cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF X-RAY ON DNA SYNTHESIS AND MITOSIS IN CERVICAL CANCER.

Wide variations were found in the radiosensitivity of cells from cervical tumors from patients undergoing x radiation therapy. No evidence was found of disturbances in DNA synthesis or cell division in radioresistant cells. Differential counting of benign cells in vaginal cells before treatment gave an indication of the condition of benign tissue surrounding the tumor. The presence of large numbers of histocytes was interpreted as a host response to the cancer. The presence of these cells was correlated with the suvival of patients with cancer of the cervix treated by radiotherapy. The greater the histocytic response before treatment, the higher the survival at two years. It is suggested that the sensitivity of a tumor to radiation is dependent on the reaction of the host to the tumor before treatment is initiated. (C.H.)
The Role of Statistics in the Development of Health Care Policy

Abstract The growth of the health care industry places increasing strain on available resources. As in other areas of social policy, health statisticians and health data are increasingly expected to provide keys to rational decision making. To accomplish this goal, the statistician and decision-maker need to interact to an increasing degree. The current issues in health policy and the statistician's contribution to policy analysis are discussed in the context of the National Center for Health Statistics experience. While the article focuses on health, it has implications for statisticians and policy formation in other fields.
Childhood Neglect, Attachment to Companion Animals, and Stuffed Animals as Attachment Objects in Women and Men

ABSTRACTChildhood neglect has severe, pervasive, negative outcomes that often continue into adulthood. As a potential source of support for both children and adults, companion animals (pets) can both give and receive affection and therefore may be sources of healthy attachment for people who were raised in negative situations. Toy stuffed animals, in contrast, can only receive affection but may still be useful as transitional objects, particularly for people who experienced interpersonal neglect in childhood and who are in the midst of a transition away from the family home and into college. The current study examined the relationships among childhood neglect, companion animal attachment, and attachment to toy stuffed animals. Undergraduate participants (n = 457) from a large regional university answered questionnaires online. The first hypothesis, that self-reported childhood neglect would be positively related to attachment to companion animals, was supported for women only. Neglected women were more at...
SU‐FF‐J‐04: A Computerized Method for Peak and Valley Detection in Respiratory Waveforms Without Flow Measurement

Purpose: To develop a computerized method for reliable peak (end inspiration) and valley (end expiration) detection in respiratory waveforms for gated radiotherapy and 4D CT. Method and Materials: A computerized method for peak (end inspiration) and valley (end expiration) detection in respiratory waveforms without flow measurement is described. The respiratory period T was estimated by applying a Fast Fourier Transform. The intercepts of the respiratory waveform with a moving average curve were determined with an averaging width of 2T. Peaks and valleys were defined respectively as the maximum and minimum between pairs of interwoven intercepts. While this method worked well the majority of the time, both automatic corrections and manual user interventions were employed to correct errors and adjust the results. Results: The method was implemented in MATLAB on a PC with a 3.0 GHz Pentium IV CPU and 2.0 GB RAM. On average, the respiratory waveform was 575.3 s long and contained a total of 307 peaks and valleys. For each patient, 99% of all peaks and valleys were correctly located by the automatic algorithm in 2.8 s. Only three (1%) points required manual user adjustment. A user spent 66.8 s for reviewing, and manually adding or deleting points. For nine of the 20 patients, all peaks and valleys were automatically detected. The high efficiency of the automatic algorithm is clear. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that this method was reliable and efficient for peak detection in respirator waveforms with noise and large variations in baseline level, amplitude and period.
Effects of ion dynamics and opacity on Stark-broadened argon line profiles.

We examine the combined effects of ion dynamics and opacity on line profiles used in the analysis of hot dense plasmas. Specifically, we have calculated Stark-broadened line profiles for resonance and satellite lines of highly stripped Ar ions both in the static ion approximation and including the effects of ion dynamics. Using the results of a kinetics computer code combined with an escape factor approximation to account for the effects of radiative transfer, we have calculated the relative intensities of these lines as well as the effects of opacity on their profiles. The resulting theoretical spectrum is used in the analysis of data obtained from a series of experiments performed at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics in which plastic microballoons filled with D{sub 2} and doped with Ar were imploded using the Omega laser system. Typical core conditions at stagnation were {ital n}{sub {ital e}}=1{times}10{sup 2}{sup 4} cm{sup {minus}}{sup 3}, {ital kT}=900 eV. Varying the relative concentration of Ar in D{sub 2} provides an opportunity to study the combined and individual effects of ion motion and opacity on Stark-broadened line profiles. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
An algorithm to compute the sequency ordered Walsh transform

A fast sequency ordered Walsh Transform algorithm is presented, which is the complement to one developed by Manz. It is in place, is its own inverse, and accepts data in normal order, returning the coefficients in bit-reversed sequency order.
Getting to know the great outdoors: A call for action.

