cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epiregulin contributes to breast tumorigenesis through regulating matrix metalloproteinase 1 and promoting cell survival

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of ligands has been implicated in promoting breast cancer initiation, growth and progression. The contributions of EGF family ligands and their receptors to breast cancer are complex, and the specific mechanisms through which different ligands regulate breast tumor initiation and growth are not well-defined. These studies focus on the EGF family member epiregulin (EREG) as a mediator of early stage breast tumorigenesis. EREG expression levels were assessed in both cell lines and human samples of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) using quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Gene knock-down approaches using shRNA-based strategies were used to determine the requirement of EREG for growth of MCF10DCIS cells in vivo, and for identifying mechanisms through which EREG promotes tumor cell survival. Experiments were performed using a combination of two-dimensional culture, three-dimensional culture and tumor growth in vivo. In comparison with other EGF family members, EREG was induced in MCF10DCIS cells compared with MCF10A and MCF10AT cells and its expression was partially regulated by fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) activity. Reduced EREG expression in MCF10DCIS cells led to decreased tumor growth in vivo, which was associated with reduced cell survival. Furthermore, treatment of MCF10A cells with exogenous EREG enhanced cell survival both in three-dimensional culture and in response to chemotherapeutic agents. Examination of EREG-induced signaling pathways demonstrated that EREG promoted survival of MCF10A cells through regulating expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). To determine the relevance of these findings in human tumors, samples of DCIS were analyzed for EREG and MMP-1 expression. EREG was induced in DCIS lesions compared to normal breast epithelium, and EREG and MMP-1 were correlated in a subset of DCIS samples. Together, these studies lead to identification of a novel pathway involving EREG and MMP-1 that contributes to the formation of early stage breast cancer. Understanding these complex pathways could ultimately lead to the development of novel biomarkers of neoplastic progression and/or new therapeutic strategies for patients with early stage cancer.
Microstructure of Yb2Ba4Cu7Ox/Ag composites produced by oxidizing metallic procursors

Abstract The microstructure of a Yb 2 Ba 4 Cu 7 O x /Ag microcomposite formed by oxidation of metallic precursors has been studied mainly by transmission electron microscopy observations of ion thinned specimens. Yb 2 Ba 4 Cu 7 O x (2-4-7) grains have a distinctive platelike shape, with the faces of the plates exhibiting a [001] normal thereby producing a large number of grain boundaries with [001] normals. On these grain boundaries YbBa 2 Cu 4 O x (1-2-4) phase is often formed, otherwise the termination of 2-4-7 grains is always at the position of the copper oxide single layer between barium ions in this structure. Some polytype structures with the 2-4-7 composition have been identified and are described.
Investigation and management of patients with degenerative disc and vertebral disease

Back pain is a common complaint, which can be treated successfully with early rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Serious causes should be detected with the use of ‘red flags’ and surgery reserved for only the most severe cases. Degenerative disease may present with spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc herniation, which should be considered in patients presenting with ongoing back pain and radiculopathy. The clinical features, investigations and management of these pathologies are discussed here.
Continuity, chance, and change: The character of the industrial revolution in England

(1990). Continuity, chance, and change: The character of the industrial revolution in England. History of European Ideas: Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 866-867.
Extreme High-Temperature Events: Changes in their probabilities with Changes in Mean Temperature

Abstract Most climate impact studies rely on changes in means of meteorological variables, such as temperature, to estimate potential climate impacts, including effects on agricultural production. However, extreme meteorological events, say, a short period of abnormally high temperatures, can have a significant harmful effect on crop growth and final yield. The characteristics of daily temperature time series, specifically mean, variance and autocorrelation, are analyzed to determine possible ranges of probabilities of certain extreme temperature events [e.g., runs of consecutive daily maximum temperatures of at least 95°F (35°C)] with changes in mean temperature of the time series. The extreme temperature events considered are motivated primarily by agricultural concerns, particularly, the effects of high temperatures on corn yields in the U.S. Corn Belt. However, runs of high temperatures can also affect, for example, energy demand or morbidity and mortality of animals and humans. The relationships betw...
Investigation of Biodegradable Composite Coated Magnesium Alloy Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to characterize poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and nanophase hydroxyapatite (nHA) / PLGA coatings on magnesium (Mg) substrates before and after immersion in revised simulated body fluid (rSBF) under standard cell culture conditions. The OCT images clearly showed: the surface of the coatings, the metallic surface underneath the coatings, the presence of a dispersed phase within the polymer matrix, and defects and structural changes to the coatings. This study demonstrated the potential utility of OCT for performing quality assurance tests and for tracking the physical effects of degradation upon biomedical implants due to its ability to rapidly render easily interpreted images of sub-surface structure in a non-destructive manner.
Nanoparticle and poly(methyl methacrylate) co-dispersion in anisole

