cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chimeric Nucleases Stimulate Gene Targeting in Human Cells

Correction of gene defects in human somatic cells by targeting as has been used in murine embryonic stem cells (1, 2) has been precluded by the low spontaneous rate of gene targeting (3). However, creation of a DNA double-stranded break (DSB) in the genomic target (DSB-GT) can stimulate homologous recombination by over 1000-fold (4). We can rapidly and quantitatively measure gene targeting by correcting a mutation in a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene that has been stably integrated into the genome (5) (fig. S1). With an optimized GFP gene targeting system, the introduction of a DSB by I–Sce I (Sce) stimulated GT >40,000-fold and the absolute rate of gene targeting reached 3 to 5% (fig. S2). Such a system, however, depends on the prior introduction of a Sce binding site into the target gene and cannot be used for endogenous genes. Chimeric nucleases (CNs) have the potential to create sequence-specific DSBs (6). CNs—fusions between zinc finger binding DNA binding domains and the endonuclease domain of Fok I—can sitespecifically cleave naked DNA in vitro (6), extrachromosomal DNA in Xenopus oocytes (7), and chromosomal DNA in Drosophila (8). CNs work as dimers, and their efficiency depends on the spacing and orientation of the zinc finger binding sites with respect to the length of the amino acid linker between the DNA binding and endonuclease domains (7, 9). QQR is an artificial zinc finger DNA binding domain that recognizes the sequence 5′-GGGGAAGAA-3′ with nanomolar affinity (10). We modified QQR chimeric nucleases (QQR-CNs) (7, 9) (Fig. 1A) and tested whether they stimulated gene targeting (Fig. 1B). The background rate of gene targeting was 0.71 events per million transfected cells (fig. S1C). QQRL18-CN stimulated gene targeting 17-fold on target QQR6 and 260-fold on target QQR8 (Fig. 1B). QQRL0-CN did not stimulate gene targeting on target QQR8, but it was as efficient as Sce in stimulating gene targeting by over 2000-fold on target QQR6 (Fig. 1B). QQRL18-CN showed some preference for an 8–base pair (bp) spacing between binding sites whereas QQRL0-CN preferred 6-bp spacing. Thus, removing the linker between the zinc spacfinger and the nuclease domains increased the activity and specificity of the fusion protein in mammalian cells. As controls, we showed that the CNs did not stimulate gene targeting if (i) they lacked a nuclear localization signal, (ii) there was a single binding site rather than an inverted repeat binding site in the target, and (iii) the cognate binding site was changed. Thus, homodimers of CNs are potent stimulators of gene targeting in human somatic cells.
Driving processes of finite-amplitude axial mode instability in solid-propellant rockets.

In a study of unstable combustion, a wide range of propellant formulations containing different oxidizers and other ingredients has been prepared and tested in several scale rocket motors in which incipient instability in the axial mode was studied by injecting finite-amplitude pulses. The resulting finite-amplitude wave instability was studied using multistation probing with piezoelectric transducers. Ammonium perchlorate propellants, in a certain burning-rate/pressure spectrum, were found to be highly unstable. Propellants outside this spectrum, including those based on potassium perchlorate and ammonium nitrate, which burn significantly faster or slower, appeared completely stable in our scale motors. Two propellants possessing similar burning rates were formulated; the ammonium nitrate/ potassium perchlorate propellant was stable, whereas the ammonium nitrate/ammonium perchlorate propellant was very unstable. Instability appears to be associated with the energy release profile of burning ammonium perchlorate. Limited study of double-base propellants has shown that axial instability occurs only with relatively slow-burning compositions at low pressures where the fizz burning zone is thicker. The experimental data have been developed to provide information of significance to the rocket design engineer. Using the compositional information presented, propellants can be selected with enhanced assurance that they are stable to both transverse and axial instability.
Candida albicans UPC2 is transcriptionally induced in response to antifungal drugs and anaerobicity through Upc2p-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Many genes in the Candida albicans ergosterol biosynthetic pathway are controlled by the transcriptional activator Upc2p, which is upregulated in the presence of azole drugs and has been suggested to regulate its own transcription by an autoregulatory mechanism. The UPC2 promoter was cloned upstream of a luciferase reporter gene (RLUC). UPC2–RLUC activity was induced in response to ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors and in response to anaerobicity. Under both conditions, induction correlates with the magnitude of sterol depletion. Azole inducibility in the parental strain was approximately 100-fold, and in a UPC2 homozygous deletion strain was 17-fold, suggesting that, in addition to autoregulation, UPC2 transcription is controlled by a novel, Upc2p-independent mechanism(s). Curiously, basal UPC2–RLUC activity was fivefold higher in the deletion strain, which may be an indirect consequence of the lower sterol level in this strain, or a direct consequence of repression by an autoregulatory mechanism. These results suggest that transcriptional regulation of UPC2 expression is important in the response to antifungal drugs, and that this regulation occurs through Upc2p-dependent as well as novel Upc2p-independent mechanisms.
Transient Nuclear Induction and Double Nuclear Resonance in Solids

