cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Trifunctional Phosphatidylserine Probes for Identification of Lipid-Binding Proteins

Phosphatidylserine (PS) lipids play a number of roles in cell biology, one of which is to mark apoptotic cells for clearance by macrophages. PS recognition triggers macrophage recognition and clearance, which occurs concomitantly with active suppression of an inflammatory response. A small number of proteins in different tissues have been identified as PS receptors, and we hypothesize that many more PS receptors have yet to be found. We have designed and synthesized a set of phosphatidylserine lipid mimics with a PS lipid headgroup for recognition, a benzophenone moiety for photoaffinity cross-linking, and an alkyne for post-labeling readout. These probes may be useful tools to identify new PS receptors (PSRs). The PS lipid probes thus have potential impact in the areas of discovery biology, anti-inflammatory therapeutics, and cellular delivery. We present herein a versatile and robust synthetic approach to trifunctional phosphatidyl serine lipid mimics for identification of novel PSR proteins.
On the stability of Poiseuille flow in a pipe

Poiseuille pipe flow stability from finite difference equations approximation to nonlinear axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations under stream function perturbation
A frequency domain analysis of trends in Dobson total ozone records

A frequency domain statistical model for the Dobson total column ozone data is introduced. This model extends variance-components analysis to the time series case and incorporates both temporal and spatial association found in the ozone data. A key feature of this model is the inclusion of a common global term representing natural global variations in ozone. The model is used to estimate global trends in ozone possibly related to the release of man-made chlorofluorocarbons and other factors. We assess the ability of models to detect trends, given the current ozone data base.
Effect of Maleic Acid in Compendial UV Absorption Assays for Antihistamine Maleate Salts

Standard recoveries averaging 89.9% are reported for the NF XIII brompheniramine maleate tablet assay procedure, which employs UV comparison of unidentical sample and standard molecular species in the same medium. The data presented indicate that these low assay values are attributable to the chromophoric properties of the maleic acid moiety and its ability to protonate the α-pyridyl chromophore of the brompheniramine molecule in a neutral organic solvent.
Designer drugs 2015: assessment and management.

Recent designer drugs, also known as “legal highs,” include substituted cathinones (e.g., mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, often referred to as “bath salts”); synthetic cannabinoids (SCs; e.g., Spice); and synthetic hallucinogens (25I-NBOMe, or N-bomb). Compound availability has evolved rapidly to evade legal regulation and detection by routine drug testing. Young adults are the primary users, but trends are changing rapidly; use has become popular among members of the military. Acute toxicity is common and often manifests with a constellation of psychiatric and medical effects, which may be severe (e.g., anxiety, agitation, psychosis, and tachycardia), and multiple deaths have been reported with each of these types of designer drugs. Clinicians should keep designer drugs in mind when evaluating substance use in young adults or in anyone presenting with acute neuropsychiatric complaints. Treatment of acute intoxication involves supportive care targeting manifesting signs and symptoms. Long-term treatment of designer drug use disorder can be challenging and is complicated by a lack of evidence to guide treatment.
My life with hurricanes.

Geographic circumstances: During Hurricane Katrina I received and triaged evacuees 325 miles from ground zero. I subsequently moved to Galveston, Texas, a town ravaged more than once by powerful hurricanes. About the author: I am currently working on the Gulf Coast in the division of general pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. In the 1970s I attended medical school at Louisiana State University in New Orleans. After that I went to UTMB for my general pediatrics residency. I practiced general pediatrics in Longview, Texas, for 32 years afterward. I served as president of the Texas Pediatric Society. Currently, I am chapter vice-chair for the Texas chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a member of the AAP Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine. I made a practice change partially because of Katrina but more as a result of an intense period of storms that affected the central Gulf Coast during the last 5 years. As a result of these storms UTMB has more actively sought innovative ways to meet the needs of people it serves so as not leave medical services vulnerable to hurricanes. I am the medical director of a new outpatient facility that serves both subspecialty pediatrics and general pediatrics. I am now living on the Texas coast as part of the faculty and am keenly aware of the needs for organized responses for the benefit of children in particular. I am a New Orleans native and have lived my entire life in the Gulf South region. I was reared in a family with strong Acadian heritage thanks to my mother and her forebears. The existence and effects of hurricanes have been part of a way of life for my family and countless others in this region. Stories that I can … Address correspondence to O. W. “Skip” Brown, MD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0351. E-mail: owbrown{at}utmb.edu
The Role of Profeminist Men in Dealing With Woman Abuse on the Canadian College Campus

Stopping woman abuse on the North American college campus has not been very successful thus far. There is a major backlash, where students, faculty, and administrators too often either feel that the problem is not very significant or support the patriarchal rights of men. Programs begun by many campuses have not worked very well, partially because they depend on women to police the actions of men and partially because so few men come under formal social control that most offenders know that they can get away with their actions. Building on empirical research that suggests that male peer support is the most important factor on whether a male will be abusive, the authors suggest ways in which profeminist men can begin to tilt the balance against male aggression. This can include shaming or working with bullies or those who are abusive, protesting pornography, and involving oneself with education programs and/or support groups.
The integration of micro-machine fabrication with electronic device fabrication on III-V semiconductor materials

