cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Phosphorescence by Surface‐Plasmon Resonances in Colloidal Metal Nanoparticles: The Role of Aggregates

The spectroscopic and near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) studies of phosphorescent films doped with colloidal gold nanoparticles (NPs) are presented. Films with a high concentration of 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethyl-21H,23H-porphine platinum(II) dispersed in a neutral polymer poly[(methyl methacrylate)-co-(ethyl acrylate)] demonstrate a twofold increase of the phosphorescence quantum yield after the addition of aggregated NPs. In materials doped with unaggregated particles, a decrease of the emission yield is observed. Theoretical modeling of the phosphorescence transients suggests a minimization of the triplet–triplet quenching owing to the presence of fast processes that decrease the concentration of chromophores in the excited state and may be both of radiative and non-radiative origin. NSOM examination of the films reveals increased light emission around large NP clusters. This observation demonstrates significant enhancement of the spontaneous emission rates by the large aggregates, although unaggregated NPs introduce mostly phosphorescence quenching sites.
High-field head radiofrequency volume coils using transverse electromagnetic (TEM) and phased array technologies.

This article describes technological advances in quadrature transverse electromagnetic (TEM) volume coils and phased arrays reported recently from our laboratory developed for MRI and MRS imaging of the human brain. The first part of this work presents a new method for tuning TEM volume coils based on measurements of the radiofrequency current distribution in the coil elements. This technique facilitates bench adjustment of the coils' homogeneity and is particularly important for tuning double-tuned TEM volume coils. We have also used this method to optimize other TEM configurations such as a quadrature TEM half-volume coil and a split TEM coil. TEM half-volume coils provide greater sensitivity over localized regions than conventional full-volume coils, and the split TEM coil provides greater patient access and ease of use. The second part of this work describes the development of single-tuned and double-tuned transmit TEM volume coils in combination with phased arrays. A variety of different techniques for active detuning of single-tuned and double-tuned TEM volume coils are presented along with the development of phased arrays and transmission line preamplifier decoupling. The final section describes the use of counter rotating current (CRC) surface coils in phased arrays. Because of the intrinsic isolation of CRC coils from transmit volume coils, CRC arrays can be used simultaneously with volume coils for both reception and transmission. Near the center of the human head where both the phased array and the volume coil produce similar sensitivities, simultaneous reception enhances the signal-to-noise ratio. Conversely, simultaneous transmission can be used to boost the transmit field in peripheral brain regions from the volume coil to provide a more homogeneous transmit field. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overexpression of the immunoglobulin superfamily members CDO and BOC enhances differentiation of the human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line RD.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a childhood tumor of the skeletal muscle lineage in which cells display defects in both biochemical and morphological aspects of differentiation. The immunoglobulin superfamily members CDO and BOC are components of a cell surface receptor that positively regulates myogenesis in vitro. Expression of Cdo and Boc in myoblast cell lines is downregulated by the ras oncogene, and forced re-expression of either Cdo or Boc can override ras-induced inhibition of myogenic differentiation [Kang et al., J Cell Biol 1998; 143:403-413; Kang et al., EMBO J 2002; 21:114-124]. The current study sought to test whether the promyogenic properties of CDO and BOC could be extended to a human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line, RD. Stable overexpression of CDO or BOC in RD cells led to enhanced expression of two markers of muscle cell differentiation, troponin T and myosin heavy chain, and to increased formation of elongated, myosin heavy chain-positive myotubes. These observations are consistent with the notion that CDO and BOC play a role in the inverse relationship between differentiation and transformation of cells in the skeletal muscle lineage.
The potential for Autonomous Underwater Gliders in large lake research

While Autonomous Underwater Gliders (AUGs) have become a mainstay of coastal and open ocean observing, few observations have been made in lakes using AUGs. This short commentary discusses the role that gliders play in ocean observing systems, discusses a set of observations made in Lake Superior using an AUG, and presents some initial merging of glider and remote sensing data.
TCDD administration after the pro-adipogenic differentiation stimulus inhibits PPARγ through a MEK-dependent process but less effectively suppresses adipogenesis

Abstract Hormone (IDMB)-induced adipogenesis in C3H10T1/2 cells is suppressed by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). We have previously reported that TCDD addition 48 h before the hormonal stimulation of IDMB suppresses a key mediator of adipogenesis, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ), by a MEK/ERK dependent mechanism. Here we add to previous evidence that this synergism functions after IDMB addition but before increased PPARγ1 transcription. Suppression remains effective and MEK/ERK dependent when TCDD is added 6–12 h after IDMB addition but not when delayed to 16–24 h, thus preceding the rise in PPARγ mRNA. TCDD suppression of the number of committed adipocytes and of triglyceride formation is less effective with the delayed addition. TCDD therefore does not directly suppress the expression of the key mediator PPARγ1. An alternative mediation of adipocyte commitment is apparently less sensitive to the 6–12 h of delayed TCDD addition. TCDD suppression potencies (EC50 = 50 pM) match the potencies for stimulation of CYP1B1 protein and AhR-sensitive reporters. The AhR antagonist 3′-methoxy-4′-nitroflavone (3-MNF) inhibited both TCDD-mediated CYP1B1 induction and inhibition of PPARγ protein expression. This antagonism was only effective when 3-MNF was present in the 24-h period after IDMB addition. TCDD activation of AhR in conjunction with MEK/ERK therefore generates PPARγ1 suppression activity before the increase of PPARγ1 synthesis. The potency and inhibition data are consistent with induction of one or more gene products that sustain suppression through the extended period of PPARγ1 transcription.
Receptor-mediated release of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,4-bisphosphate in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells permeabilized with streptolysin O.

