cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of Subgroup Analyses in Clinical Trials

The reliability of subgroup analyses is frequently misunderstood. While pivotal clinical trials are usually designed to assess the global efficacy of a new therapy, there is often strong interest in performing exploratory subgroup analyses to allow for possible tailoring of patient care in a manner that depends on levels of one or more covariates. Estimates of treatment effects in subgroups tend to be highly variable. False-positive and false-negative conclusions from exploratory subgroup analyses are likely to occur, due to the unreliability of these estimates arising from this variability and due to the multiplicity of testing which is inherent in this exploratory setting. Prominent examples, as well as computer simulation studies for trials with time-to-event endpoints, are cited to provide scientific insight into the reliability of subgroup analyses, and into the proper interpretation of findings from these analyses. Exploratory subgroup analyses usually do not provide definitive conclusions, but rath...
From biogenetic structuralism to mature contemplation to prophetic consciousness

. The publication of Brain, Symbol 3 Experience by Charles D. Laughlin, Jr., John McManus, and Eugene G. d'Aquili marks a significant advance in their biogenetic structural theory. They set forth a neurophenomenology of human consciousness and mature contemplation. A question is raised about their espousal of pristine perception, while their emphasis on polyphasic awareness is appreciated. In their contribution to interdisciplinary dialogue, limitations of gender, neglect of the religious traditions of the West, and linguistic issues are explored. While the style is difficult, the volume promises to become a classic in affirming “the human brain as the main locus of causality.”
Effects of the antimutagen cinnamaldehyde on reversion and survival of selected Salmonella tester strains

The antimutagenic activity of trans-cinnamaldehyde (C6H5CHCHCHO) on chemically induced mutagenesis has been shown in E. coli. Using the Ames Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA1535 (hisG46 uvrB rfa) and TA100 (TA1535/pKM101), the effects of cinnamaldehyde on spontaneous reversions and reversions induced by 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide(4NQO) and ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) have been examined. To observe the effect of cinnamaldehyde in the absence of functional muc genes, a third strain, TA1535/pGW201 (pKM101 muc140::Tn5) was included in the testing. Modifications of the standard Ames test procedures and direct-plating techniques were employed to study the “antimutagenic” response exerted by cinnamaldehyde. In all strains tested, concentrations of cinnamaldehyde up to 25 μg/ml slightly decreased the number of spontaneous reversions and induced reversions were more markedly reduced. The decreases in the numbers of 4NQO-induced revertants were greater than those decreases which occurred for EMS-induced reversions. There was no effect on viability in 1% (v/v) nutrient broth supplemented minimal medium containing 5–25 μg/ml of cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde did not display any mucAB dependent or independent specificity against the mutagens used. On minimal medium supplemented with histidine and biotin, concentrations of cinnamaldehyde above 10 μg/ml were lethal for the strains tested. When the test medium was supplemented with 1–5% (v/v) liquid nutrient broth, viability was not affected at concentrations up to 25 μg/ml. For both TA100 and TA1535 the presence of 20 μg/ml of cinnamaldehyde in 1% (v/v) liquid nutrient broth-supplemented minimal glucose broth extended the lag phase for 2–4 h with no effect on survival. Depending on the test procedure employed, decreases in numbers of revertants may reflect lethality rather than antimutagenesis. When used to test for antimutagenesis rather than mutagenesis, modifications of the standard Ames test procedure may mimic an antimutagenic response due to a decrease in the total number of revertants seen even though enough cells survive to produce a background lawn.
Drawbacks and benefits associated with inter-organizational collaboration along the discovery-development-delivery continuum: a cancer research network case study

Background The scientific process around cancer research begins with scientific discovery, followed by development of interventions, and finally delivery of needed interventions to people with cancer. Numerous studies have identified substantial gaps between discovery and delivery in health research. Team science has been identified as a possible solution for closing the discovery to delivery gap; however, little is known about effective ways of collaborating within teams and across organizations. The purpose of this study was to determine benefits and drawbacks associated with organizational collaboration across the discovery-development-delivery research continuum.
Wave Ducting in a Stratified Shear Flow over a Two-Dimensional Mountain. Part I: General Linear Criteria

Abstract A linear theory for wave ducting is developed by solving a three-layer, steady-state nonrotating flow over a two-dimensional mountain analytically. The reflection coefficient (Ref), transmission coefficient, and the strongest horizontal wind speed at the surface are calculated based on the linear theory as functions of the Richardson number (Ri) and the depth of the lowest layer, with uniform wind speed. The relationship between the low-level response and reflectivity is also investigated. Based on this linear theory, a more general linear criteria is proposed for wave ducting, with the case considered by R. Lindzen and K.-K. Tung being only its subset. The linear theory is then applied to investigate the wave-ducting mechanism for long-lasting propagating waves in the atmosphere through a series of nonlinear numerical simulations. In the presence of a critical level, wave ducting may occur over a relatively wider range of Ri, once Ref is close to 1. That is, it is not necessary to have Ri < 0.25...
Characterization of a Sudden Expansion Flow Chamber to Study the Response of Endothelium to Flow Recirculation