The authors have fabricated a variety of micromechanical devices on GaAs and InP substrates, using fabrication methods and materials compatible with microelectronic device fabrication on III-V compounds. The actuators are electrostatically operated and include microwave switches, linear actuated microwave tuners, and rotating element motors. The authors describe the types of mechanical devices that have been fabricated, the fabrication strategy, sequence, methods, and materials used in the fabrication, the compatibility of processes with III-V based devices, and some evaluations of their mechanical and electrical properties. >
Factors Affecting Extension Ladder Angular Positioning

OBJECTIVE: The study objectives were to identify factors affecting extension ladders' angular positioning and evaluate the effectiveness of two anthropometric positioning methods. BACKGROUND: A leading cause for extension ladder fall incidents is a slide-out event, usually related to suboptimal ladder inclination. An improved ladder positioning method or procedure could reduce the risk of ladder stability failure and the related fall injury. METHOD: Participants in the study were 20 experienced and 20 inexperienced ladder users. A series of ladder positioning tests was performed in a laboratory environment with 4.88-m (16-ft) and 7.32-m (24-ft) ladders in extended and retracted positions. The setup methods included a no-instruction condition and two anthropometric approaches: the American National Standards Institute A14 and "fireman" methods. Performance measures included positioning angle and time. RESULTS: The results indicated that ladder setup method and ladder effective length, defined by size and extended state, affected ladder positioning angle. On average, both anthropometric methods were effective in improving extension ladder positioning; however, they required 50% more time than did the no-instruction condition and had a 9.5% probability of setting the ladder at a less-than-70 degrees angle. Shorter ladders were consistently positioned at shallower angles. CONCLUSION: Anthropometric methods may lead to safer ladder positioning than does no instruction when accurately and correctly performed. Workers tended to underperform as compared with their theoretical anthropometric estimates. Specific training or use of an assistive device may be needed to improve ladder users' performance. APPLICATION: The results provide practical insights for employers and workers to correctly set up extension ladders. Language: en
HIV Pathogenesis: Nef Loses Control

In this issue of Cell, Schindler et al. (2006) show that the Nef protein from nonpathogenic strains of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) induces the downregulation of host T cell receptor/CD3, whereas Nef from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) does not. This loss of function in the Nef of HIV-1 may partly explain the pathogenicity of this virus.
Surface Treatment of NiO Hole Transport Layers for Organic Solar Cells

Recent advances in the power-conversion efficiency of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) has largely been realized through the development of conjugated polymer absorber materials that provide for increased overlap with the solar spectrum as well as proper energy level offset with the electron acceptor. These allow for increased photocurrent and photovoltage, thus resulting in increased performance. Such systems could further be improved through the application of contact materials that have been tuned to minimize losses in carrier and potential losses at the charge-extraction interfaces. To date, these devices continue to use contacts that have not been optimized for the specific active layer components employed. Here, we demonstrate that the electrical and contact properties of NiO can be tuned through careful control of the deposition parameters as well as through surface treatments. The effects of the NiO thin-film processing and properties are investigated for application as a hole transport layer (HTL) in poly(3-hexylthiophene):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester OPV devices. Devices based on the NiO HTLs demonstrate equal performance to those employing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) HTLs. Furthermore, the NiO HTLs enable the application of zinc-oxide-based materials as transparent electrodes.
Syrup of ipecac. The case for distribution from physicians' offices.

• Data from a nationally representative sample of household interviews were analyzed to examine public preparedness for childhood poisoning episodes. Eighty-eight percent (61% to 77% in nonwhite groups) of respondents from households with children younger than 10 years had heard of poison control centers and 70% (50% to 57% in nonwhites) stated that they had the telephone number of such a center. In contrast only 25% stated they had syrup of Ipecac in their home. Among blacks and Hispanics this proportion was 9%. To explore possible reasons for this we telephoned a sample of 65 physicians listed in the greater Washington, DC, telephone directory as providers of care for infants and children. Of the 45 (69%) who agreed to be interviewed, 73% informed their patients about poison control centers and 53% provided the appropriate telephone number. Although 78% believed parents should have ipecac in the house, only three (7%) of 45 actually dispensed ipecac to parents. We conclude that ipecac is not widely available in the homes of American children. By regularly dispensing it in the course of pediatric care, physicians could largely remedy this deficiency. ( AJDC 1988;142:640-642)
Permission-based ownership: encapsulating state in higher-order typed languages