Antigen-mediated exocytosis in intact rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells is associated with substantial hydrolysis of membrane inositol phospholipids and an elevation in concentration of cytosol Ca 2+ ([Ca i 2+ ]). Paradoxically, these two responses are largely dependent on external Ca 2+ . We report here that cells labeled with myo -[ 3 H]inositol and permeabilized with streptolysin O do release [ 3 H]inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate upon stimulation with antigen or guanosine 5′- O -(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) at low ( 2+ . The response, however, is amplified by increasing free Ca 2+ to 1 μM. The subsequent conversion of the triphosphate to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate is enhanced also by the increase in free Ca 2+ . Although [ 3 H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate accumulates in greater amounts than is the case in intact cells, [ 3 H]inositol 1,4-biphosphate is still the major product in permeabilized cells even when the further metabolism of [ 3 H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate is suppressed (by 77%) by the addition of excess (1000 μM) unlabeled inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and the phosphatase inhibitor 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate. It would appear that either the activity of the membrane 5-phosphomonoesterase allows virtually instantaneous dephosphorylation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate under all conditions tested or both phosphatidylinositol 4-monophosphate and the 4,5-bisphosphate are substrates for the activated phospholipase C. The latter alternative is supported by the finding that permeabilized cells, which respond much more vigorously to high (supraoptimal) concentrations of antigen than do intact RBL-2H3 cells, produce substantial amounts of [ 3 H]inositol 1,4-bisphosphate before any detectable increase in levels of [ 3 H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate.
Evaporative temperature and moisture control in solid substrate fermentation

An integrated computerized control system, consisting of temperature and moisture sensors, a variable relative humidity air stream and water sprayers was used to control temperature and moisture in the solid substrate fermentation of extruded corn withRhizopus oligosporus in a 15 l rotary drum fermenter. Dry air was blown through the substrate to force evaporative cooling, balanced by spraying of cold water to maintain constant moisture.
A simplified method for the centrifugation of liposomes

Abstract A method is described by which liposomes may be removed from solution by low speed centrifugation and washed with an isotonic salt solution. Little loss of the trapped galactose marker occurs indicating little destruction of the liposome vesicles.
The needs of science vs the needs of patients: ethical concerns in cancer clinical trials.

Patients in cancer trials are not data points; they are vulnerable people who often view a clinical trial as their last hope.
A simplified method of recognizing anterior divisional blocks (hemiblocks): a hexaxial system approach.

A simplified method of diagnosing anterior divisional blocks (hemiblocks) at a glance is made possible by using a knowledge of the lead line directions on a hexaxial system. The term ‘divisional block
Spiral Growth on Graphite

SPIRAL growth patterns have been observed on natural graphite. Typical spirals are shown in the accompanying photographs. The spirals have been predominantly hexagonal, although some with curved edges, particularly at the centre of the spiral, have been noted. The step-heights vary widely; the step-height of the spiral shown in (b) is about 500 A., those in (c) and (e) are apparently many orders larger. Photograph (d) shows a double spiral and serves at the same time to give an idea of the density of spiral patterns. Areas have been noted in which the density of spirals is of the order of 104 per cm.2.
Manduca sexta IRP1: molecular characterization and in vivo response to iron

Abstract Manduca sexta IRP1 was cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence of Manduca IRP1 shows high similarity to other IRP1 proteins. The Cys residues required as ligands for the iron sulfur cluster, as well as all residues necessary for aconitase activity are conserved in the insect protein. Purified recombinant Manduca IRP1 binds specifically to transcripts of the iron responsive element (IRE) of Manduca or human ferritin subunit mRNA. Binding activity of the recombinant protein was not influenced by the presence of β-mercaptoethanol. However, IRP/IRE binding activity of cytoplasmic extracts from fat body was decreased by reducing agents in a dose-responsive manner. Fat body IRP1/IRE binding activity was reduced for Manduca sexta larvae injected with low doses of iron, while IRP1 mRNA and protein levels remained stable. At higher iron doses, binding activity increased and stabilized. Hemolymph ferritin levels showed an inverse relationship to IRP1/IRE binding activity. These data suggest that the Manduca IRP1 is likely involved in translational control of ferritin synthesis in a manner similar to that found in vertebrates. However, factors other than iron can influence IRP/IRE interaction and hemolymph ferritin levels in insects.
Language Intensity and Resistance to Persuasion: A Research Note

