cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of Code-Spread OFDM with error control coding

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a popular technique used to combat frequency selective fading in multipath channels. When spectral nulls are present in the channel, they can severely degrade or cancel out OFDM tones, resulting in an irreducible error rate. To combat this, standards typically employ forward error correction (FEC) techniques. Code-Spread OFDM (CS-OFDM) combines the characteristics of OFDM and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) to create a more robust modulation scheme which provides substantial performance improvements relative to standard OFDM. In CS-OFDM, each sinewave carries a weighted sum of all the information symbols being transmitted in an OFDM block interval. In this paper, the MMSE estimator is derived for each symbol for a number of cases, including when the number of carriers is greater than the number of symbols. The performance of both OFDM and CS-OFDM are evaluated with and without error control coding using the FEC techniques typically employed in OFDM standards.
Photochromism in Ni-doped SrTi O 3

Electron-paramagnetic-resonance conversion-rate measurements combined with optical-absorption data in Ni-doped ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ have been carried out. From these experiments in oxidized and reduced crystals, assignment of the photochromic bands in the visible could be made and the trapping mechanism identified. The ($B$) band at 525 nm is due to donor transfer of cubic ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{3+}$ to become ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{4+}$. The free electrons created are trapped at ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{3+}\ensuremath{-}{V}_{o}$ centers which convert to ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{3+}\ensuremath{-}{V}_{o}+e$. Acceptor charge transfer at near-band-gap energy $\ensuremath{\lambda}l500$ nm generates ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{3+}\ensuremath{-}{V}_{o}+2e$ centers from the latter. The holes liberated are trapped at cubic ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{2+}$ sites which convert back to ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{3+}$. The ${D}_{2}$ band at 575 nm is a ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{3+}\ensuremath{-}{V}_{o}+2e$ donor band which changes this center back to the ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{3+}\ensuremath{-}{V}_{o}+e$ state. The optical transfer rates measured for the creation and quenching of the ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{3+}\ensuremath{-}{V}_{o}+2e$ center verify the above-described mechanism.
Self-reported fears to common indigenous animals in an adult UK population: The role of disgust sensitivity

Two studies are described which report on the prevalence and intensity of self-reported fears to common indigenous animals in an adult UK population. The results of Study 1 suggest that (i) around a third of the variance in fear of indigenous animals can be accounted for by two factors which represent the theoretically coherent categories of invertebrates (e.g. slug, worm, cockroach) and fear-relevant animals (e.g. rat, snake, bat); (ii) females tend to report significantly greater levels of fear than males to a large majority of prevalently feared animals; and (iii) there were no obviously consistent patterns of fear with age. Study 2 identifies individual disgust sensitivity levels as being an important and significant predictor of fear of animals in both the invertebrate and fear-relevant categories, and finds that females report significantly higher disgust sensitivity levels than males. Since most of the prevalently feared indigenous animals appear to be disgust-relevant, this latter finding helps to explain the generally higher fear ratings given by females.
Dynamic model of ex vivo granulocytic kinetics to examine the effects of oxygen tension, pH, and interleukin-3

Abstract Objective Evaluating kinetics in hematopoietic cultures is complicated by the distribution of cells over various stages of differentiation and by the presence of cells from different lineages. Thus, an observed response is an integral response from distributed cell populations. Growth factors and other parameters can greatly affect the lineage and maturation stage of the culture outcome. To resolve the kinetics and more clearly define the differential effects of O 2 tension (pO 2 ), pH, and interleukin-3 (IL-3) on granulopoiesis, a mathematical model–based approach was undertaken. Materials and Methods Granulocytic differentiation is described within a continuous, deterministic framework in which cells develop from primitive granulocytic progenitors to mature neutrophils. The model predicts two distributed populations—quiescent and cycling cells—by incorporating rates of growth, death, differentiation, and transition between quiescence and active cycling. The response of these four model processes to changes in the culture environment was examined. Results Model simulations of experimental data revealed the following: 1) pO 2 effects are exerted only on the growth rate but not maturation times. 2) pH effects between pH 7.25 and 7.4 on growth and differentiation are coupled; however, with increasing pH values, especially at pH 7.6, the death rate for cells in the early stages of differentiation becomes increasingly significant. 3) The absence of IL-3 increases the death rate for primitive cells only minimally but markedly enhances the rate of differentiation through the myeloblast window in the differentiation pathway. The combined effects of these environmental factors can be predicted based on changes in the model parameters derived from the individual effects. Conclusions Experimental data combined with mathematical modeling can elucidate the mechanisms underlying the regulation of granulopoiesis by pO 2 , pH, and IL-3. The model also can be readily adapted to evaluate the effects of other culture conditions. The increased understanding of experimental results gained with this approach can be used to modify culture conditions to optimize ex vivo production of neutrophil precursors.
Attributions, deception, and event related potentials: An investigation of the self‐serving bias

