cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large-Scale Assembly of Carbon Nanotubes

The scale decomposition of a multi-scale system into small-scale order domains will reduce the complexity of the system and will subsequently ensure a success in nanomanufacturing. A novel method of assembling individual carbon nanotube has been developed based on the concept of scale decomposition. Current technologies for organized growth of carbon nanotubes are limited to very small-scale order. The nanopelleting concept is to overcome this limitation by embedding carbon nanotubes into micro-scale pellets that enable large-scale assembly as required. Manufacturing processes have been developed to produce nanopellets, which are then transplanted to locations where the functionalization of carbon nanotubes are required.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Quantitative determination and regional distribution of pipecolic acid in rodent brain.

A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitative determination of pipecolic acid (PA), one of the three cyclic secondary imino acids present in mammalian brain is described. The quantification and identification of PA are accomplished in rat and mouse brain using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LCEC) and nipecotic acid (NPA) as an internal standard. The cyclic imino acids are derivatized with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to dinitrophenyl derivatives. The remaining time for LCEC analysis is less than 30 min and the limit of sensitivity is in the lower picomole range. The levels of PA found in rat and mouse brain are comparable to those reported using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The regional distribution of PA shows higher concentrations of PA in hypothalamus, pons-medulla oblongata and cerebellum. The present results demonstrate that LCEC is sensitive enough to determine endogenous levels of PA in mg amounts of rodent brain tissue. Due to its simplicity and rapidity, the technique represents an alternative to existing methods. This method can also be used for determination of PA in CSF, blood or urine of hyperipecolic patients.
Dietary vitamin C supplementation reduces noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs

Vitamin C (ascorbate) is a water-soluble, low molecular weight antioxidant that works in conjunction with glutathione and other cellular antioxidants, and is effective against a variety of reactive oxygen species, including superoxide and hydroxyl radicals that have been implicated in the etiology of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Whereas most animals can manufacture their own vitamin C, humans and a few other mammals such as guinea pigs lack the terminal enzyme for vitamin C synthesis and must obtain it from dietary sources. To determine if susceptibility to NIHL could be influenced by manipulating dietary levels of vitamin C, albino guinea pigs were raised for 35 days on a diet with normal, supplemented or deficient levels of ascorbate, then exposed to 4 kHz octave band noise at 114 dB SPL for 6 h to induce permanent threshold shifts (PTS) of the scalp-recorded auditory brainstem response. Animals that received the highest levels of dietary ascorbate developed significantly less PTS for click stimuli and 4, 8, 12, and 16 kHz tones than animals on normal and deficient diets. Outer hair cell loss was minimal in all groups after noise exposure, but permanent damage to stereocilia were observed in noise-exposed ears. The results support the hypothesis that dietary factors influence individual susceptibility to hearing loss, and suggest that high levels of vitamin C may be beneficial in reducing susceptibility to NIHL.
Adherence to pharmacologic therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Many patients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) require several different medications. Although these agents can substantially reduce diabetes-related morbidity and mortality, the extent of treatment benefits may be limited by a lack of treatment adherence. Unfortunately, little information is available on treatment adherence in patients with type 2 DM. Available data indicate substantial opportunity for improving clinical outcomes through improved treatment adherence. Factors that appear to influence adherence include the patient's comprehension of the treatment regimen and its benefits, adverse effects, medication costs, and regimen complexity, as well as the patient's emotional well-being. Outcomes research emphasizes the importance of effective patient-provider communication in overcoming some of the barriers to adherence. This article offers specific suggestions for improving adherence in patients with type 2 DM seen in general clinical practice.
Ethical standards for human-to-animal chimera experiments in stem cell research.

The purpose of this report is to offer investigators and members of SCRO and animal research committees well-grounded ethical standards for evaluating research involving the transfer of multipotent and pluripotent human stem cells and their direct derivatives into animal systems. This report is deliberately written in general terms so that its recommendations can apply to diverse institutions and international settings. Thus, investigators and reviewers should aspire to these proposed ethical standards while exercising appropriate judgment in individual situations.
Optimality theory in phonological acquisition.

