cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New insights into methane hydrate dissociation: Utilization of molecular dynamics strategy

Abstract Hydrate reserves play a crucial role in energy storage and resources across the world. Gas hydrate formation may lead to various forms of blockages in oil/gas production and transportation processes, resulting in high capital and operating costs. Hence, it is important to determine the methane hydrate formation conditions and to understand the vital process and thermodynamic parameters. In this study, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations are conducted to investigate the microscopic mechanisms/phenomena and intermolecular forces involved in methane hydrate decomposition, where molecular interactions, structures, and behaviours need to be appropriately determined/selected. Through a systematic parametric sensitivity analysis, the impacts of temperature, pressure, and cage occupancy on hydrate dissociation are studied. Furthermore, the diffusion coefficient, density, and heat capacity of the methane hydrates are determined by employing MD strategy. The stability of water cages is examined at various decomposition times, temperatures, and pressures. According to the radial distribution function and mean square displacement of oxygen-oxygen and carbon-carbon atoms, the stability of hydrate cages decreases with increasing temperature, while it increases with increasing the cage occupancy and pressure. The addition of inhibitors (e.g., methanol) to small cavities in the hydrate structure creates new hydrogen bonds between the water and inhibitor molecules in the cages, accelerating the decomposition of hydrates. A good agreement is noticed between the outcomes of this research work and the results obtained in experimental and theoretical studies available in the literature. Analysing the outcome of the present and previous research works, the current study provides new reliable/logical information on the molecular level of the hydrate dissociation process. It is expected that such a research investigation offers effective tips/guidelines to deal with hydrate formation and dissociation in terms of utilization, prevention, and processing.
An Electropneumatic Actuation System for the Utah/MIT Dextrous Hand

The Center for Biomedical Design at the University of Utah and the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing a tendon-operated multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) robotic hand with multichannel touch-sensing capability (see Figures 1 and 2).
The New York Tunnel Extension of the Pennsylvania Railroad

Some time before the appointment of the Board of Engineers which supervised the designing and construction of the New York Tunnel Extension of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the late A. J. Cassatt, the...
An in-Vivo Daily Self-Report Approach to the Assessment of Outcomes of Two Psychotherapies for Women With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract Emotion regulation and interpersonal psychotherapies that do not require trauma memory processing have been shown to be effective in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study used a novel method to assess in vivo outcomes in a randomized clinical trial with women (N = 147; ages 18–54; 61% of color; 94% low income) with full (79%) or partial (21%) PTSD. Participants were assigned to affect regulation or interpersonal therapy, or wait-list, and completed daily self-reports for 2 to 4 weeks at baseline and up to 30 days at posttest. Mixed model regression analyses tested pre-post change on five factor analytically derived aggregated daily self-report scores. Emotion regulation-focused therapy was associated with reduced PTSD symptoms, dysregulation, and negative affect, and improvement in adaptive self-regulation and positive affect. Interpersonal-focused therapy was associated with reduced PTSD symptoms and dysregulation. Although both therapies were associated with reduced PTSD symptoms, whether this was due to nonspecific factors rather than the treatments per se could not be determined. Daily self-report data warrant further investigation in psychotherapy research with disorders such as PTSD, in order to assess affective and interpersonal dysregulation and adaptive regulation as they occur in daily life.
Abstract P224: Does Cognitive Function And C-reactive Protein Produce A Combined Effect On All-cause Mortality Risk? An Analysis Of Older Adults In The 1999-2002 NHANES

Introduction: There is limited evidence examining the combined effects of cognitive function and C-reactive protein (CRP) on mortality risk using a large nationally representative sample of U.S. ad...
Failure Analysis of the New York City Power Grid

As U.S. power grid transforms itself into Smart Grid, it has become less reliable in the past years. Power grid failures lead to huge financial cost and affect people’s life. Using a statistical analysis and holistic approach, this paper analyzes the New York City power grid failures: failure patterns and climatic effects. Our findings include: higher peak electrical load increases likelihood of power grid failure; increased subsequent failures among electrical feeders sharing the same substation; underground feeders fail less than overhead feeders; cables and joints installed during certain years are more likely to fail; higher weather temperature leads to more power grid failures. We further suggest preventive maintenance, intertemporal consumption, and electrical load optimization for failure prevention. We also estimated that the predictability of the power grid component failures correlates with the cycles of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) Index.
Development of a mathematical model for design of multiple-well soil vapor extraction systems

Soil vapor extraction (SVE) is a proven technology that can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the subsurface effectively if the conditions are favorable. However, most systems are designed by empirical methods or engineering judgment based on results of pilot tests. An attempt is made to develop a mathematical model for the technology so that optimal operating parameters can be obtained. The pressure distributions induced by multiple-well extractions are obtained by superimposing an existing analytical solution. Concentrations of VOCs as a function of time and space are obtained by numerical simulation of the migration and fate of VOC. The effectiveness of SVE systems using different operating parameters is evaluated on the basis of the quantity of contaminant removed. The developed mathematical model provides the necessary engineering design tools to evaluate different operation scenarios.
Vitamin E deficiency in the monkey: VII. The role of vitamin E and the vitamin-like activity of coenzyme Q☆

