cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated Capillary Electrophoresis System for Fast Single-Cell Analysis

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a promising technique for single-cell analysis, but its use in biological studies has been limited by low throughput. This paper presents an automated platform employing microfabricated cell traps and a three-channel system for rapid buffer exchange for fast single-cell CE. Cells loaded with fluorescein and Oregon green were analyzed at a throughput of 3.5 cells/min with a resolution of 2.3 ± 0.6 for the fluorescein and Oregon green. Cellular protein kinase B (PKB) activity, as measured by immunofluorescence staining of phospho-PKB, was not altered, suggesting that this stress-activated kinase was not upregulated during the CE experiments and that basal cell physiology was not perturbed prior to cell lysis. The activity of sphingosine kinase (SK), which is often upregulated in cancer, was measured in leukemic cells by loading a sphingosine-fluorescein substrate into cells. Sphingosine fluorescein (SF), sphingosine-1-phosphate fluorescein (S1PF), and a third fluorescent sp...
Thermodynamic properties of liquid indium-cadmium alloys

Abstract The partial and integral free energies of formation of liquid alloys in the system InCd were determined at 625 K by vapor pressure techniques. From these results and from published enthalpies of mixing, the associated entropy changes were calculated. The excess entropy, ΔSxs, was found to be positive over the entire compositional range with a maximum value of 0.3 eu at XCd = 0.7.
Correlation between the levels of survivin and survivin promoter-driven gene expression in cancer and non-cancer cells

Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family, is associated with malignant transformation and is over-expressed in most human tumors. Using lipoplex-mediated transfection, we evaluated the activity of the reporter enzyme, luciferase, expressed from plasmids encoding the enzyme under the control of either the cytomegalovirus (CMV) or survivin promoters, in tumor- and non-tumor-derived human and murine cells. We also examined whether there is a correlation between the survivin promoter-driven expression of luciferase and the level of endogenous survivin. Human cancer cells (HeLa, KB, HSC-3, H357, H376, H413), oral keratinocytes, GMSM-K, and chemically immortalized human mammary cells, 184A-1, were transfected with Metafectene at 2 μl/1 μg DNA. Murine squamous cell carcinoma cells, SCCVII, mouse embryonic fibroblasts, NIH-3T3, and murine immortalized mammary cells, NMuMG, were transfected with Metafectene PRO at 2 μl/1 μg DNA. The expression of luciferase was driven by the CMV promoter (pCMV.Luc), the human survivin promoter (pSRVN.Luc-1430), or the murine survivin promoters (pSRVN.Luc-1342 and pSRVN.Luc-194). Luciferase activity was measured, using the Luciferase Assay System and expressed as relative light units (RLU) per ml of cell lysate or per mg of protein. The level of survivin in the lysates of human cells was determined by ELISA and expressed as ng survivin/mg protein. In all cell lines, significantly higher luciferase activity was driven by the CMV promoter than by survivin promoters. The expression of luciferase driven by the CMV and survivin promoters in murine cells was much higher than that in human cells. The cells displayed very different susceptibilities to transfection; nevertheless, high CMV-driven luciferase activity appeared to correlate with high survivin-promoter driven luciferase expression. The survivin concentration in lysates of cancer cells ranged from 5.8 ± 2.3 to 24.3 ± 2.9 ng/mg protein (mean, 13.7 ng/mg). Surprisingly, elevated survivin protein was determined in lysates of non-tumor-derived cells. Survivin levels for GMSM-K and 184A-1 cells, were 16.7 ± 8.7 and 13.5 ± 6.2 ng/mg protein, respectively. The expression of endogenous survivin did not correlate with the level of survivin promoter-driven transgene activity in the same cells. The expression of survivin by non-tumorigenic, transformed cell lines may be necessary for their proliferative activity. The level of survivin promoter-driven gene expression achieved via liposomal vectors in OSCC cells was too low to be useful in cancer-cell specific gene therapy.
Endothelin-1, superoxide and adeninediphosphate ribose cyclase in shark vascular smooth muscle.

SUMMARY In vascular smooth muscle (VSM) of Squalus acanthias , endothelin-1 (ET-1) signals via the ET B receptor. In both shark and mammalian VSM, ET-1 induces a rise in cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) via activation of the inositol trisphosphate (IP 3 ) receptor (IP 3 R) and subsequent release of Ca 2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). IP 3 R-mediated release of SR Ca 2+ causes calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) via the ryanodine receptor (RyR), which can be sensitized by cyclic adeninediphosphate ribose (cADPR). cADPR is synthesized from NAD + by a membrane-bound bifunctional enzyme, ADPR cyclase. We have previously shown that the antagonists of the RyR, Ruthenium Red, high concentrations of ryanodine and 8-Br cADPR, diminish the [Ca 2+ ] i response to ET-1 in shark VSM. To investigate how ET-1 might influence the activity of the ADPR cyclase, we employed inhibitors of the cyclase. To explore the possibility that ET-1-induced production of superoxide (O 2 .- ) might activate the cyclase, we used an inhibitor of NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX), DPI and a scavenger of O 2 .- , TEMPOL. Anterior mesenteric artery VSM was loaded with fura-2AM to measure [Ca 2+ ] i . In Ca 2+ -free shark Ringers, ET-1 increased [Ca 2+ ] i by 104±8 nmol l -1 . The VSM ADPR cyclase inhibitors, nicotinamide and Zn 2+ , diminished the response by 62% and 72%, respectively. Both DPI and TEMPOL reduced the response by 63%. The combination of the IP 3 R antagonists, 2-APB or TMB-8, with DPI or TEMPOL further reduced the response by 83%. We show for the first time that in shark VSM, inhibition of the ADPR cyclase reduces the [Ca 2+ ] i response to ET-1 and that superoxide may be involved in the activation of the cyclase.
The Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant eroded reactor head: a case study