In order to simulate regions of flow separation observed in vivo, a conventional parallel plate flow chamber was modified to produce an asymmetric sudden expansion. The flow field was visualized using light reflecting particles and the size of the recirculation zone was measured by image analysis of the particles. Finite element numerical solutions of the two and three-dimensional forms of the Navier-Stokes equation were used to determine the wall shear stress distribution and predict the location of reattachment. For two different size expansions, numerical estimates of the reattachment point along the centerline of the flow chamber agreed well with experimental values for Reynolds numbers below 473. Even at a Reynolds number of 473, the flow could be approximated as two-dimensional for 80 percent of the chamber width. Peak shear stresses in the recirculation zone as high as 80 dyne/cm 2 and shear stress gradients of 2500 (dyne/cm 2 )/cm were produced. As an application of this flow chamber, subconfluent bovine aortic endothelial cell shape and orientation were examined in the zone of recirculation during a 24 h exposure to flow at a Reynolds number of 267. After 24 h, gradients in cell orientation and shape were observed within the recirculation zone. At the location of reattachment, where the wall shear stress was zero but the shear stress gradients were large, cells plated at low density were still aligned with the direction of flow. No preferred orientation was observed at the gasket edge where the wall shear stress and shear stress gradients were zero. At higher cell densities, no alignment was observed at the separation point. The results suggest that endothelial cells can respond to spatial gradients of wall shear stress.
The detection of proteins in unstained gels by the use of phosphorescence.

Abstract The intrinsic phosphorescence of unstained proteins may be used to locate their position in gels. The method is especially useful for preparative procedures but can be used analytically.
Existence and non-existence in the moral hazard problem

Abstract We provide a new class of counter-examples to existence in a simple moral hazard problem in which the first-order approach is valid. In contrast to the Mirrlees example, unbounded likelihood ratios on the signal technology are not central. Rather, our examples center around the behavior of the utility function as utility diverges to negative infinity. For any utility function, such as ln ( w ) , in which utility diverges to negative infinity at a finite wealth level, existence will fail for some specifications of the agentʼs cost of effort. When utility diverges to negative infinity only as wealth does as well, existence holds for all specifications of the agentʼs cost of effort if and only if the agent continues to dislike risk as wealth diverges to negative infinity. When there is a finite lower bound on utility, existence is assured. For those cases where existence fails, we characterize the limit of near optimal contracts.
Near-field time-resolved fluorescence studies of poly(phenylmethyl silane) with subwavelength resolution.

We present an example of the first time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) near-field optical measurement. The aperture size of our prepared aluminun-coated fiber-optic probe was approximately 50 nm, which represents a spatial resolution of λex/7 for our UV measurements. Near-field fluorescence decays of poly(phenylmethyl silane) in solid thin films excited in the range 325–360 nm were obtained and the steady-state excitation spectra compared with the excitation spectral information obtained in the far field. Fluorescence decays showed single exponential lifetimes ranging from 45 to 277 ps, which was dependent on the excitation wavelength and the selected near-field tip. The proximity of the metal-coated tip to the sample may be the reason for the modulation in fluorescence lifetime.
Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide and black phosphorus transistors for low power robust SRAM design

Vertical monolayer heterojunction FETs based on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCFETs) and planar black phosphorus FETs (BPFETs) have demonstrated excellent sub-threshold swing, high I ON /I OFF , and high scalability, making them attractive candidates for post-CMOS memory design. This paper explores TMDCFET and BPFET SRAM design by combining atomistic self-consistent device modeling with SRAM circuit design and simulation. Our simulations show that at low operating voltages, TMDCFET and BPFET SRAMs exhibit significant advantages in static power, dynamic read/write noise margin, and read/write delay over both nominal and read/write-assisted 16nm CMOS SRAMs.
Exchange Degeneracy and Regge Dips

It is shown that exchange degeneracy leads to dips in differential cross sections when trajectories pass through nonsense, wrong-signature values. The proof does not assume the absence of Gribov-Pomeranchuk fixed poles.
Vortex age as a wake turbulence scaling parameter

Research which was conducted to determine the significance of vortex age as a scaling parameter in wake turbulence development and dissipation is reported. Tests were conducted at three angles of attack, three free stream speeds, and seven downstream positions from 2 to 30 chordlengths using an NACA 0012 wing and a five hole yawhead pitot probe. The end surface of the wing tip was flat. Speeds were selected to give a predetermined range of vortex ages. The complete velocity structure of the vortex was measured at each station and speed. The resulting plots of maximum tangential velocity and vortex core diameter versus downstream distance and vortex age indicate that vortex age is not a self sufficient scaling parameter. In addition to the expected effect of lift coefficient there is also a definite free stream speed influence at high wing angles of attack. The exact cause and nature of this effect is not fully understood, but it does not appear to be explainable in terms of Mach number or Reynolds number; however, the influence of tip edge shape on spanwise flow separation appears to be an important factor.
Hypoxia and radiotherapy: opportunities for improved outcomes in cancer treatment