Aqueous nanoparticle dispersions have been widely studied for their important industrial applications, including photocatalyst, coating, and casting. However, much less work has been conducted on nanoparticle dispersions in organic solvents, especially when co-dispersing with dissolved polymers. In this study, we explore TiO2/ZnO nanoparticle and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) co-dispersion in organic solvent anisole. To achieve uniformly dispersed suspensions, nanoparticle surface functionalization with nonanoic acid and 1-pentanol is conducted. Nonanoic acid has higher surface coverage on TiO2 and the two dispersants show similar surface coverage on ZnO. Heat treatment enhances the dispersant adsorption on the nanoparticle surfaces. For both TiO2/PMMA and ZnO/PMMA co-dispersions, higher solids loading leads to higher suspension viscosity. Higher volume fraction of nanoparticles in the nanoparticle plus PMMA solid phase results in lower viscosity, mainly by reducing the entanglement of the dissolved PMMA chains.
Bill and body size in the peregrine falcon, north versus south: is size adaptive?

Visually, the bill size on southern hemisphere peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), especially from Australasia and the Philippines, appears appreciably larger for their body size than in other peregrine populations. Accordingly, we measured the bill ‘size’ or ‘volume’ (length, width, depth) as a function of body mass on a sample of peregrines. We used both wing and tarsal length as indicators of body mass. We compared bill volume between two northern hemisphere groups, a medium-sized tundra breeding group and the largest of all peregrines (F.p. pealei) from the Aleutian Islands of North America, and also among three southern hemisphere groups, South American, Australian and Melanesian/Philippine. Finally, we com- pared northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere birds. Southern hemisphere peregrines have a more massive bill relative to body mass than those of the northern group, and can be distinguished from the northern hemisphere birds using ratios of bill volume to wing or tarsus length. Absolute bill volume generally shows a stabilizing selection and, except for tundra birds which are smaller, all bills are statistically the same by sex while body size or mass changes geographically showing directional selection. It is not clear why body mass is consistently smaller in the southern hemisphere than in north temperate regions nor why the convergence in bill volume to body mass among southern groups should be so evident for such isolated geographical locations, especially since there is apparently no gene flow. Further, habitats and thus foods that might alter bill structure differ among locations.
Pad analysis system: a successful machine vision application for solder ball inspection

The pad analysis system (PAS) is an automated visual inspection system developed through a joint effort of the research and manufacturing divisions. It inspects wafers for low volume solder balls. Solder balls (also called pads or bumps) are used to join semiconductor chips to substrates. When low volume solder balls fail to join, there is a resulting open circuit defect. PAS is a cost effective method of providing customers with a high quality level. The solder ball manufacturing process, while providing excellent quality, is not capable of producing the levels needed by the sophisticated chips and modules used in mainframes. PAS also provides a benefit by increasing yield. Its increased accuracy reduces the overkill associated with manual inspection. PAS is also programmed with pad functionality information about which non- critical low volume pads can be safely shipped. This information is typically too complex to be implemented manually. PAS significantly reduces rework, generates labor savings, and even improves yield. The PAS is an example of both a productive collaboration and a successful technology transfer between research and manufacturing. It is also the story of incremental improvements in hardware, software, and function which allowed the system to inspect increasingly complex chips with decreased cycle time and reduced operator intervention.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Simultaneous superior oblique tenotomy and inferior oblique recession in Brown's syndrome.

The technique and results of simultaneous superior oblique tenotomy and 14-mm inferior oblique recession for true Brown's syndrome are presented for 16 eyes of 13 patients. A good or excellent result was achieved in 15 of 16 eyes (94%). Reoperation for overcorrection was not necessary; however, repeat tenotomy was required in two cases. Inferior oblique underaction was present in 12 of 16 eyes (75%) in the early postoperative period; however, elevation in adduction improved over time. At most recent examination, 92% of eyes demonstrated greater than 25° elevation in adduction. Underaction of the superior oblique occurred in 3 of 16 eyes (19%). A simultaneous superior oblique tenotomy and inferior oblique recession is recommended in all patients selected to undergo surgery for true Brown's syndrome to prevent reoperation for iatrogenic superior oblique palsy.
New nucleon-nucleon potential model

Energy-dependent potential of the form V(E,p,p′)= λ(E)V(p,p′) is constructed at negative energies, while λ(E) at positive energies is determined directly by given (experimental) phase shifts. A method of constructing λ(E) at negative energies guided by the comparison with the Hermitian potential model is generalized to the principle of symmetric on-shell equivalence which fullfils the unitarity and analyticity requirements and imposes qualitatively the same constraints at the negative energies at the conventional potential model. It is shown that the latter principle leads to a nucleon-nucleon force which is more reasonable and more self-consistent in explaining two- and three-body systems at the same time than the conventional potential model. Moreover, the new force model is more flexible than the conventional one and allows extraction of dependences between various two- and three-nucleon observables, which are not possible to achieve using the Hermitian potential model.
Dentin permeability to phosphoric acid: effect of treatment with bonding resin.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if the treatment of dentin with a dentinal bonding resin has any effect on the permeability to hydrogen ions. A proprietary dentin desensitizing agent was also studied. Changes in hydrogen ion concentration across treated dentin disks were monitored by a flexible glass microelectrode for 30 mins. Scanning electron micrographs were taken of dentin surfaces after treatment. The results of this in vitro study suggest that treatment of dentin surface with dentinal bonding agent can effectively reduce acid penetration. Protection of dentin with a dentinal bonding agent before and after enamel acid etching would be beneficial.
Calcium Binding, but Not a Calcium-Myristoyl Switch, Controls the Ability of Guanylyl Cyclase-activating Protein GCAP-2 to Regulate Photoreceptor Guanylyl Cyclase

