cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous cytotoxicity by human peripheral blood monocytes: inhibition by monosaccharides and oligosaccharides.

Abstract The mechanism by which nonimmune cytotoxic effector cells recognize “foreign” targets for cytotoxic attack was investigated utilizing a model system in which cultured human monocytes become cytotoxic to a broad variety of xenogeneic erythrocyte target cells. Such spontaneously cytotoxic human monocytes lyse targets such as chicken (CRBC), horse (HRBC), and rat (RRBC) erythrocytes rapidly and without the addition of exogenous lectin or antibody. It was found that a variety of simple sugars were capable of blocking the expression of cytotoxicity by precultured human monocytes, and that different oligosaccharides blocked the killing of different targets. For example, cellobiose, aβ1–4 dimer of D(+) glucose, blocked CRBC and HRBC lysis in vitro , but had no effect on RRBC lysis. Arabinogalactan (a complex polysaccharide with a galactose β1–3 galactose backbone and galactose β1–6 galactose side chains with terminal arabinoses), however, blocked HRBC killing, but exhibited only minor inhibition of CRBC killing. Other aspects of cell-mediated function, including lymphocyte transformation to PHA, cell viability as assessed by trypan blue exclusion, monocyte phagocytosis of opsonized CRBC's, and PHA-induced cellular cytotoxicity of CRBC targets, were essentially intact in the presence of identical concentrations of oligosaccharides. Such target-specific inhibition is consistent with the hypothesis that cytotoxic human monocytes recognize various targets through surface receptors which interact with specific monosaccharide, disaccharide, and oligosaccharide sequences present on the target surface.
An Improved γ-Analysis Method for Process Security Analysis

Process security is a newly pronounced issue facing the chemical process industry in the post 11 September era. Traditional safety is no longer sufficient for a chemical plant; it must also be secure . However, systematic and effective quantitative methodologies for process security analysis are necessary. To address this issue, the γ-analysis method was introduced very recently by Uygun et al . (2003) as a process security analysis framework. By that method, a process security problem need be formulated as a minimum-time (to reach disaster) control problem. The method combines Pontryagin's minimum principle (with some modifications) with a discretization scheme to transform the security problem from a single dynamic-optimization problem to multiple static optimization problems, hence solving the process security problem without extensive system simulations. In this work, an improved γ-analysis method is introduced, which is featured by its first-order approximation to the time derivative function of a system model, as compared to the zero-order approximation during model discretization in the original implementation. This improvement can significantly reduce the number of optimization problems needed, thereby reducing computational requirements in on-line application. A reaction runaway example is studied to demonstrate the efficacy of the improved method, demonstrating that a 10-fold reduction in computational load can be achieved.
Benefits of Auditory Training for Aided Listening by Older Adults

Purpose In this article, the authors provide an overview of auditory training programs for aided listening by older adults, review criteria for evaluating effectiveness, summarize results of published studies, report on 2 training programs currently undergoing assessment, and discuss directions and needs for future research. Method Experiments are ongoing to evaluate 2 individual, computer-based speech-perception training programs: Indiana University (IU) word-based training and the Speech Perception Assessment and Training System (SPATS). Training and control subjects are older adults with mild-to-severe hearing loss. Subjects train for about 30 hr with monaurally presented, spectrally shaped stimuli (IU) or through loudspeakers with their own hearing aids (SPATS). Displays and feedback use auditory and visual/orthographic cues. Outcome measures include objective measures of speech recognition in noise and other training benefits. Results Significant improvements were observed in open-set recognition of ...
Using the past to shape the future: new concepts for a historic site

Ruth J. Abram is the founder and president of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum in New York City. An activist turned historian, Ms Abram holds graduate degrees in social welfare and American history, and has done pioneering work in the use of history for social issues. Her landmark work at the Tenement Museum has been widely covered in the media in the United States, including the New York Times, World News Tonight with Peter Jennings and the Public Broadcasting System series on the history of New York. Her work indeed sheds light on history from the point of view of those who are often left out of the history books.
Conducting properties and electron paramagnetic resonance of polyphenothiazine and polyphenoxazine ladder polymers

Abstract The conductivity of conjugated heterocyclic polymers of phenothiazine (PTL) and phenoxazine (POL) ladder structures is measured and compared to the spin concentrations studied using e.p.r. These polymers were doped with two typical p-type doping systems (I 2 and AsF 5 ) and protonic acid dopants (H 2 SO 4 and ClSO 3 H). Enhancement of the conductivity by doping is only three to four orders of magnitude, regardless of the difference in the doping systems, being only slightly higher with protonic acid dopants. In all cases the e.p.r. signal consists of a single symmetrical first-derivative line-shape. E.p.r. spectra were studied in order to determine: (a) the relative spin concentrations of the samples at room temperature (300K); (b) the temperature dependence of the e.p.r. linewidths and spin susceptibilities from 300 K to 450 K and (c) the spin-lattice ( T 1 ) and spin-spin ( T 2 ) relaxation times of the undoped and doped polymers at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K).
Sub-cultures as leverage for organisational learning and lean thinking

