cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and analysis of 6-T 2-MTJ ternary Content Addressable Memory

Content Addressable Memory (CAM) is widely used in pattern matching, internet data processing and many other fields where searching a specific pattern of data is a major operation. Conventional CAMs suffer from area, power, and speed limitations. We propose a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) based Ternary CAM (TCAM). The proposed TCAM cell is 127 percent (33 percent) area efficient compared to conventional CMOS TCAM (spintronic TCAMs). We analyzed sense margin of the proposed TCAM with respect to 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256-bit words sizes in 22nm predictive technology. Simulations indicated reliable sense margin of 50mV even at 0.7V supply voltage. The worst case sense delay and sense margin of 256-bit TCAM is found to be 263ps and 220mV respectively at 1V supply voltage. The average search power consumed is 13mW and the search energy is 4.7fJ per bit search. The write time is 4ns and the write energy is 0.69pJ per bit.
Role of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in the pathophysiology and tumorigenesis of gastroesophageal cancers

The insulin family of proteins include insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) that are classified into two groups based on their differential affinities to IGFs: IGF high-affinity binding proteins (IGFBP1-6) and IGF low-affinity IGFBP-related proteins (IGFBP-rP1-10). IGFBPs interact with many proteins, including their canonical ligands insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) and IGF-II. Together with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) receptor (IGF1R), IGF2R, and ligands (IGF1 and IGF2), IGFBPs participate in a complex signaling axis called IGF-IGFR-IGFBP. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the IGF-IGFR-IGFBP axis is relevant in gastrointestinal (GI) and other cancers. The presence of different IGFBPs have been reported in gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAD or EAC), and gastric adenocarcinoma (GAD or GAC). A literature-based survey clearly indicates that an urgent need exists for a focused review of the role of IGFBPs in gastrointestinal cancers. The aim of this review is to present the biochemical and molecular characteristics of IGFBPs with an emphasis specifically on the role of these proteins in the pathophysiology and tumorigenesis of gastroesophageal cancers.
Machine learning for robotics

Robots are typically far less capable in autonomous mode than in tele-operated mode. The few exceptions tend to stem from long days (and more often weeks, or even years) of expert engineering for a specific robot and its operating environment. Current control methodology is quite slow and labor intensive. I believe advances in machine learning have the potential to revolutionize robotics. In this talk, I will present new machine learning techniques we have developed that are tailored to robotics. I will describe in depth "Apprenticeship learning", a new approach to high-performance robot control based on learning for control from ensembles of expert human demonstrations. Our initial work in apprenticeship learning has enabled the most advanced helicopter aerobatics to-date, including maneuvers such as chaos, tic-tocs, and auto-rotation landings which only exceptional expert human pilots can fly. Our most recent work in apprenticeship learning is providing traction on learning to perform challenging robotic manipulation tasks, such as knot-tying. I will also briefly highlight three other machine learning for robotics developments: Inverse reinforcement learning and its application to quadruped locomotion, Safe exploration in reinforcement learning which enables robots to learn on their own, and Learning for perception with application to robotic laundry.
Buoyancy-driven interactions of viscous drops with deforming interfaces

Experiments were conducted on the interactions of two different-sized deformable drops moving due to gravity in an immiscible viscous fluid at low Reynolds number. As the drops come close to each other, several interactions are possible: (i) separation of the drops, (ii) capture of the smaller drop behind the larger drop, (iii) breakup of the smaller drop into two or more drops, and (iv) pass-through of one drop through the other, with possible cycle interaction or leap-frogging. The interactions depend on several system parameters, including the drop-to-medium viscosity ratio, the radius ratio of the two drops, the initial horizontal offset of the two drops at large vertical separation, and the gravitational Bond number (which represents the ratio of buoyant forces to interfacial tension forces for the larger drop and describes how much the drops will deform). Experimental analysis was conducted by videotaping trajectories of glycerol–water drops of various compositions falling in castor oil. The results show good agreement with available theoretical results, both for interaction maps and individual trajectories. The results also provide data beyond the present limitations of theoretical algorithms and reveal the new pass-through phenomenon.
Dietary protein increases urinary calcium.

A partir de donnees disponibles dans la litterature, on etudie l'influence de la teneur en proteines, calcium et phosphore dans l'alimentation sur l'equilibre calcique chez l'individu adulte. Relations entre les apports en calcium et proteine par l'alimentation ainsi qu'entre proteine et phosphore sur la retention en calcium
Critical care as an integral part of trauma care

