR-induced foci (IRIF), domains of modified chromatin that serve a key role in DNA damage signaling. IRIF persistence is a critical determinant of accelerated senescence, making drugs that promote persistent IRIF an attractive strategy to sensitize cancer to genotoxic therapy. As an IRIF reporter, we have expressed an inducible green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion to the IRIF-binding domain (IBD) of 53BP1 (GFP-IBD) in the breast cancer cell line MCF7. Within minutes of exposure to IR, the GFP-IBD relocalizes to form fluorescent nuclear foci, which disperse within several hours. A pair of high-content screening assays for IRIF formation and persistence were established in multiwell plates based on imaging and quantifying GFP-IBD foci per Hoechst-stained MCF7 nucleus at 2 hours and 24 hours. Using the ataxia telangiectasia-mutated inhibitor CGK733 to block IRIF formation and the topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide to prevent IRIF resolution, we obtained a Z′ >0.8 both for IRIF formation at 2 hours and IRIF persistence at 24 hours. Screening the diverse drugs and natural products in the National Cancer Institute Developmental Therapeutics Program Approved Oncology Drugs Set, the National Institutes of Health Clinical Collection, and the MicroSource Spectrum Collection yielded multiple hits that significantly delayed IRIF resolution. Secondary screening suggested some of these otherwise nontoxic drugs also enhance accelerated senescence, indicating strong potential for their repurposing as radiation sensitizers to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy.
Simultaneous detection of thiols and disulfides by capillary electrophoresis-electrochemical detection using a mixed-valence ruthenium cyanide-modified microelectrode

Thiols and disulfides are separated and detected by capillary electrophoresis-electrochemical detection using a mixed-valence ruthenium cyanide-modified microelectrode. A carbon fiber array microelectrode was employed to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. Detection limits for glutathione disulfide, cystine and homocystine were 2.5, 1.3 and 1.1 fmol, respectively. The response for cystine was linear over two orders of magnitude with a correlation coefficient of 0.992. The long-term stability and overall reproducibility of the electrode were investigated and found to be highly dependent on the cation concentration in the electrophoretic buffer. The selectivity of this technique for disulfides was demonstrated by the detection of cystine in the urine of a patient with kidney stones.
Senior centers and services for the frail elderly.

This article reviews and synthesizes the research on senior center programming and utilization relating to one important group of elders-the physically and mentally frail. It examines the thesis that senior centers do play an important role in providing programs for this population, especially given the resources available to them, and can be considered as part of the long-term care continuum. The article also identifies a number of barriers that limit how much most centers do in serving significant numbers of frail older persons.
Emerging post-CMOS switch options - a product reliability perspective

Sooner or later, CMOS Scaling will come to an end. What do we do next? A number of very different switches have been proposed as replacements, some of which in fact do not even use electron charge as the state variable. Instead, these switches pass tokens in the Spin, Excitonic, Photonic, magnetic, qubit, or heat domains. The emergent physical behaviors and idiosyncrasies of these novel switches can compliment the execution of specific task algorithms or workloads, and improve overall thru-put in high performance computing. They also present new reliability challenges and perils, however. This talk will describe some of these potential CMOS replacements, how they may be used in design, and the concerns they raise for those who manage product reliability.
Interferometric measurements of a dendritic growth front solutal diffusion layer

An experimental study was undertaken to measure solutal distributions in the diffusion layer produced during the vertical directional solidification (VDS) of an ammonium chloride - water (NH4Cl-H2O) solution. Interferometry was used to obtain concentration measurements in the 1-2 millimeter region defining the diffusion layer. These measurements were fitted to an exponential form to extract the characteristic diffusion parameter for various times after the start of solidification. The diffusion parameters are within the limits predicted by steady state theory and suggest that the effective solutal diffusivity is increasing as solidification progresses.
Revised Moche Chronology Based on Bayesian Models of Reliable Radiocarbon Dates

