cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THERMODYNAMICS OF MICROEMULSION FORMATION BY MIXTURES OF ANIONIC AND NONIONIC SURFACTANTS

ABSTRACT Type III microemulsions composed of anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, water, oil, and sodium chloride were studied as a function of the anionic/total surfactant ratio. The activity coefficient of each of the five components in the microemulsion phase was determined. The activity coefficients of the surfactant components in the microemulsions were also computed on a surfactant-only basis. There is substantial negative deviation from ideality of mixing between the dissimilar surfactants. Regular solution theory provides a poor description of the surfactant interaction. In order to test the practical utility of using anionic/nonionic surfactant mixtures in enhanced oil recovery, systems containing alcohol were studied to cover the entire range of surfactant compositions. The optimal salinity and solubilization parameter for the mixtures were found to be similar to the values for systems containing the single surfactants of which the mixture is composed.
Internal escape channel to improve the seating of full crowns with various marginal configurations: a follow-up study.

Abstract The effectiveness of an internal escape channel in improving the marginal adaptation of full crowns with various marginal configuration was investigated. Full crowns with 90-degree shoulders had a vertical discrepancy comparable to those of crowns with accentuated finish lines. Although an internal escape channel significantly improved the seating of a full crown with a 90-degree shoulder and 45-degree bevel, its vertical discrepancy was much higher than those of crowns with an accentuated finish line or a 90-degree shoulder.
Real-time decision making in multimodal face-to-face communication

1. ABSTRACT This paper describes an architecture and mechanism for simulating real-time decision making as observed in full-duplex, multimodal face-to-face interaction between humans. The work bridges between multimodal perception and multimodal action generation and allows flexible implementation of multimodal, fullduplex, conversational characters. It is part of a broad computational model of psychosocial dialogue skills called Ymir. The architecture has been tested with a prototype humanoid, Gandalf [34][35]. Gandalf can engage in taskoriented dialogue with a person and has been shown capable of fluid turn-taking and multimodal interaction [40]. The primary focus in this paper is the real-time decision-making (action selection) mechanism of Ymir and its relation to the multimodal perception and motor control systems.
Synthesis of Dodeca(Thymidine Phosphate) Containing (o-Carboran-1-yl)Methylphosphonate Internucleotide Linkage

Abstract The synthesis of dodeca(thymidylic phosphate) containing 3′-end (o-carboran-1-yl)methylphosphonate group instead of natural phosphodiester internucleotide linkage is described.
EFFECTS OF DISCLOSING ESSAY TOPICS FOR A NEW GRE WRITING TEST

To determine the effects on test performance and test validity of releasing GRE essay topics before an examination, some 300 prospective graduate students each wrote two essays, one on a previously unseen topic and one on a topic that was made available about two weeks before the test. Although for each of the four essay topics studied, performance was slightly better when a topic had been disclosed, analyses did not reveal any statistically significant effect of disclosure on test performance. Nor was there any detectable effect of disclosure on the meaning of test scores, as reflected in the relationship of test performance to several independent indicators of writing skill. Limitations of the study are discussed in terms of its generalizability to a high-stakes testing situation and the extent to which it addressed both the positive and the negative effects of disclosure.
Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Gene Expression in Theca Cells: Augmented Transcriptional Regulation and mRNA Stability in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Hyperandrogenism is characteristic of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Ovarian theca cells isolated from PCOS follicles and maintained in long-term culture produce elevated levels of progestins and androgens compared to normal theca cells. Augmented steroid production in PCOS theca cells is associated with changes in the expression of genes for several steroidogenic enzymes, including CYP11A1, which encodes cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage. Here, we further examined CYP11A1 gene expression, at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level in normal and PCOS theca cells propagated in long-term culture utilizing quantitative RT-PCR, functional promoter analyses, and mRNA degradation studies. The minimal element(s) that conferred increased basal and cAMP-dependent CYP11A1 promoter function were determined. CYP11A1 mRNA half-life in normal and PCOS theca cells was compared. Results of these cumulative studies showed that basal and forskolin stimulated steady state CYP11A1 mRNA abundance and CYP11A1 promoter activity were increased in PCOS theca cells. Deletion analysis of the CYP11A1 promoter demonstrated that augmented promoter function in PCOS theca cells results from increased basal regulation conferred by a minimal sequence between −160 and −90 bp of the transcriptional start site. The transcription factor, nuclear factor 1C2, was observed to regulate basal activity of this minimal CYP11A1 element. Examination of mRNA stability in normal and PCOS theca cells demonstrated that CYP11A1 mRNA half-life increased >2-fold, from approximately 9.22+/−1.62 h in normal cells, to 22.38+/−0.92 h in PCOS cells. Forskolin treatment did not prolong CYP11A1 mRNA stability in either normal or PCOS theca cells. The 5′-UTR of CYP11A1 mRNA confers increased basal mRNA stability in PCOS cells. In conclusion, these studies show that elevated steady state CYP11A1 mRNA abundance in PCOS cells results from increased transactivation of the CYP11A1 promoter and increased CYP11A1 mRNA stability.
6-Carboxyfluorescein And Structurally-Similar Molecules Inhibit DNA Binding And Repair By O6-Alkylguanine DNA Alkyltransferase