Abstract Young Rhesus monkeys were fed a vitamin E-deficient purified diet containing, by weight, 11% fat and 18% isolated soybean protein. After 1–2 years they developed the characteristic deficiency syndrome of nutritional muscular dystrophy and anemia. The syndrome was not influenced by extra dietary methionine and cystine, by the presence or absence of choline, or by selenium. Complete remission of the muscular dystrophy and anemia was induced either by d-alpha-tocopherol or by its l-epimer, but the duration of the remission after treatment with the l-epimer was relatively short. Coenzyme Q10 treatment evoked a reticulocytosis in the anemic, vitamin E-deficient monkey, and a complete hematologic remission followed treatment with a compound of lower molecular weight, hexahydrocoenzyme Q4. This response was interpreted to mean that vitamin E either is involved in the maintenance of coenzyme Q activity or can substitute for coenzyme Q.
The Uniform Collaborative Law Act and Intimate Partner Violence: A Roadmap for Collaborative (and Non-Collaborative) Lawyers

This Article examines the intimate partner violence provisions of the Uniform Collaborative Law Act “UCLA” and provides an analytical roadmap for collaborative lawyers. The lack of required intimate partner violence training for collaborative lawyers presents a major roadblock for implementation of the Act. Consequently, states adopting the UCLA should take immediate steps to ensure that courts and bodies regulating lawyers require ongoing training. In the meantime, to gain valuable expertise and avoid potential liability, collaborative lawyers should voluntarily seek it.
Pathways to rearrest among court mandated female substance use treatment patients.

Background and objectives Many women who experience substance dependence come into contact with the criminal justice system and are mandated by the court to enter treatment. Treatment is a viable option and can have many positive outcomes, but there remains significant room for improvement. This study was designed to identify key risk factors that can be addressed to improve substance use treatment outcomes for this population. Methods The study sample consisted of (n) 381 women who were court mandated to enter substance use treatment. Multivariate path analyses were conducted to assess the associations between correlates of substance use treatment outcomes, risk for relapse, and rearrest. Results Women who displayed certain demographic risk factors (ie, less educated and unmarried) and had greater levels of substance use severity prior to entering treatment experienced elevated risk for relapse. Consequently, women who relapsed were nearly three times (OR = 2.50, 95%CI = 1.26–4.93) as likely to be rearrested within 12 months of discharge from treatment compared to those who did not relapse. Discussion and Conclusions Certain risk factors contribute to relapse, which increases risk for rearrest. Scientific Significance Services specifically tailored to women who were court mandated to enter treatment need to consider certain demographic risk factors, clinical substance use severity, and relapse prevention as key elements to minimize subsequent criminal offending. (Am J Addict 2015;24:495–498)
Calcium metabolism in pregnancy: A review

Calcium metabolism in pregnancy is a complex process involving calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin (CT). Calcium absorption is enhanced in pregnancy, and increased storage in the maternal skeleton probably occurs as well. Adequate amounts are provided by the current Recommended Dietary Allowance of 1,200 mg. daily which can be met readily by natural foods, specifically milk. If supplemental calcium is given, a nonphosphate salt is probably advisable, since some evidence suggests that excessive phosphate intake may be related to leg cramps in pregnancy. Vitamin D is necessary for optimal calcium utilization in pregnancy, although the possibility of fetal toxicity with overdosage has been suggested. From a review of available information with respect to maternal-perinatal calcium interrelationships, I propose the following hypothesis: While total maternal serum calcium declines during pregnancy because of the physiologic hypoalbuminemia, the level of ionic calcium remains constant, in part, at least, because of increasing maternal PTH output. The placenta plays a primary role in fetal calcium metabolism by transporting calcium ions from the mother to the fetus against a concentration gradient. Relatively high fetal ionic calcium levels cause suppression of PTH and stimulation of CT in the fetus, facilitating growth of the fetal skeleton. With sudden loss of the placental source of calcium at birth, the newborn infant becomes functionally hypoparathyroid and/or hypercalcitonemic, and the serum calcium level declines until 3 to 4 days of life when PTH rises and CT falls with a resultant slight rise in calcium.
Two-phase buck DC-AC converter as dynamic power supply for amplitude-modulated Class-DE Power Amplifier