The Moche civilization of the north coast of Peru is thought to be the first state-level society in South America. Understanding of the emergence, spread, and decline of this society, however, has been based almost entirely on relative ceramic phases, rather than absolute dates. This article reevaluates Moche political dynamics and intersite affiliations using radiocarbon dates associated with diagnostic ceramic styles. The phases of ceramic styles at individual sites are estimated using Bayesian models of published 14C dates that have passed explicit selection criteria for reliability. The site-specific phases are incorporated into a regional chronology, which adds additional support to the idea that Moche was a collection of independent polities with complex and nuanced relationships. Based on absolute dates, Moche civilization appears to have spanned between cal AD 200-900, with a significant and socially meaningful increase in stylistic homogeneity between cal AD 600-650. The Moche civilization of the north coast of Peru is characterized by elaborately decorated temple complexes, wealthy elite burials, and exquisite ceramics found in over 10 valleys on the desert north coast of Peru. Although it is currently understood that the Moche inhabited this region between AD 1 and 800, these dates are based on relative dating techniques and have not been revised in the light of new radiocarbon evidence. This article presents Bayesian models of critically reviewed,
Conformational studies on aldonolactones by N.M.R. spectroscopy_ conformations of d-glucono-, d-mannono-, d-gulono- and d-galactono-1,4-lactone in solution☆☆☆

Abstract The conformations of d-glucono-, d-mannono-, d-gulono-, and d-galactono-1,4-lactone in solution were studied by 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The two equilibrating, envelope forms [3E(D) and E3(D)] of the lactone ring are weighted strongly in favor of the conformation having the OH-2 group quasiequatorially oriented, except for d-glucono-1,4-lactone. Side-chain CHOHCH2OH groups adopt orientations devoid of unfavorable, 1,3-parallel interactions of OH groups.
Attenuation distortion of transient signals in microstrip

Attenuation distortion, and combinations of dispersion and attenuation distortions, of transient signals in microstrip lines are investigated. Conduction losses are considered for the general case where the strip conductor resistivity is different from that of the ground plane. Dielectric losses are examined for commonly used isotropic substrates. Attenuation and dispersion distortions of short pulses are shown to vary as microstrip and pulse parameters are changed. >
Exocrine pancreas development in zebrafish

Although many of the genes that regulate development of the endocrine pancreas have been identified, comparatively little is known about how the exocrine pancreas forms. Previous studies have shown that exocrine pancreas development may be modeled in zebrafish. However, the timing and mechanism of acinar and ductal differentiation and morphogenesis have not been described. Here, we characterize zebrafish exocrine pancreas development in wild type and mutant larvae using histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses. These data allow us to identify two stages of zebrafish exocrine development. During the first stage, the exocrine anlage forms from rostral endodermal cells. During the second stage, protodifferentiated progenitor cells undergo terminal differentiation followed by acinar gland and duct morphogenesis. Immunohistochemical analyses support a model in which the intrapancreatic ductal system develops from progenitors that join to form a contiguous network rather than by branching morphogenesis of the pancreatic epithelium, as described for mammals. Contemporaneous appearance of acinar glands and ducts in developing larvae and their disruption in pancreatic mutants suggest that common molecular pathways may regulate gland and duct morphogenesis and differentiation of their constituent cells. By contrast, analyses of mind bomb mutants and jagged morpholino-injected larvae suggest that Notch signaling principally regulates ductal differentiation of bipotential exocrine progenitors.
ZK98299, a novel antiprogesterone that does not interact with chicken oviduct progesterone receptor

Steroid antagonists, at receptor level, are valuable tools for elucidating the mechanism of steroid hormone action. We have examined and compared the interaction of avian and mammalian progesterone receptors with progestins; progesterone and R5020, and a newly synthesized antiprogesterone ZK98299. In the chicken oviduct cytosol, [3H]R5020 binding to macromolecule(s) could be eliminated with prior incubation of cytosol with excess radioinert steroids progesterone or R5020 but not ZK98299. Alternatively, [3H]ZK98299 binding in the chicken oviduct was not abolished in the presence of excess progesterone, R5020, or ZK98299. In the calf uterine cytosol, [3H]R5020 or [3H]ZK98299 binding was competeable with progesterone, R5020 and ZK98299 but not estradiol, DHT or cortisol. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation and protein A-Sepharose adsorption analysis revealed that in the calf uterine cytosol, the [3H]R5020-receptor complexes were recognized by anti-progesterone receptor monoclonal antibody PR6. This antibody, however, did not recognize [3H]ZK98299-receptor complexes. When phosphorylation of progesterone receptor was attempted in the chicken oviduct mince, presence of progesterone resulted in an increased phosphorylation of the known components A (79 kDa) and B (110 kDa) receptor proteins. Presence of ZK98299 neither enhanced the extent of phosphorylation of A and B proteins nor did it reverse the progesterone-dependent increase in the phosphorylation. The avian progesterone receptor, therefore, has unique steroid binding site(s) that exclude(s) interaction with ZK98299. The lack of immunorecognition of calf uterine [3H]ZK98299-receptor complexes, suggests that ZK98299 is either interacting with macromolecule(s) other than the progesterone receptor or with another site on the same protein. Alternatively, the antisteroid binds to the R5020 binding site but the complex adopts a conformation that is not recognized by the PRG antibodies.
234U and238U concentration in brine from geopressured aquifers of the northern Gulf of Mexico basin

