cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory antibodies against endopeptidase activity of human adamalysin 19.

Abstract Human adamalysin 19 (hADAM19)/meltrin β is a member of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) family and an active metalloproteinase. It is a new metalloproteinase and disintegrin dendritic cell antigen marker. Adamalysin 19 gene was expressed in normal and transformed tissues and cells such as placenta, brain, heart, leukocytes, and colorectal adenocarcinoma SW480. To develop specific tools to investigate the functions of hADAM19, peptide antigens were rationally selected and specific polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) were developed to modulate hADAM19 activity. Anti-metalloproteinase and anti-disintegrin domain IgG molecules inhibited the α-2-macroglobulin cleavage by hADAM19; however, their pre-immune and anti-pro-domain IgG molecules did not. Since anti-disintegrin IgG also neutralized the proteolytic activity, the disintegrin domain may affect the hADAM19 protein folding and/or substrate binding. These pAbs may be used to specifically localize the hADAM19 protein in tissues and cells and elucidate its biological and pathological functions such as processing pro-growth factors.
Nanomechanics of Clathrin Protein Shells

The nanomechanical properties of protein shells, ranging from virus capsids to clathrin-coated vesicles, are functionally important and of notable recent interest. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and, more recently, quartz crystal microbalance-dissipation (QCM-D) instrumentation, we investigate mechanical properties of intact clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs), reassembled pure clathrin cage baskets, and single triskelia. CCVs are purified subcellular trafficking organelles of about 100 nm diameter, consisting of an outer clathrin lattice shell over a receptor- and adaptor- loaded lipid vesicle. The clathrin cages formed by self-assembly of clathrin triskelia are structurally similar to the outer shell of CCVs. From AFM and complementary QCM-D measurements, we now provide an integrative mechanical model of the clathrin protein shell and of the coupling between the clathrin coat and the membrane vesicle, in biologically relevant fluid environments. Whereas the Young's modulus of the triskelia arm is as high as a few MPa, the effective shear moduli of clathrin triskelia, clathrin baskets, and CCVs are one to two orders of magnitude smaller and vary with the buffer pH and ionic strength, as well as their proximity to a given substrate support. Such modulation of the nanomechanical properties of the assembling/disassembling protein shells may be an essential aspect of cellular function.
Nabilone Decreases Marijuana Withdrawal and a Laboratory Measure of Marijuana Relapse

Few individuals seeking treatment for marijuana use achieve sustained abstinence. The cannabinoid receptor agonist, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; dronabinol), decreases marijuana withdrawal symptoms, yet does not decrease marijuana use in the laboratory or clinic. Dronabinol has poor bioavailability, which may contribute to its poor efficacy. The FDA-approved synthetic analog of THC, nabilone, has higher bioavailability and clearer dose-linearity than dronabinol. This study tested whether nabilone administration would decrease marijuana withdrawal symptoms and a laboratory measure of marijuana relapse relative to placebo. Daily, nontreatment-seeking marijuana smokers (8 men and 3 women), who reported smoking 8.3±3.1 marijuana cigarettes/day completed this within-subject study comprising three, 8-day inpatient phases; each phase tested a different nabilone dose (0, 6, 8 mg/day, administered in counter-balanced order on days 2-8). On the first inpatient day, participants took placebo capsules and smoked active marijuana (5.6% THC) at six timepoints. For the next 3 days, they had the opportunity to self-administer placebo marijuana (0.0% THC; withdrawal), followed by 4 days in which active marijuana was available for self-administration (5.6% THC; relapse). Both nabilone dose conditions decreased marijuana relapse and reversed withdrawal-related irritability and disruptions in sleep and food intake (p<0.05). Nabilone (8 mg/day) modestly worsened psychomotor task performance. Neither dose condition increased ratings of capsule 'liking' or desire to take the capsules relative to placebo. Thus, nabilone maintenance produced a robust attenuation of marijuana withdrawal symptoms and a laboratory measure of relapse even with once per day dosing. These data support testing of nabilone for patients seeking marijuana treatment.
Stem Cell Therapy is Proarrhythmic