Today's module systems do not effectively support information hiding in the presence of shared mutable objects, causing serious problems in the development and evolution of large software systems. Ownership types have been proposed as a solution to this problem, but current systems have ad-hoc access restrictions and are limited to Java-like languages.In this paper, we describe System Fown, an extension of System F with references and ownership. Our design shows both how ownership fits into standard type theory and the encapsulation benefits it can provide in languages with first-class functions, abstract data types, and parametric polymorphism. By looking at ownership in the setting of SystemF, we were able to develop a design that is more principled and flexible than previous ownership type systems, while also providing stronger encapsulation guarantees.
Elevated Protein Kinase C-δ Contributes to Aneurysm Pathogenesis Through Stimulation of Apoptosis and Inflammatory Signaling

Objective—Apoptosis of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is a prominent pathological characteristic of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We have previously shown that SMC apoptosis stimulates proinflammatory signaling in a mouse model of AAA. Here, we test whether protein kinase C-δ (PKCδ), an apoptotic mediator, participates in the pathogenesis of AAA by regulating apoptosis and proinflammatory signals. Methods and Results—Mouse experimental AAA is induced by perivascular administration of CaCl2. Mice deficient in PKCδ exhibit a profound reduction in aneurysmal expansion, SMC apoptosis, and transmural inflammation as compared with wild-type littermates. Delivery of PKCδ to the aortic wall of PKCδ–/– mice restores aneurysm, whereas overexpression of a dominant negative PKCδ mutant in the aorta of wild-type mice attenuates aneurysm. In vitro, PKCδ–/– aortic SMCs exhibit significantly impaired monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production. Ectopic administration of recombinant monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 to ...
Properties of a thermal‐processed beverage prepared from roasted partially defatted peanuts

Summary The effects of two thermal processing methods on physical and sensory properties of a 4 beverage prepared from finely ground, partially defatted roasted peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) were determined. Samples were either bottle-processed at 72 "C for 2 min or 111 "C for 8 min after homogenizing at 72 "C, or kettle-pasteurized for 2 min at 72, 77 or 82 "C before homogenizing at 72, 77 or 82 "C, respectively. Harsher thermal processing parameters increased the suspension stability and viscosity of bottle-processed beverage by 175 and 87%, respectively, but had no influence on kettle-pasteurized beverage. Total solids (%) and colour were not adversely affected by thermal processing. Beverage that was kettle-pasteurized and homogenized at 72 "C had low viscosity (6.1-8.4 cps), typical roasted peanut flavour and little or no chalky mouthfeel, irrespective of whether carrageenan (stabilizer) or mono-diglyceride (emulsifier) were added to the formulation. Kettle-pasteurizing before homogenizing (20.7 X lo6 Pa) showed potential for producing beverages with physical and sensory attributes similar to commercial cow milk products.
Understanding the Natural History of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Resolution: Vital Information for Optimizing Duration of Therapy

New understanding of the management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has led to an interest in defining the optimal duration of antibiotic therapy [1]. Clearly, patients need to receive enough therapy to eradicate the etiologic pathogen and to prevent recurrence, yet not so much therapy that antibiotic resistance develops as a result of the patient being exposed to antimicrobials long after the original organism has been eliminated. It is very likely that the correct duration of therapy will vary from patient to patient, rather than being some arbitrary duration dictated by "local tribal custom" (i.e., 5, 7, 10, and 14 days seem to be popular durations, but no recommendations for 6, 9, 11, or 13 days of therapy have appeared). The clinical response depends on a variety of influences, including host factors (e.g., immune status and comorbid illness), bacteriologic factors (e.g., virulence, susceptibility to available therapies, and inoculum), disease factors (e.g., the
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction is the most common cause of acquired flatfoot deformity in adults. It is most commonly caused by chronic tendinopathy with subsequent functional impairment from elongation or rupture and it is most often seen in patients with obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and systemic inflammatory diseases. Degenerative tears occur most often distal and posterior to the medial malleolus in the critical zone of hypovascularity. There is a characteristic deformity consisting of hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction, loss of the longitudinal arch, and, with increasing hindfoot valgus, a compensatory forefoot supination. The diagnosis is usually clinical. There is medial pain and swelling, pain or inability to perform a single heel rise, loss of the medial longitudinal arch, hindfoot valgus, and forefoot abduction identified by a positive “too many toes sign.” It is classified from stages I through IV based on the amount and flexibility of deformity. Radiograph findings are consistent with flatfoot deformity. Magnetic resonance imaging is not necessary for the diagnosis. Initial treatment should be conservative using cast immobilization for acute pain and dysfunction, and orthotics in the subacute and chronic cases. Surgery is indicated only when conservative measures fail, and the goal is restoration of normal foot alignment. Surgical decision making is influenced by the amount of deformity, as well mobility of the joints. Particularly important is the assessment of forefoot supination. Procedures include FDL reconstruction, calcaneus osteotomy, and arthrodesis, including isolated subtalar fusion, talonavicular fusion, double arthrodesis, and triple arthrodesis.
Epigenetic regulation of asthma and allergic disease

