cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A naringenin–tamoxifen combination impairs cell proliferation and survival of MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Since over 60% of breast cancers are estrogen receptor positive (ER+), many therapies have targeted the ER. The ER is activated by both estrogen binding and phosphorylation. While anti-estrogen therapies, such as tamoxifen (Tam) have been successful they do not target the growth factor promoting phosphorylation of the ER. Other proliferation pathways such as the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, (PI3K) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are activated in breast cancer cells and are associated with poor prognosis. Thus targeting multiple cellular proliferation and survival pathways at the onset of treatment is critical for the development of more effective therapies. The grapefruit flavanone naringenin (Nar) is an inhibitor of both the PI3K and MAPK pathways. Previous studies examining either Nar or Tam used charcoal-stripped serum which removed estrogen as well as other factors. We wanted to use serum containing medium in order to retain all the potential inducers of cell proliferation so as not to exclude any targets of Nar. Here we show that a Nar-Tam combination is more effective than either Tam alone or Nar alone in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We demonstrate that a Nar-Tam combination impaired cellular proliferation and viability to a greater extent than either component alone in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, the use of a Nar-Tam combination requires lower concentrations of both compounds to achieve the same effects on proliferation and viability. Nar may function by inhibiting both PI3K and MAPK pathways as well as localizing ERα to the cytoplasm in MCF-7 cells. Our results demonstrate that a Nar-Tam combination induces apoptosis and impairs proliferation signaling to a greater extent than either compound alone. These studies provide critical information for understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
Biaxial creep of textured zircaloy II: Crystal mean plastic modelling

Abstract Crystal mean plastic bounding models are applied to highly textured cold-worked Zircaloy tubing and to highly textured recrystallized Zircaloy-4 tubing. Predictions of creep behavior are compared with data obtained at 673 K under biaxial loading. Textural differences due to recrystallization are predicted to have a negligible effect on creep behavior whereas differences in the predominant slip mode (prismatic, basal and pyramidal slip) are shown to have significant impact in these materials. Prismatic slip is predicted to be dominant in the recrystallized tubes whereas basal and pyramidal slip are shown to be more important for the cold-worked tubes.
Nonlinear 2D-feedback optical systems: new approaches for adaptive wavefront correction

The appearance of nonlinear and optoelectronic phase correctors with very high resolution requires changes to traditional adaptive system design. New approaches based on the 2D feedback system concept are discussed.
Sorption−Desorption of Imidacloprid and Its Metabolites in Soils

Sorption−desorption of imidacloprid [1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-nitro-2-imidazolidinimine] and metabolites 1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-2-imidazolidinone (imidacloprid−urea), 1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amine (imidacloprid−guanidine), and 1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-1H-imidazol-2-amine (imidacloprid−guanidine−olefin) in three soils was determined using the batch equilibration technique with initial concentrations for the four chemicals ranging from 0.05 to 1.5 μg mL-1, which corresponds to a field application rate of 0.2−1.0 kg ha-1. Calculated slopes of the Freundlich sorption isotherms were significantly less than 1. The order of sorption (Kf) was imidacloprid−guanidine > imidacloprid−guanidine−olefin > imidacloprid > imidacloprid−urea in the three soils. Average Kf-oc values were 203, 412, 2740, and 3200 for imidacloprid−urea, imidacloprid, imidacloprid−guanidine−olefin, and imidacloprid−guanidine, respectively. Desorption was hysteretic for all chemicals...
Local and synoptic mechanisms causing Southern California’s Santa Ana winds

The atmospheric conditions that lead to strong offshore surface winds in Southern California, commonly referred to as Santa Ana winds, are investigated using the North American Regional Reanalysis and a 12-year, 6-km resolution regional climate simulation of Southern California. We first construct an index to characterize Santa Ana events based on offshore wind strength. This index is then used to identify the average synoptic conditions associated with Santa Ana events—a high pressure anomaly over the Great Basin. This pressure anomaly causes offshore geostrophic winds roughly perpendicular to the region’s mountain ranges, which in turn cause surface flow as the offshore momentum is transferred to the surface. We find, however, that there are large variations in the synoptic conditions during Santa Ana conditions, and that there are many days with strong offshore flow and weak synoptic forcing. This is due to local thermodynamic forcing that also causes strong offshore surface flow: a large temperature gradient between the cold desert surface and the warm ocean air at the same altitude creates an offshore pressure gradient at that altitude, in turn causing katabatic-like offshore flow in a thin layer near the surface. We quantify the contribution of “synoptic” and “local thermodynamic” mechanisms using a bivariate linear regression model, and find that, unless synoptic conditions force strongly onshore winds, the local thermodynamic forcing is the primary control on Santa Ana variability.
Bunyamwera virus. II. The generation and nature of defective interfering particles.