A large body of clinical evidence exists to suggest that tumor hypoxia negatively impacts radiotherapy. As a result, there has been longstanding active research into novel methods of improving tumor oxygenation, targeting hypoxic tumor cells, and otherwise modulating the effect hypoxia has on how tumors respond to radiation. Over time, as more has been learned about the many ways hypoxia affects tumors, our understanding of the mechanisms connecting hypoxia to radiosensitivity has become increasingly broad and complicated. This has opened up new potential avenues for interrupting hypoxia's negative effects on tumor radiosensitivity. Here, we will review what is currently known about the spectrum of influence hypoxia has over the way tumors respond to radiation. Particular focus will be placed on recent discoveries suggesting that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a transcription factor that upregulates its target genes under hypoxic conditions, plays a major role in determining tumor radiosensitivity. HIF-1 and/or its target genes may represent therapeutic targets which could be manipulated to influence hypoxia's impact on tumor radiosensitivity.
Permissive hormone regulation of hormone-sensitive effector systems

Abstract Thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids are examples of ‘permissive' hormones that exert profound effects on the ability of cells to respond to other hormones, such as catecholamines. Catecholamines, like many other hormones whose activity is under the control of permissive hormones, bind to cell-surface receptors and activate the effector systems to which they are coupled via G proteins . Craig Malbon and colleagues analyse the mode of action of permissive hormones using the hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase system as a model in tandem with the many new advances made in the understanding of the individual components of the system. New perspectives on permissive hormone action expressed at the level of receptors, G proteins, and effector systems provide a focal point for discussion of this intriguing level of hormonal regulation .
Actin crosslinked with glutaraldehyde: evidence to suggest an active role for actin in the regulatory mechanism.

Abstract Actin crosslinked with glutaraldehyde retains the ability to activate the Mg 2+ -ATPase activity of heavy meromyosin subfragment 1, but the resultant ATPase activity is not controlled by the regulatory proteins, troponin and tropomyosin. Fluorescent energy transfer measurements imply that the crosslinked actin is frozen in the active state. These results indicate that the conformation of actin is important in the regulatory mechanism, and suggest that actin plays a more active role in this mechanism than thought previously.
Walking with Hegel in Marseilles: Robert Guédiguian and Les Neiges du Kilimandjaro

Robert Guediguian’s Les Neiges de Kilimandjaro (2011) draws on Marius et Jeannette (1997) and La Ville est tranquille (2000), features he likewise filmed on location in his native Marseilles. As a series or set, the three films constitute a loose version of the Hegelian dialectic of thesis, antithesis and synthesis that is evident in Guediguian’s cinematic treatment of Marseilles’ evolving topography and demographics. The conclusion of Les Neiges de Kilimandjaro suggests a possible means of updating a commitment to social change based in overcoming class difference at a moment when this has yielded to a more brutal distinction between the rich and the poor.
Flurazepam and Other Benzodiazepines

Excerpt To the editor: Flurazepam (Dalmane; Roche Products, Inc. , Manati, Puerto Rico) "probably has no unique hypnotic properties not shared by other benzodiazepines" (1). It is often substantial...
The motivation to obtain nicotine-conditioned reinforcers depends on nicotine dose.

Abstract Stimuli associated with nicotine (NIC) can acquire new meaning via Pavlovian conditioning. If a stimulus is associated with the primary reinforcing effects of NIC, the new conditional properties of the stimulus should make it a more valuable reinforcer (i.e., increase the motivation to obtain the stimulus), and this value should be based, in part, on the strength or intensity of the primary reinforcer (i.e., NIC dose). The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether NIC-conditioned reinforcement increased motivation to obtain non-NIC stimuli, as reflected by performance on a progressive ratio (PR) reinforcement schedule, and whether this increased motivation was systematically related to NIC dose. Two Paired groups were allowed to nose-poke for NIC (0.03 or 0.09 mg/kg/infusion, IV) accompanied by 15-s illumination of a stimulus light (conditional stimulus or CS). Two Unpaired groups (0.03 or 0.09 mg/kg/infusion) could also make a nose-poke response for the CS; however their NIC infusions were controlled by the Paired group (i.e., yoked design). A fifth group (CS-Only) was allowed to nose-poke for CS presentations and saline infusions. After 29 conditioning sessions the nose-poke operant was prevented by obscuring the receptacle and the CS (accompanied by saline infusion for all groups) was made contingent upon a novel operant response (lever press). During the acquisition of this novel response, each CS/saline infusion earned increased the number of responses required to earn the next CS/saline infusion. Pairings with the primary reinforcing effects of NIC resulted the acquisition of a novel response for the CS. Motivation to obtain the CS depended on salience (dose) of the primary reinforcement (NIC).
Thin film Co[TCNE]2 and VyCo1−y[TCNE]2 magnetic materials