This tutorial presents an introduction to the contemporary linguistic framework known as optimality theory (OT). The basic assumptions of this constraint-based theory as a general model of grammar ...
Characterization of apolipoprotein and apolipoprotein precursors in pancreatic cancer serum samples via two-dimensional liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Abstract Major advances in cancer control depend upon early detection, early diagnosis and efficacious treatment modalities. Current existing markers of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, generally incurable by available treatment modalities, are inadequate for early diagnosis or for distinguishing between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. We have used a proteomic approach to identify proteins that are differentially expressed in sera from pancreatic cancer patients, as compared to control. Normal, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer serum samples were depleted of high molecular weight proteins by acetonitrile precipitation. Each sample was separated by chromatofocusing, and then further resolved by reversed-phase (RP)-HPLC. Effluent from the RP-HPLC column was split into two streams with one directly interfaced to an electrospray time-of-flight (ESI-TOF) mass spectrometer for molecular weight (MW) determination of the intact proteins. The remainder went through a UV detector with the corresponding peaks collected with a fraction collector, subsequently used for MS/MS analysis. The ion intensities of proteins with the same MW obtained from ESI-TOF-MS analysis were compared, with the differentially expressed proteins determined. An 8915 Da protein was found to be up-regulated while a 9422 Da protein was down-regulated in the pancreatic cancer sera. Both proteins were identified by MS and MS/MS as proapolipoprotein C-II and apolipoprotein C-III 1 , respectively. The MS/MS data of proapolipoprotein C-II was searched using “semi-trypsin” as the search enzyme, thus confirming that the protein at 8915 Da was proapolipoprotein C-II. In order to confirm the identity of the protein at 9422 Da, we initially identified a protein of 8765 Da with a similar mass spectral pattern. Based on MS and MS/MS, its intact molecular weight and “semi-trypsin” database search, the protein at 8765 Da was identified as apolipoprotein C-III 0 . The MS and MS/MS data of the proteins at 8765 Da and 9422 Da were similar, thus confirming the protein at 9422 Da as being apolipoprotein C-III 1 . The detection of differentially expressed proapolipoprotein C-II and apolipoprotein C-III 1 in the sera of pancreatic cancer patients may have utility for detection of this deadly malignancy.
Algorithms for automated oximetry along the retinal vascular tree from dual-wavelength fundus images.

We present an automated method to perform accurate, rapid, and objective measurement of the blood oxygen saturation over each segment of the retinal vascular hierarchy from dual-wavelength fundus images. Its speed and automation (2 s per entire image versus 20 s per segment for manual methods) enables detailed level-by-level measurements over wider areas. An automated tracing algorithm is used to estimate vessel centerlines, thickness, directions, and locations of landmarks such as bifurcations and crossover points. The hierarchical structure of the vascular network is recovered from the trace fragments and landmarks by a novel algorithm. Optical densities (OD) are measured from vascular segments using the minimum reflected intensities inside and outside the vessel. The OD ratio (ODR=OD 600 /OD 570 ) bears an inverse relationship to systemic HbO 2 saturation (SO 2 ). The sensitivity for detecting saturation change when breathing air versus pure oxygen was calculated from the measurements made on six subjects and was found to be 0.0226 ODR units, which is in good agreement with previous manual measurements by the dual-wavelength technique, indicating the validity of the automation. A fully automated system for retinal vessel oximetry would prove useful to achieve early assessments of risk for progression of disease conditions associated with oxygen utilization.
Evaluating the utility of global damage detection methods for highway bridges

A systems-based approach for evaluating the utility of structural health monitoring methods in bridge engineering applications is presented. The vehicle for this evaluation is a systems management model developed within a computationally tractable decision support framework called a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP). A major component of this work was the investigation of the complex relationship that exists between 'damage' as inferred from global measurements (e.g., natural frequency and mode shape) and the actual resistance or capacity of a structural system. The concept of a relationship matrix is presented as a means of representing this relationship mathematically. In addition, a simplified example is offered to illustrate how relationship matrices can be assembled via simulation. Finally, the potential implications of this research are discussed.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mentoring and career development

Purpose – This special issue seeks to examine mentoring relationships and offer new perspectives and frameworks, suggesting exciting avenues for future research on mentoring and career development.Design/methodology/approach – In the last two decades, the workplace has been dramatically transformed. Individuals traditionally had careers entrenched in organizations, relying on the paternalistic firm for career development. Increasingly now, individuals are enacting careers outside organizational boundaries, defining career success on their own terms rather than by the organizational measures of salary and rank. Rapid technological change and globalization have intensified the decoupling of individual careers from organizations, putting more emphasis on individuals for their own career development and creating an even greater need for mentoring.Findings – Although much research has been done on the impact of mentoring on subjective and objective career success, there are still many unexamined and under‐expl...
Increased expression of 5HT2 receptor mRNA in rat striatum following 6-OHDA lesions of the adult nigrostriatal pathway

Neonatal destruction of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system with the specific neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) leads to increases in several components of the adult serotonergic raphe-striatal system. Although results following similar lesions of adult ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons are less consistent, increases in striatal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5HT) fiber density, content, and metabolites have been reported. The effect of such lesions upon gene expression for striatal 5HT receptors, however, has not been determined. The purpose of the present study was to investigate possible changes in expression of several 5HT receptor mRNAs in rat striatum following destruction of the adult nigrostriatal pathway. In situ hybridization for 5HT1A, 5HT1C and 5HT2 receptor subtype mRNAs was performed in rat striatum following unilateral injection of 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle or directly into the ventral midbrain. Compared to the uninjected control side, a significant increase in the hybridization density for 5HT2 receptor mRNA was observed in the caudate-putamen ipsilateral to the 6-OHDA lesion (P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant changes in the hybridization densities for 5HT1A or 5HT1C receptor mRNAs were detected. The observed increase in striatal 5HT2 receptor mRNA levels after the dopamine-depleting lesion provides evidence for plasticity of the serotonergic raphe-striatal system in the adult rat at the level of striatal gene expression. Furthermore, the present data indicate that dopaminergic mechanisms differentially regulate the expression of 5HT receptor mRNAs in adult rat striatum.
Lessons in exercise neurobiology: The case of endorphins.