Abstract Autointerference with the replication of Bunyamwera virus was produced by propagation of virus in BHK-21 cells. To investigate this phenomenon, standard and defective stocks of Bunyamwera virus were generated. The defective viral stock only inhibited the replication of homologous standard virus and this interference was host cell-dependent. Interference was high in BHK and Vero cells but greatly reduced in MDBK and Aedes albopictus cells. Evidence was obtained suggesting that Bunyamwera defective particles exerted an inhibitory effect at the level of viral genomic replication. Infection of BHK cells with a mixture of standard and defective Bunyamwera virus resulted in an alteration of the intracellular profile of viral RNA. Incorporation of radiolabeled precursors into the higher molecular weight viral RNAs (33 and 26 S) was greatly reduced, whereas labeling of the virus-specific 16 S species was unaffected. Virus particles produced under varying degrees of autointerference were studied by isopycnic centrifugation. As the degree of autointerference was increased, the viral particles became more heterogenous with respect to their RNA content. Under conditions of multiple viral passages at high multiplicity in BHK cells, two major classes of virus particles were produced, one broad band at ϱ = 1.19 g/cm3 and another at 1.17 g/cm3 Particles at 1.17 g/cm3 were noninfectious, contained only 16S viral RNA, and interfered with the replication of standard (1.19 g/cm3) Bunyamwera virus.
Mandeville's Paradox as Satire: The Moral Consequences of Being a Good Citizen in a Commercial Society

While most specialists have come to recognize that Bernard Mandeville wrote satirically, most nonspecialists have not. Moreover, even among those specialists who do recognize him as a satirist, their conclusions have not been made relevant to a political science audience nor have they successfully argued why some of his statements should be taken literally and others not. This essay tries to rectify both these deficiencies. Mandeville argues that in commercial societies, one cannot be a good person and a good citizen, since commercial societies require citizens to be motivated by greed and ambition, whereas being a good citizen requires the opposite: self-denial and moderation. We must, as Mandeville does, consider the implications for a society that prefers vice to virtue and institutionalizes that preference.
Morphologically distinct trajectories of structural evolution in nuclei and their empirical signatures

Abstract Different classes of evolutionary tracks in nuclear spherical-deformed transition regions are discussed. For each trajectory we associate a characteristic behavior for simple observables based on low-lying energy levels. The usefulness of this morphological classification for the study of exotic nuclei is stressed.
Coupled laser-induced fluorescence series (CLIFS) in 7Li2

Abstract In this letter we demonstrate the enhancement of a fluorescence series by simultaneous pumping of a second coupled series at the same frequency. Using a Kr+ laser (568.2 nm) and 7Li2 molecules, we have observed four fluorescence series and enhanced emission from B1Πu (v′ = 9, J′ = 25). This enhancement results from the coupling of an A-X series and a B-X series through the level X1σ+g (v″ = 16, J″ = 25). This level is populated primarily through the A-X fluorescence and at the same time is the lower level for the excitation of the B-X series.
Exact and Asymptotic Power Determination For Dose‐Response Studies With Ordinal Response

In this article, we describe a conditional score test for detecting a monotone dose-response relationship with ordinal response data. We consider three different versions of this test: asymptotic, conditional exact, and mid-P conditional score test. Exact and asymptotic power formulae based on these tests will be studied. Asymptotic sample size formulae based on the asymptotic conditional score test will be derived. The proposed formulae are applied to a vaccination study and a developmental toxicity study for illustrative purposes. Actual significance level and exact power properties of these tests are compared in a small empirical study. The mid-P conditional score test is observed to be the most powerful test with actual significance level close to the pre-specified nominal level.
Efficient Ewald electrostatic calculations for large systems

A method is described which improves the efficiency of Ewald simulations of large condensed phase systems. This is achieved by partitioning the real space sum into a short and long range component. The long range component is calculated every time the pair list is generated and included in subsequent steps using a multiple time step algorithm. The corresponding increase in the effective cutoff distance results in an algorithm which is only slightly more expensive than a traditional cutoff simulation, but with fewer artifacts than obtained using a cutoff. The method is tested on a 1.0 M solution of sodium chloride.
Feasibility of a novel approach to inguinal lymphadenectomy: minimally invasive groin dissection for melanoma.

Introduction Inguinal lymphadenectomy for metastatic melanoma is reported to have a complication rate as high as 50%. Wound dehiscence has been reported to occur in more than half of these patients, and as a result many surgeons routinely use sartorius muscle transposition to protect against the potential for exposed vessels. We report feasibility of minimally invasive inguinal lymphadenectomy intended to minimize wound complications inherent to this procedure.
Enhancement of NMDA receptor-mediated currents by light in rat neurones in vitro.