There appears to be reasonable evidence to support the concept of trauma centers, as well as ICUs for the critical care management of the seriously injured trauma patient. For optimal care of such patients, there must be effective delivery of such critical care. Despite some concerns as to who should provide such care to trauma patients, as well as all other patients, there is little debate over the goal of such treatment--that is, optimal care of these seriously injured patients. With this goal in mind, each institution must design a system that provides this care. In most instances, this requires participation between trauma surgeons and critical care specialists, as well as trauma and critical care services. With proper leadership and systems to ensure effective communication between such services, these goals can be achieved. Important secondary goals, in education and research, can also be achieved by such methods. Rather than further fractionate the care of patients, who frequently need 24-hour physician coverage and involvement of people with many different specialty areas of knowledge, it is crucial that an effective, cooperative system be designed for each institution that provides this care.
Estimates of the Extent and Character of the Oxygen-Starved Interior in Large Pool Fires

Based on data from large pool fire experiments and computational fire field model simulations, the size, shape, and character of the oxygen-starved interior in large pool fires is estimated. In the interior of the fire and near the pool surface, low average and low mean deviation temperatures were noted in experimental data for low wind conditions. These trends tend to indicate the presence of a non-combusting region. Using average and mean deviation temperature distributions (supplemented by heat flux measurements) from several data sets, the spatial extent of the vapor dome is estimated for a range of wind conditions. These estimates are compared with fire field model results of temperature and fuel/air concentration distributions. Predicted and measured temperature trends, supported by heat flux data, illustrate the importance of object placement within the fire during system fire survivability testing. The presence of this region also supplements conventional pool fire representations which are based on a continuous flame zone which extends to the pool surface.
Theory of the peroxy-radical defect in a -Si O 2

We have investigated the peroxy-radical defect in glassy Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ by means of MOPN, a semiempirical molecular-orbital program, applied to a cluster of atoms chosen to simulate the defect. Our calculations are consistent with important features of Griscom's model of the defect as a perturbed ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ion substituted for a single-bridging ${\mathrm{O}}^{2\ensuremath{-}}$ ion in Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and attached to a single silicon, and they place geometrical constraints on the defect structure for this model to be valid. We predict the existence of a related defect (the small peroxy radical, or SPR) wherein the peroxy radical is strongly bonded to two silicons. We have also investigated the formation of the peroxy radical. Griscom and co-workers envision peroxy linkages substituting for single-bridging oxygens during the growth process. They suggest that upon annealing these linkages readily give up an electron to form the observed radical. Our calculations lead us to argue against this process; rather, capture of a free hole seems more likely. We suggest that the SPR could form via a process in which neutral oxygen molecules diffuse through the solid and combine with ${E}_{1}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ centers to form peroxy radicals.
Agency and Organizational Help for the Handicapped

This article describes efforts to improve the provision of community services to handicapped individuals and their families. McIlroy and Zeller look at both system-targeted and client-centered approaches. The authors also provide lists of community resources, national information sources, and national organizations that provide assistance to the handicapped.
On the construction of E- and MV-optimal group divisible designs with unequal block sizes

Abstract In this note we consider experimental situations in which ν treatments are being tested in b blocks where b i blocks contain k i experimental units, i = 1, 3., p , k 1 ≤ k 2 ≤3.≤ k p . Some methods for constructing group divisible designs having unequal block sizes of the types proven E- and MV-optimal in Lee and Jacroux (1985) are given. The methods given are analogous to those used by Gupta and Jones (1983) to construct variance balanced designs with unequal block sizes from group divisible designs. A table of some E- and MV-optimal group divisible designs with two different block sizes and having treatmetns replicated fewer than twenty-five times is also given.
Postural Instability and Gait Impairment During Obstacle Crossing in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract Stegemoller EL, Buckley TA, Pitsikoulis C, Barthelemy E, Roemmich R, Hass CJ. Postural instability and gait impairment during obstacle crossing in Parkinson's disease. Objective To examine whether Parkinson's disease (PD) affects gait behavior and stability while walking over an obstacle. Design Parallel group comparisons were completed in which participants completed 5 trials of normal walking and 5 trials of obstacle crossing while gait kinematics and kinetics were collected. Setting University biomechanics laboratory. Participants Individuals with PD (n=10) and age- and sex-matched healthy older adults (n=10). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Gait parameters, obstacle clearance parameters, and center of mass motion were calculated during normal walking and obstacle crossing. Results Results revealed that decrements in gait performance in individuals with PD were amplified during obstacle crossing, suggesting that due to disease-related degradation, individuals with PD chose a more conservative strategy for obstacle crossing. Moreover, an increased duration of single limb support (18% increase), a decrease in anteroposterior range of motion (20% decrease), and an increase in mediolateral range of motion (36% increase, though not significant) coupled with the reduction in the distance between the center of pressure and center of mass (mean of 21% decrease across toe-off and heel strike) and increase in margin of stability (31% increase at toe-off and 71% increase at heel strike) may suggest that deficits in muscle strength and balance may contribute to this impairment. Conclusions Persons with PD alter their behavior to reduce the mechanical demands and increase dynamic stability during obstacle avoidance tasks.
Mortality by nativity