The behavior of transient nuclear induction signals from solids is described by a stochastic model based on a Markoff process. The model assumes the presence of local dipolar field fluctuations in a crystal due to a set $B$ of coupled nuclei. These fluctuations can destroy or enhance the observed precessional coherence of a different set $A$ of nuclei in the crystal. Coupling among $A$ spins is assumed negligible. The spin echo of $A$ formed at a given time $t$ has an amplitude determined by the magnitude and rate $R$ of field fluctuations. For values of $\mathrm{Rt}$ between zero and the order of unity the echo amplitude decreases, reaches a minimum at $\mathrm{Rt}\ensuremath{\sim}1$, and increases for $\mathrm{Rt}g1$. For $R$ larger than the spin $A$ static line width (when $R=0$) in units of frequency, line narrowing becomes effective, and is reflected in terms of increased lifetime and amplitudes of echo signals. The effect of $B$ spin (${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}$) continuous wave resonance upon the echo relaxation of $A({\mathrm{Cl}}^{35})$ is studied in NaCl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, a nuclear quadrupole system. For sufficiently weak cw rf excitation of ${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}$, the behavior of ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{35}$ echoes roughly follows the behavior predicted by the stochastic model for changes in local field fluctuation rate $R$. The effect of coherent oscillations of local fields at larger cw rf excitation is discussed. Zeeman splittings of the ${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}$ quadrupole resonance are studied by the double resonance method. The decay of spin echo signals in liquids, as a result of molecular diffusion, is conveniently described by the stochastic model.
Hipparchus's determination of the length of the tropical year and the rate of precession

Of the numerous astronomical works of HlPPARCHUS only one, the Commentary on Aratus, has survived beyond late antiquity. While the ARATUS commentary has proved of great value in distinguishing the star catalogues of Ptolemy and Hipparchus, and provides the instructive example of a far less organized state of establishing celestial coordinates than the systematic use of longitude and latitude in the Almagest, it tells us nothing of Hipparchus's more important work in solar and lunar theory, and of his attempt to construct a useful planetary theory. For these matters we must rely upon scattered remarks in ancient authors, first and foremost Ptolemy who, when he is providing either specific confirmation or correction, sometimes gives a good deal of information. However, since Ptolemy's intention was not to write an account of the motivation and achievement of his predecessor, whose books were still available to the interested reader, his remarks, even the most extended such as the account of Hipparchus's uncertainty about the uniformity of the tropical year, are not necessarily easy to follow. The sketchiness of some of Ptolemy's comments, along with the retention of some Hipparchan parameters in the Almagest, have led to two unfortunate interpretations. The first of these is that throughout the Almagest Ptolemy, more a compiler than an original investigator, was in great part reproducing the work of Hipparchus with but small modifications. This opinion is now so thoroughly discredited by modern studies that we shall not concern ourselves
2D-image-based CD-SEM applications for thin film head metrology

Recent market trends have shown a steady growth in the demand for storage devices. This demand has been fueled by a number of reasons; primarily among them are the e-commerce explosion and the availability of advanced digital media at home and business. However, the cost of storage has shown an opposite trend. It is estimated that the cost of disk storage drops at a rate of 1% per week, partly because manufactures have to cater to the sub $1000 PC market. In such a competitive market, reducing cycle time for manufacturing of heads and enhancing the yield becomes very critical. Broadly, head manufacturing process can be classified into three main areas Wafer Fabrication Slider Fabrication Head Gimbal Assembly (HGA). The approximate processing time in the wafer fabrication is 6 weeks, two weeks in the slider fabrication and about a week in the final assembly. The cost of a head at the slider fab is double than that at wafer level and increases four fold by the time it reaches the final assembly. Thus for a manufacturer to remain competitive, advanced process control at every step is critical. This helps in reducing the amount of scrap and thus reduces production costs. At the wafer level, top down CD SEMs have long been used for monitoring critical dimensions. These SEMs have kept ahead of the technology curve as current Thin Film Head (TFH) processes for manufacture of heads have resulted in sub 0.1-micron dimensions. A consequence of these advances in processes is that optical tools, which were traditionally used for metrology at the slider level, have reached their physical limit and these fabs have started using CD SEMs for metrology.
Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment for seborrhoeic dermatitis: an open-label pilot study.

