cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurons Overexpressing Heme Oxygenase‐1 Resist Oxidative Stress‐Mediated Cell Death

This is the first report on the protective effect of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) overexpression against oxidative stress-mediated neuronal cell death and demonstration of a decreased production of oxygen free radicals when HO-1 levels are increased. HO-1 is the heat shock/stress cognate of the heat shock protein 32 family of proteins. A known function of these proteins is alpha-meso bridge-specific cleavage of the heme molecule. For the present study, we used cerebellar granular neurons (CGNs) isolated from homozygous transgenic (Tg) mice that overexpress HO-1 under neuron-specific enolase control and nontransgenic (Ntg) littermates. The Tg mouse CGNs were characterized by increased levels of HO-1 mRNA and protein, a lower resting intracellular calcium concentration, and a reduced HO-1 transcriptional response to glutamate-mediated oxidative stress. Compared with the Ntg neurons, when exposed to glutamate (30 microM or 3 mM), the magnitude of cell viability was increased and the number of cells exhibiting membrane permeability and chromatin condensation were significantly decreased in the Tg CGN cultures. The population of neurons surviving glutamate toxicity decreased when HO-1 activity was inhibited by a peptide inhibitor. The neuroprotective effect by HO-1 was extended to H(2)O(2)-induced cell death. The mechanism of protection may involve in part a reduced production of reactive oxygen species upon exposure to glutamate. We suggest that induction of HO-1 by pharmacological means may be a novel approach to amelioration of oxidative insults to neurons.
The effect of federal deficits and debt on the tax-adjusted, short-term, real interest rate

The stock versus flow effect of the federal debt/deficit on a real interest rate is examined in a reduced-form equation. The evidence shows a positive and significant linkage between the federal debt and an ex-post, tax-adjusted, short-term, real interest rate.
XLA gene therapy turns a corner

Comment on Yu et al, page [1281][1] A more clinically relevant mouse model for XLA with severe B-cell developmental and functional defects can be corrected by retroviral-mediated gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells. Retroviral-mediated gene therapy has come under intense scrutiny because
Development of a Titanium Nitride Thin Film Standard

Titanium nitride films are used in a variety of applications in the semiconductor industry, but the stoichiometry and homogeneity of the films can be difficult to control and characterize. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing a TiN thin film on silicon to be used as a physical and chemical standard for the semiconductor industry. A prototype 100 nm thick film has been manufactured by dual ion beam deposition. NIST is characterizing the film by x-ray interferometry for thickness and density, neutron depth profiling for nitrogen content and homogeneity as a function of depth, neutron activation analysis for titanium content, and x-ray fluorescence spectromety, electron probe microanalysis, grazing incidence x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy for homogeneity and composition. The intent of this research is to create a TiN film of known thickness, density, stoichiometry, and homogeneity that can be used by the semiconductor industry as a primary, traceable standard for characterization of industry thin films. The intent of the standard is to promote more accurate characterization and improved TiN manufacturing capabilities as well as to aid manufactures in more easily employing ISO 9000 related traceability and quality assurance practices.
OVERLAP OF THE BIREFRINGENT COMPONENT OF ADJACENT A REGIONS DURING THE INDUCED SHORTENING OF FIBRILS TEASED FROM DROSOPHILA MUSCLE.

Fibrils from the indirect flight muscle of Drosophila melanogaster which have been teased into a solution containing 0.1 M KCl, 2 mM EDTA, 4 mM MgCl2, and 2.5 mM ATP at pH 7.0 can be made to shorten to 10 per cent of their initial length by reducing the level of ATP at a pH of about 8 or by briefly treating the fibrils with trypsin before lowering the level of ATP. Fibrils shortened in either of these ways, when dehydrated and immersed in nitrobenzene, display a strong positively birefringent band at the level of the Z band. In the trypsin-treated fibrils the width of this Z band increases as the fibril shortens. The data obtained are in agreement with the view that the positively birefringent Z band results from the interdigitation of A filaments in adjacent sarcomeres. With shortening to about 35 per cent of the initial length, the cytological pattern suggests that the A filaments of alternate as well as of adjacent A regions interdigitate.
Using Java to teach networking concepts with a programmable network sniffer

A crucial part of the Networking course is the examination of and experimentation with network traffic data. Most standalone network traffic sniffers are quite expensive and those freely available on general purpose platforms (e.g., Linux or Windows) are quite cryptic. Because of this, we have developed NetSpy: a Java-based network sniffer that allows plug-in Java modules to analyze network data. These modules are written by students as part of their experimentation with traffic data. This paper describes the NetSpy system and the way we use this in Networking class.
Optical characterization of a micro-grid polarimeter