Epigenetics of asthma and allergic disease is a field that has expanded greatly in the last decade. Previously thought only in terms of cell differentiation, it is now evident the epigenetics regulate many processes. With T cell activation, commitment toward an allergic phenotype is tightly regulated by DNA methylation and histone modifications at the Th2 locus control region. When normal epigenetic control is disturbed, either experimentally or by environmental exposures, Th1/Th2 balance can be affected. Epigenetic marks are not only transferred to daughter cells with cell replication but they can also be inherited through generations. In animal models, with constant environmental pressure, epigenetically determined phenotypes are amplified through generations and can last up to 2 generations after the environment is back to normal. In this review on the epigenetic regulation of asthma and allergic diseases we review basic epigenetic mechanisms and discuss the epigenetic control of Th2 cells. We then cover the transgenerational inheritance model of epigenetic traits and discuss how this could relate the amplification of asthma and allergic disease prevalence and severity through the last decades. Finally, we discuss recent epigenetic association studies for allergic phenotypes and related environmental risk factors as well as potential underlying mechanisms for these associations.
Peace and Progress in New Guinea

\ DMINISTRATIVELY the Dutch designate a large sector of the Vogell kopt in western New Guinea as the Ajamaroe District. The same term is applied to the inhabitants of the area, though they are divided into many fairly small groups by linguistic differences and have no common name for themselves. Very little is known about any of them except those whom the government has induced to take up part-time residence in about 50 hamlets clustered about a chain of shallow, muddy lakes in the mid-interior. The administrative center for the district is located near the western end of the lakes. Its personnel are few, not more than a half dozen at the most. Their communication and supply line to the outside is by amphibious plane, which is scheduled to make weekly appearances. The only other contact is by foot over a trail to the south coast, a devious route over rough terrain. In this district, as in other parts of the interior, the Dutch government has moved very slowly in extending its authority over the natives, mostly because of a lack of manpower and resources. In Ajamaroe, regular patrols enforcing some semblance of justice do not get much beyond a day's march from the lakes. Even this control is recent and in many respects is superficial. It aims at keeping peace and at introducing the rudiments of health and education, but is quite permissive with respect to most native customs and tentative in its advocacy of change. The area was first penetrated by a small contingent of the Dutch Army in 1935. One of its objectives was to suppress the petty but incessant warfare that made life and property insecure and kept the Ajamaroe in constant turmoil. Their ideal man was belligerent and vengeful, and those with outstanding records as killers were their head men or chiefs. They were called in Malay kapala parang-literally "head knives." They were products of a mass anxiety characterized by suspicion, vindictiveness, deceit, and avarice. According to Ajamaroe belief, no death was natural unless it came at the end of a long life, and perhaps not then. Furthermore, every unnatural death demanded revenge, though a life could be paid for if the murder was such by inference or through negligence. Payment was possible, for example, to atone for the death of guests. A host was always under suspicion if his visitors fell ill, and he had to pay their relatives if they died. On the same theory a man paid for the death of his wife if she died on his clan land, and her relatives paid for his death if he died on theirs. Suicides by married women were fairly common-consciously directed acts of aggression, for they called for a payment by the husband, who was assumed to be the cause. All of this meant that unless a man could buy his way out of an accusation
Minimum ratio-locked profile times for robot trajectories

A graphical representation of admissible profile times for robot trajectories is presented from a kinematic perspective. Profile times are defined to be the acceleration time, slew time, and deceleration time for robot end effector motions. Given initial and final robot end effector locations, identical profile times are computed for all the joints in the manipulator, where each joint has different acceleration and velocity limits. Ratio-locked profile times occur when the robot motion is joint-coordinated, with all of the joints moving in a proportional manner relative to each other. A closed-form solution to compute the minimum ratio-locked profile times for robot trajectories is presented for the case when the acceleration limit for each joint is equal to its deceleration limit. The algorithm is implemented in the HAL robot control system at HP Labs. for controlling robots in a manufacturing environment. >
Hilltopping by Palpada mexicana (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Abstract The fly Palpada mexicana is one of the many syrphids that employ hilltopping as a mating system. In central Arizona, males of P. mexicana can be found on peaktops in spring and, to a lesser extent, autumn. Year after year, the flies gather to perch or hover near certain prominent plants on the ridgeline that constitutes Usery Peak, Maricopa County. About 20% of all marked males returned on subsequent days to the landmarks where they had been captured. Although site fidelity and territoriality are apparently fairly weak in this species, the behavior of P. mexicana is similar to that of various hilltopping flies and other insects, but markedly different from those syrphids that wait or search for mates at flowers or oviposition sites.
Homeostasis of human NK cells is not IL-15 dependent