Human O⁶-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) repairs mutagenic O⁶-alkylguanine and O⁴-alkylthymine adducts in single-stranded and duplex DNAs. These activities protect normal cells and tumor cells against drugs that alkylate DNA; drugs that inactivate AGT are under test as chemotherapeutic enhancers. In studies using 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM)-labeled DNAs, AGT reduced the fluorescence intensity by ∼40% at binding saturation, whether the FAM was located at the 5' or the 3' end of the DNA. AGT protected residual fluorescence from quenching, indicating a solute-inaccessible binding site for FAM. Sedimentation equilibrium analyses showed that saturating AGT-stoichiometries were higher with FAM-labeled DNAs than with unlabeled DNAs, suggesting that the FAM provides a protein binding site that is not present in unlabeled DNAs. Additional fluorescence and sedimentation measurements showed that AGT forms a 1:1 complex with free FAM. Active site benzylation experiments and docking calculations support models in which the primary binding site is located in or near the active site of the enzyme. Electrophoretic analyses show that FAM inhibits DNA binding (IC₅₀∼76μM) and repair of DNA containing an O⁶-methylguanine residue (IC₅₀∼63μM). Similar results were obtained with other polycyclic aromatic compounds. These observations demonstrate the existence of a new class of non-covalent AGT-inhibitors. After optimization for binding-affinity, members of this class might be useful in cancer chemotherapy.
Production of Mucor pusillus acid protease in reconstituted whey.

Abstract Protease production by Mucor pusillus in reconstituted whey (5%) was maximal after five to six days at 35C and the amount of enzyme synthesized was comparable to that formed in a wheat bran medium. Sodium chloride hastened the release of protease into the medium; greatest stimulation was observed at 0.5 m concentration. The protease produced by M.pusillus in reconstituted whey and in wheat bran medium had the same general characteristics.
Optimization of Autologous Muscle Stem Cell Survival in the Denervated Hemilarynx

Objective: Current treatments for vocal fold paralysis are suboptimal in that they fail to restore dynamic function. Autologous muscle stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising potential therapy for vocal fold paralysis in that it can attenuate denervation-induced muscle atrophy and provide a vehicle for delivery of neurotrophic factors, thereby potentially selectively guiding reinnervation. The goal of this project was to characterize optimal conditions for injected autologous MSC survival in the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle following recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury by local administration of adjuvant factors. Study Design: Animal experiment. Methods: Unilateral RLN transection and sternocleidomastoid muscle (∼1 g) biopsies were performed in 20 male Wistar rats. One month later, 106 autologous MSCs labeled via retroviral-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transduction were injected into the denervated hemilarynx of each animal with one of four adjuvant therapies: cardiotoxin [(CTX) 10−5 M], insulin-like growth factor-1 [(IGF- 1) 100 μg/mL], ciliary neurotrophic factor [(CNTF) 50 μg/mL], or saline. Animals were euthanized 1 month later and larynges harvested, sectioned, and analyzed for MSC survival. Results: All specimens demonstrate extensive MSC survival, with fusion of the MSCs with the denervated myofibers. Based on mean fluorescent intensity of the laryngeal specimens, IGF-1 and CNTF had the greatest positive influence on MSC survival. Myofiber diameters demonstrated myofiber atrophy to be inversely related to MSC survival, with the least atrophy in the groups having the greatest MSC survival. Conclusions: Autologous MSC therapy may be a future treatment for vocal fold paralysis. These findings support a model whereby MSCs genetically engineered to secrete CNTF and/or IGF-1 may not only promote neural regeneration, but also enhance MSC survival in an autocrine fashion.
Use of intravenously administered immune globulin to prevent nosocomial sepsis in low birth weight infants: report of a pilot study.

To evaluate the use of intravenously administered immune globulin (IVIG) for prevention of sepsis in preterm infants, we administered IVIG in a protocol designed to maintain a therapeutic serum "larget level" of 700 mg/dl. The 200 patients who were ellgible for the study (600 to 2000 gm birth weight) were monitored throughout their initial hospitalization. Of these, 115 patients were randomly assigned in a double-blind, controlled trial to treatment and placebo groups. The remaining 85 infants were not randomly assigned to a group, by parental request, but were followed and analyzed separately. In one patient who received IVIG, transient tachycardia and a decrease in blood pressure developed during an infusion; resolution occurred promptly after the infusion was discontinued. No persistent hepatic or renal abnormalities were noted in either the IVIG- or the placebo-treated group. There were seven episodes of sepsis in the placebo group and nine in the group whose parents refused consent to the study. No infant who received IVIG acquired nosocomial sepsis ( p
Achieving efficient distributed scheduling with message queues in the cloud for many-task computing and high-performance computing