Three hypotheses concerning the specific role of language intensity differentiation in both pretreatment and counterattitudinal messages were examined in two studies. The results indicate that low intensity pretreatments are more effective than either moderate or high intensity inoculations in conferring resistance to persuasion. The findings for refutational pretreatments were, therefore, not consistent with previous research. Future research in this area should be characterized by a greater degree of specificity concerning the possible effects of receiver expectations on subsequent attitude change.
Nonparametric estimation of survival functions for incomplete observations when the life time distribution is proportionally related ot the censoring time distribution

Let X1, X2…,Xn be a random sample from [ILM0001] and let Y1, …,Yn be a random sample from [ILM0002]. Then instead of observing a complete sample X1,…Xn, we can only observe the pairs Zi. = min(Xi.,Yi) and [ILM0003] In this paper, we consider estimation of survival function [ILM0004] when [ILM0005], where β is an unknown positive real number.
Fertilization Strategy Under Uncertainty

Production functions have been fitted to data from nitrogen fertilization and plant population experiments that have been repeated annually for a period of eight years. These functions were used to- determine expected returns and the variance of expected returns at various rates of nitrogen application with plant population held constant. Expected returns and variance functions for nitrogen were then estimated. The returns function was maximized subject to the variance constraint to determine the cost, via evaluation of the Lagrangian term, of limiting the variance of returns. Finally the probability of returns falling below a specified level was determined and the rate of nitrogen application to minimize that probability was determined. STRATEGIE DE FERTILISATION EN CAS D'INCERTITUDE – Les fonctions de la production ont ete adaptees a des donnees fondees sur des experiences en fertilisation azotique et en accroissement vegetal qui ont ete repetees annuellement pendant huit ans. Ces fonctions ont servi a la determination des resultats attendus et de la variation des resultats attendus a des niveaux varies d'applications azotiques en fonction d'un nombre constant de plantes. Les resultats attendus et la variance des fonctions selon l'azote ont alors eteevalues. La fonction des resultats a ete portee au maximum sous reserve de la variance contraignante de determiner le cout. selon une evaluation de l'equation de Lagrange, de limiter la variance des resultats. En dernier lieu, la probabilite d'une chute des resultats au-dessous d'un niveau defini a eteetablie et le taux d'applications azotiques pour reduire cette possibilite a aussi ete determine.
Iron potentiates nitric oxide scavenging by dithiocarbamates in tissue of septic shock mice.

Abstract Vanin and co-workers (Kubrina et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1176 (1993) 240–244; Mikoyan et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1269 (1995) 19–24) reported that short term (30 min) iron (Fe) exposure potentiates nitric oxide (NO) production in tissues of septic shock mice, based on increased formation of NO complex by diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC). We have reexamined the effect of Fe administration in mice treated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and have not found any changes in nitrosylhemoglobin (HbNO) or (NO 2 − +NO 3 − ) levels in blood 30 min after Fe-citrate complex injection. However, Fe-citrate promotes NO complex formation by iron-dependent NO traps: DETC, pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) and N -methyl- d -glucamine dithiocarbamate (MGD), when given simultaneously at 6 h after LPS. Rather than potentiation of NO production, our data support that short-term iron treatment (30 min) enhances in vivo spin trapping ability of dithiocarbamate.
[Comment on “Anonymous reviews: Self‐serving, counterproductive, and unacceptable”] An Editor's view of anonymous reviews

I have read with great interest the recent Forum commentaries in Eos by Myrl Beck, Charles Robinove, Robert Criss, and Anne Hofmeister regarding anonymous reviews. I heartily support their position that anonymous reviews should be avoided. I have not written an anonymous review in ages (and regret the few that I did), and have always appreciated and respected greatly anyone who signs a critical review of one of my own papers. However, I would like to add some perspective from the editorial standpoint. I have served as JGR associate editor for 3 years (never anonymously!), and as Eos editor for seismology and tectonophysics for 4.
Detection of a novel splicing mutation causing analbuminemia in a Libyan family.

Abstract Background and objectives Analbuminemia is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder. It is an allelic heterogeneous defect caused by a variety of mutations within the albumin gene. We describe in this report two new cases of analbuminemia in Libyans. Design and methods The 14 coding exons of the human serum albumin (HSA) gene and their intron–exon junctions were PCR amplified. The products were screened for mutations by Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (DHPLC). Samples with altered DHPLC profiles were sequenced. Results DNA sequencing revealed the presence of a novol homozygous G ➔ T transition in the first base of intron 11 (c.1428 + 1G>T), in both children. This mutation destroys the GT consensus donor sequence found at the 5′ end of most intervening sequences and would cause the defective pre-mRNA splicing. Conclusion Molecular diagnosis based on DHPLC and DNA sequencing represents a powerful tool to study molecular defects causing analbuminemia.
Comparison of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum-well IR detectors fabricated on GaAs and Si substrates