IL-15 is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the development and activation of NK cells and is a potential target for inflammatory disease therapy. Studies conducted in IL-15- and IL-15R knockout mice identified IL-15 as an important cytokine for NK cell homeostasis. Consistent with this information derived from genetically modified mice, we demonstrated that neutralizing IL-15 with a mouse anti-mouse IL-15 mAb (M96) depletes C57BL/6 mouse NK cells. An mAb directed against macaque IL-15 (Hu714MuXHu) was manufactured and demonstrated to block IL-15-induced activation of nonhuman primate (NHP) NK cells in vitro. Neutralization of macaque IL-15 by parenteral administration of Hu714MuXHu reduces (>95%) circulating NK cell counts in NHPs. A blocking mAb directed against human IL-15 (huIL-15; AMG 714) was manufactured. Unexpectedly, when human subjects were treated with the blocking anti-IL-15 Ab AMG 714 in clinical trials, no reductions in circulating NK cell counts were observed despite achieving significantly higher exposures than the levels of Hu714MuXHu needed to cause NK cell count reductions in NHPs in vivo. Both AMG 714 and Hu714MuXHu are able to block huIL-15 activity in a human T cell blast proliferation and IFN-γ production assay. Both Abs block huIL-15-mediated Stat5 activation and CD69 expression in human NK cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that NK cell homeostasis is obligatorily dependent upon IL-15 in both mice and NHPs, but that IL-15 is dispensable for maintenance of circulating human NK cells.
Characteristics of gradient undulator

Undulator/wiggler having the same polarities of magnetic field in opposing though medial plane poles can be used for generating radiation the intensity of which is a function of the beam size and displacement. Characteristics of such device are analyzed here analytically and by tracking.
Postoperative chemoradiotherapy and cetuximab for high-risk squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group RTOG-0234.

Purpose To report results of a randomized phase II trial (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group RTOG-0234) examining concurrent chemoradiotherapy and cetuximab in the postoperative treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with high-risk pathologic features. Patients and Methods Eligibility required pathologic stage III to IV SCCHN with gross total resection showing positive margins and/or extracapsular nodal extension and/or two or more nodal metastases. Patients were randomly assigned to 60 Gy radiation with cetuximab once per week plus either cisplatin 30 mg/m2 or docetaxel 15 mg/m2 once per week. Results Between April 2004 and December 2006, 238 patients were enrolled. With a median follow-up of 4.4 years, 2-year overall survival (OS) was 69% for the cisplatin arm and 79% for the docetaxel arm; 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 57% and 66%, respectively. Patients with p16-positive oropharynx tumors showed markedly improved survival outcome relative to patients wit...
Step and flash imprint lithography for sub-100-nm patterning

Step and Flash Imprint Lithography (SFIL) is an alternative to photolithography that efficiently generates high aspect-ratio, sub-micron patterns in resist materials. Other imprint lithography techniques based on physical deformation of a polymer to generate surface relief structures have produced features in PMMA as small as 10 nm, but it is very difficult to imprint large depressed features or to imprint a thick films of resist with high aspect-ratio features by these techniques. SFIL overcomes these difficulties by exploiting the selectivity and anisotropy of reactive ion etch (RIE). First, a thick organic 'transfer' layer (0.3 micrometer to 1.1 micrometer) is spin coated to planarize the wafer surface. A low viscosity, liquid organosilicon photopolymer precursor is then applied to the substrate and a quartz template applied at 2 psi. Once the master is in contact with the organosilicon solution, a crosslinking photopolymerization is initiated via backside illumination with broadband UV light. When the layer is cured the template is removed. This process relies on being able to imprint the photopolymer while leaving the minimal residual material in the depressed areas. Any excess material is etched away using a CHF3/He/O2 RIE. The exposed transfer layer is then etched with O2 RIE. The silicon incorporated in the photopolymer allows amplification of the low aspect ratio relief structure in the silylated resist into a high aspect ratio feature in the transfer layer. The aspect ratio is limited only by the mechanical stability of the transfer layer material and the O2 RIE selectivity and anisotropy. This method has produced 60 nm features with 6:1 aspect ratios. This lithography process was also used to fabricate alternating arrays of 100 nm Ti lines on a 200 nm pitch that function as efficient micropolarizers. Several types of optical devices including gratings, polarizers, and sub-wavelength structures can be easily patterned by SFIL.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of DNA nanotube polymerization from single-filament measurements

DNA nanotubes provide a programmable architecture for molecular self-assembly and can serve as model systems for one-dimensional biomolecular assemblies. While a variety of DNA nanotubes have been synthesized and employed as models for natural biopolymers, an extensive investigation of DNA nanotube kinetics and thermodynamics has been lacking. Using total internal reflection microscopy, DNA nanotube polymerization was monitored in real time at the single filament level over a wide range of free monomer concentrations and temperatures. The measured polymerization rates were subjected to a global nonlinear fit based on polymerization theory in order to simultaneously extract kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. For the DNA nanotubes used in this study, the association rate constant is (5.99 ± 0.15) × 105 M−1 s−1, the enthalpy is 87.9 ± 2.0 kcal mol−1, and the entropy is 0.252 ± 0.006 kcal mol−1 K−1. The qualitative and quantitative similarities between the kinetics of DNA nanotubes, actin filaments, and microtubules polymerization highlight the prospect of building complex dynamic systems from DNA molecules inspired by biological architecture.
Studying Altocumulus with Ice Virga Using Ground-Based Active and Passive Remote Sensors