Abstract Guanylyl cyclase-activating protein 2 (GCAP-2) is a recoverin-like calcium-binding protein that regulates photoreceptor guanylyl cyclase (RetGC) (Dizhoor, A. M., and Hurley, J. B. (1996)J. Biol. Chem. 271, 19346–19350). It was reported that myristoylation of a related protein, GCAP-1, was critical for its affinity for RetGC (Frins, S., Bonigk, W., Muller, F., Kellner, R., and Koch, K.-W. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 8022–8027). We demonstrate that the N terminus of GCAP-2, like those of other members of the recoverin family of Ca2+-binding proteins, is fatty acylated. However, unlike other proteins of this family, more GCAP-2 is present in the membrane fraction at low Ca2+ than at high Ca2+ concentrations. We investigated the role of the N-terminal fatty acyl residue in the ability of GCAP-2 to regulate RetGCs. Myristoylated or nonacylated GCAP-2 forms were expressed inEscherichia coli. Wild-type GCAP-2 and the Gly2→ Ala2 GCAP-2 mutant, which is unable to undergo N-terminal myristoylation, were also expressed in mammalian HEK293 cells. We found that compartmentalization of GCAP-2 in photoreceptor outer segment membranes is Ca2+- and ionic strength-sensitive, but it does not require the presence of the fatty acyl group and does not necessarily directly reflect GCAP-2 interaction with RetGC. The lack of myristoylation does not significantly affect the ability of GCAP-2 to stimulate RetGC. Nor does it affect the ability of the Ca2+-loaded form of GCAP-2 to compete with the GCAP-2 mutant that constitutively activates RetGC. We conclude that while Ca2+ binding plays a major regulatory role in GCAP-2 function, it does not operate through a calcium-myristoyl switch similar to the one found in recoverin.
Effects of key parameters of impulse noise on prediction of the auditory hazard using AHAAH model.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is the most common occupational disease in the USA. Impulse noise is a typical noise exposure in military and industrial fields, and generates sever hearing loss problem in these fields. This paper presents four key parameters of impulse noise that significantly affect on Auditory Risk Unit (ARU) in the Auditory Hazard Assessment Algorithm for Humans (AHAAH) model. The results show that ARUs increases monotonically with the peak pressure (both P+ and P–) increasing. While the ARUs increase first and then decrease with time durations rising, and the peak of ARUs appears at about t = 0.2 msec (for both t+ and t–). In addition, the auditory hazard of measured impulse noises generated by the lab noise exposure system was evaluated by using AHAAH model. Results from experiments indicate that the AHAAH model is suitable for impulse noise hazardous evaluation.
Single Molecule Visualization of Stable, Stiffness-Tunable, Flow-Conforming Worm Micelles

We describe fluorescence visualization of highly stable worm micelle superpolymers. The worm micelles are self-assembled in water from nonionic, block copolymer amphiphiles. By blending and polymerizing inert and cross-linkable copolymers, we form micelles up to tens of microns long with persistence lengths that continuously span more than 2 orders of magnitude from submicron to submillimeter. In flow, pristine worms orient and stretch with DNA-like scaling, and their stability, loading capacity, and stealthiness make them ideal candidates for flow-intensive delivery applications such as phage-mimetic drug carriers and micropore delivery.
Lorentz and CPT tests with spin-polarized solids

Experiments using macroscopic samples of spin-polarized matter offer exceptional sensitivity to Lorentz and $\mathrm{CPT}$ violation in the electron sector. Data from existing experiments with a spin-polarized torsion pendulum provide sensitivity in this sector rivaling that of all other existing experiments and could reveal spontaneous violation of Lorentz symmetry at the Planck scale.
Studies of new organic conductors based on thiophene derived annulene complexes With TCNQF4

Abstract Two newly synthesized thiophene derived annulenes 1 and 2 have been studied as electron donors. Stable 1:1 complexes of them have been found with the electron acceptor TCNQF 4 . Their pressed-pellet room-temperature conductivities are 9.5×10 −3 S/cm for complex 1. TCNQF 4 , and 1.2×10 −4 S/cm for complex 2. TCNQF 4 . The temperature-dependent EPR (100 K - 300 K) reveals a narrow asymmetric line with g =2.0027 for both complexes, and low activation energies of 4.1 meV for 1. TCNQF 4 and 9.7meV for 2. TCNQF 4 .
Automated Border Detection for Assessing the Mechanical Properties of the Carotid Arteries: Comparison with Carotid Intima–Media Thickness