This note reports the reversal of the mortality-nativity relationship in the United States. In the first half of the twentieth century, mortality among foreign-born Americans was greater than among (white) native Americans. Data for 1980 show that now mortality among the foreign-born is markedly lower than among native Americans.
The Interaction of TFIIIA with Specific RNA-DNA Heteroduplexes

We examine the association of transcription factor TFIIIA with RNA-DNA heteroduplexes containing sequences from the Xenopus borealis 5 S rRNA gene. Under conditions where TFIIIA selectively binds to 5 S rRNA or the internal control region of the 5 S rRNA gene, no specific association of TFIIIA with DNA-RNA heteroduplexes containing either strand of 5 S DNA could be detected. We discuss our results with respect to specific models of TFIIIA recognition of the internal control region and of DNA-RNA hybrids by zinc finger proteins.
Strain hardening and plastic instability properties of austenitic stainless steels after proton and neutron irradiation

Abstract Strain hardening and plastic instability properties were analyzed for EC316LN, HTUPS316, and AL6XN austenitic stainless steels after combined 800 MeV proton and spallation neutron irradiation to doses up to 10.7 dpa. The steels retained good strain-hardening rates after irradiation, which resulted in significant uniform strains. It was found that the instability stress, the stress at the onset of necking, had little dependence on the irradiation dose. Tensile fracture stress and strain were calculated from the stress–strain curve data and were used to estimate fracture toughness using an existing model. The doses to plastic instability and fracture, the accumulated doses at which the yield stress reaches instability stress or fracture stress, were predicted by extrapolation of the yield stress, instability stress, and fracture stress to higher dose. The EC316LN alloy required the highest doses for plastic instability and fracture. Plastic deformation mechanisms are discussed in relation to the strain-hardening properties of the austenitic stainless steels.
A biodegradable filament for controlled drug delivery.

Biodegradable filaments (diameters of 250–300 μm) for the controlled delivery of dexamethasone or levofloxacin are described. Filaments are prepared by wet-spinning solutions of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and drug dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) into a coagulation bath of water. Compositional analyses of the filaments by independent measurements of drug, DMSO, water, and polymer give drug loadings up to 40% of filament mass and drug retention (drug in filament per drug in solution) greater than 40%. Drug release kinetics, and thermal and mechanical properties, of the filaments are reported. Three filaments with levofloxacin contents of 46 ± 2, 85 ± 4, and 36 ± 2 μg/cm (denoted 506-L1, 506-L2, and 506-L3, respectively) are implanted in the conjunctiva of New Zealand white rabbits. The time dependent, in-vivo tear concentrations of levofloxacin from filament implants in New Zealand white rabbit eyes are in general agreement with the results from the in-vitro release profiles, with one of the filaments (506-L1) showing effective levels of levofloxacin in the tears for 6 days. The filaments are generally well tolerated by the rabbits. Filament failure occurs at 6–8 days within the rabbit eyes, essentially the same time to failure observed from in-vitro mechanical properties testing results.
Isopycnic banding of chromatin in chloral hydrate gradients

Abstract Chromatin from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells bands in chloral hydrate gradients at densities ranging from 1.40 to 1.60 g/cm 3 . The total chromatin after recovery from the gradient has a composition similar to that of native chromatin. Chloral hydrate does not dissociate the chromatin into its nucleic acid and protein components. The chloral hydrate is inert toward both the DNA and the histone, as indicated by the lack of influence either on the melting curves of the DNA, or on the electrophoretic patterns of the histones, when these substances are recovered from chromatin treated with chloral hydrate. The resolution of chromatin on the gradients reflects different buoyant densities of the chromatin, and this in turn, different protein to DNA ratios. Extraction of the histones from chromatin obtained from different regions of the gradients reveals differences in prevalence of at least two of the histone species, and provides evidence suggesting that different stretches of DNA in the genome may associate with different histones.
An Afro‐American perspective on interethnic communication

This paper reports the results of four studies examining how Afro‐Americans perceive interethnic communication with whites. Using an interpretive, cultural perspective, Afro‐American descriptions of satisfying and dissatisfying conversations were obtained through open‐ended questionnaires and interviews. Qualitative and quantitative analyses identified 7 issues Afro‐Americans perceive as salient to their interethnic communication satisfaction: negative stereotyping, acceptance, expressiveness, authenticity, understanding, goal attainment, and powerlessness. This analysis also identified 5 conversational improvement strategies (assertiveness, open‐mindedness, avoidance, interaction management, other‐orientation) Afro‐Americans believe that they or their conversational partner can use to improve the quality of communication. These issues and improvement strategies are taken to reflect an implicit, Afro‐American theory of communication which is independent of age, sex, family income, geography, and ethnic id...
Symmetry Breaking of Flow in 2D Symmetric Channels: Simulations by Lattice-Boltzmann Method