Mixed-phase clouds are still poorly understood, though studies have indicated that their parameterization in general circulation models is critical for climate studies. Most of the knowledge of mixed-phase clouds has been gained from in situ measurements, but reliable remote sensing algorithms to study mixed-phase clouds extensively are lacking. A combined active and passive remote sensing approach for studying supercooled altocumulus with ice virga, using multiple remote sensor observations, is presented. Precipitating altocumulus clouds are a common type of mixed-phase clouds, and their easily identifiable structure provides a simple scenario to study mixedphase clouds. First, ice virga is treated as an independent ice cloud, and an existing lidar‐radar algorithm to retrieve ice water content and general effective size profiles is applied. Then, a new iterative approach is used to retrieve supercooled water cloud properties by minimizing the difference between atmospheric emitted radiance interferometer (AERI)‐observed radiances and radiances, calculated using the discrete-ordinate radiative transfer model at 12 selected wavelengths. Case studies demonstrate the capabilities of this approach in retrieving radiatively important microphysical properties to characterize this type of mixed-phase cloud. The good agreement between visible optical depths derived from lidar measurement and those estimated from retrieved liquid water path and effective radius provides a closure test for the accuracy of mainly AERI-based supercooled water cloud retrieval.
Antidumping Charges Against China: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Proponents, Opponents, And Its Impact On U.S. Companies

Few nations have changed as fast—or as Dramatically—as China has since the 1970s. The world’s most populous nation has radically liberalized its economy and gone from producing lowquality and simple export to sophisticated hightechnology goods, while nurturing a vibrant private sector and attracting nearly $500 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI). China’s total exports grew eightfold—to over $380 billion—between 1990 and 2003. China’s share of global exports will reach 6 percent in 2003, compared to 3.9 percent in 2000. The U.S. has lost about 2.6 million manufacturing jobs since 2001. While private economists say that most of he job losses reflected improved productivity at U.S. factories, many in Congress and within industry say China blame China. China’s soaring economy has turned it into manufacturing juggernaut that maintains the largest trade surplus of many nations, including the U.S. U.S. law provides for the protection of American manufacturers form unfair foreign trade practices. If U.S. companies believe that foreign competitors are dumping merchandise in the U.S. or are being subsidized by foreign governments, they may file for relief with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and the U.S. Trade Commission. Antidumping levies duties on goods dumped on the U.S. market. One of the most contested issues is whether U.S. trade laws, in particular the antidumping laws, should be open to negotiation. It should for the benefits of U.S. customers and U.S. businesses. This research will focus on dumping charges against China and evaluate pros and cons of U.S. antidumping laws against foreign companies and its impact on U.S. consumers and businesses.
Turnstile Rearrangement and Pseudorotation in the Permutational Isomerization of Pentavalent Phosphorus Compounds

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with turnstile rearrangement and peudorotation in the permutational isomerization of pentavalent phosphorous compounds. The phosphoranes are derivatives of the pentahydride of phosphorus, in which the five ligands are covalently bonded to phosphorus. The stereochemistry of pentavalent phosphorus relates to the trigonal bipyramid, just as that of tetravalent carbon relates to the tetrahedron. X-Ray crystallographic analysis provides details of the static molecular structure of cyclic oxyphosphoranes. Group theory and topology provide a formal analysis of the way in which trigonal bipyramidal pentacoordinated phosphorus can undergo permutational isomerizations. Theoretical calculations of the energies associated with model situations in the positional exchange of ligands in phosphorus pentafluoride support two mechanisms for this exchange: Berry pseudorotation (BPR) and Turnstile rotation (TR). Cyclic pentacoordinated phosphorus compounds with trigonal bipyramidal symmetry cannot undergo positional exchange of ligands unless a TR mechanism is involved. The TR process may involve single or multiple TR, or TR with “switches.” The TR mechanism could also explain the positional exchange of ligands in other pentacoordinated, trigonal bipyramidal molecules where the central atom is an element other than phosphorus. Regular processes are not the only way by which trigonal bipyramidal phosphorus can undergo permutational isomerization. Irregular processes, involving bond ruptures and reformations, must always be considered as alternatives and some experimental justification or reasoning-by-analogy must be provided in discussions of permutational isomerization itineraries. Irregular permutational isomerizations, which involve a decrease in the pentacoordination of the phosphorus are known, and they are prone to acid catalysis.
MNGO-02GANODERIC ACID (A AND DM) INDUCED NDRG2 OVEREXPRESSION INHIBITS TUMORGENIC POTENTIAL OF MALIGNANT MENINGIOMA CELLS