1N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function can be modified by the action of several endogenous and exogenous modulatory processes. In the present study, we report that brief pulses of light potentiate NMDA, but not non-NMDA glutamatergic receptor-mediated whole-cell and single channel currents in rat cortical neurones in vitro. In addition, light also potentiated NMDA receptor-mediated whole-cell responses in isolated rat retinal neurones. 2Potentiation of NMDA whole-cell currents in cortical neurones was readily observed during and following a brief ( 30 s) to visible wavelengths (> 380 nm) or to attenuated light (1-3 % transmittance of non-attenuated light) were also sufficient to enhance NMDA receptor-mediated responses. 3The light-induced potentiation of NMDA receptor-mediated currents persisted for several minutes, slowly reversing to control levels with a time constant of approximately 5 min. A subsequent exposure to light could potentiate NMDA receptor-mediated currents for a second time. 4Light did not alter the apparent affinity of the NMDA receptor for the co-agonists NMDA and glycine. Additionally, potentiation of the NMDA-induced currents was not mediated by a change in the pH sensitivity of the receptor. In excised outside-out membrane patches, the effects of light on NMDA-activated unitary currents were manifested as a twofold increase in channel open frequency without alterations in single channel amplitude or open time. 5Our results suggest the presence of a light-sensitive moiety within the NMDA receptor, or in a closely associated structure, which affects channel properties. This previously unrecognized form of NMDA receptor modulation may provide a tool for understanding the conformational changes associated with its gating. In addition, it is possible that light may affect NMDA receptor-mediated function or dysfunction in the retina.
Optimization of Enzymatic Production of Fructo-oligosaccharides from Sucrose

Conditions affecting the enzymatic production of high fructo-oligosaccharide syrup from sucrose by a commercial juice processing enzyme preparation containing high fructosyltransferase activity were investigated. After 14 h of reaction at 65 °C in 0.05 mol/L sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.6), the enzyme preparation, Pectinex Ultra SP-L, converted 450 g/L sucrose to 272 g/L fructo-oligosaccharides (224 g/L kestose and 48 g/L nystose) with a conversion efficiency of over 70% based on the amount of sucrose consumed. Fructo-oligosaccharides, sucrose, glucose and fructose constituted 56.5%, 19.4%, 23.4% and 0.7%, respectively, of the total sugars present in the syrup.
Modeling neural crest induction, melanocyte specification, and disease-related pigmentation defects in hESCs and patient-specific iPSCs.

Summary Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells of neural crest (NC) origin that are responsible for protecting the skin against UV irradiation. Pluripotent stem cell (PSC) technology offers a promising approach for studying human melanocyte development and disease. Here, we report that timed exposure to activators of WNT, BMP, and EDN3 signaling triggers the sequential induction of NC and melanocyte precursor fates under dual-SMAD-inhibition conditions. Using a SOX10::GFP human embryonic stem cell (hESC) reporter line, we demonstrate that the temporal onset of WNT activation is particularly critical for human NC induction. Subsequent maturation of hESC-derived melanocytes yields pure populations that match the molecular and functional properties of adult melanocytes. Melanocytes from Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and Chediak-Higashi syndrome patient-specific induced PSCs (iPSCs) faithfully reproduce the ultrastructural features of disease-associated pigmentation defects. Our data define a highly specific requirement for WNT signaling during NC induction and enable the generation of pure populations of human iPSC-derived melanocytes for faithful modeling of pigmentation disorders.
Seasonal Terrestrial Microhabitat Use by Gray Treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) in Missouri Oak-hickory Forests

It is important to identify and understand the critical habitat components of organisms inhabiting landscapes that are increasingly altered by human activities to adequately predict the effects of habitat alteration on natural populations. Our study identifies terrestrial habitats that are important to the gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) during the nonbreeding season using radiotracking and mark-recapture/release of individuals captured in artificial arboreal refugia. High humidity and rainfall were associated with decreased captures in artificial refugia, while high ambient air temperatures were correlated with increases in the number of treefrog captures. Refugia placed in small trees recorded more small individuals than those in larger trees, and refugia in white oaks (Quercus alba) contained females more frequently than expected at random. We found that space-use estimates encompassing foraging and overwintering locations of gray treefrogs were relatively small and typically included only a few adjace...
A laminate theory based on global–local superposition

Combining a high-order shear deformation theory and a layerwise theory, a laminate theory of zigzag type is presented. Like the high-order shear deformation theories, the number of independent variables of the present theory is independent of layer number. The numerical efficiency is thus guaranteed. Similar to the layerwise theories, the in-plane displacement components vary from layer to layer. Hence, the imposition of continuity conditions of interlaminar shear stresses on the laminate interfaces becomes possible. Consequently, the accuracy of displacement and stress components can be improved. Numerical studies on composite laminates made of alternate sequences based on 0° and 90° layers are performed. It can be concluded that the present theory gives accurate in-plane displacement and stress for 6-layer, 19-layer and 32-layer laminates. Its predictions on transverse displacement, transverse shear stress and transverse normal stress seem to be gradually improved as the number of alternate layers increases.
The use of phosphorus 32 in studies on Plasmodium gallinaceum. II. Studies on conditions affecting parasite growth in intact cells and in lysates.