This paper presents an analysis of the two-phase buck converter functioning as a dynamic power supply for Class-DE radio-frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA). The equations necessary to design the buck converter providing an ac output voltage with a dc offset is presented. It is shown that the maximum inductor current ripple in the buck converter occurs when the output voltage is at its nominal value. Consequently, the expression for the minimum value of the inductance as a function of efficiency needed for the converter to operate in continuous-conduction mode is derived. Additionally, the necessary equations needed to design the Class-DE RFPA are provided. A design example of a two-phase buck dc-ac converter with Class-DE RFPA as a dynamic load is considered. Simulation results are presented to validate the theoretical results.
Renormalization-group transformation for quantum lattice systems at zero temperature

We propose a new renormalization-group (RG) method applicable to quantum systems defined on a lattice at zero temperature. We apply our method to the one-dimensional Ising model in a transverse field and the two-dimensional triangular Ising model in a transverse field. In both cases, a nontrivial fixed point of our RG transformation is found. Critical exponents are calculated and compared with exact and previous RG results.
Systems engineering at the nanoscale

Nanomaterials have provided some of the greatest leaps in technology over the past twenty years, but their relatively early stage of maturity presents challenges for their incorporation into engineered systems. Perhaps even more challenging is the fact that the underlying physics at the nanoscale often run counter to our physical intuition. The current state of nanotechnology today includes nanoscale materials and devices developed to function as components of systems, as well as theoretical visions for "nanosystems," which are systems in which all components are based on nanotechnology. Although examples will be given to show that nanomaterials have indeed matured into applications in medical, space, and military systems, no complete nanosystem has yet been realized. This discussion will therefore focus on systems in which nanotechnology plays a central role. Using self-assembled magnetic artificial cilia as an example, we will discuss how systems engineering concepts apply to nanotechnology.
Combinatorial approach to the simulation of superstructures of the NaCl type

The combinatorial approach is used to simulate superstructures of the NaCl type. An algorithm for searching for possible models of superstructures is developed which includes alternating the occupation of the metal sublattice by chemically different cations in an isolated cubic fragment. The application of this algorithm to small cubic fragments is demonstrated. The models are compared with known complex metal oxides (binary A-B-O and ternary A-B-C-O compounds).
Two-source model using dual-angle thermal infrared observations for estimating surface fluxes

A recently developed two-source energy balance model using directional radiometric surface temperature observations has been modified to use radiometric surface temperature observations at two substantially different view angles for computing surface fluxes without the need of an air temperature measurement. Near simultaneous dual-angle thermal infrared observations have been available form the along track scanning radiometer (ATSR) aborad the first European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS-1) and therefore could be used operationally with this model. The required inputs to the new version of the model (2ANGLE_PT) are similar to the original model (1ANGLE_PT). They include directional radiometric surface temperature and its view angle, fractional vegetation cover or leaf area index, vegetation height and approximate leaf width, an estimate of the fraction of green or active vegetation, net radiation, and surface layer wind speed. Both versions of the model partition net radiation absorbed by the active vegetation into latent heat (LE) and sensible heat (H) flux according to the Priestley-Taylor (PT) approximation. The model- derived fluxes using multiple angle radiometric surface temperature observations collected from ground-based observations during the First ISLSCP Field Experiment (FIFE) conducted in the tall grass prairie in eastern Kansas during the summers of 1987 and 1989 are compared to measured surface fluxes. Differences between predicted and measured H using the 2ANGLE_PT model were significant while the original 1ANGLE_PT model yielded differences of 45-50 percent, on average. The 2ANGLE_PT model predictions of LE yielded differences of 25 percent with measured values while the 1ANGLE_PT model had differences of 15-20 percent on average. Using a simple technique to estimate daytime total LE from the 'instantaneous' values with the two versions of the model resulted in differences between 20 to 25 percent. Given the uncertainty that the surface flux measurements in FIFE were 20-40 percent, the performance of the models were marginal for H, but reasonable for LE. Since the 2ANGLE_PT model dies not require an air temperature observation, which cannot be measured for each satellite pixel and provided at the time of the satellite observation, this model has operational capabilities for computing regional LE with satellite observations having two substantially difference view angles, such as from the ATSR.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Template for Reporting Results of HER2 (ERBB2) Biomarker Testing of Specimens From Patients With Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach or Esophagogastric Junction

The College of American Pathologists offers these templates to assist pathologists in providing clinically useful and relevant information when reporting results of biomarker testing. The College regards the reporting elements in the templates as important elements of the biomarker test report, but the manner in which these elements are reported is at the discretion of each specific pathologist, taking into account clinician preferences, institutional policies, and individual practice. The College developed these templates as educational tools to assist pathologists in the useful reporting of relevant information. It did not issue them for use in litigation, reimbursement, or other contexts. Nevertheless, the College recognizes that the templates might be used by hospitals, attorneys, payers, and others. The College cautions that use of the templates other than for their intended educational purpose may involve additional considerations that are beyond the scope of this document.
Trade and Traders in Mid-Victorian Liverpool . By Graeme J. Milne. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 2000. Pp. x, 243.