A division of focal plane (DoFP) micro grid polarizer array (MGPA) has been characterized. The MGPA under test is a commercial device available from Moxtek Inc. These wire grid style polarizers use aluminum lines fabricated on a glass substrate and have opaque regions surrounding individual pixels. Our approach to testing the MGPA has been to reimage them onto a detector by placing the MGPA at an intermediate focal plane. For the purposes of characterizing the MGPA, a high magnification reimaging optical system was assembled. The oversampled MGPA pixels were examined by using an adjustable analyzing polarizer. The effects of pixel throughput and cross talk are examined as a function of both wavelength and illumination f/#. A calibration procedure has been determined for the use of such devices. The MGPA array was also examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). From these SEM measurements, the pitch, fill factor, and aluminum thickness were measured. In preparation for attaching the MGPA directly to a CCD, an alignment tolerance analysis was completed. The results indicate that 0.5 μm alignment of MGPA pixel center to image sensor is required to get a system with significantly low crosstalk for useful polarization imaging.
A Dual Amplifier Differentiator

A method of converting certain types of analog signals to digital form is described. The signals considered are those describing movement in a plane and are digitized by reference to a rectangular array of l's and O's.
Antibody-targeted photolysis: in vitro studies with Sn(IV) chlorin e6 covalently bound to monoclonal antibodies using a modified dextran carrier.

Abstract A monoclonal antibody-dextran-Sn(IV) chlorin e6 immunoconjugate was prepared by a technique involving the site-specific covalent modification of the monoclonal antibody oligosaccharide moiety. Dextran carriers were synthesized with a single chain-terminal hydrazide group, which was used as the coupling point between the carrier and the monoclonal antibody carbohydrate. Selective in vitro photolysis of SK-MEL-2 human malignant melanoma cells was accomplished using several conjugates prepared from anti-melanoma 2.1 (chromophore:antibody molar ratios, 6.8 and 11.2). Phototoxicity, as measured by clonogenic assay, was dependent on the delivered dose of 634-nm light and was observed only for conjugates that bound SK-MEL-2 cells. As judged by competitive inhibition radioimmunoassay, conjugates prepared in this fashion showed excellent retention of antigen binding activity relative to the unmodified antibody.
Oncogenic transformation of hamster cells after exposure to herpes simplex virus type 2.

THE possibility of a relationship between herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and human cancer has been suggested1–4 chiefly on the basis of studies of the epidemiology of cervical cancer, but so far it has not been possible to demonstrate that human herpes viruses can induce primary transformation of normal cells. Injection of herpes simplex virus type 1 (ref. 5) or type 2 (ref. 6) into Syrian hamsters rarely leads to the production of a tumour and it has been difficult to demonstrate herpes viral antigens in tumour cells. Human herpes simplex viruses grown in vitro are characterized by the rapidity with which the infected cell is destroyed, so that cell transformation is impossible, but this effect can be mitigated by inactivation of the herpes virus by ultraviolet irradiation. Indeed, this procedure may have the additional advantage that viral infectivity is removed more quickly than the viral transforming potential7.
Mathematical modeling of bread baking process

Baking of bread involves temperature, moisture content and volume changes that are strongly coupled. Previous work usually treated these processes separately or semi-empirically, without adequate accounting for the interaction. A model is developed considering heat and moisture transport that is fully coupled with large volume change. Viscoelastic material property is used and is a function of temperature. The model is applied to a conventional baking process and solved using a finite element method. Results from modeling agree with the experimental observations in terms of temperature, moisture, volume changes and surface browning. The model shows that higher than normal baking temperature reduces the baked bread volume. Microwave baking tends to heat the bread from the inside. Therefore, microwave baking, without other special treatment, creates no firm crust and collapsed dough. Sensitivity analyses have been performed for several material properties due to inaccurate or unavailable data for the model. Larger water activity, capillary diffusivity and smaller gas intrinsic permeability tend to over-predict the volume expansion and moisture loss.
Temperature-Dependent Surface States and Transitions of Si(111)-7×7

uv photoemission and electron-energy-loss measurements of Si(111)-7 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} 7 between $T=15 \mathrm{and} 300$ K reveal significant temperature-dependent changes in the occupied surface states and their transitions which can be associated with electron-phonon coupling at the surface. Several new surface states and transitions are determined at low temperatures, including a highly localized (\ensuremath{\sim}2-meV-wide), half-occupied state that resides within a 100-meV-wide surface-state band gap and determines the Fermi-level position.
The effects of the photomask on multiphase shift test monitors

