cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study of the Photocatalytic Activity Using Silica-Based Materials Doped with Silver Nanoparticles for Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye

Rhodamine B (RhB) is a cationic organic dye widely used industrially, mainly in the textile and food industries. Then, the work aims to study on the photocatalytic degradation of RhB dye, under UV and visible radiation, using photocatalyst silica-based materials synthesized by sol-gel route with different solvents (ethanol and n-propanol) and catalysts (C12H27N, HNO3, NH4OH, and NaOH) to the hydrolysis and condensation of tetraorthosilicate (TEOS). In addition, the effect of doping with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was evaluated on the photocatalytic activity. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), N2 porosimetry, zeta potential measurements (ZP), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To evaluate the photocatalytic activity, photocatalytic tests were carried out in a stirred batch reactor, with the photocatalyst in suspension, under ultraviolet and visible radiation, and the target molecule chosen was the Rhodamine B dye (RhB). The photocatalyst Si–HNO3–AgNPs showed the best photocatalytic activity with a degradation of the RhB dye of 90.16% (k = 0.0198 min−1, under ultraviolet radiation) and 82.79% (k = 0.0148 min−1, under visible radiation), after 120 min of reaction; while under the same conditions, the commercial catalyst TiO2 (P25) showed a degradation of 50.02% and 42.14%, respectively.
Post-Ionization of Laser-Desorbed Organics by Single-Photon Ionization

In the development of the mass spectrometry of large, thermally labile organic compounds, increasing attention is being paid to laser-induced desorption from dilute solid solutions of compounds of interest within some host matrix [see, e.g., 1, 2]. This work has focused on direct production of ions during the desorption event, coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS), and the use of selected ultraviolet (UV) light-absorbing compounds for the matrices.
Introduction to classical pharmacokinetics

Abstract Pharmacokinetics (PK) is a discipline of pharmacology based on the principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Several mathematical approaches are used to evaluate PK of substances and predict their biological effects, that is, pharmacodynamics (PD). These approaches constitute methods of PK and PD modeling. PK is classified into two subdisciplines: classical PK and physiologic PK. In this chapter, we describe principles of classical PK, its utility for examining PK of substances, and effects of factors, such as exposure routes, single versus multiple dosing, and plasma protein binding. There are two types of classical PK models: compartment and noncompartment PK models. The compartment models consist of one or several compartments that determine PK of a substance, whereas noncompartment models assume that estimation of PK parameters does not depend on number of compartments. We discuss estimation of PK parameters using classical PK models and provide exercises to demonstrate applications of classical PK modeling.
Variation in management of pediatric post-traumatic urine leaks.

High-grade pediatric renal trauma may be associated with a urine leak and appropriate management remains unclear. Data on patients with a traumatic renal injury were retrieved from the trauma registry and data warehouse of a pediatric level 1 trauma center over a 15-year period. Demographics, diagnoses, imaging, interventions performed, and follow-up information on patients with a urine leak were analyzed. 187 renal injuries were identified and 32 (17%) were high grade. There were 21 (11%) diagnoses of urine leak, comprising the study population. Leaks were identified 0–10 day post-injury. All patients underwent initial computerized tomography (CT); however, 10 (48%) lacked excretory-phase imaging, leading to repeat CT. Ten patients (48%) did not undergo an intervention for their leak, and 11 (52%) underwent at least one, most commonly stent placement (10). Comparing non-intervention and intervention groups: Injury Severity Score (ISS) and initial Shock Index – Pediatric Adjusted (SIPA) were similar, but there was variation in antibiotic prophylaxis (60% vs 100%), average number of imaging studies performed (6.4 vs 8.1) and average length of hospital stay in days (7.7 vs 8.6). Traumatic urine leaks are unusual, and half require no intervention. Management is variable and the development of care guidelines could decrease variation. Given their infrequency a multi-institutional study is required to generate sufficient patient volume.
Abstract B45: Therapeutic potential of splicing in RMS: SRSF2 binding modulation controls MDM2 alternative splicing