In the third quarter of the nineteenth century, Liverpool was Europe's foremost seaport for long-distance commerce, and a principal conduit by which Britain's early industrial strength was parlayed into leadership of world trade. Graeme Milne's new book dissects the intermediary and service sector that underpinned Liverpool's prominence during this crucial period of technologically based globalization.
Wing feather moult and age determination of Snowy Owls Bubo scandiacus

Moult of primary and secondary flight feathers of Snowy Owls Bubo scandiacus was studied from 53 museum specimens retaining some juvenile feathers. There were no ringed Snowy Owls of known age in the skin material, and the moult pattern has thus been interpreted using the moult of Eagle Owls Bubo bubo as a model. The difference between juvenile and adult primaries is described. Greater coverts may facilitate age determination of single flight feathers. Snowy Owls start their first flight feather moult M1 by shedding the innermost 2-6 secondaries during their second summer (as 2C birds). A majority of the owls also shed primary P7 during this first moult, occasionally also P8. This moult progresses at a faster pace than seen in Scandinavian Eagle Owls. During their second flight feather moult M2, moult of secondaries advances outwards, including moult from the two focal points S2 and S5, as in the Eagle Owl. Both P7 and P8 are moulted and fresh after M2, and some owls even moult P6 or P9. After the third flight feather moult M3 it is very hard to distinguish juvenile secondaries from old M1 secondaries, and a specific moult pattern is most easily recognized in primaries. On sharp images of the upper side of wings on a flying Snowy Owl, or on birds in hand, it should be possible to age birds up to four calendar years (4C) in autumn and five calendar years (5C) in spring, before onset of the fourth flight feather moult M4.
Distribution of endodontists: 1982–1991

A review of both the 1991 study and two previous ADA studies on the distribution of dentists has provided specific information on the evolving numbers of endodontists at the national, regional, and state levels.
Direct analysis of organic compounds in aqueous by-products from fossil fuel conversion processes: oil shale retorting, Synthane coal gasification, and COED coal liquefaction

Abstract Whole water samples are injected directly into a gas Chromatograph equipped with a packed Tenax‐GC column. Polar compounds are separated with good resolution under the temperature programming conditions employed. The by‐product water from oil shale retorting contains carboxylic acids in the homologous series ranging from acetic to decanoic acid. Various amides, cresols and phenol are present in trace amounts. Coal conversion by‐product waters also contain carboxylic acids, but in trace amounts (except acetic). Major components among the dissolved organics in coal conversion samples are phenol, o‐cresol, m‐cresol and p‐cresol. Present at lower levels are several other alkyl substituted phenols and napthols.
First Demonstration of Multiplexed X-Ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography (XFCT) Imaging

Simultaneous imaging of multiple probes or biomarkers represents a critical step toward high specificity molecular imaging. In this work, we propose to utilize the element-specific nature of the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) signal for imaging multiple elements simultaneously (multiplexing) using XRF computed tomography (XFCT). A 5-mm-diameter pencil beam produced by a polychromatic X-ray source (150 kV, 20 mA) was used to stimulate emission of XRF photons from 2% (weight/volume) gold (Au), gadolinium (Gd), and barium (Ba) embedded within a water phantom. The phantom was translated and rotated relative to the stationary pencil beam in a first-generation CT geometry. The X-ray energy spectrum was collected for 18 s at each position using a cadmium telluride detector. The spectra were then used to isolate the K shell XRF peak and to generate sinograms for the three elements of interest. The distribution and concentration of the three elements were reconstructed with the iterative maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm. The linearity between the XFCT intensity and the concentrations of elements of interest was investigated. We found that measured XRF spectra showed sharp peaks characteristic of Au, Gd, and Ba. The narrow full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the peaks strongly supports the potential of XFCT for multiplexed imaging of Au, Gd, and Ba (FWHMAu,Kα1 = 0.619 keV, FWHMAu,Kα2=1.371 keV , FWHMGd,Kα=1.297 keV, FWHMGd,Kβ=0.974 keV , FWHMBa,Kα=0.852 keV, and FWHMBa,Kβ=0.594 keV ). The distribution of Au, Gd, and Ba in the water phantom was clearly identifiable in the reconstructed XRF images. Our results showed linear relationships between the XRF intensity of each tested element and their concentrations (R2Au=0.944 , RGd2=0.986, and RBa2=0.999), suggesting that XFCT is capable of quantitative imaging. Finally, a transmission CT image was obtained to show the potential of the approach for providing attenuation correction and morphological information. In conclusion, XFCT is a promising modality for multiplexed imaging of high atomic number probes.
Proinflammatory cytokine production by mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in trauma patients fed immune-enhancing enteral diets