Abstract The 234 U and 238 U concentration in brine from six Gulf Coast geopressured aquifers has been determined. The results reveal very low uranium concentrations (from 0.003 to 0.03 μg/l) and uranium activity ratios slightly greater than unity (from 1.06 to 1.62). Reducing conditions within the aquifers are responsible for the low uranium concentrations. The uranium activity ratios observed are well below those calculated using theoretical considerations of alpha-particle recoil effects. This can be explained by interference with alpha-recoil nuclides entering the liquid phase as a result of quartz overgrowths on sand grains and high-temperature re-equilibration that tends to minimize the effects of the alpha-recoil process. The fact that the uranium activity ratios of the brines are slightly greater than unity instead of the equilibrium value of 1.000 indicates that either the alpha particle recoil blocking and re-equlibration effects are not complete or that another process is operative that enriches the fluid in excess 234 U by selectively removing uranium from radiation induced damage sites in the mineral (sand grain) matrix.
Supersonic Metal Clusters

Recent developments in laser and molecular beam technology have now made it possible to produce supersonic beams of metal clusters of virtually any metal in the periodic table. The availability of these clusters for study in the gas phase provides an opportunity to investigate in detail the physics and chemistry of economically important and scientifically interesting metal cluster species. Initially, studies have involved the investigation of the metal-metal bond in transition metal dimers, including Cr2, Mo2, V2, and Ni2 through resonant twophoton ionization spectroscopy. These studies have demonstrated the importance of 3d (and 4d) electrons in the metal-metal bond in Cr2, Mo2, and V2. A comparison of V2 and Cr2 illustrates the importance of the 3d contraction with increasing nuclear change, and this is found to be of central concern in Ni2, where no 3d contribution to the chemical bond is found. Finally, Cu3 is investigated, providing the first gas-phase spectrum of a triatomic transition metal cluster. Electronically, Cu3 is analogous to Na3 and other alkali trimers, so it is not surprising that the observed spectrum is best explained as arising from a Jahn-Teller distorted 2E' state (in D3h symmetry), as has been calculated for Li3. The observed transition in Cu3 is assigned to be 2E”2E', with both upper and lower states undergoing Jahn-Teller distortions.
Pearl Millet-soybean rotation and nitrogen fertilizer effects on millet productivity

Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] plays an important role as a staple food grain in many developing countries, but is relatively new to the Great Plains of the USA. This study was conducted for 2 yr to evaluate the effects of a preceding soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] crop and/or applied N fertilizer on pearl millet yield and N uptake, and to quantify the amount of residual soil NO 3 -N resulting from the cropping system. The experiment was conducted on a fine montmorillonitic, mesic, Typic Argiudoll soil at the University of Nebraska Research Center near Mead, NE. The experiment included three treatments consisting of 0, 45, and 90 kg N ha −1 applied to continuous pearl millet, and two treatments consisting of 0 and 45 kg N ha −1 applied to pearl millet following soybean [...]
Remembering Marian Tolpin

Iam honored to write about Marian Tolpin, who died on Tuesday, June 10 after some weeks at home in hospice care. She was so much a part of us for so many years it is hard to think that she is no lo...
The effects of copper and gold on the activity coefficient of zinc in dilute liquid zinc-tin alloys at 803K

Abstract Using the torsion-effusion technique, the effects of small additions of copper and gold on the activity coefficient of zinc in dilute, liquid zinc-tin alloys were studied. From this, the Wagner interaction parameters between zinc and copper and zinc and gold were determined, and the results were compared with the theoretical models of Alcock and Richardson.
Phase morphology of as‐molded and annealed blends of polyarylate/copolyester