Abstract This paper focuses on application of neuroscience techniques to exercise psychology for the purpose of obtaining better answers to questions about the effects of acute exercise on mood and other affective experiences. We do this through the lens of the popular idea that exercise can cause an endorphin-based high. Endogenous opioids and their interaction with other neurotransmitter systems are discussed, followed by a succinct historical account of the effects of acute exercise on endorphins and mood. Limitations of the approaches that have been taken are identified. A key message is that optimal progress toward truly understanding the psychological consequences of exercise will require that neuroscience techniques be combined with the strongest possible research designs.
Issues of functionality in bipolar disorders.

This is a review derived from the abstracts of a group of symposia and posters presented at the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Regional Group Conference, held in Sydney, Australia, February 5–7, 2004. It consists of selected abstracts published collectively. In part due to sponsorship by the pharmaceutical industry, information presented at national and international meetings often predominantly involves the use of psychotropic drugs. In contrast, the current summary of studies focuses on the impact of bipolar disorders on functionality as this relates to such variables as self-satisfaction, the ability to work, and the ability to get along interpersonally.
The link evaluation terminal for the advanced communications technology satellite experiments program

The experimental NASA satellite, Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS), introduces new technology for high throughput 30 to 20 GHz satellite services. Contained in a single communication payload is both a regenerative TDMA system and multiple 800 MHz 'bent pipe' channels routed to spot beams by a switch matrix. While only one mode of operation is typical during any experiment, both modes can operate simultaneously with reduced capability due to sharing of the transponder. NASA-Lewis instituted a ground terminal development program in anticipation of the satellite launch to verify the performance of the switch matrix mode of operations. Specific functions are built into the ground terminal to evaluate rain fade compensation with uplink power control and to monitor satellite transponder performance with bit error rate measurements. These functions were the genesis of the ground terminal's name, Link Evaluation Terminal, often referred to as LET. Connectors are included in LET that allow independent experimenters to run unique modulation or network experiments through ACTS using only the RF transmit and receive portions of LET. Test data indicate that LET will be able to verify important parts of ACTS technology and provide independent experimenters with a useful ground terminal. Lab measurements of major subsystems integrated into LET are presented. Bit error rate is measured with LET in an internal loopback mode.
SURFACE DEFECT ENHANCEMENT OF LOCAL ELECTRIC FIELDS IN DIELECTRIC MEDIA

Abstract Surface localized defects represent a special class of microstructure in dielectric films. Whereas inhomogeneous media are often classified by volume fractions of their constituents, determinations of the local electric field require both microstructural definition and specific electric interaction among defect sites. Herein, we have used a finite element method to determine the local electric field for surface defects in dielectric films. The local electric field is both enhanced and focused in regions about the surface localized defect site. The resulting surface intensities exhibit a much broader range of magnitudes than accomodated by effective medium approximation and random resistor methods.
Abstract 5665: New alternatives to photodynamic therapy based on light-enabled drug delivery.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT) aims to achieve tumor drug targeting by selectively killing cells upon illumination. PDT serves as a non-invasive treatment option for many types of non-metastatic, light-accessible cancers such as those involving the head and neck, lung, bladder, prostate, or esophagus. The various types of PDT all use the same basic strategy for killing cells; photosensitizing molecules are taken up by cancer cells, and, upon illumination, singlet oxygen is generated in the vicinity of the photosensitizer, killing the cell. A new alternative to PDT is photochemical internalization, in which singlet oxygen generated by a photosensitizer disrupts endosomes containing a toxin, releasing it into the cytoplasm and killing the cell. A drawback to both of these approaches is that moderate levels of oxygen are required, yet tumors are often hypoxic environments. Moreover, during PDT treatment, oxygen levels drop even further as the singlet oxygen is consumed; this can compromise treatment effectiveness. We have sought to address these challenges by developing new strategies for light-based treatment of cancer that are oxygen independent. In the first approach, which we call photocaged permeability, we have attached the anticancer drug doxorubicin to a cell impermeable small molecule via a light-cleavable linker. We show using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy that this conjugate is cell impermeable in the dark, yet upon illumination, doxorubicin is released and enters the cells. The IC50 for our conjugate in JH-EsoAd1 cells using non-cytotoxic doses of light is 1.6 μM, identical to that of doxorubicin alone. No cytotoxicity is observed at doses 30-fold higher in the dark. In a second approach, we have attached doxorubicin to folate receptor and PSMA ligands via a light cleavable linker in order to enable dual cancer cell targeting with both light and ligand specificity. The ability of the resulting conjugates to selectively kill cells expressing the requisite receptors with light will be described. Citation Format: M. Michael Dcona, Deboleena Mitra, Rachel W. Goehe, David A. Gewirtz, Deborah A. Lebman, Matthew C.T. Hartman. New alternatives to photodynamic therapy based on light-enabled drug delivery. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5665. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5665
Black holes associated with galaxies