Stem cell therapy appears to be a promising modality for myocardial repair of both hearts that are post myocardial infarction (MI) and those with other forms of structural cardiac disease (eg, congestive heart failure). In fact, recent experimental and clinical work has suggested that stem cell therapy contributes to cardiac regeneration. Unfortunately at this time, we contend that stem cell therapy is proarrhythmic. Accordingly, in this review we will approach this subject by restating this potential in the framework of traditional mechanisms of arrhythmias (automaticity and reentry). Lastly, we will address recent clinical work with stem cells, commenting on the proarrhythmic outcomes. Before assessing the proarrhythmic potential of stem cells, we think it important to first address the nature of the players. After all, these “players” are the cells selected for use in trials. ### Embryonic Stem Cells Obviously, because this cell population has the capacity to develop into differentiated cardiac cells, these cells have been phenotyped in terms of ionic current makeup, intracellular Ca2+ handling, and connexin expression.1 Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) have been shown to have at least fast sodium current, L-type Ca2+ current, If, IK1,2,3 and immature excitation-contraction (EC) coupling.4 Thus, implanting them into damaged myocardium would mean implanting areas of additional excitable cells that presumably would form gap junctions not only with fellow ESCs but also with surviving myocytes of the damaged substrate. Evidence for resident cardiac stem cells5,6 has surfaced, and these excitable cells could show promise for use in stem cell therapy. For example, c-Kit+ cardiac-derived cells isolated from a normal rat heart when delivered via the aortic root seem to invade the infarcted myocardium and regenerate muscle to improve left ventricular (LV) function.7 Unfortunately, no mention was made of rhythm instability (or stability) of the injected …
A new dimension in suspension fusion techniques with polyethylene glycol.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) induces the hybridization of mammalian cells at a much higher frequency when the cells are attached to a substrate during treatment than when the cells are treated in suspension. Since many cell types, e.g., lymphocytes, cannot attach to a substrate, a new technique for the PEG-induced fusion of cells in suspension was developed. This technique, referred to as “pancake fusion,” is based on the centrifugation of suspended cells onto a coverslip and the PEG treatment of the cells on the coverslip as if they were attached to a substrate. With this technique, the frequency of hybridization of human white blood cells, which are incapable of attaching to a substrate, can be greatly increased.
Error-resistant RFID-assisted wireless sensor networks for cardiac telehealthcare

Wireless transmission of a patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) signals can be used to reduce cardiac healthcare cost. However, wireless transmissions have high error rates due to radio interference. The ECG signal, where every second of data could mean abnormal patterns, cannot tolerate such losses. Due to this healthcare crisis, the ability for a device to remotely monitor a patient's medication intake and transmit accurate ECG readings, while being cost efficient, is a major innovation. In this research, we integrate a multi-hop wireless sensor network (WSN) with radio frequency identification (RFID) readers. Our system has two distinct features: (1) remotely supervise patient medication intake via RFID technology, and (2) accurately and remotely transmitting a patient's ECG by adopting extended Kalman filter (EKF) for wireless error recovery. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
National Spill Control School

Abstract The National Spill Control School (NSCS) was established to provide training in the safe and effective handling of oil and hazardous material spills. The program has been modified as new needs arose in the public sector. The School today offers courses in Oil Spill Management, Oil Spill Response and Safety, Oiled Wildlife Rehabilitation, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), Hazardous Materials Transportation, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, and Spill Information Management Systems. Additional services in contingency planning and exercise development are offered.
Orthopoxvirus pan-genomic DNA assay.

A genome-spanning assay is described that enables laboratory confirmation of infections with orthopoxviruses (OPVs), particularly Vaccinia, Monkeypox, and Variola viruses, which can cause vesiculo-pustular rash illnesses in humans. The assay uses a series of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons that overlap to span the approximately 200 kilobase pair linear DNA genome of OPVs. Corresponding amplicons of different viral isolates can then be compared by matching their restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) gel electrophoresis patterns. The PCR step does not necessarily require viral growth to produce sufficient DNA for the RFLP comparisons. The assay would be useful as a prelude to sequencing entire or partial DNA genome regions of various OPVs, including natural or recombinant OPVs and potentially dangerous bioengineered OPVs designed to express foreign DNA or other viruses.
The effect of sediment characteristics on the distribution of two subtidal harpacticoid copepod species

Abundances of two harpacticoid copepod species, Enhydrosoma littorale Wells and Zausodes c.f. arenicolus Wilson, were significantly higher in one of two adjacent subtidal, soft-bottom habitats in St. George Sound, Florida (29°54′N : 84°37′48′′W). For Enhydrosoma littorale, a laboratory-preference experiment indicated that sediment-related factors caused the observed distribution. In a series of preference experiments, differences between the sediments of the two habitats in granulometry and organic matter were shown not to account for the preference. Rather, the preference results from differences in the microbes attached to the sediment particles in the two areas. In contrast, Zausodes c.f. arenicolus did nol prefer sediments from its area of high field abundance in laboratory preference experiments, indicating that factors external to the sediment i.e. hydrographic conditions or biological interactions, were responsible for this species' distribution.
Notes on a light and electron microscopic double-labeling method combining anterograde tracing with Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin and retrograde tracing with cholera toxin subunit B

Investigations of monosynaptic connections in the central nervous system have been hindered by the lack of compatible markers that can be used at both light and electron microscopic levels. In attempts to determine synaptic contacts between fibers originating in the substantia nigra and neurons projecting to the spinal cord, we have developed a double immunolabeling technique using anterograde transport of Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) and retrograde transport of unconjugated cholera toxin subunit B (CTB). In this report, we describe technical modifications which consistently produced superior labeling together with adequate ultrastructural preservation of the tissue and discuss the advantages of the two tracers.
Performance and endurance tests of a laboratory model multipropellant resistojet

