cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Use of Fluorescent Proteins for Developing Cancer-Specific Target Imaging Probes

Target-specific imaging probes represent a promising tool in the molecular imaging of human cancer. Fluorescently-labeled target-specific probes are useful in imaging cancers because of their ability to bind a target receptor with high sensitivity and specificity. The development of probes relies upon preclinical testing to validate the sensitivity and specificity of these agents in animal models. However, this process involves both conventional histology and immunohistochemistry, which require large numbers of animals and samples with costly handling. In this chapter, we describe a novel validation tool that takes advantage of genetic engineering technology, whereby cell lines are transfected with genes that induce the target cell to produce fluorescent proteins with characteristic emission spectra, thus enabling their easy identification as cancer cells in vivo. Combined with multicolor fluorescence imaging, this can provide rapid validation of newly-developed exogenous probes that fluoresce at different wavelengths. For example, the plasmid containing the gene encoding red fluorescent protein (RFP) was transfected into cell lines previously developed to either express or not express specific cell surface receptors. Various antibody-based or ligand-based optical-contrast agents, with green fluorophores were developed to concurrently target cancer cells and validate their positive and negative controls, such as the β-D: -galactose receptor, HER1, and HER2 in a single animal/organ. Spectrally-resolved multicolor fluorescence imaging was used to detect separate fluorescence emission spectra from the exogenous green fluorophore and RFP. Here, we describe the use of "co-staining" (matching the exogenous fluorophore and the endogenous fluorescent protein to the positive control cell line) and "counter-staining" (matching the exogenous fluorophore to the positive control and the endogenous fluorescent protein to the negative control cell line) to validate the sensitivity and specificity of target-specific probes. Using these in vivo imaging techniques, we are able to determine the sensitivity and specificity of target-specific optical contrast agents in several distinct animal models of cancer in vivo, thus exemplifying the versatility of our technique, while reducing the number of animals needed to conduct these experiments.
Sustainable Innovation in the Apparel Supply Chain: Case Study on TAL Apparel Limited

Sustainability has become a critical trend for US and European fashion industry, it led the retail brands to pressure manufacturers to operate in a more sustainable and socially responsible manner. However, TAL is a manufacturer that proactively embraced the concept of sustainable production without the pressure of their clients and remains one of the world leaders in sustainable manufacturing movement. TAL established its own detailed internal standards of environmental and social governance, that make sustainability an integral part of all aspects of its business; from environmentally sustainable manufacturing facilities, safe working environment, active employee engagement to supplier management. They further engage in industry wide collaborations that include participation in Sustainable Apparel Coalition and production of recycled cotton clothing collection with Patagonia. In this case study, we attempt to add to the current knowledge of sustainable supply chain management by providing an example of sustainable manufacturing model using the Sustainable Supply Chain Network Innovation Model. Data was collected through the use of secondary data and semi-structured interviews with the executive officers, Dr. Delman Lee, President and CTO and Christelle Esquirol, Vice President of Sustainability of TAL Apparel Group.
Aspen-based performance and energy modeling frameworks

Abstract With the anticipation of exascale architectures, energy consumption is becoming one of the critical design parameters, especially in light of the energy budget of 20–30 Megawatts set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Understanding an application’s execution pattern and its energy footprint is critical to improving application operation on a diverse heterogeneous architecture. Applying application-specific performance optimization can consequently improve energy consumption. However, this approach is only applicable to current systems. As we enter a new era of exascale architectures that is projected to contain more complex memory hierarchies, increased levels of parallelism, heterogeneity in hardware, and complex programming models and techniques, energy and performance management is getting more cumbersome. We therefore propose techniques that predict the energy consumption beforehand or at runtime to enable proactive tuning. Such energy prediction approaches must be generic and adapt themselves at runtime to changing application and hardware configurations. Most existing energy estimation and prediction approaches are empirical in nature and thus tied to current systems. To overcome this limitation, we propose two energy estimation techniques: ACEE (Algorithmic and Categorical Energy Estimation), which uses a combination of analytical and empirical modeling techniques; and AEEM (Aspen’s Embedded Energy Estimation), a system-level analytical energy estimation technique. Both of these models incorporate the Aspen domain specific language for performance modeling. We present the methodologies of these two models and test their accuracy using five proxy applications. We also describe three use cases.
Evidence for panmixia despite barriers to gene flow in the hooked mussel, Ischadium recurvum (Mytilidae; Brachidontinae) along the North American coastline