SummaryBackground As a topical immunosuppressant, tacrolimus ointment may be beneficial in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis, while avoiding adverse effects related to long-term use of topical corticosteroids. Objectives To determine the safety and efficacy of topical tacrolimus 0·1% ointment in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Methods Sixteen subjects (15 men and one woman) were enrolled in a 6-week, open-label, uncontrolled trial of daily topical tacrolimus 0·1% ointment. Following a 2-week washout period for subjects using conventional therapy for seborrhoeic dermatitis, study medication was applied nightly to affected areas until clinical clearance occurred, and then for 7 days thereafter. Lesional extent and severity were assessed at baseline (day 0), at week 2 and at week 6 using the following parameters: (i) clinical assessment of erythema and scaling using a 0–3 scale; (ii) investigator global assessment; (iii) subject global assessment using a 0–6 scale; and (iv) serial photography. Results Thirteen of 16 (81%) subjects completed the study protocol; three subjects were lost to follow-up at week 6. Relative to the mean baseline value, the mean lesional erythema scores improved by 66·1% and 70·9% at weeks 2 and 6, respectively. Compared with baseline, the mean scaling scores improved by 63·7% at week 2 and 87·8% at week 6. These observations were statistically significant (P < 0·05, Wilcoxon two-sample test). Mean investigator global assessment scores improved by 76·6% at week 2 and 82·7% at week 6, relative to the mean baseline value. Mean subject global assessment scores also improved, by 69·4% at week 2 and 83·5% at week 6, relative to the mean baseline value. Other than transient application site pruritus/burning in two subjects, no serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions This pilot study suggests that topical tacrolimus 0·1% ointment is efficacious in the short-term treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Further controlled trials are warranted, to determine its efficacy and safety for this common condition.
Transcriptional Control of the Human Thromboxane Synthase Genein Vivo and in Vitro

Thromboxane A2, a potent mediator of vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation, is synthesized from prostaglandin H2 by thromboxane synthase (TXAS). We report here on promoter analyses of human TXAS using in vitro transcription and in vivo transfection methods. The 39-bp core promoter, containing both TATA and initiator elements, accurately initiates transcription in an orientation-dependent manner in a cell-free transcription system. Mutation of either TATA or initiator abolished transcriptional activity, but the upstream sequence had no effect on TXAS promoter activities in vitro, suggesting that the core promoter is sufficient for transcriptional activity from a naked DNA template. In contrast, mutation of both elements drastically decreased the promoter activity in vivo. Furthermore, TXAS proximal promoter containing the nucleotides −90 to −56 relative to the transcriptional start site was necessary for promoter transactivation in vivo. Transcriptional activities from 5′-deletion mutants indicated that the effects of the nucleotides −90/−56 were more pronounced in stably transfected cells (a 150-fold difference) than in the transiently transfected cells (an 8-fold difference), reflecting the effects of TXAS transcriptional activation from replicating and nonreplicating DNA templates. Partial micrococcal nuclease digestion indicated that the sequence −90/−56, where the NF-E2 site is located, is associated with alterations of nucleosomal structure at the regions of promoter and reporter gene but not the region further downstream. Mutagenesis and forced expression studies demonstrated a critical role of p45 NF-E2 in controlling TXAS expression under native chromatin conditions. Band shifting and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that p45 NF-E2 was bound to the TXAS promoter in vitro and in vivo. Indirect end labeling and ligation-mediated PCR analyses further demonstrated that the occupation of TXAS promoter NF-E2 site was associated with disruption of nucleosomal structure. Collectively, these results indicate that binding of NF-E2 is critical both for alteration of the nucleosomal structure and for activation of the TXAS promoter, whereas the TATA and initiator elements are essential for transcription.
Toxicological Evidence for Health Effects from Inhaled Particulate Pollution: Does it Support the Human Experience?

AbstractThe fine size mode of ambient particulates, designated as PM-10, is a heterogeneous mixture that can vary in particle size and chemical composition, depending on geographical location, meteorology, and source emissions. While epidemiological studies indicate an association between ambient particulate air pollution exposure and increased human mortality and morbidity, the question remains as to biological plausibility. Individual components of PM-10 have been shown, in experimental studies, to produce what may be considered to be adverse health effects similar to those observed in humans. For example, diesel exhaust particles are associated with lung tumors, and acid sulfates are associated with airway hyperresponsiveness and alterations in mucociliary clearance. However, in most cases, exposure levels are well above those found in ambient air, and the relationship between results of toxicological assessments and human exposure scenarios is not always clear. Furthermore, in some cases, the chemical...
Rate theories and puzzles of hemeprotein kinetics

The binding of dioxygen and carbon monoxide to heme proteins such as myoglobin and hemoglobin has been studied with flash photolysis. At temperatures below 200 K, binding occurs from within the heme pocket and, contrary to expectation, with nearly equal rates for both ligands. This observation has led to a reexamination of the theory of the association reaction taking into account friction, protein structure, and the nature of electronic transitions. The rate coefficients for the limiting cases of large and small friction are found with simple arguments that use characteristic lengths and times. The arguments indicate how transition state theory as well as calculations based on nonadiabatic perturbation theory, which is called the Golden Rule, may fail. For ligand-binding reactions the data suggest the existence of intermediate states not directly observed so far. The general considerations may also apply to other biomolecular processes such as electron transport.
An analytic model of TCP performance over multi-hop wireless links with correlated channel fading

