cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted gene delivery to skin cells in vivo: A comparative study of liposomes and polymers as delivery vehicles

Liposomes are microscopic lipid membrane vesicles that provide a current strategy for topical, dermal delivery of biologically active molecules. They have been successfully used for the delivery of various low and high molecular weight molecules into the skin, and as an alternative to virus-mediated delivery systems, have opened the field of dermal gene therapy. The present study was undertaken on 6-day-old rat pups to determine in vivo the efficacy of several liposome and nonliposome formulations, including phospholipid liposomes and their cationic or pegylated variants, nonionic liposomes and their cationic variant, PINC polymer (Protective, Interactive, Noncondensing polymers), and a propylene glycol:alcohol:water mixture (delivery vehicle for minoxidil) in delivering β-galactosidase and luciferase reporter genes into skin cells. Based upon our observations of the expression of β-galactosidase and luciferase reporter genes in skin cells, we report here that nonionic liposomes are the most efficient vehicle for transdermal delivery followed by nonionic/cationic and phospholipid (pegylated) liposomes. The propylene glycol:ethanol:water mixture and the PINC polymer were relatively inefficient in the delivery of β-galactosidase or luciferase DNAs. This simple, noninvasive technique of using nonionic liposomes to deliver biomolecules provides an efficient delivery strategy for gene therapy and drug delivery to the dermal organ site. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 91:615–622, 2002
Ultraviolet absorption spectra of HO2NO2, CCl3O2NO2, CCl2FO2NO2, and CH3O2NO2

Abstract The ultraviolet absorption spectra of HO 2 NO 2 , CCl 3 O 2 NO 2 , CCl 2 FO 2 NO 2 , and CH 3 O 2 NO 2 were measured from 210 to 280 nm. The spectra are similar, and the absorption intensity increases as the wavelength decreases with a shoulder at ≈ 255 nm. Assuming that every absorption leads to photodissociation, the photodissociation lifetimes will be ≲1 day in the lower stratosphere and
Volatiles loss during atomization in spray drying

Losses of volatile acetates have been measured in the vicinity of pressure nozzles during spraying of sucrose and maltodextrin solutions. Large losses occur very near the atomizer, where only a small portion of the water has evaporated. The effects of atomizer design, nozzle pressure, sucrose concentration, air flow rate, air temperature and liquid feed temperature have all been measured. Correlation of volatiles loss vs. percent water evaporation accounts for most of the effects of changes in spray pattern and drop size distribution. Individual contributions of gas and liquid phase mass transfer are determined from the relative retentions of acetates of different molecular weight and from the effect of sucrose concentration. In the expanding film at the nozzle, both gas and liquid phase resistances are important, but the losses become entirely liquid phase controlled once drops are formed.
The effect of a liquid isothermal bath in the threadline on the structure and properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers

The process of melt-spinning poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) filament at high speeds was modified through the inclusion of a liquid isothermal bath (LIB) in the spinline. A wide range of positions, temperatures, and depths associated with the operation of the LIB were utilized in this study. The structural characteristics and mechanical properties of the as-spun fibers were characterized by birefringence, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), infrared spectroscopy, and tensile testing. Experimental results showed that the structure and mechanical properties of the as-spun fibers were significantly influenced by the LIB operating conditions. The as-spun fibers prepared under optimum LIB conditions exhibit high birefringence and excellent mechanical properties. Results suggest the development of a critical value of threadline stress that is determined primarily by LIB depth and take-up velocity. Below this critical value, raising of LIB temperature, LIB depth, and take-up velocity resulted in increases of the apparent crystallite size, sample crystallinity, and both the crystalline and amorphous orientation. As would be expected, the mechanical properties of the fiber samples were improved in a corresponding manner. Above this critical stress value, molecular chains in the amorphous phase are stretched tautly, but the crystal growth process is restricted, resulting in a decrease in crystallite size and crystallinity, as well as a continued increase in mechanical properties. The fiber properties were also found to be very responsive to the relative location of the LIB. A unique structure, believed never before obtained in a one-step high-speed PET melt-spinning process, has been achieved that combines high amorphous orientation, low crystallinity, and high tenacity. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nucleic acid molecules: new microdiffusion technique for visualization.