This paper presents the results of an effort to demonstrate the technological readiness of a long-life multipropellant resistojet for Space Station auxiliary propulsion. A laboratory model resistojet made from grain-stabilized platinum served as a test bed to evaluate the design characteristics, fabrication methods, and operating strategies for an engineering model multipropellant resistojet developed as part of the NASA Space Station propulsion system Advanced Development Program. The laboratory model thruster was characterized for performance on a variety of fluids expected to be available onboard a Space Station, then subjected to a 2000-h, 2400-thermal-cycle endurance test using carbon dioxide propellant. Maximum thruster temperatures were approximately 1400 C. Significant observations from the laboratory model thruster performance and endurance tests are discussed as they relate to the design of the engineering model thruster.
Cerium-Based Oxide Coatings

Abstract Cerium-based oxide compounds are known for their wide range of applications in catalysis, corrosion prevention, electrochemical cells, photocatalysis, UV absorbers, biomaterials, microelectronics, optical devices, thermal coatings, and glass abrasives. The technological applications of these materials are possible due to a combination of the electronic structure of Ce and the size effects at the nanoscale. In particular, reversible transformation between the Ce(III) and Ce(IV) oxidation states on the surface of cerium oxides is critical to the functionality and potential uses of the materials. In this paper, the main technological applications of cerium-based oxide coatings are reviewed based on the work done to date. Special interest is placed on the emerging trends.
Fullerene polymers from solid precursors

One of the many speculations that quickly followed on the heels of the Kraetschmer-Huffman process for producing large quantities of C[sub 60] buckminsterfullerene was the possibility of stitching the molecules together to create a linear chain polymer, a [open quotes]pearl necklace[close quotes] of buckyballs. In addition to being chemically elegant and intrinsically beautiful, such a material might be expected to exhibit interesting electronic and nonlinear optical properties. Traditional solution-phase routes to fullerene polymerization have thus far resulted only in mixtures of incompletely characterized species with a high degree of cross-linking. This article reviews experiments that show that this goal might be achieved by starting from a fullerene solid precursor.
Numerical estimation of the complex Wiener prediction filter

A complete algorithm is presented for numerical estimation of the complex prediction error filter from a finite number of data samples. The method is a generalization of Andersen's results for real samples [3]. It is also demonstrated that, using Anderson's method, a nonincreasing mean error as a function of filter size cannot be arbitrarily guaranteed.
Evaporation from screened class a pans in a semi-arid climate

Abstract Evaporation measurements from ‘screened’ and standard Class A pans at two locations near Fresno, California were compared together and with ‘potential evapotranspiration’ estimates, using two combination equations with climate data from the sites. The screen covering on a Class A pan reduced the Class A pan evaporation by 10%. This difference was found to be due more to radiation than aerodynamic differences. The combination equation calculations were found to be highly correlated with pan evaporation. Pan coefficients of 0.81 and 0.91 were found for the open and ‘screened’ Class A pans, respectively, in the semi-arid climate.
Friction in Magnetic Tapes III: Role of Chemical Properties

Whenever there are changes in surface chemistry of the magnetic tape caused by various tribological or environmental parameters, such as humidity and temperature, they may significanty increase the adhesive interaction between the magnetic tape and the drive components. Exposure to high humidity at elevated temperatures for extended periods can result in the hydrolytic degradation of the tape-binder system. The products of hydrolytic degradation have lower molecular weight and may be tacky in nature. Changes in the binder can be monitored by measuring molecular weight, extractable binder-to-lubricant ratio, and modulus of elasticity. A chemically stable binder system minimizes the risk of high friction. In the case of tapes tested at low humidity, the frictional behavior shows little dependence on the chemistry of the binder and primarily on the thermomechanical response of the magnetic coating. It is also noted that in most commercial tapes, the friction is high when measured at high humidities (above 60...
Joint two dimensional DOA and multipath time delay estimation in rectangular planar array

In this paper, two low complexity yet hight accuracy algorithms, modified TST-MUSIC(MTST-MUSIC) and 3D JADE- ESPRIT are presented to estimate two dimensional angles and time delays in rectangular planar array(RPA). A 3D ESPRIT-like shift-invariance technique is used to separate and estimate the 2D DOAs and time-delays in the 3D JADE-ESPRIT algorithm. The basic idea of the MTST-MUSIC method is to group and isolate the signal of each incoming ray using the space-time characteristics of the multiray wireless channel. Simulation results demonstrate that the MTST-MUSIC algorithm outperforms the 3D JADE-ESPRIT algorithm in performance.
A Higher Order Synthesis for Harmonic Motion Generating RSSR Mechanisms

Consideration of a mechanism for high-speed application inevitably poses certain kinematic design requirements that can be cast as a function generation synthesis problem involving the entire motion cycle of the mechanism. This paper addresses such application of RSSR four bar mechanisms for high-speed application. It employs a perturbational kinematic analysis of the mechanism to obtain approximate equations relating the follower and input angular displacements. The follower angular motion is derived, approximately, as a linear combination of two simple harmonic functions, in terms of the first and second harmonics of the crank angle. Albeit the exact mathematical description relating the input and output links exists it is not conducive to a kinematic design for dynamic performance. In contrast the approximate equations derived in this paper enable function generation of RSSR four bar mechanisms in which the higher harmonics of the input link are minimized. This utility of the approximate equations are demonstrated through several mechanism design examples.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Cytochemical localization of uricase and catalase in developing root nodules of soybean