Self-serving attributions occur when negative personal outcomes are ascribed to external circumstances and when positive outcomes are ascribed to internal factors. Individuals strategically employ the self-serving bias to maintain and protect positive self-views. The current study investigated the neural correlates of the self-serving bias using dense array EEG, giving 20 participants false (success or failure) feedback during a facial working memory task. Participants made self-serving attributions during the task, primarily following failure feedback. Voltage and source analyses in response to attribution stimuli revealed that, compared to self-serving responses, non-self-serving attributions were preceded by enhanced dorsomedial frontal cortex activity. This finding suggests that unbiased attributions require greater self-control, overriding the automatic tendency for self-enhancement.
Potential negative impacts of nuclear activities on local economies: Rethinking the issue

Surveys of public opinion about perceptions of risk associated with the nuclear fuel cycle have shown that the public professes a widespread feeling of dread, a fear of associated stigmas, and a concern about possible catastrophic nuclear accidents. Various interest groups and state governments that oppose congressionally mandated siting of centralized high-level radioactive waste (HLW) storage and disposal facilities are using this negative imagery to create a powerful, emotional obstacle to the siting process. From statistical analyses of images and location preferences, researchers have claimed that possible significant economic losses could potentially accompany the siting of HLW facilities. However, several paradoxes, or self-contradictory statements, apparently exist between the responses expressed in surveys and the actual economic and demographic behavior evidenced in the marketplace. Federal policymakers need to evaluate whether the request for a change in siting policy is based on subjective fear of a potential negative economic effect or on proven negative effects. Empirically observed behavior does not support predicted negative economic effects based on survey responses. 41 refs.
Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndromes: Interplay Between the Immune and the Endocrine Systems Leading to a Diverse Set of Clinical Diseases and New Insights into Immune Regulation

Abstract During the last 50 years, three major classes of autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APSs) have been defined, and their characteristics and heritability have been delineated. Simultaneously, studies of the immunologic bases of these syndromes provided fundamental information in understanding immune regulation. Genetic analyses of patients and their families with APS type 1 (autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis, ectodermal dystrophy) identified the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene, which drives the expression of peripheral tissue-specific antigens in thymic cells and is critical in the development of self-tolerance. Mutations in this gene cause APS type 1. In contrast, studies in APS type 2 have been instrumental in understanding the role of human leukocyte antigen type II and related molecules in the pathogenesis of polygenetic autoimmune diseases such as type 1A diabetes. Immune dysfunction polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome, which is caused by mutations in the forkhead box ...
Penn State joins the Big Ten and learns to benchmark

Joining the Big Ten wasn’t just about football. Since it became part of the alliance, Penn State has learned to benchmark to great effect, particularly in regard to faculty and academic issues.
When the going gets tough, ads become straightforward but multi-appealed: The influence of the recession on financial services advertising appeals

Although many scholars and researchers have contributed to the sizeable literature on the relationship between advertising and society, few have examined economic circumstances as a meaningful force shaping advertising. This study provides the empirical evidence that changes in economic conditions, the recession in particular, can transform advertising appeals. The analysis of 1488 financial services ads placed in two popular US magazines showed that the patterns of appeals have turned to direct assertive styles in the wake of the economic crisis of the period 2008–2009. At the same time, however, ads during this recession period have used a far wider variety of strategic and tactical appeals than those in pre-recession era.
Risk factors for cartilage infections of the ear.

Background Investigation and case–control study to identify risk factors in a large outbreak in 2003 of auricular chondritis associated with piercing. Methods Epidemiologic, environmental, and laboratory (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis) investigation, and case–control study. Telephone interviews were conducted for 15 cases and 61 controls. Odds ratios were determined for risks of infection. Results Of 15 confirmed cases, nine (60%) were hospitalized (median duration 4.4 days) and treated with intravenous/oral antibiotics. Cases required surgical treatment and multiple antibiotics. Risk factors for infection included piercing location and the use of a contaminated aftercare solution. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, nine from patients and four from the aftercare solution, were indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; one from the sink at the facility differed by two bands. Conclusions This study demonstrates the serious consequences of cartilage piercing, identifies specific risk factors for infection, and suggests the importance of implementation and assurance of safe procedures.
Amino acid adsorption by clay minerals in distilled water

Abstract The adsorption of 15 protein amino acids from dilute (~ 10 μM) distilled water solutions onto organic-free kaolinite and montmorillonite clay minerals (1 wt% suspensions) was determined at room temperature over a 48 hour period. The systems came to steady state within 2 hours. Basic (positively charged) amino acids were strongly adsorbed (40–80% removal) by both clay minerals. Neutral (uncharged) amino acids were taken up appreciably (10–15%) by montmorillonite, but little if any (
Flutter and Resonant Vibration Characteristics of Engine Blades

This paper presents an in-depth study of blade vibration problems that seriously impact development of advanced gas turbine configurations. The motivation for this study arises from the author's conviction that structural integrity of power plants is the dominant factor that influences the quality, reliability, and marketability of the product. Implications of this study in the context of potential R&D challenges and opportunities of interest to industry, governments, and academia are discussed.
Properties and classification of some desert soils in coarse-textured glacial drift in the Arctic and Antarctic