Background Although carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) assesses the structural properties of the carotid artery, it does not assess the mechanical properties of the vessel. Methods The carotid arteries of 71 adult patients were evaluated with CIMT, and automated border detection computed vessel stiffness, compliance, elasticity, and distensibility. Results CIMT and mechanical properties were differentially affected by traditional cardiac risk factors, with age dominating for CIMT, and age, diabetes, and smoking dominating for mechanical variables. There was a moderate linear correlation between CIMT and the distensibility coefficient ( r = −0.54), but there were weak associations with other parameters of dynamic vessel function. When patients were separated into risk groups, the mechanical vascular parameters' classification frequently differed from the CIMT classification. This was particularly notable for patients with intermediate CIMT values, who were reclassified as low or high risk by mechanical parameters 45% of the time. Conclusion We found that it is feasible to assess the cross-sectional area of the carotid artery using automatic border detection, which allows a novel method of determining carotid mechanical properties. These functional characteristics are often discordant with CIMT, suggesting that mechanical properties may be an important adjunct to the CIMT when evaluating the carotid artery.
Abiogenic Methane Formation and Isotopic Fractionation Under Hydrothermal Conditions

Recently, methane (CH4) of possible abiogenic origin has been reported from many localities within Earth's crust. However, little is known about the mechanisms of abiogenic methane formation, or ab...
Gonadotropin Surge-Induced Differential Upregulation of Collagenase-1 (MMP-1) and Collagenase-3 (MMP-13) mRNA and Protein in Bovine Preovulatory Follicles

The ovulatory process is characterized by focalized extracellular matrix degradation at the apex of preovulatory follicles. Many studies have implicated the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as potential mediators of follicle rupture. Objectives of this study were to determine localization and effect of the gonadotropin surge on temporal expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13 in bovine preovulatory follicles. Samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h (corpora lutea) after GnRH injection (n = 5-6 per time point) and amounts of MMP-1 and MMP-13 mRNA and protein determined using dot blot or semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Samples were also collected at 0 and 20 h after GnRH injection for immunohistochemical localization of MMP-1 and MMP-13. Results indicate that follicular expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13 increased following the gonadotropin surge. Abundance of MMP-1 mRNA increased at 6, 12, and 48 h post-GnRH injection. Immunoreactive MMP-1 was localized to granulosal and thecal layers of preovulatory follicles. Amounts of MMP-1 protein increased in both the apex and the base of preovulatory follicles. Abundance of MMP-13 mRNA increased at 6, 24, and 48 h post GnRH injection. Amounts of MMP-13 protein also increased in the follicular apex and base. Immunoreactive MMP-13 was localized to granulosal and thecal layers of preovulatory follicles. Results indicate MMP-1 and MMP-13 are increased in bovine preovulatory follicles following the gonadotropin surge but do not support a requirement for differential up-regulation of MMP-1 and MMP-13 (follicular apex vs. base) for the preovulatory collagenolysis required for follicle rupture.
Effect of Seeding and Water Vapor on the Nucleation and Growth of α‐Al2O3 from γ‐Al2O3

Isothermal transformation kinetics and coarsening rates were studied in unseeded and alpha-Al2O3-seeded γ-Al2O3 powders heated in dry air and water vapor. Unseeded samples heated in dry air transformed to alpha-Al2O3 with an activation energy of 567 kJ/mol. Seeding with alpha-Al2O3 increased the transformation rates and reduced incubation times by providing low-energy sites for nucleation/growth of the alpha-Al2O3 transformation. The activation energy for the transformation was reduced to 350 kJ/mol in seeded samples heated in dry air. Seeded samples completely transformed to alpha-Al2O3 after 1 h at 1050°C when heated in dry air compared to 1 h at 925°C when heated in saturated water vapor. The combined effects of a lower nucleation barrier due to seeding and the increased diffusion due to water vapor reduced the activation energy for the transformation by 390 kJ/mol and the transformation temperature by ∼225°C compared to the unseeded samples heated in dry air. The accelerated kinetics is believed to be due to increased surface diffusion.
Platelet 3H-imipramine binding in depressed elderly patients.