Sub-cultures within the organisation or the enterprise (a chain of organisations) rarely receive sufficient attention considering the role they play in sustaining or changing the dominant culture of an organisation. This paper specifically considers the role of sub-cultures as it addresses one step of a project to create, validate and use experimentally an indicator that captures the level of organisational learning for multiple levels of the organisational culture without the members of the organisation repeatedly completing the instrument. This is done through revisiting two case studies and comparing the results of the previous analysis of these cases to the rating scale created for the new instrument.
Black Female Executions in Historical Context

This article examines the systemic oppression of executed Black women from the earliest periods of American history. The most consistent factor in Black female executions throughout U.S. history is criminal justice authorities' executions of Black women largely for challenging gendered and racist exploitation. Colonial and antebellum slavery institutionalized the persecution of slave women, who often retaliated against oppressive brutality by killing White masters. White lynch mobs effectively augmented the legal killing of Black women in postbellum society and lowered Black female execution rates. Reduced to a peonage state in the apartheid of Jim Crow, Black women's crimes of resistance against White brutality paralleled those of slave women decades earlier. And despite the delusional expansion of civil rights and the sovereignty of Black people over the confines of segregation in the modern era, the racialized sexism of American criminal justice has rendered Black women ever more vulnerable to the deat...
Sacrifice and Community: Jewish Offering and Christian Eucharist – Matthew Levering

Book reviewed: Sacrifice and Community: Jewish Offering and Christian Eucharist, Matthew Levering, Blackwells Publishing 2005 (1-4051-3690-1), ix + 210 pp., pb $29.95
Aerodynamic design of axisymmetric hypersonic wind-tunnel nozzles using a least-squares/parabolized Navier-Stokes procedure

A new procedure unifying the best of present classical design practices, CFD and optimization procedures, is demonstrated for designing the aerodynamic lines of hypersonic wind tunnel nozzles. This procedure can be employed to design hypersonic wind tunnel nozzles with thick boundary layers where the classical design procedure has been demonstrated to break down. Advantages of this procedure allow full utilization of powerful CFD codes in the design process, solves an optimization problem to determine the new contour, may be used to design new nozzles or improve sections of existing nozzles, and automatically compensates the nozzle contour for viscous effects as part of the unified design procedure.
On limitations of transformations between combinatorial problems

We define a class of “local transformations” that includes many transformations from the NP-completeness literature. We then prove (without assuming P≠NP) that this type of transformation is too weak to transform 3SAT or a number of other NP-complete problems into 2SAT or a number of other problems in P. The proof uses concepts related to distributed computing.
Pyoderma gangrenosum after coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare cutaneous disorder that may complicate recovery after a cardiac operation. The lesions appear to represent a necrotizing infection; how-ever, they do not respond to surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. The treatment is based on high-dose corticosteroids and concomitant treatment of any underlying systemic disease.
Pharmacological inhibition of Mdm2 triggers growth arrest and promotes DNA breakage in mouse colon tumors and human colon cancer cells.

The p53 tumor suppressor protein performs a number of cellular functions, ranging from the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis to effects on DNA repair. Modulating p53 activity with Mdm2 inhibitors is a promising approach for treating cancer; however, it is presently unclear how the in vivo application of Mdm2 inhibitors impact the myriad processes orchestrated by p53. Since approximately half of all colon cancers (predominately cancers with microsatellite instability) are p53-normal, we assessed the anticancer activity of the Mdm2 inhibitor Nutlin-3 in the mouse azoxymethane (AOM) colon cancer model, in which p53 remains wild type. Using a cell line derived from an AOM-induced tumor, we found that four daily exposures to Nutlin-3 induced persistent p53 stabilization and cell cycle arrest without significant apoptosis. A 4-day dosing schedule in vivo generated a similar response in colon tumors; growth arrest without significantly increased apoptosis. In adjacent normal colon tissue, Nutlin-3 treatment reduced both cell proliferation and apoptosis. Surprisingly, Nutlin-3 induced a transient DNA damage response in tumors but not in adjacent normal tissue. Nutlin-3 likewise induced a transient DNA damage response in human colon cancer cells in a p53-dependent manner, and enhanced DNA strand breakage and cell death induced by doxorubicin. Our findings indicate that Mdm2 inhibitors not only trigger growth arrest, but may also stimulate p53's reported ability to slow homologous recombination repair. The potential impact of Nutlin-3 on DNA repair in tumors suggests that Mdm2 inhibitors may significantly accentuate the tumoricidal actions of certain therapeutic modalities. Mol. Carcinog. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of oxygen pressure on the orthorhombic-tetragonal transition in the high-temperature superconductor YBa 2 Cu 3 O x