Nominally identical multiple-quantum-well detectors have been fabricated on GaAs and Si substrates, and the performance of these detectors has been compared at a temperature of 77 K and a wavelength of 10.2 micrometers . The two different substrates yield practically identical absorption characteristics, but the detector on the GaAs substrate has an approximately 60% higher specific detectivity because of its higher photoconductive gain and lower dark-current density.
Multiblock mesh generation for multiple element airfoils with Euler solutions

Abstract A novel search algorithm for the decomposition of arbitrary, two-dimensional domains into non-overlapping, topologically rectangular blocks is described. The algorithm automates several stages in the domain decomposition and grid generation process in two dimensions. To demonstrate the technique, solutions to the Euler equations for several multi-element airfoil configurations are presented.
Heritability and Heterogeneity: The Limited Relevance of Heritability in Investigating Genetic and Environmental Factors

Many psychometricians and behavioral geneticists believe that high heritability of IQ test scores within racial groups coupled with environmental hypotheses failing to account for the differences between the mean scores for groups lends plausibility to explanations of mean differences in terms of genetic factors. I show that heritability estimates and the statistical analysis of variance (AOV) on which they are based have limited relevance in exposing genetic and environmental factors operating within any single group or population. I begin with agricultural investigations, where replication of genetic types and control over environmental factors are possible, and highlight the difficulties of moving from AOV of observed traits to investigation of measurable genetic factors. The difficulties can only be exacerbated for human data sets, which are equivalent to a crop trial in which each variety is replicated in only one or two of the locations.
Mechanical Rejuvenation in Poly(methyl methacrylate) Glasses? Molecular Mobility after Deformation

Optical photobleaching experiments were used to directly measure the molecular mobility of PMMA during creep and recovery to study the interaction between mechanical deformation and physical aging. Experiments were performed both on PMMA glasses with different aging histories at Tg − 14 K and on PMMA melts aged to equilibrium as much as 6 K below the conventional DSC Tg. Our results show that plastic deformation increases the mobility of a polymer glass, makes the system more dynamically homogeneous, and erases the predeformation aging history. After removing the stress, the highly mobile and dynamically homogeneous system quickly relaxes to a dynamically heterogeneous system. After this initial transient, glasses produced by plastic deformation follow the same aging trajectory of the thermally quenched glasses unless the strain is very large. In contrast, deformation in the preflow regime transiently increases the molecular mobility of polymer glasses but this enhanced mobility quickly returns to the ori...
TSV power supply array electromigration lifetime analysis in 3D ICS

Electromigration (EM) can cause severe reliability issues in contemporary integrated circuits. For the emerging three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D ICs), the introduction of through-silicon vias (TSVs) as the vertical signal carrier complicates the electromigration analysis. In particular, an accurate EM analysis on TSV arrays that are used in the power supply network is critical since the large current going through those TSVs can accelerate their degradation. In this work, we propose a novel EM analysis framework that focuses on TSV arrays in the power supply network, under the circumstance of uneven current distribution. The impacts of various design factors on the EM lifetime are discussed in detail. Our results reveal that the predicted TSV array lifetime is largely biased without proper current distribution analysis, resulting in an unexpected early failure.
Protecting king cash from fraud

In today's troubling economic environment, many executives are scrambling to maintain a healthy cash position. But cutting cash-related expenses is only part of the solution. The authors take a comprehensive look at the different kinds of cash fraud and show you how to stop it. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interplay between Proximal and Distal Promoter Elements Is Required for Squamous Differentiation Marker Induction in the Bronchial Epithelium ROLE FOR ESE-1, Sp1, AND AP-1 PROTEINS

Overexpression of SPRR1B in bronchial epithelial cells is a marker for early metaplastic changes induced by various toxicants/carcinogens. Previously, we have shown that the transcriptional stimulation of SPRR1B expression by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) is mainly mediated by a –150/–94 bp enhancer harboring two critical 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-responsive elements (TREs) and by Jun·Fra-1 dimers. Here, we show that a region between –54 and –39 bp containing an ETS-binding site (EBS) and a GC box is essential for both basal and PMA-inducible SPRR1B transcription. In vivo footprinting demonstrated binding of transcription factors to these elements. However, unlike enhancer TREs, exposure of cells to PMA did not significantly alter the footprinting pattern at these elements. Mutations that crippled both the EBS and GC box suppressed both basal and PMA-inducible SPRR1B transcription. Consistent with this, overexpression of EBS-binding proteins ESE-1 and ESE-3 significantly stimulated SPRR1B promoter activity. Furthermore, preceding SPRR1B transcription, PMA up-regulated mRNA expression of ETS family members such as ESE-1 and ESE-3. Although ESE-1 synergistically activated c-Jun- and PMA-enhanced SPRR1B transcription, coexpression of Sp1 and ESE-1 showed no synergistic or additive effect on promoter activity, indicating an obligatory role for AP-1 proteins in such regulation. In support of this notion, deletion or mutation of two functional TREs inhibited ESE-1- and Sp1-enhanced promoter activation. Thus, the interaction between ESE-1 and Sp1, and AP-1 proteins that bind to the proximal and distal promoter regions, respectively, play a critical role in the induction of squamous differentiation marker expression in bronchial epithelial cells.
Structural Requirements for PAK Activation by Rac GTPases