Task scheduling and execution over large scale, distributed systems plays an important role on achieving good performance and high system utilization. Due to the explosion of parallelism found in today's hardware, applications need to perform over-decomposition to deliver good performance; this over-decomposition is driving job management systems' requirements to support applications with a growing number of tasks with finer granularity. Our goal in this work is to provide a compact, light-weight, scalable, and distributed task execution framework (CloudKon) that builds upon cloud computing building blocks (Amazon EC2, SQS, and DynamoDB). Most of today's state-of-the-art job execution systems have predominantly Master/Slaves architectures, which have inherent limitations, such as scalability issues at extreme scales and single point of failures. On the other hand distributed job management systems are complex, and employ non-trivial load balancing algorithms to maintain good utilization. CloudKon is a distributed job management system that can support both HPC and MTC workloads with millions of tasks/jobs. We compare our work with other state-of-the-art job management systems including Sparrow and MATRIX. The results show that CloudKon delivers better scalability compared to other state-of-the-art systems for some metrics - all with a significantly smaller code-base (5%).
Hormonal control of excretion in the American cockroach. II. Preliminary purification of a diuretic and antidiuretic hormone.

a 1. 1. An in vitro rectal preparation has been devised which allows the measurement of lumen volume changes by the isotope dilution technique. 2. 2. This sensitive assay provided the necessary accuracy to determine small changes incurred when dilute endocrine samples from column chromatography were usedas the hormone. 3. 3. A diuretic hormone of a molecular weight greater than 30,000 and an antidiuretic hormone of about 8000 have been partially purified by gel filtration on columns of P-30 polyacrylamide. 4. 4. The purification scheme indicates that contaminates of low molecular weight are present in the terminal abdominal ganglion which could be released in the intact animal and also modify rectal water absorption.
Socioeconomic Achievements of Siblings in the Life Course New Findings from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study

About 8,500 graduates of Wisconsin high schools and a randomly selected brother or sister have been followed from 1957 through the early 1990s. Data include multiple measures of social background, ...
Numerical simulation of non-newtonian free shear flows at high reynolds numbers

Abstract The roll-up and pairing of a two-dimensional temporally evolving non-Newtonian mixing layer have been simulated numerically using two rheological models: the Oldroyd-B and FENE-P models. Simulations with the Oldroyd-B model were limited to moderate Weissenberg numbers due to instabilities that are related to the nature of the model which allows the polymer to extend indefinitely and therefore causes the normal stresses to grow rapidly. This happens whenever the product of the Weissenberg number and the dimensionless local extensional rate exceeds unity. Results from the FENE-P model showed that the global vortex structure as well as the roll-up and pairing times are not affected by viscoelasticity over the range of parameters studied. However, the vorticity distribution is changed with high intensification occurring in the braids as well as in some regions of the core. This intensification is identified with the build-up of high polymer first normal stresses. The examination of the evolution of the first normal stresses revealed that the stresses are initially entrained by the roll-up of the flow and then reach a steady state characterized by the absence of any extensional forces and a balance between shearing forces and the polymer relaxation stresses. In the case of the pairing, the global development of the flow does not show important changes from the Newtonian case. However, the presence of viscoelasticity leads to a faster rotational motion of the two parent vortices around each other. In agreement with experimental results, we observed a trend for smaller values of the minimal vorticity in the case of the viscoelastic flow as well as the tendency for the vortex structures to be more compact and to have longer life times than in the Newtonian fluid.
Effects of implantation temperature on the structure, composition and oxidation resistance of SiC

ɑ-SiC crystals were implanted with aluminum to a high dose at room temperature or 800°C. Studies by transmission electron microscopy showed that SiC was amorphized by room temperature implantation but remained crystalline at 800°C. Crystalline aluminum carbide was formed and aluminum redistribution took place in SiC implanted at 800°C. Implanted and unimplanted crystals were oxidized in 1 atm flowing oxygen at 1300°C. Amorphization led to accelerated oxidation of SiC. The oxidation resistance of SiC implanted at 800°C was comparable to that of pure SiC. The oxidation layers formed on SiC implanted at both temperatures consisted of silica embedded with mullite precipitates. The phase formation during implantation and oxidation is consistent with thermodynamic predictions.
Association of Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE_PGRS33 Polymorphism with Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics

There is evidence that some members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE_PGRS gene subfamily, including PE_PGRS33, may have a specific function in M. tuberculosis persistence. The impact of naturally-occurring PE_PGRS33 genetic variations on the virulence and transmissibility of clinical M. tuberculosis isolates is not known. We used PCR and DNA sequencing to identify genetic variations in the PE_PGRS33 gene in comparison with the sequenced laboratory strain, H37Rv, among 649 isolates from a population-based sample. The PE_PGRS33 alleles were placed into two groups, based on the effect of the sequence variations on the PE_PGRS33 protein, and their associations with clinical and epidemiological characteristics were assessed using multivariate logistic regression to control for potential confounding of host-related factors. Of the 639 isolates for which sequence data were obtained, 139 (21.8%) had PE_PGRS33 alleles that would result in a significant change to the PE_PGRS33 protein due to large insertions/deletions or frameshift mutations. These isolates were significantly associated with clustering based on genotype and absence of cavitations in the lungs, compared to isolates having PE_PGRS33 alleles that would result in no or minimal change to the PE_PGRS33 protein. The association of significant changes to PE_PGRS33 with clinical and epidemiological characteristics suggests that PE_PGRS33 may have an important role in M. tuberculosis persistence.
Conversion of aryl azides to O-alkyl imidates via modified Staudinger ligation.