High-resolution in situ x-ray-diffraction measurements were made of the lattice constants of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ as it was heated and cooled through the orthorhombic-tetragonal transition at a series of ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ pressures. The transition is sharp, continuous, and reversible in temperature and pressure. As ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ pressure is reduced from 1.0 to 0.005 atm, the transition temperature falls from 676\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C to 521\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C while oxygen content at the transition falls from 6.66\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 to 6.59\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02. Dilation along the c axis is observed as oxygen is removed. Under helium, an irreversible but time-dependent orthorhombic-to-tetragonal transition occurs during heating.
TREATMENT ACCEPTABILITY: A CRITICAL DIMENSION FOR OVERCOMING TEACHER RESISTANCE TO IMPLEMENTING ADAPTATIONS FOR MAINSTREAMED STUDENTS

Treatment acceptability is a critical factor that may influence the extent to which teachers implement effective classroom adaptations for mainstreamed students. We review the literature on teachers' perceptions of the acceptability of behavior management interventions, instructional modifications, and testing accommodations and offer suggestions for overcoming teachers' resistance to the use of classroom adaptations with mainstreamed students.
Detection of disruptions in the high-β spherical torus NSTX

This paper describes the prediction of disruptions based on diagnostic data in the high-β spherical torus NSTX [M. Ono, et al., Nuclear Fusion 40 , 557 (2000)]. The disruptive threshold values on many signals are examined. In some cases, raw diagnostic data can be used as a signal for disruption prediction. In others, the deviations of the plasma data from simple models provides the signal used to determine the proximity to disruption. However, no single signal and threshold value can form the basis for disruption prediction in NSTX; thresholds that produce an acceptable false positive rate have too large a missed or late warning rate, while combinations that produce an acceptable rate of missed or late warnings have an unacceptable false positive rate. To solve this problem, a novel means of combining multiple threshold tests has been developed. After being properly tuned, this algorithm can produce a false positive rate of 2.8%, with a late warning rate of 3.7% when applied to a database of ~2000 disruptions collected from three run campaigns. Furthermore, many of these false positives are triggered by near-disruptive MHD events that might indeed be disruptive in larger plasmas with more stored energy. However, the algorithm ismore » less efficient at detecting the MHD event that prompts the disruption process.« less
Static fatigue of glass: functional dependence of failure time on stress

Static fatigue of as-received Pyrex borosilicate glass was examined over a wide range of stress and failure time under constant temperature, relative humidity, and surface treatment. It was necessary to calculate the load on the sample from strain guage measurements. The mean log failure time was related to the reciprocal of stress or the reciprocal of stress squared; power law and direct proportionality to stress gave poorer fits.
Solutions for Research Chimpanzees

As one of humankind's closest animal relatives, the chimpanzee has proven to be a valuable but controversial research model. The author provides an overview of efforts to improve chimpanzee welfare, and describes a facility dedicated to providing lifelong care for these nonhuman primates following retirement from research.
Speech Segmentation using Extrema-Based Signal Track Length Measure

We introduce a novel temporal feature of a signal, namely extrema-based signal track length (ESTL) for the problem of speech segmentation. We show that ESTL measure is sensitive to both amplitude and frequency of the signal. The short-time ESTL (ST_ESTL) shows a promising way to capture the significant segments of speech signal, where the segments correspond to acoustic units of speech having distinct temporal waveforms. We compare ESTL based segmentation with ML and STM methods and find that it is as good as spectral feature based segmentation, but with lesser computational complexity.
Effects of serum and lipoproteins on steroidogenesis in cultured bovine luteal cells.

Abstract The effects of serum and lipoproteins on the function of bovine luteal cells in tissue culture were examined. Corpora lutea from regularly cycling dairy cows were dissociated with collagenase and cultured in Ham's F-12 medium with or without serum. The serum-free medium was supplemented with insulin, transferrin and hydrocortisone. Addition of LH to the serum-containing medium did not increase progesterone (P 4 ) production. When the luteal cells were cultured in serum-free medium, LH produced a dose-dependent increase ( P 4 production during the first 24 h of culture. The responsiveness of the cells to LH then gradually declined, and remained low until days 9–11 of culture, at which time the cells regained their ability to respond to LH. The luteal cells were responsive to dibutyryl cAMP in both serum-containing and serum-free medium. Serum lipoproteins (low and high density) were able to produce a 150–260% increase in progesterone production by the luteal cells cultured in serum-free medium. The results indicate that the presence of serum in the cell culture medium inhibits the responsiveness of luteal cells to LH at a step prior to the increase in cellular cAMP, and that serum lipoproteins can be used to increase progesterone production by cultured bovine luteal cells.
Some projective properties of fractional factorial designs

