cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of band structure on electron-hole Coulomb scattering

Abstract The Coulomb mediated transfer of energy from hot electrons to cool holes can play an important role in the dynamics of photo-excited semiconductor plasmas. We demonstrate that in 3-dimensional systems, accurate modeling of the electron-hole scattering process should at least include the effects of valence band structure on the heavy and light hole wavefunctions. In addition to reducing the effectiveness of intra-valence band processes, the p-orbital nature of hole states also enables hot electrons to cool via inter-valence band hole transitions. Even when the split-off band and non-parabolicity effects are ignored, these latter processes contribute significantly to the net energy exchange rate and become increasingly important at high temperatures and densities.
Subjective approximation of relative letter incidence in pleasant and unpleasant English words

A count of the relative incidence of letters in 431 pleasant (P) words and 702 unpleasant (U) words revealed that some letters tend to occur more frequently in the initial position of P words and other letters more frequently in the initial position of U words. A task requiring Ss to guess for each letter whether it occurred in a P word or in a U word showed that people are able to approximate these objective probabilities of initial-letter occurrence. These findings can explain how it is possible to identify the probable affective meaning of a word seen in a tachistoscope prior to its complete recognition. Faster recognition of P words in tachistoscopic experiments was accounted for in terms of response probability.
Transmission of Onchocerca volvulus by Simulium neavei in Mount Elgon Focus of Eastern Uganda Has Been Interrupted

The study determined that Simulium neavei-transmitted onchocerciasis in Mount Elgon onchocerciasis focus had been interrupted. Annual mass treatment with ivermectin changed to two times per year along with vector elimination in 2007. Then, baseline microfilaria (mf) prevalence data of 1994 in five sentinel communities were compared with follow-up data in 2005 and 2011. Blood spots from 3,051 children obtained in 2009 were analyzed for Onchocerca volvulus immunoglobulin G4 antibodies. Fresh water crab host captures and blackflies collected indicated their infestation with larval stages of S. neavei and presence or absence of the vector, respectively. Mf rates dropped from 62.2% to 0.5%, and 1 (0.03%) of 3,051 children was positive for O. volvulus antibodies. Crab infestation dropped from 41.9% in 2007 to 0%, and S. neavei biting reduced to zero. Both remained zero for the next 3 years, confirming interruption of onchocerciasis transmission, and interventions were halted.
Legislative Parameters for Designing Alternative Delivery Systems

This article is concerned with the properiety political seasibility of relying upon private organizations as alternative means to deliver public goods and services. The central thesis is that this propriety and seasiblity can best be determined by examining separately the broad functional areas of governmental activity. The argument is that legislative tolerances for relying upon private organizations for some of these functional categories should be lower than for others, depending upon such factors as the degree of coerciveness required for the functions's accomplihshment and the extent that the function is perceived as being critical to the safety and security of society. The proposal will be that these tolernces should form a hierarchy and constitute the parameters within which alternative delivey systems are designed.
L-Asparaginase from Escherichia Coli II and Erwinia Carotovora Bound to Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)

The therapeutic use of an immobilized enzyme has several possible advantages over the application of the native enzyme, including 1) the avoidance of toxicity due to a foreign protein, 2) stabilization of enzyme activity, 3) target, rather than systemic application, and 4) greater control of the duration of physiological activity. It is possible that these advantages will more than compensate for the complexity of administration of immobilized enzymes.
OXYGEN AND VENTILATION INDICES: PREDICTORS OF MORTALITY IN EXTREME LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS WITH SURFACTANT TREATMENT FAILURE - A CASE CONTROL STUDY. 1921

Background/ Objectives: Oxygen index (OI) and Ventilation Index(VI) are known to determine severity of respiratory distress in premature infants. Both VI and OI were used in this study to evaluate failure to respond to surfactant therapy and mortality in Extremely low birth weight infants(ELBWI). Methods: Records of consecutive 22 expired ELBWI at DHC were retrospectively analyzed in a case control study with another 22 ELBWI survivors. Both groups were matched for gestational age (GA), birth weight(BW) and gender (between years 1992-95). Mean GA was 25.8±3 wk's and mean BW was 795± 280 gm. All patients received same rescue Exosurf protocol. Results: in mean ± SD (significance at 95% Confidence interval). Conclusion: Poor VI and OI results prior to exosurf in ELBWI anticipated surfactant therapy failure and subsequent increase of mortality in this population. Both VI and OI are significant predictors of mortality in ELBWI when used to evaluate pre to post surfactant treatments. Table
Quality of life under antihypertensive treatment.