MDM2 undergoes complex alternative splicing and one of its spliced isoforms, MDM2-ALT1, comprised of coding exons 3 and 12, is highly expressed in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma, and its expression correlates with a poor disease prognosis. MDM2-ALT1 expression is also upregulated under conditions of cellular genotoxic stress, and this alternative splicing is conserved in the mouse Mdm2 gene. Furthermore, previous research from our lab has reported that the splicing factors SRSF1, FUBP1, and PTBP1 are involved in this regulation; nevertheless, the way that MDM2 splicing is controlled is not entirely understood. In this work, we explore the role of the splicing factor SRSF2/SC35 in the alternative splicing of MDM2, hypothesizing that this factor acts as a positive regulator, in both human and mouse, facilitating the production of the full-length MDM2 mature transcript. This splicing factor has been reported to be mutated in several cancers, including myelodysplastic syndromes and rhabdomyosarcoma. Moreover, using a minigene system that mimics the endogenous Mdm2 splicing in response to UV and cisplatinum-induced DNA damage and the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we show that mutations in SRSF2 predicted binding sites alter Mdm2 alternative splicing. The CRISPR-engineered mutant cells that express this splice isoform show increased proliferation in an Arf/p19 null context. On the other hand, we show that by using antisense oligonucleotides working as splice-switching molecules that target the SRSF2 binding sites in the MDM2 pre-mRNA, we are able to shift the expression of the MDM2 splice isoforms to drive p53 target gene expression in p53 wild-type cells. Furthermore, in an effort to understand better the effect of the MDM2-ALT1 isoform in carcinogenesis, we performed the CRISPR-Cas9 technique to generate a mouse model expressing the cancer-associated spliced isoform. We expect the mouse to be a cancer-sensitized model that will give rise to RMS tumors and provide a preclinical model for testing splice-switching oligonucleotide therapies. Citation Format: Matias I. Montes, Daniel F. Comiskey, Safiya Khurshid, Dawn S. Chandler. Therapeutic potential of splicing in RMS: SRSF2 binding modulation controls MDM2 alternative splicing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 17-20; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(14 Suppl):Abstract nr B45.
Trophic structure of apex fish communities in closed versus leaky lakes of arctic Alaska

Despite low species diversity and primary production, trophic structure (e.g., top predator species, predator size) is surprisingly variable among Arctic lakes. We investigated trophic structure in lakes of arctic Alaska containing arctic char Salvelinus alpinus using stomach contents and stable isotope ratios in two geographically-close but hydrologically-distinct lake clusters to investigate how these fish may interact and compete for limited food resources. Aside from different lake connectivity patterns (‘leaky’ versus ‘closed’), differing fish communities (up to five versus only two species) between lake clusters allowed us to test trophic hypotheses including: (1) arctic char are more piscivorous, and thereby grow larger and obtain higher trophic positions, in the presence of other fish species; and, (2) between arctic char size classes, resource polymorphism is more prominent, and thereby trophic niches are narrower and overlap less, in the absence of other predators. Regardless of lake cluster, we observed little direct evidence of arctic char consuming other fishes, but char were larger (mean TL = 468 vs 264 mm) and trophic position was higher (mean TP = 4.0 vs 3.8 for large char) in lakes with other fishes. Further, char demonstrated less intraspecific overlap when other predators were present whereas niche overlap was up to 100% in closed, char only lakes. As hydrologic characteristics (e.g., lake connectivity, water temperatures) will change across the Arctic owing to climate change, our results provide insight regarding potential concomitant changes to fish interactions and increase our understanding of lake trophic structure to guide management and conservation goals.
Temporal characteristics of the cochlear response after noise exposure.

Abstract The effect of intense noise on cochlear sensitivity has been extensively studied, but its influence on the temporal characteristics of the cochlear response is still unclear. This study investigated the effects of noise exposure on the latency of cochlear response and cochlear forward masking. Rats were exposed to an octave band noise (8–16 kHz) at 90 dB SPL for 5 days. Cochlear compound action potentials (CAPs) induced by single- and double-tone stimuli and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were recorded 1 day or 2 months after the noise exposure. The latency of the CAP and its forward masking were compared between the noise-exposed rats and normal control rats. The noise exposure significantly reduced DPOAE and elevated CAP threshold in the noise band region, but not in the other areas. Even in the noise band area, the noise did not reduce CAP-amplitude at the high stimulation level (80 dB SPL). Correspondingly, about one-third of the outer hair cells (OHC) in the noise band area disappeared, while the inner hair cells (IHC) did not. However, the noise exposure in the frequency range of 4–24 kHz significantly prolonged CAP latency and increased its variability, while the CAP forward masking effect was significantly enhanced in the frequency range of 16–30 kHz. The frequency-dependent changes in CAP latency and forward masking after noise exposure may reflect different types of synaptic subinjury in the cochlea, which may lead to psychophysical consequences of sound localization and speech recognition.
Circadian light

The present paper reflects a work in progress toward a definition of circadian light, one that should be informed by the thoughtful, century-old evolution of our present definition of light as a stimulus for the human visual system. This work in progress is based upon the functional relationship between optical radiation and its effects on nocturnal melatonin suppression, in large part because the basic data are available in the literature. Discussed here are the fundamental differences between responses by the visual and circadian systems to optical radiation. Brief reviews of photometry, colorimetry, and brightness perception are presented as a foundation for the discussion of circadian light. Finally, circadian light (CLA) and circadian stimulus (CS) calculation procedures based on a published mathematical model of human circadian phototransduction are presented with an example.
Syndromic surveillance of the frequency and severity of respiratory compromise of brachycephalic dogs in ICUs.