o-Carboalkoxy triarylphosphines are shown to react with aryl azides to provide Staudinger ligation products bearing O-alkyl imidate linkages. This is in contrast to alkyl azides whose ligation to o-carboalkoxy triarylphosphines has been reported to yield amide-linked materials. This extension of the Staudinger ligation for coupling of abiotic reagents under biocompatible conditions highlights the utility of commercially available triarylphosphines through which suitable linkers can be attached via an ester moiety.
Porphyrins. XXXVII. Absorption and emission of weak complexes with acids, bases, and salts☆

Abstract Absorption and emission data are reported for species resulting from addition of acids, alkali, and metal salts to H 2 (Etio) (etioporphyrin) and H 2 (TPP) (tetraphenylporphyrin) in various organic solvents. With acid addition , dications of both TPP and Etio are observed in equilibrium with free base, and a monocation of Etio is also observed in acetone, but not in benzene. The fluorescence yield of H 4 (TPP)Cl 2 was approximately 0.1, and that of H 4 (TPP)Br 2 , about 0.01 in acetone. The fluorescence yield of H 4 (Etio)Cl 2 was approximately twice that of H 4 (Etio)Br 2 in THF. With alkali addition , absorption spectra show a predicted variation with metal, and all species show strong fluorescence and weak phosphorescence, which is consistent with only a small heavy atom effect. In addition, three distinct species were observed in the fluorescence of Na 2 (TPP) complexes in THF at 77 K. With metal salt addition , spectra closely resembling monocation and dication spectra are produced in acetone for Etio and TPP, respectively. For all cases studied, except perhaps uranyl salts with TPP, fluorescence yields agreed to within about 25% of that of H 3 (Etio) acetate for Etio complexes and about 25% of that of H 4 (TPP)Cl 2 for TPP complexes, indicating shielding of the metal salt from the porphyrin π cloud by solvent molecules.
Flow near a Continental Boundary Driven by an Oceanic Jet

Abstract To provide possible dynamical interpretations of the GulfStream-induced circulation in the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB), the inshore flow driven by a steady and straight jet in a homogeneous ocean is considered via similarity solutions. To isolate the curvature effect of the coastal boundary, the author first considers the case of a constant-depth ocean, from which various nonlinear flow regimes are discerned. When applied to the MAB, the model can explain the observed intrusion of the Gulf Stream water just downstream of Cape Hatteras where the coastline curves convexly. Over larger scales of the MAB, the scale analysis suggests the importance of the topography in the vorticity balance. When the topography is included, the similarity solution shows the strong flow to be confined offshore, flanked inshore by a weak counterflow, consistent with the observed slope sea gyre. There is in addition a flow convergence toward the inshore edge of the jet, consistent with the observed occurrence of the shel...
Frequency Synthesizer Failure Heuristics

A sufficient set of criteria is presented for the verification of frequency synthesizers. Failure modes are identified for automatic gain control (AGC), phase-locked loop (PLL), and voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) circuits. Low- and high-frequency noise, thermal, and vibration effects are presented for VCOs and PLLs.
Temperature dependence of phase response curves for drug-induced phase shifts.

The effectiveness of drugs active in phase-shifting the circadian rhythm of biolu minescent glow in the unicellular dinoflagellate Gonyaulax polyedra differs, depending upon the time of drug exposure (as pulses). For two drugs tested—cycloheximide and anisomycin, both inhibitors of cytosolic protein synthesis—this function, referred to as the drug phase response curve (dPRC), differs, depending upon the ambient temperature. Since dPRCs may differ at different drug concentrations, the effects observed may be attributable to differences in the effectiveness of or recovery from the drugs at different temperatures.
Slotless permanent magnet synchronous motor operation without a high resolution rotor angle sensor

An implementation for sinusoidal current control of a slotless permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with discrete Hall sensor position feedback is presented. To estimate the rotor position of the slotless PMSM, a flux estimation technique is used that takes advantage of the slotless machine's characteristically low inductance to limit flux estimation error. The rotor position is estimated using a reference model and the measured phase currents and voltages. At startup and very low speeds, discrete Hall sensors are used to limit the position estimation error to approximately /spl plusmn/30 electrical degrees and to prevent the flux estimators from drifting due to measurement noise and offset. The proposed sinusoidal control method reduces the torque pulsations present when Hall sensor position feedback alone is used and eliminates the need for high-resolution rotor angle sensors. The proposed control strategy is applied to a slotless PMSM drive system and implemented using a digital signal processor (DSP). Experiments are carried out for the system and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the control.
Multivalent Presentation of Antihantavirus Peptides on Nanoparticles Enhances Infection Blockade