Two different cytochemical methods were used to study the localization of uricase (EC 1.7.3.3) and catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) in developing root nodules of soybean (Glycine max) inoculated as seeds withBradyrhizobium japonicum. One of the methods employs DAB (3,3′-diaminobenzidine) and detects uricase activity indirectly by coupling it to endogenous catalase activity. The other method utilizes cerium chloride to detect uricase activity directly. These methods were modified to obtain not only a strong staining reaction but also improved ultrastructural preservation. With the indirect DAB method, intense staining indicative of both uricase and catalase activity was obtained in the enlarged peroxisomes of older uninfected cells. Similar staining was observed in enlarging peroxisomes of younger uninfected cells, and in the material of associated sacs whose bounding membranes appear to arise as distensions of the ER. The observations are discussed in relation to the controversial role of the ER in peroxisome biogenesis. Although the small peroxisome-like organelles of infected cells did not give a clearly positive reaction in the indirect DAB method, they reacted positively in the cerium chloride method, and are considered to be peroxisomes.
Why Researchers Don't Study Women: The Responses of 62 Researchers

Sixty-two researchers accounting for 64 single-sex studies that appeared in 1970 1971 issues of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reported why they had limited their studies to a single sex and why they had preferred either males or females for their studies. Also, articles and abstracts were read as a way of checking researchers' reporting practices. The replies were analyzed for thematic content and formed three major types: scientific (56%), practical (28%), and extrascientific (15%). The responses helped to explain why there has been an imbalance in psychology which led to the study of men rather than women instead of the exploration of both sexes. Sggestions are offered to help counteract this trend in future psychological research and reporting.
Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements in spark-processed blue and green emitting silicon

Abstract Time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements on spark-processed Si ( sp -Si) are compared with those on dry-oxidized porous Si ( p -Si). Both types of substances yield non-exponential decay times in the nanosecond region which are essentially independent of the detection wavelength. However, subtle differences between photoluminescing sp -Si and oxidized p -Si exist. Specifically, blue/violet emitting sp -Si has a peak wavelength near 410 nm (3eV) under steady state conditions whereas oxidized p -Si luminesces with a maximum centred around 460–480 nm (2.7 – 2.58eV). Further differences include the peak structures in the PL spectra, the decay dynamics, and certain features in the lifetime distribution. It is concluded from the data that sp -Si and p -Si derive their PL from somewhat different mechanisms. Moreover, differences in decay times between SiO 2 and sp -Si suggest that silica does not seem to be the major cause for PL in sp -Si.
Cell-Type Independent MYC Target Genes Reveal a Primordial Signature Involved in Biomass Accumulation

The functions of key oncogenic transcription factors independent of context have not been fully delineated despite our richer understanding of the genetic alterations in human cancers. The MYC oncogene, which produces the Myc transcription factor, is frequently altered in human cancer and is a major regulatory hub for many cancers. In this regard, we sought to unravel the primordial signature of Myc function by using high-throughput genomic approaches to identify the cell-type independent core Myc target gene signature. Using a model of human B lymphoma cells bearing inducible MYC, we identified a stringent set of direct Myc target genes via chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), global nuclear run-on assay, and changes in mRNA levels. We also identified direct Myc targets in human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We further document that a Myc core signature (MCS) set of target genes is shared in mouse and human ESCs as well as in four other human cancer cell types. Remarkably, the expression of the MCS correlates with MYC expression in a cell-type independent manner across 8,129 microarray samples, which include 312 cell and tissue types. Furthermore, the expression of the MCS is elevated in vivo in Eμ-Myc transgenic murine lymphoma cells as compared with premalignant or normal B lymphocytes. Expression of the MCS in human B cell lymphomas, acute leukemia, lung cancers or Ewing sarcomas has the highest correlation with MYC expression. Annotation of this gene signature reveals Myc's primordial function in RNA processing, ribosome biogenesis and biomass accumulation as its key roles in cancer and stem cells.
Exponentially accurate spectral and spectral element methods for fractional ODEs