A microdiffusion technique, developed for visualization of nucleic acid molecules in the electron microscope, requires less than 0.01 microgram of nucleic acid. Although originally developed for free nucleic acids, the method can be applied to virion suspensions for direct visualization of their genomes; less than 1010 virions per milliliter are required. Results agree well with those yielded by the diffusion technique of Lang, Kleinschmidt, and Zahn.
Induced Responses to Herbivory and Jasmonate in Three Milkweed Species

We studied constitutive and induced defensive traits (latex exudation, cardenolides, proteases, and C/N ratio) and resistance to monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus) in three closely related milkweed species (Asclepias angustifolia, A. barjoniifolia and A. fascicularis). All traits showed significant induction in at least one of the species. Jasmonate application only partially mimicked the effect of monarch feeding. We found some correspondence between latex and cardenolide content and reduced larval growth. Larvae fed cut leaves of A. angustifolia grew better than larvae fed intact plants. Addition of the cardenolide digitoxin to cut leaves reduced larval growth but ouabain (at the same concentration) had no effect. We, thus, confirm that latex and cardenolides are major defenses in milkweeds, effective against a specialist herbivore. Other traits such as proteases and C/N ratio additionally may be integrated in the defense scheme of those plants. Induction seems to play an important role in plants that have an intermediate level of defense, and we advocate incorporating induction as an additional axis of the plant defense syndrome hypothesis.
Material cost minimization of concrete wall forms

Abstract An automated procedure for minimizing the material cost for all-wood concrete wall forms is presented. This procedure was formulated to provide for a safe wall form design with minimum cost. The performance of the optimum design method is compared to that of the traditional design method, which uses design charts/tables. The automated method was found to have potential cost savings over the traditional design method. A study was conducted to confirm these cost savings.
THE INTEGRAL‐FINITE‐DIFFERENCE METHOD FOR CALCULATING TRANSIENT ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IN A HORIZONTALLY STRATIFIED MEDIUM*

A finite-difference solution and an integral algorithm are developed for computing time-domain electromagnetic fields generated by an arbitrary source located in horizontally stratified earth. The finite-difference problem is first solved for the kernel of an integral Bessel transform of the desired field and then an inverse transformation is performed either by numerical integration or by linear filtering. A description of the appropriate algorithm as well as numerical results are presented for two cases: an axially symmetric source (a vertical magnetic dipole or a circular loop) placed on the surface of a horizontally layered section overlying either an insulating or an ideally conducting basement. In comparison with the conventional methods used for computing transient electromagnetic fields, the integral-finite-difference method is more universally applicable.
Hybrid solar and electrically controlled transmission of light filters

Abstract The investigations show that it is possible to develop hybrid light filters which could be switched by solar as well as by electrical energy. The light filters are based on thermotropic gels changing their transmission depending on the concentration of the cross-linker from 60% to 80% to ⩽1% in the temperature range 29–36°C. Detailed investigations of the electrical switching process show that the switching times significantly decrease with increasing thickness of the tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) used as transparent electrodes. The switching times could be varied from 3 to over 50 min. Furthermore the required wattage for the switching process significantly decreases with increasing thickness of the ITO-layers. A gel layer having a thickness of 2 mm is quite enough to realize changes in the transmission from about 62% to ⩽1%. Comparable results were obtained for light filters having a size of either 25 or 180 cm 2 , respectively. Therefore, it should be possible to transfer these results to light filters having a size of 0.5-1 m 2 .
Expression of myh9 in the mammalian cochlea : Localization within the stereocilia

Mutations of non-muscle myosin Type IIA or MYH9 are linked to syndromic or nonsyndromic hearing loss. The biologic function of MYH9 in the auditory organ and the pathophysiology of its dysfunction remain to be determined. The mouse represents an excellent model for investigating the biologic role of MYH9 in the cells and tissues affected by its dysfunction. A primary step toward the understanding of the role of MYH9 in hearing and its dysfunction is the documentation of its cellular and sub-cellular localization within the cochlea, the auditory organ. We describe the localization of Myh9 within the mouse cochlea using a polyclonal anti-Myh9-antibody, generated against an 18 amino acid long peptide corresponding to the sequence at the C-terminus of mouse Myh9. The anti-Myh9 antibody identified a single, specific, immunoreactive band of 220 kDa in immunoblot analysis of homogenate from a variety of different mouse tissues. The Myh9 antibody cross-reacts with the rat but not the human orthologue. Myh9 is expressed predominantly within the spiral ligament as well as in the sensory hair cells of the organ of Corti. Confocal microscopy of cochlear surface preparations, identified Myh9 within the inner and outer hair cells and their stereocilia. Localization of Myh9 within the stereocilia raises the possibility that mutations of MYH9 may effect hearing loss though disruption of the stereocilia structure.
Mobile DNA and evolution in the 21st century

Scientific history has had a profound effect on the theories of evolution. At the beginning of the 21st century, molecular cell biology has revealed a dense structure of information-processing networks that use the genome as an interactive read-write (RW) memory system rather than an organism blueprint. Genome sequencing has documented the importance of mobile DNA activities and major genome restructuring events at key junctures in evolution: exon shuffling, changes in cis-regulatory sites, horizontal transfer, cell fusions and whole genome doublings (WGDs). The natural genetic engineering functions that mediate genome restructuring are activated by multiple stimuli, in particular by events similar to those found in the DNA record: microbial infection and interspecific hybridization leading to the formation of allotetraploids. These molecular genetic discoveries, plus a consideration of how mobile DNA rearrangements increase the efficiency of generating functional genomic novelties, make it possible to formulate a 21st century view of interactive evolutionary processes. This view integrates contemporary knowledge of the molecular basis of genetic change, major genome events in evolution, and stimuli that activate DNA restructuring with classical cytogenetic understanding about the role of hybridization in species diversification.
X-Ray Spectra from Three Cosmic Sources