BACKGROUND Brachycephalic dogs (BCD) are increasingly popular companion animals and widely recognized to suffer from respiratory compromise based upon their conformation; however, the actual percentages of BCD in veterinary ICUs are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate a canine ICU census, as well as the presence, development, and severity of respiratory compromise in BCD using syndromic surveillance. KEY FINDINGS Ten institutions provided surveillance data twice weekly over an 11-week study period. The total canine ICU census was 1254 dogs hospitalized during the days and times of the study period; of this population, 125 (10%) were BCD. Fifty-six (45%) BCD were hospitalized in ICUs because they were perceived to be at risk of respiratory complications while recovering from general anesthesia or had a nonrespiratory condition requiring ICU admission, with the remaining 69 dogs (55%) being treated for respiratory disease. Twenty dogs (16%) developed respiratory complications requiring ICU admission after initially being hospitalized for another condition. Four percent of dogs were supported with mechanical ventilation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Syndromic surveillance was a useful method for evaluating the number of BCD in a veterinary ICU. Almost 1 in 5 BCD developed respiratory compromise after initial evaluation for an unrelated problem. Ongoing evaluation of the medical issues associated with brachycephaly is warranted.
Deer and invasive plants in suburban forests: assessing variation in deer pressure and herbivory

Fragmented suburban forests of the northeastern US are challenged by abundant white-tailed deer and nonindigenous plant invasions. Deer browsing/grazing pressure varies among sites, potentially aff...
Exploring Inequities in a Traditional and a Reformed General Chemistry Course

Improvement in student performance from educational reforms has driven current calls for changes in curricular, instructional, and assessment practices in higher education. Less research has addres...
Treatment of tuberculous infection and disease in children: the North American perspective.

The standard preventive therapy for paediatric patients with tuberculous infection centres on isoniazid therapy. The chosen regimen of isoniazid therapy is based on individual patient factors. In the case of known or suspected resistance, combination therapy [e.g. isoniazid and rifampicin (rifampin)] or alternative therapies (e.g. pyrazinamide, a fluoroquinolone and/or ethambutol) should be employed. The goal of treatment of tuberculous disease is to achieve sterilisation in the shortest possible time. More intensive multiple drug combination regimens (e.g. isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide) have resulted in successful 6- and 9-month treatment regimens in children. If drug resistance is suspected then a fourth drug is added to the initial treatment regimen and the length of therapy may be extended to 18 months. The paediatric information available on the commonly used antituberculous agents (e.g. isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol) is reviewed in this article. Agents are described with an emphasis on their formulation availability, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties (e.g. absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination), adverse effects, and interactions (e.g. drug-drug, drug-food and drug-disease).
Storage systems for solar thermal power

The development status is reviewed of some thermal energy storage technologies specifically oriented towards providing diurnal heat storage for solar central power systems and solar total energy systems. These technologies include sensible heat storage in caverns and latent heat storage using both active and passive heat exchange processes. In addition, selected thermal storage concepts which appear promising to a variety of advanced solar thermal system applications are discussed.
A simulation based optimization framework to analyze and investigate complex supply chains

Abstract A simulation based optimization framework is presented to analyze complex supply chains under uncertainties, which includes three high level modules: deterministic optimization module, simulation module, stochastic optimization module. These modules coordinate to address challenging difficulties faced by supply chain management. This framework is applied to optimize the safety stocks of a three-stage divergent supply chain. The effect of supply chain network configurations on safety stocks is also examined.
Lithium Protects Against Cartilage Degradation in Osteoarthritis

Objective To determine the actions of lithium chloride (LiCl) on catabolic events in human articular chondrocytes, and the effects of LiCl on the progression and severity of cartilage degradation in interleukin-1β (IL-1β)–treated mouse knee joints and after surgical induction of osteoarthritis (OA) in a mouse model. Methods Human articular chondrocytes were treated with LiCl followed by IL-1β, and the expression levels of catabolic genes were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. To understand the mechanism by which LiCl affects catabolic events in articular chondrocytes after IL-1β treatment, the activation of NF-κB was determined using luciferase reporter assays, and the activities of MAPKs and the STAT-3 signaling pathway were determined by immunoblot analysis of total cell lysates. Cultures of mouse femoral head explants treated with IL-1β and a mouse model of surgically induced OA were used to determine the effects of LiCl on proteoglycan loss and cartilage degradation. Results LiCl treatment resulted in decreased catabolic marker messenger RNA levels and activation of NF-κB, p38 MAPK, and STAT-3 signaling in IL-1β–treated articular chondrocytes. Furthermore, LiCl directly inhibited IL-6–stimulated activation of STAT-3 signaling. Consequently, the loss of proteoglycan and severity of cartilage destruction in LiCl-treated mouse knee joints 8 weeks after OA induction surgery or in LiCl-treated mouse femoral head explants after IL-1β treatment were markedly reduced compared to that in vehicle-treated joints or explants. Conclusion LiCl reduced catabolic events in IL-1β–treated human articular chondrocytes and attenuated the severity of cartilage destruction in IL-1β–treated mouse femoral head explants and in the knee joints of mice with surgically induced OA, acting via inhibition of the activities of the NF-κB, p38, and STAT-3 signaling pathways.
Fate of Male-derived Cucurbitacins in Spotted Cucumber Beetle Females

