cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring Polarization in the Cosmic Microwave Background

Polarization induced by cosmological scalar perturbations leads to a typical anisotropy pattern, which can best be analyzed in a Fourier domain. This allows one to distinguish a cosmological signal of polarization unambiguously from other foregrounds and systematics, as well as from polarization induced by nonscalar perturbations. The precision with which polarization and cross-correlation power spectra can be determined is limited by cosmic variance, noise, and foreground residuals. The choice of estimator can significantly improve our capability of extracting a cosmological signal, and in the noise-dominated limit the optimal power spectrum estimator reduces the variance by a factor of 2 compared to the simplest estimator. If foreground residuals are important, then a different estimator can be used, which eliminates systematic effects from foregrounds so that no further foreground subtraction is needed. A particular combination of Stokes Q and U parameters vanishes for scalar-induced polarization, thereby allowing a direct determination of tensor modes. Theoretical predictions of polarization in standard models show that one typically expects a signal at the level of 5-10 μK on small angular scales and around 1 μK on large scales (l < 200). Satellite missions should be able to reach sensitivities needed for an unambiguous detection of polarization, which would help to break the degeneracies in the determination of some of the cosmological parameters.
Hoxa-5 acts in segmented somites to regulate cervical vertebral morphology

The vertebrate axial skeleton (vertebral column and ribs) is derived from embryonic structures called somites. Mechanisms of somite formation and patterning are largely conserved along the length of the body axis, but segments acquire different morphologies in part through the action of Hox transcription factors. Although Hox genes' roles in axial skeletal patterning have been extensively characterized, it is still not well understood how they interact with somite patterning pathways to regulate different vertebral morphologies. Here, we investigated the role of Hoxa-5 in after somite segmentation in chick. Hoxa-5 mRNA is expressed in posterior cervical somites, and within them is restricted mainly to a sub-domain of lateral sclerotome. RNAi-based knockdown leads to cartilage defects in lateral vertebral elements (rib homologous structures) whose morphologies vary within and outside of the Hoxa-5 expression domain. Both knockdown and misexpression suggest that Hoxa-5 acts via negative regulation of Sox-9. Further, Hoxa-5 misexpression suggests that spatial and/or temporal restriction of Hoxa-5 expression is necessary for proper vertebral morphology. Finally, the restriction of Hoxa-5 expression to lateral sclerotome, which we hypothesize is important for its patterning function, involves regulation by signaling pathways that pattern somites, Fgf-8 and Shh.
Evaluation of signal processing tools for improving phased array ultrasonic weld inspection

Cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) that was commonly used in U.S. nuclear power plants is a coarse-grained, elastically anisotropic material. In recent years, low-frequency phased-array ultrasound has emerged as a leading candidate for the inspection of welds in CASS piping, due to the relatively lower interference in the measured signal from ultrasonic backscatter. However, adverse phenomena (such as scattering from the coarse-grained microstructure, and beam redirection and partitioning due to the elastically anisotropic nature of the material) result in measurements with a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and increased difficulty in discriminating between signals from flaws and signals from benign geometric factors. There is therefore a need for advanced signal processing tools to improve the SNR and enable rapid analysis and classification of measurements. This paper discusses recent efforts at PNNL towards the development and evaluation of a number of signal processing algorithms for this purpose. Among the algorithms being evaluated for improving the SNR (and, consequently, the ability to discriminate between flaw signals and non-flaw signals) are wavelets and other time-frequency distributions, empirical mode decompositions, and split-spectrum processing techniques. A range of pattern-recognition algorithms, including neural networks, are also being evaluated for their ability to successfully classify measurements into two or more classes. Experimental data obtained from the inspection of a number of welds in CASS components are being used in this evaluation.
The need to belong and its association with fully satisfying relationships: A tale of two measures

The current research compares the Need to Belong Scale (NTBS; Leary et al., 2013) and the Antecedents subscale of the Sense of Belongingness Inventory (SOBI-A; Hagerty & Putusky, 1995) to determine whether they represent approach or neuroticism-driven avoidance orientations in the need to belong. This research also extends previous research on these constructs to examine direct and moderating associations involving the need to belong and the quantity and quality of personal close relationships. Students (N=869) from a large university in the Southwest USA completed a battery of measures. Results indicated that the NTBS was associated with lower quality "partial" relationships rather than those of high quality "whole" relationships; this was not the case for the comparative SOBI-A. In addition, greater numbers of whole relationships buffered the effects of the NTBS on depression. The results are discussed in terms of the Belongingness Orientation Model.
Adaptive immune responses during murine pregnancy: pregnancy-induced regulation of lymphokine production by activated T lymphocytes.