The measurement of the degree of incorporation of P32 into nucleic acids has been used as a quantitative means of studying parasite growth and development in vitro under various conditions. An extract of normal chicken erythrocytes was found to be of unique importance as a constituent of the medium, both for intact parasitized cells and for lysates of such cells. Heated normal chicken serum possessed some favorable effect upon intact cells. The major portion of the beneficial effect of the erythrocyte extract was found to be associated with the non-dialyzable portion, although the dialysate was shown to possess slight growth-promoting activity. Further attempts to characterize the extract in terms of its favorable effects upon parasite growth were unsuccessful. A medium and conditions were developed which permitted the growth of a limited parasite population in lysates of parasitized red cells. The most important constituents of the medium were concentrated, freshly prepared erythrocyte extract and malate. Comparative studies carried out with intact parasitized cells and with lysates showed that substances and conditions exerting quite marked effects upon the intact cell system were without effect or exerted a less marked effect upon parasite growth in lysates. The possible implications of these observations are discussed and the further exploitation of this comparative approach suggested as a means of furthering our knowledge of parasite-host cell relationships.
A new method for the NCA production of [18F]fluoromethane

This work describes a new rapid method for the production of no carrier added (nca) [18F]fluoromethane ([18F]CH3F) (1) which avoids the use of the volatile precursor iodomethane and low boiling solvents, such as CH3CN. The presented method relies on the microwave induced [18F]fluoro-demethylation of the substrate 2-acetyl-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium trifluoromethanesulfonate 2a. Yields approaching 70% in synthesis times of 99%. The specific activity of the [18F]CH3F exceeded the upper limit of detection (>400 Ci/mmol). The technique described permits routine large scale or batch production of the PET flow tracer [18F]CH3F.
Maximizing drug compliance in the elderly. Tips for staying on top of your patients' medication use

The old joke goes, "I finally got it all together, but now I forget where I put it. "So it is for many older patients facing complicated disease management plans. They think they understand, but then the instructions blur or they forget if they took the medications or they become concerned that the drugs cost too much and decide to cut back. Taking care of themselves is suddenly just too complicated. Drs Ennis and Reichard look at the issues and present some strategies to improve compliance among the elderly.
Influence of cell cycle on HIV-1 expression differsamong various models of chronic infection

Because of an inherent dependence on host cell second and third messenger signaling pathways for activation of HIV-1 expression, a potential exists for a relationship between the induction of latent HIV-1 and cell-cycle-related events. To investigate this potential relationship, cellular models of latent HIV-1 infection (OM-10.1 promyelocytes, ACH-2 T-lymphocytes, and U1 promonocytes) were chemically treated or γ-irradiated to synchronize cultures at each cell cycle stage and then examined for constitutive and TNF-α-induced HIV-1 expression. Cell cycle synchronization alone had no effect on HIV-1 expression in OM-10.1 and U1 cultures; whereas enhanced constitutive HIV-1 expression was observed in ACH-2 cultures at G2 + M. A 2 hour TNF-α treatment of all synchronized OM-10.1 cultures activated HIV-1 expression to a similar extent as unsynchronized cultures. In contrast, the extent of TNF-α-induced HIV-1 expression in ACH-2 S and G2 + M cultures and in the Ul G0/G1 culture was greater than that in unsynchronized control cultures. However, no delay in the initial response was observed. Thus, the influence of cell cycle on constitutive and induced HIV-1 expression varied in each cellular model and, therefore, may further relate to the different molecular mechanisms maintaining viral latency.
Overexpression of RNA-binding protein CELF1 prevents apoptosis and destabilizes pro-apoptotic mRNAs in oral cancer cells

CELF1 RNA-binding protein, otherwise called CUGBP1, associates and coordinates the degradation of GU-rich element (GRE) containing mRNA’s encoding factors important for cell growth, migration and apoptosis. Although many substrates of CELF1 have been identified, the biological significance of CELF1-mediated mRNA decay remains unclear. As the processes modulated by CELF1 are frequently disrupted in cancer, we investigated the expression and role of CELF1 in oral squamous cancer cells (OSCCs). We determined that CELF1 is reproducibly overexpressed in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, depletion of CELF1 reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in OSCCs, but had negligible effect in non-transformed cells. We found that CELF1 associates directly with the 3′UTR of mRNAs encoding the pro-apoptotic factors BAD, BAX and JunD and mediates their rapid decay. Specifically, 3′UTR fragment analysis of JunD revealed that the GRE region is critical for binding with CELF1 and expression of JunD in oral cancer cells. In addition, silencing of CELF1 rendered BAD, BAX and JunD mRNAs stable and increased their protein expression in oral cancer cells. Taken together, these results support a critical role for CELF1 in modulating apoptosis and implicate this RNA-binding protein as a cancer marker and potential therapeutic target.
Void-column liquid chromatographic reactor studies to determine reaction rates in mobile and stationary phases