This special issue of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership ( JOREL ) is a compilation of research abstracts presented at the 7th Annual AORE (Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education) Research Symposium in San Antonio, TX, November 3-5, 2011, and the 4th Annual Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium (OLRS) held at the 2012 International Conference on Outdoor Leadership in Estes Park, Colorado, February 18-21, 2012. Numerous contributors provided some of the most current research related to outdoor recreation, education, and leadership. Each of the abstracts in this issue went through a double-blind, peer review process to ensure the quality of the work published here. Note: Two other JOREL special issues covering abstracts from previous years of these two symposiums were published in 2011 (Volume 3, Issue 2) and 2010 (Volume 2, Issue 2).
PEDF and the serpins: Phylogeny, sequence conservation, and functional domains

Abstract Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is non-inhibitory serpin with neurotrophic and antiangiogenic functions. In this study, we have assembled PEDF sequences for 9 additional species by data base mining and performed cross-species alignment for 14 PEDF sequences to identify conserved structural domains. We found evolutionary conservation of a leader sequence, a single C-terminal glycosylation site, collagen-binding residues, and four specific conserved PEDF peptides. The C-terminus, 384–415 and an N-terminal region 78–95, show close homology with many other serpins, and there is strong conservation of 39 of 51 consensus key residues involved in serpin structure and function. Two peptide regions, 40–67 and 277–301, are unique to PEDF but conserved in all species. Conserved residues at the N-terminus, helix d (hD), and helix A (hA) of PEDF form a structure similar to the heparin-binding groove of other serpins. We identified a motif in PEDF that is homologous to the nuclear localization signals of other proteins. A bitopographical localization of PEDF was confirmed by immunocytochemistry and Western blots. Our results suggest that secretion is required for PEDF’s activity, that PEDF can migrate to the nucleus, and that PEDF has structural and functional features more common with inhibitory serpins.
The value of 3D-CT angiographic assessment prior to carotid stenting.

Objective Anatomic suitability for carotid artery stenting (CAS) is determined by arteriography, but this has a discrete stroke risk. We evaluated the use of multidetector CT angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction (3D-CTA) as a noninvasive screening tool for prospective CAS patients. Methods Between 2003 and 2006, 90 CAS procedures were performed by vascular surgeons at our institution. At the discretion of the operating surgeon, 59 of the potential candidates for CAS underwent screening 3D-CTA of the aortic arch and carotid arteries. Results were used in patient selection and then analyzed retrospectively to determine clinical utility. Results Analysis of 3D-CTA data by the operating surgeon allowed stratification of patients into four groups: (1) appropriate for CAS via femoral approach (n = 37, 63%); (2) appropriate for CAS with transcervical access due to adverse arch anatomy (n = 2, 3%); (3) borderline anatomy for CAS (n = 5, 9%); or (4) not appropriate anatomy for CAS (n = 15, 25%). Group 1 had 100% technical success with one minor stroke. Group 2 had successful transcervical CAS without stroke. Group 3 patients underwent arteriography but CAS was aborted in four out of five cases for the same reason that had been identified by 3D-CTA (internal carotid artery [ICA] tortuosity n=2, ICA string sign with distal disease n=2). The one failure in group 3 was the result of a previously placed common carotid stent extending into an already unfavorable aortic arch. Group 4 patients underwent endarterectomy (n = 7) or continued medical management (n = 8) instead of CAS (without arteriography) because of the following reasons, cited alone or in combination: common carotid tandem stenosis n=5, difficult arch anatomy n=2, ICA tortuosity n=2, extreme lesion calcification or length n=4, ICA string sign or occlusion n=3, concomitant intracranial disease n=2, and stenosis overestimated by duplex n=3. The overall 30-day stroke rate, on an intention to treat basis, for patients that underwent preprocedural 3D-CTA was 2.3% (one major [NIH stroke scale >3] and one minor stroke). Conclusions In our initial experience, 3D-CTA reconstruction of the aortic arch and carotid arteries significantly influenced the plan for CAS in 37% of patients. Patients with clear anatomic contraindications to CAS can be excluded without the risks of arteriography. 3D-CTA further facilitates the CAS procedure by anticipating potential procedural. The cost-effectiveness and potential impact of this imaging modality on CAS outcomes deserve further study.
Study of the adsorption equilibria of the enantiomers of 1-phenyl-1-propanol on cellulose tribenzoate using a microbore column

Using competitive frontal analysis, the binary adsorption isotherms of the enantiomers of 1-phenyl-1-propanol were measured on a microbore column packed with a chiral stationary phase based on cellulose tribenzoate. These measurements were carried out using only the racemic mixture. The experimental data were fitted to four different isotherm models: ´ Langmuir, BiLangmuir, Langmuir‐Freundlich and Toth. The BiLangmuir and the Langmuir‐Freundlich models accounted best for the competitive adsorption data. An excellent agreement between the experimental and the calculated overloaded band profiles for various samples of racemic mixture was obtained when the equilibrium dispersive model of chromatography was used together with the BiLangmuir competitive isotherm. The isotherm parameters measured under competitive conditions were used to calculate the overloaded band profiles of large samples of the pure S- and R-enantiomers, too. A satisfactory agreement between the experimental and calculated band profiles was observed when using in the computation the corresponding single component BiLangmuir isotherm derived from the binary isotherm previously determined. Thus only data derived from the racemic mixture are required for computer optimization of the preparative chromatography separation of the enantiomers. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Analysis and Design of RF Circuits Including Non-linear Elements using the Multiresolution Time Domain Technique (MRTD)