In this paper, we present an analytic model for TCP performance over wireless channels with highly correlated fading characteristics. The wireless channel TCP segment loss process is modeled using a Linear Algebraic Queueing Theory representation of a hidden Markov chain that can incorporate autocorrelations in successive segment losses. The segment loss model is then used in the development of a discrete time Markov chain representation of the evolution of the TCP congestion window. Variability in the round-trip time (RTT) distribution and sublinear congestion window growth is also incorporated into the model. We derive transient and steady-state performance measures such as the mean and variance of the congestion window size and throughput for various error autocorrelation and RTTs.
Science Bound: A success story for STEM Education

At the 2005 Frontiers in Education Conference, members of Purdue University and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) presented the results of the first year of the Purdue Science Bound program. Science Bound was created to give young people from minority and low SES households an opportunity to pursue STEM careers in college. In cooperation with the urban Indianapolis Public School (IPS) system, candidate students with aptitude in math and science were selected and given the opportunity to participate in summer camps, enrichment activities, after school projects, and mentoring programs aimed at increasing their likelihood of acceptance to, and success in, collegiate STEM programs. Analysis of summer camp results has shown that introduction of pre-engineering concepts, and exposing technology and scientific method to secondary school students can significantly enhance problem solving skills and prepare them for collegiate STEM careers. Researchers were also pleased to see that the pre-engineering curriculum modules help participating students improve understanding of associated mathematical concepts. The Science Bound program is now ten years old, and the original cohort of high school freshmen are graduating from college. This paper will examine the success of the program and provide insights into successful elements for STEM enrichment programs and approaches for engaging under-represented students in STEM careers.
Effects of Growth Hormone on Cognitive Function

Whether growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and/or treatment in childhood and adolescence influences cognitive outcome in children with GHD or girls with Turner syndrome (TS) is controversial. Previous studies also suggest that quality of life (QoL) is reduced in adults with GHD, particularly in the areas of social isolation and fatigue. Baseline QoL scores were significantly lower in patients with GHD than in the general population of the same age, gender, and nationality. Unfortunately, few data are available describing QoL in children with GHD. TS is a genetic disorder characterized by short stature, gonadal dysgenesis, and a particular neurocognitive profile of normally developed language abilities (particularly verbal intelligence quotients) and impaired visual-spatial and/or visual-perceptual abilities. This study evaluated the effects of GH treatment on neurocognitive function in girls with TS who were enrolled in a long-term, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effects of GH treatment on final adult height. Treatment duration ranged from 1 to 7 years. The major result of this study was the absence of GH treatment effects on cognitive function in girls with TS. GHD and/or treatment in childhood and adulthood influences cognitive and/or QoL outcomes in some but not all studies. This study did not support a role for GH in influencing the characteristic nonverbal neurocognitive deficits associated with TS. However, evaluation of QoL should be a part of the routine clinical management of patients with GHD or TS.
Situational and Communicative Predictors of Forgiveness Following a Relational Transgression

The goal of the current investigation was to examine the situational and communicative factors that facilitate or inhibit forgiveness following a relational transgression. A sample of 360 college undergraduates reported on a transgression that had occurred in a current or past close relationship (friendship or romantic). Regression analysis indicated strong support for the role of remedial strategies in forgiveness and relationship reconciliation. The contribution of other predictors varied according to current relational status (intact or terminated) and whether forgiveness or unforgiveness was the criterion variable. The findings are summarized and discussed and future directions are suggested.
Theoretical modeling of wave localization due to material damping

A structural health monitoring technique developed at the Center for Intelligent Material Systems and Structures (CIMSS) relies on the high frequency impedance characteristics of the structure to qualitatively detect incipient damage. An important feature of this technique is the limited PZT actuator-sensor sensing area, which has been attributed to energy dissipation through material damping and nonconservative joints. In this paper, a study of the structural damping effect at high frequency on the localized sensing region is presented. A theoretical model of the energy dissipation, using a wave propagation approach and the correspondence principle is derived to obtain the specific damping capacity. For this purpose, an infinitely long bolted beam has been simultaneously analyzed using numerical and experimental procedures to obtain a quantification of the energy dissipated through the structure. The results of this study are presented in part II of this paper.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
RBS, TEM and SEM Characterization of Gold Nanoclusters in TiO2(110)

Nucleation of gold nanoclusters in TiO 2 (110) single crystal using ion implantation and subsequent annealing were studied by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry /channeling (RBS/C), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Approximately 1000 Au 2+ /nm 2 were implanted at room temperature in TiO 2 (110) substrates. TEM and SEM measurements reveal that rounded nanoclusters were formed during the implantation. In contrast, subsequent annealing in air for 10 hours at 1275 K promoted the formation of faceted (rectangular shaped) Au nanostructures in TiO 2 . RBS channeling measurements further reveled that Au atoms randomly occupied the host TiO 2 lattice during the implantation. However, it appears that some Au atoms moved to the Ti lattice positions after annealing.
Heat shock proteins in whiteflies, an insect that accumulates sorbitol in response to heat stress.