Polar Desert soils in the Arctic (66° and 74°N latitude) are contrasted with Cold Desert soils in the Antarctic (77°S). The soils are derived from sandy-skeletal glacial drift and have not been influenced by cryoturbation. Pedogenic horizons are limited to a desert pavement (designated D) and to a weak B horizon in the oldest soils of both groups. Solum thickness increases with age in the two soil groups; however, because of a slightly greater amount of soil moisture, the increase in solum thickness is greater for Polar Desert soils. Soils of both groups often contain “dry” permafrost. The Polar Desert soils at 74°N and most of the Cold Desert soils are neutral to mildly alkaline and the Polar Desert soils at 66°N are strongly to medium acid. Although soluble salts increase with age in soils of both groups, the increase is more marked in the more arid Cold Desert soils. Results from this study and a survey of the literature show that sodium is the prevalent cation in water extracts of Cold Desert soils and in Polar Desert soils above ca. 80°N. Chloride is the major anion in Cold Desert soils in the McMurdo Sound vicinity and in noncalcareous Polar Desert soils. Ion ratios indicate that salts in these soils are contributed by marine aerosols. The soils examined contain less than 5% clay-size (< 2 μm) material. Mica, vermiculite and kaolinite are the predominant phyllosilicate minerals in the clay fractions of Polar Desert soils, and mica, vermiculite and montmorillonite are most abundant in Cold Desert soils. A scheme contrasting clay-mineral alteration in soils of the two groups is provided. In the Canadian system, the Cold Desert soils are Static Cryosols, and the Polar Desert soils are either. Static Cryosols or Dystric Brunisols. In the U.S. system, the soils are Pergelic Cryorthents. Suggestions are given to modify the U.S. system so as to better distinguish polar soils.
Molecular Cloning, Overexpression and Characterization of Human Interleukin 1α

Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1alpha) regulates a wide range of important cellular processes. In this study for the first time, we report the cloning, expression, biophysical, and biological characterization of the human interleukin-1alpha. Human IL-1alpha has been expressed in Escherichia coli in high yields ( approximately 4mg per liter of the bacterial culture). The protein was purified to homogeneity ( approximately 98% purity) using affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. Results of the steady-state fluorescence and 2D NMR experiments show that the recombinant IL-1alpha is in a folded conformation. Far-UV circular dichroism (CD) data suggest that IL-1alpha is an all beta-sheet protein with a beta-barrel architecture. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments show that the recombinant IL-1alpha binds strongly (K(d) approximately 5.6 x 10(-7) M) to S100A13, a calcium binding protein that chaperones the in vivo release of IL-1alpha into the extracellular compartment. Recombinant IL-1alpha was observed to exhibit strong cytostatic effect on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. The findings of the present study not only pave way for an in-depth structural investigation of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the non-classical release of IL-1alpha but also provide avenues for the rational design of potent inhibitors against IL-1alpha mediated pathogenesis.
Gap Dynamics in a Seagrass Landscape

We investigated gap dynamics within a shallow subtidal landscape characterized by seagrass vegetation and examined the relationship between gap formation and selected physical factors. The study was conducted over 2 y by using a biannual mapping of seagrass and water depth across an 48,800-m2 area in Tampa Bay, Florida. In addition, monthly sediment deposition or erosion was recorded at 96 locations within the landscape. Gaps represented from 2.4% to 5.7% of the seagrass landscape, and all were within monospecific stands of Halodule wrightii. Gaps ranged in size from 10 to 305 m2 and most frequently decreased in size over time. Most gaps were small and short lived (less than 6-mo duration), but the second age group most frequently recorded was at least 1.5 y old. No new species of seagrass invaded the gaps with Halodule replacing itself 100% of the time. Gaps were recorded over the entire range of water depths within the landscape. Neither gap area nor persistence of gaps was related to water depth. However gap area was associated positively with the number of extreme sedimentation events. Gaps originated not only from removal of interior vegetation (similar to classic gaps) but also from differential growth of the seagrass margin (similar to edaphic gaps). Distinct seasonal components to the mode of formation were detected with interior-produced gaps originating primarily in the winter and margin gaps most commonly during summer. These results combine to illustrate the importance of large-scale studies with fine-scale resolution for deciphering unique features of seagrass landscape dynamics. Our historical information suggests that a static enumeration of gaps may not provide an accurate assessment of disturbance intensity in this system, and the seagrass mosaic probably is explained best by a combination of disturbance regimes and edaphic factors, such as sediment stability. Moreover, we suggest that even in areas characterized by monospecific stands of vegetation and over short or moderate time periods, gaps indirectly may influence community structure and ecosystem function via modification of habitat arrangement.
CELLULAR APPROACH TO CRYOPRESERVATION OF EMBRYOS