Objective: We hypothesized that the lymphokine production by splenocytes and decidual lymphocytes would be altered because of changes in immunoregulation during pregnancy. Study Design: Splenocytes and decidual lymphocytes were isolated from syngeneic and allogeneic pregnant mice at different times of gestation. The lymphocytes (10 7 cells/ml) were stimulated with anti-CD3 antibody, and culture supernatants were assayed for several lymphokines, including interleukin-2, interferon-γ, interleukin-4, interleukin-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-3. Statistical analysis was by analysis of variance or paired t test. Results: Activated splenocytes produced significantly less interleukin-2 and more interleukin-4, interleukin-6, and interleukin-3 as murine pregnancy advanced. Production of interferon-γ and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor by activated splenocytes peaked in the first 8 to 14 days of pregnancy. Stimulated decidual lymphocytes produced modest amounts of interleukin-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin-3 during pregnancy but no interleukin-2, interferon-γ, or interleukin-4. Similar results were found for both syngeneic and allogeneic matings. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that splenocyte lymphokine production favors interleukin-4 production over interleukin-2 production. This finding suggests that antibody production would be enhanced and cytotoxic cellular immune responses inhibited during pregnancy. These changes occurred regardless of mating partner, suggesting that the specific antigenic stimulus during normal pregnancy does not regulate lymphokine production. Activated splenocytes and decidual lymphocytes were found to differ in their capacity to produce lymphokines, indicating that the decidua constitutes a distinct and unique immunologic microenvironment.
Coding of amplitude-modulated tones in the central auditory system of catfish

In the catfish central acoustic system information is coded by two subsets of units. Type I units show little or no adaptation, type II units adapt rapidly, and some units are transitional, showing moderate adaptation. The two groups of units also respond differently when exposed to sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the signal's carrier frequency. The tonic, less readily adapting type I units code over an intensity range of about 30 dB, are fairly insensitive to intensity changes, and follow stimulus envelopes of 60 Hz and less. They apparently discharge in response to the actual intensity of the signal rather than in response to something in its temporal pattern. The onset-sensitive, fast-adapting type II units on the other hand are restricted to an intensity range of only 10 dB, show greater sensitivity to intensity changes, and are capable of following the temporal pattern of amplitude-modulated stimuli exceeding 100 Hz. These units appear to code the temporal changes in the stimulus intensity irrespective of the absolute intensity of the signal.
Benzo(a)pyrene-induced anemia and splenomegaly in NZB/WF1 mice

Abstract Benzo( a )pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is a known immunomodulator. At high doses, BaP is immunosuppressive but at low doses it can enhance the immune response. Studies were conducted to determine if BaP would exacerbate the development of autoimmune disease in genetically prone NZB/WF1 mice. Five week old female NZBW/F1 mice were exposed dermally to 5, 20 and 40 mg/kg BaP for 30 days. Vehicle mice were exposed to an acetone:olive oil mixture for 30 days. BaP did not increase total IgG, anti-DNP-HSA or anti-dsDNA antibody levels. However, hematological evaluation revealed a decrease in erythrocyte number, hemoglobin and hematocrit and an increase in mean corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width in the 20 and 40 mg/kg dose groups. Liver and spleen weights were increased in the high dose groups; however, an increase in spleen cell number was not observed. Histopathological evaluation revealed splenic red pulp expansion in a mouse treated with 40 mg/kg BaP. An increase in splenic CFU-e production was observed in mice treated with 20 and 40 mg/kg BaP. A decrease in splenic total B cells, total T cells, CD4 + and CD8 + T cells was observed in mice treated with 20 and 40 mg/kg BaP. An increase in splenic null cells (non-T, non-B cells) was also observed in the high dose groups, consistent with extramedullary hematopoiesis. Coombs’ tests, flow cytometry and an immune-mediated hemolysis assay indicated that the anemia was not autoimmune-mediated. Although no change was observed in the percentage of reticulocytes in these animals, further bone marrow analysis is needed to determine if the anemia is due to bone marrow suppression, possibly caused by BaP exposure, or chemical-induced hemolysis, perhaps contributed to by erythrocyte fragility inherited from a parent strain, NZB, which spontaneously develops autoimmune hemolytic anemia and subsequent splenomegaly.
Internuclear separation derivatives of the energy of a diatomic molecule.