The Rho family GTPases, Rac1 and Rac2, regulate a variety of cellular functions including cytoskeletal reorganization, the generation of reactive oxygen species, G1 cell cycle progression and, in concert with Ras, oncogenic transformation. Among the many putative protein targets identified for Rac (and/or Cdc42), the Ser/Thr kinase p21-activated kinase (PAK) is a prime candidate for mediating some of Rac's cellular effects. This report shows that Rac1 binds to and stimulates the kinase activity of PAK1 approximately 2- and 4-5-fold, respectively, better than Rac2. Mutational analysis was employed to determine the structural elements on Rac and PAK that are important for optimal binding and activation. The most notable difference between the highly homologous Rac isomers is the composition of their C-terminal polybasic domains. Mutation of these six basic residues in Rac1 to neutral amino acids dramatically decreased the ability of Rac1 to bind PAK1 and almost completely abolished its ability to stimulate PAK activity. Moreover, replacing the highly charged polybasic domain of Rac1 with the less charged domain of Rac2 (and vice versa) completely reversed the PAK binding/activation properties of the two Rac isomers. Thus, polybasic domain differences account for the disparate abilities of Rac1 and Rac2 to activate PAK. PAK proteins also contain a basic region, consisting of three contiguous lysine residues (Lys66-Lys67-Lys68), which lies outside of the previously identified Cdc42/Rac-binding domain. Mutation of these Lys residues to neutral residues decreased PAK binding to activated Rac1 and Rac2 (but not Cdc42) and greatly reduced PAK1 activation by Rac1, Rac2, and Cdc42 proteins in vivo. In contrast, mutation of lysines 66-68 to basic Arg residues did not decrease (and in some cases enhanced) the ability of Rac1, Rac2, and Cdc42 to bind and activate PAK1. Our studies suggest that the polybasic domain of Rac is a novel effector domain that may allow the two Rac isomers to activate different effector proteins. In addition, our results indicate that a basic region in PAK is required for PAK activation and that binding of Rac/Cdc42 to PAK is not sufficient for kinase activation.
Solvent Effects on the SN2 Reaction: Application of the Density Functional Theory-Based Effective Fragment Potential Method

The performance of the density functional theory (DFT)-based effective fragment potential (EFP) method is assessed using the SN2 reaction: Cl- + nH2O + CH3Br = CH3Cl + Br- + nH2O. The effect of th...
Vapor Phase Mercury Sorption by Organic Sulfide Modified Bimetallic Iron−Copper Nanoparticle Aggregates

Novel organic sulfide modified bimetallic iron−copper nanoparticle aggregate sorbent materials have been synthesized for removing elemental mercury from vapor streams at elevated temperatures (120−140 °C). Silane based (disulfide silane and tetrasulfide silane) and alkyl sulfide based (dibutyl disulfide) organic sulfide precursors were used in the sorbent development. The form and orientation of the organic sulfur molecules were found to play important roles in mercury sorption. In applications involving short contact times for sorbent materials, site accessibility, sorption rate, and dynamic capacity are the critical factors. The synthesized sorbents show high site accessibility and capacity, compared to the widely used sulfur-impregnated activated carbons for mercury removal. The proposed materials and the findings in the study have important industrial and environmental applications (e.g., sorbent materials for mercury removal from flue gases, development of fabric filter liners having extremely high c...
Lesions of the anterior temporal stem and the performance of delayed match-to-sample and visual discriminations in monkeys

Resection of the medial temporal lobes in humans produces an anterograde amnesia in which past memories are seemingly intact, but the ability to form new memories is compromised. Efforts to reproduce these symptoms in animals have relied extensively on the delayed non-match-to-sample (DNMS) and the delayed match-to-sample (DMS) tasks. DNMS deficits have been found with combined damage to the amygdala and hippocampus, but not to the adjacent white matter (the temporal stem) that connects the temporal cortex to other brain areas. DMS deficits are, however, produced by lesions to either the anteroventral temporal cortex or the orbital frontal cortex. These two areas are interconnected through the anterior temporal stem. The present study examined the hypothesis that an anterior temporal stem lesion would impair DMS in monkeys. The anterior extreme of the temporal stem was transected in 4 Macaca fascicularis and resulted in a powerful deficit on DMS at all delays. Postoperative retention of preoperatively learned visual discriminations and postoperative learning of new visual discriminations were not reliably impaired.
Ozone depletion and cancer risk.