The phase morphology of injection molded blends of polyarylate (PAR) and a copolyester (PCTG-5445) was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The use of ultramicrotomy to prepare ⋍ 50 nm thin section TEM specimens and solvent etching to dissolve the PAR phase revealed PCTG as the matrix phase in the as-molded state which crystallized into PCTG spherulites upon annealing. The most consistent morphological information vs. concentration of PCTG and the highest structural integrity of the PCTG spherulites was obtained from thin sections treated with a mixture of 75% methylene chloride as the solvent for the PAR and 25% 2-propanol as the nonreactive diluent. XRD results from the annealed PCTG/PAR blends show crystalline reflections of 0.59, 0.53, 0.46, 0.38, and 0.35 nm, which disappear into the amorphous background below 50% PCTG.
Optics of textured amorphous silicon surfaces

We have performed real time Stokes vector spectroscopy (also called polarimetry) during the preparation of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) p‐i‐n solar cells on textured tin-oxide (SnO2) surfaces. With this spectroscopy (1.5‐4.0 eV), the irradiance, Ir, and polarization parameters,fOQ; vU; pg, for the specularly reflected beam are obtained with 0.8 s resolution versus time during solar cell preparation. Here Q and v are the tilt and ellipticity angles of the polarization state, respectively, and p is the degree of polarization. From an analysis of these spectra, we establish a model for textured a-Si:H intrinsic-layer growth that includes both microscopic and macroscopic structural components. Using such a model, the evolution of structural and optical properties of the solar cell components can be determined, and the results provide realistic inputs for optical modeling of solar cells. ” 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Genotyping and Expression Analysis of IDO2 in Human Pancreatic Cancer: A Novel, Active Target

Background The recently discovered indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 ( IDO2 ) gene has 2 functional polymorphisms that abolish its enzymatic activity. We hypothesize that expression of the IDO2 enzyme in primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDA) can help cancer cells evade immune detection. Study Design Because the IDO2 enzyme might be the preferential target of d-1-methyl-tryptophan, a clinical lead inhibitor of IDO currently being evaluated in phase I trials, we sequenced IDO2 in 36 pancreatic specimens and evaluated its expression. Results We found that 58% (21 of 36) of cases were heterozygous for the R248W polymorphism; 28% (10 of 36) were homozygous wild-type; and only 14% (5 of 36) were homozygous for the functionally inactive polymorphism. As for the Y359STOP polymorphism, we found that 27% (10 of 36) of cases were heterozygous, 62% (22 of 36) were homozygous wild-type, and only 11% (4 of 36) were homozygous for this functionally inactive allele. Ruling out the possibility of compound polymorphic variants, we estimated 75% of our resected patient cohort had an active IDO2 enzyme, with a conservative estimate that 58% of the patients had at least 1 functional allele. IDO2 was expressed in PDA tissue from each genetically polymorphic subgroup. We also detected IDO2 protein expression in the genetically distinct pancreatic cancer cell lines after exposure with interferon-γ. Conclusions This is the first study to report IDO2 expression in PDA and related cancers indicating that IDO2 genetic polymorphisms do not negate interferon-γ−inducible protein expression. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that the clinical lead compound d-1-methyl-tryptophan might be useful in treatment of PDA.
Consideration of Issues for Parallel Digital Forensics of RAID Systems

ABSTRACT Digital forensics analysts are being pushed beyond their current capabilities by the need to analyze increasingly larger storage devices (multiple terabytes) and RAID storage systems. To handle these emerging challenges, forensic analysis will soon need to leverage parallel and distributed computing. The digital forensics investigation process, from imaging to analysis, presents unique challenges in the context of RAID storage systems, where reconstruction becomes a substantial concern. In this article, we report issues related to parallel imaging, reconstruction, and analysis of RAID systems as a foundation for parallel digital forensics.
Effects of Steroid-Free Rete Testis Fluid on Testosterone Concentration and Flow Rate of Ram Testicular Lymph.