Goldstein L, and Wiet S (1979): Some quantitated hemispheric EEG correlates of psychopathology. Paper presented at Symposium of the International Convention of Psychologists. Lesieur HR, and Custer RL (1984): Pathological gambling: Roots, phases, and treatment. Ann Am Acad Pol Soc Sci 474:146--156. Tarter RE, McBride H, Buonpane N, and Schneider DU (1977): Differentiation of alcoholics: Childhood history of minimal brain dysfunction, family history and drinking pattern. Arch Gen Psychiatry 34:761-768. Von Knotting L, Perris C, Goldstein L, Kewali D, Monakhov K, Vacca L (1983): Intercorrelations between different computer-based measures of the EEG alpha amplitude and its variability over time and their validity in differentiating healthy volunteers from depressed patients. Adv Biol Psychiatry 13:172-181. Wood D, Wender PH, Reimherr FW (1983): The prevalence of attention deficit disorder, residual type, or minimal brain dysfunction, in a population of male alcoholic patients. Am J Psychiatry 140:95-98.
Capability in Rockwell C Scale Hardness

A measurement system is capable if it produces measurements with uncertainties small enough for demonstration of compliance with product specifications. To establish the capability of a system for Rock-well C scale hardness, one must assess measurement uncertainty and, when hardness is only an indicator, quantify the relation between hardness and the product property of real interest. The uncertainty involves several components, which we designate as lack of repeatability, lack of reproducibility, machine error, and indenter error. Component-by-component assessment leads to understanding of mechanisms and thus to guidance on system upgrades if these are necessary. Assessment of some components calls only for good-quality test blocks, and assessment of others requires test blocks that NIST issues as Standard Reference Materials (SRMs). The important innovation introduced in this paper is improved handling of the hardness variation across test-block surfaces. In addition to hardness itself, the methods in this paper might be applicable to other local measurement of a surface.
Improving the effectiveness of banks' service guarantees: The role of implementation

The negative impact of frequent service delays on customer loyalty and retention is widely recognised. To address this issue, many banks have initiated some form of service improvement programme and attempted to communicate the change to their existing and prospective customers. Often, however, this rightfully sceptical audience continues to doubt the provider's ability to resolve the problem and may not notice service improvement even when it is achieved. Service guarantees are a powerful mechanism for firms to express their commitment to satisfaction as well as their willingness to compensate customers in the event of service failure. This paper presents the results of a multi-stage study of a major bank's effort to provide a wait-time guarantee. The potential value of the guarantee to customers, the impact of the guarantee on customer dissatisfaction following a negative service experience, and customers' willingness to invoke the guarantee are examined. The implications of the findings highlight the role of implementation in a successful guarantee programme. Recommendations for improving banks' service guarantees are provided.
Origin of magnetization tunneling in single-molecule magnets as determined by single-crystal high-frequency EPR

Abstract We review an extensive body of single-crystal high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) data in order to determine the transverse spin Hamiltonian parameters that control the tunneling of the direction of magnetization in a variety of integer and half-integer-spin single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The SMMs studied are members of the following families: S = 9/2 [Mn4O3Cl]6+; S = 5 [Mn3NiO4]6+; S = 6 [Mn3ZnO4]6+; and S = 4 [Ni4(OR)4]4+. HFEPR spectra for the half-integer S = 9/2 Mn4 complexes that have C3 symmetry do not provide measurable evidence for transverse spin Hamiltonian terms. This finding is consistent with the relatively large coercive field seen in the magnetization hysteresis loops for these complexes. On the other hand, a low symmetry S = 9/2 complex exhibits a much faster rate of ground-state magnetization tunneling, in agreement with HFEPR spectra for a powder sample that gives a rhombic zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameter of E = 0.140 cm−1. The S = 5 Mn3Ni systems exhibit magnetization tunneling that is much faster than seen for the high-symmetry S = 9/2 Mn4 complexes. This can be attributed to their integer-spin ground states. Like the C3 symmetry Mn4 SMMs, the HFEPR spectra for high-symmetry Mn3Ni complexes do not provide measurable evidence for transverse ZFS terms. However, the spectra exhibit broad peaks, suggesting distributions in the local molecular environments brought about by disordered solvate molecules. This disorder likely explains the fast tunneling in the high-symmetry S = 5 Mn3Ni systems, though one cannot rule out fourth- (and higher-) order interactions that cannot be detected by HFEPR due to the broad resonances. The one S = 6 Mn3Zn complex shows an even faster rate of tunneling compared to the isostructural S = 5 Mn3Ni complex. Finally, the S = 4 [Ni(hmp)(dmb)Cl]4 complex provides unique insights into the origin of fourth- (and higher-) order interactions found for many SMMs on the basis of analysis using a giant spin Hamiltonian (GSH) approximation. We conclude that the fourth-order anisotropy found for the S = 4 ground state of [Ni(hmp)(dmb)Cl]4 originates from the second-order ZFS interactions associated with the individual NiII ions, but only as a result of higher-order processes that occur via S-mixing between the ground state and higher-lying (S
Half- and full-integer power law for distance fluctuations: Langevin dynamics in one- and two-dimensional systems

Abstract Langevin dynamics of one- and two-dimensional systems with the nearest neighbor couplings is examined to derive the autocorrelation function (ACF) of the distance fluctuations. Understanding of the dynamics of pairwise distance correlation is essential in the studies using single-molecule spectroscopy. For both 1-D cases of an open chain and a closed loop, a power law of t −1/2 , t −3/2 and t −5/2 for the ACF are obtained, and for 2-D systems of a sheet and a tube, a power law of t −1 , t −2 and t −3 are found. The different exponent of the power law is shown to depend on the location of the pairwise beads and their topography.
Commentary: False dichotomy hinders global health