Widespread metabolic changes associated with injury facilitate the delivery of nutrients to the immune system. The effect of specific nutrients administered by the enteral route on the immune response in trauma victims is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1 beta], and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are influenced by the nature of the dietary fat in critically injured trauma victims. We measured plasma TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 and their release stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) from PBMCs of 13 severely injured (injury severity score = 30 +/- 2) patients once within 48-60 h after injury and then after 7 d of enteral feeding (1.5 g protein[P].kg-1.d-1). Group I (n = 6) received diet A (Crucial) and group II (n = 7) received diet B (Impact). The plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta in trauma patients are not significantly different from those in healthy volunteers, but plasma IL-6 levels are significantly increased (five times) in severely injured patients. Stimulation of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta secretion by LPS and PHA were significantly higher in patients than in control subjects; in contrast, there was no stimulation of IL-6 because of trauma or nutritional support by either of the diets. Stimulation of IL-1 beta by LPS was normalized by Crucial but was further enhanced by Impact. The higher fat content in Crucial may contribute in part to the apparent immunomodulation. Crucial seems to be a better choice in correcting the nutritional deficiency.
A Lateral Surgical Approach to the Equine Femoropatellar Joint

A surgical approach to the lateral trochlear ridge of the distal femur of the horse was developed to facilitate evaluation and curettage of osteochondral defects of the lateral trochlear ridge. Surgical exploration of the lateral trochlear ridge was achieved in 11 patients with osteochondral defects of the lateral trochlear ridge using a craniolateral arthrotomy between the middle and lateral patellar ligaments. The technique described allowed adequate exposure for evaluation, removal of loose osteochondral fragments, and curettage of cartilage abnormalities on the lateral trochlear ridge.
Laminin distribution during corticospinal tract development and after spinal cord injury

The glycoprotein laminin is a prominent constituent of basal laminae and has been suggested to play an important role in axonal growth. We have tested this hypothesis, by examining the temporal and spatial distribution of laminin in the rat spinal cord, relative to elongating corticospinal tract (CST) axons, during normal development and after newborn and adult spinal lesions. The distribution of laminin was demonstrated in spinal cord sections from animals ranging in age from 14 days embryonic to adult using immunocytochemistry. Anti-laminin immunolabeling was seen around blood vessels and meninges in all the animals examined. However, within the grey and white matter its distribution was age-dependent. In the normal cord, immunostaining appeared in small amounts in early embryos, but was absent from all postnatal animals even at ages when the CST was growing down the cord. Following injury, intense immunostaining was associated with lesions in both newborn and adult operates at all postoperative periods examined. Within the matrix of the lesion laminin immunostaining was especially prominent. In the intact cord it was prominent only around blood vessels near the lesion site. Our results indicate that the distribution of laminin does not closely correlate with axonal growth of the CST either during normal development or after spinal injury.
An analysis of the d-glucose influx kinetics of in vitro hamster jejunum, based on considerations of the mass-transfer coefficient

1. A study designed specifically to investigate the effects of unstirred layers on the apparent glucose-influx kinetics of hamster jejunum was conducted. 2. The apparent V was 12.81, 10.71, 9.75, 10.17 and 9.33 mumol/cm-2 - h while the apparent Km was 7.42, 3.95, 1.87, 0.93 and 0.5 mM, respectively, when the rate of shaking the incubation flasks was 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 cycles/min. 3. Extrapolation of the slope and reciprocal intercept of Lineweaver-Burke plots of the data to infinite shaking rate is mathematically justified to yield the slope and intercept of a Lineweaver-Burk plot which is uncomplicated by unstirred layers. These extrapolations were found to have a regression coefficient = 1 when plotted as (intercept)-1 or slope = b0 + b1b-(shake)-2 where b = 2.764 for the slope plot and 6.626 for the (intercept)-1 plot. From the values of b0 one obtains a Km of 0.41 and a V 0f 0.35 which should represent the true kinetic parameters for glucose influx into this tissue under the experimental conditions employed. 4. Values of the theoretical flux expected on a basis of unstirred-layer thickness which was calculated from the relation Cb (for J = V/2) = Km + 0.5 V/Kd agreed with the experimental values of J in some instances but the 95% confidence interval of the theoretical and experimental values did not overlap in many instances at low shaking rates and low concentrations of glucose. 5. A factor theta representing the error between the theoretical and experimental values was found to fit the relationship 1n(theoretical J) = - 3.8 + 5.77 (1/theta) with a regression coefficient of 0.98 and was proposed to be due to one or more of the following parameters: (1) a villus tip to base gradient of transport (influx) activity; (2) a dependence of brush-border influx area on substrate concentration in the bulk incubation media; and (3) an end-product inhibition of the overall transport rate. 6. It is apparent from the data that the flux of glucose across the unstirred layer is ordinarily the rate-limiting step in the trans-brush-border transport of this sugar by hamster jejunum when less than saturating concentrations of glucose are used. At high shaking rates the contribution of the unstirred layer is reduced.
Simvastatin induces derepression of PTEN expression via NFκB to inhibit breast cancer cell growth