A series of chromeless multiple-phase shift lithographic test monitors have been previously introduced. This paper investigates various effects that impact the performance of these monitors, focusing primarily on PSM Polarimetry, a technique to monitor illumination polarization. The measurement sensitivities from a variety of scalar and rigorous electromagnetic simulations are compared to experimental results from three industrial quality multi-phase test reticles. This analysis enables the relative importance of the various effects to be identified and offers the industry unique insight into various issues associated with the photomask. First, the unavoidable electromagnetic interaction as light propagates through the multiple phase steps of the mask topography appears to account for about 10 to 20% of the lost sensitivity, when experimental results are compared to an ideal simulated case. The polarization dependence of this effect is analyzed, concluding that the 4-phase topography is more effective at manipulating TM polarization. Second, various difficulties in the fabrication of these complicated mask patterns are described and likely account for an additional 60-80% loss in sensitivity. Smaller effects are also described, associated with the photoresist, mask design and subtle differences in the proximity effect of TE and TM polarization of off-axis light at high numerical aperture. Finally, the question: "How practical is PSM polarimetry?" is considered. It is concluded that, despite many severe limiting factors, an accurately calibrated test reticle promises to monitor polarization in state-of-the-art lithography scanners to within about 2%.
Expectations and knowledge assumptions in some popular macroeconomic models

Many of the current and past debates in macroeconomics have resulted from an improper understanding of the role of expectations and knowledge assumptions in competing models. In recent research, the author has examined these assumptions in some popular models that have been built during the evolution of macroeconomics. Macroeconomic equilibrium requires two conditions: markets must clear and expectations must be fulfilled. Thus, one requirement for equilibrium is that agents' expectations or "subjective facts" must correspond to the "objective facts."Achieving equilibrium can then be seen partly as a matter of bringing the expectations of the agents into closer and closer agreement with the objective facts. Once an equilibrium is established, it can be maintained only if the agents' expectations continue to correspond to the objective facts. This is the equilibrium definition of Harrod, Hayek, and Lindahl, in which events must be proceeding pretty much as agents expected them to. The author has set up a classification scheme which contains six categories. There are three states of expectation, each of which is subdivided according to market clearing or nonmarket clearing. The three states of expectation are: (i) all agents have the same expectations and they are all correct; (ii) all agents have the same expectations but they are all incorrect; and (iii) agents have different expectations, some of which must obviously be wrong. Full Information lVtacroeconomics corresponds to the case where all agents have the same expectations and they are all correct, and markets clear. All the models surveyed eventually reach this state. WNen this expectations assumption is combined with non-market clearing one has the Neo-Keynesian Disequilibrium models, such as those surveyed by Malinvaud, and, more recently, by Benassy. When all agents have the same expectations but they are all incorrect, and markets clear, one has the New Classical Macroeconomics of Lucas. When this expectations assumption is combined with non-market clearing one has the Neoclassical Synthesis, represented by models such as those by Klein and Patinkin. When the agents' expectations are in disagreement and markets clear one obtains the models of Wicksell, the early Keynes (Treatise), and Friedman. When this expectations assumption is combined with non-market clearing one gets the model of Keynes's General Theory. An example may clarify the nature of the work done. In the Wicksellian pure credit model markets are clearing but agents have different expectations concerning the "natural" rate of interest. In the typical inflationary case studied by Wicksetl the entrepreneurs believe the natural rate to be higher than the banks do. The entrepreneurs borrow from the banks~ thus expanding the money supply, and the cumulative process begins. Wicksell's basic presumption was that the entrepreneurs are usually right and the banks wrong. Thus, the resulting inflation will come to an end only when the banks revise their expectations and bring them into line with the objective facts.
Fertilization in teleost fishes: mechanisms of sperm-egg interactions

Publisher Summary This chapter describes some of the principal morphological and cellular features of fertilization in fishes, from the initial encounter between sperm and egg to their fusion to form the zygote. The pathway leading to the fusion between a single sperm and a previously quiescent egg and the subsequent union of male and female pronuclei consists of a predictable, highly ordered sequence of events. The chapter describes the events and changes that take place during the sperm–egg interaction and their temporal relationships to each other. The eggs of fishes, particularly those of teleosts, appear to be particularly useful and advantageous for investigations of fertilization. Teleost eggs are generally large and possess the built-in advantage of having the location of sperm entry topographically restricted to a predetermined, identifiable site in the animal pole. The direct interaction of sperm and egg is mediated by complementary receptors located on their plasma membranes. Such receptors may function in sperm–egg recognition, binding, fusion, and even the activation of the egg in some species. An important functional component of these receptors is carbohydrate based on studies of the mouse sperm receptor (ZP3) and the sea urchin egg-binding protein (bindin).
Electromechanical coupling between the atria and mitral valve

Anterior leaflet (AL) stiffening during isovolumic contraction (IVC) may aid mitral valve closure. We tested the hypothesis that AL stiffening requires atrial depolarization. Ten sheep had radioopa...
Cholesterol oxides in processed meats