General formulas for the higher‐order derivatives of the energy with respect to the internuclear separation of a diatomic molecule are derived from the Hellmann‐Feynman theorem and the integral Hellmann‐Feynman theorem. The phenomenon of the cancellation of terms involving the charge density and its derivatives, which has been observed for the second‐order derivative by Salem, is shown to prevail for third‐and higher‐order derivatives. On this basis an approximate working formula is suggested. A new condition under which an approximate wavefunction satisfies the Hellmann‐Feynman theorem rigorously is given. With such an approximate wavefunction, the formulas for the general derivatives of the energy derived are also shown to be valid.
Polymeric Liquid Crystals Structurally Related to 4-Alkoxyphenyl 4′-Alkoxybenzoates

A new series of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers has been synthesized. These materials have incorporated a mesomorphic moiety, 4-alkoxyphenyl 4′-alkoxybenzoate, into the polymer backbone. T...
Evidence of kin-selected tolerance by nestlings in a siblicidal bird

Behaviorally dominant members of blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii) broods can effect siblicide by restricting access of subordinate siblings to parents providing food. In spite of their capacity for siblicide, dominant chicks permit subordinates to feed during short-term food shortage; in fact, the proportion of the food that the dominant takes is independent of the total amount delivered in older chicks. A model of optimal food distribution suggests that dominant chicks maximize their inclusive fitness with this pattern, rather than by satisfying their own food requirements and leaving what remains for the subordinate sibling. The indirect reproductive potential represented by a chick's sibling appears to have influenced the evolution of siblicidal brood reduction in this species.
Protection of β-galactosidase messenger RNA from decay during anaerobiosis in Escherichia coli*

Escherichia coli grown in succinate medium is starved of energy when deprived of oxygen. Under these anaerobic conditions β -galactosidase-specific messenger RNA can be partially protected from decay in functional form. This protection can be reversed in part by treatment with puromycin in anacrobiosis.
Architecture and Electronic Media

Abstract These reflections on the effect of computers and computer software on teaching are based on four years of focused studio programs and course work at Rensselaer that followed the establishment of a post-professional degree in Informatics and Architecture, and the development of a highly equipped electronic studio. They also develop some of the concerns I raised on being named Topaz Laureate.
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: Prenatal diagnosis by quantification of cholesterol precursors in amniotic fluid

Until recently, the diagnosis of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS), an autosomal recessive malformation/mental retardation syndrome, was made on the basis of clinical criteria alone. As a result, prenatal diagnosis has been possible only if sonography disclosed distinct fetal malformations in a subsequent pregnancy. However, the recent description of increased levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol (cholesta-5,7-dien-3β-ol) in patients with SLOS, most likely caused by a deficiency of 3β-hydroxysteroid-δ7-reductase, has provided an apparently reliable biochemical marker for diagnosis of SLOS. To determine if this abnormality of sterol metabolism has utility for prenatal diagnosis of SLOS, we measured the levels of neutral sterols in stored amniotic fluid samples from two SLOS pregnancies. In both cases, the diagnosis of SLOS was made in the neonatal period by clinical criteria and the finding of markedly increased levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol in plasma. Quantitative analysis by gas chromatography of sterols extracted from the amniotic fluid of both pregnancies revealed similar, markedly increased levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol and its precursor, lathosterol (cholest-7-en-3β-ol), both of which were undetectable in reference amniotic fluids. These findings suggest that abnormalities of cholesterol biosynthesis in SLOS may be sufficiently expressed in fetal life to permit prenatal diagnosis of this disorder by measurement of 7-dehydrocholesterol in amniotic fluid. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Molecular mechanism of intestinal iron absorption

Iron is an essential trace metal in the human diet because of its role in a number of metabolic processes including oxygen transport. In the diet, iron is present in two fundamental forms, heme and non-heme iron. This article presents a brief overview of the molecular mechanisms of intestinal iron absorption and its regulation. While many proteins that orchestrate iron transport pathway have been identified, a number of key factors that control the regulation of iron absorption still remain to be elucidated. This review also summarizes new and emerging information about iron metabolic regulators that coordinate regulation of intestinal iron absorption.
The New Model of Laminar Cooling System and its Fieldbus System

Hot strip cooling temperature and its cooling rate is get by strip cooling system and coiling temperature of hot rolled strip is an important parameter on its performance index. A clew regarded as the laminar cooling control system is controlled by general linear analytical model. Under detailed analysis of its control system structure, basic theory, analytical method, system design and control method, the structure of the temperature control system is characterized by feed-forward control as the main combined with feed-backward control as the assistant, the configuration software for laminar cooling process is constructed, the mathematics model is present, the characteristic of emerging fieldbus control system is analyzed, and the configuration of fieldbus is brought forward and sketch of distributed structure of laminar cooling control system in a hot rolling mill based on fieldbus and intelligent sensor is presented.
Geologic and geomorphic controls of coal development in some Tertiary Rocky Mountain basins, USA