This case study describes an incident at Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant in Oak Harbor, Ohio, and discusses ways in which the case study can be used to examine ethical communication problems and as a basis for writing analytical reports that compare, justify, and analyze materials and issues in technical writing courses. It relates case elements and assignments to broader course and program objectives, poses sample instructional guidance, and offers examples of student performance. Suggested assessment methods to evaluate student learning are also given.
Silhouetted face profiles: a new methodology for face perception research.

We present a new methodology for constructing face stimuli for psychological experiments based on silhouetted face profiles. Face silhouettes carry a number of theoretical and methodological advantages compared to more complex face stimuli and lend themselves to a simple yet powerful parameterization. In five behavioral studies, we show that face silhouettes are processed like regular face stimuli: They provide enough information for accurate gender judgments (Study 1), age estimations (Study 2), and reliable and cross-valid attractiveness ratings (Study 3). Furthermore, face silhouettes elicit an inversion effect (Study 4) and allow for remarkably accurate cross-identification with front-view photographs (Study 5). We then describe a shape-based parameterization that relies on a small set of landmark points and show that face silhouettes can be effectively represented in a 20-dimensional ‘‘silhouette face space’’ (Study 6). We show that in this physical space, distance from the center of the space corresponds to perceived distinctiveness (Study 7), confirming a key axiom in the formulation of the face space model. Finally, we discuss straightforward applications of the face silhouette methodology and address some limitations.
Exploiting systemic biological modeling for trigger based adaptation in networked intelligent multi-agent systems

Current day networked intelligent agent based systems have limited capability of adaptability, self-repair, adaptation, and self-reconfiguration under changing external conditions. In past, evolutionary algorithms have experimented with random mutation and heuristic selection based evolution for self-adaptation. However, little research has been done to explore dynamic adaptive control to take care of sudden external stress and events at systemic response level. This work introduces a new message based biological model of intelligent multiagent based systems that represents agents as self-correcting dynamically modifiable genes - a reconfigurable set of dynamically regulated built-in functions, and system of agents as dynamically adaptable event-trigger controlled interacting pathways that can be altered and reconfigured in response to external stress and events. The model supports the integration of message, code, trigger, and belief states, and supports interchangeability of message, code, and trigger to provide dynamic adaptive control. The model and its implementation have been described.
Advantages of Using Estimated Depression- Free Days for Evaluating Treatment Efficacy

Objective: Several common methods for measuring treatment response present a snapshot of depression symptoms. The construct of estimated depression-free days (DFDs) simultaneously captures treatment outcome and estimates the patient’s experience of depression over time. The study compared this measure with traditional measures used in depression treatment research. Methods: This secondary data analysis was based on data from the Improving Mood—Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment trial, a multisite depression treatment study conducted in 18 primary care clinics in five states and representing eight health care systems. The sample of older adults (N=906) had been randomly assigned to receive collaborative care for depression. Participants were aged 60 or older and met criteria for major depressive disorder, dysthymia, or both. Exclusion criteria included severe cognitive impairment, active substance abuse, active suicidal behavior, severe mental illness, and active treatment from a psychiatrist. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-20) were used as outcome measures at four assessment points (baseline, three months, six months, and 12 months). Outcomes were computed for relative change, standardized differences, the proportion of improvement in depression, and DFDs. Results: Using four assessment points improved the agreement between DFDs and the course of symptom change between pre- and posttest measures. Conclusions: The DFD is a valid measure for estimating treatment outcomes that reflects the course of symptom change over time. When multiple assessments were conducted between the pre- and posttest periods, DFDs incorporated additional data yet remained easily interpreted. The DFD should be considered for reporting outcomes in depression research. (Psychiatric Services 61:160–163, 2010)
Effects of androgen (testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, 19-nortestosterone) administration on growth in turkeys