Using the spotted cucumber beetle, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, as a model species, we begin an examination of the role of dietary cucurbitacins, the bitter tetracyclic triterpenes produced by cucurbits, in the reproductive behavior of luperine chrysomelids that seek these compounds for purposes other than host-plant recognition or nutrition. By manipulating the cucurbitacin content of adult diets, we determine: (1) how males and females partition cucurbitacins between reproductive organs and other tissues, (2) the extent to which males pass cucurbitacins to females during copulation, and (3) if females increase their cucurbitacin stores via multiple matings. After two days of exposure to dietary cucurbitacins, 8.3 times more cucurbitacins per gram dry weight were sequestered in male spermatophores than in the aggregate of remaining male tissues. These cucurbitacin-rich spermatophores were passed to females during mating, and 78.8% of the transferred cucurbitacin was deposited in eggs, 11.8% was irreversibly sequestered in other female tissues, and 9.4% was apparently excreted. Females copulated with 0–15 males prior to accepting a complete spermatophere, but did not accept measurable amounts of cucurbitacin from rejected males. Regardless of when it was received, females lost subsequent receptivity to additional males after accepting a complete spermatophore. The implications of these data are discussed in terms of sexual selection hypotheses and mating behavior in cucumber beetles.
Formula Manipulation by Computer

Publisher Summary “Formula manipulation” refers to the use of a computer to manipulate mathematical expressions in a formal fashion. The chapter presents a discussion of the main issues in a formula manipulation system, both from language and implementation points of view. It also discusses a particular large-scale system—namely, FORMAC. In considering the general subject of formula manipulation, there are a number of technical issues that are either critical to the success of a system. The chapter discusses the question of a general purpose system versus individual capabilities, the question of level of language and system, the issue of the level of capability and type of user, and a long list of capabilities that one must at least consider providing. There is a discussion of some of the factors involved in implementing such a system. The chapter discusses a number of applications that have been developed using a variety of systems.
Freespace boundary conditions for Poisson's equation in 2D

In computationally modeling domains using Poisson's equation for electrostatics or magnetostatics, it is often desirable to have open boundaries that extend to infinity. In electrostatics, the normal component of the electric field is often set to zero using system boundaries sufficiently far as to make this approximation accurate. In magnetostatics, imposing that the normal component goes to zero is equivalent to the ideal conductor boundary condition. It is noted that the configuration and strength of field lines is dependent upon the size of the boundary chosen, and an infinitely large grid is required to resolve the problem. To resolve this difficulty, a method based upon using a finite amount of terms of the solution to Laplace's equation outside the boundary is introduced. The solution to the Laplace equation outside the domain is coupled with the system of finite difference equations and a finite difference expression for the normal derivative at the boundary.
Burden of atrial fibrillation after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may diminish atrial fibrillation (AF) burden in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Each of 27 patients without permanent AF in whom CRT implantation was unsuccessful was paired with 2 active CRT patients—1 responder and 1 nonresponder—based on age, gender, cause of HF, and history of paroxysmal AF. Device-documented high atrial rates and mode-switching episodes were tabulated during a median follow-up of 386 days. CRT responders had significantly improved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and New York Heart Association functional class compared with nonresponders and controls. Left atrial dimension change was similar among the groups (+0.03 ± 0.92 cm controls; −0.18 ± 0.80 cm responders; −0.11 ± 1.01 cm nonresponders) despite a significant reduction in mitral regurgitation in responders compared with nonresponders. There was no significant difference in AF burden between controls and patients who underewent CRT when indexed over time. Median AF-free follow-up was significantly longer in patients who underwent CRT without a history of AF (log-rank p = 0.04), but no differences were seen in the overall cohorts. In conclusion, despite inducing LV reverse remodeling and clinical improvement, CRT does not appear to decrease AF burden in responders compared with nonresponders or matched controls in whom CRT implantation failed. CRT may, however, delay onset of new AF.
Lightening the load of document smoothing for better language modeling retrieval

We hypothesized that language modeling retrieval would improve if we reduced the need for document smoothing to provide an inverse document frequency (IDF) like effect. We created inverse collection frequency (ICF) weighted query models as a tool to partially separate the IDF-like role from document smoothing. Compared to maximum likelihood estimated (MLE) queries, the ICF weighted queries achieved a 6.4\% improvement in mean average precision on description queries. The ICF weighted queries performed better with less document smoothing than that required by MLE queries. Language modeling retrieval may benefit from a means to separately incorporate an IDF-like behavior outside of document smoothing.
A Bayesian approach to estimating benefits of improved forecasts

We describe a Bayesian approach to estimating the economic benefits from improved forecasts. The approach takes explicit account of how decision makers use forecast information, and can provide more reliable estimates of benefits than methods based on mitigated impacts. We discuss some practical considerations in applying the approach to weather and climate forecasts, and describe the results of an application to ENSO prediction.
Differential thermoluminescence (DTL) -a new instrument for measurement of thermoluminescence with suppression of blackbody radiation.