Abstract Methods for the extraction of cholesterol oxides from meats were studied. A dry column technique for the extraction of sterols was found to be more rapid and convenient than conventional chloroform-methanol extraction. An overall yield of 32·0% and 23·6% for radiolabelled cholesterol and cholesterol oxides, respectively, was obtained after dry column extraction, saponification and chromatography on a silica arrestant column, Florisil®-AgNO 3 column and silica Sep-Pak® column. The overall extraction efficiency of ten meat samples was 22·3 ± 1·7 %. Cholesterol oxides present in measurable amounts included 5-cholesten-3β, 19-diol, 5-cholesten-3β-ol-22-one, the α and β epimers of 5-cholesten-3β, 7-diol and cholestan-3 β, 5α, 6β-triol in some of the meat samples analyzed, but, for the majority of samples, no detectable amounts of known cholesterol oxides were found. Most of the meats, however, contained unidentified components that are non-polar with respect to cholesterol.
Weak in Space, Log in Time Improvement of the Ladyženskaja–Prodi–Serrin Criteria

In this article we present a Ladyženskaja–Prodi–Serrin Criteria for regularity of solutions for the Navier–Stokes equation in three dimensions which incorporates weak L p norms in the space variables and log improvement in the time variable.
HIP ARTHROGRAPHY, ASPIRATION, BLOCK, AND BURSOGRAPHY

Hip arthrography in children with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is used to determine the optimal position of the femoral head for immobilization during the process of epiphyseal healing and in developmental dysplasia of the hip as a guide to operative treatment. In adult hips, arthrography and aspiration are useful techniques for demonstration of prosthetic implant loosening and infection. Aspiration of the hip joint and culture of aspirated fluid helps to diagnose septic arthritis. Anesthetic hip arthrography helps to distinguish between pain originating from the hip and radicular pain from the spine. Iliopsoas bursography may be used to diagnose bursal enlargement and its cause.
Distinct perisynaptic and synaptic localization of NMDA and AMPA receptors on ganglion cells in rat retina

At most excitatory synapses, AMPA and NMDA receptors (AMPARs and NMDARs) occupy the postsynaptic density (PSD) and contribute to miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) elicited by single transmitter quanta. Juxtaposition of AMPARs and NMDARs may be crucial for certain types of synaptic plasticity, although extrasynaptic NMDARs may also contribute. AMPARs and NMDARs also contribute to evoked EPSCs in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), but mEPSCs are mediated solely by AMPARs. Previous work indicates that an NMDAR component emerges in mEPSCs when glutamate uptake is reduced, suggesting that NMDARs are located near the release site but perhaps not directly beneath in the PSD. Consistent with this idea, NMDARs on RGCs encounter a lower glutamate concentration during synaptic transmission than do AMPARs. To understand better the roles of NMDARs in RGC function, we used immunohistochemical and electron microscopic techniques to determine the precise subsynaptic localization of NMDARs in RGC dendrites. RGC dendrites were labeled retrogradely with cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) injected into the superior colliculus (SC) and identified using postembedding immunogold methods. Colabeling with antibodies directed toward AMPARs and/or NMDARs, we found that nearly all AMPARs are located within the PSD, while most NMDARs are located perisynaptically, 100-300 nm from the PSD. This morphological evidence for exclusively perisynaptic NMDARs localizations suggests a distinct role for NMDARs in RGC function.
Citizenship, beneficence, and informed consent: the ethics of working in mixed-status families

This article draws from a 23-month ethnographic study conducted in mixed-status Mexican homes to detail the particular methodological concerns that arise when conducting research within these legally complex and vulnerable families. Specifically, the analysis illustrates when and why undocumented parents in one focal family asked the ethnographer to consider legally adopting their two young sons in an effort to obtain equal rights for both children and to mitigate the risk of family separation during deportation. The ethical issues of beneficence, informed consent, and reciprocity raised by this particular situation open onto larger methodological and ethical questions relevant to qualitative and ethnographic researchers working within immigrant communities.
Adverse selection and the costs of financial distress

Abstract Previous work suggests that, when the debtor has private information on the future profitability of the firm, financial distress is costly even if debt can be renegotiated. This paper shows that adverse selection problems can be completely avoided by offering creditors a mix of cash and equity in the renegotiation. Empirical evidence indicates that this is common practice in corporate debt workouts. However, asymmetric information leads to inefficiencies if equity is not treated as the residual claim in bankruptcy. In this case, equilibria exist in which distressed firms go to court too often.
An alternative to the Brauer set

We derive an inclusion region for the eigenvalues of a matrix that can be considered an alternative to the Brauer set. It is accompanied by non-singularity conditions.
Properties of fired 0–3 piezoelectric materials for biomedical ultrasonic imaging applications