Abstract Fractional factorial designs have a long history of successful use in factor screening experiments. When only a few factors are expected to be relevant, knowledge of their low-dimension projections is valuable. The projection properties of the 2 R n – m fractional factorial design into any k dimensions ( k ⩽ R ) are well known. However, there is no further discussion on the projections of such design into any dimensions which are larger than R . In this paper, we provide a complete characterization of such projections into ( R + 1) to ( R + [( R − 1)/2]) dimensions.
Modulation characteristics of short-cavity strained-layer lasers

The low frequency response and damping behavior of four quantum well (4QW) graded-index separate confinement heterostructure (GRINSCH) and SCH strained-layer lasers are compared. The SCH laser is shown to be better in both respects due to a shorter carrier capture time into the quantum wells. A record 3-dB bandwidth of 28 GHz is reported for a 150 micrometers cavity length 4QW strained-layer SCH laser. The change in the differential gain, non-linear gain coefficient, and damping rate are studied as a function of the quantum well thickness and barrier height. It is found that decreasing the well thickness does not change the non-linear gain coefficient nor the differential gain appreciably in relatively deep wells. Shallower quantum wells, however, are observed to have lower differential gain and a higher damping rate.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
116. Sex differences in microglial morphology and number: Implications for function and behavior

Males and females exhibit marked differences in prevalence and age of onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. Males are more likely to have disorders that arise early in life (e.g. autism), whereas females exhibit disorders arising around puberty (e.g. depression). No sex-based neurobiological differences have been described that can explain this sexual dimorphism. We show that male rats and mice have increased numbers of microglia in the hippocampus (HP) at postnatal day 4 (P4) than females. Neonatally-infected male rats also display cognitive deficits in adulthood when subjected to a systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection that induces an exaggerated IL-1β response within the HP of these rats. On the contrary, females are protected from this inflammatory response and cognitive deficit. Microglia play a critical role in synaptic pruning during neurodevelopment. Thus, increased numbers of microglia in neonatal male compared to female mice during critical stages of early synapse formation and maturation may adversely subject males to early-life infection by affecting synaptic pruning function of microglia. Insufficient or excess synaptic pruning due to inflammatory microglia may have enduring consequences on behavior and cognition in adulthood. Ongoing studies are aimed at determining the underlying mechanism behind heightened susceptibility of males by using Cx3cr1 -cre x MyD88 -flox mice, as well as investigating differences in synaptic pruning abilities of male vs. female microglia either in the presence or absence of immune challenge.
Mexico and Colombia: Two Major Centres of Aboriginal Use of Hallucinogens

(1977). Mexico and Colombia: Two Major Centres of Aboriginal Use of Hallucinogens. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 173-176.
USE OF GLUCOSE ISOMERASE IN HOLLOW FIBER REACTORS

The immobilization of glucose isomerase in several types of asymmetric hollow fibers is described and evaluated experimentally. The time course of glucose production from 1M fructose at 60°C was similar for the free enzyme and for a hollow fiber enzyme reactor operated under total recycle. Stability of glucose isomerase in a hollow fiber reactor approached that of the free enzyme, although polysulfone fibers had to be preconditioned with an inert protein.
Sarcoidosis among children. A review.

Sarcoidosis, a disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis, is relatively rare in children. In the two series among children in the United States, all cases were in Negroes, and practically all were in the preadolescent or adolescent age group. Hilar lymph node enlargement was practically always present, ocular lesions were frequently present, and serious ones were not unusual. Among the most frequent significant laboratory findings in sarcoidosis among children are hyperglobulinemia, eosinophilia, leukopenia, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and elevated alkaline phosphatase. Corticosteroids and corticotrophin are the only agents presently available which can suppress the acute manifestations of sarcoidosis.
Childhood Brain Tumors: Parental Concerns and Stressors by Phase of Illness

The objective of this study is to identify common problems and helpful resources important to parents of children with brain tumors by illness phase and to determine associations with stress. Paren...
Why economists discount future benefits

Abstract I believe there is some confusion among non-economists as to why economists insist on discounting future benefits and costs (net benefits). In discussions with non-economists, I have encountered much resistance to and in some cases even hostility towards discounting the future net benefits of natural resources. I believe that at least some part of this comes from a lack of understanding as to why discounting makes sense. Economists postulate that the individual is the important unit in society in determining better or worse with respect to situations, and an analysis of the individual selecting the most preferred attainable situation indicates that individuals will be wealth maximizers. Extending the analysis to the market, indicates that for certain conditions the market equilibrium will be economically efficient; hence, if society is to contribute efficiently to this situation, they too will discount future net benefits. Two dynamic models are examined to explain and support these conclusions.
Asynchronous Techniques for System-on-Chip Design