Abstract Considerable progress has been made in the improvement and simplification of cryopreservation procedures routinely used in embryo transfer programs. Conventional slow-rate, programmable freezing and vitrification of embryos have given veterinarians, scientists and producers alternatives in their herd reproduction practices, however, pregnancy rates after cryopreservation are not equivalent to fresh embryo transfer. No matter how embryos are cryopreserved, some always die, and that can be costly to the producer. Documenting cellular damage during or after cryopreservation would provide useful, non-empirical information for understanding cellular sensitivities to cryopreservation and will lead to improved protocols for embryo cryopreservation and a better understanding of domestic animal embryology. This paper discusses the current progress in embryo cryopreservation, and will address intracellular damage to the cytoarchitecture of cryopreserved embryos and attempts to detour this damage by utilizing cytoskeletal stabilization prior to cryopreservation.
Impact of withdrawal from market on the pattern of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors reported to Texas poison control centers

The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor rofecoxib was withdrawn from the US market on September 30, 2004, and valdecoxib was withdrawn on April 7, 2005. The impact of these actions on COX-2 inhibitor exposures reported to poison control centers was unknown. The objective of this study was to describe the pattern of COX-2 inhibitor exposures reported to Texas poison control centers before and after rofecoxib and valdecoxib were withdrawn. The number of celecoxib, rofecoxib, and valdecoxib exposures reported to Texas poison control centers each month during 1999–2006 was identified and examined for changes over time. Comparisons were made with respect to those exposures reported immediately prior to withdrawal (October 2003–September 2004) and to exposures after withdrawal (April 2005–December 2006). The mean monthly number of reported exposures prior to withdrawal was 18.8 for celecoxib, 20.3 for rofecoxib, 13.3 for valdecoxib, and 51.5 for total COX-2 inhibitors. The mean monthly number of reported exposur...
Modular Strategy for the Construction of Radiometalated Antibodies for Positron Emission Tomography Based on Inverse Electron Demand Diels–Alder Click Chemistry

A modular system for the construction of radiometalated antibodies was developed based on the bioorthogonal cycloaddition reaction between 3-(4-benzylamino)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine and the strained dienophile norbornene. The well-characterized, HER2-specific antibody trastuzumab and the positron emitting radioisotopes 64Cu and 89Zr were employed as a model system. The antibody was first covalently coupled to norbornene, and this stock of norbornene-modified antibody was then reacted with tetrazines bearing the chelators 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclo-dodecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) or desferrioxamine (DFO) and subsequently radiometalated with 64Cu and 89Zr, respectively. The modification strategy is simple and robust, and the resultant radiometalated constructs were obtained in high specific activity (2.7–5.3 mCi/mg). For a given initial stoichiometric ratio of norbornene to antibody, the 64Cu-DOTA- and 89Zr-DFO-based probes were shown to be nearly identical in terms of stability, the number of chelates per a...
The hereditary amyloidoses

Hereditary amyloidosis is, in general, a systemic condition related to multiple organ system involvement by beta-structured protein deposits. As such, it often mimics the more common forms of systemic amyloidosis: immunoglobulin light chain (AL, primary) and reactive (AA, secondary). The challenge diagnostically is to recognize hereditary amyloidosis as a distinct entity and then to determine the specific type of genetic disease. There are several types of hereditary amyloidosis and precise diagnosis is essential for proper therapy and genetic counselling. This chapter strives to present the subject of hereditary amyloidosis in a way which facilitates understanding of the disease, of the means for diagnosis, of the present and possible future therapies, and of the importance of combined basic and medical research.
Catenin' on to nucleic acid sensing.

Many pathogens induce a type I interferon response via a pathway dependent on the kinase TBK1 and transcription factor IRF3. However, LRRFIP1, a cytosolic sensor of DNA and RNA, triggers interferon production by a β-catenin-dependent signal.
An Isoform of Kalirin, a Brain-specific GDP/GTP Exchange Factor, Is Enriched in the Postsynaptic Density Fraction

Communication between membranes and the actin cytoskeleton is an important aspect of neuronal function. Regulators of actin cytoskeletal dynamics include the Rho-like small GTP-binding proteins and their exchange factors. Kalirin is a brain-specific protein, first identified through its interaction with peptidylglycine-α-amidating monooxygenase. In this study, we cloned rat Kalirin-7, a 7-kilobase mRNA form of Kalirin. Kalirin-7 contains nine spectrin-like repeats, a Dbl homology domain, and a pleckstrin homology domain. We found that the majority of Kalirin-7 protein is associated with synaptosomal membranes, but a fraction is cytosolic. We also detected higher molecular weight Kalirin proteins. In rat cerebral cortex, Kalirin-7 is highly enriched in the postsynaptic density fraction. In primary cultures of neurons, Kalirin-7 is detected in spine-like structures, while other forms of Kalirin are visualized in the cell soma and throughout the neurites. Kalirin-7 and its Dbl homology-pleckstrin homology domain induce formation of lamellipodia and membrane ruffling, when transiently expressed in fibroblasts, indicative of Rac1 activation. Using Rac1, the Dbl homology-pleckstrin homology domain catalyzed the in vitro exchange of bound GDP with GTP. Kalirin-7 is the first guanine-nucleotide exchange factor identified in the postsynaptic density, where it is positioned optimally to regulate signal transduction pathways connecting membrane proteins and the actin cytoskeleton.
Phospholipid fatty acid composition of pulmonary airway epithelial cells: potential substrates for oxygenation