Abstract 1. The heat shock response was examined in the silverleaf whitefly. Hsp70 and Hsp90 were the major polypeptides synthesized by whiteflies in response to heat stress. 2. The amounts of Hsp70 and Hsp60 protein and Hsp70 mRNA were unchanged in response to a diurnal increase in temperature, whereas sorbitol content increased eight-fold. That steady-state levels of Hsps did not increase with higher rates of synthesis suggests that Hsps turn over faster in heat-stressed whiteflies. 3. Hsp70 transcript levels were highest when nutrient deprivation accompanied heat stress. Thus, Hsps appear to be especially important for heat-stressed whiteflies when sorbitol synthesis is limited nutritionally.
The Natural Law and the Normative Significance of Nature

We regard cooperation as generally good, and yet this does not imply that it is morally good. The scholastic conception of nature offers the kind of distinction between levels of normative appraisal that we need, and suggests a fruitful way of thinking about the moral significance of our naturally sociable nature.
Ethnicity and Effects of Age Gap between Unmarried Adolescent Mothers and Partners

This article examines ethnic differences in the effects of the age gap between unmarried adolescent mothers and their partners. Effects are identified bothfor unmarried adolescent mothers and their children who, between 1986 and 1988, had participated in programs for pregnant and parenting adolescents located in poor, resource-deprived communities across Illinois. Partners of one out offive Black adolescents were at least 5 years older than the unmarried adolescent; an age gap this large was reported by one out offour White mothers. Examination of multivariate logit models suggested that the effects of large age gaps between unmarried adolescent mothers and their partners were potentially positive for children but negative for mothers. These results, however, held for White but not for Black adolescents and their children. The findings highlight the necessity for interventions that simultaneously address the needs of the unmarried adolescent mother, her partner, and their child.
Inpatient care for elderly cancer patients: the role for Geriatric Evaluation and Management Units in fulfilling goals for care.

Abstract Purpose: To describe patterns of functional status, symptoms, therapeutic goals and outcomes among older adults with cancer diagnoses hospitalized on a Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit (GEMU). Design and methods: Retrospective chart review of veterans with a cancer diagnosis consecutively admitted to a Department of Veterans Affairs GEMU between 1996 and 1999. Results: Thirty-six veterans with cancer diagnoses, average age of 80±5.0 years, 100% men, 50% white, 39% married were admitted during the target period. Comorbid illness was common (mean±S.D.=4.6±2.0) as were associated symptoms (mean=2.5±1.9). Average Karnofsky performance status was 55±7. Goals were accomplished 78% of the time for diagnosis, 73% for symptom management, 79% for functional improvement, and 100% for disposition/caregiver support. Implications: Elderly oncology patients admitted to a GEMU display diverse needs and goals that are realistic and attainable in this context. In-patient GEMU services represent a promising approach to care for older cancer patients, and deserve further evaluation of benefits and risks.
Competition in U.S. Farm Product Markets: Do Long-Run Incentives Trump Short-Run Market Power?

This article addresses the current status of farm buyer market power. We argue that buyer power concerns are often overstated because traditional models of buyer power are incapable of depicting the economic interactions that are fundamental to modern agricultural markets, where exchange is governed by stable contractual relationships. Exercising short-run oligopsony power is inimical to the long-run interests of buyers in these settings because below-competitive returns will lead to the exodus of resources from input production. Policy proposals grounded in the presumed linkage between concentration, competition, and market power may well be misguided and detrimental to the objectives that proponents seek to advance.
The large-scale flow structure in turbulent rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection

We report on the influence of rotation about a vertical axis on the large-scale circulation (LSC) of turbulent Rayleigh–Benard convection in a cylindrical vessel with aspect ratio (where is the diameter and the height of the sample). The working fluid is water at an average temperature with a Prandtl number . For rotation rates , corresponding to inverse Rossby numbers between 0 and 20, we investigated the temperature distribution at the sidewall and from it deduced properties of the LSC. The work covered the Rayleigh-number range . We measured the vertical sidewall temperature gradient, the dynamics of the LSC and flow-mode transitions from single-roll states (SRSs) to double-roll states (DRSs). We found that modest rotation stabilizes the SRSs. For modest we found the unexpected result that the vertical LSC plane rotated in the prograde direction (i.e. faster than the sample chamber), with the rotation at the horizontal midplane faster than near the top and bottom. This differential rotation led to disruptive events called half-turns, where the plane of the top or bottom section of the LSC underwent a rotation through an angle of relative to the main portion of the LSC. The signature of the LSC persisted even for large where Ekman vortices are expected. We consider the possibility that this signature actually is generated by a two-vortex state rather than by a LSC. Whenever possible, we compare our results with those for a sample by Zhong & Ahlers (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 665, 2010, pp. 300–333).
Rough Wall Boundary Layer Noise: Theoretical Predictions