Abstract Previous investigations have not well defined the controls on the development of minable coals in fluvial environments. This study was undertaken to provide a clearer understanding of these controls, particularly in of the lower Tertiary coal-bearing deposits of the Raton and Powder River basins in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. In this region, large amounts of coals accumulated in swamps formed in the flow-through fluvial systems that infilled these intermontane basins. Extrabasinal and intrabasinal tectonism partly controlled the stratigraphic and facies distributions of minable coal deposits. The regional accumulation of coals was favored by the rapid basin subsidence coupled with minimal uplift of the source area. During these events, coals developed in swamps associated with anastomosed and meandering fluvial systems and alluvial fans. The extensive and high rate of sediment input from these fluvial systems promoted the formation of ombrotrophic, raised swamps, which produced low ash and anomalously thick coals. The petrology and palynology of these coals, and the paleobotany of the associated sediments, suggest that ombrotrophic, raised swamps were common in the Powder River Basin, where the climate during the early Tertiary was paratropical. The paleoecology of these swamps is identical to that of the modern ombrotrophic, raised swamps of the Baram and Mahakam Rivers of Borneo.
Responses of Rhesus Monkeys to Reunion after Long-Term Separation: Cross-Sexed Pairings

12 5½-yr.-o!d rhesus monkeys, 6 of each sex, were reunited with other-sexed peers with which they had been paired for 6 mo. during early adolescence. Responses of Ss to reunion with familiar animals were compared with their responses to pairing with unfamiliar other-sexed peers. The members of familiar pairs had been separated for nearly 2 yr. prior to the reunion described here. Familiar animals never aggressed one another, but males aggressed unfamiliar females. Ss directed more threats toward unfamiliar than familiar animals. Males mounted familiar females more often than unfamiliar ones, but it was apparent that heterosexual attractiveness in general was not based exclusively on familiarity.
TRAVELING WAVE DYNAMICS IN A TRANSLATING STRING COUPLED TO STATIONARY CONSTRAINTS: ENERGY TRANSFER AND MODE LOCALIZATION

Abstract Energy transfer and mode localization in a translating string, coupled to a stationary spring-mass-damper system, are analyzed using traveling waves. The string tension and the non-conservative centrifugal force at the constraint lead to energy transfer between the translating continuum and the stationary constraint. By calculating energy contained in a harmonic wave before and after interacting with the constraint, energy transferred at the constraint is quantified in terms of constraint parameters. At an undamped constraint, energy is transmitted when a downstream (forward) wave impinges on the constraint. At a damped constraint, energy dissipated by damping, as well as energy flux by the tension and centrifugal force, contribute to the energy variation at the coupling point. When the damping coefficient of the damped constraint equals twice the impedance of the string, vibration energy is maximally dissipated. Asymmetry caused by the constraint localizes vibration modes into a downstream or upstream region. The degree of localization in each vibration mode is described in terms of the reflection coefficient and the constraint location. The effect of the constraint parameters on the mode localization and veering of natural frequency loci are also examined.
Use of heptakis‐(2,3‐O‐dimethyl‐6‐sulfato)‐β‐cyclodextrin, a new single‐isomer chiral resolving agent for the separation of the enantiomers of neutral compounds by capillary electrophoresis

The single isomer, fully and permanently charged heptakis-(2,3-dimethyl-6-sulfato)-β-cyclodextrin was used to study the complexation behavior of the enantiomers of noncharged analytes in capillary electrophoresis. Separation selectivities were calculated from the measured effective mobilities and were used to determine the individual complexation constants by fitting the experimentally obtained selectivity values to the theoretically derived selectivity expression according to the charged resolving agent migration model of capillary electrophoresis. Though heptakis-(2,3-dimethyl-6-sulfato)-β-cyclodextrin complexed very weakly with the neutral analytes studied, good separation selectivities were observed. For all neutral analytes, separation selectivity decreased with increasing concentration of the charged cyclodextrin as long as the analytical concentration of the charged cyclodextrin was much greater than that of the analyte. In addition to adequate separation selectivity, good peak resolution required the simultaneous control of the magnitude of both the effective charge of the analyte and the dimensionless electroosmotic flow rate. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 10: 293–299, 1998
A database of reaction monitoring mass spectrometry assays for elucidating therapeutic response in cancer

Purpose: The Quantitative Assay Database (QuAD), http://proteome.moffitt.org/QUAD/, facilitates widespread implementation of quantitative mass spectrometry in cancer biology and clinical research through sharing of methods and reagents for monitoring protein expression and modification. Experimental design: Liquid chromatography coupled to multiple reaction monitoring (LC-MRM) mass spectrometry assays are developed using SDS-PAGE fractionated lysates from cancer cell lines. Pathway maps created using GeneGO Metacore provide the biological relationships between proteins and illustrate concepts for multiplexed analysis; each protein can be selected to examine assay development at the protein and peptide levels. Results: The coupling of SDS-PAGE and multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry screening has been used to detect 876 peptides from 218 cancer-related proteins in model systems including colon, lung, melanoma, leukemias, and myeloma, which has led to the development of 95 quantitative assays including stable-isotope-labeled peptide standards. Methods are published online and peptide standards are made available to the research community. Protein expression measurements for heat shock proteins, including a comparison with ELISA and monitoring response to the HSP90 inhibitor, 17-(dimethylaminoethylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-DMAG), are used to illustrate the components of the QuAD and its potential utility. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This resource enables quantitative assessment of protein components of signaling pathways and biological processes and holds promise for systematic investigation of treatment responses in cancer.
A low-cost lightweight jacket for the protection of chronically indwelling jugular catheters in rhesus monkeys