Quality of life is of growing concern in the management of chronic illnesses such as hypertension. This has become increasingly so as mild to moderate primary hypertension, almost always asymptomatic, is treated more aggressively with a variety of agents which lower blood pressure, but are associated with adverse side effects. The short term benefit of treatment of mild high blood pressure is minimal; only sustained long term treatment can hope to offer therapeutic benefit.
Problems in the Radon Vs Lung Cancer Test of the Linear No-Threshold Theory and a Procedure for Resolving Them

AbstractIt has been shown that lung cancer rates in U.S. Counties, with or without correction for smoking, decrease with increasing radon exposure, in sharp contrast to the increase predicted by the linear no-threshold theory. The discrepancy is by 20 standard deviations, and very extensive efforts
Nuclear Clues to the Early History of the Solar System

Space research seeks to ascertain, among other things, the history of the origin of the solar system. There already exist certain nuclear clues to this history, and additional evidence will be forthcoming from exploration of the moon and the planets.
The Practice and Theory of US Statebuilding

Abstract The United States has employed three models of statebuilding over the last century, each animated by a different political theory. Statebuilding 1.0, developed and used from the late 1890s through the end of the Cold War, emphasized building loyal and politically stable subordinate states. Privileging American geopolitical and economic interests over those of local populations, the model was premised on the theory of realpolitik. Statebuilding 2.0 arose under and, in many ways, came to characterize attempts by the United States to construct a New World Order after 1990. The key shift was from seeking loyalty to building legitimate states. Under this model, the United States attempted to build broad-based popular support for nascent states by creating democratic institutions and spearheading economic reforms. In this ‘end of history’ moment, liberalism reigned triumphant in statebuilding practice and theory. Statebuilding 3.0 is now being ‘field-tested’ in Iraq and Afghanistan. This new model seek...
Isolation, identification and quantitation of urinary organic acids.

Abstract An application of the HISLIB program for the comparison of gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric profiles of urinary organic acids isolated by extraction and ion-exchange methods is described. Ion-exchange methods are clearly superior to solvent extraction in terms of the variety of compounds isolated. However, the former method has practical difficulties which make solvent extraction more attractive for rapid analyses. For the compounds isolated by both methods, the precision of analysis is similar, with standard deviations of relative concentration in the range 10–30% for most compounds.
A quantitative model of plasma in Neptune's magnetosphere

A model encompassing plasma transport and energy processes is applied to Neptune's magnetosphere. Starting with profiles of the neutral densities and the electron temperature, the model calculates the plasma density and ion temperature profiles. Good agreement between model results and observations is obtained for a neutral source of 5 x 10 exp 25/s if the diffusion coefficient is 10 exp -8 L3R(N)/2s, plasma is lost at a rate 1/3 that of the strong diffusion rate, and plasma subcorotates in the region outside Triton.
The discovery of photosynthetic phosphorylation

Abstract The discovery of photosynthetic phosphorylation (photophosphorylation) revealed the capacity of the photosynthetic apparatus to convert the electromagnetic energy of sunlight into the biochemical energy of ATP. Two types were found: cyclic photophosphorylation in which ATP is the sole product of energy conversion and noncyclic photophosphorylation in which ATP formation is accompanied by oxygen evolution and the generation of reducing power whose carrier is ferredoxin.
1426 AN ENHANCED METHOD TO MONITOR CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW IN NEWBORNS: NON-FAST FOURIER TRANSFORM (FFT) SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF DOPPLER BLOOD FLOW VELOCITY

Top of pageAbstract We have developed, using non-FFT signal processing techniques, a new method of analysis of continuous wave (CW) Doppler ultrasound signals obtained by placing a probe over the anterior fontanelle of the newborn. The best orientation of the probe with respect to the vessel is identified using headphones. Three electrocardiograph (EKG) electrodes are placed over the chest. The Doppler and EKG audio signals are recorded simultaneously on a tape recorder, digitized by computer, transferred to an IBM Personal Computer where they are analyzed, averaged and displayed. An “averaged” signal consists of the previous 5 signals. Using this method the relative quantities of red blood cells moving at different velocities can be discerned and are represented by different colors on the color monitor. We have studied 14 well and 2 sick term infants. The well infants were studied on three consecutive days. Both right and left sides, and several probe sizes and probe frequencies were studied. The signal is quite reproducible between left and right sides, between studies in the same infant on different days, as well as between infants. We have determined the spectral pattern in term infants, and have, in one sick infant, identified asymmetry between R & L when there was facial pallor during a prostaglandin infusion. This qualitative method should prove useful in monitoring cerebral blood flow in newborns.
Changes in Size Distribution of Blood Lymphocytes Following Inhalation of Radio-europium

SummaryFollowing inhalation of radioactive europium by the rat, the ratio of large to small lymphocytes progressively increases in exponential relationship to cumulative dose. Since a similar relationship was found for repetitive external x-irradiation it may be possible to determine, in vivo, the dose equivalence and relative biological effectiveness of radiation sources of various kinds under comparable experimental conditions.
Tourism and World Cup Football amidst Perceptions of Risk: The Case of South Africa