Constatation d'une deperdition inquietante en ozone stratospherique, mesuree notamment au-dessus de l'Antarctique, depassant de beaucoup les previsions. Facteurs responsables. Consequences previsibles: manque d'absorption des UV, risques accrus de cancer. Autres consequences difficiles a prevoir. Avenir incertain
New and novel markers for prostate cancer detection

The detection and treatment of prostate cancer was dramatically altered with the advent of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and its usefulness particularly in following patients after radical prostatectomy is unquestioned. The ability of PSA to predict prostate cancer, and in particular clinically relevant prostate cancer, has come into doubt in recent years and has led to the search for better diagnostic markers for prostate cancer. Both serum and urine biomarkers are in various stages of development, and many of these have been discovered through progress in genomic and proteomic analysis. Some of these perform better in limited study than our current standards of diagnosis (ie, PSA and digital rectal examinations), and some have suggested the capacity to predict stage and likelihood of recurrence. Further study is needed to validate many of these markers, and the future of prostate cancer detection will likely lie in multiplex assays that test a number of markers concomitantly to assess prostate cancer risk.
Targeting errors and reduced oculomotor range following ablations of the superior colliculus or pretectum/thalamus.

Abstract The physiology of the superior colliculus (SC) implicates it in the visual control of eye movements. In the primate, acute inactivation of the superior colliculus delays the onset of a visually guided saccade, slows its velocity, and shortens its amplitude. Previous research leaves uncertain whether other oculomotor disorders which sometimes follow ablation of this structure are due to tectal pathology, to neural damage surrounding the tectum, or to both causes. In this study, 7 cynomolgous monkeys received SC ablations. In 3 others, control lesions were placed in the pretectal/posterior thalamic region. Both procedures produced a qualitatively similar syndrome of 4 oculomotor changes. Reaction time to initiate saccades to visual targets was slowed. Secondly, the surgery constricted the normal ocular range. At the worst, movement was confined to a radius of 10–12°; of primary gaze. The monkeys displayed two kinds of inaccuracies when attempting to foveate stationary visual targets within their surviving ocular range. Saccadic amplitude was reduced, causing the monkeys' initial attempt to fall short of foveating the target. If the target remained lighted there then ensued a series of stepwise corrective saccades toward it. The corrective saccades ceased with the eyes still at a position short of the target. Eye position remained in error for the duration of the trial. The final position was independent of the target's retinal position or the vector of the motor command needed to acquire the target. Rather, the error was related to the angular position of the target about the head (= desired eye position). The syndrome appeared qualitatively similar whether resulting from tectal or the more rostral pretectal/diencephalic ablation. When occurring along the horizontal axis, the deficits appeared to require damage to the superior colliculus, perhaps combined with pathology of some other structure. The same syndrome along the vertical axis was better correlated with pretectal/diencephalic pathology. Invasion of these areas together with invasion of the transthalamic axons from the frontal eye fields is interpreted as the critical pathology responsible for the syndrome. A similar oculomotor trajectory can be modelled by supposing a loss in the gain of the signal which conveys the target's retinal position, combined with one other fault in the circuit: either a loss in gain of the eye position signal, or the signal representing the target's position in craniocentric coordinates.
Plant Variety Protection in Africa – Towards Compliance with the TRIPS Agreement

Plant variety protection has come to the fore in the wake of the adoption of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement). TRIPS generally imposes the patentability of inventions, whether products or processes, in all fields of technology and specifically mandates the introduction of a form of legal protection on plant varieties. Article 27.3(b) thus states that member states “shall provide for the protection of plant varieties either by patents or by an effective sui generis system or by any combination thereof.”
An indexed modeling and experimental strategy for biosignatures of pathogen and host

Abstract In information theory, a signature is characterized by the information content as well as noise statistics of the communication channel. Biosignatures have analogous properties. A biosignature can be associated with a particular attribute of a pathogen or a host. However, the signature may be lost in backgrounds of similar or even identical signals from other sources. In this paper, we highlight statistical and signal processing challenges associated with identifying good biosignatures for pathogens in host and other environments. In some cases, it may be possible to identify useful signatures of pathogens through indirect but amplified signals from the host. Discovery of these signatures requires new approaches to modeling and data interpretation. Finally, an understanding of pathways (or gene networks) that are modified through host–pathogen interactions will result in better detectors as well as opportunities in vaccines and therapeutics.
Beliefs in moral luck: When and why blame hinges on luck

Belief in moral luck is represented in judgements that offenders should be held accountable for intent to cause harm as well as whether or not harm occurred. Scores on a measure of moral luck beliefs predicted judgements of offenders who varied in intent and the outcomes of their actions, although judgements overall were not consistent with abstract beliefs in moral luck. Prompting participants to consider alternative outcomes, particularly worse outcomes, reduced moral luck beliefs. Findings suggest that some people believe that offenders should be punished based on the outcome of their actions. Furthermore, prompting counterfactuals decreased judgements consistent with moral luck beliefs. The results have implications for theories of moral judgement as well as legal decision making.
An investigation of slow-wave sleep processes in chronic PTSD patients