Sustained activation of Akt kinase acts as a focal regulator to increase cell growth and survival, which causes tumorigenesis including breast cancer. Statins, potent inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, display anticancer activity. The molecular mechanisms by which statins block cancer cell growth are poorly understood. We demonstrate that in the tumors derived from MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell xenografts, simvastatin significantly inhibited phosphorylation of Akt with concomitant attenuation of the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl(XL). In many cancer cells, Bcl(XL) is a target of NFkappaB. Simvastatin inhibited the DNA binding and transcriptional activities of NFkappaB resulting in marked reduction in transcription of Bcl(XL). Signals transmitted by anti-neoplastic mechanism implanted in the cancer cells serve to obstruct the initial outgrowth of tumors. One such mechanism represents the action of the tumor suppressor protein PTEN, which negatively regulates Akt kinase activity. We provide the first evidence for significantly increased levels of PTEN in the tumors of simvastatin-administered mice. Importantly, simvastatin markedly prevented binding of NFkappaB to the two canonical recognition elements, NFRE-1 and NFRE-2 present in the PTEN promoter. Contrary to the transcriptional suppression of Bcl(XL), simvastatin significantly increased the transcription of PTEN. Furthermore, expression of NFkappaB p65 subunit inhibited transcription of PTEN, resulting in reduced protein expression, which leads to enhanced phosphorylation of Akt. Taken together, our data present a novel bifaceted mechanism where simvastatin acts on a nodal transcription factor NFkappaB, which attenuates the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl(XL) and simultaneously derepresses the expression of anti-proliferative/proapoptotic tumor suppressor PTEN to prevent breast cancer cell growth.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC): Clinical Features and Counseling for BRCA1 and BRCA2, Lynch Syndrome, Cowden Syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

This article provides an overview of the molecular changes associated with inherited gynecologic malignancies and the incorporation of this information in the counseling of individuals at increased risk for developing malignancies, as well as conventional and emerging approaches to the screening of the general population. Cancer genetic counseling and its role in women's health care is examined. The focus is hereditary breast and ovarian cancer; however, cancer predisposition caused by genes other than BRCA1 and BRCA2 is also considered. The aim is to provide a foundation for counseling based on fundamental knowledge of the genes and their clinical consequences. The reader is then guided through the mechanics of risk assessment for individual patients, concluding with the psychosocial implications of counseling.
Microencapsulation of astiban acid for the treatment of Schistosomiasis mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is among the top five diseases in the world in terms of morbidity, affecting perhaps 200 million people in tropical and subtropical countries. Antischistosomal drugs are toxic and rapidly metabolized. Hence, they must be given in a number of spaced doses. In spite of this there are severe side effects leading to poor patient compliance. This is an ideal situation for the application of sustained drug release to avoid the toxic peak concentration of drug.
On the association of terrestrial gamma-ray bursts with lightning and implications for sprites

Measurements of ELF/VLF radio atmospherics (sferics) at Palmer Station, Antarctica, provide evidence of active thunderstorms near the inferred source regions of two different gamma-ray bursts of terrestrial origin [Fishman et al., 1994]. In one case, a relatively intense sferic occurring within ±1.5 ms of the time of the gamma-ray burst provides the first indication of a direct association of this burst with a lightning discharge. This sferic and many others launched by positive cloud-to-ground (CG) discharges and observed at Palmer during the periods studied exhibit ‘slow tail’ waveforms, indicative of continuing currents in the causative lightning discharges. The slow tails of these sferics are similar to those of sferics originating in positive CG discharges that are associated with sprites.
Rac regulates cardiovascular superoxide through diverse molecular interactions: more than a binary GTP switch

The small G protein Rac has been implicated in multiple cardiovascular processes. Rac has two major functions: 1) it regulates the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, and 2) it controls the act...
On convex embeddings of planar 3-connected graphs

A well-known Tutte's theorem claims that every 3-connected planar graph has a convex embedding into the plane. Tutte's arguments also show that, moreover, for every nonseparating cycle C of a 3-connected graph G, there exists a convex embedding of G such that C is a boundary of the outer face in this embedding. We give a simple proof of this last result. Our proof is based on the fact that a 3-connected graph admits an ear assembly having some special properties with respect to the nonseparating cycles of the graph. This fact may be interesting and useful in itself. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Graph Theory 33: 120–124, 2000
Superspace Bianchi identities and the supercovariant derivative.