The Multiresolution Time-Domain Technique is applied to the analysis and design of RF circuits. The use of wavelets enables the implementation of a space- and time-adaptive gridding technique. Simulated results indicate considerable savings in memory and computational time in comparison to the conventional time-domain techniques.
A rapid change to double pulsing in Her X-1

Abstract Her X-1 has been observed in the 13–180 keV energy range by the HEAO-1 A4 Low Energy Detectors during selected phases of the 35-day cycle. During one pointed observation in Sept 1978 the pulse profile was observed to change continuosly from its normal shape to an anomalous double-peaked form. Moreover, at this time the “main-on” state, normally of duration ten days, was seen to terminate after only seven days. Since a doubled pulse profile has earlier been reported by Trumper et al. /1/ to occur during a “short-on” state, we examined three such “short-on” episodes in the HEAO-1 data: the pulse doubling was confirmed in one of these; sensitivity was inadequate in the other two for any definite conclusion. Although this observation confirms the EXOSAT observation on which the free precession model was based, we have attempted without success to explain the Sept 1978 rapid change to double pulsing in terms of this model.
Perception and use of complementary and alternative medicine among gynecologic oncology care providers.

Abstract Objective To determine general attitudes and approaches to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among physicians who care for gynecologic oncology patients. Methods Surveys were mailed to members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and the Michigan Oncology Group. Physicians were asked to rate their general attitude toward CAM. Results Surveys were obtained from 462 physicians. Gynecologic oncologists and female physicians were more likely to have positive attitudes toward CAM, and to believe that clinical care should integrate conventional and CAM practices, compared with other oncologists and male physicians. Conclusion Discrepancies exist among oncologists regarding attitude and use of CAM in their practice. Education of physicians regarding the safety and efficacy of CAM modalities may ultimately improve patient care.
Acoustic characteristics of dysarthria associated with cerebellar disease.

The speech of five individuals with cerebellar disease and ataxic dysarthria was studied with acoustic analyses of CVC words, words of varying syllabic structure (stem, stem plus suffix, stem plus ...
Identification of a Subtilisin-Like Protease in Seeds of Developing Tung Fruits

Summary A subtilisin-like protease was identified in the low-density microsomal fraction of developing tung seeds. The abundance of the protease changed significantly throughout seed development and showed a direct temporal correlation with accumulation of storage oil. Once storage oil synthesis was complete, the abundance of the protease decreased dramatically. Determination of the N-terminal amino acid sequence revealed that the protease sequence began just after a conserved pro-domain cleavage site, suggesting that the protease was fully active in developing tissue. Extraction of microsomal membranes with high salt or pH demonstrated that the protease was not a membrane-anchored protein.
On the probability of extinction of a Galton–Watson process

Abstract A new lower bound for the probability of extinction of a Galton–Watson process is derived. The result extends the classical extinction probability theorem of J.F. Steffensen.
Innovative research for equitable diabetes care in India

The emergence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in South Asia and other low- and middle-income countries presents a growing and costly public health challenge. The surreptitious and rapid escalation of these chronic conditions will soon surpass attempts to quantify and appropriately respond to these overwhelming health threats. Given the elevated risk of cardio-metabolic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease) and projected morbidity and mortality burdens in the Asian Indian population group, the lack of representative data to support national response strategies will likely result in crippling health and socioeconomic losses. We describe how systematic research may help to reconcile India's data deficits and may be applied towards prioritizing resource allocation and addressing shortfalls in disease prevention and control efforts. Expanding the scope of and contextualizing NCD health research in India may also have tremendous benefits for resource allocation and planning in other developing countries.
Flip-chip fabrication of integrated micromirror arrays using a novel latching off-chip hinge mechanism

This paper presents the design, fabrication, modeling, and testing of various arrays of cantilever micromirror devices integrated atop CMOS control electronics. The upper layers of the arrays are prefabricated in the MUMPs process and then flip-chip transferred to CMOS receiving modules using a novel latching off-chip hinge mechanism. This mechanism allows the micromirror arrays to be released, rotated off the edge of the host module and then bonded to the receiving module using a standard probe station. The hinge mechanism supports the arrays by tethers that are severed to free the arrays once bonded. The resulting devices are inherently planarized since the bottom of the first releasable MUMPs layer becomes the surface of the integrated mirror. The working devices are formed by mirror surfaces bonded to address electrodes fabricated above static memory cells on the CMOS module. These arrays demonstrate highly desirable features such as compatible address potentials, less than 2 nm of RMS roughness, approximately 1 micrometers of lateral position accuracy and the unique ability to metallize reflective surfaces without masking. Ultimately, the off-chip hinge mechanism enables very low-cost, simple, reliable, repeatable and accurate assembly of advanced MEMS and integrated microsystems without specialized equipment or complex procedures.
The clinical assessment of attention.