Meningiomas are the second most common brain tumor, with a small proportion of these tumors being atypical or malignant. The aggressive subtypes are characterized by a capacity for invasion of normal brain with frequent recurrence patterns. Effective local therapies include surgery and radiation, but novel target specific drugs are needed to improve survival and reduce morbidity patients with for malignant anaplastic meningiomas (WHO Grade III) patients. Recently, an identified N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) protein was shown to be consistently down-regulated in grade III meningioma, demonstrating its role in tumorigenesis. In order to overexpress the tumor suppressor gene NDRG2 that inhibits tumorgenic pathways and proliferation of meningiomas, we used two bioactive triterpene compounds derived from Ganoderma lucidum (ganoderic acid A and ganoderic acid DM) in a preclinical meningioma model. Our in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that overexpression of NDRG2 by the novel agents ganoderic acid (A/DM) inhibits proliferation, invasion and suppressed metastatic potential of high grade meningioma tumor growth via NDRG2 modulation of intracellular signals pathways while preserving normal brain tissue. Our results strongly demonstrate the effect of the novel agent ganoderic acid (A/ DM) on NDRG2 tumorigenesis establishing their translational potential for the treatment of patients with aggressive malignant meningiomas.
Ultra-wideband pulse-based directional modulation

This paper presents a time-domain pulse-based directional modulation technique that enables secure wireless communication at the physical level. We use a train of sub-200psec pulses to achieve an information beamwidth of 1° while using antennas with a broad radiation pattern. The proposed technique leverages the advantages of a pulse-based system to demonstrate secure communication.
Aging Differentially Effects Diet-Induced Obesity and Central Leptin Sensitivity in Rats

In this study we examined whether sex differences in central leptin sensitive young rats disappears in middle-aged rats. As animals age, many gain visceral fat and develop leptin resistance, making them more susceptible to inflammation. Middle-aged rats were fed low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diets for 2 months and during this time were given intra-3 rd -ventricular (i3vt) leptin injections in a range of doses. Females had a dose dependent decrease in food intake (FI) in response to i3vt leptin. Males reduced FI after i3vt injection of 5.0 μg leptin but not at any other dose. There was also a higher expression of hypothalamic cytokines that are part of the inflammation cascade in males including IL6, TNFα and XBP1. Females remained sensitive to i3vt leptin and had lower hypothalamic cytokine expression than males. The female rats in both diets had visceral fat percentages similar to that of the males which may mean that age increases fat in this depot in rats. These data indicate that middle-aged rats are in a transition period in terms of hormonal sensitivity that may serve as a model to study age-associated changes. Response patterns in female rats that are cycling but have not reached persistent estrous may be suggestive for explanations of physiological changes in perimenopausal women. These findings are important because aging represents a time when health is impacted by diet, body fat distribution and estrogen levels.
Investigation on the Death Cause of Malignant Tumor among Dongtai Residents over 60s during 2009—2011

OBJECTIVE To study the death level and life lost caused by Malignancy of residents over 60s in Dongtai, and provides a scientific basis for preventing these diseases. METHODS The methods of mortality,YPLL,AYLL were used to analyze the death of Malignancy in Dongtai residents 60s during 2009-2011. RESULTS(1) Residents over 60s malignancies average annual standardized mortality rate was 940.34 per 100000 during 2009-2011; the top four causes of death were esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer and liver cancer.(2) Esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer and liver cancer in male mortality were significantly higher than female. Esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer of 65-84 years old continued to rise, over 85 years old esophageal cancer, gastric cancer tended to be stable, lung cancer decreased gradually.(3) The mortality rate of esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer and bone cancer in rural areas were significantly higher than in towns; the mortality rate of esophageal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, female genital cancer in eastern area of dike were higher than in western area, especially to the liver;(4)YPLL standard rate was 77.41‰, higher included esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer and liver cancer. AYLL was 8.89 years. CONCLUSION Malignant tumor is one of the main causes of death in residents over 60s in Dongtai, mainly for upper gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer and liver cancer. Consumption of pickled products, environmental pollution, family history may be predisposing factors. Promoting healthy lifestyles can reduce the mortality rate of malignant tumors in the elderly.
Schistosoma Mansoni: Anti-SMw32 Proteinase Response in Vaccinated and Challenged Baboons

Abstract. Antibodies to a cysteinyl proteinase of the trematode Schistosoma mansoni have been detected in serum from infected mice and humans. We have evaluated antiproteinase responses in infected baboons and in baboons vaccinated with irradiated, cryopreserved schistosomuJes prior to challenge. Prechallenge sera and normal, uninfected control sera were nonreactive by ELISA and immunoblots. Serum antibodies were first detectable by ELISA at two months post-challenge in both challenged (C) and vaccinated-challenged (V-C) baboons (serum dilution 1:200). By four months post-challenge, ELISA absorbance values for subgroup C baboons were significantly higher than for V-C counterparts. The immunoblot technique provided a more sensitive means of detecting antibody early in the infection. One month post-challenge, 7 of 12 C and V-C sera (diluted 1:100) contained measurable anti-proteinase antibody. By month two, 12 of 12 were immunoblot-positive. Baboons vaccinated but not challenged (subgroup V) remained negative. The presence of the anti-proteinase antibody appears to be a sensitive and early marker for infection by S. mansoni.
Linear Elastic Stress Analysis of 2D Cracks