A jacket for long-term protection of chronically indwelling jugular catheters in rhesus monkeys is described. The jacket is made of lightweight, durable, and inexpensive material and is easily modified to fit animals of different sizes. It has been used successfully on over 25 animals.
MO‐A(SAM)‐BRC‐01: 4DCT: Methods and Artifacts

4DCT is routinely used in the treatment planning of moving targets. 4D scanning provides information essential for planning, specifically the size, shape and location of the target and organs at risk as a function of respiratory phase. 4D scanning also provides quantitative data on radiological pathlength needed for radiation dose calculations. The amount of scan data has increased by a factor of ∼10 over helical scans. Given the role of 4DCT in aperture design and dose calculation, it is important to analyze how accurately this scanning technique provides quantitative data and what the sources of uncertainty are. The learning objectives of this talk include: 1. Understand methods of 4DCT reconstruction commonly used today 2. Describe the residual artifacts in 4DCT due to irregularities in respiration 3. Describe advances in visualization that
Image contrast of dielectric specimens in transmission mode near-field scanning optical microscopy: imaging properties and tip artefacts

SUMMARY Near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) is a scanned probe technique utilizing a subwavelength-sized light source for high-resolution imaging of surfaces. Although NSOM has the potential to exploit and extend the experimental utility of the modern light microscope, the interpretation of image contrast is not straightforward. In near-field microscopy the illumination intensity of the source (probe) is not a constant value, rather it is a function of the probe–sample electronic environment. A number of dielectric specimens have been studied by NSOM to elucidate the contrast role of specimen type, topography and crystallinity; a summary of metallic specimen observations is presented for comparative purposes. Near-field image contrast is found to be a result of lateral changes in optical density and edge scattering for specimens with little sample topography. For surfaces with considerable topography the contributions of topographic (Z) axis contrast to lateral (X,Y) changes in optical density have been characterized. Selected near-field probes have also been shown to exhibit a variety of unusual contrast artefacts. Thorough study of polarization contrast, optical edge (scattering) contrast, as well as molecular orientation in crystalline specimens, can be used to distinguish lateral contrast from topographic components. In a few cases Fourier filtering can be successfully applied to separate the topographic and lateral contrast components.
The shape of the total energy distribution from W(110) in sub-threshold photoemission

Abstract Measurements of the final state energy distribution of electrons photoemitted from W(110) at energies less than the vacuum level are presented. A 127° velocity selector analyzer was used to energy resolve the photoemitted current. A significant improvement in both energy resolution and signal-to-noise ratio over previous studies resulted. The energy distributions obtained from W(110) are compared the theoretical predictions based on a recent model of photofield emission. The sensitivity of this theoretical model to various parameters of interest are investigated. The reasonable agreement between theory and experiment indicates that the final states probed in these measurements are free electron-like and not strongly representative of the final bulk density of states of the emitting material.
Response profiles to fluticasone and montelukast in mild-to-moderate persistent childhood asthma

Background Outcome data are needed to base recommendations for controller asthma medication use in school-aged children. Objective We sought to determine intraindividual and interindividual response profiles and predictors of response to an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA). Methods An ICS, fluticasone propionate (100 μg twice daily), and an LTRA, montelukast (5-10 mg nightly, age dependent), were administered to children ages 6 to 17 years with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma using only as-needed bronchodilators in a multicenter, double-masked, 2-sequence, 16-week crossover trial. Clinical, pulmonary, and inflammatory responses to these controllers were evaluated. Results Improvements in most clinical asthma control measures occurred with both controllers. However, clinical outcomes (asthma control days [ACDs], the validated Asthma Control Questionnaire, and albuterol use), pulmonary responses (FEV 1 /forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow variability, morning peak expiratory flow, and measures of impedance), and inflammatory biomarkers (exhaled nitric oxide [eNO]) improved significantly more with fluticasone than with montelukast treatment. eNO was both a predictor of ACDs ( P = .011) and a response indicator ( P = .003) in discriminating the difference in ACD response between fluticasone and montelukast. Conclusions The more favorable clinical, pulmonary, and inflammatory responses to an ICS than to an LTRA provide pediatric-based group evidence to support ICSs as the preferred first-line therapy for mild-to-moderate persistent asthma in children. eNO, as a predictor of response, might help to identify individual children not receiving controller medication who achieve a greater improvement in ACDs with an ICS compared with an LTRA.
Dynamic stability of dressed condensate mixtures