Three cosmic x-ray sources have been observed from a water-launched rocket carrying two x-ray detectors to an altitude of 200 kilometers. The x-ray spectra, measured in the photon energy range between I and 40 kiloelectron volts, are all different. The sources in order of hardness of spectra are Cyg XR-1, Tau XR-1, and Sco XR-1. The intensity of Sco XR-J decreased at low photon energies. The differences in spectra might source mechanisms.
Methodology for real-time feedback variable selection for manufacturing process control: theoretical and simulation results

This paper explores the effectiveness of a proposed methodology for selecting feedback variables for real-time feed-back control (RFC). Both analytical and simulation results are presented. In many manufacturing processes, the important product characteristics cannot be measured in real-time and therefore cannot be directly controlled using RFC. Although the product characteristics may not be fed back, the benefits of RFC, which include reduction of variation through disturbance rejection, may be gained by feedback of process variables closely related to the product characteristics. A general condition under which RFC will reduce process variation, expressed in terms of sensor noise, process disturbance characteristics and process noise, is derived. Generally, process knowledge is used to selected the process variables appropriate for feedback, however in many case this knowledge is not sufficiently quantitative. A methodology which utilizes statistical analysis of experimental data has been developed for the purpose of identifying the best process variables to regulate in order to minimize variation in the product characteristics. The methodology includes the following steps: design of experiments, candidate model selection, final model selection, check for controllability, and verification. An efficient, exhaustive search of all possible regression models which satisfy the constraints imposed by the RFC control problem is used to implement the candidate model selection step. The effectiveness of the methodology is evaluated using simulation. Through simulation a wide range of conditions were explored in a relatively short period of time. Situations considered include various degrees of sensitivity to process disturbance, limitations in sensor availability and variation in the importance of unmeasured process variables.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Extensional collapse of the Tibetan Plateau: Results of three‐dimensional finite element modeling

[1] Following their initial collision 50–70 Myr ago, the Indian and Eurasian plates have been continuously converging toward each other. Whereas the regional stress field is predominately compressive, the Late Cenozoic tectonics within the Tibetan Plateau features widespread crustal extension. Numerous causes of the extension have been proposed, but their relative roles remain in debate. We have investigated the major factors contributing to the Tibetan extension in a three-dimensional viscoelastic model that includes both lateral and vertical variations of lithospheric rheology and relevant boundary conditions. Constrained by the present topography and GPS velocity field, the model predicted predominately extensional stress states within the plateau crust, resulting from mechanical balance between the gravitational buoyancy force of the plateau and the tectonic compressive stresses. The predicted stress pattern is consistent with the earthquake data that indicate roughly E-W extension in most of Tibet and nearly N-S extension near the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. We explored the parameter space and boundary conditions to examine the stress evolution during the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. When the plateau was lower than 50% of its present elevation, strike-slip and reverse faults were predominate over the entire plateau, and no E-W crustal extension was predicted. Significant crustal extension occurs only when the plateau has reached ∼75% of its present elevation. Basal shear associated with underthrusting of the Indian plate beneath Tibet may have enhanced crustal extension in southern Tibet and the Himalayas, and a stronger basal shear during the Miocene may help to explain the development of the South Tibetan Detachment System.
Electrical pulse formation during high temperature reaction between Ni and Al

An electric voltage pulse (duration of about 2ms) with an amplitude of up to 0.6V was generated during the reaction between nickel and aluminum powders by a high temperature moving reaction front. The electrical signal formed during the initial stages of the combustion was annihilated before the moving front attained its maximum temperature. The voltage amplitude and combustion temperature depended on the particle size of the reactants as well as the Al to Ni ratio in the reactant mixture, and their largest values were attained for a mixture containing 27–31.5wt% Al. The combustion temperature increased when smaller Al particles were used. The electric signals annihilated either due to the growth of the initially formed product layer and∕or as a result of the formation of a molten Al matrix as the reaction propagated. Oscillatory signals formed during unstable combustion in which the reaction front was perturbed. Unipolar and nonoscillating signals formed when the combustion front was planar. We conjectur...
Remittances and the income distribution in Tonga

Receipt of remittances from migrants decreased the inequality of income in Tonga. Policies that attempt to affect migration or remittance flows, such as policies to improve the administration and collection of taxes, should take into account any undesirable effects on the distribution of income.
Ribonucleic acid at the periphery of different cell types, and effect of growth rate on ionogenic groups in the periphery of cultured cells☆