Abstract To determine possible substrates for airway epithelial lipoxygenase and cyclooxy genase activities, we examined the amounts and distributions of fatty acids in phospholipids of human, dog and sheep airway epithelial cells. We found that the cells contained significant levels of n — 6 and n — 3 fatty acids in species-specific amounts: dog cells were relatively enriched in the n — 6 series and poor in n — 3, while sheep cells were enriched in the n — 3 series and poor in n — 6. Despite differences in fatty acid content, cells from each species expressed a constant phospholipid composition and distributed their n — 6 and n — 3 fatty acids in a stereotyped fashion among phospholipid classes. The analysis shows that the species differences in oxygenation activities reported previously are paralleled by heterogeneity in potential substrates.
Is hypomethylation linked to activation of δ-crystallin genes during lens development?

Expression of many cell type-specific genes is correlated with a reduced level of cytosine methylation and some results argue that genetic programmes may be activated by a reduction in DNA methylation. During embryogenesis, however, when many genes are activated in specific cell lineages, it has not been demonstrated that they are hypomethylated prior to their expression. We have examined the timing of hypomethylation and gene activation during embryonic chick lens development for the two genes encoding delta-crystallin (the major lens-specific protein). We report here that while many of the CCGG sequences analysed become hypomethylated, most do not do so until 2 days after delta-crystallin is first synthesized. However, there is at least one site which is hypomethylated earlier, approximately when transcription is thought to commence. We conclude that hypomethylation in the delta-crystallin genes is probably not a simple process which activates transcription, although early hypomethylation events indicate obvious sites to be examined for a role in gene activation.
Minimum denominator-multiplier pipelined recursive digital filters

Recursive digital filters implemented in direct form, transpose direct form, or cascade form can be pipelined with a new minimum denominator-multiplier (MDM) algorithmic transformation pipelining technique that permits hybrid pipelined solutions between the clustered look-ahead and scattered look-ahead techniques introduced by Parhi and Messerschmitt (1989). The new MDM technique makes use of asymmetrical scattering, in addition to symmetrical scattering, to achieve stable pipelined recursive digital filters which in most cases have substantially fewer added multipliers but in no case will have more added multipliers than the clustered look-ahead or scattered look-ahead techniques. Furthermore, the MDM technique always results in a minimum number of denominator multipliers resulting in a stable pipelined recursive digital filter which in nearly every case has fewer multipliers than the minimum order augmentation technique recently introduced by Lim and Liu (1992). Most importantly, the MDM technique provides a unified approach to pipelining recursive digital filters that 1) guarantees the minimum number of denominator multipliers for stability, 2) usually provides substantial reduction in the number of required multipliers compared to any other approach, and 3) reduces to any one of the other approaches if that approach results in a minimum denominator-multiplier realization. >
Do Centaurs preserve their source inclinations

Abstract The Centaurs are a population of small, planet-crossing objects in the outer Solar System. They are dynamically short-lived and represent the transition population between the Kuiper belt and the Jupiter family short-period comets. Dynamical models and observations of the physical properties of the Centaurs indicate that they may have multiple source populations in the trans-Neptunian region. It has been suggested that the inclination distribution of the Centaurs may be useful in distinguishing amongst these source regions. The Centaurs, however, undergo many close encounters with the giant planets during their orbital evolution; here we show that these encounters can substantially determine the inclination distribution of the Centaurs. Almost any plausible initial inclination distribution of a Kuiper belt source results in Centaurs having inclinations peaked near 10–20°. Our studies also find that the Kuiper belt is an extremely unlikely source of the retrograde Centaur that has been observed.
Matrix metalloproteinase 2-sensitive multifunctional polymeric micelles for tumor-specific co-delivery of siRNA and hydrophobic drugs

Co-delivery of hydrophilic siRNA and hydrophobic drugs is one of the major challenges for nanomaterial-based medicine. Here, we present a simple but multifunctional micellar platform constructed by a matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2)-sensitive copolymer (PEG-pp-PEI-PE) via self-assembly for tumor-targeted siRNA and drug co-delivery. The micellar nanocarrier possesses several key features for siRNA and drug delivery, including (i) excellent stability; (ii) efficient siRNA condensation by PEI; (iii) hydrophobic drug solubilization in the lipid “core”; (iv) passive tumor targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect; (v) tumor targeting triggered by the up-regulated tumoral MMP2; and (vi) enhanced cell internalization after MMP2-activated exposure of the previously hidden PEI. These cooperative functions ensure the improved tumor targetability, enhanced tumor cell internalization, and synergistic antitumor activity of co-loaded siRNA and drug.
The effects of γ-interferon on human peripheral blood monocyte/macrophage-mediated bone particle degradation