In this paper, a numerical study of nonlinear flow phenomena in two-dimensional symmetric channels using the lattice-Boltzmann equation method is presented. The results are compared with both experimental results and other numerical results using some traditional methods. Comparisons are found to be quantitatively accurate.
Differential Effects of Subjective Knowledge, Objective Knowledge, and Usage Experience on Decision Making: An Exploratory Investigation

Product knowledge has been recognized as an important factor in the research on consumer decision making. It has also been acknowledged that there are different types of knowledge. In this article, we examine the impact of three types of knowledge—subjective knowledge, objective knowledge, and usage experience—on selected aspects of consumer decision making. Effects are examined within the context of an electronic shopping scenario in which subjects selected a VCR brand based on brand and attribute information that could be accessed through a personal computer. Results indicate that, consistent with real-world experience, the three types of knowledge are correlated with each other. However, their effects on attribute importances, information search, and perceived decision outcomes vary by level and type of knowledge. We discuss these effects and their implications for future research.
Interaction of two elliptic inclusions

Abstract The paper presents the solution of a boundary value problem involving two interacting elliptical inhomogeneities in an infinite elastic body. The loading cases considered include a far-field biaxial tension and a thermally induced residual field that is modeled by uniform eigenstrains sustained by the inhomogeneities. The mathematical formulation is based upon the Papkovich-Neuber displacement approach. Certain interesting aspects of the solution and the effects of perfectly bonded and slipping interfaces are discussed in some detail.
Radical prostatectomy: transrectal sonographic evaluation to assess for local recurrence.

PURPOSE: To determine sonographic features associated with locally recurrent or residual tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three transcretal ultrasound (TRUS) studies were performed in 21 patients with suspected recurrent prostatic carcinoma after prostatectomy. The original prospective TRUS reports were reviewed, followed by blinded review, and the findings were compared with biopsy results. RESULTS: A discrete perianastomotic mass was identified prospectively in eight (73%) of 11 patients with positive biopsy results and in two (17%) of 12 with negative results; no mass was identified in the remaining patients. At preliminary retrospective review, the echogenic retroanastomotic fat plane was not intact in 10 (91%) of 11 patients with positive biopsy results and in two (17%) of 12 with negative results; it was intact in the remaining patients. CONCLUSION: Sonographic visualization of a mass in the prostate bed or loss of integrity of the retroanastomotic fat plane is strongly correlated with finding r...
Methods of Measuring Health-Care Service Quality

Abstract Service quality is an elusive and abstract construct to measure, and extra effort is required to establish a valid measure. This study investigates the psychometric properties of three different measurements of health-care service quality as assessed by physicians. The multitrait-multimethod approach revealed that convergent validity was established for measures based on the single-item global rating method and multi-item rating method. On the other hand, almost no evidence of convergent validity was found for the measures based on the constant-sum rating method. Furthermore, discriminant validity for the seven health-care service quality dimensions measured by the three methods was not well established. The high levels of interdimensional correlations found suggested that the service quality dimensions may not be separable in a practical sense. The study suggested an ongoing effort is needed to develop a new service quality scale suitable to this unique service industry.
Applications of acupuncture to women’s health

Abstract Gynecologists are often primary care physicians for many patients using alternative medicine, and should be knowledgeable about the alternative therapies with the most medical promise. Acupuncture represents a prescientific Chinese tradition that strives to restore the balance of natural forces called yin, yang, and Qi to cure illness. It is known to induce analgesia through endorphin and prostaglandin release, stimulate free nerve endings, and increase cerebrovascular blood flow. Acupuncture has shown promise in treating many women’s health conditions associated with chronic pain. The National Institutes of Health recognizes that acupuncture is effective and particularly suited toward the treatment of fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, and primary dysmenorrhea. The purpose of this review is to familiarize the obstetrician/gynecologist with the ideologic basis for acupuncture, how the therapy is planned and performed, and the evidence regarding its application to certain conditions of women’s health. Future studies must take into consideration methodologic challenges inherent to the study of acupuncture.
Guanidine-induced equilibrium unfolding of a homo-hexameric enzyme 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4-OT).

4-Oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4-OT) is a bacterial enzyme that is comprised of 6 identical 62 amino acid subunits. The 4-OT enzyme is an attractive model system in which to study the interrelationship between protein folding, subunit assembly, and catalytic function. Here we report on the GuHCl-induced equilibrium unfolding properties of wild-type 4-OT using catalytic activity measurements and using far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the unfolding of wild-type 4-OT in 50 mM phosphate buffers containing 6 M GuHCl is reversible at pHs 6.0, 7.4, and 8.5; and we find that there is both an enzyme concentration dependence and a pH dependence to the equilibrium unfolding properties of 4-OT. Our data suggests that the GuHCl-induced unfolding of 4-OT in 50 mM phosphate buffer at pH 8.5 can be modeled as a two-state process involving folded hexamer and unfolded monomer. On the basis of this model, we determined a free-energy value for the unfolding of 4-OT at pH 8.5 to be 68.7 ± 3.2 kc...
Composites of local structure propensities: Evidence for local encoding of long-range structure