Africa is generally perceived by those living outside the continent as a risky destination for tourism. Many factors influence this perception, some real and some imagined. South Africa is the continent's leading international tourism destination and to maintain this industry it must manage perceptions of travel-related risk which can negatively influence destination choice. Towards this end, South Africa has pursued and hosted a variety of sporting mega events including the Rugby and Cricket World Cups and the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the aim of “reimaging through sport”. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the FIFA World Cup on the perception of risk associated with travel to South Africa, knowledge of South Africa, perceived level of development, interest in traveling to South Africa, and related travel motivations and constraints. A repeated measures design was used whereby a paired sample of US college students was surveyed before and after the FIFA World Cup. The post-test ...
The phytotoxic ophiobolins produced by Drechslera oryzae, their structures and biological activity on rice

Abstract Drechslera oryzae causes brown leaf spot disease of rice ( Oryza sativa L.). This fungal pathogen produces a series of ophiobolins which cause some of the characteristic symptoms of the disease when applied to rice leaves at 10 −4 and 10 −5 M. Although ophiobolin A & B were described from D. oryzae nearly 20 years ago, several novel ophiobolins recently discovered in D. maydis and D. sorghicola , are also produced by D. oryzae . The production of ophiobolins is controlled, in part by the prior conditions of culturing the fungus. Various isolates of D. oryzae differ in their ability to produce ophiobolins. Although unstable to heating, the ophiobolins can be incorporated into an agar-based medium and a potential exists for them to be used in screening plant tissues for toxin insensitivity.
Optimization of a single crystalline-like germanium thin film growth on inexpensive flexible substrates and fabrication of germanium bottom junction

III-V semiconductor multijunction solar cells utilizing a germanium (Ge) bottom junction show high efficiency, however, are limited to the expensive Ge single-crystal wafers. Our approach focuses on thin film-based multijunction photovoltaics to replace Ge wafers by depositing single-crystalline-like Ge thin film on flexible and inexpensive metal tapes. The deposition temperature and film thickness were optimized to achieve optimal surface roughness, carrier mobility and carrier concentration. It has been found that 850°C is an optimum deposition temperature to achieve the sharpest texture, the highest carrier mobility and film smoothness. The surface roughness decreases while hall mobility increases with increasing Ge layer thickness up to 1.25 μm. Finally, a p-Ge/n-Ge bottom junction was fabricated based on the optimized Ge thin film.
Grow with the flow: a spatial–temporal model of platelet deposition and blood coagulation under flow

The body's response to vascular injury involves two intertwined processes: platelet aggregation and coagulation. Platelet aggregation is a predominantly physical process, whereby platelets clump together, and coagulation is a cascade of biochemical enzyme reactions. Thrombin, the major product of coagulation, directly couples the biochemical system to platelet aggregation by activating platelets and by cleaving fibrinogen into fibrin monomers that polymerize to form a mesh that stabilizes platelet aggregates. Together, the fibrin mesh and the platelet aggregates comprise a thrombus that can grow to occlusive diameters. Transport of coagulation proteins and platelets to and from an injury is controlled largely by the dynamics of the blood flow. To explore how blood flow affects the growth of thrombi and how the growing masses, in turn, feed back and affect the flow, we have developed the first spatial–temporal mathematical model of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation under flow that includes detailed descriptions of coagulation biochemistry, chemical activation and deposition of blood platelets, as well as the two-way interaction between the fluid dynamics and the growing platelet mass. We present this model and use it to explain what underlies the threshold behaviour of the coagulation system's production of thrombin and to show how wall shear rate and near-wall enhanced platelet concentrations affect the development of growing thrombi. By accounting for the porous nature of the thrombus, we also demonstrate how advective and diffusive transport to and within the thrombus affects its growth at different stages and spatial locations.
Test particle simulations of the effect of moving DLs on ion outflow in the auroral downward‐current region

[1] Test particle simulations of ion outflow in the auroral downward-current region are carried out to investigate the effect of a series of highly localized, moving double layers. Double layers (DLs) have been observed in the downward-current region, but may not be the only source of electron acceleration. However, when present, they may dramatically affect ion outflow. In the simulation the double layers (DLs) move anti-earthward along the magnetic field (B) at the ion-acoustic speed and are assigned a perpendicular ion heating profile along B that moves with them. The DL speed and the associated ion heating profile are based on in situ observations and dynamic simulations. This configuration greatly changes the mechanism of the ion outflow in the downward-current region from the classical ion-pressure cooker picture. In the moving DL model, a majority of out-flowing ions do not pass through the DL. Instead, the ions tend to be pushed in front of a DL or trapped between two DLs which enforce outward motion and result in a significant increase in net number and energy fluxes of upgoing ions. The ion distributions from the simulations compare well to FAST observations as a function of the relative distance from the DL position along B.
Keynote Speaker-3: Similarity-Based IPR and e-Forensics, -Modeling and Simulation in HC Interactive Learning Environment