γ-Interferon (IFN-γ) has recently been demonstrated to inhibit the ability of mononuclcar phagocytes to degrade bone particles. We have further addressed the specificity, potency and mechanism of this activity using human recombinant IFN-γ. Adherent peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes from normal human volunteers were cultured with washed, sieved (⩽75 μm) 45Ca-labelled rat bone particles for 3 days, after which bone particle degradation (7.1 ± 1.6%, n = 11) was calculated from the fraction of45Ca released into the medium. As little as 5 U/ml IFN-γ significantly suppressed bone particle degradation and 50 U/ml was associated with consistent marked suppression (74.0 ± 3.5% inhibition, P < 0.001, n = 11). IFN-γ was not suppressive if added to cells 24 h or more after exposure to bone particles. Addition of indomethacin (10 μM) did not reverse the effect of IFN-γ, suggesting that it was not prostaglandin-mediated. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 (10 nM) did not remove the inhibitor, effect of IFN-γ. Contact of mononuclear phagocytes with bone particles and secretion of soluble factors from these cells have both been demonstrated to play a role in their ability to degrade bone particles. IFN-γ (50 U/ml) inhibited monocyte/macrophage interaction with another unopsonized surface, i.e., one μm fluorescent latex particles, decreasing the number of internalized particles from 12.6 ± 2.9 per cell to 5.9 ± 1.4 per cell (P < 0.01, n = 15), as measured using flow cytometry. However, binding of bone particles by the cells was not diminished by IFN-γ. Exogenous α-imerferon and human recombinant IL-1β, TNF-α, and lymphotoxin did not alter bone particle degradation. In addition, endogenous IL-1β release from human monocyte/macrophages exposed to bone particles was negligible and unaffected by IFN-γ. We conclude that IFN-γ is a potent and specific inhibitor of monocyte/macrophage-mediated bone particle degradation, and that this activity does not appear to be due to effects on the ability of monocytes to bind bone particles or to release IL-1 in response to the particles
Induced isoflavonoids in diverse populations of Astragalus cicer

lsoflavonoids were induced in mature leaves of the legume Astragalus cicer L. by spores of the fungus Bipolaris zeicola. The five major elicited compounds included two isoflavans (mucronulatol and astraciceran), two isoflavones (cajanin and acicerone), and a pterocarpan (maackiain). Only occasional traces of these compounds were detected in controls. Among 41 populations originating in Europe or Russia, mean total elicited isoflavonoid content differed 12-fold. Mucronulatol was the predominant compound elicited, comprising 20–70% of total isofiavonoids. Significant interpopulational differences existed for each isoflavonoid, hut no geographic patterns of total or relative proportions of the five compounds were discernible.
First Demonstration of a Tunable Single-Bandpass Photonic Radiofrequency Filter Based on Optical Frequency Comb from a Microring

We demonstrate a photonic radiofrequency filter with greatly reduced complexity based on optical frequency comb from a SiN microring. A novel structure is proposed to suppress unwanted passbands and achieve a widely tunable single passband.
Impurity modes in disordered nondashlinear lattices

Abstract Localized standing waves (impurity modes) centered on disorders of nondashlinear lattices of infinite spatial extent are analyzed. In contrast to some previous works on the subject which consider only single-particle disorders, disorders with general bounded spatial distributions are examined in this work. The impurity modes are asymptotically approximated using continuum approximation of the discrete chain and perturbation analysis. Numerical simulations verify the analytical predictions. The results of this study can be used to better understand the interaction between solitary waves and impurities in nondashlinear lattices.
Low-Frequency Raman Spectra of Organic Liquids at Large Angular Dispersions of a Three-Prism Spectrograph

A Steinheil three-prism spectrograph, used at large angular dispersions in the low-frequency Raman region (0 to 200 or 250 cm−1) has been found to give significantly better spectra, especially in the 0- to 40-cm−1 region, than the previous method. Starunov's theory of the low-frequency Raman spectra of liquids is found to systematize, qualitatively and for some liquids, the observed results, especially an effect of viscosity on the orientation spectra.
Effects of Charcot-Marie-Tooth-linked mutations of the neurofilament light subunit on intermediate filament formation

Neurofilaments (NFs) are the major intermediate filaments (IFs) of mature neurons. They play important roles in the structure and function of axons. Recently, two mutations in the neurofilament light (NFL) subunit have been identified in families affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathy type 2. We have characterized the effects of these NFL mutations on the formation of IF networks using a transient transfection system. Both mutations disrupted the self-assembly of human NFL. The Q333P mutant in the rod domain of NFL also disrupted the formation of rat and human NFL/NFM heteropolymers. The phenotypes produced by the P8R mutation in the head domain of NFL were less severe. The P8R mutant NFL co-polymerized with NFM to form bundled filaments and, less often, aggregates. Our results suggest that alterations in the formation of a normal IF network in neurons elicited by these NFL mutations may contribute to the development of Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy.
Infusion of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor into the locus coeruleus can prevent stress-induced behavioral depression.