Viral entry into susceptible host cells typically results from multivalent interactions between viral surface proteins and host entry receptors. In the case of Sin Nombre virus (SNV), a New World hantavirus that causes hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, infection involves the interaction between viral membrane surface glycoproteins and the human integrin α v β 3 . Currently, there are no therapeutic agents available which specifically target SNV. To address this problem, we used phage display selection of cyclic nonapeptides to identify peptides that bound SNV and specifically prevented SNV infection in vitro. We synthesized cyclic nonapeptides based on peptide sequences of phage demonstrating the strongest inhibition of infection, and in all cases, the isolated peptides were less effective at blocking infection (9.0% to 27.6% inhibition) than were the same peptides presented by phage (74.0% to 82.6% inhibition). Since peptides presented by the phage were pentavalent, we determined whether the identified peptides would show greater inhibition if presented in a multivalent format. We used carboxyl linkages to conjugate selected cyclic peptides to multivalent nanoparticles and tested infection inhibition. Two of the peptides, CLVRNLAWC and CQATTARNC, showed inhibition that was improved over that of the free format when presented on nanoparticles at a 4:1 nanoparticle-to-virus ratio (9.0% to 32.5% and 27.6% to 37.6%, respectively), with CQATTARNC inhibition surpassing 50% when nanoparticles were used at a 20:1 ratio versus virus. These data illustrate that multivalent inhibitors may disrupt polyvalent protein-protein interactions, such as those utilized for viral infection of host cells, and may represent a useful therapeutic approach.
Age-Related Decline in Ras/ERK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascade Is Linked to a Reduced Association Between Shc and EGF Receptor

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the proliferative capacity of cells declines with age. Using rat primary hepatocytes as a model system, we recently demonstrated that this age-related decline in the proliferative response to mitogenic stimulation is associated with decreased activities of both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p70 S6 kinase (p70(S6k)). To unravel the molecular basis for age-related defects in the ERK pathway, we have now characterized the upstream signaling events that occur after epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation in young and aged hepatocytes. As previously noted for ERK, the activities of both MEK (the kinase immediately upstream of ERK) and Ras following EGF stimulation were significantly lower in aged hepatocytes. An examination of the EGF receptor (EGFR) revealed a similar amount of EGFR in the two age groups. Likewise, EGFR and Shc, an adaptor protein that plays a crucial role in linking EGFR to Ras activation, underwent tyrosine phosphorylation to a similar degree in both young and aged hepatocytes. However, in aged cells Shc was unable to form stable complexes with EGFR after EGF stimulation. Our results suggest that a decrease in the association between Shc and EGFR in aged cells underlies the age-related declines in the ERK signaling cascade and in proliferative capacity.
MLDS: A flexible location directory service for tiered sensor networks

Many location based services, such as a those used in healthcare facilities to track medical personnel and equipment, need to keep track of mobile entities across wide areas. These services can be realized in a cost-effective and efficient manner using tiered sensor networks comprised of multiple wireless sensor networks connected by an IP network. To simplify the realization of such services, we present MLDS, a Multi-resolution location directory service for tiered sensor networks. MLDS provides a rich set of spatial query services ranging from simple queries about entity location, to complex nearest-neighbor queries. Furthermore, MLDS supports multiple query granularities which allow an application to achieve the desired tradeoff between query accuracy and communication cost. We implemented MLDS on Agimone, a unified middleware for sensor and IP networks. We then deployed and evaluated the service on a tiered sensor network testbed consisting of tmotes and PCs. Our experimental results show that, when compared to a centralized approach, MLDS achieves significant savings in communication cost while still providing a high degree of accuracy, both within a single sensor network and across multiple sensor networks.
Variable-rate variable-power non-coherent M-FSK scheme for power limited systems

In response to the ongoing demand for low power applications, the two first authors have recently proposed in F.F. Digham and M.-S. Alouini (2004) a discrete-modulation and fixed-power non-coherent M-ary frequency shift keying scheme. In this paper, we propose an extension of that work by studying a discrete-modulation and continuous-power (DMCP) scheme for further power saving over Nakagami fading channels. The modulation level and power assignment are selected in order to minimize the average transmitted power while meeting average spectral efficiency and bit error rate constraints. We further investigate the problem with an additional peak power constraint. In this case, the modulation switching thresholds are shifted to higher values yielding reduction in both the achievable average spectral efficiency and the average transmitted power. However, the power loading function can be re-shaped to maintain the same average power of transmission for the cases on no-peak and with-peak power constraints. This reshaping is designed so as to involve constant power portions which can be of interest from a practical stand point
Anti-tumor and radiosensitization activities of the iron chelator HDp44mT are mediated by effects on intracellular redox status.