SoC design will require asynchronous techniques as the large parameter variations across the chip will make it impossible to control delays in clock networks and other global signals efficiently. Initially, SoCs will be globally asynchronous and locally synchronous (GALS). But the complexity of the numerous asynchronous/synchronous interfaces required in a GALS will eventually lead to entirely asynchronous solutions. This paper introduces the main design principles, methods, and building blocks for asynchronous VLSI systems, with an emphasis on communication and synchronization. Asynchronous circuits with the only delay assumption of isochronic forks are called quasi-delay-insensitive (QDI). QDI is used in the paper as the basis for asynchronous logic. The paper discusses asynchronous handshake protocols for communication and the notion of validity/neutrality tests, and completion tree. Basic building blocks for sequencing, storage, function evaluation, and buses are described, and two alternative methods for the implementation of an arbitrary computation are explained. Issues of arbitration, and synchronization play an important role in complex distributed systems and especially in GALS. The two main asynchronous/synchronous interfaces needed in GALS-one based on synchronizer, the other on stoppable clock-are described and analyzed.
A reusable command and data handling system for university cubesat missions

A Command and Data Handling (C&DH) system is being developed as part of a series of CubeSat missions being built at the University of Texas at Austin Texas Spacecraft Laboratory (TSL). With concurrent development of four missions and with more missions planned for the future, the C&DH team is developing a system architecture that can support a variety of mission requirements. The presented research aims to establish a reference for the development of the C&DH system architecture so that it can be reused for future university missions.
Negative Regulation of T Cell Antigen Receptor Signal Transduction by Hematopoietic Tyrosine Phosphatase (HePTP)

The hematopoietic tyrosine phosphatase (HePTP) is predominantly expressed in thymocytes and T lymphocytes and at lower levels in other hematopoietic cells. Expression of the gene is enhanced by the T cell growth factor interleukin-2, suggesting a role for HePTP in T cell proliferation or differentiation. We report that HePTP blocks T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-induced transcriptional activation of a reporter gene driven by a nuclear factor of activated T cells(NFAT)/AP-1 element taken from the interleukin-2 gene promoter. This effect was specific to HePTP and was abolished by a mutation (C270S) that impaired its phosphatase activity. Co-expression of HePTP also reduced TCR-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase Erk2 and the TCR-induced appearance of phosphorylated Erk. In contrast, HePTP did not affect the activation of the N-terminal c-Jun kinase, Jnk. Together these findings suggest that HePTP plays an active negative role in TCR signaling by dephosphorylating one or several signaling molecules between the receptor and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.
Determination of melanotan II in rabbit urine using solid-phase extraction sample preparation followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract A solid-phase extraction (SPE) method has been developed for the isolation of melanotan II from rabbit urine. The proposed extraction method makes it possible to selectively isolate melanotan II without significant loss of the peptide. Standard curves obtained from high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of spiked urine extracts are linear from 0.1 to 4.0 μg/ml. The analytical method is shown to be highly reproducible, giving a relative standard deviation of less than 5% for both between-day and same-day analyses. The accuracy of the method obtained from standard plots ranges from −3.3 to 3.1%.
Interaction in an IVR Museum of Color: Constructivism Meets Virtual Reality

Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) environments would seem naturally to lend themselves to hands-on approaches to learning, but the success of such virtual “direct experience” depends heavily on the design of interface and interaction techniques. IVR presents surprisingly difficult interface challenges, and the study of interface and interaction design for educational IVR use is just beginning. In this paper, the authors discuss three issues encountered in the creation of an IVR-based educational project: the use of architectural spaces for structuring a sequence of modules, the tradeoffs between metaphorical fidelity and convenience, and the use of IVR in interaction with visualizations of abstract concepts.
Problems in health data analysis: the Maryland permanent pacemaker experience in 1979 and 1980.

In a recent report the Maryland statewide health data base, which is derived from “face sheet” data, was used to determine the appropriateness of permanent pacemaker insertion. In the present study the same indications were utilized and both the complete medical records and the face sheet were reviewed for those patients who had been classified as having permanent pacemakers inserted for inappropriate or questionable reasons. In 32 hospitals, 75% of the records were reviewed (610 of 817 patients). Although coded as having received permanent pacemakers, 16% had received temporary pacemakers, battery change, and the like. Diagnoses justifying permanent pacemaker insertion had been omitted in 53% of the face sheets, and coding errors were found in 39%. Although none of the 610 medical records reviewed had a valid indication for permanent pacemaker insertion listed on the face sheet, complete medical record review demonstrated valid indications in 95%. Inherent difficulties arise in attempting to list rigid indications for permanent pacemaker insertion. The face sheet does not provide adequate data for assessing the appropriateness of permanent pacemaker insertion.
A review of magnetic cellular automata systems

In this work, we provide a literature review of magnetic cellular automata (MCA) systems. Magnetic Cellular Automata offers promise of low power and room temperature operations. Experimental proof-of-concepts of various logical components are already demonstrated and tested. In architecture, various forms of field induced clocking have been proposed. We direct the authors to most of the achievements and lead them to an few open problems.
Switchable thin‐film surface prepared via a simple grafting‐to method using a polystyrene‐b‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) copolymer