Abstract We analyze the theory of supergravity, with minimal component fields, in spacetimes of two, three, and four dimensions. The analyses begins by investigating the superspace Bianchi identities. We show that in two and three dimensions, the supergravity multiplet consists of the gravition, gravitino, and a single auxiliary field. In four dimensions, we analyze the Bianchi identities in order to investigate the structure of the veilbein and connection superfields. Utilizing this analysis, we explicitly construct these superfields to quadratic order in θ and give a prescription for determining them completely.
A kinematic model of ridge-transform geometry evolution

A simple kinematic model is used to study the effects of various parameters on the evolution of zero-offset transforms and very-long-offset transforms. Consideration is given to the effects of initial configuration, degree of asymmetry, and degree of bias in asymmetry on the generation of these ridge transform geometries and on the possible steady-state nature of the transform length spectra. Of the parameters tests, only lack of 'memory' of zero-offset transforms affects transform length distribution.
Optimal selection of nodes to perform data fusion in wireless sensor networks

Data aggregation in sensor networks refers to the task of accumulating sensed data at appropriate fusion centers within the network and making inferences based on the received information. This paper discusses methodologies for efficiently choosing these data aggregation centers or nodes within the wireless sensor network. We consider a plurality of sensor nodes that are deployed in a harsh terrain that consists of opaque obstructions. By making some simplifying assumptions with regards to the geometry of the region in which the nodes are deployed (domain) and some system parameters such as the positions of the individual nodes and the loading on those nodes, we show that the choice of the node best located to serve as a data aggregation center can be formulated as a convex optimization problem. Our simplest formulation is a linear program (LP) that computes the geographic of the nodes within a domain. Similar optimization formulations are then developed for more detailed scenarios. We also describe an implementation methodology for choosing the optimal aggregation centers. Simulation results show that by implementing our algorithms we see a 10-15% improvement in the achieved throughput per domain over methods that randomly select nodes to operate as the data fusion center. A corresponding improvement in the latency is also noted. We consider more intricate cases of the problem wherein, factors such as load and message priorities are taken into consideration when determining the optimal fusion center.
FIRST MALE SPERM PRIORITY IN THE BOWL AND DOILY SPIDER, FRONTINELLA PYRAMITELA (WALCKENAER).

Males generally produce many times more gametes than females. Consequently in species where males contribute nothing more to their offspring than gametes, there will be strong competition between males for fertilization of females' eggs (Bateman, 1948). This competition does not necessarily end when mating finally occurs. If females store sperm and have an opportunity to mate with more than one male, these males' sperm may still compete within the female reproductive tract (Parker, 1970). Sperm priority, the order in which stored sperm from several males is used in fertilization, can affect the evolution of male reproductive anatomy (Waage, 1979a), physiology (Bishop, 1920; Craig, 1967), and behavior (Parker, 1974; Waage, 197 9b). Spiders have a high potential for sperm competition because females store sperm for long periods (Bristowe, 1958; Valerio, 1970; Forster and Forster, 1973) and often mate with several males (Montgomery, 1903; Levi, 1968; Jackson, 1978, 1980a). Though much research has recently been done on the more obvious aspects of intermale competition in spiders (e.g., Rovner, 1968; Aspey, 1977; Christenson and Goist, 1979; Jackson, 1980b; Vollrath, 1980), little is known about sperm competition in the taxon (but see Jackson, 1980a and Vollrath, 1980). However, knowing the details of sperm competition is vital to understanding the operation of sexual selection and the evolution of associated traits in any animal group in which such competition may occur. Experiments to determine the details of sperm competition in the bowl and doily spider (Frontinella pyramitela: Linyphiidae), and the effect of female reproductive history on male mating behavior will be discussed below.
Chlorine fixation on anthracites and carbon blacks and its effect on electrical resistivity

Abstract A medium and a high volatile matter (VM) anthracite and a medium and low VM carbon black have been exposed to chlorine gas, at one atmosphere pressure, at temperatures between 200–1400°C. For the high VM anthracite, chlorine fixation occurred at low heat treatment temperatures (HTT) primarily by substitution of chlorine for hydrogen in aliphatic groups. At higher HTT, fixation occurred primarily by substitution of chlorine for hydrogen at the edges of aromatic platelets. For the medium VM anthracite, chlorine fixation at all HTT occurred primarily by the latter process. For the medium VM carbon black, chlorine fixation at all HTT occurred primarily by substitution of chlorine for hydrogen at the edges of aromatic platelets and by addition of chlorine on new active sites produced upon removal of the oxides of carbon from the edges of aromatic platelets. Little fixation of chlorine on the low VM carbon black occurred. Electrical resistivities of samples heated in chlorine were compared with samples heated in nitrogen. The atmosphere used influenced the change in resistivity with HTT. The effect of atmosphere on resistivity is explained on the basis of the chlorine fixation results.
Asymptotic and numerical studies of the leader election algorithm