Current discretizations of fractional differential equations lead to numerical solutions of low order of accuracy. Here, we present different methods for fractional ODEs that lead to exponentially fast decay of the error. First, we develop a Petrov-Galerkin (PG) spectral method for Fractional Initial-Value Problems (FIVPs) of the form D t ? 0 u ( t ) = f ( t ) and Fractional Final-Value Problems (FFVPs) D T ? t u ( t ) = g ( t ) , where ? ? ( 0 , 1 ) , subject to Dirichlet initial/final conditions. These schemes are developed based on a new spectral theory for fractional Sturm-Liouville problems (FSLPs), which has been recently developed in 1]. Specifically, we obtain solutions to FIVPs and FFVPs in terms of the new fractional (non-polynomial) basis functions, called Jacobi polyfractonomials, which are the eigenfunctions of the FSLP of first kind (FSLP-I). Correspondingly, we employ another space of test functions as the span of polyfractonomial eigenfunctions of the FSLP of second kind (FSLP-II). Subsequently, we develop a Discontinuous Spectral Method (DSM) of Petrov-Galerkin sense for the aforementioned FIVPs and FFVPs, where the basis functions do not satisfy the initial/final conditions. Finally, we extend the DSM scheme to a Discontinuous Spectral Element Method (DSEM) for efficient longer time-integration and adaptive refinement. In these discontinuous schemes, we employ the asymptotic eigensolutions to FSLP-I & -II, which are of Jacobi polynomial forms, as basis and test functions. Our numerical tests confirm the exponential/algebraic convergence, respectively, in p- and h-refinements, for various test cases with integer- and fractional-order solutions.
N-tuple S&P patterns across decades, 1950–2011

Numerous studies have analyzed the movements of the S&P 500 index using several methodologies such as technical analysis, econometric modeling, time series techniques and theories from behavioral finance. In this paper we take a novel approach. We use daily closing prices for the S&P 500 index for a very long period from 1/3/1950 to 7/19/2011 for a total of 15,488 daily observations. We then investigate the up and down movements and their combinations for 1–7 days giving us multiple possible patterns for over six decades. Some patterns of each type are more dominant across decades. We split the data into training and validation sets and then select the dominant patterns to build conditional forecasts in several ways, including using a decision tree methodology. The best model is correct 51 % of the time on the validation set when forecasting a down day, and 61 % when forecasting an up day. We show that certain conditional forecasts outperform the unconditional random walk model.
Muscarinic regulation of intracellular signaling and neurosecretion in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons.

Agonist activation of cholinergic receptors expressed in perifused hypothalamic and immortalized GnRH-producing (GT1–7) cells induced prominent peaks in GnRH release, each followed by a rapid decrease, a transient plateau, and a decline to below basal levels. The complex profile of GnRH release suggested that acetylcholine (ACh) acts through different cholinergic receptor subtypes to exert stimulatory and inhibitory effects on GnRH release. Whereas activation of nicotinic receptors caused a transient increase in GnRH release, activation of muscarinic receptors inhibited basal GnRH release. Nanomolar concentrations of ACh caused dose-dependent inhibition of cAMP production that was prevented by pertussis toxin (PTX), consistent with the activation of a plasma-membrane Gi protein. Micromolar concentrations of ACh also caused an increase in phosphoinositide hydrolysis that was inhibited by the M1 receptor antagonist, pirenzepine. In ACh-treated cells, immunoblot analysis revealed that membrane-associated Gαq...
A rapid oxime linker-based library approach to identification of bivalent inhibitors of the Yersinia pestis protein-tyrosine phosphatase, YopH

A bivalent tethered approach toward YopH inhibitor development is presented that joins aldehydes with mixtures of bis-aminooxy-containing linkers using oxime coupling. The methodology is characterized by its facility and ease of use and its ability to rapidly identify low micromolar affinity inhibitors. The generality of the approach may potentially make it amenable to the development of bivalent inhibitors directed against other phosphatases.
Performance and design of Farrow filter used for arbitrary resampling

The Farrow filter (1988) is a multirate filter structure which offers the option of continuously adjustable resample ratio. This paper presents a derivation of the method proposed by Farrow, and demonstrates the performance and complexity of resampling filters using his technique. The paper also develops some important system options made available to the designer as spin-offs of the derivation.
Phytoestrogens and Cardiovascular Disease Where’s the Meat?

The potential role of phytoestrogens in postmenopausal women’s health has been an area of intense interest in recent years and, a report1 in this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology adds to this body of knowledge. While there are several different classes of phytoestrogens, much of the recent phytoestrogen research has focused on the isoflavones, most common in soybeans, with some attention on lignans that are abundant in flaxseed. Since cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in postmenopausal women, it is important that potential new therapies have proven benefits for CVD risk. Although there are many women taking phytoestrogens to maintain their health postmenopausally, there is only one rather small observational study that has linked phytoestrogen intake with cardiovascular morbidity or mortality.2 The results of this nested case-control study were that serum enterolactone concentrations (a lignan metabolite) were lower in men with acute coronary events compared with controls.2 See page 1316 What is the evidence that phytoestrogens might reduce CVD risk? Data in animal models have shown that soy protein with its isoflavones, compared with isoflavone-devoid soy, can inhibit atherosclerosis.3–6⇓⇓⇓ One study in rabbits found that high doses of an isoflavone extract reduced atherosclerosis.7 Two studies in rabbits found an anti-atherogenic effect of flaxseed containing lignans,8,9⇓ and in one, treatment with the primary lignan in flax inhibited atherogenesis.9 Recent cardiovascular research with phytoestrogens in humans has focused largely on risk factors for CVD, including plasma lipoprotein concentrations and to a lesser extent vascular function, LDL oxidation, and blood pressure.10,11⇓ Much of the research in humans to date has been small, short-term clinical trials using relatively high amounts of soy, isoflavone, or flaxseed supplementation. Taken on balance, these studies suggest that soy with higher …
Periodically porous top electrodes on vertical nanowire arrays for highly sensitive gas detection