The discovery of phylogeographic patterns within broadly distributed marine species can be particularly challenging because absolute physical barriers to dispersal can be inconspicuous. Genetic boundaries often lie where ocean currents meet, forming sharp physical and ecological gradients, which may act as barriers to successful migrants. In eastern North America, coastal species often show phylogeographic differentiation associated with two recognized genetic barriers: the Gulf/Atlantic and the Virginia/Carolina discontinuities. We examined 185 specimens of the intertidal hooked mussel Ischadium recurvum collected from 15 locations along the eastern coastline of North America to examine phylogeographic, migration and historical demographic patterns associated climate change associated with Pleistocene glacial patterns. Hypothesis testing using Bayes factors in Migrate-n rejected the presence of phylogeographic breaks consistent with either maritime discontinuity and favoured a panmictic population model. The migration rate from the Gulf to the Atlantic was approximately three times higher than the migration from the Atlantic to the Gulf whereas the Carolina-Virginia migration rates were nearly equal. The summary statistics (Tajima's D, Fu's Fs) were significant and the demographic analyses (mismatch distributions, Bayesian skyline plot) were consistent with patterns of population expansion following glacial retreat during the Pleistocene epoch.
Markov set-valued functions and their inverse limits

Abstract In this paper we introduce the definition of a Markov set-valued function and show that the inverse limits of two similar Markov set-valued functions are homeomorphic. This generalizes results of S. Holte, I. Banic, M. Crepnjak, and T. Lunder. The definition we present differs from previous definitions of Markov interval functions in that we allow for points outside of the Markov partition to have non-degenerate images. Additionally, our definition focuses on the structure of the inverse of our function; we require that the inverse is a union of continuous mappings with specified restrictions on the domains, ranges, and points of intersection.
An Emotion Management System via Face Tracking, Data Management, and Visualization

There is a growing concern about students’ psychological health at school with mounting pressure as students approach middle school or college age. In light of the fact that the current means of psychological intervention are basically manual intervention, this research explored the possibility of using technology to assist psychological intervention. An emotion management system is thus implemented to provide facial emotion cognitive service and video diary function. In addition to the advantage of keeping a normal diary, students benefit by regulating their emotion when they are recording videos. Teachers can keep track of students’ emotion states so that they can provide corresponding psychological supports when students showed signs of mental disorders. We performed a small-scale pilot study at a local school with satisfying results.
The Renal Circulation: Physiology and Hormonal Control

Although much attention has been paid to the immunologic aspects of kidney disease (Germuth and Rodriguez, 1973; McCluskey, 1974; Wilson and Dixon, 1974), it is clear that many of the more common afflictions have a predominantly circulatory rather than an immunologic basis. Vascular abnormalities and altered renal perfusion play a key role in the renal disorders associated with arteriosclerosis, hypertension, shock, liver disease, sepsis, trauma, diabetes, and the toxic effects of certain drugs (Barger, 1966; Siper-stein et al., 1968; Hollenberg, 1973; Hollenberg and Adams, 1974). Disturbed renal hemodynamics are pathogenetically important even in disorders of undisputed immunologic origin, such as renal transplant rejection (Hollenberg et al., 1972).
Advances in addressing full-thickness skin defects: a review of dermal and epidermal substitutes

full-thickness skin defects remain a reconstructive challenge. Novel regenerative modalities can aid in addressing these defects. A literature review of currently available dermal and epidermal regenerates was performed. The mechanism and application for each skin substitute was analyzed to provide a guide for these modalities. Available epidermal substitutes include autografts and allografts and may be cultured or noncultured. Dermal regenerate templates exist in biologic and synthetic varieties that differ in the source animal and processing. Epidermal and dermal skin substitutes are promising adjunctive tools for addressing certain soft tissue defects and have improved outcomes in reconstructive procedures. The following article provides a comprehensive review of the biologic materials available and the types of complex wounds amenable to their use.
The Tangent Space

Let f: U → ℝ be a smooth function, where U ⊂ ℝ n +1 is an open set. let c ∈ ℝ be such that f−1(c) is non-empty, and let p ∈ f−1(c). A vector at p is said to be tangent to the level set f−1(c) if it is a velocity vector of a parametrized curve in ℝ n +1 whose image is contained in f−1(c) (see Figure 3.1).
Additive Manufacturing: Assessing Metal Powder Quality Through Characterizing Feedstock and Contaminants

The quality of powder feedstock for additive manufacturing (AM) metal powder bed fusion methods can significantly affect the quality of parts built from it. Particle size distribution (PSD) and shape factors influence flowability as well as the thickness and uniformity of each powder layer in the build box. For high-performance applications such as aerospace, medical, power generation and military, it becomes important to identify critical additional factors: the types, numbers and sizes of particulate contaminants that may be present in the powder. This is true for virgin, used and blended powders. Contaminants may be introduced during powder manufacture (e.g., ceramic insulation fragments from gas atomization equipment), handling (building insulation, talc) or possibly during the build process itself. Contaminants contained within a batch of powder can be physically built into an additive part when they are incorporated into the melt pool, and they can remain as discrete particulates or non-fused interfaces that act as stress concentrators. Their presence may decrease fatigue life by increasing the likelihood of fatigue crack initiation. This article describes three methods to rapidly and quantifiably characterize powder feedstock. (1) Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) provides quantitative size and shape parameters, as well as fine surface details from individual images on a particle-by-particle basis in large populations of powder. (2) Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) can be included, providing insights into variations within a batch of powder, as well as contaminant compositions. (3) For critical applications, the heavy liquid separation (HLS) method physically extracts low-density contaminants from a sample of powder metal down to part-per-billion detection limits to allow direct examination of contaminants and enhance identification and prevention of their sources. Altogether, these methods permit direct comparisons among powder metal samples. Better quantification of powder characteristics aids determination of suitability for end uses.
Genome-wide analysis revealed sex-specific gene expression in asthmatics.