Summary form only given. This seminar deals with fundamental aspects of Similarity, Semantics, Ambiguity, Intelligent Pattern Recognition (IPR) and applications. It basically includes the following: Overview of 3D Biometric Technology and Applications, Importance of Security: A Scenario of Terrorists Attack,, What are Biometric Technologies? Biometrics: Analysis vs Synthesis, Analysis: Concept of Syntax. Semantics, Ambiguity and Interactive Pattern Recognition, Importance of Measurement, How it works: Fingerprint Extraction and Matching, Iris, and Facial Analysis, Authentication Applications, Thermal Imaging: Emotion Recognition. Synthesis in Biometrics, Modeling and Simulation, and more Examples and Applications of 3D Biomedical Imaging in Interactive Web/Video Networking Fuzzy Learning Environment. Finally, some future research directions are discussed.
Polarizing genetic information in the egg: RNA localization in the frog oocyte

RNA localization is a powerful strategy used by cells to localize proteins to subcellular domains and to control protein synthesis regionally. In germ cells, RNA targeting has profound implications for development, setting up polarities in genetic information that drive cell fate during embryogenesis. The frog oocyte offers a useful system for studying the mechanism of RNA localization. Here, we discuss critically the process of RNA localization during frog oogenesis. Three major pathways have been identified that are temporally and spatially separated in oogenesis. Each pathway uses a different mechanism to effect RNA localization. In some cases, localization elements within the 3' untranslated region have been identified and have provided unique insights into the localization process. This important field is still in its infancy, however, and much remains to be learned. BioEssays 21:546–557, 1999. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Alumino-Silicate Ion Sources for Accelerator Applications

As part of the program of Heavy Ion Fusion Accelerator Research at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, ion sources have been developed using thermionic emitters of singly charged alkali metal ions. These emitters are flat surfaces of alumino-silicate, loaded with the apropriate ion. They have become convenient and reliable sources producing pulsed beams of very low emittance. Thermionic emission of ions from alumino-silicates has been known for a very long time [1]. Here we focus on the practical application as accelerator ion sources. We discuss the fabrication and heating of large area emitters, uniformity of emission and the maximum ion current density which can be extracted under space charge limited conditions, with zero electric field on the emitter surface. Results are presented for Na, K and Cs ions showing maximum space charge limited current densities of 25, 40 and 120 mAcm-2 respectively. In the case of cesium we have produced a 5 mA beam at a kinetic energy of 200 keV with normalized emittance 1.2×l0-7 ? m rad.
Toxicity of methyltins to microbial populations in estuarine sediments

The toxicities of three organotin compounds were examined on natural populations of microorganisms in sediments from Boston Harbor. Mono-, di-and trimethyltins were toxic to organisms from these sediments, and the di-and trimethyl compounds were more toxic than the monomethyl compound as measured by either viable counts or by [3H]thymidine uptake. Approximately three to eight times as much organotin was required to achieve the same effect measured by thymidine uptake as measured by viable counts. The results of replica plating experiments suggest that most estuarine organisms which are resistant to one methyltin will be resistant to other methyltins. LC-values suggest that at concentrations reported for methyltins in aquatic environments, methyltins alone are not likely to cause major alterations in the microbial flora. However, these compounds may combine with other stressors to alter the composition of natural populations.
Agreement and validity of pharmacy data versus self-report for use of osteoporosis medications among chronic glucocorticoid users

Purpose Pharmacy and linked claims databases are commonly used to determine medication receipt as a measure of quality of care. However, these data sources have not been previously compared with self-reported data for receipt of medications used for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). Methods Using databases from a national managed care organization (MCO), we identified 6282 chronic glucocorticoid users (60+ days in 18 months). We compared self-reported current use of alendronate, risedronate, calcitonin, and raloxifene (reference standard) to different intervals of preceding pharmacy data to determine agreement, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the pharmacy data. Results Survey respondents (n = 2363) were mean ± SD age 53 ± 14 years old, 70% women, and 78% Caucasian. Agreement between self-reported and pharmacy data ranged from Kappa = 0.64 (95%CI 0.53–0.75) (calcitonin) to 0.80 (0.76–0.84) (alendronate). The positive predictive value of a filled prescription in the pharmacy database in the prior 6 months exceeded 90% compared to the reference standard of self-reported current bisphosphonate use. However, the 6-month interval of pharmacy data failed to capture >25% of self-reported current bisphosphonate users. The optimal interval of pharmacy data to distinguish between current and past bisphosphonate users was 120–180 days. Conclusions Among chronic glucocorticoid users enrolled in managed care, underreporting of current osteoporosis medication use was uncommon, and agreement between self-report and pharmacy data was high. Use of pharmacy data alone is unlikely to underestimate quality of osteoporosis care, but different intervals of pharmacy data have important implications on the ability to identify current users of osteoporosis medications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS PRODUCED IN MAMMALIAN MYOCARDIUM BY VARIATION IN PERFUSATE IONIC COMPOSITION