Abstract A chemical vapor deposition method has been developed for the synthesis of both solvent-free Co[TCNE] 2 and V y Co 1− y [TCNE] 2 thin films. Both materials have been previously synthesized by solution methods, but contain solvent. The Co[TCNE] 2 thin films were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and magnetic studies, and albeit solvent-free were determined to be similar to the analogous solution-prepared samples as they are paramagnetic with slight antiferromagnetic coupling. In contrast to the solution-based synthesis, V y Co 1− y -[TCNE] 2 showed no dependence of coercive field based on the composition of the films, even though infrared spectroscopic data indicates formation of a solid-solution thin film, and not a physical mixture.
Association between obesity and kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to comprehensively assess epidemiologic evidence on the relation between obesity and kidney disease (KD). From 247 retrieved articles via PubMed (1980–2006), 25 cohorts, 3 cross-sectional, and 19 case–control studies met inclusion criteria. Related data were extracted using a standardized protocol. We estimated the pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of KD for each body mass index (BMI) category compared with normal weight using meta-analysis models. Population attributable risk was also calculated. Compared with normal-weight individuals (18.5 P
Effect of Abortion vs. Carrying to Term on a Woman's Relationship with the Man Involved in the Pregnancy

CONTEXT When a woman who seeks an abortion cannot obtain one, having a child may reshape her relationship with the man involved in the pregnancy. No research has compared how relationship trajectories are affected by different outcomes of an unwanted pregnancy. METHODS Data from the Turnaway Study, a prospective longitudinal study of women who sought abortion in 2008–2010 at one of 30 U.S. facilities, are used to assess relationships over two years among 862 women who had abortions or were denied them because they had passed the facility's gestational age limit. Mixed-effects models analyze effects of abortion or birth on women's relationships with the men involved. RESULTS At conception, most women (80%) were in romantic relationships with the men involved. One week after seeking abortion, 61% were; two years later, 37% were. Compared with women who obtained an abortion near the facility's gestational age limit, women who gave birth had greater odds of having ongoing contact with the man (odds ratio at two years, 1.7). The odds of romantic involvement at two years did not differ by group; however, the decline in romantic involvement was initially slower among those giving birth. Relationship quality did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS Giving birth temporarily prolonged romantic relationships of women in this study; most romantic relationships ended soon, whether or not the woman had an abortion. However, giving birth increased the odds of nonromantic contact between women and the men involved throughout the ensuing two years.
A nanofabricated planar aperture as a mimic of the nerve-muscle contact during synaptogenesis.

The release of synaptogenic factors by the nerve terminal plays a central role in the aggregation of neurotransmitter receptors at the postsynaptic membrane, a precisely timed and localized process that is essential for the correct formation and functioning of the synapse. This process has been difficult to re-capitulate in cell culture because present cell stimulation methods do not have sufficient spatiotemporal control of the delivery of soluble signals. We cultured myotubes atop nanofabricated planar apertures (2–8 µm diameter) to focally stimulate the muscle cell membrane with neural agrin, a synaptogenic factor released by motor neurons during development. Focal agrin delivery through the apertures after myotube fusion results in local aggregation of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in the vicinity of the apertures, a process reminiscent of AChR clustering at innervation sites. Since the apertures are spatially organized in microarrays, multiple experiments can be run in parallel on one device. The technique has wide applicability in cell–cell communication studies and cell-based bioassays.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide variations at the South Pole

Duplicate measurements of 749 discrete samples of air collected at the South Pole indicate that the seasonally adjusted concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the polar southern hemisphere rose 3.7% between 1957 and 1971. The rise, mostly attributable to the burning of fossil fuels, has not been steady. In the mid-1960's, possibly as a result of wide-spread cooling of surface ocean water, it slackened for several years; recently it has accelerated. Similar changes in rate have also been observed at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii, in the northern hemisphere and are evidently a global phenomenon. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1976.tb00702.x
Thermal Stability and Phase Purity in Polycrystalline Ba8GaxGe46−x

Polycrystalline Ba8Ga x Ge46−x exhibits promising thermoelectric performance with the figure of merit ZT close to that of single crystals. Polycrystalline Ba8Ga x Ge46−x is promising for applications, but reproducibility and thermal stability of thermoelectric properties need to be demonstrated. Polycrystalline samples of Ba8+dGa x Ge46−x -type clathrates (15.0 ≤ x ≤ 16.8 with varied nominal Ga content and d = 0 or 0.2) were prepared by direct reaction of the elements, followed by ball milling and hot pressing. Trace Ge impurity was observed (<1.0 wt.%) depending on the synthesis method. The electrical resistivity was stable in measurements up to 1000 K, regardless of Ge impurity. However, measurements to 1050 K resulted in irreversible increase in carrier concentration while the carrier mobility remained unchanged.
Potentiation of norepinephrine-induced contraction by primary prostaglandin receptor activation in rat aorta