Global health in recent years has been characterised by bitter debates, with each side marshalling a mixture of evidence and moral arguments to prove that their approach is the one that will save more lives. Witness, for example, the never ending disputes over whether the best way to reduce avertable deaths is through strengthening health delivery systems (a “horizontal” approach) or targeting individual diseases like HIV/AIDS or malaria (a “vertical” approach).1 Or take the rancorous debate over whether the private sector should be engaged or marginalised when it comes to tackling health challenges in low and middle income countries.2 Now Jocalyn Clark sets up yet another binary view of global health, arguing that a focus on biomedical approaches limits success; what we need, she says, is to follow social and political pathways to improve the health of the world’s poor. However, the complexity of the challenges in global health—and their multifactorial origins in poverty, inequity, and lack of access to health services, education, and safe and …
Investigation of gold nanoparticles uptake and their tissue level distribution in rice plants by laser ablation-inductively coupled-mass spectrometry.

Abstract The tissue level uptake and spatial distribution of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) roots and shoots under hydroponic conditions was investigated using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Rice plants were hydroponically exposed to positively, neutrally, and negatively charged AuNPs [AuNP1(+), AuNP2(0), AuNP3(−)] with a core diameter of 2 nm. Plants were exposed to AuNPs having 1.6 mg Au/L for 5 days or 0.14 mg Au/L for 3 months to elucidate how the surface charges of the nanoparticles affects their uptake into living plant tissues. The results demonstrate that terminal functional groups greatly affected the AuNP uptake into plant tissues. Au concentration determined by LA-ICP-MS in 5 day treated rice roots followed this order: AuNP1(+) > AuNP2(0) > AuNP3(−) but this order was reversed for rice shoots, indicating preferential translocation of AuNP3(−). Bioimages revealed distributions of mesophyll and vascular AuNP dependent on organ or AuNP concentration.
Optimal Power Allocation for Scalable Video Transmission over Multirate GMC-CDMA Wireless Links

Generalized Multi Carrier Code Division Multiple Access (GMC-CDMA) is a promising technique for achieving high data rate transmission capacity in interference-limited cellular systems. A key challenge in a multirate GMC-CDMA system for video transmission is the optimal power allocation between the sub-channels that maximizes the received video quality subject to a data rate budget. In this paper, we propose a method for joint source and channel coding with optimal power allocation for scalable video transmission over multirate GMC-CDMA wireless links. A GMC-CDMA system offers deterministic elimination of Multiple User Interference (MUI). A scalable video source codec is used and a multirate setup is assumed i. e., each video user is allowed to occupy more than one GMC-CDMA channels. Each of the GMC-CDMA channels can utilize a different number of subcarriers. The optimal solution selects the set of source and channel coding rates for the user of interest along with the number of sub-carriers and power allocated to each GMC-CDMA channel that minimizes the end to end distortion subject to the rate budget. Universal Rate Distortion Characteristics (URDC) are used along with the Channel Characteristic Plots to obtain the optimal solution. Experimental results are presented and conclusions are drawn.
Measurements of phase error tolerance in passive coherent beam combining

The effects of phase errors on lasers coherently coupled by a passive spatially filtered cavity are experimentally measured. We show that the phases must be kept within approximately ± 0.1 radians to maintain coherence.
Altered balance control following concussion is better detected with an attention test during gait

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of concussion on gait stability when either a cognitive or motor perturbation is imposed. Fourteen individuals suffering from a grade II concussion and 14 matched controls performed a single task of level walking, a continuous sequential question and answer task while walking, and an obstacle-crossing task. Common gait spatial/temporal measurements, whole-body center of mass motion, and center of pressure trajectory were assessed. Concussed individuals adopted a more conservative strategy to maintain gait stability. Some measurements indicating conservative gait were seen during obstacle crossing, but this was most evident during the Q&A task. Concussed individuals also displayed signs of possible instability during the Q&A task. The question and answer task was most sensitive to distinguishing concussed individuals from healthy individuals, supporting the use of a similar dual-task modality in future testing after concussion to determine a proper time for return to activity.
BladeCenter systems management software

The management software for the IBM eServerTM BladeCenter® platform combines multiple management tools and technologies to create an integrated solution for managing, configuring, and deploying the chassis components and attached storage area networks. The IBM software also integrates BladeCenter platform management capabilities with other enterprise system management tools. This paper describes the architecture and capabilities of the IBM Director, Cluster Systems Manager, and Virtualization EngineTM tools, which enable customers to configure, manage, and provision the BladeCenter system. These tools configure and monitor the chassis using out-of-band communications with the BladeCenter management module. Management agents installed on each processor blade provide in-band operating system monitoring and integration into enterprise management applications, such as IBM Tivoli® software. This paper includes a description of the management technologies and design innovations that assist the system administrator with management tasks such as discovery, blade and switch module configuration, asset inventory, out-of-band control, alerting and event actions, storage configuration, operating system installation, application deployment, and provisioning.
Morphological Integration of the Modern Human Mandible during Ontogeny