To estimate how extensively the ensemble of denatured-state conformations is constrained by local side-chain-backbone interactions, propensities of each of the 20 amino acids to occur in mono- and dipeptides mapped to discrete regions of the Ramachandran map are computed from proteins of known structure. In addition, propensities are computed for the trans, gauche-, and gauche+ rotamers, with or without consideration of the values of phi and psi. These propensities are used in scoring functions for fragment threading, which estimates the energetic favorability of fragments of protein sequence to adopt the native conformation as opposed to hundreds of thousands of incorrect conformations. As finer subdivisions of the Ramachandran plot, neighboring residue phi/psi angles, and rotamers are incorporated, scoring functions become better at ranking the native conformation as the most favorable. With the best composite propensity function, the native structure can be distinguished from 300,000 incorrect structures for 71% of the 2130 arbitrary protein segments of length 40, 48% of 2247 segments of length 30, and 20% of 2368 segments of length 20. A majority of fragments of length 30-40 are estimated to be folded into the native conformation a substantial fraction of the time. These data suggest that the variations observed in amino acid frequencies in different phi/psi/chi1 environments in folded proteins reflect energetically important local side-chain-backbone interactions, interactions that may severely restrict the ensemble of conformations populated in the denatured state to a relatively small subset with nativelike structure.
Correlation study of benign cytomorphology and final clinical diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE To assess significance of cytologically benign vitreous samples and identify cellular patterns that may correspond to specific clinical entities. STUDY DESIGN Vitreous fluids with "negative for malignancy" cytologic diagnosis were identified from pathology department records, cytologic slides reviewed and clinical and follow-up information obtained. RESULTS Fifty-four cytologically benign samples were identified (1994-2004). The main indication for vitrectomy was confirmation of intraocular inflammatory process. Malignant process was included in the differential diagnoses of most samples. Macrophages or lymphocytes were the predominant cell types in 76% of cases. Most cases with macrophage or lymphocyte predominance were diagnosed as chronic uveitis or vitritis of unknown etiology. Infectious agents were identified in 7 cases with macrophage or lymphocyte predominance, 2 with abundant neutrophils and 1 with eosinophils. One had a diagnosis of malignant lymphoma, based on vitreous fluid from the opposite eye at another hospital. Three cases had blood only and 1 had lens fragments, both consistent with the diagnosis. CONCLUSION Most cytologic features of benign vitreous fluids did not correspond to specific clinical entities. Abundant eosinophils suggested parasitic infection; the almost exclusive presence of blood indicated hemorrhage. Based on our study, negative predictive value of a benign vitreous sample is 98%.
Role of x-ray-induced damage in biological micro-imaging

Interactions of x rays with a sample are studied to determine the optimal wavelength, source energy, and exposure time for microcopy and holography. The optimal wavelength is influenced by two criteria: minimizing the required source energy and minimizing the absorbed dose and subsequent damage to the sample. The use of heavy element labels, such as colloidal gold, can significantly reduce the energy and dose. Limits to the exposure time due to natural motions, x-ray induced chemical damage, heat build-up, and hydrodynamic expansion are discussed.
Diet, physical activity, childhood obesity and risk of cardiovascular disease

Abstract Eating and physical activity (PA) patterns and obesity in childhood have many long-term effects on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Two-thirds of premature deaths in the US are due to poor nutrition, lack of PA and tobacco use. Obesity, a result of excess energy intake and inadequate PA, is an indicator of unhealthy lifestyles. Currently, over one-third of American children are overweight. Obesity in childhood is associated with dyslipidaemia, elevated blood pressure, and increased future CVD morbidity and mortality. Healthy eating and PA are essential for good health. National representative data show that unhealthy eating and insufficient PA is a serious problem among American children. Efforts should be made to help young people to develop healthy lifestyles at early age.
Abstract 4836: Inhibition of PI3K/mTOR leads to adaptive resistance in extracellular matrix attached cancer cells

The PI3K/mTOR-pathway is the most commonly deregulated pathway in epithelial cancers and represents an important target for cancer therapeutics. Here we show that inhibition of PI3K/mTOR in ovarian and breast cancer 3D spheroids leads to death of inner extracellular matrix-deprived cells, whereas matrix-attached cells are resistant. Resistance to PI3K inhibitors is associated with upregulation of a cellular survival program that involves both FOXO-mediated transcription and a novel translational resistance mechanism. This program is evolutionarily well-conserved and resembles nutrient/growth deprivation, leading to translation of IRES-containing pro-survival mRNAs, previously associated with cellular stress responses. Inhibition of any of several upregulated pro-survival proteins, including Bcl-2, EGFR, or IGF1R, abrogates resistance to PI3K/mTOR inhibition in breast and ovarian cancer cells and ovarian cancer xenografts. These studies provide a platform for rational development of effective drug combinations through the use of 3D-based model systems together with high-throughput proteomics approaches and identify drug combinations for further analysis as cancer therapeutics. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4836. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4836
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CA2+-ACTIVATED K+ CURRENTS OF RAMIFIED MURINE BRAIN MACROPHAGES