This study investigates the role of primary prostaglandin receptor activation in the modulation of agonist-induced vascular smooth muscle contraction. Prostaglandin F2α induced a concentration-dependent contraction of the rat aorta that was nearly abolished by the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, SQ29548. Prostaglandin F2α in the presence of SQ29548 induced leftward shifts of the norepinephrine and KCl concentration-response curves. Nifedipine abolished the leftward shift of the norepinephrine concentration-response curve observed in the presence of prostaglandin F2α and SQ29548. These results suggest that a function of primary prostaglandin receptor activation may be to potentiate agonist-induced contraction. The potentiation is dependent upon the opening of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels.
The Devolution of Immigration Enforcement Policy and Child Welfare Practice

Immigration policy is situated at the forefront of today's political climate. As such, raising awareness for how immigration enforcement specifically intersects with child welfare services can serve to promote advocacy efforts, recommend analysis by researchers, and guide practitioners facing the challenges of translating policy to practice. This article uses the nation's strictest immigration policy from Alabama as a focal point for discussion and examines the challenges families face when immigration enforcement and child welfare services overlap. Recommendations for researchers and practitioners are provided.
Possible treadmilling in zinc(II)-induced sheet polymers of bovine brain microtubule protein.

Abstract We have examined the ability of zinc(II)-induced sheet polymers, formed from thrice-cycled bovine brain microtubule protein prepared in the absence of glycerol, to exchange with tubulin subunits at steady state. By a rapid filtration assay in which labeled GTP was used as a marker for tubulin addition and loss, we found that steady-state sheet polymers, formed in 0.5 m m -ZnCl 2 , 1 m m -dithiothreitol, and 100 m m -2-( N -morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (pH 6.75) in the presence of a GTP-regenerating system at 37 °C, incorporated the label in a time-dependent manner to a maximum level. The steady-state uptake of label was inhibited by colchicine, podophyllotoxin and vinblastine. In pulse-chase experiments, we observed that label added onto sheet polymers in a short pulse was retained for a period equal to that required by the polymers to become fully labeled in a continuous pulse; thereafter, the label was lost gradually to a baseline level. An average of 82% of the label was retained in the sheet polymers after a “cold” chase of equal duration to the time of the pulse. Sheet polymers assembled from microtubule protein prepared in the presence of glycerol gave similar results. Using a double-labeling procedure to analyze tubulin addition and loss simultaneously, we found that the rates of steady-state addition and loss were similar. Sheet polymers retained their structural integrity throughout these experiments, as determined by electron microscopy. We believe that the data are consistent with a “treadmilling” mechanism of polymerization and depolymerization, analogous to that documented to occur in steady-state microtubules in vitro . Such a mechanism is discussed in the context of recent findings from structural studies, and a model consistent with established structural data is offered.
Interactive sequences in the molecular chaperone, human αB crystallin modulate the fibrillation of amyloidogenic proteins

Multiple interactive domains are involved in the activity of the stress protein, alphaB crystallin that protects against the unfolding, aggregation, and toxicity of amyloidogenic proteins. Six peptides corresponding to the interactive sequences 41STSLSPFYLRPPSFLRAP58, 73DRFSVNLDVKHFS85, 101HGKHEERQDE110, 113FISREFHR120, 131LTITSSLSSDGV142, and 156ERTIPITRE164 in human alphaB crystallin were synthesized and evaluated in Thioflavin T fluorescence assays for their effects on the modulation of fibrillation of four disease-related amyloidogenic proteins: amyloid-beta, alpha-synuclein, transthyretin, and beta2-microglobulin. The 73DRFSVNLDVKHFS85 and 101HGKHEERQDE110 peptides in the conserved alpha crystallin core domain of alphaB crystallin were the most effective fibril inhibitors. 73DRFSVNLDVKHFS85 completely inhibited alpha-synuclein fibrillation and reduced the fibrillation of amyloid-beta, transthyretin, and beta2-microglobulin by >50%. 101HGKHEERQDE110 completely inhibited amyloid-beta fibrillation and reduced the fibrillation of alpha-synuclein, transthyretin, and beta2-microglobulin by >50%. The peptides FSVN, NLDV, HGKH, and HEER, which are synthetic fragments of 73DRFSVNLDVKHFS85 and 101HGKHEERQDE110, inhibited fibrillation of all four amyloidogenic proteins by >75%. In contrast, the peptides FISREFHR, ERTIPITRE, DRFS, KHFS, and EERQ were the strongest promoters of fibrillation. Molecular modeling of the interactions between transthyretin and beta2-microglobulin and the synthetic bioactive peptides determined that residues Phe-75, Ser-76, Val-77, Asn-78, Leu-79, and Asp-80 in 73DRFSVNLDVKHFS85 and residues His-101, Lys-103, His-104, Glu-105, and Arg-107 in 101HGKHEERQDE110 interact with exposed residues in the beta strands, F and D of transthyretin and beta2-microglobulin, respectively, to modulate fibrillation. This is the first characterization of specific bioactive peptides synthesized on the basis of interactive domains in the small heat shock protein, alphaB crystallin that protect against the fibrillation of amyloidogenic proteins.
Nanoscale measurement of ferroelectric domain wall strain and energy by near-field scanning optical microscopy