This paper considers two alternative mechanisms for sound generation by boundary layers over rough walls. The first mechanism is based on the concept, introduced by Howe, that the hydrodynamic pressure fluctuations in the boundary layer are scattered into acoustic waves by the roughness elements. The alternative theory, presented here, is based on the concept that each individual roughness element radiates sound as a drag dipole source aligned with the surface. A formulation for each source type is derived and it is shown that the two mechanisms have distinctly different scaling. It is shown that the scattering mechanism dominates when the roughness elements do not protrude beyond the log layer of the boundary layer velocity profile.
Reliability-Constrained Optimum Recloser Placement in Distributed Generation Using Ant Colony System Algorithm

Optimal placement of protection devices in radial feeders is important to ensure power system reliability. Distributed generation is being adopted in distribution networks with one of the objectives being enhancement of system reliability. In this paper, an ant colony system (ACS) algorithm is used to derive the optimal recloser placement scheme for a distributed generation-enhanced feeder. A composite reliability index is defined as the objective function in the optimization procedure. Simulation work is carried out based on a 69-segment 8-lateral distribution feeder with distributed generation to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method
A novel method using formamide for the elution of antibodies from erythrocytes

Background and Objectives Accurate identification of antibodies that sensitize red blood cells (RBCs) involves dissociating them from RBCs using an in vitro elution method that does not alter their antigen-binding properties, and analysis of the eluates against a panel of RBCs. Materials and Methods A method was developed that allowed efficient RBC antibody elution. Human polyclonal anti-D was used to sensitize Rh-positive RBCs, and known antigen–antibody disruptive reagents were tested using these RBCs. The best reagent conditions were optimized. Eluates made were tested and compared to results obtained with a glycine-acid-based commercial elution kit to determine efficacy. Patient samples that were positive with direct antiglobulin tests (DATs), and in vitro commercial antisera-sensitized RBCs representing clinically significant antibodies, were used for evaluating the new method. Results The formamide method was efficient at removing antibodies from RBCs. The patient samples with a positive DAT had antibodies recovered with the same specificity when compared to the acid-based technique. The length of preparation time was similar for both formamide and acid-based methods. Results of testing the eluates made from reagent RBCs sensitized with commercial antisera were distinct with antigen-positive and -negative erythrocytes. Conclusions The formamide method compares well with acid techniques and may be an alternative choice of elution method.
Interspecies communication between plant and mouse gut host cells through edible plant derived exosome-like nanoparticles

Scope Exosomes, small vesicles participating in intercellular communication have been extensively studied recently; however, the role of edible plant derived exosomes in interspecies communication has not been investigated. Here, we investigate the biological effects of edible plant derived exosome-like nanoparticles (EPDEN) on mammalian cells.
Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors for survival in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Purpose : Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH is a rare but fatal disorder characterized by fever splenomegaly pancytopenia and hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow and other tissues. In this study we investigated the clinical manifestations and prognostic factors in patients with HLH. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed the data from 29 patients who were diagnosed whit HLH in the Severance Children's Hospital from Jan. 1996 to Feb. 2007. Results : The median age at diagnosis was 3.8 years (range 0.1-12.2. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.1:1. The 5-year overall survival rate was 55.2% with a median follow-up duration of 32 months. In a multivariate analysis the duration of fever before admission (survival vs. non-survival 6.5 days vs. 14 days P=0.010 the interval from the day of fever onset to the day of initiation of etoposide (survival vs. non-survival 10 days vs. 35 days P=0.002 and the presence of neurologic symptoms (survival vs. non-survival 1 case vs. 7 cases P=0.010 were independent poor prognostic factors of HLH. EBV infection gender and the level of serum ferritin had no relations to the poor prognosis of the disease. Conclusion : This study showed that the presence of neurologic symptoms and a longer duration of fever were related to a poor prognosis. Therefore if a patient develops neurologic symptoms and the duration of fever is prolonged a prompt diagnostic approach and aggressive treatment for HLH are necessary. (Korean J Pediatr 2008;51:299-306
Determinants of vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis after balloon angioplasty injury. Influence of redox state and cell phenotype

We have observed that acute medial cell loss is an initial event in the response to vascular injury induced by balloon-catheter distention of the rabbit carotid artery. Numerous apoptotic medial cells were observed as early as 30 minutes after balloon inflation, and a 70% loss of cellularity was evident by 90 minutes. Balloon injury was associated with oxidative stress as reflected by a fall in glutathione levels by 63% within 30 minutes after injury. We hypothesized that balloon injury activated a redox-sensitive signaling pathway coupled to the regulation of apoptosis. Indeed, the activity of the proapoptotic signal mediator, stress-activated protein kinase, was increased severalfold within 10 minutes after injury. Moreover, modifying the vascular redox state by the administration of 1 of 2 structurally dissimilar antioxidants, N-acetyl cysteine or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, markedly attenuated both stress-activated protein kinase activation and the induction of apoptosis at 30 minutes. We hypothesized further that the induction of vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis is modulated by phenotype. In contrast to medial cells, we observed that neointimal cells were relatively resistant to apoptotic death induced by angioplasty injury. This resistance to balloon injury-induced death was associated with an upregulation of the antiapoptotic mediator bcl-xL. This study suggests that acute apoptotic cell death after vascular injury is a highly regulated process governed by cellular redox state and the relative expression of antiapoptotic genes. Angioplasty-induced vascular cell apoptosis may be an important determinant of vascular remodeling and restenosis.
Microwave probe comparison using an interface inductance benchmark