Abstract A liquid chromatographic reactor system was modified to incorporate a void column, connected between two packed octadecylsilane columns. By varying the voil-column volume and the eluent flow-rate, reactant retention times in both the mobile and stationary phases can be decoupled, facilitating the simultaneous measurement of rate constants in both phases. The knowledge of mobile phase rates is of special significance, since this makes it possible to evaluate reaction rates in the stationary phase for a variety of columns. From these phase rates it is possible to obtain information about phase compositions and possibly retention mechanisms. The pseudo-first order base-catalyzed esterification reactions of tetrachloroterephthaloyl chloride were studied in the voil-column liquid chromatographic reactor for comparison with earlier studies. Kinetic measurements in the methanol eluent in both the void and packed sections were comparable with those obtained from a batch reactor, indicating no significant external or internal mass transfer effects under moderate operating conditions. The stationary phase kinetic data obtained here support the previous generalized model in which solute molecules interact with both the associated methanol pseudo-layer and the octadecylsilane moieties.
The First Report of the Chrysophyte Alga Ochrostylon (Chromulinales: Chromulinaceae) from North America and a Description of a New Species, O. thompsonii

Ochrostylon thompsonii, a member of the golden-brown algal order Chromulinales, is described from North America (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Kansas). Each organism consists of a basal disk and an elastic stalk at the end of which sits the markedly dorsoventral protoplast. The strongly concave heteroflagellate cell contains a single plastid and contractile vacuoles. The cell further contains a large chrysolaminarin (leucosin) droplet and numerous small droplets.
The existence of bounded solutions of a semilinear heat equation

We investigate the existence of bounded solutions of $\Delta w - y\cdot {{\nabla w} / {2 - ({1 / {(p - 1))w + | w |^{p - 1} w}}}} = 0$, $y \in R^N $, for $N > 2$ and $p > {{(N + 2)} / {(N - 2)}}$. We show that if $N = 3$ and $6 \leqq p \leqq 12$ then there are infinitely many positive, bounded, radially symmetric solutions $w(r)$, $r =| y |$, such that$\lim _{r \to \infty } w(r) = 0$.
Chemokine induced migration of human mesenchymal stem cells: A strategy for directing cardiac repair

Introduction: The mechanism by which bone marrow stem cells target an area of cardiac injury following myocardial infarction is unknown. Our hypotheses were: [1] granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) enhances the migration of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) towards the chemokine, stromal-derived factor (SDF-1), and [2] CXCR4, the receptor for SDF-1, is required for the hMSC migration. SDF-1 and G-CSF are released during a myocardial infarction, and thus may play a role in stem cell mobilization and attraction. Methods: Migration assays were performed in dual-chamber culture wells containing 8-micron pore size matrigel inserts. SDF-1 was placed in the bottom chamber in all wells except for the control. Sternal bone marrow derived hMSCs were plated into upper chambers containing serum-free medium with and without G-CSF. After 24 hours, migrated cells were isolated and quantified using fluorescent staining. Membrane phenotyping was performed by immunofluorescence using a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Results: hMSC migration in response to SDF-1 was 11.4%(p<.02) greater than in control wells and 34%(p<.001)greater when hMSC were pre-exposed to G-CSF. The hMSCs expressed the membrane phenotype CD34(-), CD14(-), CXCR4(-), CD44(+), CD105(+), CD106(+). Conclusions: Exposing hMSCs to G-CSF can significantly enhance the homing capacity of these stem cells towards SDF-1. This chemoattraction did not require the SDF-1 receptor, CXCR4. Ongoing experiments suggest G-CSF may have enhanced stem cell migration through an interaction with the CD44(+) receptor, a homing cell adhesion molecule. Directing and amplifying the homing of endogenous stem cells, using pro-inflammatory chemokines, is a promising therapeutic strategy for reengineering the damaged myocardium.
A spatial analysis of the discriminability of forms in noise

Multidimensional scaling (MDS) techniques were used to study the form characteristics which transcend noise in a discrimination task. Three dimensions of random polygons were identified and were psychophysically related to quantifted form measures.
Guidance of neuritic growth in the transverse plane of embryonic mouse spinal cord.

The development of cytoarchitecture in the lumbar spinal cord of mouse embryo between embryonic day 13 (E13) and E15 was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A pattern of two perpendicularly oriented sets of cellular elements was found in the intermediate zone at both E13 and E14. One set consisted of radially oriented processes that often originated from cell bodies in the ventricular zone. The second set consisted of cell bodies and processes that were oriented predominantly parallel to the neural tube margin and in the transverse plane. This set was termed circumferential elements and included most of the immature neurons. At E13, the circumferentially oriented cells were arranged into rostrocaudally compressed sheets or layers that were partially segregated one from another by flattened bundles of radially oriented processes. This pattern of orthogonally arranged circumferential and radial elements remained evident through E14 when the profuse growth of cellular processes began to obscure the identity of individual cells seen on the scanned surface. The exposed intermediate zone surface at E14 and E15 often had relatively flat transverse areas separated by ledges of broken tissues, indicating that most neurites grow in the transverse plane. These observations indicate that the sequential patterned development of an organized morphological substratum is an important factor in orienting neurite growth.
An H/D isotopic substitution study of the H5O2+.Ar vibrational predissociation spectra: exploring the putative role of Fermi resonances in the bridging proton fundamentals.