Abstract We have made a direct and nanometer scale measurement of the strain, internal electric field and interface energy of single domain walls in ferroelectric LiTaO 3 by using a collection mode Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscope. We unambiguously identify single domain walls by simultaneously recording nanometer scale topographic and optical images.
NIF optical systems design: preamplifier beam transport system optomechanical design

The Injection Laser System (ILS) optical design of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser system is described, covering design functions, requirements and constraints, various approaches and options, and the resultant configuration. The front end compromises approximately 70 optical elements per beamline, and 8300 elements total, whose characteristic dimensions are from two to six inches. Individual beamlines span a distance of approximately 15 meters. A variety of optical element types are used: spherical and aspheric lenses, mirrors, polarizers, multi-order waveplates, Faraday rotators, and laser rods. The front end performs multiple functions, namely to: image the pupil of the NIF laser system; amplify the beam's energy with a gain of approximately 104; magnify the beam size by 30x; split the beam four-fold; provide back-reflection isolation; and adjust the pupil location, along with arrival time of the pulse, on a beam-by-beam basis. Due to the high-energy nature of the beam, particular attention is paid to minimizing peak fluence throughout the system, thus reducing the likelihood of optical damage. The front end must deliver wavefront with no more than approximately a wave of P-V aberration (at 1.053 micrometer). This demanding wavefront requirement requires optics' surfaces and transmitted wavefronts to be of relatively high quality, typically 1/10 wave P-V (at 0.633 micrometer).© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Amplitude and phase of cerebrospinal fluid pulsations: Experimental studies and review of the literature

Object A recently developed model of communicating hydrocephalus suggests that ventricular dilation may be related to the redistribution of pulsations in the cranium from the subarachnoid spaces (SASs) into the ventricles. Based on this model, the authors have developed a method for analyzing flow pulsatility in the brain by using the ratio of aqueductal to cervical subarachnoid stroke volume and the phase of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, which is obtained at multiple locations throughout the cranium, relative to the phase of arterial flow. Methods Flow data were collected in a group of 15 healthy volunteers by using a series of images acquired with cardiac-gated, phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. The stroke volume ratio was 5.1 ± 1.8% (mean ± standard deviation). The phase lag in the aqueduct was −52.5 ± 16.5° and the phase lag in the prepontine cistern was −22.1 ± 8.2°. The flow phase at the level of C-2 was +5.1 ± 10.5°, which was consistent with flow synchronous with the arterial pulse. The...
Pneumoperitoneum and Phreniclasia in the Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Therapeutic Observations in 550 White and Negro Cases

1) A therapeutic review of 550 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, treated by a combination of temporary phrenic nerve interruption and pneumoperitoneum, has been presented. 2) The physiology, indications, and complications have been stated. 3) The technique of the procedure of pneumoperitoneum has been outlined. 4) It is of value in preparing the patient for thoracoplasty. 5) This method of treatment is capable of effecting a cure in many cases which unquestionably are not suitable either for pneumothorax or thoracoplasty. 6) Cavity closure occurs equally as well at the apex as in the basal portion of the lung. 7) In 134 far advanced white patients treated for six months or more, 106, or 79 per cent converted their sputum. Cavity closure occurred in 80 cases, or 72 per cent. In the far advanced 76 negro patients, 56 or 73 per cent converted their sputum; cavity closure occurred in 37, or 67 per cent. In the more favorably selected cases, the results were more impressive. 8) The duration of treatment parallels that required by other types of collapse therapy. 9) The importance of maximum elevation of the diaphragm is emphasized. 10) Artificial pneumoperitoneum combined with phrenic crush has been found a valuable treatment; it avoids the serious complications of artificial pneumothorax and gives to many patients, hopelessly ill, their chance to recover.
Ultraviolet Solar Identifications Based on Extended Absorption Series Observed in the Laboratory Spectrum of SI I

The absorption spectrum of Sii in the wavelength region 1500–1900 A has been photographed at high resolution. The silicon vapour was produced in a 122 cm long King furnace at 1800–2300°C. Forty-two Rydberg series have been observed from the ground state terms 3p23P and1D to terms associated with the 3pns and 3pnd configurations. All of the series from these configurations withJ<4 have been extended with the 3pnd3D 3 o levels reachingn=56. Numerous perturbations have been observed. This laboratory work has provided the basis for extending the identification of silicon lines in the solar spectrum. Nearly all lines found in the laboratory spectrum are also found in rocket spectrograms of the solar chromosphere. More than 300 lines have been attributed to Sii. The excellent correlation between laboratory and solar Sii lines will be illustrated.
5 Years of Progress: A Reply to Block

Abstract During the past 5 years, no coherent and persuasive critique of the methods or findings of the FFM has appeared. In addition to a wealth of personality correlates, research has made important contributions to understanding the biological bases of personality, its cross-cultural universality, and its lifespan development. Theoretical efforts, though incomplete, have begun to integrate the study of traits into a broader understanding of the personality system. The FFM continues to thrive.
Design of a new warhead for the natural enediyne dynemicin A. An increase of biological activity.