The effects of intravenously injected steroid-free rete testis fluid (RTF) on the testosterone concentrations of testicular lymph and its flow rates have been studied. Lymphatic ducts of 5 rams were cannulated at the top of the vascular cone and the total output of testicular lymph was collected in serial samples for 3 censecutive days. Peripheral blood was obtained through an indwelling catheter in the jugular vein. Ten ml of RTF was injected intravenously once or 3 times. Testicular lymph testosterone levels, peripheral blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and leuteinizing hormone (LH) were determined by radioimmunoassay. Injection of RTF suppressed FSH levels, but its effect on LH was variable. Testosterone profiles during 24h preceding and subsequent to the treatment period (24h) were characterized by 3 to 4 distinct testosterone spikes per day. Administration of RTF suppressed the amplitude of these testosterone spikes and prolonged the intervals between the spikes by up to 24h. The flow of testicular lymph was significantly reduced following injection of RTF. These results indicate that a non-steroidal Sertoli cell factor(s) in RTF may possess both paracrine and long-loop feedback modes of action, affecting both the endocrine and exocrine functions of the testis.
[A study of bacteriological media. The examination of proteose-peptone].

The free and total amino acid content of three batches of Proteose-Peptone is presented. The presence of hydroxyproline and the high content of glycine and alanine suggest that a part of the protein used in the manufacture belongs to collagen. The three batches have shown similar strepogenin activity.
SOLUTION PROPERTIES OF β NERVE GROWTH FACTOR PROTEIN AND SOME OF ITS DERIVATIVES

— The molecular weight of β nerve growth factor protein determined by sedimentation equilibrium in sodium acetate buffer, pH 40, and at protein concentrations around 0-5 mg/ml agrees with the value obtained from the amino acid sequence and confirms the dimeric character of the protein under these conditions. At pH values of 5.0 or greater, β nerve growth factor protein shows either partial dissociation into monomers or aggregation to higher polymers or both phenomena. The extent of dissociation or aggregation depends on buffer type and pH and is most pronounced at alkaline pH. The variation of molecular weight of β nerve growth factor with solvent conditions is similar to that of insulin or proinsulin. Removal of either the two COOH-terminal arginine residues or the two NH2-terminal octapeptide sequences from the protein has no effect on its solution properties at acid pH, the protein remaining a dimer. Species such as 2-5 S nerve growth factor or cyanogen bromide cleaved nerve growth factor which are partically deficient in COOH-terminal arginine residues and/or NH2-octapeptide or nonapeptide sequences are also dimers at pH40. The protein derivative which lacks the two NH2-terminal octapeptide sequence does not, like β-nerve growth factor, display dissociation or aggregation behavior at neutral pH, indicating that these sequences are involved in monomer-monomer interactions.
Immunobiology of neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma remains the solid tumor of childhood with the most dismal prognosis. A more favorable survival could be expected for a number of reasons, especially if potential host anti-tumor immune activity could be augmented. On the one hand, the incidence of spontaneous regression of neuroblastoma might in part be explained by an immune mechanism; on the other, most neuroblastomas present with very large tumor burdens and the tumor expresses a paucity of self-antigens, both characteristics that hinder any effective antitumor activity. Based on historical data and today's version of host immune activity, this paper summarizes the current knowledge on both human and murine neuroblastoma and mechanisms of immunologic control.
Pulmonary Edema Monitoring Sensor With Integrated Body-Area Network for Remote Medical Sensing

A wearable health monitoring sensor integrated with a body-area network is presented for the diagnosis of pulmonary edema. This sensor is composed of 17 electrodes with 16 ports in-between and is intended to be placed on the human chest to detect lung irregularities by measuring the lung's average dielectric permittivity in a non-invasive way. Specifically, the sensor's active port is fed by a 40 MHz RF signal and its passive ports measure the corresponding amplitudes of the scattering parameters (S-parameters). The dielectric constant of the lung is then post-processed and expressed as a weighted sum of the S-parameters measured from each port. An important aspect of the sensor is the use of multiple electrodes which mitigates the effect of the outer layers (skin, fat and muscle) on the lung's permittivity. This allows for the characterization of deeper tissue layers. To validate the sensor, tissue-emulating gels were employed to mimic in-vivo tissues. Measurements of the lung's permittivity in both healthy and pulmonary edema states are carried out to validate the sensor's efficacy. Using the proposed post processing technique, the calculated permittivity of the lung from the measured S-parameters demonstrated error less than 11% compared to the direct measured value. Concurrently, a medical sensing body-area network (MS-BAN) is also employed to provide for remote data transfer. Measured results via the MS-BAN are well matched to those obtained by direct measurement. Thus, the MS-BAN enables the proposed sensor with continuous and robust remote sensing capability.
Quantitation of Hepatitis B Viremia and Emergence of YMDD Variants in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Treated with Lamivudine