To begin to understand fracture of materials, one must first know the stress and deformation fields near the tips of cracks. Thus the first topic in fracture mechanics is the linear elastic analysis of crack tip fields. The solutions derived here will be seen to violate the assumptions upon which linear elasticity theory is grounded. Nonetheless by invoking common sense principles, the theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) will be shown to provide the groundwork for many practical applications of fracture.
Advances in compact high repetition rate soft x-ray lasers

We review recent progress in the development of table-top soft x-ray lasers that includes the demonstration of a gain-saturated λ= 10.9 nm laser, and the first demonstration of an all-diode-pumped soft x-ray laser.
Quantitation of Natural, Recombinant, Cell-Surface and Plasma Tissue Factor.

Although it is well established that membrane-anchored cell-surface tissue factor (TF) initiates coagulation when blood contacts damaged tissue, several investigators have reported the existence of a circulating form of TF or TF-like antigen in blood. One report describes the molecular nature of circulating plasma TF as lacking the transmembrane domain, however, the TF activity of this material is a matter of debate. Therefore detection, quantitation and characterization of plasma TF steps towards defining the functional role of circulating TF and its potential contribution to thrombosis and hemostasis. We have developed highly specific and sensitive enzyme-linked (ELISA) and fluorescence-based immunoassays by which all known forms of TF including recombinant (r) truncated (1–218 and 1–242) and full-length (1–263), natural placenta, monocyte in situ as well as plasma TF were detected and quantitated. Immunoblotting confirmed the crossreactivity of anti-TF mAbs with TF from various sources and also revealed that there are significant differences between rTF and TF isolated from natural sources. This could suggest differences in procoagulant activity of rTF and natural TF that has to be investigated. The enzymatic immunoassay of TF was suitable for quantitative analyses of rTF and TF from commercial sources and placenta TF with detection level in the 80 pM range. Since the concentrations of TF on cell surface and in plasma are significantly lower than that found in commercial products, we integrated the double mAb immunoassay into Luminex Multi-Analyte Platform (LMAP) technology and developed a fluorescence-based immunoassay. This new assay was 400-fold more sensitive than ELISA and concentrations as low as 0.2 pM TF could be detected reliably. In addition to higher sensitivity, another advantage of fluorescence-based immunoassay of TF over the existing assays is the ability to determine specific and non-specific binding simultaneously in a single reaction well and such approach enhances assay specificity and reliability. TF on the surface of unstimulated and Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated immortalized human monocytic cells (TIB-202 cell line, ATCC) was quantitated. Unstimulated monocytes displayed between 55-110 TF molecules/cell (3–6 pg TF or 0.1–0.2 pM for 106cells/ml) while stimulated monocytes expressed 8–13 fold more TF as compared to unstimulated cells (730–840 TF molecules/cell, 40–46 pg, 1.2–1.4 pM for 106cells/ml). We also report here that the concentration of TF in plasma of "healthy" individuals (n=92) is in the range of 0.5±1.04 pM (16.2±31.2 pg/ml) and this concentration is substantially lower than that reported by other groups. There are significant variations in the antigen concentration among individuals; in 30% there was no detectable TF antigen (<0.2 pM). Assays of TF set the platform for further analyses of the concentrations of plasma TF in order to establish ranges and variations that occur during specific treatment regimens or due to the presence of certain pathological conditions.
Diabetes conflict outstrips the positive impact of self‐efficacy on youth adherence and glycemic control in type 1 diabetes

Objective To examine whether self-efficacy buffers the deleterious consequences of diabetes-specific family conflict on self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods A total of 129 youth with T1DM (aged 10-16 years) completed measures of diabetes-specific family conflict and self-efficacy for diabetes management, and their blood glucose meter data and HbA1c were extracted from the electronic medical record. We preformed moderation analyses to examine whether self-efficacy moderated the association that diabetes-specific family conflict had with SMBG and HbA1c. We used simple slopes analyses to probe significant interactions. Results Our results indicated that self-efficacy moderated the association that diabetes-specific family conflict had with SMBG and HbA1c. The pattern of these findings showed that high self-efficacy buffered the negative impact of diabetes conflict on HbA1c. However, benefits of high self-efficacy for more frequent SMBG was only apparent in the context of low diabetes-specific family conflict. Conclusions Study findings highlight the interactive relationship between diabetes-specific family conflict and self-efficacy in relation to SMBG and glycemic control. These findings suggest that family functioning and youth's self-efficacy are promising intervention targets for families having trouble with SMBG and HbA1c.