In this work we compare the performance of a number of microwave Ground-Signal-Ground probe designs for the case of a test device that causes asymmetric ground currents. An interface inductance benchmark first proposed in [1] is used to quantify the different behavior of three different probe designs. A simple one-port inductor measurement shows the impact on measurement accuracy for the various probe designs and serves to demonstrate the accuracy of the interface inductance model proposed in [1].
Ibuprofen prevents altitude illness: a randomized controlled trial for prevention of altitude illness with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.

Study objective Acute mountain sickness occurs in more than 25% of the tens of millions of people who travel to high altitude each year. Previous studies on chemoprophylaxis with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are limited in their ability to determine efficacy. We compare ibuprofen versus placebo in the prevention of acute mountain sickness incidence and severity on ascent from low to high altitude. Methods Healthy adult volunteers living at low altitude were randomized to ibuprofen 600 mg or placebo 3 times daily, starting 6 hours before ascent from 1,240 m (4,100 ft) to 3,810 m (12,570 ft) during July and August 2010 in the White Mountains of California. The main outcome measures were acute mountain sickness incidence and severity, measured by the Lake Louise Questionnaire acute mountain sickness score with a diagnosis of ≥ 3 with headache and 1 other symptom. Results Eighty-six participants completed the study; 44 (51%) received ibuprofen and 42 (49%) placebo. There were no differences in demographic characteristics between the 2 groups. Fewer participants in the ibuprofen group (43%) developed acute mountain sickness compared with those receiving placebo (69%) (odds ratio 0.3, 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 0.8; number needed to treat 3.9, 95% confidence interval 2 to 33). The acute mountain sickness severity was higher in the placebo group (4.4 [SD 2.6]) than individuals receiving ibuprofen (3.2 [SD 2.4]) (mean difference 0.9%; 95% confidence interval 0.3% to 3.0%). Conclusion Compared with placebo, ibuprofen was effective in reducing the incidence of acute mountain sickness.
Is there a role for surgery in patients with "unresectable" cKIT+ gastrointestinal stromal tumors treated with imatinib mesylate?

Abstract Background Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) is being studied as adjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of c KIT + gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Early reports using Gleevec for the treatment of unresectable GISTs have shown 50% to 60% partial response rates based on radiographic evaluation alone. No study has yet correlated radiographic response with pathologic findings. This retrospective review of patients with c KIT + GISTs who received Gleevec prior to surgical resection examines the pathologic response to therapy and the feasibility of surgical resection after treatment. Methods Patients with c KIT + GISTs were identified from the institutional sarcoma database. Patients were included if they had pathologic confirmation of c KIT mutation and therapy with Gleevec. The pretreatment and preoperative radiographs, surgeons' operative notes, and pathology reports were reviewed for documentation of the extent of disease. Results Between January 2001 and Octorber 2002, 126 patients with unresectable c KIT + GISTs treated with Gleevec were identified. Of these 126 patients, 17 have subsequently undergone surgical resection after a median of 10 months (range 2 to 16) of treatment with Gleevec. Based on computed tomographic (CT) scanning, 1 (6%) patient had evidence of a complete tumor response, 12 (70%) patients had a partial response, 3 (24%) patients had stable disease, and 1 (6%) patient had progressive disease. Posttreatment/preoperative CT imaging documented an overall response rate of 76%. The pathologic review of the operative specimens showed that 2 (12%) patients had a complete response to therapy, 11 (65%) had a partial response to therapy, 3 (18%) patients had no evidence of treatment effect on the excised tumor, 1 patient had progressive disease. Sixteen patients (94%) underwent complete surgical resection of disease, including 3 patients with no pathologic evidence of response to therapy. One patient had progression of disease and was unresectable at surgical exploration. Conclusions This series is the first to present pathologic data after the treatment of c KIT + GISTs with Gleevec. In this series, the majority of responses were limited to partial responses, indicating that surgical resection remains a vital component of the treatment plan for patients with c KIT + GISTs. This series is consistent with previous reports indicating that complete responses are extremely rare in response to treatment with Gleevec. Patients with advanced disease may benefit from a course of neoadjuvant therapy with Gleevec followed by resection, even when there is evidence of multifocal disease. A prospective evaluation of neoadjuvant Gleevec therapy for advanced c KIT + GISTs is warranted.
The affect bridge: A hypnoanalytic technique