Global gene-expression analysis has shown remarkable difference between males and females in response to exposure to many diseases. Nevertheless, gene expression studies in asthmatics have so far focused on sex-combined analysis, ignoring inherent variabilities between the sexes, which potentially drive disparities in asthma prevalence. The objectives of this study were to identify (1) sex-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs), (2) genes that show sex-interaction effects and (3) sex-specific pathways and networks enriched in asthma risk. We analyzed 711 males and 689 females and more than 2.8 million transcripts covering 20 000 genes leveraged from five different tissues and cell types (i.e. epithelial, blood, induced sputum, T cells and lymphoblastoids). Using tissue-specific meta-analysis, we identified 439 male- and 297 female-specific DEGs in all cell types, with 32 genes in common. By linking DEGs to the genome-wide association study (GWAS) catalog and the lung and blood eQTL annotation data from GTEx, we identified four male-specific genes (FBXL7, ITPR3 and RAD51B from epithelial tissue and ALOX15 from blood) and one female-specific gene (HLA-DQA1 from epithelial tissue) that are disregulated during asthma. The hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling pathway was enriched only in males, and IL-17 and chemokine signaling pathways were enriched in females. The cytokine-cytokine signaling pathway was enriched in both sexes. The presence of sex-specific genes and pathways demonstrates that sex-combined analysis does not identify genes preferentially expressed in each sex in response to diseases. Linking DEG and molecular eQTLs to GWAS catalog represents an important avenue for identifying biologically and clinically relevant genes.
Contribution of Product and Provider Quality to Cell Phone Industry Quality

This paper examines cell phone product quality, including cell phone device quality and software quality; cell phone provider quality; and overall quality.
Deletion of Nrf2 shortens lifespan in C57BL6/J male mice but does not alter the health and survival benefits of caloric restriction.

Abstract Caloric restriction (CR) is the leading non-pharmaceutical dietary intervention to improve health- and lifespan in most model organisms. A wide array of cellular pathways is induced in response to CR and CR-mimetics, including the transcriptional activator Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is essential in the upregulation of multiple stress-responsive and mitochondrial enzymes. Nrf2 is necessary in tumor protection but is not essential for the lifespan extending properties of CR in outbred mice. Here, we sought to study Nrf2-knockout (KO) mice and littermate controls in male C57BL6/J, an inbred mouse strain. Deletion of Nrf2 resulted in shortened lifespan compared to littermate controls only under ad libitum conditions. CR-mediated lifespan extension and physical performance improvements did not require Nrf2. Metabolic and protein homeostasis and activation of tissue-specific cytoprotective proteins were dependent on Nrf2 expression. These results highlight an important contribution of Nrf2 for normal lifespan and stress response.
Organizations as Actors: Microfoundations of Organizational Intentionality:

The article addresses the topic of “group agency” with respect to large organizations. It undertakes to analyze some of the concrete micro- and meso-level processes (microfoundations) through which...
Advanced Prostate Cancer: Treatment Advances and Future Directions

Prostate cancer affects one in every nine men in the USA and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. The treatment landscape of advanced prostate cancer is changing rapidly. Multiple agents including abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide, darolutamide, docetaxel, cabazitaxel, radium-223, and sipuleucel-T have been approved for advanced prostate cancer. Appropriate drug selection remains crucial in this evolving landscape to derive maximum benefit for the patients. We summarize clinical trials leading to recent drug approvals and discuss optimal treatment selection. We also review recent advances in genomics including its evolving role in prognosis, in elucidating mechanisms of treatment resistance, and in guiding treatment decisions.
Tunable third-harmonic generation using phase-change chalcogenides

We demonstrate a Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST)-based asymmetric Fabry-Perot cavity facilitating broadband continuous tuning of third-harmonic generation (THG) due to the nonvolatile high contrast intermediate states.
Self-Correction by Design

Science has always been self-correcting. Through traditional approaches such as establishing benchmarks and standards, and reproducing, replicating, or generalizing prior research results, work that is at the same time important and suspect will be subjected to further testing. With science now becoming simultaneously critically important to society and an expensive enterprise, I argue that we need to adopt an enterprise-wide approach to self-correction that is built into the design of science. Principles of such an approach include educating students to perform and document reproducible research, sharing information openly, validating work in new ways that matter, creating tools to make self-correction easy and natural, and fundamentally shifting the culture of science to honor rigor.
The Federal Reserve’s Response to the 1987 Market Crash