(1991). The clinical assessment of attention. International Journal of Neuroscience: Vol. 58, No. 3-4, pp. 171-182.
Molecular methods for epidemiological and diagnostic studies of fungal infections

Over the past two decades there has been a remarkable increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections. Molecular methods, such as karyotyping, restriction analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have now been applied to improve our current understanding of the epidemiology of these fungal infections. For example, investigations on nosocomial outbreaks of fungal infections have been greatly facilitated by molecular methods. In addition, the ability to diagnose and identify deep-seated mycoses may be enhanced by the use of molecular techniques. In the near future it is possible that PCR-based methods will supplement, or perhaps even replace, traditional methods for detection of Candida albicans blood stream infections, invasive aspergillosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. This review examines the progress of molecular biology into the clinical arena of fungal epidemiology, laboratory identification and diagnosis.
Influence of the Nitrogen Donors on Nonheme Iron Models of Superoxide Reductase: High-Spin FeIII−OOR Complexes

A new five-coordinate, (N4S(thiolate))FeII complex, containing tertiary amine donors, [FeII(Me4[15]aneN4)(SPh)]BPh4 (2), was synthesized and structurally characterized as a model of the reduced active site of superoxide reductase (SOR). Reaction of 2 with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBuOOH) at −78 °C led to the generation of the alkylperoxo-iron(III) complex [FeIII(Me4[15]aneN4)(SPh)(OOtBu)]+ (2a). The nonthiolate-ligated complex, [FeII(Me4[15]aneN4)(OTf)2] (3), was also reacted with tBuOOH and yielded the corresponding alkylperoxo complex [FeIII(Me4[15]aneN4)(OTf)(OOtBu)]+ (3a) at an elevated temperature of −23 °C. These species were characterized by low-temperature UV−vis, EPR, and resonance Raman spectroscopies. Complexes 2a and 3a exhibit distinctly different spectroscopic signatures than the analogous alkylperoxo complexes [FeIII([15]aneN4)(SAr)(OOR)]+, which contain secondary amine donors. Importantly, alkylation at nitrogen leads to a change from low-spin (S = 1/2) to high-spin (S = 5/2) of the iron(...
Church‐military relations in the philippines 1

(1981). Church‐military relations in the philippines. Australian Outlook: Vol. 35, No. 3, pp. 250-261.
Direct organocatalytic coupling of carboxylated piperazine-2,5-diones with indoles through conjugate addition of carbon nucleophiles to indolenine intermediates

Organocatalytic conjugate addition of diketopiperazines to indoles was achieved in good to excellent yields through electrophilic indolenine intermediates generated under mild conditions. Screening of catalysts and solvents at different temperatures was performed in order to achieve high product yields.
A NONLINEAR PLANE-WAVE ALGORITHM FOR DIFFRACTIVE PROPAGATION INVOLVING SHOCKWAVES

A new algorithm for nonlinear plane-wave propagation is presented. The algorithm uses a novel time domain representation to account for nonlinearity, while accounting for absorption in the frequency domain. The new algorithm allows for accurate representations of diffractive shockwave propagation in the framework of an existing nonlinear beam propagation model using far fewer harmonics (and thus time) than alternative algorithms based on a frequency domain solution to Burgers' equation. The new algorithm is tested against the frequency domain solution to Burgers' equation in a variety of cases and then used to model a focused ultrasonic piston transducer operating at very high source intensities.
Heritable Variation in the Sex Pheromone of the Almond Moth, Cadra cautella