A small and a large black hole are naturally associated with a galaxy of total massM and spherical halo radiusR. Also of massM, the large black hole is a spatial contraction of the galaxy down to its Schwarzschild radius,r →λr, withλ=2GM/c2R, whereG/c2=4.78×10−17 kpc/M⊙ is Newton's gravitational constant divided by the speed of light squared. The small black hole is ther →λr contraction of the large hole, i.e., the iterated double contraction of the galaxy itself, with the resulting massm=λM=2GM2/c2R. In the case of the Milky Way (M=7.0×1011M⊙ andR=15 kpc) the latter equation for the small black hole mass yieldsm=3.1×106M⊙, which is close to the observed value for the mass of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way. Black holes of the small type may evolve to the large by mass accretion, perhaps during a quasar phase. Vast regions of the universe may in fact be populated by large black holes—“missing mass”—which validates the cosmological principle and effects the closure of the universe.
Do Supplements Benefit Exercise

It is a known fact that exercise will have beneficial effects on one's health. Nutritional supplementation is on the rise, resulting in a billion-dollar industry. However, because these medications are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, it is difficult for the public to determine what is safe and effective. Health care providers have to be aware of this lack of knowledge and educate their patients on which supplements are beneficial and which may be harmful to their health.
LRP5 Is Required for Vascular Development in Deeper Layers of the Retina

Background The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) plays an important role in the development of retinal vasculature. LRP5 loss-of-function mutations cause incomplete development of retinal vessel network in humans as well as in mice. To understand the underlying mechanism for how LRP5 mutations lead to retinal vascular abnormalities, we have determined the retinal cell types that express LRP5 and investigated specific molecular and cellular functions that may be regulated by LRP5 signaling in the retina. Methods and findings We characterized the development of retinal vasculature in LRP5 mutant mice using specific retinal cell makers and a GFP transgene expressed in retinal endothelial cells. Our data revealed that retinal vascular endothelial cells predominantly formed cell clusters in the inner-plexiform layer of LRP5 mutant retina rather than sprouting out or migrating into deeper layers to form normal vascular network in the retina. The IRES-beta-galactosidase (LacZ) report gene under the control of the endogenous LRP5 promoter was highly expressed in Muller cells and was also weakly detected in endothelial cells of the retinal surface vasculature. Moreover, the LRP5 mutant mice had a reduction of a Muller cell-specific glutamine transporter, Slc38a5, and showed a decrease in b-wave amplitude of electroretinogram. Conclusions LRP5 is not only essential for vascular endothelial cells to sprout, migrate and/or anastomose in the deeper plexus during retinal vasculature development but is also important for the functions of Muller cells and retinal interneurons. Muller cells may utilize LRP5-mediated signaling pathway to regulate vascular development in deeper layers and to maintain the function of retinal interneurons.
Our little help machines and their invisibilities

This paper examines the four kinds of invisibility Johnson-Eilola associates with minimalist help systems: fast information access that reduces user reflection and questioning, impersonal writing style that assumes the Shannon-Weaver communication model, narrow scope that leads to training but not teaching, and interface designs that oversimplify user tasks. For each of the four, the paper questions Johnson-Eilola's conclusions. Ultimately, the problems with truncated online help systems may disappear, as help systems are increasingly linking to the web, where adequate conceptual information is often supplied and opportunities for a social context for help are available.
Kaolinite and Silica Dispersions in Low-Salinity Environments: Impact on a Water-in-Crude Oil Emulsion Stability

This research aims at providing evidence of particle suspension contributions to emulsion stability, which has been cited as a contributing factor in crude oil recovery by low-salinity waterflooding. Kaolinite and silica particle dispersions were characterized as functions of brine salinity. A reference aqueous phase, representing reservoir brine, was used and then diluted with distilled water to obtain brines at 10 and 100 times lower Total Dissolved Solid (TDS). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to examine at the morphology and composition of clays. The zeta potential and particle size distribution were also measured. Emulsions were prepared by mixing a crude oil with brine, with and without dispersed particles to investigate emulsion stability. The clay zeta potential as a function of pH was used to investigate the effect of particle charge on emulsion stability. The stability was determined through bottle tests and optical microscopy. Results show that both kaolinite and silica promote emulsion stability. Also, kaolinite, roughly 1 mm in size, stabilizes emulsions better than larger clay particles. Silica particles of larger size (5 µm) yielded more stable emulsions than smaller silica particles do. Test results show that clay particles with zero point of charge (ZPC) at low pH become less effective at stabilizing emulsions, while silica stabilizes emulsions better at ZPC. These result shed light on emulsion stabilization in low-salinity waterflooding.
Cash cropping, subsistence agriculture, and nutritional status among mothers and children in lowland Papua New Guinea.