The SP (2) providing support to the Treasury securities market by injecting in-high-demand maturities into the market via reverse repurchase agreements; (3) allowing the federal funds rate to fall from 7.5% to 7.0% and below; and (4) intervening directly to allow the rescue of the largest options clearing firm in Chicago.
Leveraging slow DOTA f-element complexation kinetics to enable separations by kinetic design

Abstract The design of metal-concerned solvent extraction systems frequently leverages thermodynamically derived differences in selectivity. An alternative approach, leveraging kinetic control, has been considered much less seriously. Our recent manuscript describing DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) complexation kinetics across the lanthanide series shows the observed rate constant steadily increases across the series, with some non-monotonic behavior observed at terbium and thulium. This contrasts the thermodynamic stability constant trend, where lanthanide-DOTA stability constants initially increase and then plateau as a function of ionic radii after samarium. To leverage the kinetic differences of DOTA with the lanthanides across the series, kinetically based separations must be utilized. Since DOTA has very slow complexation kinetics, a separations system must expedite DOTA-metal complexation to allow a separation approximating practical application. In this report, a DOTA-based solvent extraction system, where DOTA is the aqueous holdback reagent and bis-2,4,4-trimethylpentylphosphinic acid (Cyanex 272) is the organic phase extractant, is demonstrated and compares the separations chemistry of Nd, Eu and Am. The slowness of DOTA complexation was addressed by heating the system. Results showed, in general, separation between metals is better during early phase contact, and diminishes under longer contact times. Under all conditions, separations are better than would be predicted based on a thermodynamic basis. This report suggests that while slowly complexing ligands classically used for biological applications may not be appropriate for thermodynamically designed metal separations, their use for kinetically based systems may be appropriate and enable a new design basis for f-element separations.
Using crowdsourced medicine to manage uncertainty on Reddit: The case of COVID-19 long-haulers.

Abstract Objective Causes of and treatments for long-COVID syndrome remain unknown. Drawing on uncertainty management theory (UMT), this study elucidates the communicative nature of crowdsourced medicine as a means by which COVID “long-haulers” respond to their poorly understood illness. Methods 31,892 posts on the long-haulers subreddit (r/covidlonghaulers) were analyzed, starting with its creation date, July 24th, 2020, until January 7, 2021. The Meaning Extraction Method was used to identify clusters of words that mathematically group together across the text observations. Results Analyses yielded 16 distinct factors of words, which we thematized based on their composition, the data, and UMT. The 16 themes encompassed symptoms (e.g., pain, respiratory, sensory), diagnostic concerns (testing, diagnosis), broad health concerns (immunity, physical activity, diet), chronicity, support, identity, and anxiety. Conclusion Findings provide a succinct, yet robust set of themes reflecting the information-seeking (i.e., “This is happening to me”) and support-seeking functions of long-haulers’ talk (i.e., “Is this happening to you?”). Findings have implications for collective uncertainty management, online crowdsourcing, and patient advocacy. Practice implications We recommend that health care providers employ sensitivity when addressing the anxiety that long-haulers are experiencing while also validating that their physical symptoms are real. Online communities help long-haulers manage their uncertainty.
Controlling Unobserved Heterogeneity in Repeat Sales Models: Application to Anchoring to Purchase Price

Stocks, art, housing and other assets are often studied in a two-stage repeat sales framework to control unobserved heterogeneity. But unobserved variables that influence both first and second sales remain a troubling source of omitted heterogeneity. We develop an iterative simulation algorithm to mitigate omitted variable bias which can be estimated with standard hedonic data in many repeat sales studies. We illustrate our model with an application to seller anchoring to the price paid for a house. We find that premiums on expected losses are reduced by about 50% compared to conventional models, as expected if our algorithm reduces unobserved heterogeneity. We also show that the probability of sale is strongly negatively associated with quality-adjusted expected losses, consistent with theory and previous empirical evidence on anchoring and sales volume. In contrast, losses measured conventionally produce the opposite results. Our study has general implications for two-stage estimation in the finance literature.
The GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager: polarization sensitivity and potential impacts