Using the whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique, calcium-activated potassium currents (IK,Ca) were investigated in ramified murine brain macrophages. In order to induce IK,Ca the intracellular concentration of nominal free Ca2+ was adjusted to 1μM. The Ca2+-activated K+ current of brain macrophages did not show any voltage dependence at test potentials between –120 and +30mV. A tenfold change in extracellular K+ concentration shifted the reversal potential of IK,Ca by 51mV. The bee venom toxin apamin applied at concentrations of up to 1μM did not affect IK,Ca. Ca2+-activated K+ currents of ramified brain macrophages were highly sensitive to extracellularly applied charybdotoxin (CTX). The half-maximal effective concentration of CTX was calculated to be 4.3nM. In contrast to CTX, the scorpion toxin kaliotoxin did not inhibit IK,Ca at concentrations between 1 and 50nM. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) blocked 8.0% of IK,Ca at a concentration of 1mM, whereas 31.4% of current was blocked by 10mM TEA. Several inorganic polyvalent cations were tested at a concentration of 2mM for their ability to block IK,Ca. La3+ reduced IK,Ca by 72.8%, whereas Cd2+ decreased IK,Ca by 17.4%; in contrast, Ni2+ did not have any effect on IK,Ca. Ba2+ applied at a concentration of 1mM reduced IK,Ca voltage-dependently at hyperpolarizing potentials.
Radiation-genetic evidence that only one of the two DNA strands injected by phage T4 transmits the genetic information to the progeny

Abstract The procedure proposed by Barricelli and Womack (1965) has been used to investigate whether only one or both of the DNA strands injected by phage T4 into its host transmit hereditary information to the progeny. An experimental identification of the UV-responses of 16 functions of phage T4D (two rII functions and 14 amber functions) was carried out for this purpose. The results are inconsistent with the theoretical predictions which would be obtained by the mentioned procedure if the information of both injected DNA strands were transmitted to the progeny. Of the 16 functions investigated, 11 fit—often with surprisingly high precision in view of the possible causes of error—the predictions obtained on the hypothesis that only one injected DNA strand (hereafter called genetic strand) transmits its information to the progeny, while the other injected strand (hereafter called associated strand) does not. The fit was obtained without use of any free parameter. Evidence is also presented to the effect that the genetic strands are all identical with respect to base sequence (except for mutant loci). The associated strands are also identical to one another and complementary to the genetic strands except for possible mutant loci. Roughly 50% of the functions investigated are found to be of a type (hereafter called “macrotarget” functions) which are performed by the associated strands in the early stages of the infectious process and by copies of the genetic strand later on. These functions survive, therefore, only if a DNA strand segment called the cistron of the function is intact (not damaged) not only in the associated strand but also in the genetic strand. The existence of macrotarget functions is evidence that the associated strand is able to perform some functions early in the infectious process, but does not perform the same functions later, otherwise the cistron of the function would not have to be intact in the genetic strand also. The remaining functions—roughly 50%—require that the cistron of the function be intact in the genetic strand (and not necessarily in the associated strand) as a condition for the function's survival.
Vitamin Distribution in Human Plasma Proteins

APART from vitamin B12, very little is known about the relation of vitamins and plasma proteins1–3. By coupling the availability of pure human blood fractions with sensitive, specific microbial and chemical vitamin assays, the amount of vitamin in various fractions of human plasma was determined. Such information is needed for charting transport mechanisms for the various vitamins or, conversely, assigning transport functions to the various blood proteins.
Kinetics of acetylene polymerization and structures of polyacetylene

The kinetics of acetylene polymerization have been studied as a function of monomer pressure, catalyst aging and concentration, Al/Ti ratio, and temperature. The rate constants of chain propagation and termination and their activation energies have been determined, The Mn of polyacetylene has been obtained using a radioquenching technique, and was found to vary from 500 to 250,000. Wide angle X-ray diffraction showed the polymer to be highly crystalline but the crystallites are disordered. The crystal structures of cis and trans polyacetylene have been obtained from the fiber electron diffraction patterns. The c-axis is the polymer chain axis which is along the fiber axis. The basic morphological entity is the microfibrils of 2 to 3 nm diameter which aggregate to form 20 to 30 nm fibrils.
The next best thing to being there: A test of the joint conversation reconstruction method