A new instrumental technique for the determination of thermoluminescent glow curves, especially useful for investigation at high temperatures, is described. Two samples, identical in all respects except that one is preheated, are simultaneously heated. The light outputs from the samples are individually modulated at two different frequencies, fed to a single photomultiplier tube the output of which is amplified by two lock‐in amplifiers. The selectively amplified signals are further fed to a differential amplifier which cancels out the undesirable blackbody radiation to give a signal due only to the luminophor. This technique conveniently extends the temperature range of thermoluminescence and further allows high‐temperature investigation of emissions in the red region of the spectrum.
Conformational study of cyclo(1,5)-Ac-Pen-Arg-Gly-Asp-Cys-NH2 in water by NMR and molecular dynamics.

Abstract Cyclo(1,5)-Ac-Pen-Arg-Gly-Asp-Cys-NH2 (3) is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and restrained molecular dynamics were used to study the conformations of 3. Elucidation of RGD conformations in 3 will increase the understanding of interaction between the RGD-sequence with GPIIb IIIa .
The atopy patch test in the diagnostic workup of suspected food-related symptoms in children

Background There is an increasing need to develop test instruments that make oral food challenges superfluous. Objective We sought to study the utility of atopy patch tests (APTs) in the diagnostic workup of food allergy. Methods We investigated 437 children (median age, 13 months; 90% with atopic dermatitis) referred for evaluation of suspected food allergy. Specific serum IgE (sIgE) measurements, skin prick tests (SPTs), APTs, and controlled oral food challenges were performed. Results We analyzed 873 oral challenges with cow's milk, hen's egg, wheat, and/or soy. One thousand seven hundred single APTs were performed. As a single parameter, the APTs showed the best specificity compared with sIgE measurements, SPTs, or both. Combining the APT with either the SPT or sIgE measurement resulted in improved sensitivity and specificity. Decision points for sIgE measurement and for the SPT showed lower values when combined with a positive APT result. Correctly bypassing an oral food challenge with combined testing, including APTs, only between 0.5% and 7% (99% predicted probability) and between 6% and 14% (using 95% predicted probability) of children would fulfill the criteria for avoiding an oral food challenge. Conclusion Although the predictive capacity of the APT is improved when combined with sIgE measurement or the SPT, oral food challenges become superfluous in only 0.5% to 14% of study patients. In addition, the APT is time consuming and demands a highly experienced test evaluator. Clinical implications For daily clinical practice, the APT adds only a small predictive value to the standard SPT and sIgE measurement in the diagnostic workup of suspected food-related symptoms in our study population.
Epilepsy in the teenager

Abstract Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease in adolescence and at this time may change for a number of reasons, including the natural history of the epilepsy syndrome, the underlying cause and the effect of a changing lifestyle, and specifically one that is endeavouring to achieve independence and self-empowerment. Management begins with making the correct diagnosis of epilepsy, the seizure type(s) and the epilepsy syndrome and ensuring that an underlying cause has been considered and appropriately investigated. Holistic management is mandatory but frequently difficult in view of the challenging issues at this time of life. A teenager’s adherence with management (anticonvulsants, clinical attendance and communication) is often brittle and fragile; healthcare professionals must understand this and possess the necessary skills to optimise their care and support their successful maturation into adulthood. These must include medical and communication (listening as well as talking) skills. Finally, the young person with epilepsy should be seen in an appropriate environment and their ongoing care should be electively planned, ideally through a specialised transitional service.
Comparison of the efficacy of 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) and other staurosporine analogs to abrogate cisplatin-induced cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer cell lines

DNA-damaging agents such as cisplatin arrest cell cycle progression at either the G1, S, or G2 phase, although the G1 arrest is seen only in cells expressing the wild-type p53 tumor suppressor protein. Caffeine has been shown to abrogate the S and G2 arrest in p53-defective cells and to enhance cytotoxicity, but at concentrations too toxic to administer to humans. We have reported that 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) also overcomes S and G2 phase arrest and enhances the cytotoxicity of cisplatin. We show here that UCN-01 at non-cytotoxic concentrations abrogated S and G2 arrest induced by cisplatin in two p53-defective human breast cancer cell lines. UCN-01 pushed the cells through S phase and mitosis, with subsequent apoptosis. Inhibition of mitosis with nocodazole reduced the apoptosis induced by UCN-01 plus cisplatin. Seven staurosporine analogs were compared for their ability to abrogate cell cycle arrest. Staurosporine was as effective as UCN-01 at abrogating S and G2 arrest, but the concentrations required were cytotoxic. K252a abrogated S phase arrest but failed to abrogate G2 arrest because alone it induced G2 arrest. Hence, K252a did not enhance cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity because it failed to push the cells through a lethal mitosis. None of the other analogs influenced cell cycle progression at the concentrations tested. Accordingly, UCN-01 was the only analog that overcame cell cycle arrest and enhanced the cytotoxicity of cisplatin while exhibiting no cytotoxicity of its own. Hence, UCN-01 remains the most promising candidate for testing clinically in combination with cisplatin.
Simplified proteins: minimalist solutions to the ‘protein folding problem’