The sex pheromone of the female almond moth, Cadra cautella, constitutes a highly variable signal. Age and period of the L/D cycle had significant effects on the variation in titers of (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9,E12-14:Ac) and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:Ac) and the ratio of Z9,E12-14:Ac to Z9-14:Ac. Across age classes, minimum and maximum mean titers (ng +/- SE) of Z9,E12-14:Ac and Z9-14:Ac ranged from 8.7 +/- 0.46 to 21 +/- 1.0 and from 2.0 +/- 0.14 to 2.9 +/- 0.15, respectively; the mean ratio of Z9,E12-14:Ac to Z9-14:Ac ranged from 5.2 +/- 0.21 to 11 +/- 0.40. The titers of Z9,E12-14:Ac and Z9-14:Ac and the ratio of Z9,E12-14:Ac to Z9-14:Ac were highest at the onset of the scotophase and lowest at the onset of the photophase. Similarly, the titer of Z9,E12-14:Ac and the ratio of Z9,E12-14:Ac to Z9-14:Ac were highest in females sampled 1 d postemergence and declined over all age classes. The titer of Z9-14:Ac increased from day 1 to day 2, and then declined to levels equivalent to day 1. Analysis of pupal and adult mass demonstrated a positive correlation (r = 0.874, P < 0.001); however, the titer of neither Z9,E12-14:Ac or Z9-14:Ac nor the ratio of Z9,E12-14:Ac to Z9-14:Ac were significantly correlated with pupal mass. Age-related variations in pheromone titer and ratios were heritable. The narrow-sense heritability of the observed variation in 1-d-old females, 1 hr into the scotophase is 1.2 +/- 0.32, 0.75 +/- 0.24, and 0.46 +/- 0.17 for the titer of Z9,E12-14:Ac and Z9-14:Ac and the ratio of Z9,E12-14:Ac to Z9-14:Ac, respectively. A significant additive genetic correlation was observed between that of Z9,E12-14:Ac and Z9-14:Ac, but not between that of either Z9,E12-14:Ac or Z9-14:Ac and the ratio of Z9,E12-14:Ac to Z9-14:Ac. The results of the genetic analyses suggest that the traits of titer of Z9,E12-14:Ac and Z9-14:Ac have a greater potential to respond to selection than the trait of ratio of Z9,E12-14:Ac to Z9-14:Ac.
Ascorbic acid-ferrous iron (Fe++)complexes and after cooking darkening of potatoes

A complex of ascorbic acid plus ferrous iron (Fe+ +) forms a purple pigment similar to the after cooking darkening pigment (ACD) in potatoes. The ascorbic acid-Fe+ + complex is similar to the ACD pigment in the following ways: The ascorbate-Fe+ + complex is much less stable than the chlorogenic acid-Fe+++ complex, which is the currently accepted cause of after cooking darkening.
Endocytic trafficking of laminin is controlled by dystroglycan and is disrupted in cancers

The dynamic interactions between cells and basement membranes serve as essential regulators of tissue architecture and function in metazoans, and perturbation of these interactions contributes to the progression of a wide range of human diseases, including cancers. Here, we reveal the pathway and mechanism for the endocytic trafficking of a prominent basement membrane protein, laminin-111 (referred to here as laminin), and their disruption in disease. Live-cell imaging of epithelial cells revealed pronounced internalization of laminin into endocytic vesicles. Laminin internalization was receptor mediated and dynamin dependent, and laminin proceeded to the lysosome through the late endosome. Manipulation of laminin receptor expression revealed that the dominant regulator of laminin internalization is dystroglycan, a laminin receptor that is functionally perturbed in muscular dystrophies and in many cancers. Correspondingly, laminin internalization was found to be deficient in aggressive cancer cells displaying non-functional dystroglycan, and restoration of dystroglycan function strongly enhanced the endocytosis of laminin in both breast cancer and glioblastoma cells. These results establish previously unrecognized mechanisms for the modulation of cell–basement-membrane communication in normal cells and identify a profound disruption of endocytic laminin trafficking in aggressive cancer subtypes.
Choroidal Neovascular Membrane in Best's Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy

The right eye of a 9-year-old white boy with Best's vitelliform macular dystrophy had an intact egg-yolk lesion and a retinal pigment epithelial defect superiorly, suggesting an early pseudohypopyon stage. The disruptive phase of the left eye showed subretinal hemorrhages, a "signet ring," and a subretinal neovascular membrane.
3D-Lattice Monte Carlo simulations of model proteins. Size effects on folding thermodynamics and kinetics

Recently, we devised an energy scale to vary systematically amino-acid residue-solvent interactions for Monte Carlo simulations of lattice-model proteins in water. For 27-mer proteins, the folding behavior varies appreciably with the choice of interaction parameters. We now perform similar simulations with 64-mers to study the size dependence of the optimal energy parameter set for representing realistic behavior typical of many real proteins (i.e. fast folding and high cooperativity for single chains). We find that 64-mers are considerably more stable and more cooperative compared to 27-mers. The optimal interfacial-interaction-energy parameter set, however, is relatively size independent.
Modification of potassium-induced interictal bursts and electrographic seizures by divalent cations.

Abstract Reduction of external calcium and magnesium from 1.5 to 1.2 mM intensified potassium-induced interictal bursts, increased the likelihood of electrographic seizure occurrence in CA1, and rendered seizure initiation independent of N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. In contrast to slices bathed in 1.5 mM divalent cations, in 1.2 mM divalents spontaneous CA1 seizures still occurred in CA1 minislices that contained at least 1500 neurons after removal of the CA3 burst generator, suggesting that divalent cations critically modulate the dependence of CA1 seizure initiation on interictal input. Since this slight reduction in external divalent cations enhanced tissue excitability, similar changes might promote epileptogenesis in situ.
Variance reduction: Basic transformations

A stochastic computer simulation model is a description of a system of interrelated random variables. Realizations of the system can be used to estimate parameters of interest. Variance reduction techniques (VRTs) transform simulation models into similar models that permit more precise estimation of the parameters. The basic types of transformations are defined and a simple example is given.
Direct visualization of molecular scale chemical adsorptions on solids using plasmonic nanoparticle arrays