This study describes the changes produced in the subcellular morphology of mammalian myocardium when perfusate sodium, calcium, and chloride concentrations are varied. By means of a recently developed perfusion technique, functioning dog papillary muscles were perfused with isotonic solutions of varying ionic compositions. Examination of the tissue in the electron microscope revealed that control muscles showed satisfactory preservation of ultrastructure, demonstrating that the protocol itself did not create significant morphological artefact. Low sodium chloride perfusion produced dilatation of both transverse tubules and longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum elements. Low sodium or high calcium concentrations produced dilation of tubular elements of the longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum while leaving transverse tubules intact. High calcium perfusion produced mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization. Mitochondrial precipitate, both crystalline and amorphous in form, was observed and presumed to be calcium phosphate, either alone or mixed with calcium carbonate. The possibility that the morphological changes observed might indicate subcellular loci of specific ion permeability is discussed. A correlation of the known kinetic behavior of sodium and calcium ions in mammalian myocardium with the ultrastructural alterations produced is suggested.
Low-dose megavoltage cone-beam computed tomography for lung tumors using a high-efficiency image receptor.

We report on the capabilities of a low-dose megavoltage cone-beam computed tomography (MV CBCT) system. The high-efficiency image receptor consists of a photodiode array coupled to a scintillator composed of individual CsI crystals. The CBCT system uses the 6 MV beam from a linear accelerator. A synchronization circuit allows us to limit the exposure to one beam pulse [0.028 monitor units (MU)] per projection image. 150–500 images ( 4.2 − 13.9 MU total) are collected during a one-minute scan and reconstructed using a filtered backprojection algorithm. Anthropomorphic and contrast phantoms are imaged and the contrast-to-noise ratio of the reconstruction is studied as a function of the number of projections and the error in the projection angles. The detectordose response is linear ( R 2 value 0.9989). A 2% electron density difference is discernible using 460 projection images and a total exposure of 13 MU (corresponding to a maximum absorbed dose of about 12 cGy in a patient). We present first patient images acquired with this system. Tumors in lung are clearly visible and skeletal anatomy is observed in sufficient detail to allow reproducible registration with the planning kV CTimages. The MV CBCT system is shown to be capable of obtaining good quality three-dimensional reconstructions at relatively low dose and to be clinically usable for improving the accuracy of radiotherapy patient positioning.
Using the Thrifty Food Plan to Assess the Cost of a Nutritious Diet

The federal government’s Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) minimizes the difference between a proposed food plan and a current consumption bundle, subject to cost and nutrition constraints. This article adapted the TFP framework to estimate the cost of a nutritious diet, distinguishing between nutrition constraints based on food categories (meat, vegetables) or nutrients (saturated fat, calcium). The official cost target for the TFP was sufficient if one tolerated a very high difference from current consumption patterns, or if one used nutrition standards instead of MyPyramid food category standards. In other scenarios, with different constraints, the official cost target was insufficient. How much does a nutritious diet cost? This question is central to debates over U.S. anti-hunger and nutrition policy. The benefit level for more than 28 million low-income participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called the Food Stamp Program (FSP), is related to the federal government’s official estimate of the cost of a “thrifty” but nutritious diet (Carlson et al. 2007). This question also matters for nutrition policy more broadly, because one leading explanation for the current epidemic of obesity-related chronic disease emphasizes the comparatively low cost of energy-dense foods and the high cost of healthier foods (Drewnowski and Specter 2004). The estimated cost of a nutritious diet depends systematically on the definition of “nutritious.” In Stigler’s famous 1945 application of linear programming, the minimum cost required to meet narrowly defined nutrition targets was only pennies per day (Stigler 1945). He acknowledged that his cost estimate would make dietitians unhappy, and implied that they were too generous in their “cultural requirements” for Parke E. Wilde is an associate professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
Application of ion implantation to wear protection of materials

Abstract Key results from the literature for the wear behavior of N- and Ti-implanted steels are reviewed. A qualitative model which rationalizes the mechanisms producing improvements in the sliding wear resistance of steels is presented. In the limited regime of low sliding velocities the model provides guidelines for choosing the experimental conditions of applied load, composition, hardness and heat treatment of the steel under which implantation will improve wear resistance.
Sex predetermination and the sex ratio at birth.