Abstract A novel iron chelator, HDp44mT, has been reported to have potent anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells; however, the underlying mechanism of action is not well understood. In this study, we characterized the cytotoxic effect of HDp44mT in a chemo- and radio-resistant cell line (PC-3) of prostatic cancer origin. The activity of HDp44mT at nM concentrations was dependent on the intracellular GSH and atmospheric O 2 concentration, rather than iron deprivation. HDp44mT also radiosensitized PC-3 cells in a GSH-dependent manner. Interestingly, this radiosensitizing effect was observed under aerobic and, to a larger extent, hypoxic conditions, suggesting its potential utility as a radiosensitizer for some radioresistant tumors.
Heat generation associated with pressure-induced infiltration in a nanoporous silica gel

As a liquid moves in the nanopores of a silica gel, because of the hysteresis of sorption behavior, significant energy dissipation can take place. Through a calometric measurement, the characteristics of associated heat generation are investigated. The temperature variation increases with the mass of silica gel, which consists of a reversible part and an irreversible part. The residual temperature change is about 30% to 60% of the maximum temperature increase and can be accumulated as multiple loading cycles are applied.
Disavowing Craft at the Bauhaus: Hiding the Hand to Suggest Machine Manufacture

AbstractWhen in 1923 Walter Gropius called for a redirection of the Bauhaus curriculum toward industry, he dismissed the school's nineteenth-century aesthetic of hand craftsmanship and promoted a new, twentieth-century aesthetic of the machine, introducing the elements of what would later be recognized as a “Bauhaus style.” To advance the conceit that the Bauhaus workshops were being directed toward industrial production, Gropius supported stratagems to make the school's products appear to have been made by machine, regardless of how they were actually manufactured. This article looks at ways in which evidence of the hand was minimized in order to make Bauhaus metalwork seem as if it were factory made. This is demonstrated by comparing examples by Wilhelm Wagenfeld and Marianne Brandt from the metal workshop, and by studying the way metal objects were selectively chosen for reproduction in early Bauhaus publications, including some that were misleadingly pictured or even retouched to emphasize machinelike...
Intelligent control of the hierarchical agglomerative clustering process

The basic process of Hierarchical Agglomerative (HAG) clustering is described as a merging of clusters based on their proximity. The importance of the selected cluster distance measure in the determination of resulting clusters is pointed out. We note a fundamental distinction between the nearest neighbor cluster distance measure, Min, and the furthest neighbor measure, Max. The first favors the merging of large clusters while the later favors the merging of smaller clusters. We introduce a number of families of intercluster distance measures each of which can be parameterized along a scale characterizing their preference for merging larger or smaller clusters. We then consider the use of this distinction between distance measures as a way of controlling the hierarchical clustering process. Combining this with the ability of fuzzy systems modeling to formalize linguistic specifications, we see the emergence of a tool to add human like intelligence to the clustering process.
An Effective Computer-Based Requesting System for Persons with Rett Syndrome

Persons with Rett syndrome experience multiple disabilities including a severe movement disorder, motor planning difficulties, impaired cognitive functioning, and a severe language disorder. Until recently, persons with severe multiple disabilities often were denied access to critical skill training programs, such as augmentative communication instruction, due to unfounded beliefs in the poor prognosis of such intervention. The present study explores the use of a computer-based requesting system, employing animated graphics and touch-sensitive screen input, with three girls having a primary diagnosis of Rett syndrome. Results indicate that all three girls displayed increased item requesting when provided computer-based requesting instruction. Two of the students met and exceeded acquisition criteria for all training lexigrams, while the third student acquired only one of the initial three lexigrams. When provided the opportunity to differentially request liked and disliked foods, all three girls were foun...
Overheard Cell-Phone Conversations When Less Speech Is More Distracting

Why are people more irritated by nearby cell-phone conversations than by conversations between two people who are physically present? Overhearing someone on a cell phone means hearing only half of a conversation--a "halfalogue." We show that merely overhearing a halfalogue results in decreased performance on cognitive tasks designed to reflect the attentional demands of daily activities. By contrast, overhearing both sides of a cell-phone conversation or a monologue does not result in decreased performance. This may be because the content of a halfalogue is less predictable than both sides of a conversation. In a second experiment, we controlled for differences in acoustic factors between these types of overheard speech, establishing that it is the unpredictable informational content of halfalogues that results in distraction. Thus, we provide a cognitive explanation for why overheard cell-phone conversations are especially irritating: Less-predictable speech results in more distraction for a listener engaged in other tasks.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and laboratory stress: A meta-regression analysis

We performed a meta-regression analysis of 73 studies that examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness mitigates cardiovascular responses during and after acute laboratory stress in humans. The cumulative evidence indicates that fitness is related to slightly greater reactivity, but better recovery. However, effects varied according to several study features and were smallest in the better controlled studies. Fitness did not mitigate integrated stress responses such as heart rate and blood pressure, which were the focus of most of the studies we reviewed. Nonetheless, potentially important areas, particularly hemodynamic and vascular responses, have been understudied. Women, racial/ethnic groups, and cardiovascular patients were underrepresented. Randomized controlled trials, including naturalistic studies of real-life responses, are needed to clarify whether a change in fitness alters putative stress mechanisms linked with cardiovascular health.
EEG alpha power and alpha power asymmetry in sleep and wakefulness