We analyze the dynamical stability of common spatial, or breathe-together, modes for a system of two trapped interacting Bose-Einstein condensates, when the condensates are resonantly coupled by a strong driving field. We show analytically that the dynamical stability is governed by a set of dressed atom collision parameters, and that the driving field typically destabilizes breathe-together modes which are stable in the absence of driving and vice versa. By means of numerical solutions we illustrate the consequences of this phenomenon for a number of interacting condensates consisting of pairs of ground hyperfine states of both sodium and rubidium.
Terminal ballistics of kinase inhibitors: there are no magic bullets.

Imatinib, sunitinib, and sorafenib have been promoted as targeted drugs lacking the usual toxicities of chemotherapy. During the past year, however, the list of unexpected toxicities of targeted th...
Activation of the glucocorticoid-receptor complex.

A crucial step in the interaction of glucocorticoids with target cells is the activation step, which involves a conformational change in the cytoplasmic glucocorticoid–receptor protein complexes and facilitates their binding to the cell nucleus. Activation can be quantified by measuring the ability of glucocorticoid-receptor complexes to bind to polyanions, such as DNA-cellulose, and unactivated complexes can be separated from activated complexes by rapid ion exchange chromatography using diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-Sephadex or DEAE-cellulose. Activation occurs in vivo under physiological conditions and the rate of activation of cytoplasmic glucocorticoid–receptor complexes can be enhanced in vitro by physical manipulations (elevated temperature, increased ionic strength, dilution). In vitro studies suggest that activation is a regulated process and a low molecular weight component termed modulator, which has been identified in rat hepatic cytosol, inhibits activation. Additional studies employing phosphatase inhibitors, such as molybdate, and purified calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase suggest that either the receptor protein or a regulatory component is dephosphorylated during activation. Results obtained with specific chemical probes suggest that activation results in the exposure of basic amino acid residues consisting minimally of lysine, arginine, and histidine. Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, a specific probe for lysine residues, exerts dual effects on glucocorticoid-receptor complexes, since it stimulates the rate of activation and also inhibits the binding of previously activated complexes to nuclei or DNA-cellulose. The ability of 1,10-phenanthroline, a metal chelator, to inhibit the DNA-cellulose binding of activated complexes suggests that a metal ion(s) located at or near the DNA binding site may become exposed as a consequence of activation. Collectively, the results of these various experiments suggest that activation is a regulated biochemical phenomenon with physiological significance.
Changing women's lives: A communication perspective on participatory qualitative research techniques for gender equity

Abstract In this paper, we first describe Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA), a group of qualitative research techniques that have the potential to raise the status of women, particularly when carried out with all members of a community. We then present the traditional formative evaluation research methods such as focus groups and central location intercept interviews and discuss their use. We critically analyze the assumptions about information and audiences that underlie these traditional methods, and then explain PRA techniques, the principles that govern their use as well as limitations to date vis‐a‐vis gender, followed by several examples. The paper concludes by illustrating how PRA can be used from a communications perspective for gender equity in developing countries.
Research on Libraries and Distance Education: An Analysis of Articles Published 1999-2009

This article reports on a content analysis of research articles focusing on library services in distance education published between 1999 and 2009. The study identified 472 articles on the topic and analyzed the citations, abstracts, and indexing to determine major topics, issues, and trends discussed; methodologies used; and major journals publishing in the field. The analysis revealed a pattern of increasingly diverse research methods used over time. The results are important to librarians, instructors, and administrators interested in distance education; to those who provide library services to distance education students and faculty; and to researchers in the field.
Techniques for suspending single aerosol particles in a laser beam

Abstract Two techniques for holding single aerosol particles for light scattering studies are described. Initial measurements from an optically levitated 15 μm diameter glass sphere are presented.
Use of an alkali halide molecule as a field-effect transistor

The use as a field-effect transistor of an NaI molecule between, and separated slightly from, a pair of electrodes is explored here. The conductance of this system as a function of applied gate field is calculated for low bias using a self-consistent density functional procedure.
A Phylogenetic Mixture Model for the Evolution of Gene Expression