In contrast to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) current geostationary imagers for operational weather forecasting, the next generation imager, the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) aboard the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R-Series (GOES-R), will have six reflective solar bands - five more than currently available. These bands will be used for applications such as aerosol retrievals, which are influenced by polarization effects. These effects are determined by two factors: instrument polarization sensitivity and the polarization states of the observations. The former is measured as part of the pre-launch testing program performed by the instrument vendor. We analyzed the results of the pre-launch polarization sensitivity measurements of the 0.47 μm and 0.64 μm channels and used them in conjunction with simulated scene polarization states to estimate potential on-orbit radiometric impacts. The pre-launch test setups involved illuminating the ABI with an integrating sphere through either one or two polarizers. The measurement with one (rotating) polarizer yields the degree of linear polarization of ABI, and the measurements using two polarizers (one rotating and one fixed) characterized the non-ideal properties of the polarizer. To estimate the radiometric performance impacts from the instrument polarization sensitivity, we simulated polarized scenes using a radiative transfer code and accounted for the instrument polarization sensitivity over its field of regard. The results show the variation in the polarization impacts over the day and by regions of the full disk can reach up to 3.2% for the 0.47μm channel and 4.8% for the 0.64μm channel. Geostationary orbiters like the ABI give the unique opportunity to show these impacts throughout the day compared to low earth orbiters, which are more limited to certain times of day. This work may enhance the ability to diagnose anomalies on-orbit.
Propiedades, uso y manejo de sustrato de cultivo para la producción de plantas en maceta

The successful production of quality container ornamental crops requires knowledge and understanding of the unique environment found in a container, and how it is affected by the physical and chemical properties of the growing medium. The fundamental aspects and importance of the most relevant physical and chemical properties in growing media are covered in this review, along with rec-ommendations for their management in the production of ornamental crops.
Development of a Two-Zone HCCI Combustion Model Accounting for Boundary Layer Effects

The Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combustion concept is currently under widespread investigation due to its potential to increase thermal efficiency while greatly decreasing harmful exhaust pollutants. Simulation tools have been developed to explore the implications of initial mixture thermodynamic state on engine performance and emissions. In most cases these modeling efforts have coupled a detailed fuel chemistry mechanism with empirical descriptions of the in-cylinder heat transfer processes. The primary objective of this paper is to present a fundamentally based boundary layer heat transfer model. The two-zone combustion model couples an adiabatic core zone with a boundary layer heat transfer model. The model predicts film coefficient, with approximately the same universal shape and magnitudes as an existing global model. In addition, the new model resolves the boundary layer thickness and mass fraction trapped in the boundary layer, which are needed to predict and understand hydrocarbon quench. The two-zone model is then validated against experimental data and compared to the single zone formulation, which utilizes empirical heat transfer treatments.
Transgene-Free Genome Editing by Germline Injection of CRISPR/Cas RNA

Genome modification by CRISPR/Cas offers its users the ability to target endogenous sites in the genome for cleavage and for engineering precise genomic changes using template-directed repair, all with unprecedented ease and flexibility of targeting. As such, CRISPR/Cas is just part of a set of recently developed and rapidly improving tools that offer great potential for researchers to functionally access the genomes of organisms that have not previously been extensively used in a laboratory setting. We describe in detail protocols for using CRISPR/Cas to target genes of experimental organisms, in a manner that does not require transformation to obtain transgenic lines and that should be readily applicable to a wide range of previously little-studied species.
Emerging Office Automation Systems

The acceptance of novel office automation devices and systems depends primarily on their potential for increasing productivity and their ease of use. This paper discusses the technology and ergonom...
The Pressure, Densities and First-order Phase Transitions Associated with Multidimensional SOFT

We study theoretical and computational properties of the pressure function for subshifts of finite type on the integer lattice ℤ d , multidimensional SOFT, which are called Potts models in mathematical physics. We give computable upper and lower bounds for the pressure, which can be arbitrary close to the values of the pressure given a sufficient computational power. We apply our numerical methods to confirm Baxter’s heuristic computations for two-dimensional monomer-dimer model, and to compute the pressure and the entropy density as functions of two variables for the two-dimensional monomer-dimer model. The novelty of our approach is in avoiding the use of Gibbs measures.
Alzheimer disease: the quest for Alzheimer disease genes--focus on CSF tau.

Alzheimer disease (AD)-associated loci identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) only partly explain the genetic risk for this common neurodegenerative dementia. A recent GWAS of an alternative phenotype—cerebrospinal fluid tau levels—has uncovered new genetic variants that might further account for risk of AD and provide novel pathophysiological insights.
Soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes in human serum

In this issue of Blood, Bergamaschi and colleagues demonstrate that effectively all circulating IL-15 found in the serum of humans and mice is associated with the soluble IL-15Rα.(1)
Leveraging employer branding, performance management and human resource development to enhance employee retention

Global economic recovery from years of depressed growth has accelerated voluntary turnover, along with employer concerns about retention. More employers are also promoting from within their ranks, and this has put growing emphasis on HRD and career-development initiatives. This article argues that the biggest winners in this emerging economic environment, at least from a talent perspective, are organizations with positive employer brands, performance management strategies that help employees develop expertise that maximizes their potential, and innovative approaches to the design and delivery of HRD initiatives, especially technology-delivered instruction (e.g., mobile and virtual applications, simulations, MOOCs) and social-learning tools (e.g., wikis, communities of practice, social media). These strategies are by no means exhaustive, but they are three key elements of employee retention.
Frequency-domain photon migration for characterization of colloidal suspensions: Applications for the biotechnology, chemical, biodiagnostics and the pharmaceutical industry