Abstract The influence of cash crop income, subsistence agriculture, and purchased foods on nutritional status was examined among three ethnic groups in lowland Papua New Guinea. In their home areas, these groups had been hunter-gatherers, agriculturists, and hunter-gatherers with limited agriculture. Multiple regression revealed that cash crop income was positively associated with anthropometric status and energy intake among children. Expenditure on food was related to the child's arm circumference but not to nutrient intake. The amount of food planted in the garden was not related to child nutritional status. In contrast, the amount of food planted was positively associated with body mass index of mothers. Consumption of rice and fish was related to food expenditures. Nutritional status was better among families who were agriculturalists prior to resettlement than among hunter-gatherers. The former had more income from cash crops, smaller households, and planted more food in their gardens. Therefore, cash cropping need not decrease nutritional status if home gardens are maintained.
Are We Educating a Medical Professional Who Cares

Sir .—In an article published in the November 1992 issue of AJDC Petersdorf and Turner 1 speak of "Students [who] become study machines... thought to be interested only in courses they believe will ensure their admission to medical school." They also suggest that faculties may not ". correlate it [basic sciences] with the care of future patients." They state, "Our system of medical education has always recognized the importance of physicians having a firm grounding in basic science, followed by a period of supervised, hands-on instruction." I submit that therein lies part of the problem. I agree with the four "domains" suggested by the authors, but for a physician to practice well, there must be an integration of the domains, not compartmentalization. One of the problems in medical education is that the curriculum is separated into basic sciences perceived to be important, and then separated into clinical care. The personal characteristics
Job Satisfaction among Female Clerical Workers: "Status Panic" or the Opportunity Structure of Office Work?

The most influential theoretical explanation for the job dissatisfaction of clerical workers has been that of Mills, who attributed their dissatisfaction to the declining prestige of clerical work and the unreliability of traditional bases for status claims by individual clerical workers. Kanter's alternative perspective directs attention instead to restricted opportunities for advancement and accomplishment. Specific predictions developed from these two perspectives are tested using multivariate analysis of survey data on female clerical workers in a federal agency. Perceived opportunities for training and for the full use of one's skills are most strongly associated with satisfaction, supporting the latter perspective, while hypotheses drawn from Mills's premise of "status panic" receive at best weak support. Research literature is briefly reviewed which suggests that these results are by no means unique to the federal agency studied.
Towards the Next Generation of Wheelchair Securement—Development of a Demonstration UDIG-Compatible Wheelchair Docking Device

The main purpose of this study was to demonstrate that an auto-docking device (ADD) could be produced that would meet the requirements for the universal interface contained in the evolving International Standard Organization (ISO 10542-3) standard and also meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations within the United States. A secondary purpose was to produce a practical design that directly addressed the most pressing securement deficiencies being experienced by transit users and providers that had promise of transfer to commercial availability. ADD development has demonstrated that a standards-compatible ADD can be produced that meets the rigorous crash test requirements of ISO 10542-3. Follow-up in-vehicle testing indicated the need for design refinement in order to prevent movement of an occupied manual wheelchair in excess of the 2-in. maximum requirement stipulated in the 1990 ADA. A user focus group provided feedback on the utility of the overall universal auto-docking concept, as well a...
Nonlinear mean field electrodynamics of turbulent dynamos

Mean field electrodynamics of turbulent dynamos taking into account Lorentz forces of the generated magnetic fields is derived and studied. Small‐scale magnetic fields that are much stronger than the mean field B0 modify the fluid turbulence in such a way as to suppress the α effect: α=α0(1+R)−1, where α0 is the kinematic value, and the reduction factor is proportional to the magnetic Reynolds number Rm, R=RmB20/(4πρv2), and v is the characteristic turbulent velocity. In two dimensions the analog is turbulent magnetic diffusivity suppression. Suppression becomes noticeable at very low values of the mean magnetic field, B20∼ρv2/Rm. The modification of turbulence by the small‐scale magnetic fields is discussed.
Does Local Recurrence of Prostate Cancer After Radiation Therapy Occur at the Site of Primary Tumor? Results of a Longitudinal MRI and MRSI Study