A leader is to be elected from n people using the following algorithm. Each person flips a coin. Those people who wind up with tails (which occurs with probability p , 0 < p < 1) move on to the next stage. Those with heads are eliminated. Let H n denote the number of stages needed until there is a single winner. We analyze the moments and the probability distribution of H n . In the symmetric model we have an unbiased coin with p = 1/2; in the asymmetric model p ≠ 1/2. We analyze these models asymptotically, for n → ∞, using a variety of analytical and numerical approaches. This leads to simple derivations of some existing results, as well as some new results for the asymmetric case. Our analysis makes some assumptions about the forms of various asymptotic expansions as well as their asymptotic matching.
Electron-donor-acceptor orbital correlations. VI. Selection rules for adiabatic intermolecular electron transfer

Abstract An adiabatic criterion for intermolecular electron transfer is developed to obtain selection rules in terms of the identical transformation properties of one donor and one acceptor orbital in the 4+4 MO approximation. These are examined with reference to the donor-acceptor MO correlations describing “weak” and “strong” EDA complexes and exciplexes, with a view to identifying the type of complex most likely to produce high quantum yields of separated radical ions. Adiabatic (exergonic and efficient) change neutralization channels are available for “strong” EDA complexes, and may be provided by correlation switching via the geminate ion pair originating from exciplexes. It is concluded that certain “weak” EDA complexes, associated with diabatic charge separation and recombination, are the most efficient sources of separated radical ions of high redox potential.
Ionizing radiation induces CD20 surface expression on human B cells.

The CD20 surface antigen is expressed on the great majority of B-cell lymphoma cases. The expression of this antigen ranges from moderate to bright, and it is neither internalized nor shed. These characteristics make CD20 a common target for antibody directed lymphoma therapy. The development of strategies to significantly increase CD20 expression on lymphoma cells is therefore of great interest as a means of increasing specific targeting and cell kill in antibody therapy and radio-immunotherapy. We present here data demonstrating that relatively low doses of external beam radiotherapy are capable of significant and consistent increases in CD20 surface expression in vitro. The effect is dose related up to approximately 10 Gy and is maximal in the first day after radiotherapy. We believe that these data may suggest a potent way to combine a short pretreatment course of external beam radiotherapy with a subsequent course of immunotherapy using either an unlabeled antibody or a radio-immunotoxin.
RAP80 interacts with the SUMO-conjugating enzyme UBC9 and is a novel target for sumoylation

RAP80, a nuclear protein with two functional ubiquitin-interaction motifs (UIMs) at its N-terminus, plays a critical role in the regulation of estrogen receptor alpha and DNA damage response signaling. A yeast two-hybrid screen identified the SUMO-conjugating enzyme UBC9 as a protein interacting with RAP80. The interaction of RAP80 with UBC9 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down analyses. The region between aa 122-204 was critical for the interaction of RAP80 with UBC9. In addition, we demonstrate that RAP80 is a target for SUMO-1 modification in intact cells. Expression of UBC9 enhanced RAP80 mono-sumoylation and also induced multi-sumoylation of RAP80. In addition to SUMO-1, RAP80 was efficiently conjugated to SUMO-3 but was only a weak substrate for SUMO-2 conjugation. These findings suggest that sumoylation plays a role in the regulation of RAP80 functions.
Electronic commerce software laboratory

With NSF support we developed a hands-on laboratory to augment our CS453 Electronic Commerce Technologies course. We conducted weekly lab sessions that covered HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Perl, CGI, SQL, ASP, and Flash programming. Each topic was covered over a period of one to three weeks and each topic was supported by 10 to 26 individual programming exercises. Four teaching assistants provided real-time support during the laboratory period. Answers to all exercises were accessible on-line so that no student would be needlessly delayed by any particular problem. In this paper we discuss the laboratory's design goals, topical content, and the students' performance, reactions, and suggestions for improvement.
Role of endogenous serotonin in the regulation of blood pressure in patients with chronic renal failure.

Although the pathogenesis of hypertension in patients on maintenance haemodialysis is not completely understood, one of the important contributing factors is an increase in total peripheral vascular resistance (Kim et al. 1972). Page and McCubbin (1953) discovered the monoamine serotonin and suggested it may have a role in the regulation of blood pressure. However, its function in the regulation of blood pressure is still unclear. Clinical investigations of the serotonin S2-receptor antagonist ketanserin have shown that ketanserin reduces systemic vascular resistance and lowers blood pressure following acute or long term administration in patients with essential hypertension (De Cree et al. 1981; Fagard et al. 1984; Wenting et al. 1984). In this study, the acute effects of ketanserin on blood pressure and hormonal responses in 10 patients on maintenance haemodialysis with hypertension were determined in order to assess the role of endogenous serotonin in the regulation of blood pressure in such patients. The long term effect of ketanserin on pressor responsiveness to the £x,-adrenoreceptor agonist phenylephrine was also determined in 5 patients. 1. Methods