1theoretically predicted that Yshaped AB copolymers grafted onto a flat surface should give rise to a rich variety of well-defined lateral nanostructures and novel patterns. However, there have only been a few experimental reports on Y-shaped AB diblock copolymer films primarily because they offer a greater synthetic challenge. In this paper, we report a synthetically simple approach to produce a Yshaped AB diblock copolymer brush. The terminal double bond of a SAM of 8-trichlorosilyloctene (OTS) was reacted under hydrosilyation conditions with polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) (Scheme 1) that contained a methylhydridosilane (SiMeH) group. We observed changes in surface properties upon treatment with block-selective solvents. To further decrease the miscibility of the two arms, the film was treated with methyl iodide to form quaternary ammonium groups on the P2VP block. After quarternization, the surface properties and morphologies under selective solvent treatments were also studied. Experimental Section Materials. 8-Trichlorosilyloctene (OTS) was from Gelest and distilled prior to use. The PS-b-P2VP (Scheme 1) was purchased from Polymer Source; for the PS block, Mn=23,100 g/mol and Mw/ Mn = 1.06; for the P2VP block, Mn =20,000 g/mol and Mw/ Mn =1.07. Instrumentation. Film thicknesses were determined by ellipsometry using a Gaertner model L116C ellipsometer. Water contact angles were determined using a Rame Hart NRL-100 goniometer with a controlled environment chamber and a tilting base mounted on a vibrationless table. ATR-FTIR spectra were obtained using a Nicolet System Model 730 spectrometer with a modified 4XF beam condenser (Harrick Scientific). AFM studies were made at ambient conditions on a multimode scanning probe microscope (Digital Instruments) in tapping mode. Preparation of Self-Assembled Monolayers. ATR crystals and silicon pieces were cleaned by ‘piranha’ solution at 90 o C for 1 h (70/30, v/v, concentrated H2SO4/30% H2O2). It should be noted that the “piranha” solution is extremely reactive and should be handled with care. After rinsing and drying, substrates were characterized by ATR-FTIR and ellipsometry. The SAM deposition was carried out in 20 mL of a 1mM solution of OTS (in anhydrous toluene) at 60 o
Channel characterization for galvanic coupled in vivo biomedical devices

This paper reports on experimental measurements performed on a human cadaver and equivalent phantom models to characterize the body as an electrical transmission medium. Since the human body supports current flow through various pathways established by intra-cellular and cellular membranes, an effective communication channel can be established between electrodes in direct contact with the skin and internal electrodes of an implant system. It is shown that the signal attenuation over the frequency range of 1–20MHz varies between −10dB to −40dB, and that, unlike inductive links or far-field coupling, direct line-of-site between coupling electrodes is not required. This general property of the human body as a conductive medium can be used to effectively power and communicate with ultra small in vivo low power devices using body worn electronics.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Hafnium Dioxide on TiN and Self-Assembled Monolayer Molecular Film

Hafnium dioxide (HfO 2 ) thin films with thicknesses ranging from 20 to 100 A have been grown in a viscous flow reactor using atomic layer deposition (ALD) with tetrakis(dimethylamido)hafnium(IV) and water as the reactants. HfO 2 ALD films are deposited successfully at 200°C on different molecular monolayers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses show a continuous growth of the HfO 2 layer on the self-assembled monolayer molecules. Electrical properties characterized by current-voltage measurements suggest that three parameters play important roles in determining the physical structure of HfO 2 , namely, the precursor pulse time, the sample exposure time, and the time for purging out an unreacted precursor. ALD conditions for different substrates have been optimized so that excellent electrical properties can be obtained for HfO 2 films on molecules. Transmission electron microscopy of 30 and 60 A ALD HfO 2 on TiN and molecular monolayers shows a continuous deposition of HfO 2 . This process enables the development of a class of molecular electronic devices, solid-state molecular memory devices.
APP-BP1 inhibits Aβ42 levels by interacting with Presenilin-1

The β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) is sequentially cleaved by the β- and then γ-secretase to generate the amyloid β-peptides Aβ40 and Aβ42. Increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratios trigger amyloid plaque formations in Alzheimer's disease (AD). APP binds to APP-BP1, but the biological consequence is not well understood. We report that when the endogenous APP-BP1 was suppressed by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), cell-associated Aβ42 was dramatically increased in APP695 expressing primary neurons. The accumulation of Aβ42 was accompanied by significant increases in APP and APP-CTF in APP-BP1 siRNA expressing neurons. In contrast, APP-BP1 overexpression in primary neurons significantly decreased the levels of Aβ and endogenous APP but not APLPs. We also investigated the potential mechanism of APP-BP1-mediated APP processing. APP-BP1 co-precipitated with Presenilin-1 (PS1) in native rat brain extracts, co-migrated with the γ-secretase components in brain membrane extracts in glycerol gradient centrifugation, and colocalized in primary neurons. Further, the endogenous PS1-CTF was significantly downregulated by APP-BP1 expression. Our data suggest that APP-BP1 may inhibit Aβ42 production by interacting with PS1 under physiological conditions.
Human and Environmental Factors Affect Patterns of Crop Diversity in an Ethiopian Highland Agroecosystem