Nanowires of various materials and configurations have been shown to be highly effective in the detection of chemical and biological species. In this paper, we report a novel, nanosphere-enabled approach to fabricating highly sensitive gas sensors based on ordered arrays of vertically aligned silicon nanowires topped with a periodically porous top electrode. The vertical array configuration helps to greatly increase the sensitivity of the sensor while the pores in the top electrode layer significantly improve sensing response times by allowing analyte gases to pass through freely. Herein, we show highly sensitive detection to both nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) and ammonia (NH(3)) in humidified air. NO(2) detection down to 10 parts per billion (ppb) is demonstrated and an order-of-magnitude improvement in sensor response time is shown in the detection of NH(3).
Dynsyl: a general-purpose dynamic simulator for chemical processes

Abstract DYNSYL was developed at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLL) in order to provide a means of simulating chemical process dynamics in nuclear fuel processing systems. The program is a modification of DYNSYS with several new subroutines for process unit simulation. The program can be used to generate process data or to provide estimates of process performance; it simulates both steady-state and dynamic behavior. This report describes the overall structure of DYNSYL and includes some example problems.
Mechanisms of middle ear aeration: anatomic and physiologic evidence in primates.

Proper aeration is a prerequisite for normal middle ear function in all terrestrial mammals. Our previous studies in primates provided anatomic evidence of neural circuits between the middle ear, brain, and eustachian tube by which central respiratory neurons can control middle ear aeration. Yet mechanisms that regulate middle ear aeration remain poorly understood. This study extends our research by examining maturation of these neural circuits, and investigating their underlying physiology. Ultrastructural examination of tympanic nerves, the afferent limb of the neural circuit, in an age-graded series of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) showed substantial differences between newborn, young, and adult animals. These included a twofold increase in average myelin thickness, and greater than threefold increase in the ratio of myelinated to un-myelinated fibers from newborn to adult animals. These marked developmental changes may translate into functional differences in regulation of middle ear aeration in young animals, and possibly explain the extraordinarily high incidence of middle ear disease in early childhood. In physiologic experiments, bilateral electromyographic responses were recorded from eustachian tube muscles, the efferent limb of the neural circuit, in adult monkeys after ipsilateral stimulation of the tympanic nerve. Response latencies were 9 to 28 msec, similar to those of other multi-synaptic bilateral brainstem reflexes. These physiologic data strongly suggest a concept of active control of middle ear aeration by respiratory neurons in the brain.
Multichannel Adaptive Stochastic Filtering for Active Noise Control in Personal Computers

In this paper, the feasibility of using active noise control inside personal computers is demonstrated by applying an adaptive filter to Hewlett-Packard's Blackbird 002 Gaming PC. Conditions relating the control signals and the sound heard by an external listener are presented as a means of evaluating the hardware design before applying the adaptive filter. A multichannel stochastic adaptive filter is derived by vectorizing the equations and applying gradient descent and Newton's method. For implementation purposes, data-based approximations to the gradient and hessian are provided. It is shown that a 6dB reduction in sound pressure level is obtainable by adding reference microphones, error microphones, a speaker, and some acoustical foam into the system even though the length of the noise cancelation system is small, approx. 6", compared to the fundamental wavelength of the noise, approx 23".
Hydramethylnon potentiation in Solenopsis invicta by infection with the microsporidium Thelohania solenopsae

Laboratory and field evaluations were conducted in which hydramethylnon treatments were made against Solenopsis invicta individuals and colonies that were either infected or uninfected with Thelohania solenopsae. In laboratory experiments, polygynous T. solenopsae-infected colonies of S. invicta exhibited significantly greater cumulative mortality than uninfected colonies when exposed to hydramethylnon, a respiratory-inhibiting insecticide. By day 21, nearly 100% of the individuals in the T. solenopsae-infected colonies were dead whereas only about 50% of the individuals in the uninfected colonies were dead. In addition to a higher cumulative mortality among T. solenopsae-infected workers, queens from infected colonies exhibited higher mortality than those from uninfected colonies. Similar results were observed in field studies in which fire ant-infested pasture was treated with hydramethylnon. The number of T. solenopsae-infected colonies decreased much faster relative to uninfected colonies in the same area. The initial rate of decline was 1.3 mounds/plot/day among T. solenopsae-infected colonies compared with a decrease of 0.4 mounds/plot/day among uninfected colonies. Insecticide toxicity bioassay data supported our hypothesis that T. solenopsae infection can potentiate the toxicity of hydramethylnon. T. solenopsae-infected workers were 2.4-fold more susceptible to hydramethylnon than uninfected workers in toxicity bioassays.
Dependence of Fourier spectrum amplitudes of recorded earthquake accelerations on magnitude, local soil conditions and on depth of sediments