Abstract Purpose To determine if local recurrence of prostate cancer after radiation therapy occurs at the same site as the primary tumor before treatment, using longitudinal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR spectroscopic imaging to assess dominant tumor location. Methods and Materials This retrospective study was HIPAA compliant and approved by our Committee on Human Research. We identified all patients in our institutional prostate cancer database (1996 onward) who underwent endorectal MR imaging and MR spectroscopic imaging before radiotherapy for biopsy-proven prostate cancer and again at least 2 years after radiotherapy ( n = 124). Two radiologists recorded the presence, location, and size of unequivocal dominant tumor on pre- and postradiotherapy scans. Recurrent tumor was considered to be at the same location as the baseline tumor if at least 50% of the tumor location overlapped. Clinical and biopsy data were collected from all patients. Results Nine patients had unequivocal dominant tumor on both pre- and postradiotherapy imaging, with mean pre- and postradiotherapy dominant tumor diameters of 1.8 cm (range, 1–2.2) and 1.9 cm (range, 1.4–2.6), respectively. The median follow-up interval was 7.3 years (range, 2.7–10.8). Dominant recurrent tumor was at the same location as dominant baseline tumor in 8 of 9 patients (89%). Conclusions Local recurrence of prostate cancer after radiation usually occurs at the same site as the dominant primary tumor at baseline, suggesting supplementary focal therapy aimed at enhancing local tumor control would be a rational addition to management.
High strength Mg/Nb nanolayer composites

Abstract We report on the microstructure and mechanical properties of sputter-deposited Mg/Nb multilayer films, with individual layer thickness, h , of 2.5–200 nm. High resolution TEM studies reveal the formation of metastable Mg with body-centered cubic structure along interface in multilayers with h of 5 nm or less. As h decreases, the hardnesses of multilayers increase and approach a maximum of ∼2.7 GPa at a few nm layer thickness. Size dependent strengthening in Mg/Nb multilayers is compared to that in Mg with various grain sizes, and Cu/Nb and Al/Nb multilayers, and strengthening mechanisms in Mg/Nb multilayers are discussed.
Application of Three RANS Turbulence Models to Aged Water Transmission Pipes

The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations were solved to model flow through two aged pipes at Reynolds numbers ranging from 6,700 to 31,000. Turbulence models employed include the v2 -f , realizable k-e , and k-ω models. The v2 -f turbulence model was found to more accurately reproduce available experimental results compared to the k-e and k-ω turbulence models for flows at R=13,000 and R=31,000 , while the realizable k-e model was most accurate at R=6,700 . Much of the error is likely attributable to deficiencies in modeling complex flow structures with flow separation and wall roughness elements smaller than the grid scale.
Establishment and Growth of Living Fence Species: An Overlooked Tool for the Restoration of Degraded Areas in the Tropics

Numerous tree species can establish by vegetative means in the tropics. Many are used in agriculture as living fences and in alley cropping and could also be used in a restorational setting. However, little is known about their establishment ability. This study evaluated the establishment ability and cover development of multiple species in three separate field trials in northern Honduras. First, 11 species were evaluated for their ability to establish in a common garden experiment. Second, of the former species, Bursera simaruba and Gliricidia sepium were evaluated for 2 years for their ability to establish vegetatively and develop cover at three deforested sites. Lastly, a study examined whether greater initial stake height and diameter at breast height increased the establishment success and crown development of G. sepium stakes. First, five species, Erythrina berteroana, Erythrina fusca, Jatropha curcas, G. sepium, and B. simaruba, had high establishment success. Others showed promise but may have been planted in the wrong season. Second, establishment for G. sepium was nearly 100% at all sites, whereas B. simaruba ranged from 30‐50%. Gliricidia sepium stakes developed more rapidly and attained greater cover than B. simaruba. Dry season planting may increase the establishment success of both species. Lastly, greater initial stake height and diameter at breast height each resulted in greater crown development for G. sepium. The use of living fence species as a restorational tool has been overlooked. Aside from the advantages of planting tree species vegetatively, species can act as seed recruitment foci by attracting seed dispersers and provide shade to improve microclimatic conditions for seedling establishment. The technique described is simple and could have broad application throughout tropical regions.
A series of molecular dynamics and homology modeling computer labs for an undergraduate molecular modeling course

As computational modeling plays an increasingly central role in biochemical research, it is important to provide students with exposure to common modeling methods in their undergraduate curriculum. This article describes a series of computer labs designed to introduce undergraduate students to energy minimization, molecular dynamics simulations, and homology modeling. These labs were created as part of a one-semester course on the molecular modeling of biochemical systems. Students who completed these activities felt that they were an effective component of the course, reporting improved comfort with the conceptual background and practical implementation of the computational methods. Although created as a component of a larger course, these activities could be readily adapted for a variety of other educational contexts. As well, all of these labs utilize software that is freely available in an academic environment and can be run on fairly common computer hardware, making them accessible to teaching environments without extensive computational resources.
Traps and rings: Is small beautiful?