Abstract Piezoelectric composite materials have found wide applications in various transducer devices as they can easily be tailored to the specific needs of a device engineer. Recently developed fired 0–3 composites show encouraging properties as transducers for biomedical imaging applications. Fired ‘0–3’ composites are prepared by pressing pellets of different piezoelectric powders, heat treating them at different temperatures and back filling them with different organic polymers. The different types of piezoelectric material studied are Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT), Lead Magnesium Niobate (PMN), Lead Zirconium Niobate-Lead Titanate-Barium Titanate (PZN-PT-BT) and Lead Titanate doped with samarium and manganese (PTSM). These pellets are fired at different temperatures to get the requisite porosity for getting low density. Both high dielectric constant as well as low dielectric constant materials are chosen to optimize the properties as transducers for biomedical application. The piezoelectric properti...
Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator for Stroke Mimics Continuing to Be Swift Rather Than Delaying Treatment to Be Sure

In the April issue of Stroke , we have yet another study on the safety of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) for patients with stroke mimics (SM). Zinkstok et al1 conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients with SM treated with tPA at primary and community hospitals. With 100 patients reported in the largest series to date, the authors found, like all the previous cohort studies, a low rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and death.2,3 There were no instances of orolingual edema or fatal intracerebral hemorrhages. The incidence of SM in their cohort among all tPA-treated patients was on the lower end of other reports: 2% to 31%.2,4–6 This rate is also much lower than the 7% misdiagnosis rate reported for emergency departments in which tPA was administered without a stroke team evaluation.7 In fact, …
A Stoma Quality of Life Scale

Few studies have evaluated the impact of a stoma on patient quality of life because of a lack of specific validated measures. This study documents the development and initial application of a Stoma Quality of Life Scale. Content experts generated initial questions. Patient focus groups were conducted to ensure that the questions addressed all stoma-related issues considered important by patients. Responses from pilot groups allowed refinement to produce the final measure, the Stoma Quality of Life Scale, a 21-item questionnaire. Three scales are featured: Work/Social Function (6 items), Sexuality/Body Image (5 items), and Stoma Function (6 items). In addition, one item (scored separately) measures financial impact, one measures skin irritation, and two measure overall satisfaction. This questionnaire was administered to 100 consecutive ostomy patients, and readministered three weeks later. Reliability was assessed by using coefficient alpha for internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reproducibility. To test validity in extreme groups, scores were compared for patients with improved quality of life vs. those whose stoma worsened their quality of life. To evaluate convergent validity, we analyzed correlation of instrument scales with the SF12. The Stoma Quality of Life scales demonstrated adequate test-retest reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.8) and acceptable internal consistency (coefficient alpha approximately 0.8). The scales were capable of discriminating between patients with better and worse quality of life after stoma formation (P < 0.02 for all scales). The Stoma Quality of Life scales significantly correlated (range, 0.12–0.75) with the Physical and Mental Health Composite Scale Scores of the SF-12. The Stoma Quality of Life Scale demonstrates reasonable psychometric properties for measuring quality of life in patients with stomas. Further studies are needed to refine the instrument.
Metastable f.c.c. PuCe solid solutions

With the exception of one composition (75 at.% Ce), single-phase, metastable Pu  Ce alloys have been produced over the complete composition range by splat-cooling. Three f.c.c. CuA1 type phases can be distinguished: γCe(Pu) solid solutions, a metastable phase designated α1 Ce(Pu) between ∼ 20 and 75 at.% Ce, and δPu(Ce) solid solutions with lattice parameters which extrapolate to that of αCe. As inferred from lattice parameter data, a sudden electronic transition from trivalent γCe to that of a higher valent α1 Ce occurs at ∼ 75 at.% Ce. With increasing Pu content, a further, gradual Ce valence increase to the valence of αCe was observed.
Are vasodilators still indicated in the treatment of severe aortic regurgitation

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is a valve disease that causes severe complications and reduces life expectancy. Surgical correction is required in the late stages of the disease. In less advanced forms, treatment with vasodilators is a consideration. The available evidence suggests that this type of treatment has a favorable effect on the consequences of AR, particularly left ventricular remodeling. However, the impact of vasodilators on clinical endpoints complicating the course of AR remains in doubt. The limited evidence supporting or opposing the utilization of vasodilators in AR hinders drawing firm conclusions and emphasizes the process of individualized interpretation of the clinical presentation of patients with the disease.
Semi-micro methods for analysis of labile sulfide and of labile sulfide plus sulfane sulfur in unusually stable iron-sulfur proteins.

Details are provided for a reproducible procedure for determination of labile sulfide in iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins in the range of 1 to 3 nmol. Analyses are also presented on the most stable Fe-S protein so far reported. In this case denaturation with guanidine.HCl was used in the presence of dithiothreitol. The values obtained then also include any sulfane sulfur (S0) present.
Presentation-time limits on memory retrieval.