Recent research has suggested that stable, native proteins may be encoded by simple sequences of fewer than the full set of 20 proteogenic amino acids. Studies of the ability of simple amino acid sequences to encode stable, topologically complex, native conformations and to fold to these conformations in a biologically relevant time frame have provided insights into the sequence determinants of protein structure and folding kinetics. They may also have important implications for protein design and for theories of the origins of protein synthesis itself.
Optimization of elastic properties in the design of textile composites

The elastic behavior of textile composites depends on a number of factors, including fiber and matrix properties, fabric architecture, and relative and total fiber volume fractions. The optimum design of a textile composite is, therefore, a highly combinatorial problem. In this work, the problem of predicting the optimum fabric architecture and fiber volume fractions to achieve a set of target elastic properties is formulated as a constrained nonlinear optimization problem. The design procedure uses the Stiffness Averaging Technique for the prediction of composite elastic properties. Two standard routines for solving optimization problems are employed to identify optimum design parameters. Several case studies are presented to illustrate the applicability of this novel design procedure.
Mouse models of human cancer as tools in drug development

Abstract Histologically accurate mouse models of human cancers generated by somatic or germline genetic modification strategies recapitulate the genetic alterations found in human tumors. In this issue of Cancer Cell , Romer et al. (2004) test a novel signaling inhibitor in a genetically defined mouse medulloblastoma and show the utility of these models in drug development. They demonstrate that targeting signaling components downstream of tumor initiating mutations can be an effective therapeutic strategy for solid tumors.
Microwave spectrum of s-trans acryloyl chloride

Abstract The microwave spectrum of acryloyl chloride, H2CCHCOCl, has been investigated in the 8–40 GHz region. The spectra of the species H2CCHCO35Cl and H2CCHCO37Cl of the s-trans conformer have been assigned. The rotational constants and nuclear quadrupole coupling constants for the ground vibrational state are (in MHz): H2CCHCO35Cl: A = 5546.24, B = 3821.10, C = 2262.07, χaa = 0.6, χbb = −24.4 and χcc = 23.8; H2CCHCO37Cl: A = 5472.43, B = 3753.84, C = 2226.20, χaa = 0.3, χbb = −17.2 and χcc = 16.9. The dipole moment components for H2CCHCO35Cl are (in D): μa = 2.76, μb = 1.45 and μtot = 3.12. The spectra of the first four excited vibrational states for torsional motion about the CC bond have been assigned for the 35Cl isotopic species. From relative intensity measurements the torsional frequency is determined as 95 ± 25 cm−1. Some lines which may be due to a second conformer (cis or possibly gauche) have been observed but not yet assigned.
Science and Technology Books on Demand: A Decade of Patron-Driven Collection Development, Part 2

The Purdue University Libraries have been participating in a patron-driven collection development project for 10 years. This analysis focuses on the books purchased in the science and technology areas. The author found that the books were appropriate and in many cases identified emerging or interdisciplinary topics that might have been missed by librarians. In addition, data proved to be a rich source of information for collecting, such as identifying publishers or emerging areas that warranted further attention from selectors. Although not replacing librarians as the major collection developers, patron-driven selection is one successful way to augment collection development.
Abbreviated text input

We address the problem of improving the efficiency of natural language text input under degraded conditions (for instance, on PDAs or cell phones or by disabled users) by taking advantage of the informational redundacy in natural language. Previous approaches to this problem have been based on the idea of prediction of the text, but these require the user to take overt action to verify or select the system's predictions. We propose taking advantage of the duality between prediction and compression. We allow the user to enter text in compressed form, in particular, using a simple stipulated abbreviation method that reduces characters by about 30% yet is simple enough that it can be learned easily and generated relatively fluently. Using statistical language processing techniques, we can decode the abbreviated text with a residual word error rate of about 3%, and we expect that simple adaptive methods can improve this to about 1.5%. Because the system's operation is completely independent from the user's, the overhead from cognitive task switching and attending to the system's actions online is eliminated, opening up the possibility that the compression-based method can achieve text input efficiency improvements where the prediction-based methods have not
Raman spectra of single crystal Na2(SeO4)0.15(SO4)0.85