Abstract In recent years ion traps of various types have served in studies of collision interactions and spectroscopy of low energy multicharged ions. With large storage rings for multicharged heavy ions, dedicated to atomic physics research, now planned or coming into operation, it is useful to consider the role of ion traps in future experimental work. The capabilities and current limitations of multicharged ion research using traps are discussed, and a comparison with storage rings for the purposes of ion spectroscopy is made. Recent experimental investigations to develop techniques for the study of multicharged ions in traps using laser or synchrotron radiation are discussed, including a UHV pulsed gas source and an atom beam as ionization targets.
Statistical modeling approach to quantitative analysis of interobserver variability in breast contouring.

Purpose To develop a new approach for interobserver variability analysis. Methods and Materials Eight radiation oncologists specializing in breast cancer radiation therapy delineated a patient's left breast “from scratch” and from a template that was generated using deformable image registration. Three of the radiation oncologists had previously received training in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group consensus contouring for breast cancer atlas. The simultaneous truth and performance level estimation algorithm was applied to the 8 contours delineated “from scratch” to produce a group consensus contour. Individual Jaccard scores were fitted to a beta distribution model. We also applied this analysis to 2 or more patients, which were contoured by 9 breast radiation oncologists from 8 institutions. Results The beta distribution model had a mean of 86.2%, standard deviation (SD) of ±5.9%, a skewness of −0.7, and excess kurtosis of 0.55, exemplifying broad interobserver variability. The 3 RTOG-trained physicians had higher agreement scores than average, indicating that their contours were close to the group consensus contour. One physician had high sensitivity but lower specificity than the others, which implies that this physician tended to contour a structure larger than those of the others. Two other physicians had low sensitivity but specificity similar to the others, which implies that they tended to contour a structure smaller than the others. With this information, they could adjust their contouring practice to be more consistent with others if desired. When contouring from the template, the beta distribution model had a mean of 92.3%, SD ± 3.4%, skewness of −0.79, and excess kurtosis of 0.83, which indicated a much better consistency among individual contours. Similar results were obtained for the analysis of 2 additional patients. Conclusions The proposed statistical approach was able to measure interobserver variability quantitatively and to identify individuals who tended to contour differently from the others. The information could be useful as feedback to improve contouring consistency.
Signaling network of paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line☆

Abstract Objectives. To attempt to identify the relationship of the key regulator molecules in paclitaxel-induced apoptosis using two metastatic cell lines: the human prostate carcinoma LNCaP line and the cervical carcinoma HeLa cell line. Methods. Both LNCaP and HeLa cells were continuously exposed to clinically achievable concentrations of paclitaxel and observed for activation of programmed cell death as measured by cytotoxic dose-response curves, poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase cleavage, bcl-2 phosphorylation, and the activation of caspase-7 (interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE)–LAP3). Results. Initially, we asked whether paclitaxel-induced bcl-2 phosphorylation is triggered by the spindle assembly checkpoint via an active cdc2 kinase-dependent pathway and whether phosphorylation of endogenous bcl-2 is the signal that activates cell death machinery. Paclitaxel-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest correlated with cdc2 kinase activity and bcl-2 phosphorylation. Olomoucin, a specific inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases, inhibited bcl-2 phosphorylation. On the basis of these studies, we then investigated whether bcl-2 was phosphorylated in a cell cycle-dependent fashion. Analysis of synchronized HeLa cells demonstrated that endogenous bcl-2 is phosphorylated in a G2/M cell cycle-dependent manner without apoptosis. Conclusions. Our results indicate that the events associated with paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity are connected to each other and represent the signaling network of paclitaxel-induced mitotic arrest and cell death. In addition, we confirmed that the death-decision of paclitaxel-induced apoptosis is not mediated by bcl-2 phosphorylation and believe that this decision may be mediated by the activated spindle assembly checkpoint.
Modeling CO2 absorption into concentrated aqueous monoethanolamine and piperazine

Abstract Dugas and Rochelle (2011) measured CO 2 mass transfer rates in 7–13 molal aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) and 2–12 molal piperazine (PZ) from 40 to 100 °C over a large range of CO 2 loading. They observed that the liquid phase mass transfer coefficient ( k ′ g ) was almost independent of amine concentration and temperature. In this paper models are created to explain this behavior. CO 2 reaction rates in MEA and PZ are represented with termolecular (base catalysis) kinetics with activity-based rate expressions. Solving the activity-based rate expressions with a shell balance and implementing diffusion resistance using film theory yielded an expression for the liquid phase mass transfer coefficient, k ′ g . Parameters in the k ′ g expression were estimated from existing literature data. Two pre-exponential rate constants ( k MEA and k PZ ) are the only parameters that were adjusted to match experimental data. Estimates from independent sources of parameters in the model for k ′ g fully account for the observed effects of CO 2 loading, temperature, and amine concentration. The k ′ g expressions match the 93 wetted wall column experimental rates measured by Dugas and Rochelle (2011) with average deviations of 13% for MEA and 19% for PZ. The mass transfer expressions also match experimental data obtained by other researchers. This model shows that complex rate behavior in MEA and PZ systems can be fully explained using existing literature data. It also shows that the MEA and PZ systems can be represented by termolecular kinetics on an activity basis.
Green synthesis of Ag and Pd nanospheres, nanowires, and nanorods using vitamin B 2 : catalytic polymerisation of aniline and pyrrole