Microarray platforms are used increasingly to make comparative inferences through genome-wide surveys of gene expression. Although recent studies focus on describing the evidence for natural selection using estimates of the within- and between-taxa mutational variances, these methods do not explicitly or flexibly account for predicted nonindependence due to phylogenetic associations between measurements. In the interest of parsing the effects of selection: we introduce a mixture model for the comparative analysis of variation in gene expression across multiple taxa. This class of models isolates the phylogenetic signal from the nonphylogenetic and the heritable signal from the nonheritable while measuring the proper amount of correction. As a result, the mixture model resolves outstanding differences between existing models, relates different ways to estimate the across taxa variance, and induces a likelihood ratio test for selection. We investigate by simulation and application the feasibility and utility of estimation of the required parameters and the power of the proposed test. We illustrate analysis under this mixture model with a gene duplication family data set.
An Image Encryption Scheme Based on High Dimension Chaos System

This paper proposes a Rossler chaos system based image encryption scheme, which improves the security and performance over the conventional simple chaos system based ones. The balance and correlation properties of the time sequences generated by Rossler system are analyzed and a pre-process scheme is proposed, which makes the key stream have good statistical properties. Three initial parameters of Rossler system are combined together as one key, which greatly enlarges the key space under precision restricted condition. The encryption speed is also improved since the position permutation and grayscale substitution to one pixel can be done by one iteration operation. Besides, the encryption system is strong against adaptive parameter synchronous attack since it has more complicated structure than simple chaos system based ones. The experimental results indicate that the proposed scheme is more secure and efficient than conventional ones.
A study on failure prediction and design criteria for fiber composites under fire degradation

Abstract Polymer matrix composites can be severely degraded/damaged under thermal loading caused by fire. Fire degradation of fiber composites is a serious concern in large load-bearing structural applications such as ship, piers and bridges. This paper describes results from combined experimental and theoretical studies of compressive failures of polymer-matrix glass-reinforced composites which have undergone fire degradation. The focus of the present paper is on single skin composites. Experimental studies have included structural collapse under combined thermal (i.e. fire) and mechanical loading. Detailed analytical and numerical simulations of panel deformation and collapse show good agreement with the experimental observations. A quantitative methodology for developing the design approach is proposed and discussed with respect to the experimental results and thermal boundary conditions.
The Design and Implementation of the SWIM Integrated Plasma Simulator

As computing capabilities have increased, the coupling of computational models has become an increasingly viable and therefore important way of improving the physical fidelity of simulations. Applications currently using some form of multicode or multi-component coupling include climate modeling, rocket simulations, and chemistry. In recent years, the plasma physics community has also begun to pursue integrated multiphysics simulations for space weather and fusion energy applications. Such model coupling generally exposes new issues in the physical, mathematical, and computational aspects of the problem. This paper focuses on the computational aspects of one such effort, detailing the design, and implementation of the Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS) for the Center for Simulation of Wave Interactions with Magnetohydrodynamics (SWIM). The IPS framework focuses on maximizing flexibility for the creators of loosely-coupled component-based simulations, and provides services for execution coordination, resource management, data management, and inter-component communication. It also serves as a proving ground for a concurrent “multi-tasking” execution model to improve resource utilization, and application-level fault tolerance. We also briefly describe how the IPS has been applied to several problems of interest to the fusion community.
Towards an integrated observation and modeling system in the New York Bight using variational methods. Part I: 4DVAR data assimilation

Four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) in the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) is used to produce a best-estimate analysis of ocean circulation in the New York Bight during spring 2006 by assimilating observations collected by a variety of instruments during an intensive field program. An incremental approach is applied in an overlapped cycling system with 3-day data assimilation window to adjust model initial conditions. The model-observation mismatch for all observed variables is reduced substantially. Comparisons between model forecast and independent observations show data assimilation improves forecast skill for about 15 days for temperature and salinity, and 2–3 days for velocity when the model is forced by a concatenation of successive 24-h meteorological forecasts. These time scales for forecast improvement due to data assimilation may be less in practice with real-time multiday forecast meteorology. Tests that limit the data used to certain subsets show that assimilating satellite sea surface temperature data improves the forecast of surface and subsurface temperature, assimilating in situ temperature and salinity data from gliders improves the subsurface temperature and salinity forecast, and assimilating HF-radar surface current data improves the velocity forecast yet degrades the subsurface temperature forecast – an effect that is attributed to the lack of cross-variable covariance in the univariate background error covariance used here. During some time periods the convergence for velocity is poor as a result of the data assimilation system being unable to adjust for errors in the applied winds because surface forcing is not among the control variables. The capability of a 4DVAR data assimilation system to reduce model-observation mismatch and improve forecasts in the coastal ocean is demonstrated, and the value of accurate meteorological forcing is highlighted.
TSK fuzzy systems types II and III stability analysis: continuous case