A method is presented to characterize concentrated suspensions of particles using frequency-domain photon migration in order to demonstrate its potential for online monitoring in the pharmaceutical and chemical based industries as well as for the basis of. In this study, the isotropic scattering coefficient was determined from FDPM measurements conducted at wavelengths between 448 and 835 nm using surfactant stabilized polystyrene latices of 195 to 335 nm mean diameter, 7-19 % polydispersity and concentrations between 1 and 40% by volume. Upon using the Percus-Yevick model for static structure of monodisperse spheres to account for hindered scattering in the inverse solution, determination of the volume fraction and mean particle diameter were considerably improved size at solids volume fractions of 10% or greater. Owing to (i) the relative refractive index of polystyrene in water, (ii) the inaccuracy of the first order particle interaction model for suspensions with polydispersity >8%, and (iii) the minimal number of wavelengths used, it was difficult to recover the variance of the unimodal particle size distribution for latices. Metal oxides provide better results but have other limitations. Nonetheless, this work demonstrates the use of time-dependent measurements of multiply scattered light to characterize suspensions with solids volume fractions greater than 10%. Applications in the biotechnology, chemical, and pharmaceutical industry are presented.
Zirconium nitride/nickel nanocomposite structures

Abstract Nanocomposite films that consist of nanocrystalline zirconium nitride embedded in an amorphous nickel matrix were deposited by unbalanced magnetron sputtering on silicon substrates at room temperature with bias voltages in the −45 to −160 V range. The other variable parameter in this study was the nickel content regulated by controlling target power. The power to the Zr target and the nitrogen flow rate were fixed. The films were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), spectroscopic ellipsometry, and nanoindentation. The grain size was deduced from the width of the XRD peaks using the Scherer formula and was found to decrease with the increase in nickel content. The chemical and phase composition was determined from XPS measurements. The optical constants were measured using spectroscopic ellipsometry. A correlation between film structure/composition and optical constants was established. The mechanical properties of the coatings were evaluated using nanohardness testing and were found to depend on composition and deposition parameters.
Effects of Carbon Nanotube Paper Properties on Enzymatic Bioanodes

Carbon papers are frequent current collectors in fuel cells, but recently carbon nanotube papers have been introduced as new types of carbon paper. They have varying thickness, surface area, density, gas permeability, and conductivity. This paper studies the effect of these properties on electrochemical performance. Electropolymerizing methylene green on each carbon nanotube papers was performed to study the papers’ ability to oxidize NADH. Secondly, glucose bioanodes were formed with carbon nanotube papers to study glucose bioelectrocatalysis. The optimal carbon nanotube paper had a high surface area, low gas permeability, and low sheet resistance. Our results showed a greater than three-fold increase in sensitivity over commercially available Toray carbon paper.
Determination of the length distribution of poly(A) at the 3′ terminus of the virion RNAs of EMC virus, poliovirus, rhinovirus, RAV-61 and CPMV and of mouse globin mRNA

Rapid, detailed, and accurate analysis of the length spectrum of 3' terminal poly(A) in an RNA population can be obtained by 3'-terminal 32P-labelling of RNA with T4 RNA ligase, digestion with ribonucleases T1 and A, and use of gel sequencing methods. Length distributions of 3'-terminal poly(A) of EMC virus, poliovirus, rhinovirus, RAV-61, and CPMV virion RNAs as well as mouse globin mRNA are presented.
Targeting the interleukin-6/Jak/stat pathway in human malignancies.

The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (Jak/Stat) pathway was discovered 20 years ago as a mediator of cytokine signaling. Since this time, more than 2,500 articles have been published demonstrating the importance of this pathway in virtually all malignancies. Although there are dozens of cytokines and cytokine receptors, four Jaks, and seven Stats, it seems that interleukin-6–mediated activation of Stat3 is a principal pathway implicated in promoting tumorigenesis. This transcription factor regulates the expression of numerous critical mediators of tumor formation and metastatic progression. This review will examine the relative importance and function of this pathway in nonmalignant conditions as well as malignancies (including tumor intrinsic and extrinsic), the influence of other Stats, the development of inhibitors to this pathway, and the potential role of inhibitors in controlling or eradicating cancers.
Advances in optimization of highrise building structures

This paper presents a review of interesting work on optimization of highrise building structures with a focus on large-scale and real-life structures. A number of interesting projects with an eye on practicality are reviewed, a few involving practicing designers of highrise building structures. A review of literature indicates that performing a formal optimization can result in cost savings in the range of 5 to 15 % which can be especially significant in design of highrise and superhighhrise building structures. Since optimization of highrise building structures is a large-scale optimization problem the choice of the optimization approach is an important one. It should be one that is not entrapped in a local optimum solution and is stable for large-scale optimization subjected to discontinuous constraints of commonly-used design codes. The nature-based optimization approaches such as the neural dynamics model of Adeli and Park and genetic algorithms appear to be the preferred choice.
Astrovirus infection induces sodium malabsorption and redistributes sodium hydrogen exchanger expression