Abstract Behavioral depression produced by exposing animals to a Stressor that they cannot control (uncontrollable shock) was reversed by infusion of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor pargyline into the locus coeruleus (LC) region of the brain stem. Following exposure to uncontrollable shock, rats were infused through bilateral cannulas implanted in the LC region with either pargyline or vehicle. At 110 min after infusion, animals were tested for behavioral activity in a swim tank. Immediately following the behavioral test, animals were sacrificed for determination of the monoamines [norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT)], as well as 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in various brain regions. The results showed that animals exposed to uncontrollable shock and then infused with vehicle exhibited significantly less activity in the swim test than animals not exposed to shock and similarly infused with vehicle; thus, the usual behavioral depression following exposure to uncontrollable shock was observed. On the other hand, shocked animals infused with pargyline did not show reduced activity in the swim test. Unshocked animals infused with pargyline showed no more activity than did shocked animals infused with pargyline or unshocked animals infused with vehicle, which demonstrated that the infusion of pargyline into shocked animals did not eliminate the shock-induced depression of activity simply by generally stimulating motor activity. Measurement of the concentration of NE, DA, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA present in seven brain regions at the conclusion of the swim test showed that pargyline infusion into the LC eliminated the large depletion of NE in the LC that is normally observed after exposure to uncontrollable shock while having no effect on NE levels in the other brain regions examined. The level of 5-HT in the LC was also raised by infusion of pargyline into the LC, but again, there was no effect of pargyline infusion on 5-HT levels in any of the other brain regions. In conclusion, infusion of pargyline into the LC region of the brain eliminated both the large depletion of NE in the LC region and the behavioral depression that otherwise results from exposure of animals to uncontrollable shock.
THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF O-METHYL THYROXINE1

An investigation of the O-methyl ether of thyroxine was prompted by conflicting evidence in the literature concerning the biological activity of this compound and by the possibility that in vivo methylation of thyroxine is concerned either with the biosynthesis of the cellularly-active form of the hormone or with the detoxication of thyroxine. O-Methyl-DL-thyroxine was first synthesized by Myers (1932) by reaction of N-acetyl thyroxine with dimethyl sulfate. The methyl ether (m. p. 210-213°) obtained on deacetylation was reported to be less active than thyroxine in stimulating amphibian metamorphosis, and inactive when administered intravenously or subcutaneously to human subjects. In contrast, Loeser, Ruland and Trikojus (1938), who prepared 0- methyl-DL-thyroxine (m. p. 226-228°) by direct methylation of thyroxine or thyroxine methyl ester with diazomethane, reported the compound to be more effective than thyroxine in depressing body weight, incKeasing basal metabolic rate, and in decreasing liver glyco...
Effect of prolonged drying upon the silicate structure of hydrated alite pastes

Abstract The effects of prolonged drying and initial water/alite ratio upon the silicate structure of hydrated alite paste were examined using quantitative gel permeation chromatography of the trimethylsilyl silicate derivatives. The effects of drying and water/alite ratio were small and did not provide any obvious correlation with drying shrinkage. The analyses were in good agreement with published data for hydrated portland cement, and indicated the presence of derivatized silicates with molecular weights of about 1130 and 1740 in addition to monomeric, dimeric and highly condensed silica. The derivatization reaction was not noticeably affected by the presence of water in the pores of the hydrated alite.
“Fizzics” of Bubble Growth in Beer and Champagne

Although beer and champagne are mostly enjoyed at leisure, the myriad physical and chemical processes in them are challenging. Furthermore, studying these processes sheds light on explosive volcanic and lake eruptions because bubble growth is a process common to all of them. We model the growth rate of rising bubbles in beer and champagne. Due to different initial gas concentrations, the eruption velocity of champagne is two orders of magnitude higher than that of CO2-based beer. In N2-based Guinness beer, bubble growth is slow, leading to smaller bubbles that can be entrained by downward flow; these are often seen as sinking bubbles.
The Gauss-Bonnet Theorem