Abstract Sleep parameters in individuals with chronic PTSD were investigated. PTSD subjects were not found to differ from age-matched controls in total number of arousals, but there was a differential distribution of arousals across the sleep period. Control subjects showed a normal arousal pattern, with decreased arousals during the first half of the sleep period reflecting the delta sleep prominent during this period, whereas PTSD subjects demonstrated an abnormal arousal pattern characterized by a relatively consistent frequency of arousals across the sleep period. Overall, PTSD subjects had a decreased percentage of slow-wave sleep relative to controls, which may explain their increased arousals during the first half of the night. In addition, electrodermal recordings indicated that PTSD subjects showed significantly less storming than controls throughout the recording period.
Mad2 "opens" Cdc20 for BubR1 binding

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Han et al. (2013) demonstrate that Mad2 induces a conformational change in Cdc20 that permits BubR1 binding, thereby producing the physiologically relevant APC/CCdc20 inhibitor.
Enhanced nanocrystalline silicon solar cell with a photonic crystal back-reflector

Nanocrystalline silicon solar cells were enhanced with a photonic crystal back-reflector. Rigorous scattering matrix simulations were used to optimize a photonic crystal back-reflector consisting of a triangular lattice of nano-holes, with a pitch near 800 nm. The photonic crystal back-reflector with a pitch of 800 nm was fabricated on the crystalline silicon substrate by photolithography and reactive-ion etching, and coated with silver and zinc oxide. Nanocrystalline silicon solar cells were grown on the patterned substrates. We observed ∼7% enhancement of the absorption and photo-generated current relative to a Ag/ZnO substrate, with an enhancement ratio of 1.5 near the band edge. Significant enhancement occurred in photon absorption at near infrared wavelengths greater than 700 nm, due to diffraction resonances of the incoming light.
Process for enhancement/depletion-mode GaAs/InGaAs/AlGaAs pseudomorphic MODFETs using selective wet gate recessing

A process for enhancement/depletion (E/D)-mode GaAs/InGaAs/AlGaAs pseudomorphic modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFETs) using citric acid: H2O2 solutions for selective wet gate recessing has been developed. Extrinsic DC transconductances gm as high as 450 and 600 mS/mm, and unity current-gain cutoff frequencies ft of 75 and 66 GHz at room temperature have been achieved for 0.3 μm gate-length depletion-mode MODFET (DFET) and enhancement-mode MODFET (EFET), respectively. Standard deviations for threshold voltage and transconductance of less than 16 mV and 25 mS/mm, respectively, have been achieved for both the DFETs and EFETs. Ring oscillators fabricated in direct-coupled FET logic technology have exhibited a propagation delay of 13 ps at room temperature.
Depolarization of Lidar Returns from Virga and Source Cloud

Abstract The observed depolarization of polarized lidar signals scattered from virga and a source cloud may be interpreted to show that the source cloud is largely glaciated, and the virga is composed of ice crystals not randomly oriented. The orientation of the ice crystals in the virga, generally possible only in a nonturbulent atmosphere, is demonstrated by depolarization ratios greater than 1. The cloud processes suggested by this observation are in agreement with other independent observations.
Environmental and Economic Assessment of Leak and Loss Audits at Natural Gas Compressor and Storage Facilities

According to the United States (US) Energy Information Administration (EIA), the annual US natural gas consumption is forecast to grow from 25.6 trillion cubic feet (TCF) in 2012 to 31.6 TCF in 2040 (1 CF≈28.3 L). The main component of natural gas is methane, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). As the natural gas supply chain grows, there is increased scrutiny over leaks and losses that occur during the multiple stages from development to end users. West Virginia University′s (WVU) Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines, and Emissions conducted leak and loss audits at five natural gas compressor and storage facilities in the Barnett Shale region of Texas. We have reported elsewhere on the site-specific total leak and loss rates.11–13 This article provides an environmental and economic assessment of the total methane (natural gas) losses at these facilities. Other studies report the methane emissions in terms of tons per year, whereas this paper examines the environmental impact of these emissions through an equivalent CO2 emissions rate using multiple global warming potentials. This paper also examines the lost revenue from these leaks and the overall social cost of carbon (SCC) that could be assessed to these facilities under a proposed carbon tax. The methane leaks and losses from these sites result in CO2 equivalent emissions of over 70 000 and 24 000 metric tons annually, using a 20-year and 100-year global warming potentials (GWPs), respectively. Using a SCC of $ 37 per metric ton, this would result in annual costs of $ 2.6 million and $ 915 000 for these sites based on the respective GWPs.
The use of microwave, millimeter wave and terahertz spectroscopy for the detection, diagnostics and prognosis of breast cancer