This study tests a methodology for obtaining data regarding difficult to access communication — joint conversation reconstruction. Students participated in brief conversations with a friend and later reconstructed that conversation either alone or with their conversation partner. Results indicate that conversations reconstructed by participants jointly, rather than individually, resulted in significantly more complete and accurate recall for conversations. Results also indicate a synergistic effect where the memories of individuals recalling together represented significantly more complete recall than simply the sum of individual memories.
Prebiotic Activation Processes

Questions regarding the combination of amino acids and ribonucleotides to polypeptides and polynucleotides are investigated. Each of the reactions considered occurs in the solid state in plausible prebiotic conditions. Together they provide the basis for a unified scheme of amino acid and nucleotide activation. Urea, imidazole and Mg(++) are essential catalytic components of the reaction mixtures. However, these compounds could probably be replaced by other organic molecules.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Dicationic Dihydrogen Complex of Iridium with a Bis-carbene Ligand Set

Reaction of [Cp*Ir(CH3CN)3][PF6]2 with methylenebis(N-methylimidazolium) iodide in the presence of Et3N affords [Cp*Ir(C−C)I]PF6 (1) (C−C = bis-carbene). The structure of complex 1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The chloride analogue [Cp*Ir(C−C)Cl]X (2) was similarly prepared from [Cp*Ir(CH3CN)3][PF6]2 (X = PF6) or [Cp*IrCl2]2 (X = Cl) and methylenebis(N-methylimidazolium) chloride. Reaction of 2 (X = Cl) with Et3SiB(C6F5)4 under hydrogen gas gives the dicationic dihydrogen complex [Cp*Ir(C−C)(H2)]2+ (3). Complex 3 is identified as a dihydrogen complex based on T1(min) = 37 ms for the hydride resonance (240 K, 750 MHz) and JHD = 23.5 Hz in the partially deuterated analogue.
Molecular Level Probing of Preferential Hydration and Its Modulation by Osmolytes through the Use of Pyranine Complexed to Hemoglobin

Two spectroscopic probes are used to expose molecular level changes in hydration shell water interactions that directly relate to such issues as preferential hydration and protein stability. The major focus of the present study is on the use of pyranine (HPT) fluorescence to probe as a function of added osmolytes (PEG, urea, trehalose, and magnesium), the extent to which glycerol is preferentially excluded from the hydration shell of free HPT and HPT localized in the diphosphoglycerate (DPG) binding site of hemoglobin in both solution and in Sol-Gel matrices. The pyranine study is complemented by the use of vibronic side band luminescence from the gadolinium cation that directly exposes the changes in hydrogen bonding between first and second shell waters as a function of added osmolytes. Together the results form the basis for a water partitioning model that can account for both preferential hydration and water/osmolyte-mediated conformational changes in protein structure.
Early corneal changes in vitamin A deficient rats

Abstract Corneas of retinol deficient rats maintained on low levels of retinoic acid in a conventional laboratory environment and corneas from retinol deficient rats receiving no retinoic acid or retinoic acid for 5 weeks and kept in a germ free environment have been examined for structural abnormalities before the onset of apparent xerophthalmia. All groups of deficient rats showed abnormally large numbers of exfoliating cells, increased density of keratofibrils throughout the epithelial layer, decreased glycogen content, deposits of electron dense particles in the basal lamina region and accumulation of electron dense bodies in the keratocytes. These changes probably occurred as a primary effect of vitamin A deficiency. However, the absence of neovascularization and inflammation of the corneal stroma in the germ free rats, suggests that these changes may be secondary, perhaps due to infection.
Leader behavior: An expectancy theory approach

Abstract Expectancy theory has found increasing use in the study of such variables as worker effort, performance, and satisfaction. This paper suggests some mathematical modifications of expectancy theory which extend its use to the prediction of leader behavior. Data from a field study of naval aviation maintenance crews and a field study of public works maintenance shop supervisors found that a leader's actual behavior could be predicted from the theory. These results suggest that expectancy theory not only has the ability to account for leader behavior in a real life setting, but also helps us to understand the antecedents of such behavior.
Subgroups of the power semigroup of a group

Abstract If G is a group, the collection of non-empty subsets of G may be regarded as a semigroup in a natural way. Every factor group of G is a subgroup of this power semigroup, as is every factor group of any subgroup of G. All subgroups of the power semigroup are of this type if and only if G is periodic. A construction for finding other subgroups of the power semigroup is presented which directly generalizes the formation of factor groups. A complete description of the subgroups of the power semigroup is given, together with some surprising examples.
Non-quasi-static small-signal models for semiconductor junction diodes with extensions for transistors

Les circuits equivalents (pour de petits signaux quasi-statiques) aux transistors et diodes a jonction p-n sont modifies pour tenir compte du retard de la propagation des porteurs minoritaires. Pour des frequences inferieures a l'inverse du temps de retard, le modele ameliore non quasi-statique corrige le point de fonctionnement et les parametres de transfert
A Study of the Tribological Properties of Bound Plus Mobile Phase Lubricants With QCM and MEMS Sidewall Tribometers