Abstract The fast and sensitive detections of chemicals adsorption onto solid substrates are of importance to many fields. Ordered arrays of gold or silver nanoparticles with strong surface plasmon resonances allow directly visualized detections of molecular scale adsorptions of polymer multilayers, an explosive derivative, and mercury vapor on solid substrates. The adsorbed species change local dielectric constants surrounding plasmonic nanoparticles, leading to shifts of plasmon resonance peaks into either long or short wavelength direction depending on interactions of chemicals with nanoparticles. The magnitude of peak shifts is proportional to the amount of adsorbed chemicals in certain range, and is sufficiently large so that color changes can be seen directly by naked eyes. The ordered nanoparticles can be made over a large area at high yield, allowing a quantitative, passive, and sensitive detection of molecular species.
CALCIUM METABOLISM IN HELA CELLS AND THE EFFECTS OF PARATHYROID HORMONE

Calcium metabolism was investigated in HeLa cells. 90% of the calcium of the cell monolayer is bound to an extracellular cell coat and can be removed by trypsin-EDTA. The calcium concentration of the naked cell, freed from its coat, is 0.47 mM. The calcium concentration of the medium does not affect the concentration of the naked cell calcium. However, the calcium of the cell coat is proportional to the calcium concentration in the medium. Calcium uptake into the cell coat increases with increasing calcium concentration of the medium, whereas uptake by the naked cell is independent of the calcium of the medium. Anaerobic conditions and metabolic inhibitors do not inhibit calcium uptake by the cell, a fact suggesting that this transfer is a passive phenomenon. The calcium in the extracellular cell coat, was not affected by parathyroid hormone. In contrast, the hormone increased the cellular calcium concentration by stimulating calcium uptake or by enhancing calcium binding to some cell components. These results suggest that, contrary to current thinking, parathyroid hormone influences the cellular calcium balance by mobilizing calcium from the extracellular fluids in order to increase its concentration in some cellular compartment. It is proposed that these effects can enhance calcium transport.
Anti-angiogenic activity of the mutant Dutch Aβ peptide on human brain microvascular endothelial cells

Abstract Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a common pathological feature of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and it is also the hallmark of individuals with a rare autosomal dominant disorder known as hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type. We have shown previously that wild type Aβ peptides are anti-angiogenic both in vitro and in vivo and could contribute to the compromised cerebrovascular architecture observed in AD. In the present study, we investigated the potential anti-angiogenic activity of the Dutch Aβ1–40 (E22Q) peptide. We show that compared to wild type Aβ, freshly solubilized Dutch Aβ peptide more potently inhibits the formation of capillary structures induced by plating human brain microvascular endothelial cells onto a reconstituted basement membrane. Aggregated/fibrillar preparations of wild type Aβ and Dutch Aβ do not appear to be anti-angiogenic in this assay. The stronger anti-angiogenic activity of the Dutch Aβ compared to wild type Aβ appears to be related to the increased formation of low molecular weight Aβ oligomers in the culture medium surrounding human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Using oligonucleotide microarray analysis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells, followed by a genome-scale computational analysis with the Ingenuity Pathways Knowledge Base, networks of genes affected by an anti-angiogenic dose of Dutch Aβ were identified. This analysis highlights that several biological networks involved in angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, atherosclerosis, cellular migration and proliferation are disrupted in human brain microvascular endothelial cells exposed to Dutch Aβ. Altogether, these data provide new molecular clues regarding the pathological activity of Dutch Aβ peptide in the cerebrovasculature.
Brettanomyces: Dr Jekyll ou Mr Hyde des vins ?

Brettanomyces et Dekkera, des levures du raisin, sont reputees coupables du developpement d'odeurs desagreables, lors de la conservation des vins. Certaines de leurs souches pourraient toutefois avoir plus de qualites que de defauts.
Generalized Method of Moments and Empirical Likelihood

Generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation has become an important unifying framework for inference in econometrics in the last 20 years. It can be thought of as encompassing almost all of the common estimation methods, such as maximum likelihood, ordinary least squares, instrumental variables, and two-stage least squares, and nowadays is an important part of all advanced econometrics textbooks. The GMM approach links nicely to economic theory where orthogonality conditions that can serve as such moment functions often arise from optimizing behavior of agents. Much work has been done on these methods since the seminal article by Hansen, and much remains in progress. This article discusses some of the developments since Hansen's original work. In particular, it focuses on some of the recent work on empirical likelihood–type estimators, which circumvent the need for a first step in which the optimal weight matrix is estimated and have attractive information theoretic interpretations.
Effects of initial fluctuations on bottomonia suppression in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

Abstract Using the screened Cornell potential and the next-to-leading order perturbative QCD to determine, respectively, the properties of bottomonia and their dissociation cross sections in a quark–gluon plasma, we study in a 2 + 1 ideal hydrodynamics the effect of initial fluctuations on bottomonia production in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. We find that while initial fluctuations hardly affect the yield of the 1S ground state bottomonium, their effect on other bottomonium states gradually increases with their excitation energies. Compared to the case with smooth initial conditions, the survival probabilities of excited bottomonium states are reduced at low transverse momentum in the case of large initial fluctuations, and this effect is more prominent if the bottomonia are produced earlier in heavy-ion collisions.
A compact delay model for series-connected MOSFETs

A compact delay model for series connected MOSFETs has been derived. This model enables accurate prediction of worst-case delay of different logic families such as dynamic logic. It also provides insight into delay change as the device parameters change. Key results show that the relative delay of series connected MOSFETs is almost invariant for different generations of technology.
Staining cells on a membrane filter with Giemsa stock and tap water.