Astroviruses are known to be a leading cause of diarrhea in infants and the immunocompromised; however, our understanding of this endemic pathogen is limited. Histological analyses of astrovirus pathogenesis demonstrate clinical disease is not associated with changes to intestinal architecture, inflammation, or cell death. Recent studies in vitro have suggested that astroviruses induce actin rearrangement leading to loss of barrier function. The current study used the type-2 turkey astrovirus (TAstV-2) and turkey poult model of astrovirus disease to examine how astrovirus infection affects the ultrastructure and electrophysiology of the intestinal epithelium. These data demonstrate that infection results in changes to the epithelial ultrastructure, rearrangement of F-actin, decreased absorption of sodium, as well as redistribution of the sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) from the membrane to the cytoplasm. Collectively, these data suggest astrovirus infection induces sodium malabsorption, possibly through redistribution of specific sodium transporters, which results in the development of an osmotic diarrhea.
Modeling Aspects of Hydrodesulfurization at Molybdenum: Carbon−Sulfur Bond Cleavage of Thiophenes by Ansa Molybdenocene Complexes

Hydrodesulfurization (HDS), the means by which sulfur is removed from crude petroleum feedstocks and fuels, has been cited as the largest volume and most important industrial catalytic application of transition metals. Of the sulfur impurities present in crude petroleum, thiophenes are among the most resistant towards HDS. A thorough understanding of the reactivity of thiophenes towards transition metal centers is, therefore, paramount to improving existing HDS technologies. The authors have, therefore, been prompted to investigate the reactivity of thiophenes towards molybdenum complexes in an effort to discover molybdenum chemistry of relevance to HDS. It was discovered that the ansa molybdenocene complexes, [Me{sub 2}Si(C{sub 5}Me{sub 4}){sub 2}]MoH{sub 2} and [Me{sub 2}Si(C{sub 5}Me{sub 4}){sub 2}]Mo(Ph)H, exhibit reactivity that models required aspects of the mechanism for thiophene HDS. Thus, upon photolysis, [Me{sub 2}Si(C{sub 5}Me{sub 4}){sub 2}]MoH{sub 2} is capable of inducing C -S bond cleavage of thiophene (T) to give [Me{sub 2}Si(C{sub 5}Me{sub 4}){sub 2}]Mo({mu}{sup 2}-C,S-T). The latter complex can also be obtained by the thermal reaction of [Me{sub 2}Si(C{sub 5}Me{sub 4}){sub 2}]Mo(PH)H with thiophene. These reactions are not only of significance because they represent the first examples of thiophene C-S bond cleavage by a molybdenum compound, but are also of interest inmore » view of the reports that the unsubstituted molybdenocene dihydride derivative, Cp{sub 2}MoH{sub 2}, does not achieve C-S bond cleavage of thiophene; in preference, Cp{sub 2}MoH{sub 2} reacts with the {alpha} C-H bond to give a thienyl complex, Cp{sub 2}Mo({mu}{sup 1}-C-SC{sub 4}H{sub 3})H.« less
World Bank Okays Public Interest in Higher Education.

This essay review discusses the report of TheTask Force on Higher Education and Society(TFHES), convened in 1998 by the World Bank butindependently financed and staffed incollaboration with UNESCO and severalfoundations. Peril and Promise marks anhistoric turning point in the framework forpostsecondary educational planning. Rate-of-return analysis has been de-emphasized,while promotion of the public interest hasmoved front and center. The report of theTFHES, published in 2000 by the World Bank, hasreceived deserved attention in some parts ofthe world and has even developed an associatedwebsite (http://www.tfhe.net). As we explainbelow, the framework advocated by the TFHES isalready being used in official policy documentsof the World Bank, whose position will surelymultiply the influence of the Task Forcethrough its effect on other development banksas well as on programs of bilateral nationalassistance. And yet, despite its seminalimportance, the TFHES report has yet to befully appreciated by many researchers of highereducation. With this essay review, we hope tobroaden the discussion of the Task Force, and to offer a preliminary assessment of its impactin the 2002 World Bank policy document, and toconnect its arguments to questions that arecentral in the scholarly literature of ourfield.
Laboratory and clinical testing of an intravaginal contraceptive collagen sponge