A concept for designing nontoxic enediyne-based antitumor drugs that was previously suggested (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 8245) is converted into reality by merging amidines with the natural enediyne dynemicin A. The dynemicin−amidines (DADs) resulting from this combination are biologically not active because they form extremely labile singlet biradicals that can no longer abstract H from DNA. However, if protonated in the acidic environment of the tumor cell, they possess increased biological activity, as is reflected by a lowering of the activation enthalpy for the Bergman cyclization from 16.7 (dynemicin A) to 11−12 kcal/mol (DADs), kinetic stability of the singlet biradicals formed in the cyclization reaction, increased H abstraction ability of the singlet biradicals, and improved docking properties in the minor groove of the duplex 10-mer B-DNA sequence d(CTACTACTGG)·d(CCAGTAGTAG) throughout the triggering and Bergman reactions. The implications and the consequences of using DADs to exploit the dif...
Investigation of Display Issues Relevant to the Presentation of Aircraft Fault Information

This research, performed as a part of NASA Langley's Faultfinder project, investigated display implementation issues related to the introduction of real time fault diagnostic systems into next generation commercial aircraft. Three major issues were investigated: visual display styles for presenting fault related information to the crew, the form the output from the expert system should take, and methods for filtering fault related information for presentation to the crew. Twenty-four flight familiar male volunteers participated as subjects. Five subjects were NASA test pilots, six were Commercial Airline Pilots, seven were Air Force Lear Jet pilots, and six were NASA personnel familiar with flight (non-pilots). Subjects were presented with aircraft subsystem information on a CRT screen. They were required to identify the subsystems presented in a display and to remember the state (normal or abnormal) of subsystem parameter information contained in the display. The results of the study indicated that in the simpler experimental test cases (i.e., those involving single subsystem failures and composite hypothesis displays) subjects' performance did not differ across the different display formats. However, for the more complex cases (i.e., those involving multiple subsystem faults and multiple hypotheses displays), subjects' performance was superior in the text- and picture-based display formats compared to the symbol-based format. In addition, the findings suggest that a layered approached to information display is appropriate.
Developmental skills related to writing and reading acquisition in the intermediate grades : shared and unique functional systems

Multiple measures of the fine motor system, the orthographic system, the phonological system, the working memory system, the verbal intelligence system, the writing system, and the reading system were administered to 300 students in grades 4, 5, and 6. Results showed that the writing system and the reading system share many of the same orthographic, phonological, and working memory sub-processes but thepatterns of concurrent relation between these sub-processes and writing and between these subprocesses and reading differ. These results are consistent with the view that writing and reading draw upon the same as well as unique cognitive systems.
Indications and Contraindications for Bariatric Surgery

Defining the indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery begins with an assessment of the risk-benefit of a given procedure. Significant advances in surgical techniques, reductions in operative risk, and greater knowledge of the potential risk of untreated obesity have greatly altered the risk-benefit of surgery since 1991. In addition, the health and mortality risk of untreated obesity is better defined and greater than was appreciated in 1991. The result is a shift in the risk-benefit favoring surgery, leading to consideration of lowering the body mass index (BMI) indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery. There are few absolute contraindications to metabolic and bariatric surgery. Most would be included in lists of contraindications of any elective surgical procedure. Patients deemed a prohibitive operative risk should not be offered surgery, including those with contraindications to general anesthesia or uncorrectable coagulopathy. Bariatric surgery should not be performed on patients with limited life expectancy due to irreversible cardiopulmonary or other end-organ failure or metastatic or inoperable malignancy. Patients who are pregnant or who expect to be pregnant within 12 months of surgery should be deferred. Active drug or alcohol abuse is a relative contraindication to surgery, as is untreated severe psychiatric illness. Metabolic and bariatric surgery should be postponed in patients with active peptic ulcer disease until successful treatment has been confirmed.
Adaptive Detection in Highly Non Stationary Interference

This paper discusses the adaptive detection of highly non-stationary and non-Gaussian clutter in IR image sequences
Will admixture mapping work to find disease genes

Admixture mapping is the first experimentally practical method for carrying out a whole-genome association scan, and is thus a promising method for detecting risk factors for common disease. The goal of the community should now be to aggressively test whether the method is useful in practice for localizing disease genes, by carrying out at least three high-powered studies. We also propose a stringent criteria we believe the community should adopt before declaring a statistically significant admixture association to disease.
Fuzzy Transportation Problem

In this chapter we apply our fuzzy Monte Carlo method to determine approximate solutions to a fuzzy transportation problem. The next section presents the standard definition of the transportation model. Then in Section 23.3 we fuzzify it and apply our fuzzy Monte Carlo method to generate approximate solutions. An example is given which is to show the results of our fuzzy Monte Carlo method.
A reconfigurable 'ANN' architecture