Cells grown on type AM 6 Alpha Metricel Gelman filter membranes are fixed 1-2 min with OsO4 vapor, washed in distilled water, dehydrated 4 min in 95% and 4 min in absolute ethanol. They are then stained for 2 min in a 1:1 dilution of Giemsa stock solution and an approximately neutral, low mineral content tap water. The stain is removed from the filter by 1 min in 50%, 1 min in 95%, 1 min in absolute ethanol and 1 min in a mixture of absolute ethanol and xylene 1:1. The filter is finally cleared in xylene and mounted with a synthetic resin. This procedure gave polychrome staining on neonatal thymic cells from C57 black pedigreed mice and on human leucocytes, with little or no stain retained by the filter membrane.
Concurrent AtC coupling based on a blend of the continuum stress and the atomistic force

A concurrent atomistic to continuum (AtC) coupling method is presented in this paper. The problem domain is decomposed into an atomistic sub-domain where fine scale features need to be resolved, a continuum sub-domain which can adequately describe the macroscale deformation and an overlap interphase sub-domain that has a blended description of the two. The problem is formulated in terms of equilibrium equations with a blending between the continuum stress and the atomistic force in the interphase. Coupling between the continuum and the atomistics is established by imposing constraints between the continuum solution and the atomistic solution over the interphase sub-domain in a weak sense. Specifically, in the examples considered here, the atomistic domain is modeled by the aluminum embedded atom method (EAM) inter-atomic potential developed by Ercolessi and Adams [F. Ercolessi, J.B. Adams, Interatomic potentials from first-principles calculations: the force-matching method, Europhys. Lett. 26 (1994) 583] and the continuum domain is a linear elastic model consistent with the EAM potential. The formulation is subjected to patch tests to demonstrate its ability to represent the constant strain modes and the rigid body modes. Numerical examples are illustrated with comparisons to reference atomistic solution. 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Measurements, standards, and data in support of the sustainable use of materials

Industry is increasingly aware that sustainability combines environmental, societal, and economic considerations in product development and that this linkage, while driving improved performance, can pose both a business opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, innovations make good business sense by bringing new products to supply a growing market demand for sustainable goods. On the other hand, new regulatory standards demand cleaner, less-toxic products, which can be difficult to develop economically, and require an agreed-upon infrastructure to demonstrate compliance, which can also be difficult and expensive. In this article, we discuss how measurements, standards, and data, being developed and deployed worldwide by national metrology institutes (NMIs) and standards-developing organizations (SDOs), are helping industry enable the sustainable use of materials. Examples include bio-based polymers, lightweight automobiles, fly-ash-based concrete, and lead-free solders. Measurements, standards, and data also support energy efficiency and renewable energy and ease industry compliance with new and emerging regulations, including those that demand less-toxic components.
Simulated Aster data for geologic studies

The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflectance Radiometer (ASTER) is a high spatial resolution imaging instrument, scheduled to be launched on NASA's Earth Observing System AM-1 satellite platform in 1988, ASTER acquires data in 14 bands, spanning the visible, near-infrared, short-wavelength infrared, and thermal infrared spectral regions, with spatial resolution varying from 15-90 m, depending on wavelength. In order to evaluate the authors ability to use ASTER data for geological mapping, they created a simulated 14-band ASTER data set for Cuprite, Nevada. The study site has sparse vegetation and exposes a wide range of unaltered and hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks. The wide range of wavelengths covered by ASTER allowed them to distinguish iron oxide minerals, clay-bearing minerals, sulfate minerals, ammonia minerals, siliceous rocks, and carbonates. Based on interpretation of the ASTER data, and in conjunction with laboratory and field spectral measurements, they produced an alteration map showing the distribution of argillized rocks, opalized rocks with alunite, silicified rocks, and areas dominated by kaolinite and buddingtonite. The map was as accurate as published maps made by traditional field methods. ASTER should be an improvement over existing satellite systems for geologic mapping. >
Thyroid Cancer in Children

The American Cancer Society estimates that 67,200 new cases of thyroid cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2013 ([1][1]). The median age at diagnosis for all patients is 50 y, with less than 2% of occurrences being in patients younger than 20 y ([2][2]). Thyroid cancer is 10-fold more
Novelty reward as a measure of anhedonia