Abstract The efficacy of collagen sponge (CS) used as intravaginal contraception barrier depends largely on the continuous retention of CS in the upper vault of the vagina, prompt absorption of ejaculate into CS and inactivation of sperm by acidity of the sponge. All three factors were tested in in vitro studies, and retention was also evaluated in human volunteers. Retention seems to depend on adequate resilience of the CS. This can be controlled by the degree of crosslinking of collagen fibers. With adequate resilience the expulsion rate, originally 33%, was reduced to 2.5%. Our tests were conducted by 30 volunteers who tested eight types of CS in a total of 213 insertions. The rate of fluid absorption by the CS could be significantly increased by treating the sponge with a surfactant, such as Triton X-100 (0.1%). It was found that prewetted sponge absorbs fluid instantaneously; thus, modification of CS with surfactant is not necessary. CSs were equilibrated to various pHs (4 to 7). Extracts from these were applied to fresh human spermatozoa to test the effects on sperm motility. At pH 5.0 the motility stopped after 4 min. while at pH 7.0 the cells were still active after 30 min. observation. This is one of the reasons why CSs used as contraceptive should have acidity around 5.0. The various methods of insertion and removal of CS were tested by five volunteers for 5 consecutive days. Both digital and applicator insertion were found acceptable. Removal of CS was facilitated by a loop or strand of umbilical tape fixed to the CS.
Recurrent endometrial stromal sarcoma resembling intravenous leiomyomatosis

A case of recurrent low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (endolymphatic stromal myosis) presenting as an intracardiac neoplasm is reported. Pronounced leiomyomatous differentiation was noted in the recurrence. This together with the gross pathology closely resembled intravenous leiomyomatosis.
Genetic transmission of retroviral genes and cellular oncogenes

Several different families of retrovirus genome have been found to exist, each in multiple copies, in the cellular DNA of rodents and primates. There are at least four distinct families of genome in rodents: two type C families, the MTV family and another related to mouse type A particles. In primates there are also at least two families of endogenous type C virogenes and a third type D virogene family. Both in rodents and in primates, the virus-related sequences constitute almost 0.1% of the cellular genome. We have been able to generate transforming viruses, starting with endogenous mouse `helper9 type C viruses by passing them through chemically transformed mouse cells and selecting for variant viruses that have acquired the ability to induce normal cells to display anchorage-independent growth. These viruses produce both sarcomas and carcinomas in the animal; clones that produce only pulmonary carcinomas have also been selected. These presumably have arisen by recombination between the helper and `transforming9 sequences derived from the cells. Moloney sarcoma virus-transformed cells produce a new peptide, called sarcoma growth factor (SGF), that makes normal cells take on some of the properties of transformed cells. Studies with temperature-sensitive viral mutants show that the production of SGF is under the control of the transforming genes of the sarcoma virus.
Condition for Sudden Passage in the Earth's-Field NMR Technique

Abstract The equation of motiondM/dt= γM × B is solved numerically in order to study the dynamic behavior of the magnetization during the cutoff of the polarizing field in the earth's-field NMR technique. It is assumed that the polarizing field is perpendicular to the earth's field and is reduced to zero linearly in a time short compared to all spin relaxation times. The numerical solution for arbitrary cutoff rates is obtained using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta algorithm and is found to be consistent with a power series solution. It is shown that the magnetization remains within a single octant, and that, for moderate to rapid cutoff, the cutoff rate is related to the cone angle of the subsequent free precession by[formula]Here θcis the complement of the cone angle in radians, γ is the proton gyromagnetic ratio, andB0is the magnitude of the static field (normally, the earth's field) used to detect the free precession.
The Kinetic Mechanism of Myo1e (Human Myosin-IC)

Abstract Myo1e is the widely expressed subclass-1 member of the myosin-I family. We performed a kinetic analysis of a truncated myo1e that consists of the motor and the single IQ motif with a bound calmodulin. We determined the rates and equilibrium constants for the key steps in the ATPase cycle. The maximum actin activated ATPase rate (V max) and the actin concentration at half-maximum of V max(K ATPase) of myo1e are similar to those of the native protein. The K ATPase is low (∼1 μm), however the affinity of myo1e for actin in the presence of ATP is very weak. A weak actin affinity and a rapid rate of phosphate release result in a pathway under in vitro assay conditions in which phosphate is released while myo1e is dissociated from actin. Actin activation of the ATPase activity and the lowK ATPase are the result of actin activation of ADP release. We propose that myo1e is tuned to function in regions of high concentrations of cross-linked actin filaments. Additionally, we found that ADP release from actomyo1e is > 10-fold faster than other vertebrate myosin-I isoforms. We propose that subclass-1 myosin-Is are tuned for rapid sliding, whereas subclass-2 isoforms are tuned for tension maintenance or stress sensing.
Search for four-dimensional string models

Within the framework of the spin-structure construction of fermionic string models, we describe a computerized method for generating four-dimensional heterotic models and analyzing their massless spectrum. Thus, starting with the spin structure, we easily identify the low-energy gauge group and all the massless representations, including any U(1) charges. We attempt a systematic and complete generation of all four-dimensional heterotic string models based on world-sheet periodic and antiperiodic complex fermions and compare this with the generation of models from the same category obtained by randomly generating spin structures. We thus explicitly construct over 900 four-dimensional models having /ital N/=4 supersymmetry, and over 32 000 models having /ital N/=1 supersymmetry. Some phenomenologically interesting examples are presented.