The possible effects of human sex predetermination on the sex ratio at birth are discussed. Methods exist or are being developed to allow separation of X and Y sperm. If acceptable and reliable methods became available to parents for choosing the sex of their children data indicates that they would be used at least by some people. The use of sex predetermination might result in smaller family size by allowing people to achieve ideal family sex composition but it might also cause an imbalance in sex ratio in the population. The severity and direction of this sex imbalance would depend upon the reliability of the methods for sex predetermination and upon parental preferences. 11 models are presented predicting the effects on the sex ratio in the population of various parental sex preferences given a particular reliability of the method used for sex predetermination.
Abstract LB-218: Role of ERBB family negative regulator Mig6 in estimating erlotinib responsiveness.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC The sensitivity of some tumors to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can be explained by the presence of EGFR tyrosine kinase (TK) domain mutations. However, such mutations are rare and the clinical benefit of a subset of patients with wild-type EGFR may be underestimated due to the lack of appropriate predictive markers to stratify them from larger number of patients who do not response. In this study we sought to elucidate mechanisms of resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies in tumors that harbor no TK sensitizing mutations in order to identify markers capable of guiding the decision to incorporate these drugs into chemotherapeutic regimens. Here we show that mitogen-inducible gene 6 (Mig6), a negative regulator of EGFR, was selectively upregulated by the PI3K-AKT pathway during the evolution of resistance to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib, resulting in decreased EGFR phosporylation. Moreover, we found that high Mig6/EGFR ratio was highly correlated with erlotinib sensitivity, AKT activity, loss of PTEN and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) status in the panel of 20 lung and head and neck cancer cell lines. Since depletion of Mig6 in erlotinib resistant cell lines didn't render significant increase in drug sensitivity and did not affect AKT activity, we tested whether in resistant cells, activation of kinases other then ERBB family can sustain high level of AKT activation thus suspending erlotinib sensitivity in Mig6-depleted cells. Surprisingly, we found that despite significant deactivation of EGFR, HER2 and HER3 kinases in erlotinib resistant cell lines, activation of PDGFR, FGFR, VEGFR, IGFR or FAK kinases was upregulated in these cells. Here we show that combined treatment with erlotinib and regorafinib (a novel multi-target inhibitor for VEGFR, PDGFR, FGFR, Kit, RET and Raf-1) markedly enhances erlotinib-induced growth inhibition in erlotinib-resistant cells. Collectively, our data highlights the importance of Mig6 in estimating erlotinib responsiveness. Furthermore, our data suggests that by inhibiting EGFR activity in sensitive neoplastic cells, elevated expression of Mig6 triggers acquisition of alternative growth factor pathways that can sustain high level of AKT activity, thus further promoting erlotinib resistance. Citation Format: Eugene Izumchenko, Xiofei Chang, David Sidransky. Role of ERBB family negative regulator Mig6 in estimating erlotinib responsiveness. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-218. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-LB-218
Physical forces due to the state of water bounding biological materials: Some lessons for the design of colloidal sytems

Abstract Biological materials -- proteins, lipids and nucleic acids -- accomplish controlled molecule-specific contact with precision unachieved by artificial colloidal preparations. Several experimental approaches reveal that the surfaces of biological materials are covered with polar groups that attract water so as to create repulsive “hydration” forces when bodies are brought together. Specific contact is effected by arranging the surface polar groups to displace water on the opposing body only when the match-up of electric charges is precise. Polar groups thus create repulsive or attractive forces between biocolloids. Biological compounds may be practical for industrial applications where facultative aggregation specificity is required.
Comparative material issues for fast reliable switching in STT-RAMs

With its fast write and read, small cell size, non-volatility and excellent endurance, Spin Transfer Torque-RAM STT-RAM) has a high potential of dominating the embedded and standalone memory world in the near future. In this paper, the suitability of different classes of magnetic materials constituting the STT-RAM free layer is reviewed for faster switching and thermal stability. We identify the following material classes for faster switching in the thermally stable free-layer of a STT-RAM: (a) In-plane materials with high H K and low M S . While the high H K deters the magnetization during the easy to hard axis switching, it helps with switching past the equator, making the switching speeds for high and low H K materials comparable. However, high H K materials benefit from higher thermal stability. (b) Perpendicular materials with low damping have the same switching speed as in-plane materials but greater switching probability because of a lower critical current. The demagnetization field helps the free layer to start switching to the hard axis, but hinders it from switching further to the easy axis beyond the equator. (c) Anti-ferromagnetically capped partially-perpendicular materials. Capping with a Va layer decreases the demagnetization field, which promotes faster switching.
Polarizability of a hydrogenic state

Using Floquet spectroscopy, we have measured the scalar and tensor polarizabilities of a nominally hydrogenic state of a multielectron atom. We obtain ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{0}$=426.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}16 MHz/(V/cm${)}^{2}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{2}$=-66.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}22 MHz/(V/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$) for the Stark states linked to the 30${\mathit{d}}^{2}$D zero-field states of sodium, which we compare with the results of several theoretical treatments. We have also mapped the important transition from quadratic to linear behavior, thus measuring the hyperpolarizability as well. The measurements are discussed within the framework of a semiclassical model for the atomic response to the external field. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
The effect on pancreatic flow of acetylated secretin preparations.