Abstract The room temperature polarized Raman spectra of single crystal Na 2 (SeO 4 ) 0.15 (SO 4 ) 0.85 are assigned, based on a factor group analysis. The internal optic modes of the oxyanions are responsible for Raman bands from 113O to 350 cm −1 and the external optic modes are found between 270 and 50cm −1 . The symmetry-based and anion isotope abundance-based assignments of these bands are discussed.
Lower bounds for the non-linear complexity of algebraic computation trees with integer inputs

Andrew Yao proved some lower bounds for algebraic computation trees with integer inputs. In his key result he proved bounds on the number of components of the leaf space of a homogeneous decision tree derived from a computation tree. In this paper we present a shorter and more conceptual proof. We introduce the concept of aregulated tree as a generalization of a regular tree which has the advantage of allowing the same lower bounds on the non-linear portion of the complexity. The proof is an application of a result of Ben-Or.
Alzheimer’s dementia from a bilingual/bicultural perspective: A case study

Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is a progressive, degenerative disease that occurs in the cerebral cortex due to increased levels of glutamate, the proliferation of plaque-forming amyloid beta proteins, and reactive gliosis. Establishing behavioral indicators of the disease (e.g., impairments of episodic memory) and use of neuroimaging technology that can substantiate medial temporal lobe brain structure deficiencies demonstrates an important clinical neuroanatomic relationship needed for early evaluation of possible AD diagnosis. This bilingual/bicultural case study details the cognitive and language impairments associated with AD over the course of 1 year. Utilization of a bilingual/bicultural case study may elucidate the pattern of language and cognitive decline in this understudied population. Formal and informal measures, observations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results are provided. Insights into cultural and linguistic differences are presented.
Inverse-quantum-engineering: A new methodology for designing THz QCLs for basic and applied research

We demonstrate the general capabilities of the developed methodology by tuning the emission frequency of a GaAs/Al x Ga 1-x As THz QCL over a frequency range of 2.9 THz, and the Al fraction over a range of 0.17.
Seroepidemiology of group I human coronaviruses in children.

Abstract Background Recently, several new human coronaviruses have been identified. Objectives To define the seroepidemiology of group I human coronaviruses. Study design A recombinant protein enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on portions of the nucleocapsid protein of group I human coronaviruses was developed and was used to screen serum from 243 children and young adults. Results For HCoV-229E, the percentages of seropositive individuals were 57.1% for infants Conclusions Infection with these viruses is common in childhood though the prevalence of these viruses may vary from year to year.
A rat model of smoke inhalation injury: influence of combustion smoke on gene expression in the brain.

Acute smoke inhalation causes death and injury in victims of home and industrial fires as well as victims of combat situations. The lethal factors in combustion smoke inhalation are toxic gases and oxygen deficiency, with carbon monoxide (CO) as a primary cause of death. In survivors, inhalation of smoke can result in severe immediate and delayed neuropathologies. To gain insight into the progression of molecular events contributing to smoke inhalation sequelae in the brain, we developed a smoke inhalation rat model and conducted a genome-wide analysis of gene expression. Microarray analysis revealed a modified brain transcriptome with changes peaking at 24 h and subsiding within 7 days post-smoke. Overall, smoke inhalation downregulated genes associated with synaptic function, neurotransmission, and neurotrophic support, and upregulated genes associated with stress responses, including nitric oxide synthesis, antioxidant defenses, proteolysis, inflammatory response, and glial activation. Notably, among the affected genes, many have been previously implicated in other types of brain injury, demonstrating the usefulness of microarrays for analysis of changes in gene expression in complex insults. In accord with previously described modulations of nitric oxide homeostasis in CO poisoning, microarray analysis revealed increased brain expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and NOS ligand after inhalation of smoke. Furthermore, immunostaining showed significant elevations in perivascular NOS and in protein nitration, corroborating the involvement of nitric oxide perturbations in post-smoke sequelae in the brain. Thus, the new rat model, in combination with microarray analyses, affords insight into the complex molecular pathophysiology of smoke inhalation in the brain.
Variations in CBF during hypotension and in cortical eNOS in rats

Abstract Variations in the height of the autoregulatory curve near the lower limit present the intriguing suggestion that there are local differences in cortical vascular regulation. We suspect that these variations are related to local variations in the amount of cortical eNOS, [eNOS]br. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) monitoring of CBF in rat cortex during hemorrhagic hypotension revealed that the CBF at a mean arterial pressure of 70 mmHg (%CBF70) was highly variable and distributed normally. Both paradoxical rises in CBF and pressure-passive CBF were common during moderate hypotension. In other experiments, similar variations in the concentration of eNOS, [eNOS]br, were observed in brain samples of similar volume to the volume sensed by LDF and differences in %CBF70 were noted in different regions of the same animal's cortex. These observations suggest the surprising possibility that cortical variations in the amount of eNOS protein, not its regulation, relate to variations in the CBF response to moderate hypotension.
Absolute convergence: true trees from short sequences