To clarify the nature of the motions contributing to the observed multiplet structures in the low-energy (900−1800 cm-1) vibrational spectrum of the H5O2+ “Zundel” ion, we report the evolution of its vibrational fingerprint with sequential H/D isotopic substitution in a predissociation study of the Ar complexes. Of particular interest is the D4HO2+ complex, which displays a single intense band in the vicinity of the asymmetric OHO stretch of the bridging proton, in contrast to the more complex multiplet observed for both H5O2+ and D5O2+ isotopologues. These intensity patterns are consistent with the recent assignment of the bridging proton band's doublet in the H5O2+·Ne spectrum to a 2 × 2 Fermi resonance interaction between the shared proton stretch and a complex background level primarily derived from the O−O stretch together with two quanta of the wagging vibration involving the pyramidal deformations of the flanking H2O groups (Vendrell, O.; Gatti, F.; Meyer, H.-D. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2007, 46, 691...
Electrophoretic light scattering of bovine serum albumin

Abstract Electrophoretic light scattering was performed on two samples of bovine serum albumin in 1 to 20 mM ionic strength at pH 9. One was a polydisperse sample (Armour, Fraction V) and the other was a monodisperse molecular weight standard (Miles). Both samples follow the prediction of Henry in terms of the ionic strength dependence of electrophoretic mobility. Discrepancies in the literature of the absolute mobility values of BSA obtained by electrophoretic light scattering and those by the moving boundary method have been resolved on the basis of polydispersity.
TU‐C‐204B‐02: Real‐Time Laser Source Tracking for Pleural PDT Treatment Planning System

Purpose: One of the most important factors determining PDT efficacy is the spatial homogeneity of light fluence rate distribution. This light uniformity requirement is especially important for treatments involving cavities, where light source moves in real‐time. For non‐small cell lungcancer,PDT has proven to be effective but its efficacy depends on the uniform light delivery to the pleural surface, which relies solely on the surgeon's balanced movement of the laser source. This study therefore aims to develop a real‐time dosimetry system capable of ensuring homogeneous light fluence delivery for pleural photo d ynamic t herapy (PDT).Method and Materials: An infrared camera system is used to track the laser source real‐time during PDT.Camera control and data acquisition software is developed using IGSTK. An inner surface contour is established as the boundary of the treatment area, to which the PDT dose is determined. Registration of the inner surface contour to pre‐surgical CT is used to monitor PDT dose to surrounding critical organs. Results: Inner surface contour of a phantom cavity is delineated and the accuracy of the system is determined to be <2mm. Real‐time tracking during PDT procedure is also demonstrated. No interference between the treatment laser and the IR tracking system is observed. The total time required to establish the inner surface is less than one minute. Conclusion: We showed that the movement of the surgical laser source can be tracked real‐time and recorded throughout the PDT treatment session. Developments are currently underway to utilize this 3D position information for real‐time dose calculation. Light fluence rate deposited into the pleural cavity will be quantitatively determined and displayed real‐time for the operating surgeon. With this real‐time visual guidance, the surgeon will be able to move the laser wand in such a way that ensures dose homogeneity and thus better PDT efficacy.
Subducted carbonates, metasomatism of mantle wedges, and possible connections to diamond formation: An example from California

We investigated calcite globules and veins in two spinel-garnet peridotite xenoliths from the subSierra Nevada mantle. The studied xenoliths were entrained in a Miocene (11 Ma) volcanic plug. These carbonates are associated spatially with silicate glass inclusions, suggesting that they are primary inclusions—inclusions that formed at high temperature in the mantle and not at or close to the Earthʼs surface. The host peridotites represent samples of the lithospheric mantle wedge beneath the Mesozoic California magmatic arc, as indicated by radiogenic isotopic ratios measured on clinopyroxene separates [87 Sr/ 86 Sr(11 Ma) = 0.7058–0.7061, eNd (11 Ma) = –1.9 to –0.7]. Mineral chemistry of the peridotite major phases is typical of a mantle section that was depleted of melt. The δ18 O values of olivine and orthopyroxene from the two samples are also typical of mantle rocks (δ18 O = 6–6.5‰). In contrast, calcite veins have δ18 O of 18–20‰ and δ 13 C of –14‰, arguing for a subducted sedimentary origin for these carbonates. Presumably, the carbonates were expelled from the downgoing slab and s uxed into the overlying mantle wedge as CO2- or CO2-H2O-rich s uids or melts. The trace-element patterns of two analyzed calcite veins are typical of the arc signatures (e.g., depletions in high-Þ eldstrength elements) seen in calc-alkaline magmatic rocks worldwide. However, the cores of peridotite clinopyroxenes do not show that pattern, suggesting that the arc-like trace element signature was introduced via the recycled carbonate agent. A connection between mantle wedge carbonation and diamond formation in a subduction environment is proposed based on these observations.
Multiple imaging mode X-ray computed tomography for distinguishing active and inactive phases in lithium-ion battery cathodes

Abstract This paper presents the use of nanometer scale resolution X-ray computed tomography (nano-CT) in the three-dimensional (3D) imaging of a Li-ion battery cathode, including the separate volumes of active material, binder plus conductive additive, and pore. The different high and low atomic number (Z) materials are distinguished by sequentially imaging the lithium cobalt oxide electrode in absorption and then Zernike phase contrast modes. Morphological parameters of the active material and the additives are extracted from the 3D reconstructions, including the distribution of contact areas between the additives and the active material. This method could provide a better understanding of the electric current distribution and structural integrity of battery electrodes, as well as provide detailed geometries for computational models.
Second-law analysis of solar collectors with energy storage capability

This is an analytical and numerical study of the exergy that can be delivered by a solar collector installation with temporary energy storage capability. In the first part of the study, the method of variational calculus is used to show that under conditions of time-dependent inlet and outlet flow rates, the total exergy delivered by the installation is maximum when the collector temperature is maintained at an optimum constant level throughout the insolation period. More realistic models of solar collectors with storage capability are analyzed in the second and third parts of the study. In each of the models considered, the analysis shows that the relative timing of the filling and discharge processes has a significant effect on the total exergy delivered by the installation. The main conclusion of the study is that the daily regime of operation of the collection/storage installation can be selected by design in order to maximize the harvesting of solar exergy per unit of collector area. 20 references.
Id proteins in neural cancer

Id proteins are general inhibitors of differentiation and positive regulators of proliferation in the nervous system. The role of Id is especially evident in neural development, a period during which Id proteins prevent premature differentiation and terminal cell cycle arrest. These activities have been related to the recognized ability of Id proteins to antagonize basic helix loop helix transcription factors and proteins of the Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor family. In recent experiments, it was shown that Id proteins-normally low or absent in post-natal tissues-are abnormally expressed by tumor and endothelial cells of neoplasms derived from the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. In these tumors, deregulated Id activity has been associated with relentless proliferation, loss of differentiation and neo-angiogenesis, all key features of neural tumor progression. Future work will be required to fully elucidate the molecular networks engaged by Id proteins to contribute to the essential hallmarks of neural cancer.
Multilayer Ti-Cu sputter films for the Gravity Probe B gyroscope housings

Abstract Multilayer Ti-Cu films with three, five, and seven individual layers have been prepared by sputtering on fused quartz substrates. The multilayer films have been studied by electron field emission, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Trilayer Ti-Cu-Ti electrode films exhibit reduced electron field emission. Ti-Cu-Ti trilayer films have been applied to the Gravity Probe B gyroscope housings. The thin films have been deposited by sputtering onto the fused quartz housings to form suspension electrodes and lands. The gyroscopes have been successfully spun to 170 Hz.
Synthesis, characterization and acid-induced decomposition of 2-aryl-2-ketoethylcobaloximes

Abstract Four substituted 2-phenyl-2-ketoethyl(pyridine)cobaloximes (Ia to Id) have been prepared and characterized. Anaerobic pyrolysis provides the substituted acetophenone ( p -XC 6 H 4 COCH 3 ) as the only product. Complex I rapidly undergoes axial ligand substitution and produces the corresponding aquo complex II in sulfuric acid/water mixtures, and the aquo complex has been verified to undergo acid-induced carbon-cobalt bond cleavage to give substituted acetophenone. A complete rate law which accounts for all of the ionizations of starting materials has been derived and fit to the rate data for decomposition of two of the aquo complexes. The temperature dependence of the decomposition of the fully protonated forms (trications) in strong acid shows that the transition state is “late”, characterized by fairly large enthalpies of activation and positive entropies of activation (except for X = H) both of which increase with increasing electron withdrawal of X. Experiments in which the p -NO 2 complex was decomposed in D 2 SO 4 /D 2 O confirm that the acetophenone product is initially formed as its enol.
Automated quantification of solar photovoltaic potential in cities

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion offers a sustainable method of producing electricity to maintain and improve the standard of living within cities. Planning for large-scale adoption of PV in cities, however, provides a challenge to urban planners because of the distributed nature of PV. This paper develops a new methodology to determine a city's PV potential by analysis of solar PV generation potential by distribution feeder given the solar exposure and orientation of rooftops serviced by a specific feeder within the city. The methodology is applied to an example feeder, and then can be scaled to apply to the network of any city. The method comprises the following steps: (i) rooftop extraction from aerial photos; (ii) service parcel and territory matching based on geographical information system (GIS) data; (iii) simulation of the solar exposure of the customers connected to distribution feeders based on local meteorological conditions and the general roof orientation of the customers serviced by the feeder; and (iv) sensitivity analyses of electricity yield as a function of PV module efficiency. Experience from the case study such as trade-offs between time consumption and data quality is discussed to highlight a need for connectivity between demographic information, electrical engineering schematics and GIS. Finally conclusions are developed to provide final methodology with the most and useful information from the highest constrained sources and can be adapted anywhere in the world.
The localization of calcium in skeletal muscle: Its distribution in muscles in which the caffeine-induced contracture was arrested

The intracellular precipitation of calcium was effected by fixation of muscles in 1% OsO 4 containing 2% potassium pyroantimonate (K 2 H 2 Sb 2 O 7 · 4H 2 O). In these preparations granules of electron dense pyroantimonate salts were observed in the terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, closely applied to the luminal aspect of the cisternal membrane at its junction with the T system. Along the myofibrils the precipitate was most dense in the I band adjacent to the A–I junction. Further, the reproducible pattern of I band precipitate and its relation to sarcomere length suggest that this store of calcium may represent the intracellular site of calcium activation during contraction. The distribution of precipitate in muscles exposed to Ringer's solution containing caffeine indicate that this alkaloid acts at some site other than the sarcoplasmic reticulum, such as the T system or the junction between the T system and the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
The impact of an interdisciplinary electroencephalogram educational initiative for critical care trainees

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary electroencephalogram (EEG) educational module for critical care training. Electroencephalogram is increasingly used for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment decisions in critically ill patients with neurologic and nonneurologic disorders. Continuous EEG monitoring has an expanded role in the intensive care unit as an additional evaluation tool for critically ill patients with altered mental status. Materials and methods During a neurosurgical intensive care rotation, pulmonary critical care fellows participated in an EEG curriculum covering didactics, clinical exposure, and EEG interpretations. Using 25-question evaluation tools, including EEG interpretations, participants were assessed before EEG instruction and after curriculum completion. Results Nine fellows completed the pilot study. Evaluation scores increased from 7.56 ± 2.24 to 16.67 ± 2.96 ( P Conclusions An interdisciplinary approach was effective for increasing EEG knowledge in critical care fellows as measured by the assessment tools. As an added potential benefit, the pulmonary fellows also learned about sleep disorder–related EEG. This model can be replicated in other institutions for trainees of other specialties interested in critical care.
Correlation of N-Terminal Fragment of B-type Natriuretic Peptide Levels with Clinical, Laboratory, and Echocardiographic Abnormalities in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

The N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) is the inactive byproduct of the cleavage of pro-BNP, which was first identified in brain tissue. B-type natriuretic peptide is also produced in the atrium and right ventricle but is predominantly synthesized in the left ventricular (LV) myocardium. In a recent study of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), elevated NTproBNP levels positively predicted the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and were independently associated with increased mortality.1–6 Previous reports indicated NTproBNP levels correlated with measures of LV diastolic function such as E/A ratio rather than systolic dysfunction in adult patients with SCD.4 LV diastolic dysfunction is common in the SCD population and diastolic LV filling abnormalities are also predictive of high rates of mortality in affected adults.7 LV diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension may develop independently in SCD patients and contribute to the disease-associated early mortality.7 The aim of our study was to determine whether or not NTproBNP levels could serve as a biomarker of clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic abnormalities in children with SCD.
Stimulation of Partial Limb Regeneration in Rats

INJURY1,2, nerves3 and hormones4 have been identified as essential for limb regeneration in amphibia. There seem to be differences in the “current of injury” between regenerating and non-regenerating types of amphibians5; partial limb regeneration can be induced in the latter type by simulating the “current of injury” of the regenerating form6. The cellular process of fracture healing in the amphibian is directly related to the electrical phenomena produced by the fractured bone7 and maximally effective ranges for current density can be determined at the cellular level. This led to the concept of a control system the key element of which was the induction of blastema formation in response to appropriate electrical factors8. The absence of regeneration in the mammal may therefore be due to the absence of adequate electrical factors. We report here the consequences of restoring factors which seem to be of practical as well as theoretical interest.
The Development of the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (Dlab

The purpose of this research was to develop and to validate a language aptitude battery for use by the Defense Language Institute (DLI) which offers training in over 50 foreign languages. Predictor and criterion measures were collected on DLI students in 12 languages. Items were selected and grouped through canonical factor analysis of an experimental item pool. Validity was established through prediction of grades. These validities were then compared with those of other tests and predictor variables. The results were that the new battery (DLAB) did produce consistently higher validities than did other predictors. Although differential prediction by language was also investigated, evidence that it can be achieved was not found in this study.
Empirical and Theoretical Conclusions of an Analysis of Outcomes of HIV-Prevention Interventions:

Over two decades of HIV-prevention attempts have generated a most impressive ecological data set for the test of behavioral-change and persuasion theories in the domain of condom use. An analysis of this evidence has yielded five important empirical and theoretical conclusions. First, interventions are more successful at achieving immediate knowledge and motivational change than they are at achieving immediate behavioral change. Second, the immediate motivational change decays over time, whereas behavior change increases over the same period. Third, interventions that engage audiences in particular activities, such as role-playing condom use, are more effective than presentations of materials to passive audiences. Fourth, interventions consistent with the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior, with self-efficacy models, and with information-motivation and behavioral-skills models prove effective, whereas interventions designed to induce fear do not. Fifth, expert intervention facilitators are m...