Abstract Attempts have been made, using cell electrophoresis, to locate ionized RNA groups at the periphery of human blood cells and several mouse cell types. The results indicate that RNA groups probably are a component of the peripheries of most of these cell types but usually contribute only about 10 per cent of the surface charge density. Further investigations of the ionogenic groups at the periphery of a cultured cell type indicate that peripheral RNA is a relatively labile component of the cell periphery compared with sialic acid groups. Variations occur in the surface charge density of this cultured cell type at different growth rates. At higher growth rates ionized RNA groups contribute a greater percentage of the surface charge density.
Calibrating Dipolar Interaction in an Atomic Condensate

We reexamine the topic of a dipolar condensate with the recently derived more rigorous pseudopotential for dipole-dipole interaction [A. Derevianko, Phys. Rev. A 67, 033607 (2003)]. Based on the highly successful variational technique, we find that all dipolar effects estimated before (using the bare dipole-dipole interaction) become significantly larger, i.e., are amplified by the new velocity-dependent pseudopotential, especially in the limit of large or small trap aspect ratios. This result points to a promising prospect for detecting dipolar effects inside an atomic condensate.
Lee I. Levine. The Ancient Synagogue: The First Thousand Years. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2000. xiv, 748 pp.

The Ancient Synagogue: The First Thousand Years serves as a kind of handbook for the study of the synagogue in antiquity. It discusses every major site, every major text and most major issues and secondary sources. It is indeed a worthy successor to Samuel Krauss' Synagogale Altertumer (Berlin and Vienna), published in 1922. Comparison of this volume with that of Krauss shows the intention of each author to be inclusive of all that was known about the synagogue in an encyclopedic fashion. This comparison also shows how much more we know of the ancient synagogue than Krauss did. This is crudely expressed by sheer number of pages in each volume. While Krauss produced a book of 470 pages in length, Levine's magnum opus is a whopping 748 pages. Archaeological discoveries in Israel and the Mediterranean basin, as well as texts discovered or published (most significantly from the Cairo Genizah) have greatly increased our sources for the history of the synagogue. In addition, new methods for the study of ancient Judaism, its literature, and its material culture have facilitated a complete rethinking of the history of the synagogue.
Nucleation and growth of diamond using a computer-controlled oxy-acetylene torch

Abstract A computer-controlled oxy-acetylene torch was used to nucleate and grow polycrystalline diamond films. The computer interface was designed to monitor and/or modify continuously oxygen and acetylene flow rates, while a PID temperature controller was used to stabilize the substrate temperature at selected set points. This system significantly enhanced the control and reproducibility of the diamond growth, leading to increased area (50 mm 2 ), high quality diamond films. A pretreatment was used to enhance the nucleation of diamond. This pretreatment involved an oxygen-to-acetylene ratio of 0.93–0.95, with the substrate about 15 mm from the torch nozzle. Surface analysis revealed that diamond was deposited in as little as 30 s with a significant amount of carbon being incorporated in the sp 2 form. When the substrate was subsequently moved up into the flame and the oxygen-to-acetylene ratio was increased, good quality diamond was observed to deposit on the pretreated area over the entire area of the flame front. Utilizing computer control, systematic and complex variations in gas chemistry could be applied during growth. Thus, the oxygen-to-acetylene ratio was modified between 0.97 and 1.01 using a sawtooth function, resulting in larger grain sizes relative to normal growth conditions, with very little sp 2 bonding.
Reframing leadership pedagogy through model and theory building

This paper provides an overview of leadership theories, and their development which forms the basis for a penetrating, effective course assignment on leadership which meets four specific, identified, demanding objectives. Students are allowed to gain insights related to not only the complexities of leadership dynamics but also the processes of constructing behavioral models as well as multicultural and multinational perspectives on leadership. The paper describes the assignment and provides insights as to how to operationalize it in the learning environment to obtain optimal outcomes of learning objectives.
Distribution and fate of nicotine in the rat fetus

[3H] (−)-Nicotine was administered iv into pregnant Long-Evans rats on day 19 of gestation or in three consecutive daily doses given on days 16 through 18 of gestation. The concentration of radioactivity and proportions of labeled compounds were determined at intervals from 5 min to 20 h after injection in maternal plasma and liver, decidua basalis, placenta, amniotic fluid, whole fetus, and fetal plasma, brain, lungs, heart, liver, adrenals, kidneys, gonads, and the stomach-intestine-spleen-pancreas en bloc. Nicotine, cotinine, and other metabolites appeared in the fetus within 5 min of injection. The concentration of radioactivity in the fetal plasma exceeded that of the maternal plasma from 30 min through 20 h. Fetal liver had a greater proportion of radioactivity as nicotine than did maternal liver. Fetal plasma as well as most of the fetal tissues had a greater proportion of nicotine to metabolites than did the maternal plasma throughout the time period that was studied. By 60 min an equilibrium was established between maternal plasma and amniotic fluid with respect to concentration of radioactivity. This equilibrium was maintained through 20 h after single injections and also after the three daily injections. The proportions of nicotine to major metabolites were similar in maternal plasma and amniotic fluid at 4 h. The findings show that fetal rat tissues are exposed to levels of nicotine greater than those found in maternal plasma beginning within 30 min of the time nicotine enters the maternal circulation.
Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy

Inelastic Electron Tunneling Spectroscopy (IETS) has re-emerged as a premier analytical tool in the understanding of nanoscale and molecular junctions. This review discusses how IETS is used to study molecular transport junctions, and presents an overview of experimental results, the prospects that the technique offers and the challenges it faces.
Evaluation of an implementation initiative for embedding Dialectical Behavior Therapy in community settings

We examined the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training in community-based agencies. Data were gathered at four time points over a 2-year period from front-line mental health therapists (N=64) from 10 community-based agencies that participated in a DBT implementation initiative. We examined change on therapist attitudes toward consumers with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), confidence in the effectiveness of DBT, and use of DBT model components. All measures were self-report. Participating in DBT training was associated with positive changes over time, including improved therapist attitudes toward consumers with BPD, improved confidence in the effectiveness of DBT, and increased use of DBT components. Therapists who had the lowest baseline scores on the study outcomes had the greatest self-reported positive change in outcomes over time. Moreover, there were notable positive correlations in therapist characteristics; therapists who had the lowest baseline attitudes toward individuals with BPD, confidence in the effectiveness of DBT, or who were least likely to use DBT modes and components were the therapists who had the greatest reported increase over time in each respective area. DBT training with ongoing support resulted in changes not commonly observed in standard training approaches typically used in community settings. It is encouraging to observe positive outcomes in therapist self-reported skill, perceived self-efficacy and DBT component use, all of which are important to evidence-based treatment (EBT) implementation. Our results underscore the importance to recognize and target therapist diversity of learning levels, experience, and expertise in EBT implementation.
Observation of the ν1+nν2 combination band in the C̃′ 1A1′ Rydberg state of NH3

A re-investigation of NH3 in the vicinity of the D state origin by 2+1 multiphoton ionization photoelectron spectroscopy (MPI PES) has revealed the presence of a previously unreported combination band of the C′ state which involves the ν1 symmetric stretch and the ν2 umbrella mode. The symmetric stretch frequency of the C′ state and of the ground state ion have been measured. What was once thought to be an anomalous 2+1 MPI PES of the NH3 D state origin is now re-assigned to the C′ 1123 level.
Effect of adriamycin on the metabolism of heart slices

Abstract Incubation of Adriamycin (ADR) with either microsomal fractions or human erythrocytes results in the generation of reactive oxygen compounds (ROC). In mice administration of ADR causes lipid peroxidation and soluble sulfhydryl depletion of cardiac tissue. This study determined the effect of ADR on the metabolism of rat heart slices in vitro . Resting heart slices had a high rate of Krebs cycle activity as indicated by the oxidation of 14 C-6-glucose and a low rate of hexose monophosphate shunt activity (HMPS) as indicated by the oxidation of 14 C-1-glucose compared to 14 C-6-glucose. Adriamycin (100μg/ml) stimulated HMPS activity 2 fold but did not change Krebs cycle activity. The HMPS pathway of heart slices incubated under anaerobic conditions was not stimulated by ADR. Unexpectedly, heart slices incubated with 14 C-formate and catalase had a high baseline oxidation of this substrate which was not augmented by ADR. These studies indicate that ADR stimulates the HMPS activity of rat heart without altering Krebs cycle activity. The observation that the stimulation is dependent on oxygen suggests the generation of ROC. Resting heart slices have a high baseline production of H 2 O 2 which does not appear to be associated with stimulation of the HMPS pathway. This observation suggests that H 2 O 2 is not degraded adequately by the HMPS pathway in cardiac tissue. These studies are consistent with the concept that ROC may be important in the cardiac toxicity of ADR related in part to a sensitivity of cardiac tissue to oxidant injury.
Dietary fatty acids differentially modulate messenger RNA abundance of low-density lipoprotein receptor, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein in Golden-Syrian hamsters

Dietary fatty acids modulate plasma and intracellular cholesterol concentrations. Circulating non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (nHDL-C) concentration is determined by rates of hepatic very low-density lipoprotein assembly and secretion, and clearance of subsequent metabolic products. The effect of dietary fat (butter, traditional margarine, soybean oil, and canola oil) was assessed with respect to plasma lipids, hepatic lipid composition, and messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 2, and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) in the Golden-Syrian hamster (Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA). Hamsters were fed with a nonpurified diet (6.25 fat g/100 g) with 0.1 g cholesterol/100 g (control diet) or control diet with an additional 10 g experimental fat/100 g for 12 weeks. Hamsters fed with the control diet, unsaturated fats (canola and soybean oils), and margarine, relative to butter, had significantly lower total cholesterol and nHDL-C and triglyceride concentrations. Additional dietary fat, regardless of fatty acid profile, resulted in higher hepatic cholesterol concentrations. In contrast, relative to the control diet-, butter-, or margarine-fed hamsters, these changes were associated with a 4- and 8-fold higher LDL receptor and 5- and 9-fold higher SREBP mRNA abundance, in hamsters fed with canola and soybean oils, respectively. MTP mRNA, a marker of very low-density lipoprotein particle formation, was higher in canola- and soybean oil-fed hamsters relative to the control diet-fed hamsters, although differences were modest. These results suggest that the substitution of canola and soybean oils for butter results in lower nHDL-C concentrations that may be related to increased mRNA abundance of the LDL receptor, SREBP-2, and MTP genes.
Design and construction of a large aperture quadrupole electromagnet