Fast-converging methods for reconstructing phylogenetic trees require that the sequences characterizing the taxa be of only polynomial length, a major asset in practice, since real-life sequences are of bounded length. However, of the half-dozen such methods proposed over the last few years, only two fulfill this condition without requiring knowledge of typically unknown parameters, such as the evolutionary rate(s) used in the model; this additional requirement severely limits the applicability of the methods. We say that methods that need such knowledge demonstrate relative fast convergence, since they rely upon an oracle. We focus on the class of methods that do not require such knowledge and thus demonstrate absolute fast convergence. We give a very general construction scheme that not only turns any relative fast-converging method into an absolute fast-converging one, but also turns any statistically consistent method that converges from sequence of length O(eO(diam(T))) into an absolute fast-converging method.
Incorporation of fucose into the carbohydrate moiety of phytohemagglutinin in developing Phaseolus vulgaris cotyledons.

Incubation of developing cotyledons of P. vulgaris with [3H]fucose resulted in the incorporation of radioactivity into the cell wall, membranous organelles and soluble macromolecules. Fractionation of the proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by fluorography, showed that phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was the major fucosylated protein synthesized in the cotyledons. Incorporation of fucose into PHA occurred in the membranous organelle fraction, and the radioactive fucose remained associated with the PHA during a 20-h chase of the radioactivity. Tunicamycin inhibited the incorporation of glucosamine and fucose into PHA to the same extent (65%), indicating the involvement of a lipid intermediate in the incorporation of fucose, or the attachment of fucose to the high-mannose oligosaccharide moiety of newly synthesized PHA. Digestion with proteinase K of [3H]fucose- or [3H]glucosamine-labeled PHA resulted in the formation of glycopeptides of similar size. These glycopeptides were partially resistant to digestion with endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase H, even after the removal of fucose by mild acid hydrolysis. We postulate, on the basis of these experiments, that the transport of PHA from the endoplasmic reticulum to the protein bodies is accompanied by the modification of its oligosaccharide side-chain. This modification involves inter alia the attachment of fucose, and renders the oligosaccharide side-chain resistant to digestion with endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase H. Analogy with animal glycoproteins indicates that this modification probably occurs in the Golgi apparatus.
DEPOSITION OF SUBMICRON PARTICLES FROM STEADY FLOWS IN A BRANCHED TUBE

Local rates of deposition of submicron particles from steady flows were measured along the inner and outer walls of the daughter branches of a symmetrical Y-shaped glass model of junction with dimension based on the data of the secondary and tertiary bronchi of an average human respiratory tract. Monodisperse polystyrene latex microspheres were used to generate the aerosol by a Collison-type atomizer. The particles were 0.109μ in diameter and were electrically neutralized by bipolar ions. The aerosol passed through the daughter tubes at three constant inspiratory flow rates, 31.25, 62.5, and 125ml/sec, which correspond to low, normal, and stressed breathing rates of average men. At all flow rates, the deposition rates alone the inner walls were observed to have a maximum at the branch point and a second maximum at approximately two diameters distance from the branch point, while the deposition rates along the outer walls appeared to have a maximum at one diameter distance from the entrance to the daughter branch. Furthermore, the deposition rates were higher by one order of magnitude than the values calculated from the equation of convective diffusion with the assumption of a parabolic velocity profile. The data suggest that asymmetric flow profiles and secondary flows in daughter tubes have significant effects on the rates of particle deposition.
Endo-Fullerene and Doped Diamond Nanocrystallite Based Models of Qubits for Solid-State Quantum Computers

Models of encapsulated 1/2 nuclear spin H-1 and P-31 atoms in fullerene and diamond nanocrystallite, respectively, are proposed and examined with ab-initio local density functional method for possible applications as single quantum bits (qubits) in solid-state quantum computers. A H-1 atom encapsulated in a fully deuterated fullerene, C(sub 20)D(sub 20), forms the first model system and ab-initio calculation shows that H-1 atom is stable in atomic state at the center of the fullerene with a barrier of about 1 eV to escape. A P-31 atom positioned at the center of a diamond nanocrystallite is the second model system, and 3 1P atom is found to be stable at the substitutional site relative to interstitial sites by 15 eV, Vacancy formation energy is 6 eV in diamond so that substitutional P-31 atom will be stable against diffusion during the formation mechanisms within the nanocrystallite. The coupling between the nuclear spin and weakly bound (valance) donor electron coupling in both systems is found to be suitable for single qubit applications, where as the spatial distributions of (valance) donor electron wave functions are found to be preferentially spread along certain lattice directions facilitating two or more qubit applications. The feasibility of the fabrication pathways for both model solid-state qubit systems within practical quantum computers is discussed with in the context of our proposed solid-state qubits.
A Case Study in Measuring Ultra-Low Level Sulfur in Diesel Using WD-XRF

The talk illustrates the progression of X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRFS) Wavelength dispersive instrumentation as a function of the measurement of sulfur in diesel based on the ASTM D-2622 method.