New empirical scaling equations of Fourier amplitude spectra of strong earthquake shaking are presented for the site characterization in terms of local geologic and local soil conditions simultaneously. It is shown that using only the local soil site classification may lead to biased results, and it is suggested that both soil and geologic conditions should be used together in estimation of the site specific spectrum amplitudes.
Light-weight salient foreground detection for embedded smart cameras

An embedded smart camera is a stand-alone unit that not only captures images, but also includes a processor, memory and communication interface. Battery-powered, embedded smart cameras introduce many additional challenges since they have very limited resources, such as energy, processing power and memory. Computer vision algorithms running on these camera boards should be light-weight and efficient. Considering the memory requirements of an algorithm and its portability to an embedded processor should be an integral part of the algorithm design in addition to the accuracy requirements. This paper presents a light-weight and efficient background modeling and foreground detection algorithm that is highly robust against lighting variations and non-static backgrounds including scenes with swaying trees, water fountains and rain. Compared to many traditional methods, the memory requirement for the data saved for each pixel is very small in the proposed algorithm. Moreover, the number of memory accesses and instructions are adaptive, and are decreased depending on the amount of activity in the scene. Each pixel is treated differently based on its history, and instead of requiring the same number of memory accesses and instructions for every pixel, we require less instructions for stable background pixels. The plot of the number of unstable pixels at each frame also serves as a tool to find the video portions with high activity. The proposed method selectively updates the background model with an automatically adaptive rate, thus can adapt to rapid changes. As opposed to traditional methods, pixels are not always treated individually, and information about neighbors is incorporated into decision making. The results obtained with nine challenging outdoor and indoor sequences are presented, and compared with the results of different state-of-the-art background subtraction methods. The ROC curves and memory comparison of different background subtraction methods are also provided. The experimental results demonstrate the success of the proposed light-weight salient foreground detection method.
Measuring Flexural Rigidity of Fabrics by a Vibrating Disk Method

目的 音のエネルギにて振動を与え, 布などの動的「曲げ剛さ」を試料の異方性にかかわりなく一元的な値で求める. 成果 織物, メリヤスなど繊維製品については, ほぼ全面的に本測定法を適用しうる.
Platinum chloride complexes containing 6-[9,9-di(2-ethylhexyl)-7-R-9H-fluoren-2-yl]-2,2'-bipyridine ligand (R = NO2, CHO, benzothiazol-2-yl, n-Bu, carbazol-9-yl, NPh2): tunable photophysics and reverse saturable absorption.

Six new platinum(II) chloride complexes 1–6 containing a 6-[9,9-di(2-ethylhexyl)-7-R-9H-fluoren-2-yl]-2,2′-bipyridine (R = NO2, CHO, benzothiazol-2-yl (BTZ), n-Bu, carbazol-9-yl (CBZ), NPh2) ligand were synthesized and characterized. The influence of the electron-donating or electron-withdrawing substituent at the 7-position of the fluorenyl component on the photophysics of these complexes was systematically investigated by spectroscopic methods and simulated by time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Electron-withdrawing or -donating substituents exert distinct effects on the photophysics of the complexes. All complexes feature a low-energy, broad 1MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer)/1ILCT (intraligand charge transfer)/1π,π* absorption band (tail) above ca. 430 nm and a major absorption band(s) between 320 and 430 nm, which admix 1MLCT, 1π,π*, 1ILCT, and/or 1LLCT (ligand-to-ligand charge transfer) characters. The contributions of different configurations to the major absorption band(s) vary ...
Petrolatum: interference with the oxidation of arachidonic acid.

SUMMARY Microsomal preparations from petrolatum-treated wound skin contained significantly less arachidonic acid-dependent oxidative capacity when compared to activities in untreated wounded skin (t = 6.06, P < 0.001). Microsomes from both untreated and petrolatum-treated wounded skin produced similar quantities of PGE2 and PGF2α; however, microsomal lipoxygenase activity in petrolatum-treated wounded skin was depressed when compared to that in untreated wounded skin. Microsomal preparations from normal pig skin treated with petrolatum oxidized arachidonic acid at a similar rate to those from untreated control skin. Increasing quantities of petrolatum progressively inhibited the synthesis of PGE2 and PGF2α by fetal calf skin microsomes in vitro as determined by both the oxidation of arachidonic acid and the quantification of radioactive product. Topical application of banal compounds that contain lipid substances may therefore alter the cutaneous inflammatory response by local suppression of pathways that generate hydroxy-fatty acids, substances that are known to be chemotactic and pro-inflammatory.
Comparison of Antiplaque Agents Using an In Vitro Assay Reflecting Oral Conditions