Abstract We are currently constructing a prototype quadrupole electromagnet for the proposed Induction Linac Systems Experiments (ILSE) at LBNL. ILSE (PUB-5219, 1989 (Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory)) will address many physics and engineering issues relevant to the design of a heavy ion fusion driver accelerator. The pulsed electromagnet has two layers of current windings and will produce a field gradient of 28 T m −1 , with a usable aperture radius of 6 cm. It operates at a repetition rate of I Hz, steady state. In this paper, we discuss how the interaction of various concerns such as maximum dynamic aperture, short lattice period, field quality, iron yoke weight, heat transfer, and voltage stand-off have led to our particular design choices. We also present two- and three-dimensional numerical calculations concerning field topography and the results of transport simulations of space-charge-dominated ion beams with ILSE parameters.
Numerical simulation of silicon wafer warpage due to thin film residual stresses

Wafer warpage is one of the most important challenges in the fabrication of modern electronic devices. Other challenges include handling, tool faults, and misalignments and even wafer breakage. The wafer warpage translates into die warpage that has a remarkable impact on die pick, stack and attach. This paper describes the work performed to simulate the silicon wafer warpage as a function of the wafer thickness and the film stresses using the commercial finite element code ABAQUS. The model accounts for the silicon anisotropy to better simulate the deformation. The computed values of the warpage were compared with experimental data and showed good correlation. The numerical model developed can be used to better understand the relation between the film stress and the wafer warpage. Furthermore it can be used to predict the warpage based on the wafer thickness and the film stress, which can help mitigate the warpage by depositing films to reduce the overall wafer warpage.
Model averaging in the analysis of leukemia mortality among Japanese A-bomb survivors

Epidemiological studies often include numerous covariates, with a variety of possible approaches to control for confounding of the association of primary interest, as well as a variety of possible models for the exposure–response association of interest. Walsh and Kaiser (Radiat Environ Biophys 50:21–35, 2011) advocate a weighted averaging of the models, where the weights are a function of overall model goodness of fit and degrees of freedom. They apply this method to analyses of radiation–leukemia mortality associations among Japanese A-bomb survivors. We caution against such an approach, noting that the proposed model averaging approach prioritizes the inclusion of covariates that are strong predictors of the outcome, but which may be irrelevant as confounders of the association of interest, and penalizes adjustment for covariates that are confounders of the association of interest, but may contribute little to overall model goodness of fit. We offer a simple illustration of how this approach can lead to biased results. The proposed model averaging approach may also be suboptimal as way to handle competing model forms for an exposure–response association of interest, given adjustment for the same set of confounders; alternative approaches, such as hierarchical regression, may provide a more useful way to stabilize risk estimates in this setting.
Effects of enhancer mutations on the expression of human immunodeficiency virus 1-regulated luciferase and diphtheria toxin A chain genes in transfected cells

This study explores human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1)-regulated diphtheria toxin A (DT-A) gene expression as a means of eradicating HIV-infected cells. Previously, we constructed luciferase and DT-A plasmids, containing cis-acting Tat and Rev responsive elements, which showed low basal expression and required both Tat and Rev for maximal expression. Cell lines which had stably integrated the DT-A constructs were resistant to HIV production. To reduce toxicity due to basal expression, this study investigates the effect of mutations in the HIV enhancer on expression of luciferase and DT-A plasmids. Some mutations were found to substantially reduce basal expression while still allowing for trans-activation. Such mutations, in combination with attenuated versions of DT-A, may make regulated toxin gene expression feasible as a therapy for AIDS.
Diluents for Bovine Semen. X. Livability of Spermatozoa Stored at Ambient Room Temperatures in Diluents Containing Skimmilk