Abstract The “affect bridge” is a technique whereby a patient is moved experientially from the present to a past incident over an affect common to the 2 events rather than through an overlapping “idea” as is usual in psychoanalytic association. The current affect is vivified and all other aspects of the present experience hypnotically ablated. The patient is then asked to return to some earlier experience during which the affect was felt and to re-live the associated event. A case is presented during which 2 “affect bridges” were used to secure a regression to early oral levels of development as part of the treatment of obesity. Significant conflict material so secured was “brought forward” to the present to achieve “insight” and “working-through.” The technique appeared to achieve significant therapeutic change in a comparatively short period of time.
A study of wire chambers with highly segmented cathode pad readout for high multiplicity charged particle detection

Investigations of interpolating cathode pad readout have been carried out for high-multiplicity, two-dimensional position-sensitive detection of minimum ionizing particles and heavy ions. A detector configuration representing only 0.6% of a radiation length and covering an area of 26 cm by 16 cm, with over 1000 readout channels, has been developed. In a prototype chamber using this technique, a resolution of less than 1090 mu m (RMS) for 5.4-keV X-rays and differential nonlinearity of +or-6% have been achieved. The technique has also been demonstrated for detectors of much larger area. Pad chamber and chevron pad types of detector have been built and used in the E814 heavy ion experiment at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Alternating Gradient Synchrotron. It is concluded that their ability to handle high particle multiplicity and provide unambiguous two-dimensional position information (1-3% readout node spacing along the wire direction) affords a very powerful detector technique. >
A single modulus complex ALU for signal processing

Fast complex arithmetic is essential to a wide class of real-time digital transform and filter operations. Traditional methods require a multiplicity of real multiplies and adds be performed on each complex product call. Recently, a new modular (residue) mathematical system has been proposed which more than halves this count. The system developed in this paper overcomes many of the classical weaknesses of a general L-moduli modular system. Such a system is architected, its hardware implementation developed, and complexity-performance metrics analyzed. Both general purpose and array processing forms are advanced and discussed. Special operations, such as complex magnitude squared calculations, are shown to have a particularly efficient implementation in this system. Last, several DSP applications of the developed complex ALU are motivated and experimentally studied.
Properties of atomic layer deposited HfO2 thin films

article i nfo Article history: The growth, composition and morphology of HfO2 films that have been deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are examined in this article. The films are deposited using two different ALD chemistries: i) tetrakis ethylmethyl amino hafnium and H2O at 250° and ii) tetrakis dimethyl amino hafnium and H2O at 275 °C. The growth rates are 1.2 A/cycle and 1.0 A/cycle respectively. The main impurities detected both by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are bonded carbon (~3 at.%) and both bulk and terminal OH species that are partially desorbed after high temperature inert anneals up to 900 °C. Atomic Force Microscopy reveals increasing surface roughness as a function of increasing film thickness. X-ray diffraction shows that the morphology of the as-deposited films is thickness dependent; films with thickness around 30 nm for both processes are amorphous while ~70 nm films show the existence of crystallites. These results are correlated with FTIR measurements in the far IR region where the HfO2 peaks are found to provide an easy and reliable technique for the determination of the crystallinity of relatively thick HfO2 films. The index of refraction for all films is very close to that for bulk crystalline HfO2.
Strategies for antigen loading of dendritic cells to enhance the antitumor immune response.

Dendritic cells (DCs) primed with tumor antigens can effectively mediatethe regression of a variety of established solid malignancies in both murine and human models. Despite such clinical efficacy, the optimal means of DC priming is unknown. The goal of this study was to compare three methods of tumor preparation: irradiation, boiling, or freeze thaw lysis for DC priming. Mouse bone marrow-derived DCs were loaded with defined ratios of E.G7 tumor cells expressing a model tumor antigen, OVA. Sensitized DCs were used for stimulation of OVA-specific CTLs derived from OT-1 T-cell receptor transgenic mice. IFN-γ release, determined by ELISA at 24 and 48 h, was used to assess the expression of antigens by DCs. DCs loaded with irradiated tumors were effective stimulators for OT-1 CTLs, whereas DCs stimulated with freeze-thawed or boiled tumors did not stimulate IFN-γ production. Freeze-thaw lysis appeared to inhibit CTL activity in vitro and in two of three cases, this effect was not overcome by the addition of OVA. The ability to load irradiated tumor cells was reproduced in two analogous human melanoma models using melanoma cell lines expressing gp100 and CTL clones specific for a gp100 melanoma antigen. Consistent with the in vitro data, only DC/irradiated tumor vaccines were effective in preventing or delaying outgrowth of E.G7 and a poorly immunogenic murine squamous cell carcinoma (SCCVII), on local tumor challenge. These data demonstrate that the method of tumor cell preparation clearly influences the ability of DCs to present antigen to T cells. Correlation of in vitro data with the generation of protective immunity in vivo suggests the utility of irradiated tumor-primed DCs as a means to generate protective immunity in patients with solid malignancies.