The present studies examined the effect of three androgens, testosterone, a reduced form 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT), and the readily aromatizable anabolic androgen, 19-nortestosterone, on growth in male and female turkeys. Growth (body weight, average daily gain, and right breast muscle weight) was increased by testosterone (females), 5 alpha-DHT (males and females), and 19-nortestosterone (males and females). Moreover, both feed:gain ratio and the weight of abdominal adipose tissue was reduced in turkeys treated with testosterone (females), 5 alpha-DHT (males and females), and 19-nortestosterone (females and males). Bursa of Fabricius weights were reduced in androgen-treated male or female turkeys with the decrease following 19-nortestosterone being greater than those observed with either testosterone or 5 alpha-DHT. Androgen treatment had no effect on skeletal growth (as indicated by shank-toe length) or weights of the liver, spleen, or testes. In female turkeys, plasma concentrations of hormones were determined following androgen treatment. No effects were observed on plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I or luteinizing hormone after any androgen treatment. Testosterone administration was followed by a physiological increase in the plasma concentrations of testosterone. Plasma concentrations of growth hormone were unaffected by either 5 alpha-DHT or 19-nortestosterone but reduced by the high dose of testosterone. The effect of castration on growth in the presence or absence of 19-nortestosterone was also examined. Castration did not depress growth compared with sham-operated controls, but increased adiposity. 19-Nortestosterone increased growth of castrated turkeys, increased muscle weight, and reduced abdominal adipose tissue weight.
Cause-Specific Mortality in Male US Veterans with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective There has been limited investigation into cause-specific mortality and the associated risk factors in men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated all-cause and cause-specific mortality in men with RA, examining determinants of survival. Methods Men from a longitudinal RA registry were followed from enrollment until death or through 2013. Vital status and cause of death were determined using the National Death Index. Crude mortality rates and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and respiratory mortality. Associations with all-cause and cause-specific mortality were examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards and competing-risks regression. Results There were 1,652 men with RA and 332 deaths. The leading causes of death were CVD (31.6%; SMR 1.77 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.46–2.14]), cancer (22.9%; SMR 1.50 [95% CI 1.20–1.89]), and respiratory disease (15.1%; SMR 2.90 [95% CI 2.20–3.83]). Factors associated with all-cause mortality included older age, white race, smoking, low body weight, comorbidity, disease activity, and prednisone use. Rheumatoid factor concentration and nodules were associated with CVD mortality. There were no associations of methotrexate or biologic agent use with all-cause or cause-specific mortality. Conclusion Men in this RA cohort experienced increased all-cause and cause-specific mortality, with a 3-fold risk of respiratory-related deaths compared to age-matched men in the general population. Further studies are needed in order to examine whether interventions targeting potentially modifiable correlates of mortality might lead to improved long-term survival in men with RA.
Diabetic ketoacidosis with pneumomediastinum: a case report.

An 18-year-old male with type 1 diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency department after one day of lethargy and vomiting. Physical examination revealed a dehydrated male with tachycardia and Kussmaul’s respiration. There was subcutaneous emphysema in both supraclavicular regions. Chest auscultation revealed a positive Hamman’s sign. Laboratory investigation was significant for metabolic acidosis with venous blood pH 7.08. Plasma glucose was 1438 mg/dl; ketones were present in the urine. Chest X-ray showed subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, which resolved spontaneously within 72 hours of initiation of treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis. Pneumomediastinum is an uncommon complication of diabetic ketoacidosis. Recognizing that severe diabetic ketoacidosis may cause pneumomediastinum allows for expedient management.
An automatic clock tree design system for high-speed VLSI designs: planar clock routing with the treatment of obstacles

In this paper, we present an automatic clock tree design (ACTD) system for high speed VLSI designs. The ACTD is designed to extend the capabilities of the existing computer aided design tools and provides a convenient environment for CAD users. Specifically, the following issues are considered: (i) a planar clock routing, (ii) a solution for avoiding obstacles, (iii) strategy of buffer insertion, and (iv) a complete system for clock routing. To achieve a planar clock routing, we first present a cutting-line embedding routing algorithm which constructs a planar clock tree topology. Then, we employ heuristic techniques called planar obstacle-avoiding routing which can solve the obstacle-crossing in the clock net. Therefore, this paper introduces two novel algorithms for developing a planar clock routing system with the treatment of obstacles. Both a cutting-line embedding algorithm and a planar obstacle-avoiding routing algorithm show a good enhancement in convenient usage and performance.
Smart sensing skin for detection and localization of fatigue cracks

Fatigue cracks on steel components may have strong consequences on the structure’s serviceability and strength. Their detection and localization is a difficult task. Existing technologies enabling structural health monitoring have a complex link signal-to-damage or have economic barriers impeding large-scale deployment. A solution is to develop sensing methods that are inexpensive, scalable, with signals that can directly relate to damage. The authors have recently proposed a smart sensing skin for structural health monitoring applications to mesosystems. The sensor is a thin film soft elastomeric capacitor (SEC) that transduces strain into a measurable change in capacitance. Arranged in a network configuration, the SEC would have the capacity to detect and localize damage by detecting local deformation over a global surface, analogous to biological skin. In this paper, the performance of the SEC at detecting and localizing fatigue cracks in steel structures is investigated. Fatigue cracks are induced in steel specimens equipped with SECs, and data measured continuously. Test results show that the fatigue crack can be detected at an early stage. The smallest detectable crack length and width are 27.2 and 0.254 mm, respectively, and the average detectable crack length and width are 29.8 and 0.432 mm, respectively. Results also show that, when used in a network configuration, only the sensor located over the formed fatigue crack detect the damage, thus validating the capacity of the SEC at damage localization.
The role of communication and information flow in leveraging critical knowledge to create market value