Summary Secretin was treated with acetic anhydride and the resulting preparation (Sa) was tested in dogs with Thomas duodenal cannulas for its effect on pancreatic flow. Sa caused pancreatic secretion when given as a constant infusion or as a single intravenous injection. A single injection of a large dose of Sa was apparently less stimulatory than a comparable amount of secretin. When a large dose of Sa in the form of a single injection was superimposed on a constant infusion of either secretin or Sa, there was a significant suppression of pancreatic flow. It is postulated that acetylated secretin competes with secretin for receptor sites in the pancreas. The failure to suppress pancreatic flow completely may be related to deacetylation or to residual secretory activity of the acetylated material.
The effect of uniaxial stress on the electro-mechanical response of 8/65/35 PLZT

Abstract 8/65/35 PLZT is characterized under stress and electric field loading above the coercive field. Strain—electric-field and electric-displacement—electric-field hysteresis loops are measured at various compressive stress levels showing the effect of stress on the electro-mechanical coupling. Stress—strain curves are run at zero electric field, showing that depolarization begins at as little as 5 MPa. The limitations of linear constitutive modeling and the limitations of this composition of PLZT as an actuator material are examined. The “yield” or ferroelastic switching stress is suggested as a good criteria for assessing the capability of actuator ceramics. This parameter is an indication of the actuation limitations of the material. An equivalence of the slopes of the strain—electric-field curve at several compressive stress levels and the electric-displacement—stress curve at the same stress level is observed. This suggests that the conjugacy of the piezoelectric coefficients may hold during path dependent polarization switching.
Transcriptional Regulation of Mouse δ-Opioid Receptor Gene ROLE OF Ets-1 IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL ACTIVATION OF MOUSE δ-OPIOID RECEPTOR GENE

Previously, we identified a minimum core promoter of the mouse δ-opioid receptor (DOR) gene. The DOR promoter contains an E-box that binds upstream stimulatory factor and is crucial for the DOR promoter activity in NS20Y cells, a mouse neuronal cell line that constitutively expresses DOR. In the present study, we further analyzed the DOR promoter in NS20Y cells and have demonstrated that transcription factor Ets-1 binds to an Ets-1-binding site overlapping the E-box and trans-activates the DOR promoter by synergizing with upstream stimulatory factor in specific DNA binding. In addition, the Ets-1 DNA-binding domain is sufficient to play the functional role of Ets-1 in trans-activating the DOR promoter. Furthermore, through in vivo cross-linking assays and Northern blot analyses, we have demonstrated that Ets-1 binds to the DOR promoter in the neonatal mouse brain and that overexpressed Ets-1 can significantly enhance the expression of DOR mRNA in primary neonatal mouse neuronal cells. Collectively, our data suggest that Ets-1 functions as a trans-activator of the DOR promoter in the neonatal mouse brain and thus may contribute to the development of the mouse brain DOR system.
Review of Impacts of Physical Activity on Maternal Metabolic Health During Pregnancy

Our purpose was to review relations between physical activity during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and other maternal metabolic markers (i.e., lipids, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin six (IL-6), leptin, and adiponectin). While observational studies indicate a protective effect of physical activity on gestational diabetes, interventions that promote recommended levels of physical activity during pregnancy (i.e., 150+ min/week) have failed to show significant effects. However, interventions have been often underpowered and with low protocol adherence. Maternal lipids, TNFα, IL-6, and leptin all increase and adiponectin decreases with a healthy pregnancy. Although the evidence base is small, preliminary results indicate a beneficial effect of physical activity on lowering triglycerides, TNFα, and leptin levels while increasing muscle-derived IL-6 levels during pregnancy. Future studies are needed to examine relationships among prospectively measured physical activity and metabolic markers throughout pregnancy, as well as theoretically based physical activity interventions to prevent gestational diabetes.
Relative sensitivity of a family of closet-point graphs in computer vision applications

Abstract Various graph-theoretic definitions of neighborhood have been used in the past in computer vision and clustering applications. In this paper we study the properties of a set of four related closest-point graphs using Monte Carlo methods: (i) the Delaunay triangulation (DT) and its dual, Voronoi tessellation, (ii) the Gabriel graph (GG), (iii) the relative neighborhood graph (RNG), and (iv) the minimum spanning tree (MST). We examine the suitability of these graphs in the detection of structure in noisy images using the Hough transform. We also explore each graph's structural stability under random positional noise. Delaunay triangulation is shown to be the least sensitive to such noisy conditions.
Fabrication of microlens arrays by reactive ion milling

Fabrication of refractive microlens arrays on several infrared (IR) transmissive materials was studied. The fabrication process consists of forming photoresist microlenses by thermal reflow of photoresist islands, and transferring this pattern into the IR substrate by ion milling. Microlens arrays having a wide range of F-numbers (F/0.3 - F/12) and sizes were fabricated using a modified ion milling process, where background oxygen and ion energy were used to control the photoresist and substrate erosion rates, respectively. This approach enabled a large range of milling selectivity (e.g. 0.6 - 12 for CdTe) and hence accurate control of lens sag heights. This is important since photoresist microlenses can be successfully fabricated only within a limited range of F-numbers. The etch selectivity also enabled fabrication of nonspherical shapes, starting from spherical photoresist preforms, by judicious control of sputter selectivity during the milling process. Microlens arrays were fabricated in several IR materials, including CdTe, ZnS, Ge, Si, GaAs, InP, GaP and Al2O3. Among these materials GaP and ZnS are also attractive visible and near IR wavelength microlens materials, where their high refractive index results in much lower sag heights than quartz lenses of comparable F-number.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Energy metabolism and body size II. Dimensional analysis and energetic non-similarity