Proposes a design of a digital artificial neural network (ANN). The architecture is based on a single-instruction multiple-data (SIMD) processing configuration. Communication is done through broadcasting and also by systolic methods. With the help of a microprogrammed control unit, the design is mainly capable of implementing the following three models: (1) Hamming, (2) Hopfield, and (3) Carpenter/Grossberg algorithms. The architecture was also designed to achieve parallelism, modularity, adaptability, flexibility, speed, low cost, smaller silicon area, and expandability. >
Nanocrystalline ZnO Thin Film Synthesis Using Glycerol in Aqueous Polymeric Precursor Processing

Synthesis of high-quality ZnO thin films via simple and cost effective processing technique is a major challenge. In this work, the preparation of nanocrystalline ZnO thin films by a novel polymeric precursor processing using glycerol as chelating agent is presented. The process has advantages of being cost-effective and environment friendly. ZnO thin films were prepared by a single spin-coating deposition of aqueous polymeric precursor prepared with zinc nitrate [Zn(NO3)2] and glycerol as chelating agent. The thermal decomposition of polymeric precursors was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Annealing of these films were performed over the range of 300°–600°C, and the effect of annealing on the degree of crystallization, surface morphology, crystallite size, and optical properties was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the thin films are polycrystalline with wurtzite structure. The thin films are 80% dense, have crack free microstructure, and transparency of >85% in the visible region. These films exhibit absorption edge at 375 nm. On measuring at room temperature, the optical band gap energy of ZnO thin films, annealed at 450° and 600°C, was determined to be 3.295 and 3.267 eV. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra of these films show strong UV emission and a broad yellow-green emission in the range 525–600 nm. The intensity of UV emission peak increases with increase in annealing temperature that is attributed to an improvement in crystallinity.
Numerical study of an apertureless near field scanning optical microscope probe under radial polarization illumination

An axially symmetric three-dimensional finite element method model is applied to investigate the electromagnetic field distribution in the vicinity of a silver coated glass tip. Under radially polarized illumination, a strongly enhanced field located at the apex of the tip is found due to the constructive interference of surface plasmon propagating at the air/silver interface. The enhancement factor and surface plasmon resonance excitation are analyzed systematically. The optimal condition for field enhancement is investigated through the exploration of different taper angles of the tip and the illumination geometry. The numerical studies show that a significantly enhanced localized electromagnetic field with a full-width-half-maximum of 10 nm is obtainable with 632.8 nm optical excitation.
A virtual test facility for the efficient simulation of solid material response under strong shock and detonation wave loading

A virtual test facility (VTF) for studying the three-dimensional dynamic response of solid materials subject to strong shock and detonation waves has been constructed as part of the research program of the Center for Simulating the Dynamic Response of Materials at the California Institute of Technology. The compressible fluid flow is simulated with a Cartesian finite volume method and treating the solid as an embedded moving body, while a Lagrangian finite element scheme is employed to describe the structural response to the hydrodynamic pressure loading. A temporal splitting method is applied to update the position and velocity of the boundary between time steps. The boundary is represented implicitly in the fluid solver with a level set function that is constructed on-the-fly from the unstructured solid surface mesh. Block-structured mesh adaptation with time step refinement in the fluid allows for the efficient consideration of disparate fluid and solid time scales. We detail the design of the employed object-oriented mesh refinement framework AMROC and outline its effective extension for fluid–structure interaction problems. Further, we describe the parallelization of the most important algorithmic components for distributed memory machines and discuss the applied partitioning strategies. As computational examples for typical VTF applications, we present the dynamic deformation of a tantalum cylinder due to the detonation of an interior solid explosive and the impact of an explosion-induced shock wave on a multi-material soft tissue body.
Impact of eating probiotic yogurt on colonization by Candida species of the oral and vaginal mucosa in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women.

Candidiasis in HIV/AIDS patients continues to be a public health problem. Antifungal therapies are not always effective and may result in complications, such as the development of drug-resistant strains of Candida species. This study evaluated the impact of probiotic consumption on Candida colonization of the oral and vaginal mucosa. A pilot study was conducted in 24 women (17 HIV-infected, 7 HIV-uninfected) from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study. The women underwent a 60-day initiation period with no probiotic consumption, followed by two 15-day consumption periods, with a different probiotic yogurt (DanActive™ or YoPlus™ yogurt) during each interval. There was a 30-day washout period between the two yogurt consumption periods. Oral and vaginal culture swabs were collected on days 0, 60, 74, and 120. Candida was detected by inoculating each swab in both Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with or without chloramphenicol and CHROMagar. Less fungal colonization among women was observed when the women consumed probiotic yogurts (54 % of the women had vaginal fungal colonization during the non-probiotic yogurt consumption period, 29 % during the DanActive™ period, and 38 % during YoPlus™ yogurt consumption period), and HIV-infected women had significantly lower vaginal fungal colonization after they consumed DanActive™ yogurt compared to the non-intervention periods (54 vs 29 %, p = 0.03). These data are promising, but as expected in a small pilot study, there were some significant changes but also some areas where colonization was not changed. This type of conflicting data is supportive of the need for a larger trial to further elucidate the role of probiotic yogurts in fungal growth in HIV-infected women.