Smooth surfaces can be analyzed geometrically (as in Chapters 6 and 7) and topologically (since they are also topological surfaces). The Gauss-Bonnet Theorem, essentially the point toward which this entire book has been aimed, shows that these two approaches are deeply related. The simplicial Gauss-Bonnet Theorem (Theorem 3.7.2) has already shown us one connection between a topological invariant (the Euler characteristic) and a geometric quantity (the angle defect in simplicial surfaces). Although the statement of this theorem was somewhat surprising, the proof was not difficult, since both angle defect and the Euler characteristic were defined in terms of triangulations; indeed, the real surprise was that the Euler characteristic turns out to be a topological invariant, that is, it does not depend upon the choice of triangulation of a given surface.
Relapse in a population based cohort of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and the clinical, laboratory, and treatment related predictors of relapse in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). METHODS: Using the population based resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, we assembled an incidence cohort of subjects with PMR first diagnosed between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1999. For inclusion, subjects were required to fulfill 3 criteria: (1) age > or = 50 years; (2) bilateral aching and morning stiffness in neck, shoulders, or hip girdle regions; and (3) erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) > or = 40 mm/h. In subjects who fulfilled the first 2 criteria but had a normal ESR, a rapid response to low dose corticosteroids (CS) served as the third criterion. Patients were followed until permanent remission, migration, or a maximum of 5 years after their incidence date. Relapse was defined as an exacerbation of PMR symptoms requiring an adjustment of CS dose (> or = 5 mg) occurring at least 30 days after the incidence date. Time to relapse was modeled using the Kaplan-Meier method. CS treatment patterns were modeled using linear and nonlinear models. Cox regression models were used to evaluate predictors of time to first and subsequent relapses. RESULTS: The study population included 364 patients with a mean age of 73.4 years and 244 (67%) were women. Among the 284 patients treated with CS, a higher initial CS dose and faster CS tapering rate were significant predictors of future relapses, after adjusting for age, sex, ESR, giant cell arteritis at PMR diagnosis, and the intensity of rheumatologist care. Every 5 mg/day increase in initial CS dose was associated with a 7% increase in the risk of relapse [hazard ratio (HR) 1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.13]. The hazard of having a relapse was 4-fold higher when the CS tapering rate was fast (HR 4.27, 95% CI 2.84, 6.44), and 2-fold higher when the CS tapering rate was medium (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.54, 3.11) compared to slow tapering. CONCLUSION: Higher initial CS doses and faster tapering are significant predictors of future relapses. Our results suggest that efforts should be made to minimize initial CS dose and taper CS slowly in order to avoid disease relapses.
Reduced asthma symptoms with n-3 fatty acid ingestion are related to 5-series leukotriene production.

Asthma may respond to dietary modification, thereby reducing the need for pharmacologic agents. This study determined the effectiveness of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ingestion in ameliorating methacholine-induced respira- tory distress in an asthmatic population. The ability of urinary leukotriene excretion to predict efficacy of n-3 PUFA ingestion was assessed. After n-3 PUFAs in ratios to n-6 PUFAs of 0.1:1 and 0.5: 1 were ingested sequentially for 1 mo each; patient respi- ratory indexes were assessed after each treatment. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume for 1 s (FEy1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow 25-75% (FEF25_7�) were measured along with weekly 24-h urinary leuko- triene concentrations. With low n-3 PUFA ingestion, methacho- line-induced respiratory distress increased. With high n-3 PUFA ingestion, alterations in urinary 5-series leukotriene excretion pre- dicted treatment efficacy. Elevated n-3 PUFA ingestion resulted in a positive methacholine bronchoprovocation dose change in > 40% of the test subjects (responders). The provocative dose to cause a 20% reduction (PD,0) in FEy1, P/C, PEF, and FEF2575 values could not be calculated because of a lack of significant respiratory reduction. Conversely, elevated n-3 PUFA ingestion caused some of the patients (nonresponders) to further lose respi- ratory capacity. Five-series leukotnene excretion with high n-3 PUFA ingestion was significantly greater for responders than for nonresponders. A urinary ratio of 4-series to 5-series leukotrienes < 1, induced by n - 3 PUFA ingestion, may predict respiratory benefit. Aiti J C/in Nutr 1997;65:lOll-7.
Optimal triangular decompositions of matrices with entries from residuated lattices

We describe optimal decompositions of an nxm matrix I into a triangular product [email protected]?B of an nxk matrix A and a kxm matrix B. We assume that the matrix entries are elements of a residuated lattice, which leaves binary matrices or matrices which contain numbers from the unit interval [0,1] as special cases. The entries of I, A, and B represent grades to which objects have attributes, factors apply to objects, and attributes are particular manifestations of factors, respectively. This way, the decomposition provides a model for factor analysis of graded data. We prove that fixpoints of particular operators associated with I, which are studied in formal concept analysis, are optimal factors for decomposition of I in that they provide us with decompositions [email protected]?B with the smallest number k of factors possible. Moreover, we describe transformations between the m-dimensional space of original attributes and the k-dimensional space of factors. We provide illustrative examples and remarks on the problem of computing the optimal decompositions. Even though we present the results for matrices, i.e. for relations between finite sets in terms of relations, the arguments behind are valid for relations between infinite sets as well.
Vergil, Aeneid 2. 250–2

These lines from the second book of the Aeneid introduce the night on which Troy falls. They have always been felt to be impressive: rich in allusion, noteworthy for the monosyllabic ending of the first line, and memorable for the majestic zeugma of the last two lines. Line 250 opens by incorporating a half line from Ennius: vertitur interea caelum cum ingentibus signis (Ann. 211) and closes with a near-translation of the substance (as well as the rhythm) of a half-line from Homer: