cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Track-Effect Theory of Scintillation Efficiency

A theoretical account is presented of the pulse-height characteristics of NaI(Tl) scintillation counters subjected to energetic heavy-ion bombardment ($Z\ensuremath{\ge}5$, $\frac{E}{A}=1\ensuremath{-}10$ MeV/nucleon) at room temperature. The falling off of scintillation efficiency $\frac{\mathrm{dL}}{\mathrm{dE}}$ with decreasing energy and the charge dependence at fixed energy are simultaneously accounted for by introducing the concept of a cylinder of high energy-deposit density surrounding the particle track. Inside the cylinder competitive events, favored by high ionization density, are assumed to dominate those which produce the characteristic luminescence emission. Agreement with experiment is best for high-$Z$ particles. Cylinder radii vary over the range $110\ensuremath{\lesssim}{R}_{c}(Z,v)\ensuremath{\lesssim}390$ \AA{}. Estimates of the fraction of the total energy loss available for efficient light production yield the values $0.20\ensuremath{\lesssim}{F}_{0}(Z,v)\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.50$, while the critical value of energy-deposit density defining the high-density cylinder is approximated to be 5.32 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{7}$ ${\mathrm{e}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{g}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{3}$. Also, a brief discussion is presented regarding interpretation of the heavy-ion pulse-height characteristics of pure alkali halides at low temperature, and those of anthracene and NE 102 plastic scintillators, in terms of the track-effect theory.
Human Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Haplotypes Modulate Protein Expression by Altering mRNA Secondary Structure

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a key regulator of pain perception, cognitive function, and affective mood. Three common haplotypes of the human COMT gene, divergent in two synonymous and one nonsynonymous position, code for differences in COMT enzymatic activity and are associated with pain sensitivity. Haplotypes divergent in synonymous changes exhibited the largest difference in COMT enzymatic activity, due to a reduced amount of translated protein. The major COMT haplotypes varied with respect to messenger RNA local stem-loop structures, such that the most stable structure was associated with the lowest protein levels and enzymatic activity. Site-directed mutagenesis that eliminated the stable structure restored the amount of translated protein. These data highlight the functional significance of synonymous variations and suggest the importance of haplotypes over single-nucleotide polymorphisms for analysis of genetic variations.
Assembly of responsive-shape coated nanoparticles at water surfaces

Nanoparticle (NP) assembly and aggregation can be controlled using a variety of organic coatings that bind to the nanoparticle surface and alter its affinity for solvent and other particles. We show that surprisingly simple short chain polymer coatings can be effectively used to selectively control the aggregation of very small nanoparticles by taking advantage of the environment-responsive shape produced by the coating's spontaneous asymmetry on high-curvature nanoparticles. Using extremely long molecular dynamics simulations of alkanethiol coated Au nanoparticles, we show that varying the terminal groups of a nanoparticle coating dramatically alters the coating shape at the water liquid–vapor interface, producing very different assembly morphologies. NPs with CH3-terminated coatings assemble into short linear groupings with a highly aligned structure at early time and then form more disordered clusters as these linear groupings further assemble. NPs with COOH-terminated coatings assemble into dimers and disordered clumps with no preferred alignment at short time and longer disordered chains of particles at longer times. We also find that the responsive shape of the coating continues to adapt to local environment during assembly. The orientations of chains within NP coatings are significantly different when the NPs are arranged in aggregates than when they are isolated.
IRAP and REMAP-based assessment of genetic diversity in chickpea collection from Iran

Retrotransposons (RTN) make a significant contribution to the size, organization and genetic diversity of their host genomes. Several RTN families have been identified in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and other closely related species. In the current research, integration activity and insertional polymorphism of the RTNs CARE1, Tms1Ret1, TPS and LORE were studied in 64 chickpea accessions collected in Iran using inter retrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP) and retrotransposon-microsatellite amplified polymorphism (REMAP) techniques. Results indicated that all RTNs studied, are transpositionally active in chickpea genome and amplified scorable and polymorphic banding pattern. Among the RTN families used, the highest percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) was produced by TPS family (81.82%). Totally, 129 loci were amplified using 18 IRAP and REMAP primers which 83 (64.34%) were polymorphic. The Dice genetic similarity coefficients among accessions ranged from 0.84 (accessions Tj48 and Ba4) to 0.98 (accessions Ka30 and Urm61), averaging 0.93. The parameters of expected heterozygosity (He), Shannon’s information index (I) and number of effective alleles (Ne) were the highest for Urmia accessions. Cluster analysis based on UPGMA algorithm and Dice similarity coefficient categorized the 64 accessions in 7 main groups. The mean Fst values of all groups except for groups IV and VII, were lower than 0.20, demonstrating no clear differentiation among the groups, no genetic structure of the studied chickpea collection and probably occurrences of gene flow among the origins. In conclusion, although RTN-based markers were able to differentiate the chickpea accessions but the measured relative genetic similarity among accessions were not correlated with geographical distances between places of their origins.
Efficient Control System for Low-Concentration Inorganic Gases from a Process Vent Stream: Application of Surfactants in Spray and Packed Columns

Control of low-concentration pollutants from a semiconductor process vent stream using a wet-scrubbing technique is a challenging task to meet Taiwan environmental emission standards. An efficient wet-scrubber is designed on a pilot scale and tested to control low concentration acid and base waste-gas emission. The scrubber system consisted of two columns, i.e., a fine spray column [cutoff diameter (based on volume), Dv(50) = 15.63 μm; Sauter mean diameter (SMD) = 7.62 μm], which is especially efficient for NH3 removal as the pH of the spraying liquid is ≈ 7 followed by a packed column with a scrubbing liquid pH ≈ 9.0 mainly for acids removal. It is observed that use of the surfactants in low concentration about 10-4 M and 10-7 M in the spray liquid and in the scrubbing liquid, respectively, remarkably enhances the removal efficiency of the system. A traditional packed column (without the spray column and the surfactant) showed that the removal efficiencies of NH3, HF, and HCl for the inlet concentration ...
Equivalencies Among Canonical Factor Analysis, Canonical Reliability Analysis, and Principal Components Analysis: Implications for Data Reduction of Fallible Measures.

If variables are scaled so that they have equal errors of measurement, then the maximally reliable composites found in a canonical reliability analysis have highly desirable properties. Under this scaling transformation, canonical factor analysis on all nonerror variance, principal components analysis and canonical reliability analysis all yield equivalent results. Thus, the resulting components are successively maximally reliable and simultaneously provide a least squares fit to both the covariance matrix of rescaled observed scores and of rescaled true scores. In addition, the proportion of true to observed score variance retained in an s-dimensional least squares fit is equal to the ratio of the s-dimensional canonical reliability to the canonical reliability of the entire battery. Based on the above, it is argued that data reduction (when there is no a priori reason to keep the original units of measurement) should proceed by doing a components analysis on the covariance matrix rescaled so as to yield...
A personal record: Is acceleration worth the effort?

Parents must learn to be advocates for their gifted children. This article describes the way one family put into practice the parents' belief that pedagogy ought to have something to do with intellect, and that children deserve to grow up in an atmosphere which holds thought and knowledge in high regard.
Emplacement of Nonevaporitic Sulfates in McKnight Formation, Maverick Basin, and Associated Complex Diagenesis: ABSTRACT

In the Maverick basin the so-called upper and lower anhydrites of the McKnight Formation (Edwards Group) predominantly consist of nonevaporitic anhydrite which was emplaced within limestones, dolostones, and dedolostones. Most nonevaporitic anhydrite has been emplaced within fossiliferous limestones, which had been subjected to freshwater diagenesis, leaching, and lithification, and in dedolostones. Anhydrite was emplaced in many grainstone intervals, first as cement and then as replacement of grains. Nodular mosaics of felted-lath anhydrite, emplaced within limestones and dedolostones, closely resemble those formed as evaporites within dolomitic sediments of modern Persian Gulf sabkhas. The most abundantly represented morphology of replacive anhydrite is the blocky porphyroblast with stair-step outlines. Molds formed by dissolution of these porphyroblasts have been misidentified as molds of halite cube aggregates. Much anhydrite in the McKnight represents a second or third generation, emplaced after dissolution of previous generations. The McKnight contains many dedolostone intervals which probably were produced during episodes of sulfate dissolution. McKnight diagenesis records multicyclic influxes of meteoric groundwater, dolomitizing, anhydritizing, and dedolomitizing fluids. Some McKnight intervals record the sequence of dolomitization, dedolomitization, and partial redolomitization of the dedolostones. Some examples of rededolomitization of redolostones have been noted. Nonevaporitic anhydrite layers do not occur below true evaporite deposits, and so downward reflux of sulfate enriched brine cannot be invoked as a mechanism of anhydritization. The fact that anhydrite-bearing layers of the upper and lower McKnight alternate with anhydrite-free layers suggests that nonevaporitic anhydrites were emplaced by lateral discharge of calcium sulfate-enriched brines. End_of_Article - Last_Page 491------------
Some lessons learned with wind tunnels

A review is presented of some of the lessons learned from wind tunnel tests since World War II. Wind tunnels achieved a very high productivity rate during the war due in part to development testing of numerous military aircraft concepts. Following the war, in addition to development testing, a rapid increase in basic research testing occurred in order to explore areas of interest revealed by the conduct of war and to expand on advanced technology that became available from Germany and Italy. The research test areas discussed are those primarily related to the transition from subsonic flight to supersonic flight.
A General Purpose Analysis Package

This paper presents a general-purpose analysis package able to solve two- and three- dimensional analysis problems. The system can use the following methods of solution: Successive Approximation (SA), Optimal Interpolation (OI), and 3D-Var. Analyses are given for the following parameters: zonal and meridional wind components, temperature, relative humidity, and geopotential height. The analysis package was applied to produce analyses at 6 h time interval for the period 1-11 August 2008. The period was selected for data availability and forty-one analyses were collected. The results show the validity of the different solutions, which can be chosen depending on the physical problem to solve and on the computational resources available. In particular, assuming the observations as the reference, all solutions show a decrease of the RMSE compared to the background. The decrease is consistent with the particular setting of the analysis system used in this paper. The comparison between different solutions shows that the SA converges to OI in few iterations, and that the SA solution with ten iteration is, in practice, equal to OI. Moreover, the 3D-Var method shows its potential to improve the analysis, once the horizontal and vertical length-scales and the background and observational errors are set optimally, because its solution may be sizeably different from two-dimensional methods.
The mass spectrum of stannane

Abstract The mass spectrum of stannane, SnH 4 , has been studied. Ion fragmentation patterns for both the singly and doubly charged fragments were obtained employing 70 V electrons. From appearance potential data, an estimation of the bond energies of the tin-hydrogen bond in the ion-species SnH 3 + H, SnH 2 + H, Sn + H has been made along with ΔH f for SnH 4 . The studies were first made with tin of normal isotopic abundance, and then the results were corroborated with SnH 4 prepared with the separated isotope 120 Sn.
Quantitation of hydroxyproline isomers in acid hydrolysates by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract A method has been developed to rapidly separate and quantitate levels of hydroxy- l -proline isomers in tissue hydrolysates. The procedure incorporates derivatization of the amino acids with 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole chloride followed by separation by high-performance liquid chromatography employing two C 18 reverse-phase columns connected in series. Conditions for the derivatization procedure have been optimized for the selective reactivity of amino acids. The derivatized imino acid fractions are then quantitated spectrophotometrically at 495 nm. Using this technique, quantities above 40 pmol are readily detected for trans -4-hydroxyl- l -proline, trans -3-hydroxyl- l -proline, proline, and other imino acid analogs. The method is applicable to a wide range of clinical and experimental tissues.
Hypoxic zones as habitat for zooplankton in Lake Erie: Refuges from predation or exclusion zones?

Abstract Bottom hypoxia has reemerged as a prominent feature of Lake Erie's central basin during late summer. Similar to coastal marine systems, the impacts of hypoxia on pelagic organisms in Lake Erie remain largely enigmatic. During summer 2005 and 2007, we used pump sampling for mesozooplankton and fish acoustics to test the hypothesis that mesozooplankton use hypoxia as a refuge from predation. We explored species-specific diel vertical migration (DVM) of mesozooplankton and spatial overlap with planktivorous fishes at several offshore stations in the central basin of Lake Erie with similar thermal structure, but varying hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations (range: 0.3 to 4.6 mg l−1). The tendency of a zooplankter to use the hypolimnion under normoxic conditions and its sensitivity to DO defined its DVM and overlap with fish, which were generally more sensitive to hypoxia than mesozooplankton. The diaptomids (calanoid copepods) and the predatory cladoceran Leptodora kindtii were largely unaffected by hypoxia, using the epilimnion during both day and night. Daphnia mendotae and the predatory cladoceran Bythotrephes longimanus, both of which migrated from the metalimnion and epilimnion to the hypolimnion during the day under normoxic conditions, avoided the hypolimnion at DO levels ≤ 2.0 mg l− 1. Dissolved oxygen levels between 1.0 and 1.2 mg l− 1 were critical avoidance thresholds for most other mesozooplankton species, with the copepod Mesocyclops edax, a migrator between the epilimnion and hypolimnion, avoiding DO ≤ 1.2 mg l− 1. By contrast the cool water, hypolimnetic copepod Diacyclops thomasi and Daphnia longiremis continued to use the hypolimnion during the day until DO became ≤ 1.0 mg l− 1. These species aggregated in the metalimnion (primarily) and epilimnion (secondarily) at night. Only Bosmina was found in abundance in the hypolimnion at DO levels equal to 0.3 mg l− 1. Hypoxia-intolerant species (e.g., D. mendotae, B. longimanus) that were compressed into the thin metalimnion during day likely faced high predation pressure from visual-feeding planktivorous fishes (e.g., rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax, emerald shiners Notropis atherinoides) as well as the predatory cladoceran, B. longimanus. By contrast, hypoxia-tolerant species (e.g., D. thomasi, D. longiremis, and B. longirostris) that remained in the hypolimnion may have found refuge in hypoxic areas with DO > 1.0 mg l− 1, although fish were occasionally observed making feeding excursions into hypoxic waters.
Magnetization of single-crystal erbium.

We present the results of magnetization and ac-susceptibility measurements on single-crystal erbium along all three crystal axes. We observe antiferromagnetic ordering of the {ital c} axis and the basal-plane-moment components at 89 and 53 K, respectively. In addition, we observe anomalies at 51, 40, 34, 29, and 27 K. These anomalies in magnetization and ac-susceptibility data correspond to the commensurate spin-slip structures observed by Gibbs {ital et} {ital al}. in x-ray synchrotron scattering studies. In addition, we find that the basal-plane ordering at {ital T}{sub {ital N}{perpendicular}}=53 K takes place before any spin-slip transition appears as the temperature is lowered.
Technology assessment in medicine.

The author defines the concepts medical technology and technology assessment and presents a paradigm for the evaluation of medical technologies. He proposes a hierarchical assessment scheme in which level I, biologic plausibility, compares the technology's proposed mode of action with current biolog
Skin-tumour promoting activity of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide—a potent lipid-peroxidizing agent

The tumour-promoting activity of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) was tested on the skin of hairless mice using a two-stage initiation-promotion protocol. When ultraviolet radiation in the UVB region (280-320 nm) was used as tumour initiator, MEKP showed weak promoting activity. The promotional activity of MEKP was potentiated by diethyl maleate, which is known to deplete intracellular glutathione, suggesting that lipid peroxidation may be important in the tumour promotion.
Pore network modelling of affinity chromatography: determination of the dynamic profiles of the pore diffusivity of β-galactosidase and its effect on column performance as the loading of β-galactosidase onto anti-β-galactosidase varies with time

Abstract A three-dimensional pore network model for diffusion in porous adsorbent particles was employed in a dynamic adsorption model that simulates the adsorption of a solute in porous particles packed in a chromatographic column. The solution of the combined model yielded the dynamic profiles of the pore diffusion coefficient of β-galactosidase along the radius of porous adsorbent particles and along the length of the column as the loading of β-galactosidase onto anti-β-galactosidase immobilized on the surface of the pores of the particles occurred, and, the dynamic adsorptive capacity of the chromatographic column as a function of the design and operational parameters of the chromatographic system. It was found that for a given column length the dynamic profiles of the pore diffusion coefficient were influenced by (a) the superficial fluid velocity in the column, (b) the diameter of the adsorbent particles, and (c) the pore connectivity of the porous structure of the adsorbent particles. The effect of the magnitude of the pore connectivity on the dynamic profiles of the pore diffusion coefficient of β-galactosidase increased as the diameter of the adsorbent particles and the superficial fluid velocity in the column increased. The dynamic adsorptive capacity of the column increased as (i) the particle diameter and the superficial fluid velocity in the column decreased, and (ii) the column length and the pore connectivity increased. In preparative affinity chromatography, it is desirable to obtain high throughputs within acceptable pressure gradients, and this may require the employment of larger diameter adsorbent particles. In such a case, longer column lengths satisfying acceptable pressure gradients with adsorbent particles having higher pore connectivity values could provide high dynamic adsorptive capacities. An alternative chromatographic system could be comprised of a long column packed with large particles which have fractal pores (fractal particles) that have high pore connectivities and which allow high intraparticle diffusional and convective flow mass transfer rates providing high throughputs and high dynamic adsorptive capacities. If large scale monoliths could be made to be reproducible and operationally stable, they could also offer an alternative mode of operation that could provide high throughputs and high dynamic adsorptive capacities.
Background data collection suite for atmospheric remote sensing applications

In developing algorithms for remote sensing of chemical and biological warfare agents, it is imperative to have a good understanding of the background radiance signal and environmental characteristics that influence detection. Factors such as thermal contrast, interferent atmospheric constituents, spatial clutter, and temporal variations should all be investigated for both the development and performance modeling of field sensors. To aid in the investigation of these topics as well as to provide data for current simulation tools, JHU/APL has constructed an automated data collection suite capable of simultaneous radiometric measurements in the longwave IR (8μm - 12μm) and midwave IR (3μm - 5μm) while also measuring a host of relevant atmospheric parameters. The primary radiometric sensor, an ABB Bomem MR304, is mounted on a pan/tilt system that is used to scan regions of interest while periodically generating calibration data. This paper describes the system design requirements, specifications of the individual components, and the overall system performance. In addition, data from field exercises are presented.
Ionic Conductivities and Microstructures of CeO 2 :Y 2 0 3 Solid Electrolytes

Ionic conductivities of solid CeO2:Y2O3 electrolytes were systematically investigated as a function of dopant concentration and sintering temperatures. The highest lattice conductivity occurred at 6-8% dopant concentration, and maximum grain boundary conductivity was observed at 10% dopant concentration. The sintering temperature was found to have a significant effect on the conductivities of the pellets. The samples sintered at lower temperatures (T≤140°C) showed higher grain boundary conductivity than those sintered at 150°C; this was found to be related to size-dependent-impurity segregation and precipitation at grain boundaries. The grain boundary conductivities as related to the microstructure are discussed by adopting different grain boundary models. Solute segregation and oxygen depletion at grain boundaries, which have been suggested to be responsible for the grain boundary resistivities in these samples, were examined by a microanalytical technique for small-grain-size samples.
Insulin Sensitizers for the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Systematic Review and Metaanalyses of Randomized Controlled Trials

Context: Insulin sensitizers, including metformin and thiazolidinediones (TZDs), improve hyperinsulinemia and reproductive dysfunctions in some women with hyperandrogenism. The extent to which these agents improve hirsutism remains unclear. Objective: Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and metaanalyses of randomized controlled trials of metformin or TZDs for the treatment of hirsutism. Data Sources: We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL (up to May 2006). Review of reference lists and contact with hirsutism experts further identified candidate trials. Study Selection: Reviewers working independently and in duplicate, with acceptable chance-adjusted agreement (κ = 0.72), determined trial eligibility. Eligible trials randomly assigned women with hirsutism to at least 6 months of insulin sensitizers or control and measured hirsutism outcomes. Data Extraction: Reviewers working independently and in duplicate determined the methodological quality of trials and ...
Deterioration of a fractured carbonate caprock exposed to CO2‐acidified brine flow

A flow-through experiment was performed to investigate evolution of a fractured carbonate caprock during flow of CO2-acidified brine. A core was taken from the Amherstburg limestone, a caprock formation overlying the Bois Blanc and Bass Islands formations, which have been used to demonstrate CO2 storage in the Michigan basin. The inlet brine was representative of deep saline brines saturated with CO2, resulting in a starting pH of 4.4. Experimental conditions were 27 °C and 10 MPa. X-ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe evolution of fracture geometry and to investigate mineralogical changes along the fracture surface. The initial brine flow corresponded to an average fluid velocity of 110 cm hr−1. After one week, substantial mineral dissolution caused the average cross-sectional area of the fracture to increase from 0.09 cm2 to 0.24 cm2. This demonstrates that carbonate caprocks, if fractured, can erode quickly and may jeopardize sealing integrity when hydrodynamic conditions promote flow of CO2-acidified brine. However, changes to fracture permeability due to mineral dissolution may be offset by unaltered constrictions along the flow path and by increases in surface roughness. In this experiment, preferential dissolution of calcite over dolomite led to uneven erosion of the fracture surface and an increase in roughness. In areas with clay minerals, calcite dissolution left behind a silicate mineral-rich microporous coating along the fracture wall. Thus, the evolution of fracture permeability will depend in a complex way on the carbonate content, as well as the heterogeneity of the minerals and their spatial patterning. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Using digital multimedia to improve parents’ and children's understanding of clinical trials

Objective Data show that many research subjects have difficulty understanding study information using traditional paper consent documents. This study, therefore, was designed to evaluate the effect of an interactive multimedia program on improving parents’ and children9s understanding of clinical trial concepts and participation. Methods Parents (n=148) and children (n=135) were each randomised to receive information regarding clinical trials using either a traditional paper format (TF) or an interactive iPad program (IP) with inline exercises. Participants’ understanding of the information was assessed using semistructured interviews prior to (pretest) and after (post-test) receiving the information. Participants also completed a short survey to assess their perceptions of information delivery and satisfaction with the process. Results Regardless of the mode of information delivery, all participants demonstrated improved pretest to post-test understanding. While there were no statistical differences in parents’ post-test understanding between the TF and IP groups, children in the IP group had significantly greater post-test understanding compared with children in the TF group (11.65 (4.1) vs 8.85 (4.1) (2.8, 1.4, 4.2) 0–18 scale where 18=complete understanding). Furthermore, the IP was found to be significantly ‘easier to follow’ and ‘more effective’ in presenting information compared with the TF. Conclusions Results demonstrated the importance of providing information regarding clinical trial concepts to parents and children. Importantly, the ability of interactive multimedia to improve understanding of clinical trial concepts and satisfaction with information delivery, particularly among children, supports this approach as a novel and effective vehicle for enhancing the informed consent process.
Telecommunications Divestment An Erosion of Democracy in the Caribbean

This article examines the undemocratic process of telecommunications divestment in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The divestment of the telecommunications sector was largely prompted by each stat...
A molecular mechanism directly linking E-cadherin adhesion to initiation of epithelial cell surface polarity

Mechanisms involved in maintaining plasma membrane domains in fully polarized epithelial cells are known, but when and how directed protein sorting and trafficking occur to initiate cell surface polarity are not. We tested whether establishment of the basolateral membrane domain and E-cadherin–mediated epithelial cell–cell adhesion are mechanistically linked. We show that the basolateral membrane aquaporin (AQP)-3, but not the equivalent apical membrane AQP5, is delivered in post-Golgi structures directly to forming cell–cell contacts where it co-accumulates precisely with E-cadherin. Functional disruption of individual components of a putative lateral targeting patch (e.g., microtubules, the exocyst, and soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) did not inhibit cell–cell adhesion or colocalization of the other components with E-cadherin, but each blocked AQP3 delivery to forming cell–cell contacts. Thus, components of the lateral targeting patch localize independently of each other to cell–cell contacts but collectively function as a holocomplex to specify basolateral vesicle delivery to nascent cell–cell contacts and immediately initiate cell surface polarity.
A wideband high-efficiency 79–97 GHz SiGe linear power amplifier with ≫ 90 mW output

A fully-integrated W-band power amplifier in a commercially-available 0.13 mum silicon germanium technology (max ft = 200 GHz) is presented. The wideband, linear design achieves a maximum small-signal gain of 14.5 dB at 86 GHz with a fractional 3dB-bandwidth of 20% (79 to 97 GHz). The wideband performance extends to the large-signal characteristics: at 90 GHz, the balanced PA achieves an output P1dB of 18.8 dBm (76 mW) and a saturated output power Psat of 19.6 dBm (91 mW) with a peak PAE of 15.4%. The chip is 2.4 mm2 and consumes a maximum quiescent current of 244 mA from a 1.7 to 2.3 V supply. All matching networks, bias circuits, and wideband capacitor bypass arrays are fully integrated on chip. To our knowledge, this is the highest power, most efficient silicon W-band amplifier to-date.
A Bayesian examination of information and uncertainty in contingent valuation

A theoretical framework is presented to explain how agents respond to information under uncertainty in contingent valuation surveys. Agents are provided with information signals and referendum prices as part of the elicitation process. Agents use Bayesian updating to revise prior distributions. An information prompt is presented to reduce hypothetical bias. However, we show the interaction between anchoring and the information prompt creates a systematic bias in willingness to pay. We test our hypotheses in an experimental setting where agents are asked to make a hypothetical, voluntary contribution to a public good. Experimental results are consistent with the model.
Sensitive and accurate detection of copy number variants using read depth of coverage

Methods for the direct detection of copy number variation (CNV) genome-wide have become effective instruments for identifying genetic risk factors for disease. The application of next-generation sequencing platforms to genetic studies promises to improve sensitivity to detect CNVs as well as inversions, indels, and SNPs. New computational approaches are needed to systematically detect these variants from genome sequence data. Existing sequence-based approaches for CNV detection are primarily based on paired-end read mapping (PEM) as reported previously by Tuzun et al. and Korbel et al. Due to limitations of the PEM approach, some classes of CNVs are difficult to ascertain, including large insertions and variants located within complex genomic regions. To overcome these limitations, we developed a method for CNV detection using read depth of coverage. Event-wise testing (EWT) is a method based on significance testing. In contrast to standard segmentation algorithms that typically operate by performing likelihood evaluation for every point in the genome, EWT works on intervals of data points, rapidly searching for specific classes of events. Overall false-positive rate is controlled by testing the significance of each possible event and adjusting for multiple testing. Deletions and duplications detected in an individual genome by EWT are examined across multiple genomes to identify polymorphism between individuals. We estimated error rates using simulations based on real data, and we applied EWT to the analysis of chromosome 1 from paired-end shotgun sequence data (30×) on five individuals. Our results suggest that analysis of read depth is an effective approach for the detection of CNVs, and it captures structural variants that are refractory to established PEM-based methods.
Estimating motion/structure from line correspondences: a robust linear algorithm and uniqueness theorems

A closed-form solution to motion and structure from line correspondences in monocular perspective image sequences is presented. The algorithm requires a minimum of 13 lines over three perspective views. Redundancy in the data provides overdetermination to combat noise. The estimates can be used as an initial guess for further optimization. A unique solution to motion and structure is guaranteed if and only if the line configuration is not degenerate and the translation between any two views does not vanish. Necessary and sufficient conditions for degenerate spatial line configurations have been derived. Simulations are performed which show the performance of the algorithm in the presence of noise. >
Erythroblastosis fetalis with hydrops resulting from anti-Kell isoimmune disease

HY DROPS FETALIS resulting from anti-Kell isoimmunization is a rare disorder. When anti-gel1 antibodies are identified in the mother, the antibody titer is usually low: therefore, clinically important hemolysis in the infant is unusual. While Kell-associated erythroblastosis has been observed in pregnancy which was preceded by blood transfusions, its occurrence in a mother who has not received blood transfusions is rare.’
Emil Post's contributions to computer science

The work of mathematical logician Emil Post is surveyed from the viewpoint of its relevance to computer science. Computational logic and production systems are first discussed. This is followed by an examination of Post's work on finite combinatory processes and reducibility. >
Feature Omission Vulnerabilities: Thwarting Signature Generation for Polymorphic Worms

To combat the rapid infection rate of today's Internet worms, signatures for novel worms must be generated soon after an outbreak. This is especially critical in the case of polymorphic worms, whose binary representation changes frequently during the infection process. In this paper, we examine the assumptions underlying two leading network-based signature generation systems for polymorphic worms: polygraph [14] and Hamsa [12]. By identifying an assumption of both systems not met by all vulnerabilities, we discover a class of vulnerabilities (feature omission vulnerabilities) that neither system can accurately characterize. We demonstrate the limitations of polygraph and Hamsa by testing the signatures that they generate for exploits targeting a feature omission vulnerability. We discuss why feature omission vulnerabilities are difficult to characterize and how increased semantic awareness can help the signature generation process.
Fast Phased Small RNA Cycle Counting Algorithms

Counting phased small RNA cycles (PSRC) from mapped small RNA positions is a repeatedly invoked subproblem in the computation of identifying TRANS-ACTING siRNA (TAS) loci and loci of other small RNAs forming through mechanisms similar to that of trans-acting small interfering RNAs (ta-siRNAs). The efficiency of counting PSRC has a clear impact on the efficiency of the algorithms predicting these loci. There are two closely related variants on counting PSRC in real applications: WPSRC, which counts the number of distinct small RNAs falling onto the phased positions in a sliding window, and MPSRC, which counts the maximum consecutive PSRC from mapped small RNA positions. In this paper, we develop fast algorithms for both WPSRC and MPSRC. Our algorithms have O(max(S)) time complexity, while the existing algorithm and its variant have O(|S|·max(S)) and O(|S|·L) time complexity for MPSRC and WPSRC respectively, where S is a set of mapped small RNA positions and L the length of sliding window for WPSRC. Experimental results on two real-life datasets show that our algorithms are significantly faster than the existing algorithm and its variant. The proposed algorithms are applicable to TAS-like clusters with any PSRC length including 21-nt.
Suburban Leptospirosis: Atypical Lymphocytosis and γ-δ T Cell Response

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease associated with a changing global epidemiology. Recently, an increased incidence of canine leptospirosis in the northeastern United States and Canada has been associated with increasing rates of infection among reservoir hosts, such as skunks, raccoons, and squirrels, that are common in suburban settings. We describe a case of leptospirosis that provides new insight into the epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of this disease acquired in the suburban setting. Atypical lymphocytosis corresponded to an expansion of γ-δ T cells in peripheral blood.
Ultrasound Diagnosis of Benign Gallbladder Hemorrhage

The sonographic diagnosis of hemobilia is rare. Once this entity is recognized sonographically, its etiology must be determined. The characteristic sonographic appearance of gallbladder hemorrhage is described.
Analysis of rheological properties of rubberized binders containing warm asphalt additives

The main objective of using warm mix asphalt (WMA) is to reduce emissions and improve the workability by lowering the mixing and compaction temperatures of asphalt mixes through different mechanisms. Since warm asphalt is a relatively new technology, not much research has been conducted on various mix compositions. While some of the concerns about WMA have been addressed, the interaction of warm mix additives with modified binders, especially crumb rubber modified (CRM) binder, is not known in great detail. This paper presents the data on rheological tests conducted on rubberized binders containing warm asphalt additives. Binders from five different sources were modified using 10% crumb rubber by weight of the virgin binders. Two of the available warm asphalt technologies, Aspha-min® and Sasobit®, were used to produce the warm asphalt binders. From the tests, it was observed that the addition of the warm asphalt additives significantly reduce the permanent deformation of the binders, increase the viscosit...
Rare and Unusual Endocrine Cancer Syndromes with Mutated Genes

The study of a number of rare familial syndromes associated with endocrine tumor development has led to the identification of genes involved in the development of these tumors. Major advances have expanded our understanding of the pathophysiology of these rare endocrine tumors, resulting in the elucidation of causative genes in rare familial diseases and a better understanding of the signaling pathways implicated in endocrine cancers. Recognition of the familial syndrome associated with a particular patient's endocrine tumor has important implications in terms of prognosis, screening of family members, and screening for associated conditions.
TP53 mutational status is predictive of pazopanib response in advanced sarcomas

ABSTRACT Background To investigate whether TP53 DNA mutational status impacts progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with advanced sarcomas (soft tissue sarcoma) treated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) inhibition. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed 19 cases of patients treated at the Ohio State James Comprehensive Cancer Center with advanced sarcoma treated with VEGFR inhibition who also had next-generation sequencing of their tumors (via FoundationOne Heme panel). We evaluated TP53 as well as mutations that were observed in at least 20% of patients and evaluated its contribution to PFS using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of available radiology end points. Results Mutations that were observed in at least 20% of patients included TP53 and Rb1. Only TP53 was predictive of PFS in the context of VEGFR inhibition. The PFS of patients with TP53 mutations was significantly greater than TP53 wild-type tumors with the median PFS of 208 versus 136 days, respectively [P = 0.036, hazards ratio 0.38 (95% confidence interval 0.09–0.83)]. Conclusions Mutations in TP53 may serve as a predictive biomarker of response to VEGFR inhibition in patients with advanced sarcoma. Larger, prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Hemorrhage induces acute cardioadaptation to ischemia-reperfusion by an alpha1-adrenoceptor-mediated, protein synthesis-independent mechanism

Hemorrhage and resuscitation (H-R) has been recognized as an exclusively destructive process that results in multiple organ dysfunction. Although it is well established that endogenous adaptation mechanisms exist, it is unknown whether H-R induces endogenous adaptive/protective mechanisms. Furthermore, alpha1-adrenoceptors and de novo protein synthesis have been variably implicated in myocardial adaptation responses. This study tests the hypothesis that H-R results in myocardial adaptation by a mechanism mediated by alpha1-adrenoceptors and requiring de novo protein synthesis. The aims of the present study were to determine 1) whether H-R stress results in acute cardioadaptation to subsequent global, normothermic ischemia-reperfusion (I-R); 2) whether H-R-induced endogenous adaptation is mediated by alpha1-adrenoceptors; and 3) whether H-R-induced endogenous adaptation requires de novo protein synthesis. Rats were hemorrhaged and resuscitated, sham operated, or neither, with and without prior alpha1-adrenoceptor or protein synthesis inhibition. Hearts were then isolated and subjected to a second insult consisting of global, normothermic I-R (20 min ischemia-40 min reperfusion). The results show that antecedent H-R improved post-I-R left ventricular developed pressure, compliance, coronary flow, and decreased reperfusion creatine kinase loss (P < 0.05, analysis of variance with Bonferroni-Dunn). H-R-induced adaptation was abolished by prior alpha1-adrenoceptor blockade (prazosin, 0.5 mg/kg ip); however, inhibition of de novo protein synthesis (cyclohexamide, 1.0 mg/kg ip) did not affect H-R-induced acute adaptation. This study constitutes the initial demonstration that H-R induces endogenous cardioadaptation, which is mediated by an alpha1-adrenergic signaling pathway, but does not require de novo protein synthesis.
An Analysis of In-Cloud Scavenging

Abstract The fate of airborne contaminants that enter a cloud with an overriding rain, independently generated, is considered by means of three differential equations which express the overall mass conservation of contaminant. The model incorporates the physical processes of diffusive attachment, impact collection avid accretion, and includes consideration of particle and cloud droplet size spectra. The rainout ratio and rainout efficiency are evaluated on the basis of the theoretical results, and the general expressions for different cloud conditions are proposed.
Computation and validation of asymmetric force and moment coefficients for lateral jet controlled supersonic missile

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) predictions are compared with the wind-tunnel tests for a missile consisting of ogive-nose cylindrical body, four wings and four in-lined tail panels at nominal supersonic Mach Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5 and at angles-of-attack ranging from 0 to 35 deg with and without a lateral jet thruster with thrust ratios of 1 and 4. Comparisons also include roll angles that lead to asymmetric missile configuration with the thruster jet. Excellent comparisons of the predicted normal force, side force, pitching moment, yawing moment and rolling moment coefficients with the measured data are shown. CFD computed flow-field is then utilized to show that the lateral thruster jet effectiveness diminishes as the jet thruster is gradually rolled towards the windward side of the missile. Flow-physics associated with this phenomenon and possible mechanisms to alleviate this effect is discussed.
Keratinocyte apoptosis following bone marrow transplantation: evidence for CTL-dependent and -independent pathways

Keratinocyte apoptosis following bone marrow transplantation: evidence for CTL-dependent and -independent pathways
Future Treatments of NASH

NASH is a complex metabolic disease best understood by recognizing the sources and fates of major metabolic substrates (carbohydrates and fatty acids) and how their excess can lead to lipotoxic liver injury with a histological phenotype of NASH. With this perspective, targets of therapy can be predicted. This review summarizes recent clinical trial data and where these trials fit into the substrate overload lipotoxic liver injury paradigm of NASH pathogenesis. Because NASH is likely the result of diverse environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors that differ among patients, no single therapy is likely to be effective in all patients. Ultimately, rationally designed personalized therapy will be achieved for patients with NASH, but this will require substantial new knowledge on why patients respond to specific therapies, a goal that remains elusive. Hopefully, this gap in knowledge will be addressed by analysis of responders and non-responders in current and future clinical trials.
Surgical treatment for gluteal muscle contractures with obliquity of pelvis

Objective To evaluate the surgical treatment methods and effects of gluteal muscle contracture(GMC) with obliquity of pelvis.Methods 29 cases of GMC with obliquity of pelvis were treated with release or lengthening of the contracture of gluteal muscles,11 with distal transfer of origins of gluteal muscles.Results All patients were followed up for 5 years on average.24 of 29 children who had release or lengthening of the contracture of gluteal muscles procedures got normal movement range of hip joints and correction of obliquity of pelvis,3 got partly improvement and 3 got no change.9 of 11 patients who had distal transfer of origins of gluteal muscles got normal movement range of hip joints and correction of obliquity of pelvis and 2 got partly improvement.Conclusions It is simple and effective to treat mild contracture of gluteal muscles with obliquity of pelvis with release or lengthening of the contracture of gluteal muscles through small incision above greater trochanter of femur.Distal transfer of origins of gluteal muscles is effective for the contracture of gluteal muscles with severe obliquity of pelvis.
Detecting the Content of Zinc Oxide in Calamine Lotion by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

OBJECTIVE To establish the method of detecting the content of zinc oxide in calamine lotion by atomic absorption spectrometry(AAS).METHODS AAS was used to perform the detection with standard curve method.RESULTS The average recovery rate of sample was 99.94% with RSD 0.51%.CONCLUSION AAS is accurate,simple and reliable for detecting zinc oxide in calamine lotion,and could be used as the quality control method of calamine lotion.
Irritable bowel syndrome: a multifactorial disorder.

IBS can be confidently diagnosed from the history, the physical examination, and a few simple diagnostic studies. Nevertheless, patients invariably have interrelated problems that are multifactorial and complex. Hence, the focus of treatment must be broadened to encompass the associated effects of stress, behavior, personality, and psychiatric disturbances.