Hepatitis B viremia and emergence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) YMDD variants with reduced susceptibility to lamivudine were analyzed in patient sera from a phase II study of extended lamivudine therapy. Within 12 weeks, all patients exhibited a marked virologic response to lamivudine: >99% reduction (median 5 log decrease) in serum HBV DNA levels. Virus remained at >104 genomes/mL in 11 patients and decreased to 104 genomes/mL seroconverted. Thus, patients who respond to lamivudine therapy with dramatic reductions in viral DNA level (to <104 genomes/mL) appear more likely to seroconvert than patients who do not achieve this level of HBV clearance.
Assessment of the cytotoxicity of photocrosslinked dextran and hyaluronan-based hydrogels to vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract The cytotoxicity of polysaccharide-based hydrogels and solutions was studied in vitro after 48 h of indirect exposure of the materials with vascular smooth muscle cells. Dextran and/or hyaluronan were derivatized using glycidyl methacrylate, and hydrogels were formed in the presence of photoinitiators and ultraviolet radiation in multiwell inserts to avoid direct contact with cell monolayers. Observation of cell morphology indicated that dextran hydrogels, a blend of non-derivatized hyaluronan into dextran hydrogel, and a hyaluronan solution were highly cytocompatible. However, hydrogels made of derivatized hyaluronan were cytotoxic when compared to unexposed sham controls that contained multiwell inserts but no hydrogels. Results from quantitative assays for proliferation and viability corroborated the qualitative observations, and scrape wound assays revealed a significant increase in smooth muscles cell migration/proliferation after indirect exposure to several of the polysaccharide-based materials. Results from this study demonstrate that hydrogels made of dextran and hyaluronan solution show good cytocompatibility in vitro, making these degradable matrices interesting candidates for drug delivery purposes.
The limited-capacity hypothesis: Effects of sequence length and instructions in free recall

Eighteen S s listened to series of 2-digit items in sequences which varied randomly in length. Nine S s were given standard free recall instructions (recall in any order, AO). Nine other S s were required to report the last item in the sequence before reporting the others in any order (recall last first, LF). The results showed no differences between groups in the mean number of items recalled. However, the serial position curves changed as a function of sequence length and instructions. The curves for AO showed relatively strong primacy effects compared to those of LF, which showed relatively strong recency. In addition, memory capacity varied similarly in both groups.
Accurate binary representation of singulated geranium-cutting images

Abstract Various methods of image processing were implemented to accurately distinguish geranium cuttings from a black conveyor surface background. Seven methods were compared: global thresholding, basic local thresholding, a more complex method of local thresholding termed the quadtree method, Otsu's threshold selection, KSW threshold selection, histogram flattening and high-pass filtering. The resulting binary images were judged subjectively based on their similarity to the gray-scale image and preservation of detail. Objective performance of the seven methods was based on a both a shape measure and a region-uniformity measure. The three methods which preserved the most detail upon conversion from gray-scale data to binary without significant introductions of noise and loss of dimensional accuracy were the high-pass filter, the basic local threshold and the quadtree method.
Closure to “Log-Pearson Type 3 Distribution and Its Application in Flood Frequency Analysis. II: Parameter Estimation Methods” by V. W. Griffis and J. R. Stedinger

By extensive Monte Carlo analysis, the authors show that “a method of mixed moments estimator is the best estimator not employing regional skew information and, remarkably, is competitive with the Bulletin 17B estimator that employs reasonable skew information.” The discusser stumbled upon the idea that the log-Pearson type 3 LP3 distribution parameters could be estimated without using the skew coefficient by mixing the moments of log and real space after reading Bobee’s paper 1975 on the LP3 distribution in real space. With the freshly acquired academic background in hydrological frequency analysis Rao 1978 , writing the required FORTRAN programs and performing various evaluations were completed in a relatively short period. The study was a part of a wider investigation of frequency distributions for
Early discharge of newborns.