We have analyzed the broadband dielectric properties of cancerous and non-cancerous tissues were analyzed at the microwave, millimeter wave, and terahertz frequencies. In-vitro measurements were obtained using the vector network analyzer-based coaxial probe (2 - 50 GHz), backward-wave oscillator-based free space quasi-optical spectroscopy (30-120 GHz), and dispersive Fourier transform spectroscopy methods (60 -1.5 THz). All three techniques were modified to yield the complex real and imaginary permittivity, absorption coefficient, refractive index, and transmission data over an extended frequency range from 2 GHz to 1,500 GHz. The results reveal the characteristic signatures of breast tissues and display a significant difference in the electromagnetic response of cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) tissues. All three techniques provide prospects for extending in-vitro measurements to in-vivo breast cancer detection and diagnostics.
Frequency of Selecting Noise Variables in Subset Regression Analysis: A Simulation Study

Abstract This article presents the results of a simulation study of variable selection in a multiple regression context that evaluates the frequency of selecting noise variables and the bias of the adjusted R 2 of the selected variables when some of the candidate variables are authentic. It is demonstrated that for most samples a large percentage of the selected variables is noise, particularly when the number of candidate variables is large relative to the number of observations. The adjusted R 2 of the selected variables is highly inflated.
Macs: A Minimal Adaptive routing circuit-switched architecture for scalable and parametric NoCs

Networks-on-Chips (NoCs) are an emerging communication topology paradigm in single chip VLSI design, enhancing parallelism and system scalability. Processing units (PUs) connect to the communication topology via routers, which are responsible for runtime establishment and management of inter-PU communication channels. Router design directly affects overall system performance and exploited parallelism. In this paper, we present a highly parametric NoC architecture, MACS, providing increased system speed, designer flexibility, and scalability as compared to previous methods. In addition, MACS enhances inter-PU communication using a circuit-switching technique with dedicated, high frequency communication channels. Compared to previous work, MACS offers a 5x increase in operating frequency and a 2x reduction in area overhead.
Potential for Phytoextraction of Cobalt by Tomato

Cobalt (Co) is a common metal contaminant in soils. Certain plant species have the ability to extract metals (such as Co) from soils thus cleaning the environment. Patterns of cobalt accumulation and storage were determined in greenhouse-grown tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Supersonic). In addition, the effect of elevated Co plant accumulation of other metal concentrations in this species was evaluated. Tomato plants were treated once a week for 4 months with 10 mL of 5, 10, or 20 mM Co solutions or with 10 mL of 5 mM each of Co and nickel (Ni), Co and copper (Cu), or Co and zinc (Zn) in combination. Nickel, Cu, and Zn were included in treatments to test for the possibility that their uptake competes with Co. Cobalt, Ni, Cu, Zn, iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in homogenized and nitric acid-liquefied samples of dried roots, stems, leaves, and fruit–flowers of Co-treated plants were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric analyses. Total Co accumulation in tomatoes ...
Underuse of procedures for diagnosing osteoporosis and of therapies for osteoporosis in older nursing home residents.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of osteoporosis, the prevalence of utilization of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements for diagnosis of osteoporosis, and prevalence of use of calcium and vitamin D supplements and other antiresorptive therapies for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in an academic nursing home. Methods The charts of all women aged 56 years and older residing in an academic nursing home were analyzed by one of the authors for the prevalence of osteoporosis, the prevalence of use of BMD measurements to diagnose osteoporosis, and the prevalence of use of calcium and vitamin D supplements and other antiresorptive therapies for treatment of osteoporosis. Results Of 136 postmenopausal women, mean age 79 ± 10 years, 66 (49%) had measurements of BMD. Of these 66 women, 31 (47%) had osteoporosis, 21 (32%) had osteopenia, and 14 (21%) had normal BMD. Elemental calcium carbonate 1500 mg daily was prescribed to 17 of 31 women (55%) with osteoporosis, to 12 of 21 women (57%) with osteopenia, to 2 of 14 women (14%) with normal BMD, and to 27 of 70 women (39%) with no BMD obtained. Any dose of calcium was prescribed to 78 of 136 elderly women (58%). Vitamin D supplements were prescribed to 13 of 31 women (42%) with osteoporosis, to 9 of 21 women (43%) with osteopenia, to 2 of 14 women (14%) with normal BMD, and to 20 of 70 women (29%) with no BMD obtained. Vitamin D supplements were prescribed to 44 of 136 elderly women (32%). Biphosphonates were prescribed to 19 of 31 women (61%) with osteoporosis. Of 20 women on medications that increased the risk of osteoporosis, 6 (30%) had BMD measured. Nine of these 20 women (45%) were on calcium supplements. Conclusions Older postmenopausal women in an academic nursing home have a high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia, a low prevalence of measurement of BMD, and underuse of calcium, vitamin D supplements, and other antiresorptive therapies for treatment of osteoporosis.
THE REVENGE OF THE TRAIL SMELTER: ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION AS EXPROPRIATION PURSUANT TO THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

[N]o state has the right to use or permit the use of its territory in such a manner as to cause injury … in the territory of another or the properties or persons therein, when the case is of serious consequence and the injury is established by clear and convincing evidence.1 Under the polluter pays principle, the community effectively “owns” the environment, and forces users to pay for damages they impose. By contrast, if the community must pay the polluter, the implicit message is that the polluter owns the environment and can use and pollute it with impunity.2