Asymmetry of waking electroencephalography (EEG) alpha power in frontal regions has been correlated with waking emotional reactivity and the emotional content of dream reports. Little is known regarding alpha asymmetry during sleep. The present study was performed to compare alpha power and alpha power asymmetry in various brain regions across states of sleep and wakefulness. Waking and sleep EEG were recorded in a group of patients undergoing polysomnographic evaluation for possible sleep disorders. Alpha EEG asymmetry in frontal and temporal regions was significantly correlated in waking versus sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These results suggest that patterns of frontal alpha asymmetry are stable across sleep and waking and may be related to emotional reactivity during dreaming. During sleep, alpha power was highest during slow-wave sleep and lowest during REM sleep. Implications of these data for understanding the functional significance of alpha power during waking and sleeping are considered.
Reconstructing Activity Patterns at Epidamnus, Albania: Impacts of Greek and Roman Colonizations

Colonization is often associated with exploitation of local laborers. However, the degree to which physical activity in local populations changes following colonization depends upon the policies of the colonizers, and the technologies that are locally available. This research tests the null hypothesis that levels of physical activity, as evidenced by osteoarthritis in human skeletons, remained constant at Epidamnus, Albania during Greek and Roman colonial occupation (620 BC-AD 378). To test this hypothesis, 80 skeletons from Epidamnus were examined for evidence of osteoarthritis, and scored according to international standardized protocols. Of these 80 individuals, 27 were adults that showed sufficient preservation for analysis of osteoarthritis. Results indicate osteoarthritis was more pronounced in all joint surfaces (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, cervical vertebra, and temporomandibular joint) during the Greek rather than the Roman period, with the exception of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Chi-square analysis indicated that this pattern is statistically significant in the shoulder ( p = 0.02) and ankle ( p = 0.003), and approached significance in the elbow ( p = 0.09), wrist ( p = 0.06), and temporomandibular joint ( p = 0.06). These results suggest differences between the Greek to the Roman period. Historical documents indicate Greek colonization resulted in increased dependence on agriculture and largely replaced nomadic pastoralism in local Illyrians. The Romans then introduced new technologies to increase agricultural efficiency. The emerging pattern indicates that the introduction of new, sophisticated technology made life easier for Illyrians during the Roman period. However, the impacts of small sample size are also considered.
Cost methodology of COMBINE.

Objective: This article describes the methodology used in estimating the mean cost per patient of the interventions delivered in COMBINE, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing pharmacotherapies and behavioral interventions for outpatient treatment of alcohol dependence. Method: Our methodology identifies a broad list of nonresearch activities necessary to implement the COMBINE interventions in standard clinical practice. For each activity, we include the time costs of clinical assessments and interventions by staff, the cost of space, laboratory charges and the cost of medical supplies. We also estimate the patients' time used for each of these activities. Results: We present the estimated cost per activity for 15 intake assessments plus the Medical Management (MM) and Combined Behavioral Intervention (CBI) sessions for 9 of the 11 COMBINE sites. Labor costs represent the bulk of the total cost for all activities. The Form 90 AIR/ED is the most expensive intake activity both in terms of labor and space costs. The CBI session is more expensive than the MM session. Conclusions: Our methodology estimates the cost to treatment providers and to patients of implementing the COMBINE intervention in standard practice. Compared with previous methods, the prospective design of our methodology allows for higher quality data, and the detailed activity costing helps identify key cost drivers. Future analyses will present actual COMBINE intervention cost estimates based on trial data. Although this cost study is specific to the COMBINE interventions, the concepts, instruments and methods used here can be applied to any RCT.
The Transplanum Transtuberculum Approaches for Suprasellar and Sellar-Suprasellar Lesions: Avoidance of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak and Lessons Learned

Objective To present a large series of patients and examine the learning curve of the endonasal endoscopic transplanum, transtuberculum approach for primarily suprasellar or sellar-suprasellar tumors. Methods We identified 122 patients who underwent 126 surgeries using the transplanum, transtuberculum approach. Extent of resection was determined with volumetric analysis of magnetic resonance imagings. Results concerning vision, endocrine function, and complications were noted. Results Average tumor volume was 14 cm 3 . The most frequent pathologies were pituitary macroadenoma (51.6%), craniopharyngioma (20.6%), and meningioma (15.9%). A total of 73% patients presented with visual compromise. Rates of gross total resection (GTR) and near total resection for the group as a whole were 58.1% and 13.7%, and for the patients in whom GTR was intended ( n = 90), rates of GTR and near total resection were 77.5% and 12.5% for a total of 90%. Extent of resection in this group was 97.6%. Vision improved in 52.4% and deteriorated in 4.8%. Favorable endocrine outcome occurred in 63.5%. The cerebrospinal fluid leak rate was 3.1% for the series as a whole. It improved from 6.3% in the first half of the series to 0 in the second half. Leak rates varied with technique from 11% (fat graft only) to 4.2% (gasket seal only) to 1.8% (fat plus nasoseptal flap) to 0 (gasket plus nasoseptal flap). The rate of other complications was 14.3% in the first half of the series and 1.6% in the second half. There was one infection (0.8%). Conclusions The endonasal endoscopic transtuberculum transplanum approach is a safe and effective minimal access approach to midline pathology in the suprasellar cistern.
Commercial applications of GaAs ICs