Long chain alkylsilane monolayers used in the release process to protect MEMS devices from adhesion due to water adsorption also provide a very low coefficient of friction. One such monolayer, perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (PFTS) has been shown to have very good thermal stability, keeping a water contact angle above 100° in air up to 400°C. [1] The monolayer will however wear under mechanical rubbing, causing the MEMS device to irreversibly adhere rendering it useless. Vapor phase lubricants (VPL) used in conjunction with self-assembled monolayers. may be the key to extending the life of rubbing contacts in MEMS. It is believed that the temperature characteristics of the VPL and its ability to replenish itself will provide a sufficient protective layer for the PFTS and extend the life of MEMS devices well into the range where their use in military and industrial applications can be fully realized. Here we have studied two vapor phase lubricants, tricresyl phosphate (TCP) and t-butyl phenyl phosphate (TBPP) on a PFTS monolayer. Previous work done with a quartz crystal microbalance has suggested that TBPP would be a better lubricant than TCP. [2] We have evaluated the effectiveness of these lubricant systems using a MEMS sidewall tribometer in a vacuum environment. Relationships between lubricant composition, behavior in an isolated asperity contact in the quartz crystal microbalance studies, and performance in a MEMS friction device will be discussed.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Cryopreservation of wheat suspension culture and regenerable callus

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Norstar) suspension cultures and regenerable calli initiated from immature embryos can be cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen temperature (−196°C) by slow freezing (0.5°C/min) in the presence of a mixture of DMSO and sucrose or sorbitol. Cold hardening or ABA treatment before cryopreservation increased the freezing resistance and improved the survival of wheat suspension culture in liquid nitrogen. Callus culture, established from immature embryos, prefrozen in 5% DMSO and 0.5M sorbitol survived liquid nitrogen storage and resumed plant regeneration after thawing. The results confirm the feasibility of long term preservation of wheat embryo callus by cryopreservation and retention of plant regeneration ability.
The Myths Of Oppositional Culture

Informed by the Afrocentric quest to "abandon ethnocentric and racist systems of logic and to place the un-discussed in the center of discourse" (Asante, 1990, p. 6), this article challenges oppositional culture theory and the idea of "acting White." More specifically, this article first reveals how oppositional culture theory, at its core, is a culture-of-poverty theory of Black academic underperformance. Second, this article examines the notion of acting White and ties it to the critical literature on Whiteness, in the process demonstrating how it fosters White supremacy by making Whiteness an invisible category. Finally, it is argued that rather than a rejection of academic success, cultural agency is at the heart of Black students' resistance to acting White. It is asserted that at a fundamental level, Black students are seeking liberation from the destructive grips of White supremacy and a culturally affirming way of being human.
The Theory of Electrical Conductivity Recent Developments

This paper explains the electrical conductivity of metals in light of recent discoveries regarding the behavior of electrons. It is claimed that these discoveries have made possible a satisfactory theory of conduction. The more important discovery is that of the wave nature of the electrons. The other new discovery is known as Pauli's ``exclusion principle'' which states that no two electrons in a wire can have exactly the same velocity and direction of motion. In working out the theory, the statistiral method of the Fermi distribution function is employed. The paper shows that the theory satisfactorily explains how there may be emissions of electrons from a hot wire in spite of the fact that very little energy is put into the electrons by raising the temperature; it explains relative resistances of metals and their alloys, the contact potential between metals, the thermoelectric effect, the Peltier effect, and the change in resistance due to a magnetic field.
Regulation of Synthesis of Chlorophyll, Carotene, Ribulosel,5-diP Carboxylase and Phosphoribulokinase in a Temperature-sensitive Chlorophyll Mutant of Medicago sativa

The activities of several enzymes were studied in a temperature-sensitive chlorophyll mutant of alfalfa (Medicago saliva). In leaves grown at 10°C photosynthetic capacity was essentially nil with ribulose-1,5-diP carboxylase, chlorophyll, and carolene present in greatly limiting concentrations. The activity of phosphoribulokinase was 3.5 times lower at 10°C than at 27°C, but was still sufficiently high at 10°C to not limit the rate of CO2 fixation. Activities of phosphoriboisomerase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, glucose-6-P dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase were not different at 10°C and 27°C. The low fraction I protein content (which also accounts for the ribulose-1,5-dip carboxylase activity in alfalfa) indicated that synthesis of the carboxylase was effectively blocked at 10°C. A large, comparable increase in carboxylase activity and in concentration of fraction I protein in alfalfa leaves grown at 27°C indicated that the carboxylase was synthesized de novo. The initial induction of the carboxylase, chlorophyll, and carotene may be related, but after induction the carboxylase was not linearly correlated with the other two and had a different temperature optima. Nevertheless, the synthesis of each appeared to be regulated by the temperature-sensitive gene of this mutant.