An in vitro assay is described using saliva-treated bovine enamel slabs for determining the potential of chemotherapeutic agents to adsorb to tooth surfaces and act against plaque-forming bacteria. Chlorhexidine was found to inhibit the formation of in vitro plaque by Actinomyces viscosus, A naeslundii, Streptococcus mutans and S sanguis. Actinobolin was found to have marked antibacterial properties but limited adsorptive qualities.
Serum C-reactive protein levels correlate with clinical response in patients treated with antibiotics for wound infections after spinal surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) have been used to diagnose postoperative infections after spinal surgery. However, it has not been demonstrated if resolution of the signs and symptoms of postoperative spinal wound infections in patients who are being treated with intravenous antibiotics correlates with these markers. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine if improvement of the signs and symptoms of postoperative wound infection after spinal surgery correlates with a decrease in serum CRP and ESR while intravenous antibiotics are administered. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. PATIENT SAMPLE: The study consisted of 21 patients (mean age 63.8 years; 13 female, 8 male) with postoperative wound infections after spinal surgery. They were studied for a minimum of 20 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: CRP and ESR were measured at the time of diagnosis and at serial time-points. METHODS: All patients received intravenous antibiotic therapy for 6–8 weeks. Patients were monitored for clinical signs and symptoms of infection such as fever, drainage, erythema, or a need for continued wound packing at 4, 7, and 20 weeks after being diagnosed with a wound infection. RESULTS: The average CRP for all 21 patients at time of diagnosis was 11.769.0 mg/dL (range 1.2 to 37.8 mg/dL). At the 4-week time-point, 16 patients (‘‘early responders’’) showed clinical improvement with no fevers, no wound drainage, no erythema, and no need for wound packing. The average CRP of this group at the 4-week time-point decreased to 0.360.5 mg/dL. In contrast, at the 4-week time-point five patients (‘‘late responders’’) still had signs and symptoms of infection (2 with continuing drainage requiring wound packing; 1 with vertebral osteomyelitis requiring irrigation and debridement; 2 with erythema without fevers). The average CRP for this group was still elevated at the 4-week time-point at 7.363.5 mg/dL. The CRP value difference was statistically significant between the two groups (p!.05). As treatment continued, at the 20-week time-point the average CRP of the late responders gradually decreased to 0.860.8 mg/dL, which was not statistically different from that of the early responders (average CRP50.661.1 mg/dL). All 21 patients had resolution of infection at the 20-week time-point. The ESR did not correlate well with clinical improvement. At time of diagnosis, the ESR of both early responders (average557.6627.6 mm/hr) and late responders (average564.0621.9 mm/hr) was elevated. It remained elevated for both groups from the beginning of the study to the end at all time-points. The final ESR at the 20-week time-point was not different between the early responders and late responders (average527.6622.3 mm/hr vs. 31.062.6 mm/hr, respectively; pO.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that CRP may be of value in following the treatment response to antibiotics in wound infections after spinal surgery. The ESR can remain elevated in the presence
Use of carbon‐11 in Populus shows that exogenous jasmonic acid increases biosynthesis of isoprene from recently fixed carbon

A new approach for pulse labelling of plants using the short-lived positron emitting radioisotope carbon-11 (halflife: 20.4 min) as 11 CO 2 is reported together with its application to measuring [ 11 C]isoprene emissions from intact leaves capturing information associated with: (1) rate of emission; (2) the relative contribution of recently fixed carbon to isoprene biosynthesis; and (3) the transit time for tracer movement through the leaf and biochemical pathways associated with isoprene biosynthesis. This approach was applied to study the response of certain Populus species to exogenous treatments of jasmonic acid (JA), a plant hormone implicated in signal transduction linked to defence response against herbivory. Twelve hours after treatment of single intact leaves of aspen ( Populus tremuloides ) with a 1 m M JA spray, isoprene emissions from those leaves increased 1.5 times the controls from 35.4 ± 2.2 to 53.1 ± 4.8 nmol m - 2 s - 1 . [ 11 C]Isoprene emissions from the same leaves, reflecting the isoprene that was derived from recently fixed carbon, increased much more, to 2.2 times the controls. This increase coincided with a change in emitted [ 11 C]isoprene from 0.31 to 0.68% of 11 C fixed in the leaf tissue, while the tracer transit time remained constant at 12.5 min. These results suggest that JA had no effect on enzyme kinetics involved in isoprene biosynthesis, but did impact the source of recent carbon feeding that pathway. Studies with poplar ( Populus nigra clone NC 5271) showed similar trends in systemic emissions (from an untreated leaf on the same plant).
Brief Report: Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Among Pediatric Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Objective The purpose of the present study was to assess sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) behavioral symptoms among pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to determine the relationship of these behaviors with cognitive late effects. Methods ALL survivors (n ¼80) and a sibling control group (n ¼19) were administered intelligence (IQ) testing, achievement testing and SCT behavioral items. Group differences (patients vs. siblings) were examined on the SCT behaviors and partial correlations were conducted to explore the relationship of the SCT behaviors with IQ and achievement, while controlling for age at treatment and time since treatment. Results ALL survivors exhibited significantly more SCT symptoms than the sibling control group and increased SCT symptoms were associated with lower IQ and achievement scores. Conclusions ALL survivors are vulnerable to SCT symptoms and these behaviors are associated with cognitive late effects. SCT symptoms may represent a behavioral component of cognitive late effects.