Summary An experiment which varied presentation-time of a list of 20 sentences relating pairs of words was done. The subjects were 94 undergraduates. Processing variations included for some groups instructions to use visual imagery, and retrieval variations included recall and matching recognition. The results indicate that variations in presentation-time are strongly related to memory retrieval. Several experiments are reviewed, and the importance of specifying presentationtime in studies of memory-retraining in brain-damaged patients is emphasized.
A numerical identification syterm for airways in the lung

A numerical sytem for identifying airways at any level in the tracheobronchial tree has been develop which appears to be simple, logical, and accurate. The system has successfully used in the author' laboratory to expedite morphometric studyes of the conduciting airways in the tracheobronchial tree. Three simpe and direct criteria or rules have been fomulated for assignment of an airway identification number (AIN) to any specific pulmonary airway, according to this identification system. Some specific applications of this AIN system have been enumerated and several limitations that the authors have recoginzed have been described. Workers in the fields of bronchial morphometry and anatomy are invited to consider the possible theoretic and practical utility of this airway identification system.
Donor age-dependent decline in response of human red cell Ca2+-ATPase activity to thyroid hormone in vitro.

The effect of increasing donor age on the susceptibility of human red blood cell Ca2+-ATPase activity to stimulation in vitro by thyroid hormone was studied in 26 normal subjects, aged 15–81 yr. Basal enzyme activity (no added thyroid hormone) was unaffected by donor age. Group analysis, young (≤50 yr) vs. elderly (>60 yr old), revealed a 23% decrease in responsiveness of the enzyme to L-T4 (P < 0.001). Regression analysis confirmedan age-dependent decline in thyroid hormone stimulability of Ca2+-ATPase [r = –0.42 (T4 effect) and –0.38 (T3 effect); P < 0.01]. Red cell membrane Na,K-ATPase activity was not affected by donor age. Plasma T4 and T3 concentrations in these normal subjects also did not change with age. Possible contributions of the following mechanisms to this age-correlated change in enzyme activity were examined: 1) altered responsiveness to calmodulin of membrane Ca2+-ATPase; 2) membrane content of endogenous calmodulin, 3) endogenous plasma T4 and T3 concentrations, and 4) plasma glucose co...
Novel layered two-dimensional semiconductors as the building blocks for nano-electronic/photonic systems

Layered two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors beyond graphene have been emerging as potential building blocks for the next-generation electronic/photonic applications. Representative metal chalcogenides, including the widely studied MoS2, possess similar layered crystal structures with weak interaction between adjacent layers, thus allowing the formation of stable thin-layer crystals with thickness down to a few or even single atomic layer. Other important chalcogenides, involving earth-abundant and environment-friendly materials desirable for sustainable applications, include SnS2 (band gap: 2.1 eV) and SnS (band gap: 1.1 eV). So far, commonly adopted for research purpose are mechanical and liquid exfoliation methods for creating thin layers of such 2D semiconductors. Most recently, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was attracting significant attention as a practical method for producing thin films or crystal grains of MoS 2 . However, critical yet still absent is an effective experimental approach for controlling the positions of thin crystal grains of layered 2D semiconductors during the CVD process. Here we report the controlled CVD synthesis of thin crystal arrays of representative layered semiconductors (including SnS 2 and SnS) at designed locations on chip, promising large-scale optoelectronic applications. Our work opens a window for future practical applications of layered 2D semiconductors in integrated nano-electronic/photonic systems.
Efficient parallel implementation of real-time airborne target tracking system on heterogeneous multicore SoC

In this paper, we propose a real-time embedded video target tracking algorithm for use with real-world airborne video. The proposed system is designed to detect and track multiple targets from a moving camera in complicated motion scenarios such as occlusion, closely spaced targets passing in opposite directions, move-stop-move, etc. In our previous work, we developed a robust motion-based detection and tracking system, which achieved real-time performance on a desktop computer. In this paper, we extend our work to real-time implementation on a Texas Instruments OMAP 3730 ARM + DSP embedded processor by replacing the previous sequential motion estimation and tracking processes with a parallel implementation. To achieve real-time performance on the heterogeneous-core ARM + DSP OMAP platform, the C64x+ DSP core is utilized as a motion estimation preprocessing unit for target detection. Following the DSP-based motion estimation step, the descriptors of potential targets are passed to the general-purpose ARM Cortex A8 for further processing. Simultaneously, the DSP begins preprocessing the next frame. By maximizing the parallel computational capability of the DSP, and operating the DSP and ARM asynchronously, we reduce the average processing time for each video frame by up to 60% as compared to an ARM-only approach.
HEAVY FLAVOR PRODUCTION

Recent highlights in the production of charm, bottom, and top quarks, are very briefly covered.
Appropriately Treating Insomnia with Triazolam

Abstract Insomnia is a problem that extends beyond the nighttime. People who experience sleep disturbances complain that they stay awake for a long time before they fall asleep. They may wake up several times during the night and cannot return to sleep and/or they wake up early in the morning. As a result, they feel sleepy during the day and are less alert. Various forms of insomnia are described that require—as much as possible—an individualized treatment approach. Besides sleeping hygiene, benzodiazepines certainly occupy a place in thetreatment of insomnia. Triazolam, a triazclobenzodiazepine, closely approaches the characteristics of an ideal hypnotic: pharmacological activity at the level of the receptors, moderate absorption, short-acting, and rapid elimination. It is effective and safe if prescribed correctly and at the appropriate dosage.
Absorbed fractions for photons of 125I and 129I in the thyroid.