Craniofacial integration is prevalent in anatomical modernity research. Little investigation has been done on mandibular integration. Integration patterns were quantified in a longitudinal modern human sample of mandibles. This integration pattern is one of modularization between the alveolar and muscle attachment regions, but with age-specific differences. The ascending ramus and nonalveolar portions of the corpus remain integrated throughout ontogeny. The alveolar region is dynamic, becoming modularized according to the needs of the mandible at a particular developmental stage. Early in ontogeny, this modularity reflects the need for space for the developing dentition; later, modularity is more reflective of mastication. The overall pattern of modern human mandibular integration follows the integration pattern seen in other mammals, including chimpanzees. Given the differences in craniofacial integration patterns between humans and chimpanzees, but the similarities in mandibular integration, it is likely that the mandible has played the more passive role in hominin skull evolution.
The impact of personality on pay satisfaction among small business managers in the United States and China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect personality has on pay satisfaction among small business managers in China and the USA. Design/methodology/approach – This research is in attempt to further understanding and provide application of how companies can better incentive talent through compensation and benefit programs. The goal is to extend and deepen the comprehension of how to encourage talent pools to increase intrinsic performance through compensation programs. Findings – The measures that were used in this study were the Big Five Personality Test and the Pay Satisfaction Questionnaire. Originality/value – Similar results were found across the two countries, and having primary empirical data such as these is original.
The rank transformation—an easy and intuitive way to connect many nonparametric methods to their parametric counterparts for seamless teaching introductory statistics courses

The rank transformation refers to replacing the data by their ranks, or average ranks in case of ties, prior to performing standard statistical procedures on the ranks. There are several forms of transforming the data to ranks. RT-1 refers to ranking all of the data together, and giving the smallest observation the rank 1, the second smallest the rank 2, and so on. RT-2 involves ranking data within subgroups only, and not comparing data across subgroups. RT-3 involves re-expressing the data prior to ranking, such as subtracting a sample mean or median from the data and taking an absolute value of the difference prior to ranking. RT-4 describes situations where data are re-expressed within subgroups, and then ranked within subgroups. The rank transformation is a convenient way to bridge the pedagogical gap between parametric and nonparametric methods in statistics. First present the classical statistical procedure, such as a t test or a correlation coefficient, and then perform the same operation on the ranks of the data instead of the data themselves. The resulting method is equivalent to the standard presentation of nonparametric methods, and is amenable to convenient use in computer software. Limitations of this method are also described. WIREs Comput Stat 2012 doi: 10.1002/wics.1216 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website
A time invariant working set model for independent reference

Under the Independent Reference Model (IRM) of program behavior, we study properties of the C space-time products as defined by Prieve and Fabry [21] for variable memory management algorithms. In particular, we look at the behavior of Denning's Working Set [11] and VMIN [21] algorithms. From the observed properties of these algorithms, we derive an algorithm which either keeps a page always in memory, or does not keep it at all. We show the online optimality of this algorithm under the assumption that the access probabilities are known a priori. Further, we propose a practical version of this algorithm for database and disk buffer management. By using our algorithm, we obtained space-time product improvements up to 41% over the Working Set algorithm.
Optical and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of silica glass implanted with oxygen ions

Abstract Oxygen ions (O+) were implanted into high purity silica glass, Corning 7940, at liquid nitrogen temperature and at energies of 50, 160 keV and 5 MeV, with a dose range from 1 × 1015 to 3 × 1016 ions/cm2. Helium ions (He+) were also implanted into Corning 7940 at liquid nitrogen temperature and at 35 keV and 160 keV to doses of 1 × 1017 ions/cm2 to compare with O+ implantation. Optical absorption measurements were made on the ion implanted samples in the range of 1.8 to 6.2 eV. In samples O+ implanted at 50 and 160 keV, the optical density at around 2.0 eV was zero, while the optical densities increased with increasing photon energy, and absorption bands at around 3, 5 and 5.8 eV were resolved. Absorption bands at 5 and 5.8 eV were resolved in the 5 MeV implanted sample and their absorbencies were higher by factor of more than 2 than those in the 50 and 160 keV implanted samples. For He+ implanted samples optical density increased as a function of photon energy up to 6 eV, and in addition a band at 5 eV was resolved in every sample. X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were measured at 77 K for oxygen-related centers and at room temperature for E′ centers prior to and after ion implantation of samples. Two paramagnetic states, E′ centers and peroxy radicals, were detected after O+ or He+ implantation. The peroxy radical (POR) was the dominant defect in O+ implanted samples, while the numbers of E′ centers and PORs induced in He+ implanted samples were the same. Since the detected numbers of PORs were
Discovery of PF-00217830: Aryl piperazine napthyridinones as D2 partial agonists for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

The synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of a novel series of aryl piperazine napthyridinone D(2) partial agonists is described. Our goal was to optimize the affinities for the D(2), 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(1A) receptors, such that the D(2)/5-HT(2A) ratio was greater than 5 to ensure maximal occupancy of these receptors when the D(2) occupancy reached efficacious levels. This strategy led to identification of PF-00217830 (2) with robust inhibition of sLMA (MED=0.3mg/kg) and DOI-induced head twitches in rats (31% and 78% at 0.3 and 1mg/kg) with no catalepsy observed at the highest dose tested (10 mg/kg).
Magnetization-dependent interaction parameters and prediction of a special magnetic phase transition in a half-metallic ferromagnet at T=0

By using the Landau theory of phase transitions, general conditions for the occurrence of a first-order magnetic phase transition at which half-metallicity is preserved up to the onset of the paramagnetic phase, are established. Specific expressions of those general conditions, in the form of relationships between interaction and purely band structure parameters, are found for the $T=0$-case, by applying the Fermi liquid theory for spin polarized systems and by making use of magnetization-dependent interaction parameters. The possibility of a $T=0$ first-order magnetic phase transition at which ferromagnetism and half-metallicity vanish together is, therefore, specifically predicted. The specific form of the corresponding conditions may allow to experimentally test this prediction. In addition, the role and importance of the magnetization-dependent interaction parameters in driving the predicted transition at $T=0$ and in the fulfillment of the general requirements of symmetry and stability, is discussed. A minimal set of $m$-dependent interaction parameters needed for these purposes is proposed. Finally, the possibility of extending our procedure to the finite-temperature case, i.e., the possibility of a procedure to determine specific conditions for ``high-temperature half-metallicity,'' is suggested.
Divergent responses to saccharin vs. sucrose availability after stress in rats

Abstract Rats were exposed to 100 5-s inescapable, unpredictable shocks then had access to water and saccharin or sucrose solution for 5–6 days. Shock reduced daily drinking during saccharin tests (Experiments 1, 2B, 4) and increased daily drinking during sucrose tests (Experiment 2B). In addition, shock reduced body weight when saccharin, but not when sucrose, was available (Experiments 1, 2B). The specificity of the reductions to saccharin tests (Experiments 2B, 4), equal intake of flavors shortly after stress (Experiments 2B to 4), and failure of saccharin-naive and saccharin-familiar groups to differ (Experiment 3) argue against a neophobia interpretation. Normal or above-normal drinking during sucrose (Experiment 2B) or water-only (Experiment 4) tests indicate an absence of general hedonic, motoric, or hydrational deficits. Qualitative differences in the tastes of saccharin and sucrose may underlie their disparate effects on drinking after shock. Whatever the mechanisms, the present results show that even a severe stressor can decrease or increase ingestion, depending on the flavors available.
Shear wave attenuation in dry and saturated sandstone at seismic to ultrasonic frequencies

Abstract Ultrasonic and forced-oscillation methods have been applied to measure shear attenuation in Berea sandstone and a fused glass bead sample in the frequency ranges of .03 to 100 Hz and 600 to 1000 kHz. The Qs of dry Berea sandstone at atmospheric pressure falls in the range 100 to 150 for frequencies between .03 Hz and 20 Hz. The ultrasonic results show a much lower QS (
The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment

Abstract This document briefly describes the physics goals of the Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment planned for the United States, and a snapshot of its status in fall 2012.
Vaginal Douching Among University Women in the Southeastern United States

Objective: The authors assessed the knowledge, beliefs about, and practices of vaginal douching among women attending 2 universities in the southeastern United States. Participants: There were 416 participants in this study; 46.9% were black and 44.5% were white. Methods: The authors administered a 30-item questionnaire to women enrolled in health-related and social science courses at 2 southeastern universities. Results: Approximately 38% of participants reported vaginal douching, mostly for hygienic reasons (70.7%). Most women first learned about douching from their mother. Douching was more common and more frequent among black women (48%) than among white women (27%). Age of first douche correlated positively with age of first sexual intercourse and age of first period. Conclusion: Women who had been informed not to douche by a healthcare professional were less likely to have douched within the past 6 months than were women who were not given this information. Misconceptions about douching are common a...
TESTING OF SPOT WELDED COUPONS IN COMBINED TENSION AND SHEAR

A test fixture and test method for strength and fatigue testing of spot welded coupons subjected to combined tension and shear forces has been presented. The fixture provides reasonably consistent results for the ultimate strength tests although induced clamping strains for the current test fixture are higher than desired. The strength and fatigue test results will be used by automotive structural engineers in design assessment calculations.
Trend analysis: binary-valued and point cases

A sequence of occurrence times of floods may be considered to be part of a realization of a binary-valued time series or of a stochastic point process. In this paper a criterion for detecting the presence of a monotonic trend in the rate of the process is considered. The criterion is based on linear functions of the data with the coefficients chosen to emphasize a monotonic rate. In the case that the process is stationary and mixing, the null distribution of the test statistic is approximately standard normal.