We propose a new approach for the stability analysis of continuous Sugeno Types II and III dynamic fuzzy systems. We introduce the concept of fuzzy positive definite and fuzzy negative definite systems and use them in arguments similar to those of traditional Lyapunov stability theory to derive new conditions for stability and asymptotic stability for continuous Type II/III dynamic fuzzy systems. To demonstrate the new approach, we apply it to numerical examples.
“DEAR LOVE, DEAR LOVE” Feminist Pragmatism and the Chicago Female World of Love and Ritual

The history of women in sociology is explored here through the correspondence written by Sophonisba P. Breckinridge to Marion Talbot in the summer of 1936. Their loving letters reveal the ideas and practices of feminist pragmatism and the female world of love and ritual located in Chicago in the twentieth century. This world of professional women flourished around the social settlement Hull House and the University of Chicago during the founding years of sociology. Their lives and social thought challenge our understanding of the emergence of sociology at the University of Chicago, and their ideas remain a rich resource for analyzing society today.
Pregnant, alcohol-abusing women

Background: This paper reviews the literature on the identification and treatment of pregnant, alcohol-abusing women, with special emphasis on poor women who have access to treatment through Medicaid. Methods: The paper discusses the gaps and controversies in the literature and suggests five priorities for future research. Results: Studies that attempt to identify pregnant women who drink conclude that heavier drinkers enter prenatal care later than other women, that many health care providers fail to recognize alcohol abuse by pregnant women, and that research on screening techniques is still in the early stages. Treatment research suggests that comprehensive, holistic treatment approaches, as well as brief interventions and case management, have been successful in reducing prenatal alcohol use. Debate continues over whether treatment should be voluntary. Conclusions: The five areas identified as priorities for future research include (1) developing reliable and valid measures to identify alcohol abuse in pregnant women, (2) creating training programs for providers, (3) generating programs to reduce barriers to care, (4) determining which treatment programs are most successful, and (5) estimating the costs and benefits of various treatment approaches.
A low-cost, manufacturable method for fabricating capillary and optical fiber interconnects for microfluidic devices

Microfluidic chips require connections to larger macroscopic components, such as light sources, light detectors, and reagent reservoirs. In this article, we present novel methods for integrating capillaries, optical fibers, and wires with the channels of microfluidic chips. The method consists of forming planar interconnect channels in microfluidic chips and inserting capillaries, optical fibers, or wires into these channels. UV light is manually directed onto the ends of the interconnects using a microscope. UV-curable glue is then allowed to wick to the end of the capillaries, fibers, or wires, where it is cured to form rigid, liquid-tight connections. In a variant of this technique, used with light-guiding capillaries and optical fibers, the UV light is directed into the capillaries or fibers, and the UV-glue is cured by the cone of light emerging from the end of each capillary or fiber. This technique is fully self-aligned, greatly improves both the quality and the manufacturability of the interconnects, and has the potential to enable the fabrication of interconnects in a fully automated fashion. Using these methods, including a semi-automated implementation of the second technique, over 10,000 interconnects have been formed in almost 2000 microfluidic chips made of a variety of rigid materials. The resulting interconnects withstand pressures up to at least 800psi, have unswept volumes estimated to be less than 10 femtoliters, and have dead volumes defined only by the length of the capillary.
Statistics of the physiologic phase of integrated backscatter from canine myocardium with normal and reduced coronary circulation.

The phase, relative to the arterial pressure, of cyclically varying integrated backscatter from canine myocardium was measured at normal and reduced coronary blood flow levels and was found to become more randomized with decreasing flow. The phase, modeled as a von Mises distribution on a unit circle which is very similar to the normal distribution on the line, is characterized by a mean (μ0) and a concentration or width parameter (κ). κ is used to characterize the degree of randomization. The von Mises distribution provides an excellent fit to measured data (p < 0.01). Hypothesis tests performed on the data for various coronary flow levels indicate that the phase distribution for normal coronary flow level is significantly different from the distributions at other flow levels (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the parameter κ may be used for differentiating normal and ischemic myocardium.
Evidence for a Structural Relationship between BRCT Domains and the Helicase Domains of the Replication Initiators Encoded by the Polyomaviridae and Papillomaviridae Families of DNA Tumor Viruses

Studies of DNA tumor viruses have provided important insights into fundamental cellular processes and oncogenic transformation. They have revealed, for example, that upon expression of virally encoded proteins, cellular pathways involved in DNA repair and cell cycle control are disrupted. Herein, evidence is presented that BRCT-related regions are present in the helicase domains of the viral initiators encoded by the Polyomaviridae and Papillomaviridae viral families. Of interest, BRCT domains in cellular proteins recruit factors involved in diverse pathways, including DNA repair and the regulation of cell cycle progression. Therefore, the viral BRCT-related regions may compete with host BRCT domains for particular cellular ligands, a process that would help to explain the pleiotropic effects associated with infections with many DNA tumor viruses.