Abstract Absorbed fractions for the thyroid have been calculated by Monte-Carlo simulation for the energies of photons emmitted in the decay of 125 I and 129 I in the thyroid. A regression relation is provided which permits accurate calculation of these absorbed fractions for thyroid masses between 18 and 40 g, and photon energies between 27 and 40 keV.
Progressive pleural thickening during oxprenolol therapy

A case of progressive pleural thickening developing during treatment with oxprenolol is described and the possible association between the two is discussed.
Problems Involving Circles

This chapter is devoted to circles and related problems. It contains many important theorems on inscribed angles, chords, and tangents of a circle. We take special interest in inscribed, circumscribed, and tangent circles. There are many challenging problems on cyclic quadrilaterals including the proof of Ptolemy’s Theorem and the application of cyclic quadrilaterals to the proof of the Simson Line Theorem on collinearity of three distinct points. There are several ancient problems stated by Euclid and by the Greek geometer Archimedes. Additionally you will learn that the height of a circumscribed isosceles trapezoid is the geometric mean of its bases and how to prove Brahmagupta’s cyclic quadrilateral area formula using modern methods.
Immunopharmacologic Analysis of an Autologous, Hapten-Modified Human Melanoma Vaccine

Purpose We have previously reported a clinical trial of a human cancer vaccine consisting of autologous tumor cells modified with the hapten, dinitrophenyl (DNP), in patients with clinical stage III melanoma. Here we present a follow-up report expanded to 214 patients with 5-year follow-up. Patients and Methods Two hundred fourteen patients with clinical stage III melanoma (117 patients with stage IIIC and 97 patients with stage IIIB) who were melanoma-free after standard lymphadenectomy were treated with multiple intradermal injections of autologous, DNP-modified vaccine mixed with bacille Calmette-Guerin. Four vaccine dosage schedules were tested sequentially, all of which included low-dose cyclophosphamide. Patients were tested for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to autologous melanoma cells, both DNP-modified and unmodified, and to control materials. Results The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of the 214 patients was 44%. DTH responses to unmodified autologous melanoma were induced in 47% of pat...
The LANSCE control system current state and upgrade outlook

The LANSCE (Los Alamos Neutron Science Center) runs its LINAC control system based on 30(+) year old technology. While some peripheral upgrades have been made over the years, the control system will need some major improvements over the next five years in order to continue to support the user facility's mission. The proposed multi-million dollar LANSCE-R (Refurbishment) project creates a unique opportunity to upgrade the existing control system. We intend to use the EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System) control system with the following goals for effective control at modest cost: (1) Replacing our VMS based MicroVAXes; (2) Replacing the RICE (Remote Instrumentation and Control Equipment) subsystem with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to handle regular data acquisition and control, and custom hardware to handle "flavored" data acquisition; (3) Replacing the Master Timer subsystem with a modern event system; (4) Converting Fortran programs running on VAX/VMS computers to Java Programs running on Linux-based desktop PCs. The boundary condition, as usual, is that we must implement these major changes on a running accelerator.
Longitudinal changes in somatic symptoms and family disagreements among depression and community groups: a 23-year study

Few longitudinal studies describe the relationship between somatic symptoms and family disagreements. We examined changes over time in somatic symptoms, family disagreements, their interrelationships, and whether these patterns differed between individuals treated for depression (depression group) and individuals from the same community (community group). We followed participants in the depression (N = 423) and community (N = 424) groups for 23 years (the community group was matched to the depression group on socioeconomic status, gender, and marital status). All participants were age 18+ and completed surveys at baseline, 1, 4, 10, and 23 year follow-ups. We assessed somatic symptoms and family disagreements at each time point and used latent growth curve modeling to examine change in these constructs over time. Somatic symptoms and family disagreements changed differently over time. Somatic symptoms decreased between baseline and the 10 year follow-up, but increased between the 10 and 23 year follow-ups, whereas family disagreements decreased linearly over time. Somatic symptoms and family disagreements were higher at baseline and declined at a faster rate in the depression compared to the community group. The relationship between changes in somatic symptoms and changes in family disagreements was also stronger in the depression group: a larger decrease in somatic symptoms was associated with a larger decrease in family disagreements. Longitudinal changes in somatic symptoms and family disagreements differ between depression and community groups. Individuals treated for depression had more somatic symptoms and family disagreements at baseline and improved at a faster rate compared to individuals in the community. Somatic symptoms and family disagreements may be important targets when treating depression, given the strong interrelationship among these factors in individuals with depression.
Gender Differences in Postretirement Employment