To the Editor. —The articles by Dr Liu and colleagues 1 and Dr Edmonson and colleagues 2 provide new and better insight into whether early discharge of newborns affects readmission rate. The accompanying Commentary by Dr Braveman and colleagues 3 cast these papers in the context of "evidence-based practice—good science, good judgment." We would like to extend the discussion from an evidence-based medicine perspective. We agree with the careful critique of Braveman et al that the findings, while, at first blush, appear contradictory, may not be disparate. We especially agree that the findings of "negative" studies be stated in terms of power to detect differences. In the article by Liu et al, 1 a large number of cases were excluded because of the inability to classify them as either early or late discharges. This intermediate group, using contrast variables, could have been retained in the logistic regression models. This would
Chelation of intracellular iron enhances endothelial barrier function: A role for vitamin C?

Ascorbic acid improves endothelial barrier function by decreasing the permeability of endothelial cells cultured on semi-porous membrane filters. This decrease was not due to enhanced collagen synthesis and was mimicked by the collagen synthesis inhibitor ethyl-3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (EDHB). Since EDHB is known to chelate intracellular free iron, the effects of two membrane-permeant iron chelators were tested on endothelial permeability. Both 2,2'-dipyridyl and desferrioxamine decreased trans-endothelial permeability in a concentration-dependent manner. Increasing intracellular iron with a chelate of 8-hydroxyquinoline and ferric iron prevented effects of both EDHB and intracellular ascorbate. That EDHB and ascorbate did in fact chelate intracellular iron was supported by finding that they both decreased the cellular fluorescence quenching of the iron-sensitive dye Phen green SK. These results show that chelation of intracellular iron decreases endothelial barrier permeability and implicate this mechanism in the ability of EDHB and possibly intracellular ascorbate to tighten the endothelial barrier.
Highly efficient nonlinearity reduction in silicon-on-insulator waveguides using vertical slots

Vertical slots are used to reduce the nonlinearity of silicon-on-insulator waveguides. In properly designed slot waveguides, approximately 50% of the optical power can be confined in the air-slot and air-cladding region. Compared with a strip waveguide, a factor greater than 15 times more reduction in the real part of nonlinear coefficient can be achieved in the 100-nm wavelength range. In addition, vertical-slot waveguides exhibit large negative chromatic dispersion, which will induce phase mismatch and further suppress nonlinear parametric effects.
Electric motor requirements for positioning an inertial load

This paper deals with the motor, the inertia ratio, and the power input requirements for moving an inertial load over a specified distance in a specified time, A linear speed-torque relationship is assumed, and selected motor parameters are normalized to the load to establish generally applicable solutions and characteristic curves. Emphasis is placed on the velocity-time diagrams and the relationship among the inertia ratio, the rated motor power, and the electrical input power. It is shown that optimization is possible for input power at stall, input power immediately following torque reversal, and average input power. Computer generated curves are presented for these three cases, and their relationships are discussed. Finally. it is shown that the motor time constant has a great influence on power requirements.
The effect of electron donor substitution on hydrogen bonding

Abstract Dimerization energies, ED, internuclear separations, R, and directionality angles have been obtained for the electron donor substituted hydrogen bonds, HOH…OHX, XH, CH3, NH2, OH, and F, from ab initio molecular orbital calculations with the 4-31 The internuclear separations and directionalities vary little over the range of substituents and ED x R is proportional to the electronegativities of the substituents. The results are explained by a simple physical model originally derived for hydride electron donors. The substituted electron donors are described in terms of an atomic pseudo-potential which replaces the OX bond. The linearity between ED x R and electron donor atom charge known to exi NH3, OH2, and FH can be extended to the substituted monomers and this provides a quantitative link with the OX pseudopotential from whi effective ΔI values are obtained.
A self-stabilizing quorum-based protocol for maxima computing

The goal of decentralized consensus protocols is to exchange information among nodes so that each node acquires the information held by every other node in the system. This paper presents a quorum-based, self-stabilizing maxima finding protocol which is based on a decentralized consensus protocol. The protocol exchanges information with less delay than existing ring-based, self-stablizing protocols. Furthermore, quorums can be composed, and the resulting composite quorums can be used to efficiently obtain a solution for any internetwork.