The Ethiopian highlands are a center of diversity for numerous globally important crops. Heterogeneous landscapes, traditional agricultural practices, and inaccessibility have created and maintained diverse subsistence agroecosystems. We surveyed sixty-three farms in twelve communities of the Gamo highlands and found high levels of on-farm diversity of crop species and varieties. The extent and nature of this diversity are related to both ecological factors, namely elevation, and anthropogenic factors such as land-use history, accessibility to markets and extension, and strength and scale of farmer exchange networks. These human landscape features have the potential to both enhance and mediate effects of elevation and other environmental factors on crop diversity. The interaction of environmental and anthropogenic forces on the diversity of crops grown by farmers affects the strategies farmers employ to adapt their farming to changing conditions.
GPR30 differentially regulates short latency responses of luteinising hormone and prolactin secretion to oestradiol

Rapid, nongenomic actions of 17beta-oestradiol (E(2)) on hypothalamic neurones that may be relevant to reproductive function were described decades ago. The orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR30, was recently shown to bind oestrogens and to trigger rapid signalling in vitro, and is expressed in several rat and human brain regions, including the hypothalamus. We used two complementary approaches to investigate the role of GPR30 in hypothalamic responses to E(2) that are relevant to reproductive physiology. Serial blood sampling after the acute administration of the selective GPR30 agonist G1 was used to assess the role of GPR30 in short latency negative-feedback inhibition of luteinising hormone (LH) secretion and facilitation of prolactin secretion in ovariohysterectomised female rats. In vivo RNA interference (RNAi), mediated by adeno-associated virus-expressing small hairpin RNA (shRNA) infused into the mediobasal hypothalamus, was used to study the effects of GPR30 knockdown on these rapid responses to E(2). Longer-term actions of E(2) on female sexual behaviour (lordosis) were also examined in female rats subjected to in vivo RNAi. Administration of E(2) or G1 triggered a short latency surge of prolactin secretion, and animals subjected to GPR30 RNAi showed significantly less E(2)-dependent prolactin release than animals receiving control virus. G1 did not mimic E(2) negative-feedback inhibition of LH secretion, and GPR30 RNAi did not interfere with E(2) suppression of LH or facilitation of lordosis behaviour. These findings suggest that activation of GPR30 promotes short latency prolactin secretion but does not mediate E(2) negative-feedback inhibition of LH secretion or E(2) facilitation of female reproductive behaviour.
Clothing construction for students of merchandising: lecture versus laboratory

Two methods of teaching clothing construction to students of merchandising were compared using a lecture group, laboratory group and a control group. A pretest, post-test, and attitude questionnaire were administered to the lecture and laboratory groups. The control group took the pretest only. Statistical analysis of pretest and post-test data showed no significant difference in the amount of improvement between the lecture and laboratory groups, although there was a difference between groups on the pretest. The questionnaire indicated that attitudes were significantly higher (positive) in the laboratory group than in the lecture group, regardless of the amount of prior clothing construction experience. Implications of the study are that the lecture format of instruction is as effective as the laboratory in conveying principles of clothing construction, even though student attitude in the lecture was not as favourable as in the laboratory group.
FREE RADICALS FROM PHOTOREDUCTION OF HEMATOPORPHYRIN IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

—The anaerobic photoreduction of hematoporphyrin by organic reducing agents in fluid aqueous solutions has been studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Efficient photoreduction occurs with many hydrogen-atom or electron donors, including catechols, pyrogallol. hydroquinone. ascorbate, p-phenylenediamine, cysteine and glutathione. A combination of direct and spin-trapping measurements (using 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane) has been used to confirm production of radicals from both the porphyrin and the reducing agent in each system.
Bioavailability of carotenoids in human subjects

There is growing need for accurate information regarding the bioavailability of carotenoids, both with respect to carotenoids per se and to the vitamin A value of provitamin A carotenoids in foods or supplement preparations. Little quantitative information is currently available, owing primarily to the lack of adequate methods to assess carotenoid bioavailability. Methods applied to xenobiotic drugs are in most cases not useful for carotenoids, many of which circulate in appreciable quantities in human plasma. Reported ranges of carotenoid bioavailability (% dose absorbed) range from 1-99, and variability is generally high both within and between treatments. With the current methods, relative bioavailability is more readily assessed than absolute bioavailability. The most commonly applied methods include measuring the increase in plasma carotenoid concentration following chronic intervention, and use of postprandial chylomicron (PPC) carotenoid or retinyl ester response following a single dose of carotenoid. The advantages and limitations of these approaches, together with examples of each, are discussed. A new PPC approach utilizing extrinsic-stable-isotope-labelled vitamin A (2H4-labelled retinyl acetate) is under development in our laboratory, and examples of its application are presented. The currently available data suggest that oil solutions of carotenoids are more bioavailable than those from food matrices, and heating can improve the bioavailability of carotenoids from some food products. Increased availability of labelled carotenoids and retinoids should aid the development of reliable methods of carotenoid bioavailability assessment. Such data are needed for dietary recommendations, supplement formulation, and design of intervention strategies involving carotenoids.
Spectral and spatial shifts of post-ictal slow waves in temporal lobe seizures