For the first time, we report green chemistry approach using vitamin B2 in the synthesis of silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd), nanospheres, nanowires, and nanorods at room temperature without using any harmful reducing agents, such as sodium borohydride (NaBH4) or hydroxylamine hydrochloride and any special capping or dispersing agent. Vitamin B2 was used as reducing agent as well as capping agent due to its high-water solubility, biodegradability, and low-toxicity compared with other reducing agents. The average particle size of nanoprticle was found to be Ag (average size 6.1±0.1 nm) and Pd (average size 4.1±0.1 nm) nanoparticles in ethylene glycol and Ag (average size 5.9±0.1 nm, and average size 6.1±0.1) nanoparticles in acetic acid and NMP, respectively. The formation of noble multiple shape nanostructures and their self assembly were dependent on the solvent employed for the preparation. When water was used as solvent media, Ag and Pd nanoparticles started to self-assemble into rodlike structures and in isopropanol Ag and Pd nanoparticles yielded wire-like structures with a thickness in the range of 10 to 20 nm and several hundred microns in length. In acetone and acetonitrile medium, the Ag and Pd nanoparticles are self-assembled into a regular pattern making nanorod structures with thicknesses ranging from 100 to 200nm and lengths of a few microns. The so-synthesized nanostructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and UV spectroscopy. The ensuing Ag and Pd nanoparticles catalyzed the reactions of aniline and pyrrole to generate polyaniline and polypyrrole nanofibers and may find various technological and biological applications. This single-step greener approach is general and can be extended to other noble metals and transition metal oxides.
Duration of action and tissue distribution of zinc protoporphyrin in neonatal rats

Zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) has been shown to inhibit heme oxygenase (HO) activity effectively in vivo and has potential in the treatment of neonatal jaundice. Because this is a transitional or temporary condition lasting only several days, an effective chemopreventive agent with a relatively short duration of action would be desirable for the treatment of severe neonatal jaundice. To determine the effective duration of action of ZnPP, we administered either 40 nmol/g of body weight ZnPP or 5 μL/g body weight diluent intraperitoneally to neonatal rats 24-36 h after birth. Between 0 and 21 d after ZnPP dosing, the duration of action was investigated through measurements of serum bilirubin and hepatic and splenic HO inhibition, which were correlated to measurements of ZnPP distribution. Significant (p< 0.05) hepatic HO inhibition, ranging from 27 to 51%, was observed in the liver between 1 and 4 d after dosing, concurrent with a 23-28% reduction in serum bilirubin levels, and was associated with ZnPP tissue concentrations of 27-38 nmol/g. Splenic HO was not inhibited measurably by the much lower concentrations of ZnPP found in the spleen (2.8-20.1 nmol/g) between 0 and 21 d after dosing. Furthermore, HO isoform 1 (HO-1) induction was apparently not a confounding factor in the duration of action of ZnPP, because the modest increases in HO-1 protein levels were not sustained longer than 24 h after ZnPP administration. Our findings demonstrated that the duration of action of ZnPP in neonatal rats is less than 1 wk. The reduction in serum bilirubin levels, the short duration of action and minimal confounding effects suggest that ZnPP may be an effective chemopreventive agent for the treatment of severe neonatal jaundice.
Microstructure and Surface Treatment of 304 Stainless Steel for Electronic Packaging

).Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images exhibit quite clear rocky-wall-like structure.Grain boundaries are clearly observed. Each grain contains many subgrains and the av-erage grain size is 10 lm. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis determines the compositionas 69 wt. % iron (Fe), 19 wt. % chromium (Cr), 10 wt. % nickel (Ni), around 2 wt. %manganese (Mn), and less than 0.08 wt. % carbon (C), which agrees well with the dataprovided by the manufacturer. Diffraction peaks produced by X-ray diffraction (XRD)are able to correspond to proﬁles found in XRD database, showing that 304SS has face-centered cubic crystal lattice. The Ni strike technique is used as surface treatment tomake 304SS bondable to other metals, such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and gold (Au),commonly used in electronic packaging. Cross section SEM images show that thick Ag,Cu, up to 50 lm, and Au, up to 70 lm, were successfully plated over the thin Ni layerthat was plated on 304SS. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4003990]Keywords: stainless steel, microstructure, surface treatment, electronic packaging