Summary Four spermatozoan livability experiments were conducted at ambient room temperatures to determine (a) the feasibility of substituting skimmilk for coconut milk in the West Virginia University coconut milk extender (CME); (b) the optimal levels of glucose, skimmilk, and sodium citrate; (c) the optimal initial pH; and (d) the relative merit of lactic and citric acids for pH adjustment. Motility was maintained equal to or slightly higher in glucose-containing (0.5 to 2.0%) ambient temperature skimmilk (ATS) diluents with 5 to 15% skimmilk and 1.9 to 2.25% sodium citrate than in CME. Adjustment of initial pH with citric acid resulted in higher livability than adjustment with lactic acid. Livability increased with both acids as initial pH was increased from 6.4 to 7.2. The optimal ATS diluent contained 1.0% glucose, 1.9% sodium citrate, 2.5 to 10% skimmilk, and sufficient citric acid to adjust initial pH to 7.2 (4 to 8 mg/100ml of diluent). The diluent also contained 0.5% egg yolk, catalase, antibiotics, and sulfanilamide. In general, sperm agglutination increased as sodium citrate concentration decreased and as initial pH increased. Incorporation of glucose markedly reduced agglutination. At pH 7.2, even with 1.0% glucose, most ejaculates (9/10) showed considerable agglutination with 1.6% sodium citrate; it was much less extensive with 1.9% sodium citrate and occurred in only two of ten ejaculates. Ejaculates from different bulls showed wide variability in livability in both CME and ATS diluents. Additional laboratory studies are needed before extensive fertility trials are undertaken.
Weather-Weighted Periodic Auto Regressive Models for Sector Demand Prediction

This paper describes a class of weather-weighted periodic auto-regressive sector demand prediction models. The periodic auto-regressive model captures both the mid-term (thirty minutes to two hours) trend based on the historical data and the short-term (less than thirty minutes) transient response based on recent observations. For severe weather days, the model uses three-dimensional weather information, both storm locations and echo tops, to form a weather factor to adjust the predictions. Unlike traditional trajectory-based sector demand prediction methods, which predict the behavior of the National Airspace System adequately for short durations of up to twenty minutes and are vulnerable to the weather uncertainties, this class of models provides reliable short to mid-term sector demand predictions and account for the weather uncertainty.
Quantitative Assessment of Shockwave Lithotripsy Accuracy and the Effect of Respiratory Motion

Abstract Background and Purpose: Effective stone comminution during shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is dependent on precise three-dimensional targeting of the shockwave. Respiratory motion, imprecise targeting or shockwave alignment, and stone movement may compromise treatment efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of shockwave targeting during SWL treatment and the effect of motion from respiration. Patients and Methods: Ten patients underwent SWL for the treatment of 13 renal stones. Stones were targeted fluoroscopically using a Healthtronics Lithotron (five cases) or Dornier Compact Delta II (five cases) shockwave lithotripter. Shocks were delivered at a rate of 1 to 2 Hz with ramping shockwave energy settings of 14 to 26 kV or level 1 to 5. After the low energy pretreatment and protective pause, a commercial diagnostic ultrasound (US) imaging system was used to record images of the stone during active SWL treatment. Shockwave accuracy, defined as the proportion of shockwaves that...
Teaching Young English Learners to Read: Research From California, Florida, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Texas Introduction to the Special Series

The collection of articles in this special series demonstrates that research on English learners (ELs) is occurring all over the United States, where almost 500 different languages are reportedly spoken in the schools (Kindler, 2002). Although Spanish speakers still total approximately 77% of ELs, Vietnamese, Hmong, Korean, Creole (Haitian), Cantonese, Arabic, Russian, Navajo, Tagalog, Khmer (Cambodian), and unspecified Chinese languages represent another 15% of second-language learners. In various large cities, the remaining 8% of ELs include fairly large groups of students speaking Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, South Asian, European, and African languages (Kindler, 2002). The diversity of languages spoken in urban schools in the United States has given rise to a focus on improving experiences for ELs (Neufeld & Fitzgerald, 2001).
Analog and RF circuit macromodels for system-level analysis

Design and validation of mixed-signal integrated systems require system-level model abstractions. Generalized Volterra series based models have been successfully applied for analog and RF component macromodels, but their complexity can sometimes limit their utility for time-varying systems and large circuits with complex device models or numerous parasitics. In this paper we propose simple and efficient analog and RF circuit macromodels that provide accurate model abstractions for large, complex time-varying circuits over frequency bands of interest. By starting with the system-level block diagram model structures and focusing on the narrow RF bands, the proposed macromodels can efficiently capture the nonlinear behavior as well as the impact of RLC coupling parasitics via compact reduced-order model forms. While the macromodel can trade accuracy for simplicity in terms of the number of frequency expansion points, we find that expansion about one frequency point provides the accuracy required for system-level analysis of most RF and narrow-band analog components. The macromodel form corresponds to block diagram structures that are easily incorporated into our system-level simulation tool based on Simulink.
Identification and quantification of irradiation in UHMWPE through trans‐vinylene yield