This study examines gender differences in postretirement employment, using the first eight waves of Health and Retirement Study data. Gender is shown to be an important factor in understanding transitions into postretirement employment. Forty-seven percent of retirees (n = 3,590) experienced postretirement employment, with 43% of retired women making the transition, compared with 50% of retired men. Marital status, earnings, and household wealth were significant only when gender interaction terms were introduced due to countervailing effects by gender. For women, being married and having high household wealth were negatively associated, and higher earnings positively associated, with labor force reentry; for men, wealth and earnings had the opposite effect. Hazard models show that divorced and separated women have a greater likelihood of labor force reentry than married women and that this difference increases with time out of the labor force, suggesting push factors that derive from economic vulnerability.
Thalidomide treatment for refractory Crohn's disease: a review of the history, pharmacological mechanisms and clinical literature.

Several recent case reports and clinical trials have demonstrated that thalidomide is emerging as an efficacious alternative in the treatment of selected patients with refractory Crohn's disease. The effects of thalidomide are at least partly mediated by down-regulation of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a potent proinflammatory cytokine. However, thalidomide is also known to inhibit angiogenesis, and it has several other well-described immunomodulatory properties. Clinical studies have confirmed that previously refractory Crohn's disease patients respond to thalidomide, and many enter clinical remission. Efficacy usually occurs within 4 weeks. Thalidomide also has steroid-sparing properties, and it is particularly useful in treating oral and fistulous complications of Crohn's disease. Although it is usually tolerable, careful monitoring is recommended to prevent toxicities, such as birth defects and peripheral neuropathy. This review provides a detailed summary of the literature to date on the use of tha...
Novel cellular therapies for leukemia: CAR-modified T cells targeted to the CD19 antigen

The ability of immune-competent donor T cells to mediate a beneficial graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect was first identified in the setting of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for hematologic malignancies. Unfortunately, with the exception of chronic myelogenous leukemia and EBV-induced lymphoproliferative disease, allo-HSCT GVL lacks the potency to significantly affect disease progression or recurrence in most other hematologic malignancies. The inadequacy of a GVL effect using past approaches is particularly evident in patients with lymphoid malignancies. However, with the advent of improved gene transfer technology, genetically modified tumor-specific immune effectors have extended cellular immunotherapy to lymphoid malignancies. One promising strategy entails the introduction of genes encoding artificial receptors called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which redirect the specificity and function of immune effectors. CAR-modified T cells targeted to the B cell-specific CD19 antigen have demonstrated promising results in multiple early clinical trials, supporting further investigation in patients with B-cell cancers. However, disparities in clinical trial design and CAR structure have complicated the discovery of the optimal application of this technology. Recent preclinical studies support additional genetic modifications of CAR-modified T cells to achieve optimal clinical efficacy using this novel adoptive cellular therapy.
Where hearing starts: the development of the mammalian cochlea

The mammalian cochlea is a remarkable sensory organ, capable of perceiving sound over a range of 10(12) in pressure, and discriminating both infrasonic and ultrasonic frequencies in different species. The sensory hair cells of the mammalian cochlea are exquisitely sensitive, responding to atomic-level deflections at speeds on the order of tens of microseconds. The number and placement of hair cells are precisely determined during inner ear development, and a large number of developmental processes sculpt the shape, size and morphology of these cells along the length of the cochlear duct to make them optimally responsive to different sound frequencies. In this review, we briefly discuss the evolutionary origins of the mammalian cochlea, and then describe the successive developmental processes that lead to its induction, cell cycle exit, cellular patterning and the establishment of topologically distinct frequency responses along its length.
Waveguide excited microstrip patch antenna-theory and experiment

An arbitrarily shaped microstrip patch antenna excited through an arbitrarily shaped aperture in the mouth of a rectangular waveguide is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The metallic patch resides on a dielectric substrate grounded by the waveguide flange and may be covered by a dielectric superstrate. The substrate (and superstrate, if present) consists of one or more planar, homogeneous layers, which may exhibit uniaxial anisotropy. The analysis is based on the space domain integral equation approach. More specifically, the Green's functions for the layered medium and the waveguide are used to formulate a coupled set of integral equations for the patch current and the aperture electric field. The layered medium Green's function is expressed in terms of Sommerfeld-type integrals and the waveguide Green's function in terms of Floquet series, which are both accelerated to reduce the computational effort. The coupled integral equations are solved by the method of moments using vector basis functions defined over triangular subdomains. The dominant mode reflection coefficient in the waveguide and the far-field radiation patterns are then found from the computed aperture field and patch current distributions. The radar cross section (RCS) of a plane-wave excited structure is obtained in a like manner. Sample numerical results are presented and are found to be in good agreement with measurements and with published data. >