Summary form only, as given. Value creation occurs when knowledge and ideas are leveraged through communication and access to information into intellectual capital, and intellectual capital is leveraged through innovation into market value. This requires both networked resources and ad hoc linkages between employees as well as appropriate external alliances. Conditions required to sustain authentic, meaningful, value-driven relationships that generate leverage are outlined. Implications for management and leadership in knowledge-based organizations are discussed.
A soft error rate analysis (SERA) methodology

We present a soft error rate analysis (SERA) methodology for combinational and memory circuits. SERA is based on a modeling and analysis-based approach that employs a judicious mix of probability theory, circuit simulation, graph theory and fault simulation. SERA achieves five orders of magnitude speed-up over Monte Carlo based simulation approaches with less than 5% error. Dependence of soft error rate (SER) of combinational circuits on supply voltage, clock period, latching window, circuit topology, and input vector values are explicitly captured and studied for a typical 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process. Results show that the SER of logic is a much stronger function of timing parameters than the supply voltage. Also, an "SER peaking" phenomenon in multipliers is observed where the center bits have an SER that is in order of magnitude greater than that of LSBs and MSBs.
A new species of Phallus from São Tomé, Africa

A new lignicolous species of phalloid fungi, discovered recently on the western African island of Sao Tome, is described as Phallus drewesii. A comprehensive description, photographs and comparison with phenetically similar species are provided.
Increasing wireless channel capacity through MIMO systems employing co-located antennas

Wireless networks consisting of compact antennas find applications in diverse areas such as communication systems, direction of arrival estimation, sensor networks, and imaging. The effectiveness of many of these systems depend on maximizing the reception of RF power and extracting maximum information from the incident electromagnetic (EM) wave. Traditionally, this has been achieved through multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems employing a spatial array of antennas that enhance the channel capacity. In this paper, we report similar increases in channel capacity obtained through the use of vector antennas consisting of co-located loops and dipoles, which can respond to more than one component of the EM field. It is shown that systems with three- and four-element vector antennas at both the transmitter and receiver operating around the frequency of 2.25 GHz support three and four times more information, respectively, as compared to conventional systems consisting of sensors with single antennas. Comparison with a simplified theoretical model of a MIMO system with co-located antennas in a rich multipath environment shows good agreement.
Precision measurements of the SLC beam energy

A method of precisely determining the beam energy in high-energy linear colliders has been developed using dipole spectrometers and synchrotron radiation detectors. The method of measurement indirectly observes the deflection of charged beams via the narrow beams of synchrotron radiation they emit. Beam lines implementing this method have been installed on the Stanford Linear Collider (SLC). An absolute energy measurement with an accuracy of better than delta E/E=5*10/sup -4/ can be achieved on a pulse-to-pulse basis. The operation of this system is described. >
Lysosomal proliferation and distal degeneration in motor neurons expressing the G59S mutation in the p150Glued subunit of dynactin

An increasing number of neurodegenerative diseases are being linked to mutations in genes encoding proteins required for axonal transport and intracellular trafficking. A mutation in p150 Glued , a component of the cytoplasmic dynein/dynactin microtubule motor complex, results in the human neurodegenerative disease distal spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (dSBMA). We have developed a transgenic mouse model of dSBMA; these mice exhibit late-onset, slowly progressive muscle weakness but do not have a shortened lifespan, consistent with the human phenotype. Examination of motor neurons from the transgenic model reveals the proliferation of enlarged tertiary lysosomes and lipofuscin granules, indicating significant alterations in the cellular degradative pathway. In addition, we observe deficits in axonal caliber and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) integrity, indicating distal degeneration of motor neurons. However, sciatic nerve ligation studies reveal that inhibition of axonal transport is not evident in this model. Together, these data suggest that mutant p150 Glued causes neurodegeneration in the absence of significant changes in axonal transport, and therefore other functions of dynein/dynactin, such as trafficking in the degradative pathway and stabilization of the NMJ are likely to be critical in maintaining the health of motor neurons.
Morphologic Stomach Findings in Rats and Mice Treated with the H2 Receptor Antagonists, ICI 125,211 and ICI 162,846

The gross and histopathologic findings seen in the stomachs of rats and mice treated with 2 different H2 receptor antagonists are presented. Studies with the first drug, ICI 125,211, elicited dysplasia/carcinoma lesions in 17 of 828 treated rats with 12 of the 17 lesions occurring in the pyloric region of the stomach. No tumors occurred in mice on study for 18 months. Studies conducted with another drug candidate, ICI 162,846, produced neuroendocrine carcinomas in the stomach of rats and mice. Twenty-five rats out of 312 treated male and female rats had neuroendocrine carcinomas in the gastric fundus with a higher tumor incidence in females. In a 24-month mouse study with ICI 162,846, 45 of 300 treated mice developed neuroendocrine carcinomas in the gastric fundus with a higher incidence in males.
Absorption spectrum of xenon in the vacuum-ultraviolet region