trans-Vinylene unsaturations generated in ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) after radiation treatment scales linearly with the absorbed dose level, and can serve as an internal dosimeter for determining the radiation dose level for sterilizing or crosslinking UHMWPE. We measured the trans-vinylene concentration using infrared spectroscopy and generated calibration curves for ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (ram-extruded GUR 1050) after cold e-beam, cold gamma, and warm e-beam irradiations. The trans-vinylene content increased linearly with the absorbed dose level in all cases except with cold gamma irradiation at dose levels higher than approximately 70 kGy. At that dose level the trans-vinylene content of the warm irradiated samples was higher than those of the cold irradiated samples. Following postirradiation melting, the trans-vinylene content of the gamma irradiated samples increased. Such trans-vinylene quantification can be an internal dosimeter for crosslinked UHMWPE when radiation is used for improving its wear resistance or sterilizing the device made thereof. It can also be utilized to assess the spatial uniformity of the absorbed radiation dose level.
Evaluation of hepatocellular function by way of receptor-mediated uptake of a technetium-99m—labeled asialoglycoprotein analog

We have developed a quantitative functional imaging study of the liver using a radiolabeled asialoglycoprotein analog, Tc-galactosyl-neoglycoalbumin. Heart and liver time-activity data can be transformed by automated kinetic analysis into asialoglycoprotein hepatocyte receptor concentration. Twenty-eight healthy controls, 46 patients with noncholestatic chronic liver injury and 11 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis were studied. Liver function was also assessed by Pugh modified-Child-Turcotte criteria, 14C-aminopyrine breath test and indocyanine green clearance (24 patients). Results: (a) In normal controls with a Child-Turcotte criteria score of 5, receptor concentration ranged from 0.63 to 1.19 μmol/L, with a mean 0.83 ± 2 S.D. 0.06 μmol/L, which was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of the patient group (mean receptor concentration = 0.44 ± 2 S.D. 0.04 μmol/L). In cirrhotic patients with Child-Turcotte criteria score of 5, the mean receptor concentration was 0.60 ± 2 S.D. 0.07 μmol/L, which was significantly lower than controls (p < 0.01). In end-stage cirrhosis (Child-Turcotte criteria score 11 to 15), a group in which patients died or required orthotopic liver transplantation within 1 yr, the mean receptor concentration was 0.35 ± 2 S.D. to 0.07 μmol/L. The sensitivity and specificity for receptor concentration in relation to liver disease, with values above 0.65 μmol/L being normal, were 0.96 and 0.88, respectively. Receptor concentration correlated well with Child-Turcotte criteria score (r = 0.78, p = <0.001), with aminopyrine breath test (r = 0.75, p = <0.001) and with indocyanine green clearance (r = 0.88, p = <0.001). (b) Among 11 primary biliary cirrhosis patients, ten had Child-Turcotte criteria score of 5. Receptor concentration and aminopyrine breath test values were lower in primary biliary cirrhosis patients with liver biopsy histological stage III-IV than I-II, although the numbers were too small for statistical analysis. We conclude that determination of receptor concentration, a rapid and bilirubin-independent method of quantitating hepatocellular function, correlates well with Child-Turcotte criteria score, aminopyrine breath test and indocyanine green clearance. This could prove valuable in evaluating the extent and the progression of liver disease and the impact of newer therapies in retarding chronic cholestatic and viral liver injury. Long-term studies are needed to confirm this speculation. (Hepatology 1994;20:917–923).
Living with diabetes on Buffalo, New York's culturally diverse West Side.

Objectives: This study explores the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs that inform how people live with diabetes in a high poverty, ethnically diverse neighborhood with a growing population of ref...
HYPERSECRETION OF ALDOSTERONE IN DOGS WITH A CHRONIC AORTIC-CAVAL FISTULA AND HIGH OUTPUT HEART FAILURE.

Hypersecretion of aldosterone occurred at the onset of signs of congestive heart failure in a large series of dogs with a large infrarenal aortic-caval fistula. There was evidence of right heart failure in all animals and in four of the dogs râles or frank pulmonary edema was present. Marked sodium retention and ascites or edema were consistent findings and in the majority of the animals central venous pressure was elevated. Hypophysectomy was followed by a striking fall in both aldosterone and corticosterone secretion but in several animals hypersecretion of aldosterone was evident in the absence of the anterior pituitary. Subsequent acute bilateral nephrectomy of these hypophysectomized dogs resulted in a marked drop of aldosterone secretion to a very low level, and a precipitous fall in arterial pressure frequently occurred. An intravenous infusion of a saline extract of each animal's kidneys produced a striking elevation in aldosterone output; corticosterone secretion and arterial pressure increased consistently. The kidneys of these dogs with heart failure secondary to an A-V fistula frequently showed hypergranulation and hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular cells. The present findings suggest that the increased rate of aldosterone secretion was mediated by the renin-angiotensin system. Measurements of arterial pressure and renal hemodynamic function demonstrated a fall of mean renal arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate, and renal plasma flow, whereas arterial pulse pressure above the fistula and presumably in the kidneys was increased. The data suggest that decreased pulse pressure is unnecessary for activation of the renal mechanism leading to hyperaldosteronism.