Applications for GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) in the commercial marketplace first emerged in 1985. Today, GaAs MMICs are part of many test and measurement instrumentation systems and essential elements in fiber-optic communication systems. These applications, as well as potential applications for the near future, are reviewed. A simple market model is developed for categorizing commercial applications and some projections on the size of the market are presented. >
The functions of rhetorical structure: A study of Central Alaskan Yupik Eskimo discourse

Discourse structure in Central Alaskan Yupik Eskimo (CAY) narrative and conversation is examined, and a general notion of rhetorical structure is proposed, growing out of recent work in the poetics of Native American oral literature. Rhetorical structure in a given language would consist of prosodically and intonationally signaled phonological phrasing along with whatever other significant formal features consistently pattern or interact with it (minimally surface syntactic constituency, typically also the system of sentence adverbs and conjunctions, further intonational features, and patterns of parallelism and repetition). Findings for CAY as well as other works in the literature indicate at least four important communicative functions for rhetorical structure in addition to its role in verbal art: organization of information, expression of affective meaning, indexing of genre, and regulation of dialogic interaction. (Discourse, syntax–phonology–discourse interaction, ethnopoetics; Native America, Alaska, Yupik Eskimo)
Human neutrophil elastase abolishes interleukin-8 chemotactic activity

A large body ofliterature supports the role of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in inflammatory lung disease. Numerous factors induce the local synthesis and se- cretion ofthis potent chemokine leading to the recruit- ment and activation ofpolymorphonuclear leukocytes. However, little is currently known about the fate of IL-8 secreted at sites ofinflammatory injury. We have found that incubation ofrecombinant human IL-8 with purified human neutrophil elastase (HNE) results in the loss of IL-8 chemotactic activity in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. This loss in bioactivity is ac- companied by a similar loss of IL-8 immunoreactiv- ity. Western blot analysis revealed that IL-8 chemo- tactic activity is lost by proteolysis of the parent molecule into undetectable small fragments. The ter- minal digestion of IL-8 was specific to HNE as no loss ofbioactivity was observed with equimolar concentra- lions ofthe serine proteases urokinase, plasmin, throm- bin, or cathepsin G. This effect on chemotactic activ- ity is not limited to recombinant IL-8 because HNE also digested IL-8 secreted by human monocytes. HNE-mediated proteolysis offers a novel mechanism for down-regulating the inflammatory cascade initi- ated by IL-8. J. Leukoc. Riot. 61: 361-366; 1997.
Antimicrobial Properties and Release Profile of Ampicillin from Electrospun Poly(εepsilon;-caprolactone) Nanofiber Yarns:

Poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) electrospun fibers containing ampicillin sodium salt have been produced and twisted into nanofiber yarns. The fiber diameters and crystallinity, the in vitro antimicrobial properties of the yarns, and the in vitro release of ampicillin from yarns containing various ampicillin concentrations are studied. Decreased fiber diameters and reduced diameter variation are observed with the addition of ampicillin salt into the polymer solution. The results from the zone of inhibition test of the yarns against both gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae indicate that the released ampicillin retains its effectiveness after the production processes, therefore the as-spun yarns are antimicrobial active. A burst release of ampicillin from the yarns has been observed in the first hour, and the release is almost completed in 96 hours. The burst release is believed to be due to the low compatibility of ampicillin with PCL, the accumulation of ampicillin on fiber surface and the small fiber diameters. An empirical release model is developed to describe the release profile. The results indicate that the electrospun nanofibers yarns will have a great potential to be used for biomaterials, such as surgical sutures, to decrease the surgical site infection rate.
Mass transfer and sulfur fixation in the contact aureole of the Duluth Complex, Dunka Road Cu-Ni deposit, Minnesota

Contact metamorphism of the Virginia Formation related to intrusion of the Dulut! Complex near the Dunka Road Cu-Ni deposit, Minnesota, resulted in the conversion of argillaceous rock containing chlorite (Chl) + muscovite Ms) + quartz (Qtz) + plagioclase @lg) + ilmenite (Ilm) + pyrite @y) + organic material (OM) to hornfels containing biotite (Bt) + cordierite (crd) + Plg + K-feldspar (Kfs) + Qtz + IIm + pyrrhotite (Po) + graphite (Gr) t orthopyroxene (Opx). Distinct compositional trends are interpreted as originating from sedimentary processes and suggest that metamorphism was isochemical with respect to nonvolatile components. ffus similarily in the ratio of whole-rock sulfur and iron in argillites and hornfels, equilibrium compositions of fluid, and the correlation of biotirc composition with the ratio of whole-rock sulfur and iron suggest that sulfur was conserved in the footwall by areactionsuchas: Bt + tH2sev-po) * flm = Tienriched - Fedeplaed Bt + nPo + H2O'. As dehydration reactions progressed, the mole fraction of H2O was buffered to maximum values (0.75-0.83), with the mole fraction of H2S not exceeding 0.01. It is unlikely that ir silz sulfur assimilation was a factor in ore genesis.