The absorption spectrum of atomic xenon in the wavelength region 922–1296 A has been investigated with a 6.65-m vacuum spectrograph. The expected five ns and nd Rydberg series have been observed. The series have been extended as far as n = 66 for nd(3/2)1∘ and n = 65 for nd′(3/2)1∘. The ionization energies obtained are 97 833.7 and 108 370.8 cm−1 for 2P3/2 and 2P1/2 states of Xe ii, respectively. Absolute term values for xenon have been reevaluated.
Temperature-dependent Kelvin probe studies on GaN from 80 to 600 K

In this work, we report on the effect of temperature on near-surface band bending and surface photovoltage (SPV) in GaN. Band bending and SPV during illumination and after switching the illumination off are calculated for n -type and p -type GaN by using a thermionic model. The temperature and temporal dependencies are compared with experimental data. We find that the thermionic model describes adequately the SPV values and its dynamics only at high temperatures. At temperatures below room temperature the observed SPV is much higher than predicted from the thermionic model, especially in the case of p -type GaN. This fact is explained by a significant shift of the quasi-Fermi level in p -type GaN under illumination. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Meteorological modes of variability for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) air quality in the United States: implications for PM 2.5 sensitivity to climate change

We applied a multiple linear regression model to understand the relationships of PM2.5 with meteorological variables in the contiguous US and from there to infer the sensitivity of PM2.5 to climate change. We used 2004-2008 PM2.5 observations from 1000 sites ( 200 sites for PM2.5 components) and compared to results from the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model (CTM). All data were deseasonal- ized to focus on synoptic-scale correlations. We find strong positive correlations of PM2.5 components with temperature in most of the US, except for nitrate in the Southeast where the correlation is negative. Relative humidity (RH) is gen- erally positively correlated with sulfate and nitrate but neg- atively correlated with organic carbon. GEOS-Chem results indicate that most of the correlations of PM2.5 with tempera- ture and RH do not arise from direct dependence but from co- variation with synoptic transport. We applied principal com- ponent analysis and regression to identify the dominant mete- orological modes controlling PM2.5 variability, and show that 20-40 % of the observed PM2.5 day-to-day variability can be explained by a single dominant meteorological mode: cold frontal passages in the eastern US and maritime inflow in the West. These and other synoptic transport modes drive most of the overall correlations of PM2.5 with temperature and RH except in the Southeast. We show that interannual variability of PM2.5 in the US Midwest is strongly correlated with cy- clone frequency as diagnosed from a spectral-autoregressive analysis of the dominant meteorological mode. An ensem- ble of five realizations of 1996-2050 climate change with the GISS general circulation model (GCM) using the same climate forcings shows inconsistent trends in cyclone fre- quency over the Midwest (including in sign), with a likely decrease in cyclone frequency implying an increase in PM2.5. Our results demonstrate the need for multiple GCM realiza- tions (because of climate chaos) when diagnosing the effect of climate change on PM2.5, and suggest that analysis of meteorological modes of variability provides a computation- ally more affordable approach for this purpose than coupled GCM-CTM studies.
Protein–protein alternative binding modes do not overlap

Proteins often bind other proteins in more than one way. Thus alternative binding modes is an essential feature of protein interactions. Such binding modes may be detected by X-ray crystallography and thus reflected in Protein Data Bank. The alternative binding is often observed not for the protein itself but for its structural homolog. The results of this study based on the analysis of a comprehensive set of co-crystallized protein–protein complexes show that the alternative binding modes generally do not overlap, but are spatially separated. This effect is based on molecular recognition characteristics of the protein structures. The results are also in excellent agreement with the intermolecular energy funnel size estimates obtained previously by an independent methodology. The results provide an important insight into the principles of protein association, as well as potential guidelines for modeling of protein complexes and the design of protein interfaces.
Bioinformatics of alternative splicing and its regulation

The sequencing of the human genome and ensuing wave of data generation have brought new light upon the extent and importance of alternative splicing as an RNA regulatory mechanism. Alternative splicing could potentially explain the complexity of protein repertoire during evolution, and defects in the splicing mechanism are responsible for diseases as complex as cancer. Among the challenges that rise in light of these discoveries are cataloguing splice variation in the human and other eukaryotic genomes, and identifying and characterizing the splicing regulatory elements that control their expression. Bioinformatics efforts tackling these two questions are just at the beginning. This article is a survey of these methods.
Dominant Uptake of Fatty Acid over Glucose by Prostate Cells: A Potential New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach

Background: Prostate cancer is characterized by a low rate of glycolysis and glucose uptake. We hypothesize that fatty acid is dominant over glucose in uptake by prostate cells. Materials and Methods: One benign (RWPE1) and two malignant (LNCaP and PC3) prostate cell lines were assayed for their in vitro uptake of radiolabeled glucose analogs 3 H-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose and 18 F-fluoro-2- deoxyglucose, and the long-chain fatty acid 3 H-palmitic acid. Fractional uptake was standardized to viable cell numbers. Results: Uptake of palmitate in all 3 prostate cell lines was significantly higher than that of glucose at all incubation times (p<0.01). But in malignant cell lines, neither glucose nor palmitate uptake was quantitatively higher than that in the benign cell line. The uptake of fatty acid by prostate cells is a dynamic, active process mediated by the membrane receptors. Conclusion: Prostate cells are characterized by a dominant uptake of fatty acid over glucose, suggesting that future development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in prostatic cancer should focus on fatty acid substrate. Fatty acid imaging may be useful in detection of recurrence and metastasis, but not in differentiating malignant from benign prostate tissue. Prostate cancer remains a major public health concern. It is the most prevalent cancer in human beings and the second leading cause of male cancer death in the U.S. (1). Initial diagnosis of prostate cancer is relatively straightforward, being based on prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening and confirmatory biopsy, but accurate staging and detection of recurrent and metastatic disease remains clinically challenging. Metabolic changes during malignant transformation have been noted for many years. Warburg first reported that cancer cells preferentially rely on glycolysis as a major bioenergetic source even in the presence of oxygen and produce high levels of lactate and pyruvate (2). Increased glucose consumption is a basic characteristic of malignant cells and is linked to energy production from glycolysis. Amplified glucose usage by malignant cells therefore forms the theoretic basis for cancer detection through uptake of the glucose analog, fluorine-18-labeled 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D- glucose ( 18 F-FDG) which can be imaged by positron- emission tomography (PET). Today, FDG-PET is widely used for diagnosis, staging, restaging and monitoring therapy of numerous types of malignant diseases.
Surface waves and their influence on cone cracking in brittle materials

Abstract Prior experimental studies have shown substantial improvement in the ballistic performance of ceramics due to surface treatment with thin coatings; however, no correlation with material properties and bonding conditions has been found and no mechanism has yet been definitively established. It is expected that the high strain rates present in a ballistic event will produce surface waves and it is plausible that the interaction of these waves with surface flaws may contribute significantly to initial crack growth and the onset of failure in brittle materials. In the present work a Laplace-transform-based computational framework is implemented. This technique can be considered complementary to other computational schemes such as finite element and finite difference techniques for the study of elastic waves in solids. Extension of this framework to multi-layer systems is possible and may provide insight into whether or not the observed surface-treatment effect in ceramics can be attributed to wave modification.
Surface Plasmon Engineering in Graphene Functionalized with Organic Molecules: A Multiscale Theoretical Investigation

Graphene was recently shown to support deep subwavelength surface plasmons at terahertz frequencies characterized by low energy loss and strong field localization, both highly desirable. The properties of graphene can be locally tuned by applying an external gate voltage or by the adsorption of organic molecules that lead to doping through charge transfer. Local tuning of the electronic features of graphene opens the possibility to realize any desired gradient index profile and thus brings large flexibility to control and manipulate the propagation of surface plasmons. Here, we explore this possibility created by functionalizing graphene with organic molecules. We employ a multiscale theoretical approach that combines first-principles electronic structure calculations and finite-difference time-domain simulations coupled by surface conductivity. We show that by patterning two types of organic molecules on graphene, a plasmonic metasurface can be realized with any gradient effective refractive index profil...
Fluorescent Dyes for Marking and Recovering Fowl Ticks in Poultry Houses Treated with Insecticides

Marking of the fowl tick, Argas persicus (Oken), with fluorescent dyes was used as an aid in collecting and counting ticks during pesticide trials in poultry houses. Saturated solutions of the dyes dissolved in acetone were applied to the dorsum of individual ticks at a rate of approximately 3 µ liters/tick. The marking is quite durable, lasting for more than a year on ticks in the laboratory and at least 6 weeks on ticks released and later recovered from poultry houses. Several fluorescent dyes were applied to known numbers of adult ticks released in poultry houses. All ticks, alive or dead, bearing a specific dye were searched for and collected at weekly intervals after houses were treated with aqueous sprays of insecticides. In 1 test, both ultraviolet and white light were utilized to search for known numbers of marked and unmarked ticks. Searching for unmarked ticks was time consuming, and only 50% of the original number was collected, compared with 75% and 98% for 2 groups of marked ticks. In a later test, 800 marked ticks were released in each of 3 poultry houses, and collection of ticks from these 3 houses at the end of a 6-week period was 87.4%.
Chinese Expression of Predicative Structures in English Scientific Writings

Predicative structure(grammatical structure) in English of Science and Technology(EST) forms largely on the basis of noun phrase,adjective/adjectival phrase,prepositional phrase,infinitive phrase,gerund phrase or predicative clause.With emphasis on nominal phrase for predicative structure examination,this paper analyzes Chinese translations of types of predicative structure in ETS,aiming to offer information for better understanding and applying of predicative structure in English/Chinese two-way translation.
On-line Monitoring System Design of±500kV Yimu DC Earth Electrode