Abstract The allometric equation P = aM b (P: standard metabolism, M: body mass, a: mass coefficient, and b: mass exponent) can be theoretically derived from the following relations: l/L = t/T = λ, m/M = λ 3 where l and L are homologous lengths, t and T homologous times and λ is the coefficient of similitude of two animals. Animals are homomorphic when b = 2 3 , a = constant, and when their density is the same. These conditions appear to be realized in mature mammals of the same species, but mammals of different species are not homomorphic. Homomorphism means that the physiological time-scale is not the same in small and large animals, but that the energy spent per unit mass and unit of physiological time remain the same in homomorphic animals [mass-specific physiological power, Φ]. The mass coefficient ‘a’ is equal to Φm therefore ‘a’ is physiologically the most significant parameter in the allometric equation. The physiological implications of Φ are discussed.
A spectroscopic and chromatographic investigation of the behavior of 3-pentadecylcatechol (PDC) in various solvents under aerobic conditions☆

Abstract The stability of pentadecylcatechol (PDC) in various solvents, under aerobic conditions, is markedly dependent on various factors such as the nature of the solvent, the purity of the PDC and the presence of light, moisture and basic compounds. The marked changes in the uv absorption spectra of PDC solutions in alcohols, during their aerobic aging, are the result of the formation of pentadecyl- o -benzoquinone (PDQ) and the products (especially biphenylic) derived from its interaction with water, alcohols, and phenolic bodies. In the PDQ anhydrous ethanol solutions, under aerobic conditions, PDC is always regenerated, and PDQ reacts with the solvent to restore aromatic systems.
Widespread eruptive dermal and atypical melanocytic nevi in association with chronic myelocytic leukemia: case report and review of the literature

Eruptive nevi have been associated with local skin trauma and immunosuppression, and atypical eruptive nevi preceding melanoma have been reported in immunocompromised transplant patients. We describe a 25-year-old man with widespread eruptive atypical and dermal melanocytic nevi in association with chronic myelocytic leukemia. Our patient's disease differs from earlier reports of eruptive nevi because his nevi appeared before induction chemotherapy. Eruptive nevi may have been a prodrome to leukemia in this patient. His nevi were histologically similar to eruptive atypical nevi observed in AIDS patients and may imply a link between systemic immunosuppression and melanocyte proliferation. We suggest that patients in whom eruptive nevi develop in association with immunosuppression should be carefully observed for the development of melanoma skin cancer.
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS IN NDT RIGID PAVEMENT EVALUATION

A consistent and theoretically rigorous approach is presented, using the principles of dimensional analysis, and leading to a closed-form back-calculation procedure for a two-layer slab-on-grade pavement system. The equations required are derived and evaluated for four fundamental combinations of loading and support conditions. A short computer program has been coded, called ILLI-BACK, to implement the method on a personal computer. The execution time per back-calculation is trivial (a fraction of a second). This procedure simplifies considerably the effort required in interpreting nondestructive deflection data. It is much more efficient and accurate than current approaches, allowing the use of any one of the measured sensor deflections in the back-calculation process. The concept proposed is powerful and versatile, and can easily be adapted for a wide variety of other applications, involving both rigid and flexible pavement systems.
Variational principles for calculation of transport coefficients of relativistic multi-component systems☆

Abstract Variational expressions that give lower bounds on the transport coefficients of a multi- component relativistic system are derived from the set of coupled Boltzmann equations that are assumed to govern its behavior. No assumptions concerning the types of interactions that may exist between the various particles comprising the system other than that they are point-like are made. In particular we do not restrict ourselves to binary interactions and we allow particle creation and destruction to occur. We also take account of any external fields that may be present.
Stochastic simulation of information systems designs from data flow diagrams

Abstract Many fundamental decisions in information system (IS) design are influenced by how quickly work must be done—where to provide computer support and the choice of hardware platform and data base management system—yet modeling the overall dynamics of designs is not a routine part of IS development. We believe that design performance modeling can be made more accessible to IS developers by allowing the specification of performance models via conventional data flow diagrams (DFDs) annotated with information on the performance of the DFD components. A prototype simulation environment has been developed that produces stochastic simulation results automatically from annotated DFDs. The prototype reads DFDs from a custom tool and formulates a corresponding simulation model. The prototype provides model-based expert advice in the use of the simulation model and in interpretation of its output. The use of the prototype is illustrated through its application to the quality assurance subsystem of a manufacturing operation.