A decrease in sensitivity to pleasurable stimuli, anhedonia, is a major symptom of depression in humans. Several animal models have been developed to simulate this symptom (e.g. drug withdrawal, learned helplessness) using reward-sensitive procedures such as intracranial self-stimulation and progressive ratio responding as a measure of reward function. Recently, we introduced the use of another procedure, novel-object place conditioning in rats, to measure reward function in an associative learning situation. Withdrawal from chronic nicotine blocked a place preference conditioned by access to novel objects. This blockade was not due to impairment of object interaction, general activity, novelty detection, environmental familiarization, or expression of learning. Consequently, nicotine withdrawal directly reduced the rewarding properties of novelty. It is proposed that the novel-object place conditioning procedure could be usefully extended to other experimental situations and to genetically altered mice, so as to better understand the processes underlying changes in reward function.
Public perceptions of agricultural biotechnology--a nonsocial science perspective.

Public acceptance will play a major role in determining whether modern agricultural biotechnology continues to expand (Abelson and Hines 1999). The "public" is not monolithic. There are several "publics," ranging from scientists involved in agricultural biotechnology research to those opposed to anything science has to offer. Additionally, views on biotechnology in general differ by country, region, and socioeconomic group (Hoban 1997). Consumer acceptance can be influenced by education, government responses to biotechnology issues, and the efforts of activist groups opposed to biotechnology, the last probably being the most influential (Hoban 1997, 1998). That consumers need background information is illustrated by survey results showing a significant fraction of respondents holding to the belief that a nontransgenic tomato does not have genes (Hoban 1999). Effective communication is vital to the development of rational oversight of technology. Laws are made by elected officials, not scientists, and politicians are easily swayed by their perceptions of public opinion. Political decisions are not always rational, since public emotions can easily be influenced by irrational arguments. As Hoban (1997) observed, vagueness, anxiety, fear, or abhorrence often prevails over rational judgment. Incorrect or hostile commentary about certain kinds of research spreads quickly. Key to promoting wise political decisions about scientific matters is improved understanding of science among public leaders, the general population, and the media. Von Wartburg and Liew (1999) suggested that society's acceptance of any new technology is determined by many rational and emotional factors influ-
Effect of Sodium Fluoride Therapy on Calcium Metabolism in Multiple Myeloma

A patient with multiple myeloma and generalized osteoporosis whose disease was stable over a 3-yr period afforded an opportunity to study the effects of sodium fluoride on bone mineral metabolism. After 4 months of fluoride (27 mg/day), calcium balance became progressively positive and this effect was even more marked after 1 yr of therapy. Studies with radioactive 47Ca suggested that fluoride exerted its effect by stabilizing bone crystal, thus slowing bone resorption. The observed reductions in urinary and fecal calcium were secondary to this effect. Balance studies showed that 80% of the ingested fluoride was retained. Serial bone biopsies revealed that most of this fluoride was deposited in the skeleton. These results confirm a previous report on the efficacy of fluoride therapy in this disease, and provide a testable hypothesisfor the mechanism of action.
Automated Coordinator Synthesis for Mission Control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

In our past work we have developed a hierarchical hybrid-model based mission control approach for autonomous underwater vehicles. The approach is aided by tools that allow graphical design, iterative redesign, and code generation for rapid deployment onto the target platform. The goal is to support current and future autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) programs to meet evolving requirements and capabilities. The hierarchical architecture contains mission controllers at each level which coordinate with other controllers, the vehicle, and the user for the successful execution of a mission. Here we propose an approach for automated synthesis of such controllers, and illustrate by applying the algorithm for automated synthesis of the highest-level coordinators.
A novel, composite scaffold for bone repair

Biodegradable polymer-ceramic composite scaffolds have gained importance in recent years in the field of orthopedic biomaterials and tissue engineering scaffolds in order to improve limited mechanical properties of bioactive ceramics. In this study, electrospun composites consisting of 20%hydroxyapatite/80%s-tricalciumphosphate and poly(e-caprolactone) were fabricated. For electrospinning, poly(e-caprolactone) was dissolved in either methylene chloride (Composite-MC) or a combination of methylene chloride (80%) and dimethylformamide (20%) (Composite-MC+DMF). Composite-MC mats contained a bimodal distribution of fiber diameters with nanofibers in between larger, micron-sized fibers. Fiber size, pore size and porosity of Composite-MC mats were significantly higher than those produced by Composite-MC+DMF. Scanning electron microscope.energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDXA) confirmed the presence of calcium and phosphorous and that the ceramic was uniformly dispersed in the mats. Thermal analyses results showed that the ceramic acted as a nucleating agent and also showed that there is molecular interaction between the polymer and ceramic in the electrospun composites. The osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells on the mats was performed. Alkaline phosphatase activiy, which is a marker for an osteoblast, was higher on Composite-MC. Microscopy data demonstrated a mineralized extracellular matrix was deposited on the composite mats, but not on the pure polymer mats.