In order to enhance the intelligence level of±500kV DC grounding Yimu electrode maintenance,grasp the operation condition of the electrode,and improve the security of HVDC project,on-line monitoring system of±500kV Yimu DC ground electrode is proposed and implemented.Front-end monitoring unit is capable of real-time monitoring of temperature,humidity and grounding current.Meanwhile,it can realize video monitoring of the site environment.Through the long-range wireless data transmission,the front-end monitoring data are fed back to the background control system.These data collected by hardware system are calculated and displayed in a reasonable manner for operator's reference,state diagnosis and fault alarm automatically.
Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Nanoindentation of Silicon Carbide by Diamond Tip

The interaction between silicon carbide (3C structure) and diamond indenter was investigated using ninety-thousand atom molecular dynamic simulation with Leonard-Jones potential. At the special value of applied strain to the surface, a crack forms on the silicon carbide surface and moves toward perpendicular direction of indentation. The changes of energies (kinetic potential and total), pressure and temperature are observed during the process. The depth of indentation, the speed of indentation and the initial temperature of workpiece were varied to study the phenomena.
Pulmonary Surveillance Strategies Following Sarcoma Excision Vary Among Orthopedic Oncologists: A Survey of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary surveillance protocols following sarcoma excision based on clinical evidence and outcomes are limited in current literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the method, frequency, and reasoning behind pulmonary surveillance strategies in patients treated for sarcoma among members of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS). METHODS SurveyMonkey, an online survey tool, was used to create and distribute a questionnaire to 211 members of the MSTS in 2011. The 16 questions focused on current pulmonary surveillance algorithms and their reasoning. RESULTS Of the surveyed members of the MSTS, 65% follow high-grade sarcoma with routine chest CT scans. Most disagreement involved low-grade sarcomas, where radiographs (34%), routine CT (33%), or selective CT scans (31%) were evenly distributed. Selective CT scans in low-grade lesions were warranted with an indeterminate nodule on prior CT (81%), local recurrence (40%), or large/ deep tumor characteristics (31%). Most protocols were based on continuation of training protocols (46%), clinician's interpretation of the current literature (23%), or personal experience (14%). CONCLUSIONS Significant clinician variability exists in terms of pulmonary surveillance of sarcomas, most notably in low-grade lesions. The results of this study represent an area in need of further study to develop an evidence-based protocol for sarcoma pulmonary surveillance.
A 10Gb/s, 342fJ/bit micro-ring modulator transmitter with switched-capacitor pre-emphasis and monolithic temperature sensor in 65nm CMOS

In this work, a CMOS-SiPh optical transmitter based on carrier-injection ring modulators is presented. It features a novel low-power switched-capacitor-based pre-emphasis that effectively compensates the modulator bandwidth limitation. A wavelength stabilization technique via direct measurement of ring temperature using a monolithic PTAT sensor is also presented. The optical transmitter achieves energy efficiency of 342fJ/bit at 10Gb/s and the wavelength stabilization circuit consumes 0.29mW.
Modeling reliability of GaN/AlGaN/AlN/GaN HEMT

III-V nitrides have attracted intense interest recently for applications in high-temperature, high-power electronic devices operating at microwave frequencies. Gallium Nitride (GaN), with a much larger band gap than Gallium Arsenide, has drawn recent interest in industry for use in blue laser diodes and microwave power field-effect transistors. Even though GaN has three times higher effective electron mass than GaAs, which results in a low-field mobility less than that of GaAs, GaN has some distinct advantages in various applications. Some of these are larger band gap, larger peak electron velocity, higher thermal stability; all of which enables it to be a very promising material for high power, high temperature and high frequency applications.
Blast Mitigation Seat Analysis: Evaluation of Lumbar Compression Data Trends in 5th Percentile Female Anthropomorphic Test Device Performance Compared to 50th Percentile Male Anthropomorphic Test Device in Drop Tower Testing

Abstract : Data analysis confirmed assumption that seat design plays a significant role in pelvis and lumbar outputs. Some of the current seats tested are able to adequately protect both the 50th male and 5th female. Energy attenuation performance varies as a factor of occupant size. Effectiveness of EA mechanism determined by lumbar compression. Future seat designs must account for a wide range of occupant weights. Further understanding of dynamic stroke properties of EA mechanisms and their effect on lumbar compression are key to improving seat designs. Future work: Continued interfacing with seat manufacturers to broaden occupant protection range. Record dynamic stroke on all drop tower tests to evaluate correlation between displacement rate and lumbar compression
The Role and Importance of the Salesperson in Creating a Competitive Advantage

One of the key components of a firm’s strategy is how to achieve and maintain competitive advantage. This paper examines the role and importance of the salesperson in the distribution channel and s...
The indications and role of paediatric bronchoscopy in a developing country, with high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV

ABSTRACTBackground: Bronchoscopy, an important investigation for the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, is widely used in high income countries. There is limited information on value of paediatric bronchoscopy in low and middle income countries (LMIC).Aims and Objectives: Aim was to describe the indications, findings and complications of bronchoscopy in a middle income country with a high prevalence of tuberculosis and HIV.Methodology: A retrospective analysis of a database over a 3.5 year period.Results: A total of 509 bronchoscopies were performed on neonates (2.3%) and children (median age = 18 months) of which 5.1% were HIV-infected. The main indications were: possible large airway compression 40%, complicated pneumonia (25%) and persistent stridor (15%). Pathology was observed in 64% of bronchoscopies. The most findings were lymph node compression of the airways (21%), and upper airway pathology (12%). Interventional procedures were performed in 112 cases (22%), the commonest being for...
DAVIDSON'S PROGRAM AND INTERPRETED LOGICAL FORMS

L'A. soutient dans cet article que l'analyse ILF (Interpreted Logical Form) developpee pour resoudre le probleme de l'attribution des attitudes propositionnelles souleve dans le programme semantique de Davidson ne peut y parvenir sans violer les contraintes theoriques inherentes au programme. Apres avoir rappele ce programme semantique de Davidson et affirme que les contraintes liees (composition extensionnelle et innocence semantique) doivent etre satisfaites dans une theorie semantique formelle, l'A. expose l'analyse ILF de Larson et Ludlow puis celle de Higginbotham qui violent toutes deux les contraintes de Davidson et ainsi echouent dans l'explication de la competence semantique. Il conclut alors que seule une analyse parataxique dans la continuite de Davidson parvient a resoudre le probleme des attributions d'attitude.
Crank-angle Domain Modeling and Optimal Tracking Control for Automotive Engine Idle Speed

ABSTRACT In this paper, a nonlinear model has been developed for the Idle Speed Control (ISC) system of a 2.4-litre. 4-cylinder DaimlerChrysler car engine based on experiment data and system identification techniques. TIle model developed is relatively simple. An optimal idle speed controller has been designed and implemented into the engine. Simulation and experimental results show that the optimal ISC system is effective in both tracking and regular ing the desired idle speed and rejecting the disturbances.
C1q-CD33 inhibitory immunoreceptor interactions occur via C1q globular heads and CD33 C2-like domains (IRC4P.601)

Complement independent functions of C1q include C1q’s collagen-like region (CLR) engaging the immunoreceptor LAIR-1 to restrict monocyte-derived dendritic cell (mono-DC) differentiation/activation. If C1q’s globular region (gC1q) directly engages distinct inhibitory immunoreceptors is unknown. CD33, a C-type lectin, is highly expressed on monocytes. Like LAIR-1, triggering through CD33 inhibitory motifs (ITIM) restricts monocyte/DC activity. CD33 has C2-like domains potentially recognized by gC1q; thus we hypothesized that C1q would engage CD33. We tested whole (w) C1q/gC1q/C1qCLR for binding to CD33 isoforms (CD33M: one V & one C2 domain and CD33m: C2 domain only). Analyses with purified proteins revealed that wC1q binds to both isoforms and that gC1q, but not C1qCLR, binds to CD33 C2 domains. CD33M and CD33m transfected HEK293T cells bound C1q. On THP-1 cells, masking of CD33 C2 domains by sialic acid impeded binding of C1q. Domain oriented inhibitory partnering was substantiated by coincident triggering of CD33/LAIR-1 ITIM phosphorylation in monocytes by C1q and phosphorylation of LAIR-1 but not CD33 ITIM by C1qCLR. C1q also prompted CD33-LAIR-1 crosslinking on monocytes in proximity ligation assays. Thus, CD33 is a receptor for C1q; CD33 C2 domains are biologically relevant; C1q/CD33/LAIR-1 partnering occurs in monocytes. Masking of CD33 C2 domains by sialic acid suggests a mechanism for controlling C1q-CD33 inhibitory activity.
Univariate Polynomial Optimization with Sum-of-Squares Interpolants

One of the most common tools in polynomial optimization is the approximation of the cone of nonnegative polynomials with the cone of sum-of-squares polynomials. This leads to polynomial-time solvable approximations for many NP-hard optimization problems using semidefinite programming (SDP). While theoretically satisfactory, the translation of optimization problems involving sum-of-squares polynomials to SDPs is not always practical. First, in the common SDP formulation, the dual variables are semidefinite matrices whose condition numbers grow exponentially with the degree of the polynomials involved, which is detrimental for a floating-point implementation. Second, the SDP representation of sum-of-squares polynomials roughly squares the number of optimization variables, increasing the time and memory complexity of the solution algorithms by several orders of magnitude. In this paper we focus on the first, numerical, issue. We show that a reformulation of the sum-of-squares SDP using polynomial interpolants yields a substantial improvement over the standard formulation, and problems involving sum-of-squares interpolants of hundreds of degrees can be handled without difficulty by commonly used semidefinite programming solvers. Preliminary numerical results using semi-infinite optimization problems align with the theoretical predictions. In all problems considered, available memory is the only factor limiting the degrees of polynomials.