Temporal lobe seizures have a significant chance to induce impairment of normal brain functions. Even after the termination of ictal discharges, during the post-ictal period, loss of consciousness, decreased responsiveness or other cognitive dysfunctions can persist. Previous studies have found various anatomical and functional abnormalities accompanying temporal lobe seizures, including an abnormal elevation of cortical slow waves. Intracranial electroencephalography studies have shown a prominent increase of lower frequency components during and following seizures that impair (complex partial seizures) but not those that preserve (simple partial seizures) normal consciousness and responsiveness. However, due to the limited spatial coverage of intracranial electroencephalography, the investigation of cortical slow waves cannot be easily extended to the whole brain. In this study, we used scalp electroencephalography to study the spectral features and spatial distribution of post-ictal slow waves with comprehensive spatial coverage. We studied simple partial, complex partial and secondarily generalized seizures in 28 patients with temporal lobe seizures. We used dense-array electroencephalography and source imaging to reconstruct the post-ictal slow-wave distribution. In the studied cohort, we found that a ‘global’ spectral power shift to lower frequencies accompanied the increased severity of seizures. The delta spectral power relative to higher frequency bands was highest for secondarily generalized seizures, followed by complex partial seizures and lastly simple partial seizures. In addition to this ‘global’ spectral shift, we found a ‘regional’ spatial shift in slow-wave activity. Secondarily generalized seizures and complex partial seizures exhibited increased slow waves distributed to frontal areas with spread to contralateral temporal and parietal regions than in simple partial seizures. These results revealed that a widespread cortical network including temporal and fronto-parietal cortex is involved in abnormal slow-wave activity following temporal lobe seizures. The differential spectral and spatial shifts of post-ictal electroencephalography activity in simple partial, complex partial and secondarily generalized seizures suggest a possible connection between cortical slow waves and behavioural and cognitive changes in a human epilepsy model.
Study of Oxtriphylline SA in 50 Asthmatics

Fifty clinically stable patients with asthma on maintenance theophylline therapy, mean dose of 15 mg kg-1 per day, were switched to an equivalent dose (X 1.56) of oxtriphylline SA for seven doses. All subjects remained clinically stable after the change during the study period. Oxtriphylline SA appears to be useful for the maintenance treatment of asthma and can be safely substituted for other theophylline maintenance regimens.
Trunking efficiency in multi-carrier CDMA systems

As CDMA systems reach capacity, infrastructure providers expand them by offering multi-carrier capability. The capacity of an n-carrier system is at least n times the capacity of a single-carrier system. Using both mathematical modeling and simulation, we investigate the extent to which this capacity can be extended by judicious mobile-to-carrier assignment algorithms. The mathematical modeling considers a multi-carrier system as a number of parallel blocking systems with load balancing. We rely on a heavy-traffic approximation to estimate the blocking probability and capacity improvements. The simulation is a Monte Carlo model of a multi-cell, n-carrier, IS-95, CDMA cellular system. Each replication converges power control for a random set of mobiles and accumulates RF outage statistics. The capacity of the system is represented as the mean number of mobiles that may be served with an a priori RF outage probability. We compare this capacity against that of a similar simulation of a system with a single carrier of n-times the bandwidth. The latter capacity constitutes an upper bound for the capacity of an n-carrier system with any carrier assignment discipline. In contrast to common sense about trunking systems, the additional capacity ("trunking efficiency") due to carrier assignment disciplines is small.
Deep Neck Fibromatosis After Diskectomy and Cervical Fusion: Case Series and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to report head and neck deep fibromatosis as part of the differential diagnosis of a firm painful neck mass after cervical fusion and diskectomy. CONCLUSION. Although they are rare tumors, fibromatosis tumors or desmoid tumors should be considered in a patient with a painful neck mass; a history of cervical spine surgery; and MRI findings showing a large, avidly enhancing, heterogeneous mass adjacent to surgical hardware that is hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging.
Negotiating Difficult Decisions: Coming Out versus Passing in the Workplace

Gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals face a lifetime of decisions concerning whether to come out and disclose their sexual orientation to others or to attempt to pass and keep their sexual orientation private. For lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults, the decision to disclose and claim their LGB identity in the workplace is a significant consideration with multiple possible implications. This article reviews literature regarding the decision to either come out or to pass in the workplace. A case study, with implications and suggestions for counselors, is presented.